Tyre inflator or a compressor
Discussion
I want a new tyre inflator for use at home. Not keen on 12v options. Up until recently I’ve used cheap rechargeable pumps which have been okay to a point but the ones I’ve used take forever to add even a few psi to car tyre and the battery often doesn’t last a full car’s worth.
In looking for something better, I’m tempted by the dewalt 18v option as I use their kit for other tools so have batteries. But it’s about £150 which is starting to make me think I might be better just putting that money towards a small compressor instead which opens up other possibilities. But are long hoses etc going to be a faff? I’d probably need about 20m.
Failing that any other stand alone rechargeable pumps I should be looking at?
In looking for something better, I’m tempted by the dewalt 18v option as I use their kit for other tools so have batteries. But it’s about £150 which is starting to make me think I might be better just putting that money towards a small compressor instead which opens up other possibilities. But are long hoses etc going to be a faff? I’d probably need about 20m.
Failing that any other stand alone rechargeable pumps I should be looking at?
I picked up a 240v portable compressor from Aldi last year for £50 and think it’s great for occasional use. Unbelievably it’s now just £15!!
https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-portable-compressor/...
https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-portable-compressor/...
I've got one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185775651520?chn=ps&... - they're sold in Costco for about £70.
Works well for topping up tyres, used it once for jump starting a small petrol car which it did effortlessly. I thought the light and USB outlets might be useful if we get a power cut, which used to be fairly regular here but we haven't had one since I got it.
Works well for topping up tyres, used it once for jump starting a small petrol car which it did effortlessly. I thought the light and USB outlets might be useful if we get a power cut, which used to be fairly regular here but we haven't had one since I got it.
GreenV8S said:
I use a Ryobi 18V one that works well enough for me. I'm not in the habit of inflating tyres from flat so it doesn't get a heavy workout, but it is quicker than the generic 12V wired ones I've used in the past.
That was the appeal of the dewalt option. It seems expensive though in comparison to other system's offerings. barryrs said:
I picked up a 240v portable compressor from Aldi last year for £50 and think it’s great for occasional use. Unbelievably it’s now just £15!!
https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-portable-compressor/...
https://www.aldi.co.uk/ferrex-portable-compressor/...
Sheepshanks said:
I've got one of these https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/185775651520?chn=ps&... - they're sold in Costco for about £70.
Works well for topping up tyres, used it once for jump starting a small petrol car which it did effortlessly. I thought the light and USB outlets might be useful if we get a power cut, which used to be fairly regular here but we haven't had one since I got it.
Cheers both. These both look like decent options. Works well for topping up tyres, used it once for jump starting a small petrol car which it did effortlessly. I thought the light and USB outlets might be useful if we get a power cut, which used to be fairly regular here but we haven't had one since I got it.
The CAT one I linked to has a screw on connector to the valve - which I prefer as I found the ones with lever connector not very effective.
However the screw-on one can be quite fiddly - it's bearable if the tyre needs a decent amount of air but I find I can't be bothered if it's there or thereabouts.
However the screw-on one can be quite fiddly - it's bearable if the tyre needs a decent amount of air but I find I can't be bothered if it's there or thereabouts.
Gad-Westy said:
smn159 said:
Buy a decent sized compressor and experience the wonderful world of air tools. 20m hose is no problem
Cheers. Tempting. What are the best options for hoses that are the least faff to unfurl and then store again afterwards? Once you've used an air impact gun there's no going back though
https://www.paddockspares.com/double-pump-hd-porta...
Had one of these for years, far too much current for cig lighter.
You can find similar on the bay of e but when you look at the l/min rate there's a big difference, fully inflates a full size 17" tyre from flat in less than 2 mins.
Course a full size compressor means you can rustproof etc much cheaper by buying bulk packs, plus all the other toys, but the above makes a worthwhile tyre inflator if that's all you need.
Had one of these for years, far too much current for cig lighter.
You can find similar on the bay of e but when you look at the l/min rate there's a big difference, fully inflates a full size 17" tyre from flat in less than 2 mins.
Course a full size compressor means you can rustproof etc much cheaper by buying bulk packs, plus all the other toys, but the above makes a worthwhile tyre inflator if that's all you need.
Pica-Pica said:
smn159 said:
Belle427 said:
I wouldn't buy a compressor just for inflating tyres personally
That's just crazy talk 
I use my compressor for pumping up tyres and frankly it's not very good at it because it takes so damned long to get the tank up to pressure. If it's just for tyres, buy a little tyre inflator thing. I'm quite tempted to buy one despite the fact I have a big compressor with plumbed in air points scattered around the garage.
kambites said:
I use my compressor for pumping up tyres and frankly it's not very good at it because it takes so damned long to get the tank up to pressure. If it's just for tyres, buy a little tyre inflator thing. I'm quite tempted to buy one despite the fact I have a big compressor with plumbed in air points scattered around the garage.
I must admit I hadn't really thought about the priming aspect. My head was turned by searching for the dewalt 18v inflator and noticing on the same site that a dewalt 10l compressor was only a little more expensive. Though maybe I'll just be sensible this time and get a larger battery'd, better quality version of what I already use as that does seem to do the job okay. Thanks all for the input.
Gad-Westy said:
GreenV8S said:
I use a Ryobi 18V one that works well enough for me. I'm not in the habit of inflating tyres from flat so it doesn't get a heavy workout, but it is quicker than the generic 12V wired ones I've used in the past.
That was the appeal of the dewalt option. It seems expensive though in comparison to other system's offerings. Or similar for Dewalt to Makita.
Then take your pick from the options of cheaper 18v inflators.
Agree the dewalt one seems expensive compared to others.
Gad-Westy said:
kambites said:
I use my compressor for pumping up tyres and frankly it's not very good at it because it takes so damned long to get the tank up to pressure. If it's just for tyres, buy a little tyre inflator thing. I'm quite tempted to buy one despite the fact I have a big compressor with plumbed in air points scattered around the garage.
I must admit I hadn't really thought about the priming aspect. My head was turned by searching for the dewalt 18v inflator and noticing on the same site that a dewalt 10l compressor was only a little more expensive. Though maybe I'll just be sensible this time and get a larger battery'd, better quality version of what I already use as that does seem to do the job okay. Thanks all for the input.
I've got a 20 odd ltr mains compressor - with luck it can inflate a soft tyre without being plugged in. It has enough supply to carry out compression and leakdown testing but that is about it.
Using proper man maths I also have a proper 15cfm, 200ltr compressor - which does open up the wonderful world of air tools. I don't use it a lot, but with the proper job there is little better than air tools. It will of of course also run a spray gun etc etc.
If it is just tyres and things the choice between a 12v unit (with a LONG ENOUGH WIRE!) and small mains unit is much of a muchness.
Using proper man maths I also have a proper 15cfm, 200ltr compressor - which does open up the wonderful world of air tools. I don't use it a lot, but with the proper job there is little better than air tools. It will of of course also run a spray gun etc etc.
If it is just tyres and things the choice between a 12v unit (with a LONG ENOUGH WIRE!) and small mains unit is much of a muchness.
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