Best Air Compressor for Inflating Tires
If you’re looking for the best air compressor for inflating tires, we have some tips and picks for you. Tires come in all sizes (pretty much just one shape which makes it a little easier) so let’s just clear up right now that this guide is for smaller tires that fit on bicycles and cars. The picks here aren’t for farm equipment or anything else on that scale.
First, let’s take a look at a quick guide to what to look for in a tire inflator.
3 Qualities to Look For in an Air Compressor for Tires
- It Should Be a Lightweight Model
Since you’ll have to pick it up quickly in order to reach every tire valve, you’ll want an air compressor that’s easy to move around. While 30 pound air compressors will probably be able to inflate tires, it’s usually not their primary function. You want something that can be tossed on a shelf or kept in the trunk of your car. My theory is that if it doesn’t fit under the seat of my car, I probably bought the wrong one.
- Power Range
While you wouldn’t want something as slow as a bicycle pump, you don’t want overkill either. Too much power and you risk over-inflation and blowing out a tire. Definitely check the consumer reviews for any potential candidates. If they’re using it to power a nail gun, it’s too much power for your bicycle tire. If they’re using it for pool floats, you can be confident it won’t overwhelm a lawn mower tire.
The balancing act comes in when you’re driving an SUV or want to use it as an off-road inflator. Smaller air compressors can get the job done, but you won’t be happy about the time it takes to inflation and you risk burning out the motor.
- Easy to Use
This should be a no-brainer but let’s just say if you have to spend a weekend reading the owner’s manual, you probably picked the wrong air compressor. You want something that your kid can handle to change a flat tire. You want the gauge to be easy to read and you probably want an automatic shut-off feature to prevent over inflating the tire.
Once you’ve considered the three points listed above, you’d be surprised at how quickly you can narrow down your choices. To help you out even further, we’ve listed our top choices below.
Our Picks for Top Air Compressors for Tire Inflation
DeWALT Cordless Tire Inflator (DCC020IB)
Specifications
- Power Source: DeWALT 20V Battery, 12V DC, or 110V AC
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Max PSI: 160
- Weight: 2.94 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.7 x 2.2 inches
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Connector: Threaded Chuck
DeWALT designed and built the DeWALT 20 Volt MAX cordless tire inflator specifically for inflating tires. It can be used as a cordless inflator, but it can also be powered by an AC or DC current.
You will need to purchase a battery and charger separately if you don’t own any other battery-operated products by DeWALT.
Click here to read our full review of the DeWALT Cordless Tire Inflator Model DCC0201B.
Click Here to Check Out the DeWALT Tire Inflator on Amazon
Ryobi P737D Portable Air Inflator
Specs for the P737D
- PSI: 0 to 150
- Duty Cycle: 5 minutes on/5 minutes off
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Hose: 20 inches
- Pressure Gauge: Digital 2 inch screen
- Adapters: Presta, needle, tapered
This is a part of Ryobi’s line of tools that runs on their ONE+ Compatibility battery system. We’re especially impressed with its light weight and ergonomic design. Reading a gauge doesn’t get any easier than this.
Click here to read our full review of the Ryobi Portable Power Inflator for Tires.
Click here to check out the Ryobi Portable Power Inflator for Tires at Amazon.com
Makita DMP180ZX 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Inflator
Specs
- Max PSI: 120
- Power Source: 1.5Ah Lithium Ion Battery (Battery and charger Included)
- Item Dimensions: 4.02 x 10.63 x 7.24 inches
- Hose Length: 25-½ inches
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Warranty: 3-Year Limited warranty on tool, battery and charger
- Included Accessories:
- Presta valve adapter
- Sports ball needle
- Tapered adapter
If you’re looking for an air compressor that can top off SUVs and lightweight pickup trucks, consider the Makita Makita’s DMP180ZX Cordless Inflator. It’s slightly heavier than the Ryobi and we’re still looking at a dedicated battery charging system.
Click Here to Read Our Full Review of the Makita DMP180ZX LXT Tire Inflator
Click Here to Check Out the Makita DMP180ZX 18V LXT Cordless Inflator at Amazon.com
BEST FOR OFF-ROADING: VIAIR 400P Portable Air Compressor
Specs
- Motor Voltage: 12 volt
- Motor Type: Permanent magnetic
- Max. Duty Cycle: 33% @ 100 PSI
- Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
- Max. Amp Draw: 30 Amps
- Max. Ambient Temperature: 158°F
- Min. Ambient Temperature: -40°F
- CFM @ 0 PSI: 2.54
- Inline Pressure Gauge: 100 PSI
- Dimensions: 11.25″L x 4.00″W x 7.00″H
- Weight: 8.50 lbs
- Air Hose Length: 25 feet (coiled)
- Power Cable Length: 8 feet
- Accessories:
- Battery Clamps with 40 amp inline fuse
- Anti-vibration tray
- Carrying Case
- 3 Inflation Tips
The first thing we need to point out about the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor is that there’s no AC power supply here. This connects to your vehicle’s battery. That said, you’ll want to add this VIAIR to your shortlist if you’re looking for a tire inflator for off-roading and inflating the tires on larger pickup trucks.
Click here to read our full review of the VIAIR 400P.
Click Here to Check Out the VIAIR 400P on Amazon
Head to our home page for a complete buying guide for all types of air compressors.
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