Cordless inflators, Milwaukee or Ryobi?

[Kkmk]

Hi Friends,

With christmas coming up, people are asking what to buy the guy who likes tools.

I’m thinking a cordless inflator could be useful in my arsenal. Wouldnt be high use, and just for topping up car, motorbike tyres and filling kids toys. The option to drop my ute tyres when off roading and then refill would be convenient, but I’ve got a 12v compressor for that, just a nuisance.

I’ve got a bunch of the small footprint M12 batteries, and some Ryobi 2.5 and 5ahs as well.

Oh, and I can see the hose and fittings on these being a weak point, so the ability to remove the supplied hose and fit my own hose and fittings would be delightful.

So, which of these can we recomend?

M12™ Compact Inflator (Tool Only)

The MILWAUKEE M12™ Compact Inflator delivers fast, accurate, easy inflation with the portability to take anywhere. With the capability to complete demanding applications like car, LT truck, and compact equipment tyres, the M12™ Compact Inflator gives users ultimate power and efficiency. Rated to...

www.milwaukeetool.com.au

18V ONE+ High Pressure Inflator Tool Only

Inflate tyres, sports equipment and other small inflatables with the RYOBI 18V ONE+ High Pressure Inflator. Use the backlit digital display to set the pressure in kPa, Bar or PSI and let the Inflator do the hard work for you. It operates hands-free and shuts off automatically once it reaches the...

www.ryobi.com.au

Air Inflators | RYOBI

Discover RYOBI's range of air inflators, perfect for quick & easy inflation of tires, sports equipment, & more. Reliable performance for all your needs.

www.ryobi.com.au

Thanks team!

 

[richfinn]

I've got a Milwaukee M18 inflator, it's a brilliant bit of kit but they do deplete a regular 5AH M18 battery fairly quickly if you are inflating tyres from dead flat on a regular basis (I upgraded to a 12AH battery as I use mine all the time doing roadside assistance).

 

[LopezBart]

I have the M18 as well; it works very well (and fast!) indeed. I've got trailers, wheelbarrows, a tractor, etc. and being able to walk around and air-up tires quickly is great.

 

[RonnieC]

I have the m12. Works well. Use it to top off the tires. I don’t know of if I would try it for inflating from fairly low for off-roading.

 

[rust in the eye]

I'd find out if the recipient has an existing battery platform.
That said I'm a Makita fan who also likes Ryobi's tools but their batteries are(or were when I had my blue tools) ****.
I'd also question how long a Milwaukee M12 might last inflating tires.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I like my M12 inflator ! Yes, the hose is short, but at least they put a REAL BRASS connector on the end.

Designed for "topping off" car/truck tires, unless you are using an XC 5.0 or larger battery. Great for bicycles and inflatable toys.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I'd also question how long a Milwaukee M12 might last inflating tires.

Had to fill my neighbor's Jeep tires up. Big tires. Starting at about 15 PSI. 3-1/2 made it to 32 PSI on a 2.0Ah battery.

I love the size !

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have the m12. Works well. Use it to top off the tires. I don’t know of if I would try it for inflating from fairly low for off-roading.

On line tests show that takes a LONG TIME and multiple batteries.

If that is important, go with the M18 Inflator.

 

[bwringer]

I've got the smaller Ryobi, and it's brilliant. It's my most-used cordless tool by far.

Oh, and it's $29.97 at Home Depot in the US right now...

It's fast, and a charged battery will adjust and inflate a surprising amount. I once deflated and inflated a 180/55-17 motorcycle tire four times with it (took some doing to get the bead to seat) and it was only down one bar on a 6AH HP battery. I also use it regularly to top up 90psi trailer tires (and I've used it a few times to change trailer tires and inflate from zero... frickin' frackin' defective cheap tires...).

I think with an M12 you'd start running up against the energy limitations of the M12 batteries a little sooner, and it might not move as much air as quickly. But maybe I'm wrong.

 

[pbon]

I have the M12 and M18 and like both. I now use the M18 mostly since it is faster and has more duty cycle. Ryobi is cheaper and probably fine also. The only one I have experience with is the 1 gallon portable compressor that runs off an 18v battery. I thought it was great, but it is at least twice the size of the Milwaukee 18V (I have the Milwaukee 2 gallon M18 portable compressor as well and it is much bigger — but also a true battery operated replacement for a 2 gallon unit).

 

[Steve_P]

I've got the small Ryobi. It works fine for topping off four Toyota Tacoma tires with 2-3 PSI each with a 4 AH battery. I've not kept track of how much the battery drained but know it wasn't close to depleted.

 

[mike93lx]

I use my M12 all the time. It did over 50 bike tires yesterday and never missed a beat.

A Jaco quick disconnect made it much nicer to use

 

[alien]

I use the M2 for my motorcycle and car tires

I keep the M 18 in the F250 pick up truck toolbox.

I have had both for at least 2 to 3 years and have no complaints.

 

[haveissues]

I have the older version of the larger ryobi, no complaints. I probably use the high volume part of the inflation for pool floats, etc more than anything.

 

[y'sguy]

OK, I just have to add this... A friend of mine bought one of these recently. The brand, I can't recall. The instructions cautioned, Do not attempt to drive the vehicle while the inflater is attached.

Really!!

 

[Kkmk]

Driving whilst attached could be handy if theres a slow leak in the tyre…

Intended recipient is me, people have asked me for suggestions for presents. I’ve got M12 and Ryobi. Don’t really intend on getting into M18 stuff.

The offroading stuff is low priority. Got a car powered 12v compressor, its just a nuisance to get out, hook up etc. But I have plans for that…

Any ideas what the speed difference is like between the M12 and either Ryobi? Example maybe changing and refilling a tube on a dirt bike tyre to 30psi (high). Thats the heaviest likely use.

The ability to run these off either battery or vehicle 12v would be ****.

 

[mike93lx]

The ability to run these off either battery or vehicle 12v would be ****

Dewalt has one on their 20v line that will run on 20v battery, 12vdc or 120v ac. No idea if they make one for the aus market, though

 

[whateg01]

I chose my m12 version because I "needed" it right then. I have 20v max batteries as well, and if the need had been anticipated, I would probably have been better off buying the bigger one. Topping off tires seems fine but if I need to air one up from being very low on my pickup, I can't do the same on a second tire. Even taking one of the trailer tires from 50 to 80psig is enough to finish off one battery. For milder use, it would probably be fine, and I still use it for all of those things. It beats dragging a hose out from the garage or carrying an air bubble out to the street, but the bigger one would definitely be better, so things being equal.

 

[desertdog256]

I have the old model Ryobi and it has worked well for me. Mainly use it to top off tires but never had a problem with batteries. The only thing I don’t like about the one I have is that the trigger does not have a catch. It would be nice to latch the trigger and walk away.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have the M12 and it's good for raising car tires a couple of PSI, but it's better suited for bicycles, motorcycles, toys. I burned one out, they fixed it under warranty, but it's getting soft and the display always reads 2psi instead of 0psi when disconnected from tire pressure. In other words, go M18 if you want to do car tires.

 

[loganb]

I have the M12 and it's great for lawn care stuff and it goes in the bag for car trips but as mentioned it struggles with medium size and up tires. 5 or 7 psi on our Volvo XC60 with 17's or 18's it'll will get it done but it's slow and better not need to air up multiples. It's too small for the pickups 18's though. For something intended to serve vehicles, 18v or similar is best. For small stuff around the house, yard, bikes, sports balls etc or small cars the M12 is grear

 

[IndyGarage]

I like the Mellif one that runs on Makita 18V batteries. They are available on Amazon $30. Digital gauge - you set the pressure you want - hook it up, turn it on and walk away until it's done. I don't even use my garage compressor and hose reel anymore since I got this, it's much more convenient.

mellif inflator

I've had one for a year and topped off dozens of tires - everything from bicycles and motorcycles to a F250 with a completely flat tire. I told my son and he bought one and he likes it. I saw them on black friday for $24, so I bought a second one. I think they make them for other battery brands as well.

 

[Dig Doug]

I have 2 and they just work out really well w/ a good battery, light & small foot print

I keep one in my can am on 35’s ( they only get 15psi ) along w/ a good impact

can am over looking the north rim.

 

[Jsf721]

I would stay away from Ryobi's current offering unless you can find the one on the bottom of your pic. I had that and cannot replace in the USA. I got the M18 last weekend on deal at HD. Have not used yet

 

[moab11]

The nice thing about the larger Ryobi is the inflator for pool toys and such. The M12 and small Ryobi don't offer that.

 

[WisJim]

I have a Ryobi similar to the last shown in the original post and run it on Makita batteries with a cheap adapter from Amazon. I like it, you preset the desired pressure and it shuts off when done.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The nice thing about the larger Ryobi is the inflator for pool toys and such. The M12 and small Ryobi don't offer that.

I have used my M12 inflator multiple time to inflate pool toys. Adapters are stored on the back.

 

[mrvm]

For yard equipment or topping up vehicle tires a few psi to clear the tpms the M12 shines. Accurate, relatively quick and easy to transport. For empty or extremely low vehicle tires the M18 is the better choice for speed and duty cycle. However when only topping up tires a few psi I find my M18 to be inconsistent +\- so the M12 is my go-to inflator.

 

[Crabman]

I have the M12, M18 and the old pistol grip Ryobi.

The Ryobi and M!2 are good for topping off big tires or filling bike, lawn tractor tires, etc. The pistol grip is not a set and walk away, gotta hold the trigger. Not a big deal for what I usually use it for. The M12 will slowly do big tires, but you have to be careful not to overheat and cook it. Don't ask me how I know...

The M18 for sure for big tires, especially if really low or flat. Can get it for $199 with 2 5.0 batteries now at HD, a good deal.

I like it because I air tires up on my trucks, trailers, etc at least a couple of times a year and I can do it while working on other stuff outside because of the set and forget mode.

Like some others, some of my most often used tools. Taking the air to the need is a huge plus.

Getting too old to be dragging air hoses all over creation.

I also recommend these which makes a lot of applications easier.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MXBYPT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Good luck finding the right fit.

 

[txvwnut]

I have the M12 and it's good for raising car tires a couple of PSI, but it's better suited for bicycles, motorcycles, toys. I burned one out, they fixed it under warranty, but it's getting soft and the display always reads 2psi instead of 0psi when disconnected from tire pressure. In other words, go M18 if you want to do car tires.

Kind of the same issue for me. It does great for a couple of pounds here or there but it really doesn't like to be run long or do truck tires that inflate to 80 pounds or need a big volume of air. I mainly bought it for adjusting the tire pressures when I'm at the track and found myself using it more at the house as I didn't want to roll out air hose. It unfortunately failed at the track after using it at the house before heading to the track. Warranty replaced it no questions asked.

 

[Fixr]

I have the old model Ryobi and it has worked well for me. Mainly use it to top off tires but never had a problem with batteries. The only thing I don’t like about the one I have is that the trigger does not have a catch. It would be nice to latch the trigger and walk away.

I've used a zip tie. A Velcro strap would be better, and a heavy rubber band would probably work, too..

 

[billford]

The milwaukee could be the top dog if it had a 12 volt vehicle adapter.
Useless on the road if the battery is weak. But great at home.

 

[jd_1138]

The milwaukee could be the top dog if it had a 12 volt vehicle adapter.
Useless on the road if the battery is weak. But great at home.

Do they make 12V chargers for cordless tools? I never researched that before. But of course you can plug an inverter in and then run regular AC battery chargers off your car.

I'd definitely still keep a dedicated 12V air compressor in my trunk even if I had a cordless tool based inflator. Just as belt and suspenders, plus they are pretty small and cheap. I pick 'em up used at yard sales to give to the kids and relatives.

 

[billford]

Milwaukee does make a vehicle charger but it's just another expense and makes things overly complicated just to top up a low tire.

I do keep a 12-volt viair inflator in the car for emergencies, but it's a hassle to use just for top ups as you have to unpack and pack the cords neatly.

 

[engineer2]

I've got a couple of the Makita 18V inflators. They work great. One is for bicycles and I keep the other one in the car.

 

[ZX3ST]

The milwaukee could be the top dog if it had a 12 volt vehicle adapter.
Useless on the road if the battery is weak. But great at home.

I keep a corded Viair inflator under the back seat in case something goes completely sideways.

I think a big limitation on why they don't have a 12V adapter on the M18 unit is it needs more power than a cigarette lighter socket can provide. People don't like dealing with alligator clips on battery posts.

Otherwise, the M18 is my go-to on road trips. You can get quite a surprising amount of run time out of a single 8.0HO battery.

I've never had to inflate a complete flat, but I can put 25lb in each of the truck tires, top off the trailer tires, use it for pressure adjustments on the race car over the course of a 3 day track weekend and make it home without needing to swap the battery. I of course bring extras but I never need them.