Milwaukee M12 compact inflator

[Crabman]

Hello,

I am interested in feedback good or bad on this item. It is more expensive than corded 12V plug in units, but would be a lot more convenient for lawn tractor, hand truck, etc., so I am thinking about putting it on my Christmas list.

Thanks, Bruce

 

[SS5150]

I got one on the preorder when they came out. It's handy for airing up a tire away from the shop. Nothing spectacular but it does the job. I've got a lot of M12 gear so it was a nice fit for me.

 

[Jsf721]

I have the ryobi battery unit. It’s ok but really for road trips because the battery
Will discharge over weeks. I have a cig lighter unit from Astroal off Amazon I like a lot.

 

[DFB]

I have burned up many a cheap 12v inflator in my days


I now have the M12 inflator its just so handy to have, no regrets purchasing it. Nice features on it like fill pressure set and auto shutoff. Plus Milwaukee lion batteries don't discharge when not in use. Works great on small equipment mowers wagons carts etc,, passenger car/ LT tires and road trailers. Been used on all of that


and you might need...

https://www.autozone.com/air-tools-...id=2307689954&ppjmid=43737&cmpid=ppjmid:43737


It's a locking fill valve extension for faster attachment/release

Thread matches up with the Milwaukee screw on coupler

 

[anndel]

I have the M12 and it replaced the California Air Tools 1002 compressor my friend bought from me. I needed the garage space and already have a 30 gallon compressor. It fills tires and works well.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I like mine, it does the job. No complaints so far. I've used it for riding mower tires, bike tires, and both our SUV's. I've also used it to fill pool toys and an Intex pool ring, and to pressure test natural gas piping.

I like the auto shut-off feature, and the screw-on chuck is a nice feature compared to other cheaper inflators I've used which utilized the clamp on chucks that eventually lose their grip and pop off while inflating.

It's good for what it is. I've patched and re-filled a tire for someone else right in a parking lot. If you're looking to completely fill 4 full size truck tires, it might disappoint you. It does have a duty cycle, as do compressors.

No worries about the battery discharging. I leave a 6ah battery in it all the time, in my tool bag in the back of the car. Even with our night temps being in the teens here lately, the battery hasn't discharged at all on it's own.

 

[dacan23]

I like it, waited years for them to make one in M12 or M18. Like others said its good, but not the biggest badest. Though last night I had to get air at a gas station, granted it was cold, but swear my M12 would of filled the tire quicker.

If your into the Milwaukee system its a must. Until they come out with a more powerful M18 unit lol.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I bought one on pre order also. So far it's exceeded my expectations. I use around a twenty car collection I maintain and then at home with my own vehicles. It's best for topping off air pressure. It will inflate a 16 inch tire being total flat with no problem. Gets used most everyday. I would buy again.

 

[Crabman]

Many thanks to all for the thoughts on this item.

It is going on my Christmas list for sure!

Bruce

 

[MikeF2316]

It's so much more convenient than a cigarette lighter powered one, even on a car when the cigarette lighter socket is right there. And the auto shutoff feature is great too.

 

[WittHay]

The inflators are good choice for airing up small equipment and car tires. I like the DeWalt version that operates off a 12V cig lighter, 110 outlet or a 20V lithium battery.

 

[boiler7904]

I bought the M12 inflator when they came out earlier this year and its great for topping off tires that might be a few pounds low. I also took it on two vacations for roadside emergencies and to inflate the kids' pool toys a couple of times.

You won't win any speed records with this but it beats the alternatives - especially if you are already on the M12 battery platform. I would probably like the DeWalt better but wasn't going to buy into another battery platform.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Any issues with threading the straight chuck onto valve stems? It seems there are times I need to use an angled chuck due to clearances. Is there a way to add an angled chuck?

 

[rustyjames]

That's my only gripe about the inflator, the screw on chuck. I ordered an adaptor off eBay, but it's really cheap Chinese so my expectations are low. I couldn't find anything else. It was only about $1.00 shipped.

 

[DFB]

Any issues with threading the straight chuck onto valve stems? It seems there are times I need to use an angled chuck due to clearances. Is there a way to add an angled chuck?

Though the screw on fitting generally releases ok and the pressure you lose is mostly negligible on things like tires, it all depends on the valve stem configuration and your finger clearance. I had a couple instances where I just couldn't rotate the knurl quick enough and did loose a bit more pressure than I would have liked too. I have used this on all kinds of wheel and tire combo's, auto, car trailer, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment and especially small wagons. We have dozens of them at the greenhouse for customers to use and it seems the tires are often always low on air. And its nice to bring the air to where the wagon sits instead of dragging the wagon to the air

I added the Slime one for convenience, $5.00 at AutoZone. it's a stocked item. The link for that is in my earlier post on this thread. Its a plastic clip so no telling how long it will last but works ok for the most part. is a braided hose too.

There are others. I don't see much difference with the this one than the slime one except the price,

http://wingstuff.com/products/37436-24-inch-lock-on-valve-stem-extension

This brass one is really nice but very expensive

https://bestrestproducts.com/shop/c...pedition-tire-inflator/90-valve-stem-clip-on/

Amazon shows this one I do like the metal clip might be stronger than a plastic piece then again maybe not. No reviews. Price is decent

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077W89PGM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

So searches for me turn up only a few lock on angle extensions

 

[rmsg0040]

I got one and love it, also bought the slime adapter so I don't have to screw in all the time

 

[cliftonbros89]

I’ve really been considering getting the M12 too. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on it. I’m just curious if it could air up larger wagon tire or a tractor tire. I know it would need a 6amp battery or 2.

 

[Holt]

I’ve really been considering getting the M12 too. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on it. I’m just curious if it could air up larger wagon tire or a tractor tire. I know it would need a 6amp battery or 2.

I think it would take forever with the 10 on 10 off cycle time.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thing is awesome.. last 2 12v cigarette plug compressors I used blew out the fuses on the power port.. that m12 inflator (for me) has been a great investment that can really get you out of a jam and make annoying tasks simple when the light comes on for tire pressure in my work van. Got mine on pre order. I've driven 30,000 miles just in the work van over the last 15 months, with MUCH of that mileage sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. I can spend 5 hours a day just driving. It's never leaving the van.

Invest in the $5 adapter to make it a locking quick connect on the tire. ..

 

[DFB]

I’ve really been considering getting the M12 too. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on it. I’m just curious if it could air up larger wagon tire or a tractor tire. I know it would need a 6amp battery or 2.

So just what is a "larger" wagon tire anyhow

We usually just use 15 or 16 inch rims and regular tires with most all our wagon gears.


Most tractor tires generally are usually pretty low PSI, though they do have mass volume if they aren't ballast filled".

Guess it would all depend on how "empty" the tire is

I have used it on "small" tractors
17.5x24 R4 on the 43 hp JD 4320 is 20-26 psi R3 turf is only 12-20 psi
The rear R4's 12 x16.5 on my little 20 hp are rated 40psi max I only run about 16psi in them..

This is what Milwaukee specs...

•0.88 CFM at 0 PSI
•0.63 CFM at 35 PSI
•0 – 120 PSI Rating
•Duty Cycle: 50%
•Gauge Accuracy: +/- 3%


"Our industry-leading cordless technology allows the M12™ Compact Inflator to complete a wide range of applications from light truck tires (65-80 PSI) to compact equipment (10-80 PSI). As part of the M12™ system, this tool also has the advantage of being completely compatible with the wide range of sub-compact tools available on this platform.”

"Rated to deliver over 120 PSI and built with a high efficiency motor and pump, the M12™ Compact Inflator delivers up to 5X the speed of fill on car and light truck tires, ** and can fill a light truck tire from flat to full on a single battery"



https://www.milwaukeetool.com/News/Press-Releases/Accessories/M12-Inflator


Overall it is a very tiny compressor and the duty cycle is 10 min. on/10 min. off. IMO topping off and adjusting air pressure is its main duty and generally not pumping up dead flats. I don't expect miracles from it. Like my brushed M12 hackzall...I don't go out logging with it

 

[DFB]

Invest in the $5 adapter to make it a locking quick connect on the tire. ..

Just a note I started having some struggle folding over the lever on the Slime adapter I have had for while and often use it dusty dirty conditions so I just lubed it up with a few shots of silicon spray. Working much better now.

I decided to check out the one at amazon link I will update and give my opinion on that when it comes.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just a note I started having some struggle folding over the lever on the Slime adapter I have had for while and often use it dusty dirty conditions so I just lubed it up with a few shots of silicon spray. Working much better now.

I decided to check out the one at amazon link I will update and give my opinion on that when it comes.

I think I ordered mine of Amazon too, not knowing you can walk into any pep boys or autozone, (one of those at least) and find it right in the store. I have both nearby and saw it after buoying it online for a little more $. No issues with mine, but then again I don't use it heavily. I've probably used the thing 5 or 6 times, but was glad I had the inflator every time I needed air.

 

[WittHay]

I’ve really been considering getting the M12 too. I’ve seen a lot of good reviews on it. I’m just curious if it could air up larger wagon tire or a tractor tire. I know it would need a 6amp battery or 2.

I think it depends on how big the stuff is. We use a John Deere with a Honda gas motor air compressor. I think the M12 size inflator is good for wheelbarrows, riding lawn mowers, hay tedders and the like.

There is a bigger compressor made by DeWalt puts out 1.5 cfm at 40psi and 1.2 cfm at 90psi. Not sure if you lug this 20 lb compressor out to the tractor, if it will fill it quickly or you have time to have lunch first.

 

[xela456]

I'm pretty disappointed in mine. I preordered to get mine in april i believe. It's perfect for the airbags on my truck. However, I'm on my third unit. I leave mine in my truck with a battery in it and twice now the thing just turns on by itself and won't turn off until you remove the battery. Other than having two complete warranty replacements, for what i use it for, its great!

 

[theoldwizard1]

I was trying to fill an air tank and it seemed like my inflator would not go past about 70 PSI. Anyone else try high pressure with one of these ?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I ordered one yesterday on sale, but the last 2 posts have me kinda nervous.......

I'm just going to be using it to top off tires on the road and for my kid's toys, so if it ***** I'll just go back to my compressors.

 

[DFB]

I was trying to fill an air tank and it seemed like my inflator would not go past about 70 PSI. Anyone else try high pressure with one of these ?

Wiz it worked ok for me.

Do say the inflator got a bit warm though. Took about 7 straight minutes I guess, didn't really time it that close. Obviously I was reaching close to the max duty cycle went to 60PSI easy enough, about 3-4 minutes took at least that long again to reach 100


What do you buy recon stuff?

 

[DFB]

BTW that was only a small 5 gal Performance Tool air tank. Something larger obviously would take much longer to fill to 100psi.

 

[majorbanjo]

I've had one since they came out.....use it on my Jeep, ATV and truck tires all the time...works great...it stays in my truck with my M12 ratchets, drill, and impact drivers....so plenty of batteries lying around......very handy to screw it on set pressure and walk away.....

 

[theoldwizard1]

I’m just curious if it could air up larger wagon tire or a tractor tire. I know it would need a 6amp battery or 2.

There was a video where a gut was trying to air up a "rock crawler" tire that he had let down to about 5 psi. He need 35 or 40 psi to run on the road. I forgot what battery he had (I know it was NOT the 6Ah) but it did not quite make it. He thought carrying 4 batteries and a way of recharging them was not a good idea. He bought a HD "off road" 12V air pump for about 3 times the price,

 

[theoldwizard1]

Wiz it worked ok for me.

Do say the inflator got a bit warm though. Took about 7 straight minutes I guess, didn't really time it that close. Obviously I was reaching close to the max duty cycle went to 60PSI easy enough, about 3-4 minutes took at least that long again to reach 100

Trying to do the exact same thing and ... it died !

The repair center is less than 10 miles. First one of these they had ever come in. They were not sure if the could get parts of if it had to go back to Milwaukee. Hopefully, it won't be TOO long of a wait !

 

[DFB]

Trying to do the exact same thing and ... it died !


The repair center is less than 10 miles. First one of these they had ever come in. They were not sure if the could get parts of if it had to go back to Milwaukee. Hopefully, it won't be TOO long of a wait !

Was this BEFORE or AFTER you first posted about that?


My guess is your more likely to just get a new one.

I've used E Service twice for warranty work this year I can highly recommend it One was a new motor and one was new control board

I didn't get no new tool

 

[theoldwizard1]

My guess is your more likely to just get a new one.

The guy behind the counter said that. Either new or factory refurb.

 

[DFB]

One tire of mine recently developed a slow leak and is losing close 20lbs in full week time. Had plans for a new set of tires anyhow (being installed next week) so wasn't that concerned about it, I just kept up on it for the time being...so today took the inflator outside with me to where I was parked instead of dragging my air hose thru all the slushy melting snow. And with all the temperature swings over the past month around here (been down to -0 now back up to + 40) I also topped off all my tires 265/70R-16's while I was out there.

Did some time measurements on the inflator as it was steadily running filling all my tires. On average it took about 10 sec. per 1/2 lb change or 3lbs per minute consistently at pressures between 20PSI and 35PSI on all my wheels. And the one that was low took just over 6 min to bring back up from less than 20 psi.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I finally used mine for the first time today and it was really handy. I was changing filters and fluids on my RZR, so I topped off all 9 tires on the trailer and RZR. The one thing I noticed is I set the inflator to 15psi for the RZR tires, but it would inflate them to 17psi, and show 17psi. For whatever reason it didn't want to stop at 15psi. My trailer tires I set at 45psi and it stopped at 45psi. Who knows.....

I used (1) whole 3.0 battery for everything. The trailer tires all started off in the low 30's and the RZR tires all started off about 11psi. It was really nice being able to set the inflator and walk away and complete a task while it was working.

 

[wxm]

I got one too. It is truly handy comparing to pulling out the air line.

I had my SUV low pressure warning light came up, pumped all four tires and a spare with one battery (was not fully charged). Worked great. I did picked up a Slime tire valve adapter at my local auto part store.

 

[f121]

How well would it work for airing up 4x4 tyres after four wheeling? 7.50/16s (235/85/16) dropped down to 15-17psi need to go back to 30psi for the road. Any ideas how long it would take to inflate them.

 

[wxm]

Don't know for sure. I was pumping mine from 25 PSI. It took me about 10 minutes to pump all tires to 32psi and a spare to 60psi. If you are starting with 17 psi, it is very likely you will need two batteries. But again, mine was not fully charged and it is a two year old battery. With the newer 2.0 battery, you might get better performance.

 

[DFB]

How well would it work for airing up 4x4 tyres after four wheeling? 7.50/16s (235/85/16) dropped down to 15-17psi need to go back to 30psi for the road. Any ideas how long it would take to inflate them.

ITRC took a 265 70R16 from 15 to 35 psi in about4- 5 min

 

[f121]

Thanks, seems worth having on board with a 6ah battery. I've burnt out a few gas station 12v compressors, so want something a little more branded.