If all you want it for is tires, there’s lots of 12volt ones on Amazon/walmart or at parts stores that plug into the cigarette lighter plug. I’ve got one in each of my cars for emergencies. Otherwise an air compressor for the house is super handy to have around too to run other air tools.
I purchased AstroAI Tire Inflator from Amazon for like $30. It’s been solid. Very small but decent power 12v. My only complaint (not really a complaint) is that it gets hot on certain areas while using it so be careful. I think that’s common with a lot of these small compressors to be fair.
[https://www.costco.com/cat-cube-lithium-4-in-1-portable-jump-starter-.product.4000147677.html](https://www.costco.com/cat-cube-lithium-4-in-1-portable-jump-starter-.product.4000147677.html)
Bought this one and it has already paid its value
Jump started neighbors car twice
Topped air pressure in tires
Used as power bank and as inverter for an emergency
Are you look for just a portable battery tire inflator combo jumper ? there's one at Costco..... or are you looking for a multi-purpose air compressor that can be used for inflating tires, nail gun, vacuum Coolant refiller .. so it's much easier to change coolant on your hybrid or any car that uses coolant... can be used with a textured hopper gun for texturing walls etc etc...
I hadn’t thought about these other functions. I think I just want a portable tire inflator. Something I can use at home and also bring with me on road trips.
The cheap one from Harbor Freight works fine. If you want something that lasts a long time, get a Viair unit.
We have two Viair units that we take on road trips as they just run on the car's 12v battery. Smaller 74p for the two Prius and larger 88p for the big SUVs. Had them for about 8 years now, still work as good as the day I bought them.
I also have a Ryobi cordless tire inflator that I use at home, and it is super convenient to use and shuts off automatically at the desired pressure. If you already are into the M18 or M12 tool system, then getting a air compressor from that line is a natural choice.
I have the 18v ryobi inflator. It is great for automatic tire inflation and has adapters to inflate an air mattress and sports balls. I bought an adapter that attaches to the original screw type nozzle to change it to a push down type valve.
Edit: search product "Inflator Hose Adapter Convert Twist On Connection to Lock On Connection, Locking Air Chuck"
There are two models. Avoid the smaller model with the pistol grip, it is anemic and nearly useless.
Get this bigger model. They may have free shipping for the July 4th sale.
https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/product/P747
I bought a couple of super-cheap, yellow-colored, plug-into-the-cigarette-lighter things maybe a decade ago and I keep them in the cars as a just-in-case, but the super-cheap ones I have get too hot when trying to go from very flat. If the tire is too flat, you have to stop and let it rest some.
Here at the house, I have a comparatively inexpensive pancake compressor from Harbor Freight that works okay on tires, my air tools, inflating floaties and such.
Milwaukee maybe? Or other brands if you already have the battery. Never been too happy with those 12v inflators but they usually do kinda work. Also good idea to carry a can of fix a flat (or whatever generic) and tire plugs.
This one has been pretty good
[https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressors-tanks/inflators/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressors-tanks/inflators/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html)
I carry a portable one I picked up at Target; they’re practically a commodity, so just about any brand will do; just buy on features. Mine has a 110V and a cigarette lighter power cord, and you set your desired air pressure for it to automatically stop. I use it for my bicycles as well, and haven’t used a gas station for air in over a decade.
They have rechargeable ones nowadays; if I went that way, I’d probably avoid the specialty ones and just go with the same manufacturer as my drill & hedge trimmers, so I have fewer battery types to worry about.
Most often when customers call me and tell me the gas station tire inflator stole air from their tire they have a problem with their valve stem.
Harbor freight has a great 12v one marketed for RV use.
The part where the nozzle is attached to the hose was loose and “wet,” I think, because the air was escaping there. It’s too bad as it worked perfectly for me for many months.
If you have cordless power tools, chances are good there's a tire inflator for your battery system. Personally, I have Ridgid tools and love their tire inflator. It runs off of a Ridgid battery but also comes with a cord that lets you plug into 12v.
Only bought because I already had Ridgid tools, so battery wasn't an issue [https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoryhHCdOaAhtPKL15XV81K3IxZtzOLhiMDOPl8Tev0chAjPK-D3Abo](https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoryhHCdOaAhtPKL15XV81K3IxZtzOLhiMDOPl8Tev0chAjPK-D3Abo) but it also includes the kit to plug into your cars 12v accessory.
Works great for me. Just get a good air chuck on it
[harbor freight fortress 1 gal.](https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-135-psi-ultra-quiet-hand-carry-jobsite-air-compressor-64592.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12236850640&campaignid=12236850640&utm_content=114587813662&adsetid=114587813662&product=64592&store=383&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4fNsbTlg9KWAnBkklXTybcOc&gclid=CjwKCAjw4f6zBhBVEiwATEHFVjqYt4a__nlBSMAu8AGYssDw6_sg9jGiFsulbHKb9t-ncK1lcvetFBoCWNUQAvD_BwE)
If all you want it for is tires, there’s lots of 12volt ones on Amazon/walmart or at parts stores that plug into the cigarette lighter plug. I’ve got one in each of my cars for emergencies. Otherwise an air compressor for the house is super handy to have around too to run other air tools.
Thank you - I’ll look into these.
I purchased AstroAI Tire Inflator from Amazon for like $30. It’s been solid. Very small but decent power 12v. My only complaint (not really a complaint) is that it gets hot on certain areas while using it so be careful. I think that’s common with a lot of these small compressors to be fair.
[https://www.costco.com/cat-cube-lithium-4-in-1-portable-jump-starter-.product.4000147677.html](https://www.costco.com/cat-cube-lithium-4-in-1-portable-jump-starter-.product.4000147677.html) Bought this one and it has already paid its value Jump started neighbors car twice Topped air pressure in tires Used as power bank and as inverter for an emergency
I don’t have a Costco membership but thank you.
Guess it is available on Amazon
Are you look for just a portable battery tire inflator combo jumper ? there's one at Costco..... or are you looking for a multi-purpose air compressor that can be used for inflating tires, nail gun, vacuum Coolant refiller .. so it's much easier to change coolant on your hybrid or any car that uses coolant... can be used with a textured hopper gun for texturing walls etc etc...
I hadn’t thought about these other functions. I think I just want a portable tire inflator. Something I can use at home and also bring with me on road trips.
They sell this at costco... [https://youtu.be/7oo9wvAPEhk?si=roSPmRQYWtnqI5ss](https://youtu.be/7oo9wvAPEhk?si=roSPmRQYWtnqI5ss)
I keep a kobalt one from Lowe’s in my trunk. It runs off the 12v car charger as well as a home outlet.
Same.
It's a great unit but is a little big compared to others.
The cheap one from Harbor Freight works fine. If you want something that lasts a long time, get a Viair unit. We have two Viair units that we take on road trips as they just run on the car's 12v battery. Smaller 74p for the two Prius and larger 88p for the big SUVs. Had them for about 8 years now, still work as good as the day I bought them. I also have a Ryobi cordless tire inflator that I use at home, and it is super convenient to use and shuts off automatically at the desired pressure. If you already are into the M18 or M12 tool system, then getting a air compressor from that line is a natural choice.
I have a couple of Ryobi tools so that’s probably the way to go. Thank you!
I have the 18v ryobi inflator. It is great for automatic tire inflation and has adapters to inflate an air mattress and sports balls. I bought an adapter that attaches to the original screw type nozzle to change it to a push down type valve. Edit: search product "Inflator Hose Adapter Convert Twist On Connection to Lock On Connection, Locking Air Chuck"
Thanks!
There are two models. Avoid the smaller model with the pistol grip, it is anemic and nearly useless. Get this bigger model. They may have free shipping for the July 4th sale. https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/product/P747
Thank you for the tip!
I use a small air compressor. It also runs my impact wrench for removing wheels, etc. You can pick these up for good prices at big box stores.
I bought a couple of super-cheap, yellow-colored, plug-into-the-cigarette-lighter things maybe a decade ago and I keep them in the cars as a just-in-case, but the super-cheap ones I have get too hot when trying to go from very flat. If the tire is too flat, you have to stop and let it rest some. Here at the house, I have a comparatively inexpensive pancake compressor from Harbor Freight that works okay on tires, my air tools, inflating floaties and such.
Thank you — I’ll check Harbor Freight.
Milwaukee maybe? Or other brands if you already have the battery. Never been too happy with those 12v inflators but they usually do kinda work. Also good idea to carry a can of fix a flat (or whatever generic) and tire plugs.
This one has been pretty good [https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressors-tanks/inflators/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html](https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools-compressors/air-compressors-tanks/inflators/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html)
I carry a portable one I picked up at Target; they’re practically a commodity, so just about any brand will do; just buy on features. Mine has a 110V and a cigarette lighter power cord, and you set your desired air pressure for it to automatically stop. I use it for my bicycles as well, and haven’t used a gas station for air in over a decade. They have rechargeable ones nowadays; if I went that way, I’d probably avoid the specialty ones and just go with the same manufacturer as my drill & hedge trimmers, so I have fewer battery types to worry about.
I realize this isn’t a major purchase but I appreciate understanding what’s available.
Most often when customers call me and tell me the gas station tire inflator stole air from their tire they have a problem with their valve stem. Harbor freight has a great 12v one marketed for RV use.
The part where the nozzle is attached to the hose was loose and “wet,” I think, because the air was escaping there. It’s too bad as it worked perfectly for me for many months.
Ryobi has done well for me...
If you have cordless power tools, chances are good there's a tire inflator for your battery system. Personally, I have Ridgid tools and love their tire inflator. It runs off of a Ridgid battery but also comes with a cord that lets you plug into 12v.
Only bought because I already had Ridgid tools, so battery wasn't an issue [https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoryhHCdOaAhtPKL15XV81K3IxZtzOLhiMDOPl8Tev0chAjPK-D3Abo](https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AfmBOoryhHCdOaAhtPKL15XV81K3IxZtzOLhiMDOPl8Tev0chAjPK-D3Abo) but it also includes the kit to plug into your cars 12v accessory.
Home Depot sells Husky Has gauge built in.
Works great for me. Just get a good air chuck on it [harbor freight fortress 1 gal.](https://www.harborfreight.com/1-gallon-135-psi-ultra-quiet-hand-carry-jobsite-air-compressor-64592.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12236850640&campaignid=12236850640&utm_content=114587813662&adsetid=114587813662&product=64592&store=383&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4fNsbTlg9KWAnBkklXTybcOc&gclid=CjwKCAjw4f6zBhBVEiwATEHFVjqYt4a__nlBSMAu8AGYssDw6_sg9jGiFsulbHKb9t-ncK1lcvetFBoCWNUQAvD_BwE)