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Air compressors/tire inflators

lizmcg

New member
I like to put air in my tires at home, and I just tried it for the first time on my "new" 2012 RTS. No problem with the Spyder, but i found that my old combo jump starter/inflator doesn't do well with it. I only needed about 2 psi, and the gauge isn't clear enough to show such a small amount, especially at the low end (the distance between 15 and 20 isn't much wider than the needle). I want to get a new one that's preferably just an inflator, since I don't need another jump starter. I thought it would be easy, but when I went on Amazon, I found everything is intended to be run off a car from a 12V socket. What I want is, preferably, something that I can plug into a wall socket, since I only plan to use it at home, not carry it around. A rechargeable battery would work, too, if it holds a charge long enough. I also would prefer a digital readout with an auto-stop feature because that would be a lot easier to read than those analog needles that jump all over the place and a quick-release connector to avoid losing most of the air I just pumped in trying to disconnect (especially the rear tire). I found only a handful of either, and even the ones that had decent ratings also had a bunch of really scary 1-star ratings about batteries that wouldn't hold a charge or defective hoses that destroyed valve stems and so on:yikes:. Does anyone have any recommendations? My local Walmart doesn't have anything but the 12V type. I'm thinking of hitting Pep Boys tomorrow, but I have no way of knowing if what they sell is any good. Thanks for any help.
 
Rather than looking for a 'tire inflator' why not look for a small or portable 'shop air compressor'? There are some pretty good quality units out there, with all the features you are after, run off a wall socket, and all it takes to use them to inflate your tires in moments is the right adaptor on the end of an air hose!! Plus, they can also be used for a heap of other things around the home & working on your car or Spyder that can make your life a whole lot easier - the range of air driven tools available these days is endless!! You just need to make sure that you've got enough air in the tank or at least compressor capacity to run some of them!! I wouldn't be without my 'home' shop air system these days, it makes life sooo much easier for inflating tires & a heap of other stuff besides. ;)

Sooo, don't get stuck on looking for a 'tire inflator' & only finding 12v units; look for a small domestic powered 'shop air compressor' & all the attachments to inflate your tires! :thumbup:
 
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Cannot help on the digital gauge but rarely have i seen an accurate gauge on a compressor.
I always compare to a good hand gauge for calibrating. My hand gauge has a push button deflector so can let a little air out at a time.
People seem to love the remote air monitoring system mentioned here.

Air tools have different cfm requirements so buy a compressor to match the tools you want to use.
A 1/2 in impact needs 5 or 6 cfm @ 90 psi or more if you don't want to wait after every few bolts.

If just to air things up, there is a coupon on harbor freight page for $50 (I could not paste the link from my tablet last night):
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-HP-100-PSI-Oilless-Pancake-Air-Compressor-61615.html
Coupon on front page makes it $50.

Lowe's has a similar with small accessory kit for $76: http://www.lowes.com/pd_374485-1126-FP2028_1z10d74__?productId=3533062&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1

Most compressors will have a regulator with separate gauge but usually not perfectly accurate.
I have a medium size compressor I bought 8 yrs ago and use it at least a few times a week to air up tires, clean out the vacuum, nail gun, or just blow off the work bench. Sometimes I think my wife uses it more than I do.
The vertical tanks are nice because they take up less space.

Hope that helps.
 
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Thanks!

Sounds like a plan. I'll look into the shop air compressors. There are some good brands on Amazon, but I'll go to Lowes first and see them in person.
 
Sounds like a plan. I'll look into the shop air compressors. There are some good brands on Amazon, but I'll go to Lowes first and see them in person.

I carry a small compresser on the bike I got from Amazon.Viair is a good brand.
 
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Husky 12-Volt/120-Volt Home and Auto Inflator at Home Depot

The preset digital pressure gauge shuts off automatically when desired pressure is attained.

Large LCD display on digital gauge for easier psi reading

Inflates vehicle tires bicycle tires and sports equipment up to 120 psi

Accessories include 1 mattress nozzle, 2 sports needles and 1 presta valve adaptor

Here is pic and full desc.
http://www.ecrater.com/p/24527469/husky-hd12120-120v-home-12v




This Inflator is awesome!
 
Curious. ....

I have a great one put out by Ryobi (home Depot) and many of the battery operated tool companies have them. If you use such tools that is the way to go...:thumbup:
 
Use your present compressor and overinflate a small amount. Use a good gauge to take it to where you want it.
 
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