I have been working with the Dewalt DCC020IB cordless air inflator (provided to me as a review sample), and it has become my favorite tool of its kind.
Dewalt’s 20V Max cordless inflator has every feature I could ask for, and it works well.
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So far, I’ve used it on many occasions to top off my tires, fill up sports balls, and refill the air bladder of a 4-gallon water tank.
One of my favorite aspects of the Dewalt inflator is its screw-on Schrader chuck. I’m much more used to valve connectors with a lever lock, or press-on chucks, and they can be difficult to use at times. While the screw-on adapter takes a little longer to attach compared to press-on adapters (under ideal conditions), it’s been a convenience for me so far. In my experiences, when inflating balls or devices to lower pressures, or smaller volume air tanks, the screw-on adapter leaks less air upon removal than press-on adapters.
If you do want a press-on connector, you can buy an adapter for a couple of dollars.
I haven’t used the high volume air hose yet, at least not successfully. I did use it to try to clear debris out of a crevice, but it didn’t work perfectly well for that. It’s better suited for filling up air mattresses, pool toys, and other inflatable products of that nature.
The inflator comes with a Presta valve adapter, sports ball adapter, and a air nozzle. I’ve used the air nozzle once or twice and the sports ball pin a couple of times.
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There is also an LED worklight with its independent on/off control, digital air pressure gauge, and a 12V DC auto power cord. It can also be powered via 110V AC, but you’ll need an optional adapter, model no. N557514.
The 12V DC port is housed inside an enclosed compartment, and I fear that if I ever take it out I’ll never get the nicely-wrapped cord back in. The cord is completely removable, in case you want to leave it home and pack something else inside the small compartment.
The inflator is a little larger than others I’ve used, but it’s still highly portable, thanks to a large handle and built-in storage for everything.
It works with Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tool batteries, as well as FlexVolt batteries. It’s much more stable with 20V Max batteries, but I’ve used it with taller FlexVolt packs without issue. The user manual says that when powered by a Flexvolt battery, the inflator should be placed face-up on a flat surface.
Aside from the screw-on Schrader valve, I also love the controls and operation of this inflator. I’ve had odd experiences with other cordless inflators having inaccurate digital pressure gauges, but Dewalt’s has proven to be very precise. I’ve found it to be spot-on 9 out of 10 times. 1 out of 10 times it might overshoot or undershoot by a negligibly small amount.
Pressure can be set in 0.5 PSI increments.
There is another button, for switching between the regular inflation air hose and the high volume air hose. Attaching the high volume air hose to the outlet port allows you to fill air mattresses, pool floats, and other inflatables. Attach the air hose to the inlet port, and you can deflate them. The high volume inflation mode does not have an auto-shutoff feature.
The inflator can work up to 160 PSI, although that’s not something I’ve tested (yet).
See Also: Dewalt Cordless Inflator Launch Preview Post
A couple of years ago, I wrote a post More Pro Tool Brands Need to Make Cordless Inflators!. At the time, pro tool brands, such as Dewalt and Milwaukee, had not yet brought cordless inflators to market. Prior to that, I was told by one brand that inflators were too commonly seen as “consumer” items, and as such they weren’t fitting for pro tool brands’ cordless power tool systems.
Now, you have this one from Dewalt, one from Milwaukee, and one from Makita. Dewalt’s is the only 20V Max/18V-class inflator I’ve seen or tested. The Dewalt is a larger tool, but it’s more capable too. As long as you’re not cramped for space, it’s a fantastic tool with no major shortcomings.
Specifications
- 11.9″ wide x 9.8″ tall x 5.2″ deep
- Weighs 5.5 lbs without battery
- 3-160 PSI operating range (high pressure) in 0.5 PSI steps
- 0.5 SCFM high pressure air flow
- 15.2 SCFM “high volume” air flow
- 13.75 foot 12V DC power cord
- High pressure inflation mode with automatic shut-off
- High volume inflation and deflation modes
- Heavy duty rubber feet
Price: $102-109 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Amazon) – Lowest price as of the time of this posting
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Based on my experiences thus far, I find Dewalt’s cordless air inflator, DCC020IB, to be highly recommendable. It is expensive compared to other cordless and 12V DC inflators, but it offers more features and capabilities.
If you want something lower priced, consider Ryobi’s 18V consumer-grade model. Compared to the Ryobi, the Dewalt has a higher resolution gauge (the Ryobi is only accurate to ±1 PSI), larger and backlit readout display, 12V DC power option, and some more minor differences.
If you’re a Dewalt 20V Max cordless power tool user, is this inflator still on your wishlist? If you already have one, what do you think of it?
Thank you to Dewalt for providing the review sample.
kevin l
have two at work and one at home. they are used more often than expected. they do go through batteries a bit (similar to the Dewalt leaf blower) but are a very welcome “tool” to the lineup.
JR3 Home Performance
I’ve felt the same. Also haven’t used the high volume half but it’s nice that it’s there. I’d like if the high volume hose stayed better attached as I’m worried I’ll lose it before it ever gets used.
On a side note: if the air bladder you are filling is for a boiler heating system I’d recommend replacing it. Often I see them undersized or plumbed in to be exposed to excess heat which cuts the lifetime down on them.
Stuart
Thanks! The air bladder is to the kitchen sink water filter tank. Pressure was down and when I inquired about whether the RO filter needed replacement I was advised to check the water tank. Air had leaked out and I was told I could try to fill the bladder up to spec as a temporary solution. I refilled it to 6.0 PSI as recommended, ordered a replacement tank, and finally installed it this weekend. I will either discard the old tank or keep it as an emergency spare, but I still needed to bring the pressure back up to fully drain the water.
Jim Felt
Stuart.
Pardon my west coast enabled ignorance but what the heck “Air Bladder” are you talking about? What’s it used for?
Stuart
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu_0tDOgXy2/
We have an under-sink reverse osmosis water filter (https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/reverse-osmosis-drinking-water-filtration-system/%3C/a%3E%29 in the kitchen.
The filtration system fills up the water tank and the water tank delivers water through the faucet. It’s a holding reservoir.
There’s a bladder or some kind of separating membrane, giving you two compartments – one with air and the other with water. This gives you faster fill-ups at the tap.
What happened to mine is that the air pressure was lost, either to the environment or through an internal leak. So I repressurized the tank to get the water out. I reset the tank to factory spec and used it like that until yesterday when I replaced the tank with a new one.
It might be a diaphragm of some kind and not an air bladder, but I believe it’s a bladder.
Have you ever blow air into a juice box or pouch? The juice comes squirting out. Similar concept.
Joatman
Hey Stuart. I’ve had a dewalt 20v inflator for probably close to year or so. Love it ….but noticed that when I’m inflating a tire the psi on the screen goes up and down until it reaches what I set it at. Example….. If my tire is at 24psi and I set it to 30, it will start climbing then drop a couple psi, then climb then drop….continuously. Doesn’t matter what I’m inflating. I can’t find anything online where others have mentioned this. How about you?
Stuart
That sounds highly unusual. I might see slight 1/10 PSI fluctuations, but not wide swings.
Maybe there’s an issue with the pressure sensor?
Carlos
This is a great tool to take camping when you need to get the Queen Air Matisse filled quickly, but putting this on the Ford F-150 to add air will take forever. The
DEWALT DXAEPS2 is a much better tool, but not as portable.
Jon
I have the Ryobi version and replaced the chuck with a Schrader/Presta combo screw on from Lezyne. I would recommend one of these for whatever batteries you already own. I’ve used it for all the things that need air around the house plus keep it in the trunk of the car. I’ve helped out a bunch of friends and coworkers who need to inflate car tires (and in one case the hydraulic strut on an airplane!).
G N
I have the Ryobi P737 Infloator and swapped the end for a SKS Presta/Schrader head. Perfect for bicycles and car tires. It looks like Ryobi is coming out a P737D, so same form factor, just with a digital gauge. My current P737 seems to be a little off on the gauge, so I am interested in the Digital if mine ever out right fails.
Stever
Do either of have a link or part number for the screw on head you used?
Jon
It doesn’t look like the one I have is currently being sold. Leyzne currently has two versions of the S/P Chuck that is a different design that looks to be an improved flip flop design. There is a high pressure and a high volume version. The quality of the one I have is top notch and would recommend their products.
Jared
I’ve looked at this tool a few times but I keep thinking it’s too expensive for me to justify. Not too expensive for the quality of the tool mind you, just doesn’t add enough utility for me to bust out my wallet over just using one of my compressors.
I would use it if I owned it – judging by the number of times I fire up one of my compressors for some quick job and then have to empty their tanks again. It would be nice to have a cordless option too. Could be perfect, for example, when I’m switching my dirt bike tires (which I might do twenty times in a race season). Could even take it to the races!
That said, my compressors do the same job when I’m at home (albeit less portably) and if I get tired of pumping tires up with a bicycle pump on the road, I could probably spend $30-50 for a 12v pump that would also get the job done.
I probably will get one eventually – but only when I see a special price to tempt me.
Robert Adkins
Same here, just can’t justify it for what it does.
If DeWalt would raise the CFM to 1.0 or more by sacrificing the pressure down to 90psi, I would jump right on it.
David McKie
What is the cfm?
John E
I bought three of these late last year from HD. Gave one to a buddy. At that time they were $79, including a 1.5ah starter battery. Never look for my air compressor or various fittings and guages any more when I need to check tires. Best ‘non tool’ DeWalt accessory I’ve ever bought. Maybe they’ll go on sale again this November.
Patrick
I’m glad you like it. I have the old Craftsmen 12v but it would take out an entire battery just topping off both cars in our garage. I finally got the Ryobi last year and really, really like it. I compared settings with a digital gauge and did find the PSI to be off, but at least consistently. If I set the Ryobi for 38, the digital measures 35.0 every time. We also used to it hold pressure on a big water tank/sprayer in a remote area last fall.
These seem a little pricey for what they are, but it’s amazing how handy they become. I keep looking for a lightly used 1/2 Ryobi impact wrench to keep in the car with the inflator and a single battery. A tire reamer, plugs, inflator, lug nut socket set, 1/2″ impact, and a 1/2″ adapter for the emergency scissor jack (raise and lower with impact) would make a pretty handy kit the size of a shoe box.
Stuart
I still have an older Craftsman Nextec inflator, and it’s a very nice model, but I agree about the battery life, especially now that it’s years later. The last time I searched for a reader, you can’t even buy genuine Nextec batteries anymore.
Patrick
Yup, it’s the Nextec. Pretty solid except a 1.3 ah battery didn’t last long.
My Dad is a clearance aisle addict and bought at least one of everything in the entire Nextec line and some extra batteries at Sears all over the midwest (traveling sales). The entire series has been sitting on a shelf in his basement since it was discontinued however many years back. My brothers and I all received a drill and multi tool set for Christmas many years ago. He let me have the inflator after I was over there to move stuff for him. I still use the multi tool for a quick job when I don’t want to find a plug for the Dewalt that you sent me last year.
Altan
Good tool. I wonder if you can use it to fill the balloons with air?!
JoeM
Oh, Altan… How I’ve missed you!
Funny story! Believe it or not, I was trained how to make Balloon Animals… And a compressor is almost a prerequisite for doing them! They make the “Pro” balloons thicker, so you can do more with them before they break. But, the human body can’t reach enough air pressure to inflate one naturally. So… A lot of Clowns, and Hobbyists for these things like myself, have always had either a large compressed air tank, or an air compressor/inflator for getting them started!
Short version of the story: My sister wanted to do Clown School, and was one for a few years. Sometimes she’d practice the balloon animals with me, and so I learned how to do them with her. I’ve even gone to a few of her gigs to help out with the balloon animals. Hence why I know these things now.
Frankly… if I’d had one of these back then? It would have been easier than being the kid with the 200 pound air tank on his shoulder at the gig.
csroc
Been really happy with ours as well. Had a car with a leaky tire (finally sorted) and this thing was a real convenience win over a more basic unit that has to run off the car’s DC adapter/cigarette lighter.
It seems to fill faster, is easier to operate, and the fact that it uses the batteries I’m already invested in makes it a no brainer.
Steve
One of these has been on my wish list for a while. I’ll get one someday after other priorities are taken care of.
JoeM
Amen to that! On the wishlist ’till I can get to it!
Robert Adkins
This is a step in the right direction.
Still, 160PSI is unnecessarily high, with very few uses, and sacrifices too much CFM.
I think 90psi is plenty. It’s enough pressure to inflate any tire enough to use. The pump would be able to use a larger pump piston, yielding a much higher CFM than a 160PSI pump on the same battery/motor load.
Those little old pumps that bragged about “250PSI!” Really? You would turn into a fossil waiting for them to top off a 30psi family car tire.
Zach
That’s not entirely accurate, the differential between inflation output pressure and tire pressure directly correlates to the fill time with these pumps. They utilize a smaller motor with less torque and therefore require a higher max output to avoid excessive load at “normal” pressures (less than 100psig).
Source: Mechanical Engineering
Philip Proctor
I use mine all the time. Topping off tires on trucks at work, wheelbarrows etc.
Nathan
I was going to ask how it ran on the 12 v
I have a factory 12V plug in device in my car since it doesn’t have a spare – and I find I use it occasionally but it mostly sucks. I’d fill it faster with a bicycle pump I do believe.
SO I was a bit curious as to how well this thing ran. Roughly speaking if you had to put 10psi into a car tire that capped at 36psi – how long would it take this on battery?
I like the idea of the product and I’m a dewalt battery owner so it’s been on my radar. I really wish they would make a tool battery power sourced jump starter but that’s a whole other discussion.
Patrick
Speaking for the similar Ryobi inflator, I would guess a minute or two or so. I could be more, but it’s never been long enough that I put any second thought into it. When I swap summer/winter tires, I would think that they need at least 10 psi. I will set it for 35 psi on the incoming tire while popping off the outgoing wheel and the pump is always done in time to be mounted.
It’s not so great with higher pressures though. I received a HD rental truck with a lower tire and eventually went downstairs for the compressor because it sat for several minutes and wasn’t getting anywhere near the PSI needed for a loaded rear tire. Maybe the Dewalt is better than that, I couldn’t say.
The What?
This Dewalt inflator is really nice, but are all of the bells and whistles really worth the cost and are they really necessary for filling a tire up with air? Sure, it has digital led display and auto shutoff, but where’s the cigarette lighter adapter? They obviously didn’t think about the very likely circumstance that the battery may be dead from sitting in the trunk for a while did they? You’re SOL if the battery is dead and your nowhere near a receptacle. And when was the last time you saw a receptacle on a road or highway? I’ve never seen one. That’s a hundred dollars well spent on something that you can’t use at your convenience unless you have a full battery. Common sense was obviously not present during the design phase of this inflator. Patrick, do yourself a favor and rid of the scissor jack and get you a 1½ ton or a 3 ton rapid pump jack from harbor freight. They’re less than a hundred bucks. $79.99 & $89.99 and that’s before the 20% off coupon. You’ll thank yourself for getting one after you have the miserable experience of using the scissor jack. On top of that they are far more dangerous than a floor jack. Save yourself the hassle. It takes me less than 15 minutes to change a flat and back on the road. You won’t get that from a scissor jack. Be sure to get some tire chocks also.
LukeD
“,but where’s the cigarette lighter adapter?”
It comes with a 12v cigarette adapter, the 110v adapter is not included but can be purchased separately
Patrick
Agreed on not using a scissor jack for home use. I meant that kit idea to be for roadside emergencies. I have a pretty nice jack for home use now, especially after how much work my last car required. I had the pleasure of a HF single piston blowing out on me before, so I am not the first to recommend them. Maybe their recent stuff is better.
Specific to your other comment, a modern li-ion battery would have to sit in the car a bit of time to die. Also, a 12v DC current from the car would require an inverter to power an 18v battery unit like the inflator. Have you seen how expensive the Dewalt car/12v battery charger is? More than this inflator. Talk about adding bells and whistles. I would think the auto shut off is a safety feature, not a bonus feature.
Nathan
it has a 12VDC car plug on inside a cover. Stuart said he hasn’t used his that way but it’s there.
read the spec sheet.
Patrick
Oops. I missed that too. Nice catch.
Joseph
You’ll never get me to give up my Milwaukee M12 inflator.
JoeM
The review hasn’t changed my mind about this. I was going to get one eventually no matter what.
DannyK
I have used both Milwaukee M12 and Dewalt 20V. The M12 size is way more compact and design is nice. The M12 is loud though. But you wouldn’t know unless you try the Dewalt, which is quieter. The M12 only runs on battery. I don’t know if anybody would want to leave a battery in a heated car during summer. I’d feel better to leave the Dewalt in the trunk and runs off 12VDC.
Darth
Question. I have a bike that run 110 psi on 700cm tires. However, they use a Presta valve, or French valve rather than a normal bike tire which uses a Schrader valve, also is used on cars.
It appears this pump can fill a Schrader, but does it have the connection for Presta valve?
Thank you!
Stuart
Yes. It’s buried in the text, but if you look at the photos the brass adapter is a screw-on Presta chuck.
Darth
Thank you!
I think I’m getting one then. My excursion would take some time to fill up, but setting PSI for the bike and letting it fill up sounds awesome.
Shawn
I love mine, it stays in the van whether I’m working or camping. Versatile and dependable
PHILIP JOHN
I chose the Milwaukee… I like how the dewalt had more features but was unsure how thing were stored… ergonomics ! My biggest gripe from using these was speed. I chose the fastest modle. 35 psi In a tire in 2 mins.
Mike
As usual, DW and Mil were late to the party for us lowly (and former) tradesmen with a needed product, so, as with my cordless glue gun (great tool!) I already went Ryobi.
Bon
Most 1/2 ton truck/van tires require 50 psi. The larger 3/4 and 1 ton trucks require even higher pressures. Seeing as a lot of trades men drive trucks, cargo vans, box trucks etc 160 psi makes alot of sense.
If you prefer less max pressure and faster CFM and a lower price buy the Ryobi. I almost did.
I looked on Ebay for the old Porter Cable pcc583 inflator. I was going to adapt it so I could use DeWalt batteries. I wanted 12DC as a back up. I liked the compact size. Never did find one. Then I was going to buy the Ryobi and build an adapter for DeWalt batteries but then I saw DeWalt was comming out with one so I bought it. My truck has a tool box so the extra size isn’t an issue in my truck with the DeWalt. But I do wish there was a more compact option. I may still play with a Ryobi. I think I can cut it down to be even more compact.
Fun tip use the contact covers the flex volt batteries come with to make DeWalt battery adapters for other tools. Gets you 90% there. Just need to make your own contacts to engage the battery. Also put a voltage gauge on there. DeWalt tools have the low voltage cut out switch built into the tool not the battery. If you dip below certain voltage with Lion cells you will destroy them and possibly cause them to explode. Be careful.
ToolGuyDan
I know it’s not always practical to include, especially in small-form-factor tools, but easily my favorite feature of the DCL070 is its ability to charge the battery when it’s plugged in. One fewer item (the charger) to lug around. Both the DCV581 wet/dry vac and this offer plug-in or 18/20V power. That means there’s already an inverter built in. Drop the diode in favor of a bit of lithium-ion charging circuitry and let us charge, please! Doesn’t have to be a fast charger, doesn’t need to charge when the compressor is in use, just needs to work to occasionally top up the attached battery when I get home after using it on the road. Otherwise, I’m all-but-guaranteed to leave the house with the battery forgotten atop the charger for a few days.
Separate question, maybe you can enlighten me. Several commenters–Bon and Robert, at a minimum–have suggested that there’s a downside to higher-pressure capability. To my mind, if every minute I’m pumping (to keep it simple) one cubic foot of gas at 80 psi(a), or 0.5 cubic feet at 160 psi(a), if intake air pressure is constant both require the same number of piston strokes*, and both have the same number of gas molecules. So if I’m trying to get a tire with a volume of about a third of a cubic foot from zero psi(g) up to 30, I need 10 cubic-foot-psi worth of little tiny dancing gas gremlins… er, molecules. Doesn’t matter if that comes out the pipe at 160 psi or 80 psi; I won’t stop until I get the number of gremlins I need.
So why the hating on high-pressure capability? It seems like, if I can take an 80 PSI compressor that spits out 1 CFM, or a 160 PSI compressor that does half of that, I should always take the latter; up to 80 PSI, it’ll perform the exact same as the former, and above 80 PSI, the 80 PSI compressor is just useless.
Anyway, I’m sure I’m missing something obvious, and maybe it’d be good fodder for an article on how to compare and think about different compressors for different purposes. (Single-tank versus dual-tank, multi-stage versus single, quiet versus Grandma-has-to-take-out-her-hearing-aids, etc.)
*: If anything, I’d think the higher-pressure compressor needs fewer strokes; since the last portion of its stroke is capable of generating 160 PSI, the moment within its stroke when it exceeds the tank’s (or output’s) current pressure is sooner, so more of the stroke is actually delivering air to the destination.
Jo B
Good day!
I bought one of these for $150 CDN and have been really impressed with it except for the price, although I shouldn’t complain being that I’ve probably spent that much on crappy ones from Canadian Tire and Walmart in the past. It works well so far and I’m glad that I bought it. KMS Tools is the only place in Calgary that sells them for some reason. You’d figure that NAPA would have them being that they’re a DeWalt retailer, but no..
Have a great day!
RKA
I think this is my third tire filler tool (air compressors aside). I love it so far!
Air compressors – no need to fill them up just to top off a couple tires. And no dragging hose out of the garage to reach the car, only to find you need to turn the car around to get to the back tires because the hose is just a few feet too short.
120V tire filler – haven’t used it in a couple years. Nearly useless if you’re on the road with no 120V near you. Dragging extension cords around got old quick.
Ryobi 18V handheld – not bad. 2 small gripes. The gauge is off and the trigger takes nearly zero pressure to activate the tool. So you can’t store it with the battery on it inside your car or it will somehow activate and drain the battery. And while you’re using it, you have to keep your finger on the trigger, or put a rubber band on the grip and slip it over the trigger as needed. It’s also a little slow to fill up tires, not terrible though. I’m not sure it would be able to fill a truck tire, but that’s not a problem I have.
The dewalt – best one yet. I have a 12V option with this if I’m traveling, otherwise, I just use it with the 20V battery. Tops off an SUV tire pretty quick. 3 lbs in about 20 secs, which is easily twice as fast as the Ryobi. The half pound increments are create, you can dial it in pretty well. The screw on chuck baffles me. I completely disagree with it being easier in any way compared to a lever lock style chuck, and I lose more air fiddling with the screw on connector. As it turns out, I overfill by 0.5 lb and I lose 0.3-0.4 lbs unscrewing the chuck. I can leave it to do the work while I stand upright or remove the next valve cap rather than babysitting this thing squatting next to the wheel like the Ryobi. It’s a small thing, but I can run around the car and top all the wheels off in under 2 minutes and be done. With the Ryobi, I’ll overfill a little, go back and get the gauge and bleed off each wheel until I reach the target pressure.
Edward
Bumping a dead post, but…
Looking at one of these to refill the tires on my H3 after coming off the beach. Is it suitable to add 10-12psi to 4 tires on one battery in a reasonable amount of time?
Martin
Bump of an old review – what is going on with this product? It’s out of stock everywhere and has been for a while. Is a new version coming perhaps?
Stuart
Was just really popular?
COVID supply disruptions?
Martin
And here I was hoping for a Black Friday discount on it! 😆 Oh well, whether covid or not, Amazon hasn’t had stock for a good long while now, so something is up…
The Ryobi car tire inflator is ridiculously cheap at 20$ right now but I hate to get into a different 20V system. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and “unlock” a whole other set of (far cheaper than Dewalt) power tools… I can get the tool plus a battery and charger for about the same price as the Dewalt inflator, maybe less. Or do I hold out and wait for the Dewalt to re-stock?
JR3 Home Performance
Yeah I noticed that. I just got the Milwaukee instead. I made up for the lack of a 12v power option by getting a Milwaukee car charger. It’d be unfortunate to not have enough battery to fill tires in an emergency situation.
It could be like that dewalt portable power station where they just stopped making them and the price just shoots up
Ralph Hightower
I liked the Dewalt Cordless Inflator so much that I bought a second one. Now each car has its own inflator. It’s great that it automatically shuts off when the desired PSI is reached. No more checking tire pressures with overfilling and then having to let air out, or letting too much air out and having to put more in when it is frigid cold or blazing hot.