Milwaukee has introduced a new M18 cordless inflator, model 2848-20, describing it as the fastest 18V cordless tire inflator on the market.
The new Milwaukee cordless inflator is said to provide unmatched performance, versatility, and the durability to survive demanding transportation maintenance applications.
The focus here seems to be on speed, accuracy, and capacity.
Advertisement
The M18 inflator features a 36-inch air hose with screw-on tire chuck.
The “TrueFill” feature incorporates auto pressure check and automatic shut-off. Basically, as with other digital tire inflators, you set the desired inflator pressure and a built-in sensor will deactivate the motor once the set pressure is reached.
There’s an external hose wrap, as well as storage for commonly-used inflation accessories. The inflator comes with a sports ball inflation needle, nozzle, and Presta chuck, and a Schrader valve chuck on the hose end.
One especially notable feature is a four-setting memory function, which allows you to quickly cycle to commonly used pressure settings. This lets you to save PSI presets for quicker use.
Milwaukee says that the inflator is optimized for passenger tires, light truck tires, and other medium duty tires, and the included nozzle accessories and attachments extend its usefulness beyond tire inflation tasks.
The M18 inflator can top off a 33″ light truck tire from 75 to 80 PSI in under a minute, or fill it from 64 to 80 PSI in a little over 3 minutes. (Please note that inflation times can vary depending on different factors and environmental conditions.)
Advertisement
The inflator has an internal cooling system to extend the tool’s life. Thanks to the built-in fan, it can operate for over 20 minutes, allowing users to get more done with less risk of thermal shutdown.
Here’s a look at the display and user controls.
The controls seem straightforward, but also include a units button, which isn’t found on other cordless inflators. Users can select between PSI, KPa, and Bar air pressure units. This potentially extend the inflator’s use to industrial applications.
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Key Features & Specs
- Powered by M18 Li-ion batteries
- 0-150 PSI
- ± 1 PSI accuracy
- 1.41 SCFM at 0 PSI
- 36″ air hose
- 13.8″ L x 6.4″ W x 7.8″ H
- Anti-vibration rubber feet
- Weighs 7 lbs (tool-only)
- Duty cycle: 33% at 80 PSI
- 5 year warranty
Included Accessories
- Schrader chuck
- Presta chuck
- Tapered nozzle
- Inflation needle
Model: 2848-20
Price: $169 (tool-only)
ETA: April 2022
Discussion
For everyone who has been waiting patiently for an M18-powered cordless inflator, is this everything that you’ve been hoping for?
M18 vs M12 Cordless Air Inflators?
Milwaukee put together a handy chart showing the intended use of their M18 and M12 cordless inflators. The new M18 inflator goes up to 150 PSI, and the M12 inflator up to 120 PSI.
I would expect for significant differences in runtime, as well as continuous-use capabilities. If you’re inflating consistently to higher pressures, the M18’s larger size and built-in cooling might be appreciated.
If you want the M12, you can get a complete kit for $119 at the time of this posting.
Jared
Nice. Certainly looks good. I didn’t realize Milwaukee didn’t have an M18 inflator yet. Seems like something they would have released long ago.
I have the dual function Ryobi unit and it is very handy. It’s just so much easier than waiting for my small compressor to pressure-up and then back-up between tire fills.
However, the Ryobi isn’t super fast. I.e. if I’m making a bit of a project of filling tires (e.g. pre-trip with the RV trailer where I have 8 relatively high-pressure tires to check and maybe top off) or filling a big one (tractor tire), it take long enough that I contemplate wheeling the bigger compressor out of my shop.
If I’m not in a rush, I still default to the cordless unit. It’s nice to have something light without long hoses.
Other things worth noting – the Ryobi is loud and I’m not sure about durability for long filling sessions. Hopefully the M18 is both quieter and, due to the fan, long-lasting.
Rog
I also have the Ryobi dual function and can confirm that is is both loud and slow. But it *does* do the job so I shouldn’t complain
MM
I can’t comment on Ryobi’s dual-function inflator but the smaller model, the P737, is not built to last at all. I used one to refill a small portable air tank so I could use it to operate a pneumatic stapler. I was very careful not to exceed the duty cycle specified in the manual, I only ran up to 80 psi, not the 150 it is rated for, and it crapped out on the 4th filling. I took the unit apart to see if it was worth trying to repair it, and the pump mechanism was 100% plastic and very lightly constructed. In my opinion that model is only fit for extremely light duty, occasional, use. Like inflating sports balls or a bicycle or wheelbarrow tire.
It is also very loud, and extremely slow.
TonyT
The P737 does fine for its intended purpose – trying to use it as a compressor is obviously NOT an appropriate use – get a > 1gal compressor for that.
I’ve had my P737 for years (paid <$25 I believe), and it's still working to fill car tires, bicycle tires, basketballs, etc.
MM
My point was simply that it cannot perform up to the specifications listed in the manual, and if you look at the internals lets just say that does not imply longevity. I completely understand that if you work a tool beyond its limits one can expect it to fail, but in my case I paid strict attention to what the manual said and the tool failed anyway. I have been impressed with the performance of Ryobi tools on numerous occasions but this was not one of those times.
Alex
It doesn’t look like it has an option to be powered from external 12v power source in an addition to battery power. If it can only be powered by battery – then I absolutely wouldn’t buy something like that. I have old model of cordless Milwaukee screwdriver, which is mechanically fully functional but practically nearly useless because the removable rechargeable batteries have lost most of their capacity and Milwaukee does not make batteries in such format anymore and there are no aftermarket options available. I don’t want same thing happening with tire inflator when Milwaukee might decide to create a different physical battery enclosure and abandon their M18 physical enclosure.
MM
It’s almost certainly possible that you can have your existing battery packs rebuilt with new cells in them. The chain Batteries Plus does this service if you don’t want to mess around with it yourself. I’m sure there are other companies who will do the same thing.
The lack of an external power source does seem like a disadvantage though. I have the Dewalt 20V dual-mode inflator, and it has built-in 12V and 110V power cords so you can run it off a car or a normal household outlet. That’s super handy.
aaron s
I have a couple tools I was hoping to breathe new life into with new batteries and I found it surprisingly expensive. Like more expensive than buying a new system. Ended up just donating them, hopefully they find a better home than just a trashcan.
Jared
For what it’s worth, I expect M18 to be around for a long, long time. It’s a huge line of tools. If it ever did disappear, you could probably use some other brand with an adapter, but like I said, M18 isn’t going to disappear.
SamR
As long electric motors, BMS, and electric boards keep improving, 18V as a power source would not be a problem. And it seems Milwaukee Tools do not take shortcuts on those.
Mark Zaborowski
You can find batteries for those old Milwaukee battery screwdrivers on Amazon. I bought a couple and they work fine.
John F
Only a couple of issues I noticed. It should have a built in led light for nighttime use, and what was already mentioned the external 12v capability for plugging into the car or truck. When it could be plugged into the 12v source it would be nice if it could charge the battery. I know it’s 18v not 12 but it could charge to a usable state.
Mark Zaborowski
I have one of those old Milwaukee screwdrivers. You can buy replacement batteries on Amazon that work just fine since Milwaukee doesn’t make the batteries anymore.
Dennis
I have the M12 version and it meets my needs, and I love it. This one seems more trade specific. What I’m really curious about is the shroud that is on the opposite side of the handle from the controls. It looks like you could lock spare batteries into it.
It would have also been nice if they made the bottom Packout compatible. That way you could make yourself a really nice automotive repair tool Packout stack with this on top as a handle.
John Blair
You get bonus points, you said exactly what I was thinking. I have the M12 which I carry in my electric car, I air up the tires every time I charge up and I love it. Its small and works well. My first thought on seeing the M18 version was, “That would be cool if it was Packout Compatible.”
Yes
Can’t be packout compatible. It vibrates too much and would just end up breaking the mounts on your lifetime warranty packout. Milwaukee isn’t going to keep exchanging packout units.
The only way it would be natively packout compatible is if Milwaukee beefed up the anti vibration mounts. Both the M12 and M18 inflators mention anti vibration feet as a “feature” but neither are really that great at cutting out vibration. At least not enough to be mounted on a Packout.
Kevin
I was thinking the same thing. The M12 is plenty powerful for most applications. I want this, but do I absolutely need it? Probably not. When there’s a deal I’m sure I’ll pick one up. Let’s be real, how often are these things topping off more than 10 PSI per wheel? Not very often.
OldDominionDIYer
Excellent new addition to the PackOut gear is coming… https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Storage-Solutions/PACKOUT/48-22-8045
Looks useful! I will definitely pickup this M18 version I love my M12
Chris
Price seems to be high, but it’s Milwaukee, so a sale will right around the corner.
I have the M12 and it’s been great. Had it since they were new and it’s been worth it. The only thing I don’t like is the brass screw on coupling. I’d prefer a quick connect/thumb release style.
Maybe I missed it, what’s the point of the black shroud opposite of the control panel?
Is it an air filter, or is something supposed to attach to it?
John
I have the M12 Milwaukee inflator, and it is very handy, but extremely limited. I filled a tire on my Silverado a couple of weeks ago, and going from 12.5 pounds to 44 took 15 minutes of runtime, killed the 2.0 battery, and still only got to 40.
If this M18 had been available when I bought the M12 a couple of years ago I would absolutely have purchased it instead.
Tom
My travel car kit includes the old (non fuel) M18 impact wrench and a $25 husky inflator. I see the advantage of not having to plug into a cigarette lighter and use the same battery for both tools, but at that price, I don’t think it is worth it.
Levi
What is the function of the black part on the opposite end from the controls with the slots? I see indicator lights towards the top but what about the rest?
OldDominionDIYer
I think that’s just some red plastic from the underneath structure and not indicator lights. Probably a fan tower to pull heat away, just a guess though.
Harrison
Those aren’t indicator lights- just thin sections of the red plastic body/frame.
That square piece of black plastic is a safety shield to protect your hands from the heat of the compressor piston underneath. The two layers of plastic create an air gap to stop the outer layer from being burning hot to the touch. The vent slots allow air driven by the cooling fan to exhaust up and out.
MM
Sounds correct to me.
I imagine the “guts” of the compressor resemble this inside:
https://www.viaircorp.com/c-models/100c
….the motor occupies the central portion of the tool, under the handle. On the left side, under that black cap, is the piston and its housing. On the right side is the control panel and the battery.
Harrison
That makes sense. I wonder if the air outlet goes through the handle?
David
This does look good. I would have been on this a few months ago. As it is I now have 2 MF-1050 inflators for the cars. Is it a hassle to connect to the battery, a little, but it is dang fast inflation.
SamR
It’s all good and great, but it is not a Fuel version that bugs me!
This means Milwaukee is holding something back!
I think Milwaukee should have jumped on it and made Fuel, even if it means it will be more expensive.
Does anyone know the official criteria for producing a Fuel version tool by Milwaukee Tool?
Harrison
What functionality do you imagine a ‘Fuel’ branded variant of this device would offer, that this inflator doesn’t?
Slightly more run time? A slightly shorter footprint due to elimination of the brushed motor commutator?
As it sits, this is a $170 tool, probably over $200 up here in Canada. Would those small benefits be worth raising the price by an additional 50-100%? I seriously doubt it, considering the wide appeal this tool will have for all kinds of users.
There are plenty of accessory devices in Milwaukee’s lineup that don’t have a Fuel (brushless) variant. In these cases, Milwaukee has decided that an off-the-shelf can-style brushed motor offers an adequate balance of cost, performance, size and runtime. Clearly it is not worth designing and manufacturing an expensive one-off, electronically-commutated motor assembly.
Also consider market placement, and price point. As it stands, no competitor offers a brushless inflator… even the new Makita XGT inflator is brushed, in an otherwise exclusively brushless tool lineup.
If you must have the ‘Fuel’ branding and are hell bent on spending $400… go buy the M18 cordless 2 gl. compressor.
I wouldn’t bet on a Fuel branded inflator happening any time soon, if ever. Pros inflating truck tires in the field will have a powerful on-board air system installed on their service vehicle.
SamR
Great points and thoughts.
Yes, Fuel would be more expensive. But maybe having Fuel in the first place would make none Fuel unit much cheaper!
I am sure the performance numbers would be very close between fuel and none-Fuel, which would not make me buy it.
To me, Fuel means durability and fewer warranty claims! And this is why I would buy it to have a pace of mind. It is like saying heavy duty!
Thank you for your delightful response.
Harrison
For sure, brushless motors definitely go longer without repair.
I suspect another reason they felt this motor would be adequate, is the isolation from the user- You switch it on, it does it’s thing, it turns off when the tire is full or the tool gets too hot. There’s no way for the operator to directly overload it and burn it out, they way you can lean too hard into a drill or saw. The tool probably runs at a nice steady RPM which would help the battery life.
I like talking about this kind of stuff!
Yes
This tool should have certainly been a brushless model at the very least, if not a Fuel (purpose-built brushless) model.
The 20 minute, 33% duty cycle is pathetic.
Even the M12 inflator has a 10 minute, 50% duty cycle. 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off.
This M18 inflator barely improves on the M12 inflator with a duty cycle of 6.7 minutes on, 13.3 minutes off.
A brushless motor would almost certainly contribute to a better duty cycle by nature of having no frictional losses (heat) from carbon brushes.
Yes
For reference, the Makita XGT inflator has a duty cycle of 10 minutes On / 5 minutes Off. Or 66% duty cycle. Much better than this Milwaukee.
MM
I doubt a brushless motor would have any affect on the duty cycle. The efficiency loss of brushes is tiny, and most of the heat is not coming from the motor, but rather the compression of the air itself. When you compress a gas it gets hot (Charles’s law).
Stuart
But what is the XGT’s airflow like? Fill-up or top-off speed?
It’s moot to talk about duty cycle without knowing performance details.
Hypothetically:
Tool A: Duty cycle of 20 on, 40 off, gets the job done in 15 minutes.
Tool B: Duty cycle of 30 on, 30 off, but takes 35 to get the job done.
Duty cycle requires context for interpretation.
The M18 is said to be capable of operating for “over 20 minutes.” If this also true for the 80 PSI 33% duty cycle, that would mean 20 on and 40 off.
MM
Stuart raised a very good point here. We don’t know the full picture here. And even the “duty cycle” figure itself is misleading. The duty cycle ought to be a curve based on the pressure the machine is working at; I seriously doubt it has the same duty cycle at 150 psi compared to 30 psi, for example.
If you look at a manual for a typical Viair compressor, which are very common for service vehicles, tow trucks, trucks or vans with air bag suspension or pneumatic shocks, off-road guys running air tools for trail repairs, etc, each model is given varying duty cycle depending on the pressure involved AND the ambient temperature. For example, a 444 series can run 100% duty cycle at 72 degrees and 100 psi. But if you run the pressure up to 200 psi (max) you only get 50% duty cycle.
I like that companies such as Viair publish a lot more detailed information about the compressor performance beyond just it’s max pressure and some arbitrary duty cycle at unspecified conditions. They publish a lot of useful information, like a chart of air flow and current draw relative to pressure, and examples of how long it takes the compressor to fill or top off commonly sized tanks. We’re not getting any of that sort of information from any of the “power tool brands”.
Jp
Do H.O. batteries make a difference in performance?
CharlesinRichmond
for m18 generally bigger batteries do noticeably affect performance
Saulac
The hose should be stored more internal, maybe along the handle. And the battery should be mounted external. In general, small portable equipment like this should be “chunky” with minimal things sticking out. This looks good on a desk. But want something I toss in the back of the seat w/o worry.
Same for the M12 inflator, I want it too look like a piece of 4×4 lumber with the battery slide in in one end and the hose is on the other end.
Milwaukee need to look into the emergency/camping/EDC…potential.
John Robbins
I have the m12 version and LOVE it for our minivan. It goes on long road trips with us for the “just in case”. I also use it at the house rather than pulling out my larger air compressor and hoses. It can do all 4 tires on a 1.5 or 2.0 battery. My problem has always been my truck. It just wasn’t worth the time trying to get it to air up my truck tires. This m18 should do that easily and I’m 100% in on this!
GinoG
Exactly my problem with the M12 version. I slightly deflated a rear tire (80psi) on my work van (Express) to see if it could handle it. Not even close. But this M18 inflator looks like Milwaukee finally has that covered. Excellent addition.
JR Ramos
TrueFill…really? Gimme a break, Milwaukee kids!
This is a hard pass for me although it would be nice to have something on their platform that worked well and was featured for the professional truck/jobber. The 12v one was kind of a joke and is a battery eater like the M12 vacuum (like killing batteries, not just shorter run times). No parts available for the M12 either, so it’s basically an uncompetitive throwaway tool…hope that part is changed on this new M18.
Looks like this lost a little and gained a little over the 12v. Longer hose is nice although external wrap is a big negative. I’d rather see a smoother housing design that had protected snag-free storage although that would make the whole thing look bigger (which would be fine). What I’d really rather see is a quick connect fitting for the hose so that it could be both protected and easily replaced when damaged/leaking, perhaps even with a different hose. Onboard 12v plug charging would be a big winner, too. I would imagine that would be both better and cheaper than their $$$ 12v charger. The 33% duty cycle is a big loser, though. The memory presets are a great idea.
Seems to be aimed more at homeowner or office emergency use. I guess the 2-gallon compressor is a bulky option for those that need more but this new M18 inflator could be great if they upped the ante just a little.
King duck
Boy that is getting close to the price of the cordless compressor and that has a lot more appeal to me but the auto off feature is nice. Hopefully they drive down the price of the m12.
Harry
Why can’t Milwaukee use a quick connect style valve stem connection instead of the screw on type? How hard can it be?
Kilroy
…Or at least include a quick connect fitting that screws onto the regular hose as an accessory for those who want to use it.
For those who care, however, such accessories with a bit of hose on them can be had for < $10 on Amazon.
Jay
I love Milwaukee tools. The only thing this new inflator lacks is the ability to inflate large, high volume, low pressure items such as watersport tubes and air mattresses. I’m a Milwaukee guy through and through but DEWALT has had one of these available for years. I really hope Milwaukee reads this and steps up soon.
Greg
I’ll wait to post once I get one. I will say I’ve literally bought every single cordless inflator out there minus clone ones (the Hart ones might as well be Ryobi and they are I’m sure). To rank them I’d say the following:
1). Dewalt 20v high pressure or high volume inflator with auto shut off combined with a flexvolt battery is the best combo. I can fill many tires from flat to top with no issues and little effect on the battery. Typically I use one of my 9ah flexvolts with it.
2). Milwaukee m12 is only number 2 because it’s convenient and fits in my mobile toolkit in my pack out box. For most jobs I carry only m12 tools so one less battery platform to carry around is super convenient. The m12 is by no means the best specs wise but in my situation it’s the most convenient which means a lot.
3). Makita 18v inflator. I wish this thing had a trigger lock. Without the trigger lock the auto shut off at chosen pressure is useless. However I’ve put this thing through the absolute ringer in the year I’ve had it. It’s sustained more abuse than I care to mention. I’ve let friends and family borrow it that aren’t easy on stuff either. Still works like day one. The other two on my list haven’t had the same kind of abuse so who’s to say. Since it’s really durable it’s number 3.
Every other inflator is not convenient for me, has burned out, etc. I’ve spent about $500 plus on all the cordless ones so far to find out it was those three.
Robert Cunner
A piece of Velcro tape pretty much eliminates the issue with the Makita not having a locking trigger. I use one and it has worked really well. Just pull trigger, put Velcro on and walk away till auto shut off engages.
Howard Neal
I have Makita 18v inflator with a zip tie trigger lock. It works and cost about a penny.
Robert Cunner
Nice – I’ll try that, might be even better than the Velcro – thanks!
Kracker
I have had the M12 since it came out its 5 🌟 its tough as nails I have forgot it was still secured to a tire and literally ran it over twice and it didn’t miss a lick. Very Impressed. Will buy the M18 just in case 3rd times not a charm
Nathan
curious as to how it compares to the dewalt. I don’t know if I would buy an inflator of if I’d just buy the cordless pancake compressor.
looks like a good addition and if I was a contractor and in team red I’d probably buy one for the truck as a good to have device.
meanwhile where is the cordless tool battery – jump starter.
MM
From what I can see there are pros and cons. The pros to the Milwaukee seem to be that it’s faster, and that it has memory presets for different pressures.
On the other hand, the Dewalt also has a low-pressure high-flow inflation feature for things like air mattresses or pool/beach toys, which is something the Milwaukee lacks. The Dewalt can also run on 12V DC or 110V AC via included power cords which store inside the unit while the Milwaukee only runs on batteries. Dewalt also has a pretty powerful built-in LED light which could be useful if you found yourself having to inflate a tire in the dark.
I’d personally rather have the Dewalt. As I see it, this is a convenience tool. A pro mechanic is going to have shop air with a proper compressor at their workshop or on their service truck, so anyone who needs to inflate tires often is never going to fool around with a small portable tool like this. At a bare minimum they’re going to go with a pancake compressor. These types of tools are more for emergency use or convenience around the house–balls for the kids, air mattress when people stay over, keeping the tires topped up on the grocery getter, etc. I think for that kind of use the additional flexibility of the Dewalt is more important than the Milwaukee apparently being slightly faster.
Bill
MM, you say your Dewalt inflator came with both the 12v car/cigarette power cable and a 110vac power cable. So your model has built in ac/dc power conversion without the need for an external ac/dc transformer? My unit, DCC020I, requires the purchase of a separate ac/dc transformer to utilize a wall outlet.
MM
Howdy Bill.
I actually had never used the cord(s) on mine, I’ve only run it off batteries. I was under the impression that it came with both cables but I just checked and my unit came with a DC power cord only. I must have misread Dewalt’s description. The description states that it’s compatible with an AC cord but that is apparently sold separately, I had assumed wrong that it came with that cable.
I still think the Dewalt has more flexibility than the Milwaukee, it’s unfortunate the extra cable costs money instead of being included but at least that’s an option that doesn’t exist for the Milwaukee. I must say though, I do think Milwaukee’s idea of the programmable presets is nice. Right now I have one tire I’m constantly having to top off. It would be nice to use a preset for that instead of having to dial in the pressure every time with the Dewalt.
Bill
Hello MM,
Thank you for your detailed and thorough response. I just didn’t know if Dewalt had a newer version with built in AC charging. I also have only used it with battery power so far and I really like the performance and versatility the Dewalt offers over the Milwaukee. As for the presets, I think it’s a great idea and I wish they were an available function on the Dewalt.
Maybe on the next model.
Franco Calcagni
Seems nice and all but a tire inflator should not be a specialty type tool…just about anyone can have one. Problem is $169 tool only, it becomes a specialty tool. You need to be doing lots of tires to justify that price, like a tow truck driver.
So, nice tool but at that price not for everybody.
CharlesinRichmond
have m12, could see buying this too if it goes on sale. m12 takes a while for trailer tires. But it gets the job done and I usually have a compressor around.
If I were hauling a trailer a long distance I’d buy this first
Charles
I have had the M12 version for awhile and it is great – but slow and sucks up batteries.
The M18 seems to have solved those problems so it’ll be on my list when a sale comes up.
The only thing both of these seem to be missing is a place to put your valve stem cap.
To turn any of these into a quick release, then all you need is something like this https://www.amazon.com/LUMITECO-Locking-Standard-Inflator-Connection/dp/B07MX882J8/
Charles
Can I reply to my own post?
I just bought the M18 and am pretty blown away. I have (had) the M12 version so why buy this?
About a ago, my brother-in-law came by (he is completely tool and car clueless but a really nice guy). He said his TPMS light came on and he made an appt at his local tire place about 50 miles away.
I found a nicely embedded screw in an easily repairable spot, so I dabbed some rubber cement on it to help keep the screw in, aired up the tire and loaned him the M12 so he could air it up if the light came back on before he got to the shop (no highway driving).
He got the tire fixed and proceeded to air up his wife’s car, his daughter’s car and thought it was so cool.
He went on travel but promised to return it when he got back. It was his birthday while he was gone, so I bought him a charger on eBay, sent it to him and ordered the M18.
So what are the differences? I’ve spent all of a half hour with it so I’m obviously perfectly qualified to write an expert in-depth article about it.
It is far bigger than I expected. The battery location is far better. The “pinch and pull” to the front is far easier than the “pick up, find the two tabs, pinch them and pull it off” from the M12. For me, I also have far more M18 batteries so this is easier too.
It airs up tires far faster than the M12 – to the point where I’m asking myself if there was something wrong with my M12 (the M12 was about the same as the 12v plug in Continental unit that was rebranded as Honda/Acura that came with my old car.)
The last time I had the snow tires put on, the shop aired them up to a measly 32psi (the door jamb calls for 38 and I always put in 40) and it took a couple of minutes to air up each tire – to the point where I could go inside the house, get a rag to wipe my hands before the first tire aired up.
So I hadn’t checked the air in the tires for a couple of months (remember I had loaned out my M12 and it had been a couple of weeks before that I last checked), so my tires were all at 37.5psi.
I aired the first one up to 40 psi and it was done by the time I pulled the protective plastic off the display. I then aired the next down to 32, then up to 40. While it was airing up, I pulled the tire valve stem caps off the remaining two tires and put the first one back on.
The overairing by a psi or so, then airing down to the set psi was a bit odd, but probably results in a more accurate reading.
That thing is fast and quite a bit quieter than the M12. Although the M18 is heavier, the handle is more comfortable than the one on the M12. The longer hose is nice too.
What are the downsides? There are a few.
Price – it is a bit pricey for what is really a one trick pony. Do I really need this for four cars?
Size and weight – not as convenient to drag around in the car because of the size.
More importantly, I’m not impressed with the way to wrap up the cord – the little plastic clip doesn’t inspire confidence.
And yes, I don’t understand why they didn’t put some sort of a place to put the valve cap. I’m thinking of getting a spare valve stem and figuring out a way to attach it. I’ll post my “fix” when I come up with it.
Would I buy it again? Yep. I just have to find more tires to air up.
Stuart
Thank you for sharing your feedback with the new M18 inflator!
Flotsam
it looks fine and probably the thing to get if you are on M18
But what i don’t understand is why is it almost $100 more than the Ridgid i have? That one is great and it is hybrid , 18v batt or plug into car. and very fast
Kingsley
Just like the dewalt one it has a screw on valve for car tyres. Which for most cars is fine, but not for my Jaguar, it has hidden valves on its 20″ BBS rims and they don’t have a thread. I had to buy an adapter that uses a normal clamp type valve, which is also quicker.
My other annoyance with the Dewalt one is that it it doesn’t remember the last pressure setting after powering down. Minor, but annoying.
Trkmster59
I just bought this unit three days ago after seeing it go up against the Snap on version and winning hands down, all I can say is, fast, quiet and rugged, love the presets and display, $ 179.00 plus tax at Home Depot, can’t wait to see how long it takes to fill a 11.24.5 truck tire to 120 pounds.!!!!!!!