Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Since I don't need an air compressor for air tools etc., I bought a small direct drive inflator to do the tires and other small inflation jobs like air mattresses. Its rated .60 SCFM @30PSI. Its 120 volts and plugs into a regular wall outlet. It struggled to inflate four car tires to 32psi and I'm wondering if it is simply undersized for auto tires especially 60psi compact spare tires. If so, whats a good alternative for tires and other small inflatables? Free air at the gas station is a thing of the past here in Ca.. Thanks.
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Truthfully, investing in a actual air compressor is money well spent. I have a relatively cheap DeWalt one that I bought a Home Depot. Its not great(oil-less and a small tank) but it does surprisingly well. I've done things with it that required it to run constantly for hours at a time and it still works great after close to 10 years of service.
Another option is to use the compressed gas cylinder style inflators. The do require refilling the tank from time to time but youd be surprised how many tires you can fill with them. You can buy them from places like Powertank but if you do some searching on the 4x4 forums you will find info on piecing one together for much cheaper.
Good Luck, Doug -
Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Harbor Freight has a couple of small 100 psi oiless compressors for as little as 40 bucks with a coupon that you can get from their website or sign up for their monthly flyer.
DukeComment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
I bought a small pancake air compressor. Why I am not sure as I have a large one in my shop. Anyhow I was very disappointed with that small air compressor. Buy a decent sized one instead.Comment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Have you checked for a used one on places like Craig's list? There always seems to be great deals to be had if you keep checking there.Comment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Richard-------
What you have is a "toy" compressor; forget it. You can buy a 1.5 to 2.0 HP compressor at Harbor Freight on sale for 125 bucks or less. This can be an oil less or oil type compressor with 8-10 gallon tank and 120V operation. I MUCH prefer an oil type compressor. This will inflate your tires with no problem and do a lot of other things for you, too.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Douglas/Duke/John/Jim/Joe: Thanks for your replies and valuable comments. Looks like I will have to find the local Harbor Freight. Have a safe Memorial Day.Comment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Richard-------
Something to be aware of is that virtually all of the Harbor Freight products are of Chinese manufacture and their compressors are certain to be. However, their quality is a lot better than it once was. If I were going to be using a compressor day in and day out, I'd probably want a good US manufactured compressor-----something like a Quincy Airmaster or Ingersoll-Rand. But, one of those will cost a pretty penny and for use like you have it just can't be justified. In fact, for use like most hobbyists have, it can't be justified.In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Adequacy of Small Direct Drive Tire Inflator
Actually, my favorite for inflating tires is the cordless Campbell Hausfeld inflator cc2300. It actually costs more than some air compressors but is so compact and just easy to grab, I almost never use the air compressor I have for tires. It will definitely inflate to 60 pounds--I have a recumbent trike and keep the tires inflated to 60 pounds.
When I first bought one back in 2000, it was for spare air at the track and they used to sell for $30 at Walmart. These days they look to be $60 and you'd have to order online. I'm on my second one--eventually the battery craps out as cordless tools do. The air gauge on it, is not accurate but I have a good Long Acre Racing tire gauge for that.
See here:
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