[REVIEW] - Best Portable Tire Air Inflators Compared!

[@frankvucolo6249]

I got the Kobalt as a gift and love it. I have checked the psi with a good quality dial gauge, several times, and it is dead on. From 14psi on my lawn tractor to 35psi on my truck. I have a regular compressor and a very good ($100 20 years ago) Craftsman tire inflator. But now the Kobalt is my go to tool for tires.

[@davestoller6994]

Yours was a well-constructed, well-organized and very informative presentation. Thank you from an old guy in the West.

[@BrianFischer]

Cheers Dave. Thank you for the feedback!!

[@BenLinn]

wow this is probably the best review i've seen on youtube. so professional. only downside is it's so long, so good thing there are chapters to skip to questions you have

[@richardbright8804]

You did quite a lot of testing and research for this test. If this is the amount of effort that you put into every video, I’m very excited to watch all of your videos. You have got a subscription for me!

[@gym_bob]

Lots of useful information on here. The only thing missing would be how long does it take to pump up a car tire when completely flat. If I'm stranded somewhere, I want to pump up a flat tire as quickly as possible. Thankyou!

[@derelict8715]

I put my new Dewalt through a “torture test” with a 110 volt source by pumping up my six RV tires, on average starting from 70 up to 90 psi with only brief breaks to move to the next tire. It ran almost a full hour against high pressure without any difficulty or feeling too warm. I hope it lasts!

[@MrTommy001]

Thanks Derelict8. I already have several Dewalt cordless tools with batteries and a charger. This is the second video where the testers end up saying the Dewalt pump is the best choice. I too have an RV with tires that need 80 psi and this is the ONLY reason I want to buy an inflation tool.

[@derelict8715]

I used my DeWalt pump to get the last of the water out of my RV’s pipes while winterizing. Here’s how. Get most of the water out of the system by draining the fresh water tank and the water heater, and running the water pump to get most of the water out of the various faucets and such. Do not bypass the water heater. Seal everything up and put a schrader valve adapter on the water intake. Put the air pump on it and set it for 30-40 psi, which is fine since that is typical RV water pump pressure. Of course, you can do other things while the pump runs, since it shuts itself off once the set pressure is reached. Once the system is pressurized, the water heater tank is functioning like the air pressure tank on a big air compressor. Now, you can open up the faucets and get lots more water out. Repeat as needed until all the pipes are clear. I live in the frozen north, so I still put in antifreeze to be safe.

[@nathan6973]

The dewalt is good. I like it but after a year of use. This only thing that needs to be change or fix is the adjust button. Mine is getting hard to turn when your trying to set pressure. Other than that, it’s good. It sucks that they raise the price from 89.00 to 135.00 now. I was lucky I got one when it first came out.

[@LC-ll2sl]

Had the kobalt for a year. Used it maybe 3 times and it just stopped working. Will be getting a deWalt inflator now!!

[@Randys_Channel]

Wow! Such a thorough comparison and review. Much thanks!

[@joaquinnina4391]

Excelent video! Found exactly the information I was looking for, plus a little more. Too bad I didn't find it sooner. You've got a new subscriber.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

this is a great presentation, this is the most involved review i have seen so far.

[@BrianFischer]

Thank you!!

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@BrianFischer _What about this?_ --> VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor - 30033

[@henrycollanqui3206]

Agree

[@henrycollanqui3206]

Better good presentation !!!

[@DM-oc2zk]

Amazing detailed review and it's very nicely edited btw!

[@DW-ph2xg]

Very well done review, Brain. Very thorough. 👍🏻

[@moondog3056]

Hit about everything except for do they work as advertised? Do they accurately show the pressure?

[@BrianFischer]

For the most part yes. They'll all fill up whatever needs air. I covered the accuracy of the pressure at 8:39. In short, they all were accurate with the exception of the Kobalt.

[@stevosteve]

Excellent video, well resented and I really like the onscreen graphics that match the subject being discussed at that moment..

[@lordhowellpulangco9435]

hi Brian since i am located in united arab emirates i prefer dewalt since and nakita brand are just around the stores, no need to worry about the power since you 2 option 12 volts and battery.

[@El_Carnicero]

How loud are they? I’m leaning towards the Craftsman but saw other videos where it sounded quite loud and obnoxious.

[@NickMoore56]

Brian. Thanks very much for making this excellent review. I purchased a Dewalt using your link. Thanks again.

[@BrianFischer]

Thank you Nick! I appreciate the feedback!

[@Geerladenlad]

On my last air pump I converted the cigarette lighter attachment to small alligator jumper cable style clips to go directly on the battery posts. I had issues popping the fuse in my vehicle.

[@shyenterprisesinc7693]

Yours was probably the most informative video I watched. Just like you I went out and bought not one but 2 cheap tire inflators and both broke. One broke the first time I used it, the other broke within a couple times in using if. I was looking to buy a better one and made my choice easy since I stumbled across your video. So I thank you for sharing and taking the time to make this video. 🙏 going with the Dewalt

[@BrianFischer]

Shy Enterprises Inc Glad I could help! I ran into the same issue so I would hate for others to follow in the same path I did. THANK YOU for the feedback! Makes it feel like these videos are worth the time!

[@aaafarmclub4090]

Several years ago I bought the lowest cost Craftsman tire inflator (was $20-$25, no frills, as I recall) and I really enjoyed not having to fool around at gas station air stations. Unfortunately, it didn't last very long. So now, I just want one that won't break. I like the idea of buying one brand of tool so you can easily interchange batteries. A number of people have mentioned they already have Dewalt tools (and they aren't bad-mouthing them), so I might be leaning towards that one.

[@kylekeilson4235]

Excellent explanation on the different products offered. One of the best reviews and most thorough that I’ve seen on KZbin.

[@starfire8221]

As a 76 year old female I love my Dewalt .... easy for me to lift and work.

[@aldengal82]

@Sharon Hawkins Hi, I just read your comment about the DeWalt. I am a seventy-year-old widow and not very strong I know also know nothing about cars. Would you be kind enough to let me know if this model that you bought would work for me. I need something that's super to use. Thanks very much😁

[@starfire8221]

aldengal82 yes it is! I even figured out how to use by watching a Utube video.

[@aldengal82]

@@starfire8221 thanks so much!!🥰

[@janm8477]

Good reviews - a lot of aspects, on 4 different inflators. That's a lot of work! Thanks.

[@Khercules]

Thank you for the video! I own the dewalt but had my eyes on the Milwaukee or craftsman as I own batteries for those tools as well. I need a second one because I have many vehicles. Looks like I’m getting a second dewalt one!

[@whatfreedom7]

I’ve used the Milwaukee and it’s a great little inflator.

[@BrianFischer]

Agreed, I just need a larger battery for mine. I'm using the smaller ones that came with my heated jacket and those things die within just a few uses.

[@whatfreedom7]

Brian Fischer yeah they are a battery hog. I’d get at least a 4.0 preferably 6.0. But for home use it’s not a big deal.

[@bryangrim6021]

You did an awesome job with this comparison/review. 👍 Thanks for being so thorough, informative, yet down to earth. Just AWESOME! Well done!

[@BrianFischer]

thank you!!

[@Darkness-ie2yl]

im intrigued at how readily he dissed china's produce

[@aaronrepper7649]

I have the Milwaukee it is awesome and small easy to carry in your truck, great quality.

[@jonmac4398]

Awesome video thank you! I'm totally going for the Dewalt!

[@BrianFischer]

Thanks Jon for the feedback, you'll like it I'm sure!

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@BrianFischer What's your opinion about VIAIR, Audew and Harbor Freight compared to these in video? Thanks

[@chrispewkreme]

Interesting, I've been searching for an inflator and never came across this video. I searched specifically for a Craftsman inflator and then found this. I was set on the Milwaukee til discovering the DeWalt had a 110v corded option. But you have to pay $30-80 for the cord. The Craftsman comes with a 110v cord. And it's black and red which has always been my favorite color theme.

[@junemcneely380]

I like your presentation. you don't talk fast and pace yourself well and very informational. I don't want to spend $$ on battery but i agree it is convenient . thank you for your video

[@travisthompson6512]

That was a thorough review. Much appreciated and great content.

[@philip48230]

I got the Kobolt in 2017. It’s worked well on my RV tires that need 80 PSI, until this year 2024. Now I cannot get more than 40 PSI out of it. Any suggestions?

[@MazichMusic]

I'm into Dewalt and Craftsman, but I bought the Craftsman from ACE due to their deal last week. Buy a combo of charger and two 2ah batteries for $79 and get a tool free. When I picked it up yesterday, they substituted a 4ah battery in place of the 2 smaller batteries, which is better for me. I think it will be just fine for my needs. Nice video; first time I've seen you.

[@frederickneal4781]

What are the run times on all of these before they have to rest to avoid overheating? DID YOU CONVIENTLY LEAVE THAT OUT ON PURPOSE?

[@BrianFischer]

stop yelling

[@nathan6973]

The Milwaukee is great for keeping in your car. It’s strong and small. I recommend this one as the button is easy to use. I also have the dewalt, but the button for the pressure is hard to move now. That is the downfall for me now. But both dewalt and Milwaukee do good on pressure. I can’t wait for the Milwaukee M18 to come out.

[@stevenrapp3217]

Very Good review Brian. Sure wish I would have watched this first before my Craftsman is being delivered today. (smile) None-the-less.....Many Thanks for such a comprehensive and well thought out review!! Best Wishes.

[@stevew3978]

You made a good point about needing a compressor when the cigarette lighter may not work at the worst time. That's why I ended up buying a Milwaukee as a X'mas gift. I figured the person I'll give the gift to wouldn't spend the money to buy an expensive battery and for all intents and purposes they would use it as a cordless compressor.

[@jte-cr5sv]

Great video, very well put together. Ridgid now has an inflator option as I'm sure you know and would fit right into this test. I agree 100% that DeWalt is a great choice over the products you compared against. One friendly note, ATV and UTV tires only run 4-15psi with a MAX bead seating pressure of 35psi. Now trailer tires used to carry such toys will have up to 80psi for their tires. Just a note as I wouldn't want you to steer any viewer in the wrong direction. Thanks.

[@mikecundiff1891]

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[@mikecundiff1891]

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[@mikecundiff1891]

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[@mikecundiff1891]

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[@mikecundiff1891]

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[@duypham75]

how about the greenworks one

[@hissharp]

Have any idea why the compressor won’t work when I put it on my Macan tire? I’ve only used this 5 or 6 times and it’s worked beautifully. In fact it worked yesterday on the same tire. It works when it’s not hooked up to a tire but as soon as I clip it onto the tire today, no air. Any help would be appreciated Kobalt is no help. Thank you!

[@septimuspretorius250]

Bravo!!! Great presentation! Great information! Great summary! You should hold seminars on how to plan, produce and deliver a KZbin video.

[@BrianFischer]

Thank you for the feedback!

[@TheGeocab]

Thanks for the comparisons. I have been using the Kobalt for the past 4 years because my rims leak on my car and they are $400 for replacements. I'd rather just inflate the two tires that are affected every couple of days than spend $800 plus whatever installation would be on a car that I'm not sure how much longer I'll have. The thing with the Kobalt, my third one just broke. They seem to last about 1-2 years with the frequency I use them. I follow the 10 minutes on/off rule, especially after the first failure. The biggest reasons I bought the Kobalt, the 120Volt option, and the set it and forget it feature. One note, the pump works faster when plugged in to a 120volt outlet. Now that I've gone through 3 pumps, I was looking to see what the alternatives are and I think my next pump will be the Dewalt. It has the same things I liked about the Kobalt, plus the battery option. As you said in the reveiw, it's nice in case the 12V cigarette lighter power fails, which in my car I wouldn't be surprised.

[@terencehennessy1145]

TIP: Had a similar leak for weeks w/ new tires, adding air weekly until I finally added an extra 5-10 psi, then bled back down to the MAX COLD PSI.. it apparently SEATED the tire properly, and Never leaked again.

[@Sebastopolmark]

That is a VERY comprehensive review, one of the most through I have viewed. However, the ONE thing you did not review was accuracy. I ride a motorcycle and PSI is MUCH more important compared to an automobile. Also people who ride a bicycle need an accurate inflator. SO this review gets a 4 our of 5. Thanks for doing the video.

[@antolintaveras7914]

I have bought some un Amazon and Walmart and the oring inside them gets burned because it is plástic which one si very durable?

[@ironman1518.]

Great job, excellent review! I would go with the Milwaukee because i have many M-12 tools and batteries it it would meet my needs.

[@MrSupernova111]

Are the different batteries compatible with the unit's charger? For example: 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 batteries? Thanks!

[@ironman1518.]

Yes, ALL the N-12's fit on my Milwaukee wall 4 battery charger,.

[@MrSupernova111]

@@ironman1518. . Awesome! Thanks!

[@edwinyohe2716]

Great review and it is even super great with the info presented in the blog. One note, the prices, especially for Dewalt, seem to have increased more than a bit in the last 2 years. I'm looking at about $300 for 3 way power with the Dewalt

[@Acanofalconpunch]

Ive seen for 179. Idk where you're looking

[@donotrobme9295]

With the dewalt and Milwaukee, do those brass chucks attach to modern mountain bikes and road ( cycling) bike tires? Thx! Very grateful to anyone who knows this. Thx

[@BrianFischer]

Mountain bikes, I don't know. For my road bike, I couldn't get it to attach correctly and bought a separate road bike-specific pump.

[@donotrobme9295]

@@BrianFischer thanks. I just bought it. It works!!! It came with a small brass attachment. I can’t remember which bikes of mine are Schroeder vs the other style but it works for one of em

[@ak0sijeff]

Great video! Ultimately went with Dewalt. Would you happen to know which AC power adaptor model number to go with? I realized that it doesn’t come with it in the package.

[@mikeyoung292]

Great presentation. Spent an hr or two looking on line , just got more confused. Watched this presentation decided right away. Thanks again.

[@mr.anonymous6428]

I already have the craftsman v20 batteries and chargers, but wanted to find a good test video. This did it for me. Thank you.

[@SureFeelsGood]

can you reccomend any small ones?

[@charleslewis5301]

That was a great watch and very helpful, thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@reactionsok]

Great review. I stuck with the Milwaukee because I had the tools

[@kappawear]

Is there any trick to getting the battery out of the Milwaukee M12 inflator? Mine feels like it won't come out.

[@toolinhand]

I'm already in the Craftsman line, so I'm going to get that one.

[@toolinhand]

@UNPLISHED don't project your terrible childhood at the hands of an abusive stepparent on me.

[@tomray4139]

I use an 18v Ryobi 1 gallon air compressor to fill tires, and I can use it for small pneumatic tools.

[@dannylaw7367]

That settles it...I'm going to buy the Kobalt. Craftsman products are all cheap junk anymore as your clip reminded me. thanks

[@goskullheads]

Thanks for your sacrifice! Cool / informational vid!

[@19summers81]

You should look into a Viair 88p, it's corded but hooks to the car battery and is very heavy duty.

[@ygluxury]

I love your honesty

[@RalphHightower]

I bought the DeWalt and liked it so much that I bought a second so each car has its own inflator. Checking the cars' tires monthly takes just a few minutes. I already have a few DeWalt batteries and some tools so I didn't want to change battery systems.

[@quantumfixits7574]

Great video Brian (good editing)...appreciate the info as I am probably going to purchase the Dewalt (this from a Milwaukee fanboy!)...the Dewalt checks all the boxes for me as I can use it in my Bike Shop and on my various vehicles.

[@BrianFischer]

Hold up! Before you do that, what kind of bikes are you talking about? I did not have a road bike when filming this video, but recently go into cycling this past summer. Call me the dummy, but either I can't figure out how to use these to fill up road bike tires, or they don't work that well. I actually end up going out and purchasing a bike pump to fit presta valves.

[@emmarowley1096]

Do you have schrarder valve rather than the presta? You need to buy an adapter for the schrarder valve and then you can use it with all compressor etc

[@marcj2651]

Hi Brian! Just wondering which one is the most heavy duty, durable and will last in a long run among all of them?

[@FreeTimeFeats]

Unsure about runtime.. But thta kobalt is an absolute monster regarding bulk and protection.

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Great video, thanks! Also, a lot of these choices will be driven by what battery system the purchaser already has. My garage is filled with DeWalt so it’s a natural choice for me. Good to see it came out on top. Cheers!

[@BrianFischer]

Thanks for the feedback! I agree, it only makes sense to buy what you already have batteries for.

[@randypendleton2529]

I have the DeWalt and maintain a fleet of X-Ray machines in Ram ProMasters. It quickly tops off the tires up to 85 psi easily. I pack it in a overhead sized suitcase along with an fluid transfer pump designed to work off the vehicle battery. It sucks the oil right out of the dipstick allowing me to not get under the vehicle. I love the DeWalt!

[@Sasquatch0701]

Thanks for the great review! Can you tell me how loud each one is?

[@MercedesE63S-AMG]

Mercedes E63-S AMG recommend tire pressure for all four of the tires is 50 psig. I'd like to see how long they would take to reach that. 🤔

[@nazaarshadir]

Great review. Which Dewalt battery and battery charger do you recommend?

[@BrianFischer]

As long as it's 20V, any will do. The smaller pack 2Ah, seems to work fine and has plenty of capacity.

[@terrykohrt5643]

How about a review on an air armor M240?

[@phill3047]

Brian thanks for the review. Kobalt does have the K24HP 24volt tire inflator. It works well but the inflator hose is short. $40 at Lowes

[@TheQuirby]

Yep I watched the entire video. Good video dude

[@BrianFischer]

I appreciate it!

[@BizBob12]

Good presentation. Good information. First time someone made sense of this. And it shouldn't be that hard. Thanks.

[@bobbg9041]

After a 3 year time has passed go back for reliability on the brand you kept. Also Milwaukie has a 18 volt version now. And of all the brands its the best in my view im drinking the coolaid. Plus ive went to it for my tools and yard tools.

[@BrianFischer]

Still loving the Dewalt. It's been kept in my trunk for all this time. Battery is doing fine too.

[@terrykohrt5643]

How about max PSI? Truck tires require 80-85 PSI. What is the max each will put out? How long does it take to fill up a truck tire from 20 to 80 PSI? Do any have an option to hook directly to the vehicle battery?

[@downwithosama1]

Thanks for the video! Saved me time. Do you have a video on portable jump starters?

[@BrianFischer]

not yet! But I'm hoping to get one of those made up soon. Been doing a ton of research. From what I can tell NOCO starters may be a very good option. I'm trying to reach out to them to get some samples to test. See their stuff here: amzn.to/32ntWfF

[@downwithosama1]

@@BrianFischer hey thanks Brian. You're awesome! Already subbed, keep up the good work man.

[@glngib]

I just ordered the Craftsman because I have the batteries and I had a gift card from Lowes. I did it before I saw this video.

[@KCnLex]

Good vid, but really need to do another on a truly portable one which is self contained, not needing additional batteries or parts. Purchased a car with run flats and no spare which means I am going to have a portable in my car because I don't trust the run flat to run! For the cost of the DeWalt I could get a decent sized gallon or so air compressor to stay in my garage which would come without needing additional equipment. My ex got our good air compressor and I miss it, but don't know that I need to go full size. Most likely the truly portable ones would suffice and as they all look like junk, I would like to know in that size and cost category which is best (best of the bad so to speak). THANKS

[@chillios2222]

I have the craftsman because I had the weed machine and the blower which have both been good so far ( I had the charger and batteries ) , if I didn’t I’d get the Dewalt

[@johndennis6012]

Excellent presentation, very articulate with good information.

[@BrianFischer]

Thank you John

[@Rrr-wu8zj]

Impressive! You do great research, keeps me from doing it. Thanks

[@Volkovic7013]

Thumbs up and comment for our dude spending his own monie and making a banger video

[@BrianFischer]

Thank you!!

[@hayabusa27]

Wow awesome video dude. Changed my mind about getting the Dewalt

[@BelleAlexandra]

Thank you very much for your well put presentation! It has pretty valuable information to lots of people. You're rock!

[@v.h]

Thanks for all the details. Very useful. Now to find a deal on that Dewalt.

[@Bossofnugs]

amazing review. Im subbed, and now know i need to buy the dewalt thank you

[@salchavez4846]

Very professional Mr.👌🏼

[@joy.ttotheworld4713]

How about these guys compare to onboard air compressor in terms of performance?

[@BrianFischer]

Joy.T to the World Insuppose it depends on your definition of performance

[@diegowallis]

Question, was the speed test cable or battery? And if he went to the battery, what batteries did he put in each one? since the watts have to do with the pressure.

[@BrianFischer]

Hey Diego, the speed test was battery powered, with the exception of the Kobalt, which doesn't have a battery. I don't have the exact wattage readily available, but you should be able to find them on the individual product pages I linked in the blog post here: brianmfischer.com/best-portable-tire-air-inflator/

[@flash9199]

Good comprehension review... i actually made it to the end.... 😁

[@valchris11]

Great Review.I will choose the Dewalt since I already have batteries for it. It is on backorder so I will wait until in stock and buy through your link. Thanks again, hope you get your $ returned 😊.

[@BrianFischer]

Thanks for the feedback!!!

[@kumaraswamyselvaraj3111]

Awesome! Great Review Brian!! Thanks for saving me a ton of time researching them individually!

[@vsighi]

Will DeWalt unit can self recharge the 20V Battery, 5.0-Ah? Or I need to take it out and installed with a DeWALT ADAPTER?

[@BrianFischer]

Very good question. I do not believe so. The battery needs to be removed and charged on a dedicated charger.

[@photofire100]

Hey Brian. Your video was awesome. It was very informative and detailed which I liked. We will bu upgrading to the DeWalt soon as our older compressor has given up the ghost. Also because I have several DeWalt tools, with batteries and chargers. Stay well friend. Gary in Simi Valley, CA.

[@BrianFischer]

Gary Mellinger thank you for the feedback. I really appreciate it Gary

[@salman617]

I love Milwaukee products so I’m buying it

[@PROutdoors94]

Solid video dude. Perfect breakdown between these units. I like the dimensions and price of the craftsman, however I own a dewalt drill with two 20v batteries so I wonder if I should go with dewalt since I’ve already got a couple of their batteries. Hmmmm.

[@PROutdoors94]

Pricing is weird in Canada, craftsman is $89.99 but the dewalt is $159.99. Both without a battery.

[@paulfun8720]

Dewalt not supplying an AC power supply cord is confusing. Do you know if it will work with an extension cord or is it something proprietary?

[@BrianFischer]

You can't use just a plain extension cord. You need to use something like this: amzn.to/30FX2Xx

[@poet99999]

I have the dewalt already, was looking at craftsman since it's 3 power options included and with a battery adapter I can use my milwaukee batteries (like I do with he dewalt)

[@DARTH-VADER-SW]

Wow. Great review. Very detailed. Awesome presentation. Thank you. Thumbs up and subscribed.

[@seany5026]

Did you say you used 20v battery for Milwaukee M12 (12v) inflator? Is that OK? if so, what about using 40 V battery?

[@BrianFischer]

Negative. I used a 12V battery for the Milwaukee. My fault if I said it wrong.

[@albear972]

Fantastic review! Thanks!