With separate high-pressure and high-volume hoses, the ability to operate from three power sources, handy features, and easier-to-use controls, the DeWalt is the best overall inflator weve tested. The 77P comes with a handy carrying case, but weve found that its a tight fit to get everything in, and over time the zipper on our 77Ps case has separated because of the strain. And its almost always sold as a battery-less bare toolif you want to use it cordlessly but dont already have a DeWalt 20V Max battery and charger, youll have to add that onto the cost of the inflator. When you store the unit, the 29-inch air hose easily wraps into clips on the side. No matter which head youre using, the attachment features a trigger grip, an oversized pressure gauge that reads up to 170 psi in 2 psi increments, and a micro bleed valve for getting pressures just right. The 75P also has no work light, and its tight push-on chuck is hard to get on and off a tires valve stem. Its auto shutoff is simple to set, thanks to its large buttons, but not as easy as the DeWalts dial control. The 20V Max Inflator also includes the best digital gauge weve seen, the easiest auto-shutoff feature, large buttons, a well-designed housing, and a work light. Its compact dimensions and handy case also make it easy to stow in a vehicle. As with most 12 V powered inflators, the 77P can be powered only by plugging it into a cars power port (cigarette lighter receptacle); you cant plug it into a household outlet. In our tests, the gauge tended to read high while the unit was running, forcing us to stop it to get an accurate reading. Is it possible to build a better tire lever? We use N2 in aircraft tires for that exact reason. Balances under $10 are due in full. There is no administration fee charged for entering into a special payments plan. Also, its work light faces toward you when youre reading the gauge, so its hard to read the gauge and light the work area at the same time. See the Competition for a couple models that can handle pressures of 120 psi or even more. Screw-on connectors can take slightly more time than a good push-on chuck, but they tend to be straightforward and secure. When the 88P was running, however, the gauge read way too high, so we had to keep turning it off to get a good reading. The packaging for some inflators touts high psi numbers, such as 300 psi, that can be misleading. For residents of Quebec, the period between the statement date and the due date for payment is 26 days. We focused mainly on 12-volt and cordless models, because they will be the handiest for most drivers. The offered rate is exclusive of any bonus or promotional offers or redemption transactions. Build quality: If you scan the user reviews of various tire inflators, youll find a lot of people complaining about their unit malfunctioning after relatively little use. The compact Wagan Tech Quick Flow provided reasonable inflation times, but its gauge was hard to read and off by about 3 psi. A carrying case also makes it easier to stow the unit in a vehicle. Its easy and quick. But it runs on a compatible lithium-ion battery only. Contact your store for more information. Dont go by the psi figure imprinted on the tires sidewall; thats the maximum inflation pressure, not what the automaker recommends. Unlike Viairs other models, which require a 15-amp power port, the Viair 75P can be operated on 10 amps, which allows it to be used with many older vehicles. Learn more. With no backup power sources, you will need to keep the battery charged. Prime Gaming August 2022 - StarCraft Remastered + 4 other games - free with prime membership, [Lenovo Canada] The Ryobi was almost as quick as the Viairs at inflating our test tire, its pressure gauge was spot-on, and it has an auto-shutoff feature and a sturdy, well-designed housing. (Sadly the tire wasnt able to hold air very long. And at 41 psi, it was spot-on. But we named the 78P our runner-up pick (instead of top pick) because its connector is relatively tight and more difficult to push on and pull off than others weve used. In our testing, the Viair 77P stood out as the best choice for most people, thanks to its combination of fast performance, solid construction, handy features, and good value. Very straightforward. Maximum amperage: Most 12-volt inflators draw a maximum of 15 amps of current, which is no problem for most modern cars but can be too much for vehicles that have lower-amperage power outlets. Thats why most manufacturers advise that you dont run the units continuously for more than five to 20 minutes, after which you should let them cool. The cordless Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Function Inflator/Deflator is a great all-around model for filling car tires on the road or inflatables around the house. Ive used the shrader version before and they work like champs. Though most dont make it past the end of the summer, inflatable pools bring fun to the comfort of your backyard. Outside the bike world these still seem to be pretty rare. The 40029 gave us relatively quick inflation times, although the gauge read high by a couple psi in our tests, and it was one of the loudest units we tested. It will save you from having to drive to a gas station to add air, and from having to hope that the weather isnt bad and that the air compressor works and isnt too grimy, and that theres no wait, and that you can get all four tires done without having to pay for a second round of airflow. Among dial gauges, those that are divided into 2-psi increments are the easiest read. The key difference is the 78Ps push-on chuck, for connecting the pressure hose to a tires valve stem, compared with the 77Ps screw-on connector. Its large digital gauge is very easy to read, its one of the lighter and smaller models we tested, and it has a multifunction work light that, if needed, can flash red or in an SOS pattern. The Prestaflator trigger is variable-rate meaning a little tug lets a little air in while a big pull floods the tire (perfect for the initial mount on a tubeless tire). They provided quick inflation times and have auto shutoff, and the digital gauges were among the more accurate ones we tested, although the inflator had to be turned off to get an accurate reading. The Prestaratchet is the first ratchet-style bike tool Ive seen and I have to say its pretty slick. It can be used as a cordless model or with a 12 V power cord by plugging different modules into the base. The Viair 78P is virtually the same as the 77P, except for how it connects to a tires valve stem. Like most 12 V powered tire inflators weve tested, the 77P requires a maximum of 15 amps of electricity to operate. Each entry qualifies for the Daily Draw applicable to that entry date as well as for the Grand Prize Draw. Like most inflators, the Viair 77P plugs into a cars 12 V outlet for power (Viair recommends that the vehicle be running to avoid draining its battery). Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The minimum payment is the sum of (a) the greater of: (i) interest and fees shown on your statement + $10; or (ii) 5% of the New Balance, excluding amounts on special payment plans, (b) any balance over your credit limit, (c) any amounts past due not included in (b) above, and (d) the amount of any equal payments plan instalments then due. The EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump (AT-010-1Z), which is a best-seller on Amazon, checks off a lot of the right boxes. Its dial gauge is easy to read, but its one of the more inaccurate gauges we tested, reading 4 to 5 psi too high when the compressor was stopped and 7 psi too high when running. With this models extra-long, 44-inch air-pressure hose and 16-foot power cordboth among the longest in our test groupwe could easily reach all four tires on our test vehicles, even on a large SUV. Don't have an account? Like the Viair 77P and 78P, the 84P is easy to use, comes with a carrying case, and has an accurate gauge (although the compressor needs to be turned off to get a good reading). Items may be display models or not exactly as shown and may not be available in all stores. Still, owner reviews are good for learning about common problems. Applicable on select styles/size. If you prefer to use a brass screw-on chuck, we recommend the Viair 85P, which we havent tested but is otherwise an identical model. Prior to that, he was the senior feature editor for Motor Trend, where he wrote a monthly column about car care and maintenance. Offer subject to change without notice. Not all items sold at Canadian Tire are eligible to earn CT Money or to be redeemed for. Instead of having to punch in numbers to set the auto-shutoff pressure, on the DeWalt you simply spin a dial control. It can run for a long 25 minutes without stopping, and Viairs website says that the unit can handle up to 33-inch tires. The prestaflator looks awesome. Both models were among the loudest. The smaller batteries in a couple of cheaper cordless models we tested drained enough in that span to add about 45 seconds to the last tires inflation time. With its internal lead-acid battery, the Stanley JumpIt 1000A can be used to both inflate a tire and jump-start an engine. It makes it easier for your wheels and tires to be damaged by potholes. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Easy-to-read gauge: Weve found digital gauges to be the easiest to read; the larger, the better. For the cordless models, we repeated the inflation test four timesto simulate filling four tiresto see whether performance dropped as the battery became depleted. If youre ready to start experimenting with nitrogen-filled MTB tires, Prestacycle has a few portable products to help you air up. 11,100 daily prizes to be won with draws throughout the Contest Period and 10 grand prizes. Like most tire inflators weve tested, the Viair 77P plugs into your cars 12-volt outlet (aka cigarette lighter) for power, so its convenient to use on the road. (TermsofUse,PrivacyPolicy, Manage Consent, Do Not Sell My Data). The 78P is very similar to the 77P, but this model comes with a push-on pressure-hose chuck, which some people prefer. Whether it's finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we'll help you get it right (the first time). /TMMastercard and World Mastercard are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. We also found that the gauge on some units gave us different readings depending on whether the air compressor was running or stopped. You must also have been registered as a member for a minimum of 24 hours before an entry can be received, have an email on file, not opted-out of marketing and have reached the age of majority in your province/territory of residence at time of entry. Contest sponsored by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. The billing period covered by each statement can be from 28-33 days. Its extra-long, 45-inch air hose and a generous, 16-foot power cord let you easily reach any tire on the vehicle. And the 84Ps maximum pressure is only 60 psi, which is not a problem for filling passenger tires but could be limiting for other uses. The 77P also has a built-in work light, so you can see what youre doing at night. Noise level: When youre kneeling over an inflator to keep an eye on the gauge, a noisy compressor can get annoying; at worst, it can adversely affect your hearing. AscendingDescending, Powered by phpBB Forum Software phpBB Limited, Copyright20002022RedFlagDeals.com. The Viair 78P is virtually the same as the 77P, with most of the same advantages. By the time wed topped up a fourth tire, the inflation time had lengthened by only about 10 seconds, reflecting the strength of the 18V battery (some cordless models with smaller batteries had about a 45-second difference between the first and fourth tires). A couple of these models we testedthe Viair 88P and 450Pcan put out a maximum pressure of 120 and 150 psi, respectively, so they can be good choices if you need to inflate, say, RV tires to 110 or 120 psi (pressures that our picks cant reach). But it was one of the slowest at inflating our test tire, it has a small digital gauge, the plastic trim feels a bit cheap, and the work light faces toward you when youre reading the gauge, which makes it hard to simultaneously illuminate the work area and watch the pressure reading. As a backup, all modern passenger vehicles have a tire-pressure monitoring system that will alert you if a tires pressure drops by about 25 percent. Thanks! Visithttps://www.canadiantire.ca/en/customer-service/ship-to-home.htmlfor more information. Besides the hose chuck, the 78P also has a slightly different analog gauge, but, like the 77Ps, its illuminated and very easy to read. Bonus CT Money collected from online orders will be applied to the members Triangle Rewards account within 5 weeks of the purchase date. The Audew 12V 160PSI Rechargeable Car Air Compressor failed us right out of the gate. The Campbell Hausfeld 12 Volt Tire Inflator is one of the few models we tested that has a dial gauge and an automatic shutoff. The Audew 12V 150PSI Upgraded Triangle is another model that does the job, but it didnt stand out. Like the Viair 77P and 78P, the 84P has a sturdy metal construction and the same handy carrying case. Continuous run time: All inflators get hot during operation and can be damaged if they overheat. Then we used the inflator to top it up again, while evaluating the elements listed below. The AAA Air Compressor, which is marketed by Lifeline, is one of the least expensive models we tested, but it was one of the loudest, and the unit moved around a lot on the asphalt while operating. CT Money is collected on the pre-tax amount of the purchase. 2022 Copyright Canadian Tire Corporation. The base holds extra needles, and flexible rubber feet kept the 77P from moving around on the asphalt during operation. They can adversely affect your cars handling, making it harder to corner and maintain control when, say, youre swerving to avoid an obstacle in the road. At 4.5 pounds, its a little heavier than most 12 V models but still easy to carry. Its non-illuminated dial gauge isnt quite as easy to read as those on the other Viairs, though. In our testing, this Ryobi was one of the quickest at inflating our test tire, taking only about 1 minutesthe same as the DeWalt and only slightly longer than the Viairs took. The DeWalt inflator has two large digital gauges: one for the psi readout (left) and one that shows the auto-shutoff pressure (right). Its super-easy to use, while also being lightweight and compact enough to stow in a vehicle. At less than a pound, how can you not want that ratchet? It was one of the quietest models we tested. No rainchecks. Over a year and a half of long-term testing, we havent found this to be a dealbreaker, but the chuck has drawn complaints from a number of Amazon users, even in otherwise positive reviews. Pressure-hose and power-cord length: We didnt have any trouble reaching all four tires on our vehicles with any of the inflators we tested. The handheld Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Power Inflator (P737D) is light and well constructed, and it was one of the quickest at filling our test tire. The Viair 450P is one of the best-performing models weve tested overall, but it is also one of the most expensive, and its overkill for most drivers. Example: On a $100 (pre-tax) purchase with 25X bonus multiplier a Member would earn a bonus $10 in CT Money (25 x 0.4% x 100). It can be used vertically or horizontally, and the hoses are easily stored in channels incorporated into the sides of the housing. CANADIAN TIREand the CANADIAN TIRE Triangle Design are registered trade-marks of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. The 77P doesnt have an auto-shutoff feature. The Kensun Home and Car can run off of a cars 12 V power port or a household AC outlet. Thats because all tires lose air pressure, often without you realizing it. Owner reviews and ratings: Although we always check a models owner reviews and ratings, theyre definitely not something to solely rely on. In addition to its high-pressure hose, for inflating tires and sports balls, the DeWalt also has a separate, high-volume hose for quickly filling inflatable beds, pool floats, lawn decorations, and more. This portable air compressor is quick, accurate, and well built. Here are the essentialand nonessentialitems to carry in your car during winter driving to ensure you get to your destination. Conditions apply. For this guide, we first researched the category by reviewing existing articles about tire inflators and portable air compressors, and then we compared the specs and features of about 100 models. And because they come with extra inflator tips, they can also quickly pump up sports balls, inflatable mattresses, pool floats, toys, and yard decorations. It also has the only digital gauge that showed tenths of a psi; all other digitals counted by 0.5-psi increments. Bulk items will only be delivered within a 100km radius of the Store. Online transactions must be fulfilled by the store during the offer period to qualify. Among the wide range of analog gauges, the easiest are those that are divided into 2-psi markings. Like the Viair 450P, the Slime 2X Tire Inflator (40026) has a long coiled air hose that lets you work farther away from your power source than most other inflators do. It turned in one of the quickest inflation times of the group, and was even a few seconds faster than the 77P. The Prestaflator is a an air compressor attachment designed for inflating bike tires. This is truly a shop-quality tool that Ive foundindispensablefor mounting tubeless mountain bike tires. But it has an ultrashort air hose and was one of the slowest at inflating our tires. Like the DeWalt, both models can be powered cordlessly by a lithium-ion battery or through a cars 12 V outlet or a household AC outlet. We cant measure durability in our regular testing, but we have seen a wide range in construction quality, from units that struck us as being super-sturdy and nicely assembled to ones that literally came apart in our hands. Looks to be on clearance for $120 right now on CT! Despite being one of the least expensive models we tested, the compact, lightweight Slime Tire Inflator (40032) performed well in our tests. 8The Triangle Rewards Program is owned and operated by Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited. You can use it cordlessly, with the same 20V Max battery used in other DeWalt tools, or you can plug it into a cars 12-volt port or a household AC outlet (with an optional adapter). Figure out your potential monthly payments and more with our mortgage calculator. This model is also one of the larger and heavier ones we tested, and it was a midpack performer in terms of inflation speed and noise level. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. For users logging in via Facebook. These seem like tools I might have to buy. The total cost of all of that comes close to the price of the DeWalt tool alone, and its about double what youd pay for the Viair 77P. Any bonus multiplier is based on the base rate of collecting CT Money. We measured the sound level of each unit during operation from a distance of 2 feet (where your head might be when youre looking at the gauge). /TMMarks is a registered trademark of Marks Work Warehouse Ltd, used under licence. But setting their auto-shutoff pressure by pressing small buttons was more cumbersome than with the DeWalts nice dial control. *At the time of publishing, the price was $40. After just a second or two, I watched the pressure gauge creep up thenpop! But if you need to fill more tires, it can help speed things up. And its durability is reflected in the fact that it can operate for up to 30 minutes at a time; most models are limited to 10 to 15 minutes before needing to be cooled down. But if you prefer a model with auto shutoff, we suggest either our upgrade pick, the DeWalt 20V Max, or our also-great pick, the Ryobi 18V One+ Dual Function Inflator/Deflator. But if youve got more than one tire to fill, or you have to fill a fully flat tire, quicker inflation times are definitely welcome. Inflation speed: We timed how long each unit took to inflate our test tire from its low pressure of 30 psi to its recommended pressure of 41 psi. Adding to the DeWalts ease of use is its method for setting the auto shutoff pressure, which was the simplest weve seen. The tire bead seated and the pressure starting rising quickly. In addition to the usual high-pressure air hose, for filling tires and sports balls, the DeWalt also provides a high-volume hose for quickly filling or deflating pool floats, inflatable beds, lawn decorations, and the like. Unfortunately, this figure isnt always provided in an inflators specs or packaging, but some are designed to run on only 10 amps, and well let you know which models that we test are in that group. When that happens, theres no quicker way to get the tire(s) filled to the proper pressure and be on your way again than with a portable tire inflator. Gauge accuracy: We measured the accuracy of each inflators gauge by comparing its readout with that of a handheld digital tire-pressure gauge that wed checked against a local tire shops master gauge. Some applicants may receive a higher or lower regular annual rate depending on a credit evaluation. They can also be misleading because the compressor cant actually inflate to that pressure. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Like the DeWalt 20V Max Inflator, it includes a high-pressure hose, for filling tires and sports balls, as well as a high-volume hose, for quickly inflating and deflating pool floats, inflatable beds, lawn decorations, and more. I can be a bit heavy handed when I work on my bikes and I cant count the number of allen and torx bolt heads Ive stripped over the years (especially pedal cleats). In contrast with the plastic housings of most of the other models, the 77Ps solid metal casing gives a reassuring impression of quality. Unless youll be using it only around the house, we think youre better off getting one of our picks along with a good portable lithium-ion jump-starter. How much leverage do you think I could get with this? In our latest tests, hose length varied from only 7 inches to a lengthy 44 inches. The 75P was one of the quickest at inflating our test tire, and it has a relatively low noise level. Like all the ideas, though the ratcheting wrench and attachments is currently available at Home Depot for $4.99. An illuminated gauge is also a big help in low light. Overall, its the best inflator weve tested, but its also one of the most expensive. At 7 inches long and about 5 inches tall, its about the size of a couple external desktop hard drives placed side by side, so it wont take up much room in your cars trunk or cargo area, if you want to keep it in your vehicle. [Home Depot] Dewalt Laser Lever (DW088k) - PM/Beat Can Tire = $143.99, Display posts from previous: All postsLast dayLast 7 daysLast 2 weeksLast monthLast 3 months6 MonthsLast year, Sort by AuthorPost time Unlike the DeWalt, it runs on a battery only and doesnt have the option of plugging into an outlet or a 12 V port. Among screw-on chucks, brass ones are usually easier to grip than those covered with rubber or plastic. The tool alone is very inexpensive, but if you need to get the battery and charger too, the price quadruples. Questions about insurance for your new home? All of the others were much louder, ranging from 76 to 85 decibels. That inflator is sweet! This DeWalt is one of the larger models weve tested, so its less convenient to stow in a vehicle than our other picks are. Worried about the cheap quality of the tool, then buy two for under $10. Singletracks Merch | When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. MTB Podcast | Learn more at our resource centre. (If you need to inflate those types of tires, youre better off with a more heavy-duty model, such as the ones we discuss in the Competition section.). It also scooted around the asphalt a lot while in use. It also moved around a lot on the pavement, and you cant have the compressor and work light on at the same time, because theyre controlled by the same either-or rocker switch. It has a high-quality, mostly metal construction (many portable compressors have all-plastic cases). Company Convenient pressure-hose chuck: Every inflator comes with either a screw-on or push-on chuck for connecting the air-pressure hose to a tires valve stem. https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/dewa 4588p.html, https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mast 4661p.html, https://www.amazon.ca/Self-Leveling-Las 0793M6Z37/, [Lenovo Canada] Quantities may be limited. They also include separate high-pressure and high-volume hoses for quickly inflating a variety of things besides tires. Its one of the quickest and quietest models weve tested, its pressure gauge is accurate and simple to read, its compact and easy to stow in a vehicle, and it has a sturdy metal body that belies its affordable price.