Are you considering switching from traditional air tools to electric ones? The automotive tool market is rapidly evolving, and cordless options are becoming increasingly popular for their convenience and portability. However, choosing the right brand and tools is crucial. You’re not just buying a single tool; you’re investing in a whole ecosystem of battery technology and tool availability. For those already invested in Milwaukee’s tool lineup, or those seeking a high-quality cordless Compressor Car Tire Tool, the M18 Inflator is a noteworthy option. But does this relatively expensive tool live up to the hype? Let’s dive into a detailed review.
Image alt text: Milwaukee M18 cordless compressor car tire tool, a battery-powered inflator, highlighting its premium design and portability for automotive applications.
My Tool Shed: A Milwaukee Ecosystem
To provide context for this review, it’s important to understand my existing setup. Several years ago, I started transitioning to electric tools, while still retaining a collection of functional air tools. This gradual shift allowed me to invest in higher-quality electric tools over time rather than making a large, immediate purchase. After careful consideration, I chose to build my electric tool collection around the Milwaukee brand. Like many mechanics, I prefer their M18 line, which offers a robust selection of tools well-suited for automotive tasks.
I’ve been impressed with my Milwaukee drill and impact driver. The Milwaukee shop speaker, powered by the same M18 batteries, is incredibly useful both for work and leisure in the garage. With a charger and a few batteries, I can easily manage power across these tools as I rarely need to use them all simultaneously. The quality of the bare tools has consistently been high. My decision to gradually expand my Milwaukee collection has proven to be a worthwhile investment.
Being already invested in the Milwaukee system is a key factor in my review of the M18 inflator. I was able to purchase the bare tool and utilize my existing 2.0ah batteries and charger, making it a more economical addition to my workshop.
Milwaukee M18 Inflator: A Deep Dive Review of this Cordless Compressor
In February 2022, Milwaukee launched the M18 inflator, specifically designed for their M18 Fuel system. At its release, it was touted as the fastest 18V cordless inflator available. Interestingly, you can find the specifications and details on Milwaukee’s website under the “Plumbing Installation” category. The operation of this compressor car tire tool is straightforward: insert your M18 battery and begin inflating.
The price of the bare tool seems to be consistently set at $179 across various retailers, including major stores like Home Depot, Northern Tool and Equipment, and online marketplaces like Amazon. This price uniformity suggests a minimum advertised price (MAP) policy by Milwaukee.
Image alt text: Close-up of the Milwaukee M18 inflator’s digital display, emphasizing its clear, uncluttered interface for easy pressure reading and preset programming for automotive tire inflation.
Having previously used the M12 version, Milwaukee’s entry-level inflator, I was sufficiently impressed to upgrade to the more powerful M18 model. A standout feature is the preset air inflation capability. You can program a target pressure, and the tool will automatically shut off once it reaches that pressure. Furthermore, the inflator allows you to save frequently used pressures as presets, streamlining common tasks like inflating tires to 32 PSI. In my experience, this compressor car tire tool operates rapidly and efficiently, capable of reaching pressures of at least 100 PSI. While it’s rated for higher pressures, I haven’t yet tested its maximum capacity.
Given its high-pressure capability, the inclusion of a Presta valve adapter is a thoughtful addition, particularly for those who may work with bicycles. The kit also includes an inflation needle for sports balls and a nozzle for inflatable toys. While these are included, my primary focus, as an automotive enthusiast, is on its performance as a compressor car tire tool.
Image alt text: Milwaukee M18 battery attached to the cordless inflator, demonstrating the tool’s battery compatibility and efficient power usage for inflating multiple tires on a single charge.
In practical use, the M18 inflator has met all my expectations. It has successfully inflated various tires, and my M18 batteries show minimal drain even after inflating multiple tires. The tool operates smoothly without sounding strained, and its build quality feels robust, suggesting it will withstand regular use with reasonable care.
There are a few minor points to consider. The integrated hose uses a brass screw-on Schrader chuck, which some users might find less convenient. While I keep 90° right-angle adapters and extensions on hand for tight spots, others might find the stock chuck limiting. The plastic Presta adapter seems somewhat basic and may not hold up under heavy use, but brass replacements are readily available and likely already owned by those frequently working with Presta valves. I appreciate the extra storage space under the battery compartment, but it’s not very secure for small items, as the open front can easily let them fall out, especially during transport. Overall, my initial assessment is positive: this machine delivers on its promises, with one notable drawback that I will address shortly.
Image alt text: Accessory kit included with the Milwaukee M18 compressor car tire tool, showcasing the inflation needle, nozzle, Presta chuck, and Schrader chuck for versatile inflation needs.
Practical Use Cases for this Cordless Compressor Car Tire Tool
For homeowners without a garage air compressor, this tool is a game-changer. However, considering this is a blog focused on automotive work, let’s examine its suitability for professional mechanics. For traditional automotive shops with existing air compressor systems, the M18 inflator might seem somewhat redundant. In such environments, compressed air is already readily available. For a conventional mechanic, this tool isn’t necessarily revolutionary.
However, the M18 inflator shines in various non-traditional scenarios:
Mobile Mechanics and Roadside Assistance: Mobile mechanics often have onboard compressors in their service vehicles. However, the M18 inflator offers advantages in terms of weight (7 pounds without battery) and size. It’s more compact than a traditional compressor and eliminates the need for oil changes. While it won’t replace an air compressor for running air tools, it’s an excellent, portable compressor car tire tool, particularly if tire repairs are a significant part of the service calls.
Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Maintenance: Dealing with flat tires on tractors or sprayers in remote fields can be challenging. Similarly, a flat tire on a large haul truck in an inconvenient location poses significant logistical issues for conventional inflators. The M18 inflator provides a convenient solution for airing up tires in remote locations where accessing a traditional compressor is difficult.
Image alt text: The Milwaukee M18 cordless compressor car tire tool in action, inflating a trailer tire, demonstrating its ease of use and portability for tire maintenance in various locations.
Furthermore, shops working on oversized vehicles that can’t easily be brought inside, especially during inclement weather, will find this tool invaluable.
Off-Road Enthusiasts: My typical off-roading setup involves CO2 cartridges and an inflator for remote tire inflation without needing 12V power. However, CO2 cartridges have limitations in terms of capacity, especially for multiple flats. The Milwaukee inflator is a perfect addition to a Jeep, truck, or SxS for trail adventures. It uses ambient air, unlike CO2, which permeates tires quickly, negating the need to deflate and refill tires later with air. For off-roaders who frequently air down tires for better traction, the M18 is a far superior solution compared to weak cigarette lighter inflators, especially for larger tires.
Fleet Management (Professional and Personal): Managing vehicle fleets, whether professionally or personally, involves regular maintenance, including tire inflation. Encouraging drivers to perform vehicle checks is often challenging. Investing in an easy-to-use tool like the M18 inflator simplifies tire maintenance and promotes compliance. For individuals with multiple vehicles at home, the convenience of not having to drag out a hot dog compressor, extension cords, and air hoses just to top off tires is significant. In tight garage spaces, this portable compressor car tire tool simplifies tire inflation considerably.
While not universally perfect for every situation, the Milwaukee M18 inflator is exceptionally useful in specific scenarios. Assuming long-term reliability, the only real drawback is the price. However, if it lasts for a decade or more, the investment will be justified. I intend to revisit this review in 2032 to assess its long-term durability!
Manufacturer Specifications: M18 Inflator
| Part number | 2848-20 |
|---|---|
| Battery voltage | 18V |
| Claimed dimensions | 13.8”L x 6.4”W x 7.8”H |
| Claimed weight (tool only) | 7lbs |
| Hose length | 36 in. |
| Claimed accuracy compared w/ standard gauge | +/- 1 PSI |
| Rated fill range | 0-150 PSI |
| SCFM at 0 PSI | 1.41 |
| Warranty | 5 years on tool |
| Included with inflator | 1 inflation needle, 1 inflator nozzle, 1 Presta chuck, and 1 Schrader chuck |
