Our Trade of the Month is still mechanics, so this week’s pick was pretty easy.
If your tire is a little low, you shouldn’t have to play tug-of-war with a compressor and air hose that’s longer than a Marvel movie. Sometimes you just want to set the PSI, hit go, and get back to whatever actually matters.
That is exactly where the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator Kit earns its keep.
Fast Inflation Without the Air Hose
Milwaukee says the M12 Compact Inflator can take a car tire from 28 to 35 PSI in under one minute. It can also fill a light-truck tire from 30 to 45 PSI in under four minutes.
With up to 120 PSI of pressure, it is built for car, light-truck and compact-equipment tires. That makes it useful in repair shops, service trucks, garages or the back of your personal vehicle.
This is not trying to replace every compressor in the shop. It is simply a much easier option when all you need is air in a tire.
Set the Pressure and Let It Work
The TrueFill auto shut-off system is probably the feature mechanics will appreciate most. Set your target PSI, start the inflator and it automatically stops when the tire reaches the selected pressure.
The illuminated digital gauge displays both the current and target pressure, so there is no guessing or repeatedly checking with another gauge.
You can start filling the tire and actually do something else, instead of crouching next to it like you’re waiting for your ramen to cook.
Key Features
- Delivers up to 120 PSI
- Tops off a car tire from 28 to 35 PSI in under one minute
- Fills a light-truck tire from 30 to 45 PSI in under four minutes
- TrueFill auto shut-off helps prevent overfilling
- Backlit digital gauge shows current and target pressure
- Includes a 26-inch hose with an all-brass Schrader chuck
- Anti-vibration feet help keep the inflator from moving
- Reinforced cage provides added weather and impact resistance
- Backed by a three-year limited warranty
Common Uses
- Topping off customer tires before a vehicle leaves the shop
- Inflating car and light-truck tires
- Maintaining compact-equipment tires
- Handling roadside or mobile-service calls
- Keeping tires properly inflated at home
- Storing in a car or truck for emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum pressure?
The Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator can deliver more than 120 PSI.
Does it stop automatically?
Yes. TrueFill technology automatically stops inflation once the selected pressure is reached.
How quickly can it top off a car tire?
Milwaukee says it can inflate a car tire from 28 to 35 PSI in under one minute.
What types of tires can it inflate?
It is designed for car, light-truck and compact-equipment tires.
Is it easy to transport?
Yes. Its compact cordless design makes it easy to store in a toolbox, service vehicle, garage or personal vehicle.
Why It Earned Tool of the Week
The Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator is not the biggest or loudest tool in the shop. That is kind of the point.
It is quick, accurate and portable enough to keep nearby instead of buried behind the compressor. For mechanics who regularly check and adjust tire pressure, it turns a basic task into something that takes about a minute, and that is more than enough to earn Tool of the Week. Mechanics love this thing, and so does everyone else.
