Lancia Beta Forum

Morning all, a bit of xmas money to spend so looking at getting a decent tyre inflator. Really frustrated with many of the sites pushing recommendations whilst not allowing to filter on requirements or specification. So, I'm after a bit of advice.
We have 5 cars & 3 bikes (push bikes) so something electric and a bit more heavy duty. Needs to do both presta and schrader valves. Garage has 12v feed and would need to fit a 12v lighter socket, so 230v would be an easier install. Must have auto shut off ...

You would think it should be easier to spend money, but I'm going down too many rabbit holes!

Any recommendations most welcome

I've only had the £20 to £30 ones, of every make over several decades, none of which last more than a few years. I am now able to rely on a mains powered compressor in the garage. However it does occur to me that you might get good guidance from a 4x4 forum. Off roaders habitually change tyre pressures depending on terrain and are known for their love of robust kit.

I agree, I have a few cheap "cigarette lighter" pumps for the main cars but I would not want to rely on them.
I had thought about making the jump to a compressor, but a bit hard to justify. Currently looking at https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/RAC900 (https://www.ringautomotive.com/en/product/RAC900) as it looks more robust and has long hose so less tethered to 12v supply

To be honest, I'd be looking for a cheap mains 240v compressor. Once you have one you will find all manner of uses for it. At an entry level, Lidl and Aldi regularly have them on promo for around £80 (from memory). They will be fine for inflating tyres but will not have the required heft for paint spraying or most air tools.

Hi

I am with Graham on this. I bought a second hand low end Clarke one (make sure it works and the tank has no rust) for £30 and a second hand rattle gun. The tank is small and it is not brilliant, but good enough to power the rattle gun, albeit with breaks to allow it to get back to pressure (recently used on crank shaft pulley nut). Also useful for blowing crap from those hard to get to places. I also used it to push out pistons on brake calipers on the bench.

Obviously you need to buy the appropriate tools to suit.

Peter

I am going to agree with Graham bite the bullet and buy a proper compact compressor. They fit easily in a corner of the garage and unless you are trying to drive a sand blaster or air impact gun (get an electric one) will handle most things if you buy wisely.

I have one of these:  https://www.sgs-engineering.com/abac-l30p-pole-position-d4-direct-drive-3hp-air-compressor?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fIIde7deXHYjH1582NBp8_w-eF2s7ET-Nawzno8ukWv1kg5S1KID4c0aAlCwEALw_wcB (https://www.sgs-engineering.com/abac-l30p-pole-position-d4-direct-drive-3hp-air-compressor?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3NX_BRDQARIsALA3fIIde7deXHYjH1582NBp8_w-eF2s7ET-Nawzno8ukWv1kg5S1KID4c0aAlCwEALw_wcB)

Note 3HP not 2HP.

I also strongly recommend the accurate Sealey digital tyre inflator gauge. It just does the job properly without fumbling around with separate gauges.

 https://www.teng.co.uk/sealey-sa391-digital-tyre-inflator-with-clip-on-connector.html (https://www.teng.co.uk/sealey-sa391-digital-tyre-inflator-with-clip-on-connector.html)

Add at 15 meters of 8mm air hose with ideally male ends for flow and quick release Euro Connectors and off you go.

This is an example only. it is easy to buy and at a better price.
 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P3ZJBMB/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07P3ZJBMB&pd_rd_w=KuRMR&pf_rd_p=dc37174d-0a14-4209-a295-71b2053f4171&pd_rd_wg=ODRLH&pf_rd_r=KFJW5P669HC5KXN7X5VN&pd_rd_r=a5ea532a-9345-4f67-a4b1-e4c21d92ae47&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV1VKRFVRQTQyS0ZLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI5NzU2RFI1ME9HSFBDRUMzJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTgxODYzMkxHN0kzSDdVU0c3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ== (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07P3ZJBMB/ref=sspa_dk_detail_4?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07P3ZJBMB&pd_rd_w=KuRMR&pf_rd_p=dc37174d-0a14-4209-a295-71b2053f4171&pd_rd_wg=ODRLH&pf_rd_r=KFJW5P669HC5KXN7X5VN&pd_rd_r=a5ea532a-9345-4f67-a4b1-e4c21d92ae47&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExV1VKRFVRQTQyS0ZLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzI5NzU2RFI1ME9HSFBDRUMzJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxOTgxODYzMkxHN0kzSDdVU0c3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==)

Enjoy

NB these flow more air than the PCL ones

I recommend the Euro Connectors not PCL ones because they just flow more air. As do male fittings on the end of air hose. I have a second large workshop compressor to drive a sand blaster and these details matter.

The Workshop compressor limited space got to work with 240 Volt and have a large tank solution.

 https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ve15c150-14cfm-industrial-vertical-elec-2/ (https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/clarke-ve15c150-14cfm-industrial-vertical-elec-2/)

Eric

I like that. I like that very much. Obviously not a mobile solution, but only takes a small footprint in a workshop and has plenty of grunt and a decent sized reservoir. You're a bad man, Eric. You've got me thinking...

I use my compressor all the time but tank capacity is one of the important things. It's like duty cycle on a welder. If you don't pay for a reasonable spec you spend your life waiting for it to be ready to go again. My compressor tank is 50 litres I think.