Are you considering switching to electric tools for your automotive work? If so, you understand the challenge of brand loyalty. Committing to a power tool brand means investing in their entire ecosystem – battery technology, tool quality, and the range of available tools. When it comes to power tools for cars, you’re not just buying a single item; you’re buying into a manufacturer’s promise.
Alt text: Milwaukee M18 cordless inflator, a battery-powered tool for automotive tire inflation, shown as part of Milwaukee tools for cars lineup.
This review dives into the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator, a tool positioned at the higher end of the market. The crucial question for many is: does it live up to the hype and justify the cost, especially if you’re already invested in Milwaukee Tools For Cars? For those already using Milwaukee’s system, the appeal is obvious.
My Milwaukee Tool Ecosystem
To provide context for this review, it’s important to understand my existing setup. I transitioned to electric power tools a few years ago, while still maintaining 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 investment. Milwaukee tools became my chosen ecosystem, specifically their M18 line, favored by many mechanics for its suitability for common automotive tasks. Like many in the trade, I’ve found the M18 system to be a solid choice for automotive repair.
My Milwaukee red drill is a reliable workhorse, and my impact wrench, while not top-tier, performs well. The Milwaukee shop speaker, powered by the same batteries, is a constant companion for both work and downtime in the garage. With a charger and a rotating set of batteries, I rarely encounter power limitations. The quality of the bare tools has consistently impressed me. My eagerness to expand my Milwaukee collection has grown faster than initially anticipated, a testament to their performance and utility as automotive tools.
This background is crucial because I’m already a committed “Milwaukee guy.” The appeal of purchasing the M18 inflator as a bare tool, leveraging my existing batteries and charger, was a significant factor in my decision. This integration within the Milwaukee tools for cars system is a key advantage for existing users.
Milwaukee M18 Inflator: A Quick Review
Milwaukee introduced the M18 Fuel cordless tire inflator in February 2022, marketing it as the fastest 18V cordless inflator available. Detailed specifications can be found on Milwaukee’s website, somewhat surprisingly listed under “Plumbing Installation.” Operation is straightforward: insert an M18 battery and inflate.
The consistent pricing of $179 for the bare tool across retailers like Home Depot, Northern Tool, and Amazon suggests a minimum advertised price policy by Milwaukee. This price point places it as a premium option within the range of Milwaukee tools for cars.
Alt text: Clear digital display of the Milwaukee M18 inflator showing preset tire pressure, a user-friendly feature of this automotive tool.
My positive experience with the M12 version of this tool, Milwaukee’s entry-level line, convinced me to upgrade to the more robust M18 model. A standout feature is the preset inflation capability. You can program a target pressure, initiate inflation, and the tool automatically stops upon reaching the desired PSI. The inflator also stores frequently used pressures as presets, streamlining tasks like quickly setting tires to 32 PSI. In my experience, the M18 inflator is rapid, efficient, and capable of reaching at least 100 PSI. While it’s rated for higher pressures, I haven’t yet tested its maximum limit in practical automotive applications.
The inclusion of a Presta valve adapter hints at versatility beyond automotive use, potentially appealing to those working with bicycles. The kit also includes a needle for sports balls and a nozzle for inflatable toys. While these are included, my primary focus remains on automotive applications, aligning with the core audience of this car-focused blog.
Alt text: Milwaukee M18 battery powering the cordless inflator, demonstrating battery compatibility across Milwaukee tools for cars.
My existing, used M18 batteries performed flawlessly with the inflator. On its initial use, it inflated eight car tires, two motorcycle tires, and two trailer tires on a single charge, with only one bar depleted on the battery indicator. This demonstrates impressive battery efficiency for a cordless automotive tool.
The M18 inflator has consistently met my inflation needs across various tire types. Even when topping off multiple tires, battery drain is minimal. The tool operates without strain and exhibits a robust build quality, suggesting durability with reasonable care, a hallmark of Milwaukee tools for cars.
Potential concerns are minor. The integrated hose features a brass screw-on Schrader chuck, which some users might find less convenient. I personally use 90° right-angle adapters and extensions for hard-to-reach valves, which mitigates this. The plastic Presta adapter seems less durable for heavy use, but higher-quality brass adapters are readily available for those who frequently work with Presta valves. The storage cubby beneath the battery is a useful addition, although its capacity is limited by larger batteries, and smaller items can potentially fall out due to the open front design. Overall, the M18 inflator performs as advertised, with one notable drawback discussed below.
Alt text: Included accessories with the Milwaukee M18 inflator, showing nozzle, needle, and Presta valve adapter, catering to various inflation needs beyond just automotive.
Practical Applications in Automotive Settings
For homeowners without a shop compressor, this inflator is undoubtedly a valuable tool. However, within a traditional automotive shop environment, its utility becomes more nuanced. Most professional shops already have readily available compressed air. For mechanics in these settings, the M18 inflator might seem redundant, a supplementary tool rather than a necessity. It’s a capable tool, but is it essential when shop air is already present?
However, the M18 inflator shines in specific automotive scenarios:
Mobile Mechanics and Roadside Assistance: While mobile mechanics often have onboard compressors, the M18 inflator offers a lighter (7 lbs without battery) and more compact alternative. It eliminates the need for oil changes and is ideal for tire-focused service calls. For mobile tire repair, this tool from the Milwaukee tools for cars range could be a game-changer.
Agricultural and Heavy Equipment Repair: Dealing with flat tires on tractors or sprayers in remote fields, or large haul truck tires in inconvenient locations, is challenging with traditional inflators. The portability of the M18 inflator makes it ideal for airing up tires on large vehicles that may not be easily accessible to shop air, or when working outdoors in adverse weather.
Alt text: Milwaukee M18 inflator in use, filling a trailer tire, showcasing its portability and convenience for automotive tire maintenance in various locations.
Off-Road Enthusiasts: Traditional off-road inflation kits often rely on CO2 cartridges, which require replenishment and can cause tire pressure instability due to CO2 leakage. The M18 inflator is a superior solution for airing tires back up after off-roading. It’s easily portable in a Jeep or truck and inflates with regular air, avoiding the drawbacks of CO2. For off-roaders who regularly adjust tire pressure, this Milwaukee tool is a significant upgrade.
Fleet Management (Professional and Personal): Managing vehicle fleets, whether professionally or personally, involves consistent maintenance, including tire inflation. The M18 inflator simplifies tire pressure maintenance across numerous vehicles, improving efficiency and potentially increasing compliance with vehicle checklists. For large personal garages or professional fleets, the convenience of the M18 inflator is undeniable.
For those of us managing personal fleets of vehicles, the M18 inflator eliminates the hassle of dragging out a compressor, extension cords, and air hoses for simple tire top-offs, especially in confined spaces. It streamlines tire maintenance significantly.
While not universally essential, the Milwaukee M18 inflator excels in specific situations. Assuming long-term reliability, the initial price is justifiable for its convenience and capabilities. Only time will tell the true long-term value, but initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive for this addition to the Milwaukee tools for cars lineup.
Milwaukee M18 Inflator Specifications:
| 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 |
