Since the cars sit in the winter, I always need to add air to the tires every month or so Does someone have a recommendation for one of the tire inflation machines or digital gauges that are on the market today?? I have seen the Astro Pneumatic, the Branick, the PCL, etc all on e-bay Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ken Goldman
Don't spend fifty bucks on a "tire inflation machine". Go to your local DIY store and buy a small, genuine, air compressor with a one or two gallon tank. It will cost you around a hundred bucks. However, you'll surprise yourself with how often you can use a blast of air from a real compressor, even if it's a very small one. If nothing else, you can inflate balloons for your next party.
I have one of those small "oil less" compressors. They are loud. The electric belt driven non oil less is better. Gauges: http://www.caranddriver.com/features/gearbox-tire-pressure-gauges-tested http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/technical/200511gauges.pdf
I just bought this model a couple weeks ago at Sears. Sears.com I did a lot of research online and this model seemed to get the best reviews by users. Keeping in mind I just wanted a small lightweight model, as I'm sure there are much better compressors. Apparently there is an identical model marketed under the Goodyear brand name. I've only used it once so far, but so far so good. The only thing that disappointed me is the coiled hose was rather stiff, inflexible. Now this could be in part because I used it in freezing temperatures. Maybe in warm weather it will be much more flexible. I liked the fact that the tank held air pressure so if I wanted to top off a couple tires, I didn't need to have the compressor plugged in. There was enough pressure to add a few pounds to several tires. One reason I got it was it came with a normal tire air chuck rather than the lever clamp type. My previous inflator (MVP) worked well for many years, but the lever clamp got to be a pain to use as it started to wear. Although I shouldn't complain as I used it for something like 18 years on multiple cars. Hey, nothing lasts forever.
I have exactly the same Campbell Hausfeld model for the last few years. Very light and portable. No issues so far.
I received this for Christmas but still haven't been able to install it yet (house renovation comes first). Seems pretty cool! [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEy3vveB6MI]Chamberlain Garage Power Station - YouTube[/ame] Image Unavailable, Please Login
I agree. You can use a compressor for so much stuff you will be amazed. Bigger is better, as you will use it for cleaning stuff etc.
Wade, I saw ads for that and it looked to be very handy. The only thing I question about it is since it is so small would it inflate tires in a reasonable time. Vince, I am hoping the CH compressor I bought will generate enough air pressure to blow dry my Harley. However, the way the winter is going here, I won't know that until sometime in June.
There are some small practice dental compressors that are great for the shop. Key is they are very quiet and portable. My dad has one, I think SMT brand, Chinese made but pretty darn good quality. I got a larger one for my son who prepares fossils using dental air tools. Otherwise, for simple tire inflation I really like the campell hausfeld model rpa420000 120volt inflator. You set the digital read by a Knob to the pressure, and it pumps to the setting. Much faster than a 12 volt one, very compact unit. Got off ebay a couple years ago, must still be available.
I'm sure it's okay for topping off car and bike tires. I've been using a 1 gallon Powermate for years. But, as suggested already, a 3.5 gallon+ would be more suitable. For my bikes and after carwash drying I use a blaster, works great! Image Unavailable, Please Login
If you want to really kick butt drying your car get the Master Blaster by Universal out of New York. That thing has two 4hp motors and really does the job. I have had one for four years and it was one the best $300 tools I have bought. Warning, this thing has two motor controls and you can't flip them at the same time, it will blow a 20 amp breaker.
This Makita compressor is awesome (http://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VK0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392847339&sr=8-2&keywords=makita+compressor). It takes up almost no space against the wall and is very quiet compared and reliable compared to "oil free" compressors. I've had mine for 4 years and can't figure out how I lived without a compressor for so long. The price is quite a bit lower now than what I paid 4 years ago.
This looks really good. I've used a leaf blower to dry the car, but it is so ungainly to handle that usually don't pull it out. Reviews say this blaster is much better than a leaf blower, so I wish I had known about this before I got the blower. The other issue I've found with the leaf blower is it doesn't really seem to dry the car as much as it just moves water around -- is this blaster any better in terms of actually drying the car?
I have one of these in my Vet truck. It is a beast and can do the tires and airbags. http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-450P-A-Automatic-Portable-Compressor/dp/B003IMRPHI/ref=sr_1_54?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1392857920&sr=1-54&keywords=tire+inflator+viair They make smaller ones that would be handy with a good patch and plug kit in your trunk / bonnet.
Not really a dryer but it does a great job of blowing out the water from crevices, around trim and louvers. And from motorcycle engine cooling fins as well. BTW, it's pretty loud.
