Milwaukee Tool has come out with a new M12 cordless air inflator! APRIL FOOLS! Wait, it’s not a joke? Milwaukee Tool is really coming out with a compact cordless inflator!
They say their new compressor is fast, accurate, easy to use, and portable.
Advertisement
Also:
Our industry-leading cordless technology allows the M12 Compact Inflator to complete a wide range of applications from light truck tires (65-80 PSI) to compact equipment (10-80 PSI).
The compressor features a 26″ hose, on-board attachments for included inflation accessories (ball inflation needle, nozzle, presta chuck), a top handle, anti-vibration feet, and reinforced cage.
Features & Specs
- 0.88 CFM at 0 PSI
- 0.63 CFM at 35 PSI
- 0-120 PSI rating
- Backlit LCD display
- 50% duty cycle
- ± 3% gauge accuracy
- 26″ hose
- Weighs 5.21 lbs with battery
The kit, 2475-21XC, comes with an M12 XC 4.0Ah battery pack and charger. A bare tool version, 2475-20, is also available.
Price: $69 for the bare tool, $159 for the kit
ETA: April 2018
Advertisement
Buy Now(Kit via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(Bare Tool via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
At the time of this posting, Acme Tools is running a preorder freebie promo, where you can get some free swag with a preorder purchase total of $125 or more. There are details on the product pages. The promos expire 3/31/18.
Tool Nut has a different promo – in addition to the bare tool and inflator kit, they also have a special promo bundle, 2475-20P. With the promo bundle, you get the bare tool and a 2.0Ah battery pack, for just $10 more than the price of the bare tool. It’s $79.
First Thoughts
Yesssss!
I was saving this for an April Fools Day post, but a couple of emails convinced me that it’s unfair to keep you guys waiting. Plus, at least some of the preorder promos expire before then,
Okay, so who’s buying one?
Advertisement
Chris
Looks awesome. Don’t need an inflator though. His doesn’t have a tank on it right?
I really hope milwaukee comes out with a m12 hot glue gun!
Stuart
Correct, no tank.
Chris
So this wouldn’t run a small brad nailer. ?
Jeremiah
If you added a separate small tank it probably could
Jason
I just wish the price was a little lower.
james ouzts
I have had the craftsman version of this for years. I have used it way more than I would have ever thought. One of those tools I didn’t really know you needed utill I had one. As opposed to all of the ones I thought I did need but it turns out are mostly just good at taking up space.
Jalopy_J
Ditto. If this is faster than the Craftsman C3 one, I’m onboard for sure:
Matt
I was looking on Ebay at getting one of those. When we ride bikes I always have a handheld pump in our bike bags but trying to pump up to 80psi by hand is about impossible for me anymore. The Craftsman one looked compact enough to stick in our bags and I already have the C3 batteries. I’m a little concerned that it’s a long gone item though. If it breaks, I’m out of luck.
Morgan
I have rid myself of all the C3 products except for the inflator and a xcp battery. Use it all the time to keep tire pressures where they need to be. I am excited to finally retire the entire C3 from my garage. Good job Milwaukee!
Charles
Why don’t they make an M18 version of this? I have a boatload of M18 batteries and tools but have nothing in M12.
Too bad there isn’t an adapter
Pat
Have wanted something like this for work for years. We service small tractors and riding mowers and there is always a flat tire that you need to lug an air tank out to. This isnt the first rechargeable inflator, but there wasn’t anything rechargeable that was worksite grade so i didn’t buy one. Price is fair too.
ThirtyReset
Maybe this will get Dewalt to answer with their own. I understand these are usually considered a homeowner thing but they can be useful. My brother uses his Ryobi inflator all the time even though he’s got a nice compressor…just more convenient to grab and go.
Mike
Dewalt already has one and all the Milwaukee guys said it makes the company look unprofessional
Jeremiah
What’s the model number or official name
fred
I’ve seen one of my neighbors using what looks like 2 different Ryobi models – one on camping gear and the other on tires.
I’ve had a VIAR 88P for some time – and like lots of others it has you tethered to your “cigarette lighter” power outlet or the battery of your car. I can see where these cordless inflators would be a lot handier.
+1 on a M12 (or M18) hot glue gun – my wife really like her Ryobi.
BTW – ToolUp is doing a 20% off ($199 minimum purchase) on M12 and M18 bare tools – through Sunday 3/18 – with coupon code MAD20. They don’t seem to have the new M12 items listed for preorder.
DOMINQUE
Yet another m12 tool to lust after. And at a reasonable price, I’m in……
Bryan
Took Milwaukee too long to come out with one of these so I bought into the Ryobi 18v platform and have their inflator which works great and is only $39.99. It’s also fills air mattresses and deflates them something it looks like the Milwaukee unit doesn’t. I guess the early bird gets the worm. Way too late on Milwaukee’s part.
James C
I love my M12 tools, but I agree, Red is a little late here. That Ryobi version has twice the features and half the price. I don’t feel like I need a professional quality inflator for my purposes so Ryobi does just fine. I have the two individual pistol grip models. I use the high pressure one for topping of tires and the high volume one is great for filling lake floaties and blowing sawdust off tools, the workbench, etc.
Adam
Milwaukee has actually had the small blower out for a long time now, which has accessories for inflatables, as well as the ability to deflate. Not like the Ryobi’s compactness, but does also give you blower functionality.
joebagodonuts
This is going to be great. Farmers, low tire on the field, don’t run home for portable tank, just use this. Even for topping up trailer tires, kid can do this, set max psi and walk away and work on something else for couple minutes. Even my lovely wife can us this when she’s out of town and spots a low tire. Only question: how many do I need?
DeeEyeWhyyyy
I’m very curious to see if this can handle a 33, 35, or 37 inch offroad tire. I haven’t seen a name brand pump under $100 that can handle these without overheating or plateauing at 30psi.
Nate
My Ryobi handles 33″ tires at 50psi just fine.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Interesting.. my Husky just can’t do it. I can’t even get to 40psi on 32’s with the Husky.
A W
The Viair 88P does great on my 33″ at ko2s.
A W
Get the one that clamps to the battery rather than the one that plugs into the 12v outlet/cig lighter.
fred
My Viair 88P – only has the battery clamps – no dashboard plug in option:
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I
I don’t know if there is another Viair 88 that comes with a plug.
A W
You’re correct. The 88P comes with battery clamps. In my wife’s car, we have the similar 85P, which plugs into the car and is slightly more compact and sightly less powerful. For off road tires at high pressure, I would recommend the 88P.
firefly
I second the 88p. Though if you are looking for a really good portable air compressor than can handle big tires with impressive speed and duty cycle do a search for off road compressor. They usually run start around $300 with some goes up to $700. One example is the Viair 450P-A.
For most of us, the 88P is a great choice.
DeeEyeWhyyyy
Looks like the 88p is rated for 33-inch tires max. I’ve looked at the more expensive Viairs as well as the ARB onboard air systems. I’m planning to go with the ARB system and mount it in my Jeep, but waiting to see how the Milwaukee turns out. Although I would be shocked if it could really handle any tires larger than 33’s!
Kyle R
Way easier than firing up my air compressor every time I want to, plus the built-in gauge is easier than the compressor. Ordering now. Thanks Stuart!
Nathan
Yeah if it didn’t have that digital display it could be cheaper. ANd I’d have been OK with that.
but I like the idea – and to be fair bare tool wise I’d probably spring for the digital backlit model anyway.
but to parrot 2 other comments.
1) 18V nominal please.
2) dewalt – see this – do something like this, in 20V max line. Thank you.
Benjamen
At first I thought the same thing…give me an analog gauge. In my limited experience they seem to be more accurate and easier to read, but I think the “set it to a pressure and leave it” feature would be worth forgoing the gauge.
I have the pistol type inflator from Ryobi that I really like. Pull the trigger and read the analog gauge, simple design and easy to use, but it takes forever to top off a truck tire. It would be nice to be able to set the pressure to 35lbs and walk away, rather than freeze my but off in the morning topping off my tire. (I have a small leak that I need to get fixed, but haven’t gotten around to it,)
Jeremiah
the Gauge On My ryobi pistol One Is Horribly Inaccurate. It Runs About 10psi High While Actively Inflating And I Can Guess The Pressure Within About 2 Psi.
This New Milwaukee, I LIke The accurate Gauge, Higher Output, Auto Shutoff, Heat And Battery Protection, Hopefully More Durable. Form Factor. Some People Are Only M18 But If You Have The Combo Charger All You Need Is A Battery And They Are small And Fairly Cheap.
Chris Ball
I used to have a similar tire compressor (hooked directly to the car battery and judging by how hot the 16g wire was after use, drew a lot of current), after some testing I realized that a floor standing bike pump was quite a bit faster albeit a bit more work. After that, at least for portable use, I decided that a bike pump was more reliable out in the field and at home I have better options. YMMV.
pete
I would like to say YOUR WELCOME to everyone that has been wanting this. I have been bugging milwaukee for years for them to develop an inflator for their m12 line.
That said i’ve been using ryobi’s $40 model for a couple years. The big thing to note is it’s limitations mainly being it’s duty cycle(time before it burns up). The ryobi’s duty cycle is 30% at 10 minutes. Meaning you can run it for 10 minutes then you are suppose to let it rest for 20 minutes. It can and will inflate your truck tire, if it’s at 0psi and you want it to 80psi it might take two cycles. Also…. they do not like to get wet lol, i’ve runied two of them because they got wet.
Rx9
On behalf of the toolguyd posting community, thank you for your lobbying efforts with Milwaukee, Pete. I’m probably gonna get one of these things myself.
John
I’m going to get one for travel. Will be good if a tire starts going down before I can get to service. My more common use is going to be pool inflatables for the kids.
Bolt
One that runs off your cars battery is a better solution for travel. It’ll be a lot cheaper and you don’t have to worry about the charge in the battery.
Brent
Do you know how loud it will be? I didn’t see the dB rating listed.
Stuart
Cordless and portable inflators are often noisy. I’ll see if I can get an official rating.
When using one, I’ll usually start it, then stand away until it automatically shuts off. If working indoors, or close to the inflator, hearing protection should eliminate noise discomfort.
Andy
I’m excited. I almost bought a Ryobi, but I didn’t want to get sucked into another battery platform. I am however going to wait until some other retailers start listing them. I never buy from anyone who charges shipping. If my business isn’t going to require an expensive brick and mortar store, I want to see at least some of that savings come my way.
William
Wonder if this would work with high pressure 120 PSI road bike tires with a presta valve.
Mike K
In the Acme pictures it looks like it even comes with a presta adapter. Specs also say it will do “true 120psi”
David
I have the Ryobi dual function inflator (the $55 model) and really like it – I’ve used it far more than I thought that I would, and the friends who have been rescued with it were all impressed with how handy it is. I’m glad to see Milwaukee bring out a competitor – Ryobi keeps winning in the “useful tools I can use with the system” category, and on price for those tools, thus making it convenient to opt to buy them, but having the tools I find really useful available as M12 tools is a great option.
pete
The dual function is only $40.
A W
Very cool. If I didn’t already have a Viair 88 in both vehicles I’d seriously consider this.
I don’t have any m12 batteries but would rather use those than my m18s anyway. The m18 is a very dense projectile to regularly store in the back of an SUV, especially with rear facing kids in car seats. :-/
Not that the Viair is any better, which is why it’s stopped under a rated cargo net.
A W
Hi Stuart, I’ve noticed that the submit comment button sometimes needs to be double tapped for my comment to submit on newer Android phones.
It starts blue, then when I hit submit it turns red. Then if I hit submit again it actually submits.
Stuart
Sorry, I’ll have to look into that. I get glitches on my phone sometimes, but usually because I move my finger slightly, causing a short swipe that might register as a hover instead of a click. Could that be happening to you too? Usually when I do it, the button is highlighted but still blue.
John Blair
I’m of two minds. I hate other battery platforms. But I love deals, I went Ryobi for 3 tools: Their inflator ($25), Hot Glue Gun ($25) and 18 gauge nailer ($130)… Threw in a battery and charger for $60. I really like those tools – Was using the hot glue gun at my desk just last night. At those prices, I was willing to suffer battery platform overload.
Jim Felt
Now I’ve got this to add to my M12 Milwaukee back order. This and the pop riveter. Who knew?
Dang.
glenn
Been calling for this for years but unfortunately a little late for me as I already have the Ryobi. Which works very well and I have pretty much swapped from M12 to Makitas 12v CXT line up.
This certainly has some appeal to me though for one main reason. Its a lot more compact than the Ryobi. Obviously this is at the expense of a low pressure high volume output which will suit some but not all. Some appeal, but not enough to buy one.
A little additional info for those interested, this states a duty cycle of 50% but so does the Ryobi. Perhaps the M12 can run longer continuously before having to shut it down though.
Ryobis manual states 10 minutes on, 10 minutes to cool, see page 7 bottom right in the link.
http://manualsau.ttigroupna.com/system/files/58/original/ryobi-CLT1800G-manual-1.pdf?2016
Jim Felt
BTW. I’m wondering if either Bosch and now especially Milwaukee make an auto 12VDC charger for their respective 12v batteries?
In other words for my cars that don’t have 120VAC out plugs.
Hmm.
Aftermarket?
And I don’t want to bother with any further add on inverter if possible.
fred
There is one for M12:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-LIthium-ion-AC-DC-Battery-Charger-for-AC-Wall-Charging-or-12V-DC-Vehicle-Charging-2510-20/202043588
and a dual voltage one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-and-M18-12-Volt-18-Volt-LIthium-ion-Multi-Voltage-12V-DC-Vehicle-Battery-Charger-48-59-1810/301809847
firefly
I want one! Even though I do have the 88P. I wonder how many passenger tires this one can fill on a single 4ah battery from completely empty. If it can fill up two… that would make it awesome. Two would be very useful.
At first when I saw it my initial reaction is why not m18? Then I realize the target for this type of compressor might be topping off and not filling up. So for an emergency road side kit something like the 88P is the better choice. But this one should make topping up a breeze.
Esa_92101
Preordered…. following your blog is becoming expensive… 🙂
I’ve been waiting for one of these for SO LONG!!! Can’t wait to get it and put it to use.
Mike K
Before having a kid I don’t know if I would have used this. Now in the days filled with bike tires, balls, and more balls. I will probably pick one up. I only have a large compressor so kicking it on for a flat soccer ball is loud overkill.
+1 for the glue gun! Actually +2 cause I’ll probably get one for home and one for work.
chris P.
Does this have the capability to run off your vehicles 12v source? That would up the versatility and make it a no-brainer for us invested in M12.
fred
Right now you can get 10% off on this at Acme – using promo code: SAVEGREEN
The 10% off will cancel out the other “swag” items (chairs or tumbler) that they were offering as a bundle
Steven
For air testing plumbing, short sections, say a shower or tub valve assembly prior to instal, or short run gas line testing, this could actually be pretty handy. I mean a good bicycle pump is between 50-80$ a pretty good value for team red.
Jeremiah
Setting the pressure is nice for this too. Also I’ve tested quite a few systems Or Done Test Balls. longer than the hose From the floor and using a floor pump off the floor is very akward. An ext hose is possible but I never got in the habit of carrying one around.
Kevin Peck
I have had the Craftsman C3 version but the low quality hose connection has loosened to the point I have to hold it in place, I will absolutely be adding this when it arrives, was hoping that Milwaukee would build one of these though frankly never thought I would see it. I’m on board all the way.
Blythe
I would be all in for an m18 version
Raymond
Finally! !! I have been pestering Milwaukee on their site for this… was hoping for 18v but this would do for my jobs.
DC
I’m in
Esa
I preordered one yesterday, and Acme tools sent a FedEx tracking number earlier today. Tracking does not show pick-up by FedEx yet so hopefully it’s actually being shipped (not just showing label creation). In the past, they’ve never created a shipping label for preorder items early so it looks like they actually had some in stock and it’s coming early!
Raymond
Just ordered mine… as well another 12v band saw… is there a Milwaukee Tools anonymous group somewhere??
Randy
I’m in. Thanks for the Tool Nut link.
Doc
Was waiting for something in M18 like the Ridgid portable air compressor R0230. I’ll probably just pick that up since it will do a better job airing up tires since it has a 1 gallon tank and actually has a SCFM rating unlike the Milwaukee inflator.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge Milwaukee fan but also own some Ridgid tools so have batteries and charger to run the portable air compressor. Anyone use the compressor for tires?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1-Gal-18-Volt-Brushless-Cordless-Air-Compressor-R0230/300507507
Nathan L
I’m also one that already bought into Ryo i because of some of these type of tools but I haven’t yet bought a pump. I actually prefer my Joeblow sport manual floor pump just fine and use it several times a week on my commuter bike. The noise and i’m precision of the electric pumps I’ve used put me off them. If this somehow turns out to be quiet I might buy it though as I have mostly been m12
ChrisK
Bought it. I am NOT a Milwaukee fan but this is going to get a lot of use in my truck and on my Can Am.
Lou
no love for the 20v black and decker version? i have it and love it. runs on AC/DC/ or battery
Bob
I have no use for such a schizophrenic compressor. I would have a use for a lower pressure, higher volume compressor. A small piston that gets 120psi has very low volume, so you spend too much time waiting. A larger piston that gets 45psi should be nearly twice as fast, produce less heat, and last far longer. When you have a flat in your car or pickup, you need speed. You need 30-40 PSI, not 120 PSI except in big trucks and certain bicycles. Good luck pumping up a huge tire with a battery powered 120psi compressor. So, when someone makes a proper low pressure, high volume compressor that uses my drill and impact driver battery packs, I will buy one.
Esa
Mine arrived today from Acme!
I immediately rushed to the garage to check the tire pressures on my wife’s car (2012 VW CC). I set 34 psi on the inflator and screwed in the hose and pressed the start button. In about 30 to 45 seconds the pressure went from 30 to 34 psi on 235/40/18 tires. Turned out that every tire was inflated at 30 psi so i repeated the process on all 4 tires. The compressor stops once it reaches the pre-set pressure and then you just move on to the next one. I am very impressed with the compressor for what it is. I am still all smiles! We have 3 personal cars, 2 work vans, and 2 road bikes. This will make my life so much easier…. I’ve got a ton of different M12 and M18 tools, but I think this little inflator got me more excited than any other Milwaukee tool for some reason (maybe because I’ve been patiently waiting for one so long!).
Sammy
Mine arrived today…the two plastic fittings are pretty crappy, any body know where I can get metal replacements? Other than that it works well.
Evadman
Home depot now has the same special buy as tool nut, $79 for the bare tool plus 2.0ah battery. Saw in store in Illinois.
Charles
This thing is great. I got mine last week and put it in the workshop. Today my wife handed me a soccer ball and said “can you find that hand pump and fill this thing up please – so I pulled this out and in 10 seconds we had an inflated ball.
I have a tire inflator that came with my Acura – good little box that plugs into the cigarette outlet in the car. Here is the sequence:
Unwrap the power cord
Open the car door
Put the ignition in the accessory position
Lower both front windows
Plug the box in and put it on the seat
Close the door
Reach in and get the box, untangling the power cord
Unwrap the air hose
Connect the hose up to the tire
Check pressure on tiny dial
Inflate tire
Check pressure
Inflate tire
Check pressure
When done with tires on that side of car, place box through window on seat
Walk to other side of car
Reach in window and get box, untangling power wire
Connect the hose up to the tire
Check pressure on tiny dial
Inflate tire
Check pressure
Inflate tire
Check pressure
When done, reach into car and unplug box
rewrap air hose
rewrap power cord
Open car door, roll up windows and remove ignition key
With this unit:
Unwrap air hose
Connect to tire
Set pressure
press button
Do the same for other tires
Rewrap hose
Charles
After using this inflator for several months now, I have one complaint that seems so simple to fix that I can’t imagine why nobody has thought of this.
I was topping off my sister’s tires a few nights ago. It was dark on the driveway and I had to be careful to not lose the valve stem cap.
Where do you put the tire valve stem cap?
It would be simple to add a little tray (or a little nipple) to hold the cap. This thing doesn’t vibrate very much so it should stay put.
With that addition, this thing would be almost perfect.
Chuck c
I picked one up for work reasons…omg does it speed up tire maintenance on the 5 vans . no lugging out the compressor then fill then test then fill more or let out then repeat 3more times for one . Now I set desired pressure screw it on hit run and in a minute or two unscrew the hose cap it go to the next. Not to mention the help roadside ive been able to provide.
Robert C
Has anyone compared this to the Makita 18 volt that just came out?