tools advice

[Smeeagain]

Im looking for a portable tyre inflator/compressor - the type that runs of cigarette lighter (or pff mains at a push). Are they any good? Does anyone have any manufacturer recommendations?

Thanks

Smee

[X5Sport]

I've got a cheapy one from Argos that i've had for years. I think it's one of these devices that inflates just about anything like airbeds, paddling pools, bike tyres etc. The operator guide says it can pump up to 200psi. Not mains capable though. It has a torch and a flashy yellow warning light too. It takes a while to pump the tyres up on our Bimmers as they have such bl@@dy great tyres! Fiendishly noisy beast too. The only thing on it that isn't any good is the pressure guage, which I have never trusted. Does the job, and it was an Xmas gift, so I'm not complainng too loudly.

[gmc15]

I use one of these and find it great

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/p ... ested.html

Graeme.

[AW8]

Mine is a family hand down Hilka similar to the bulky RAC one in the link above.

Manual dial in PSI gauge has taken a bang or two so I cross check PSI using a more trusted digital item.

Nice to do this at home rather having to queue at petrol statiion to use coin operated kit that might not be recently calilbrated.

[Smeeagain]

thats great thanks - so does anyone have recommendations on tyre pressure gauges and I'll get one o those separately to verify what pressure the compressor is delivering

Smee

[X5Sport]

I have a Halfrauds digital one. Seems to be OK, but I've never checked it against a calibrated one though. I think it's supposed to be within 1-2psi. I replace these sort if things about every 10 years though.

[Sundayjumper]

[quote=""gmc15""]I use one of these and find it great [/quote]
I have the predecessor, the RAC600, and it's been fine. The new version for under £20 is a bargain !

[AW8]

One thing to check on these is there claimed accuracy. Any device worth its own will have the accuracy figure on back of packaging - just as X5sport has indicated re 1-2 psi accuracy.

Auto Express have comparison reviews for most kit.

You should consider they don't test all competitors & a reviewers opinion might not be same as yours.