Mains-powered tyre inflators

[Dieselman]

Or I could swipe the air machine at the BP station and whack a plug on it.

lol!

Just fit a long hose...use their electricity...

Another idea is to get hold of an old fridge compressor and attach an air line and gauge.

 

[Colin_b]

Is everyone buying a small compressor aware that certain pressure vessel certification inspections may be periodically required to comply with legislation? I'm not sure if all small home compressors are exempt from this or not but I imagine statutory requirement will increase with vessel size and working pressure? http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l122.pdf

My understanding - and rereading of your link - means that small domestic air compressors using ambient temperature (STP) intake air need have no concern. Any domestic/automotive compressor will be compliant with this or earlier regulation on mqanufacture.

It soes assume that at least the most basic maintenance will have been done, and if not will fail safe.

IE - drain any water traps at least annually, visually check for corrosion or perishing and check the correct fuse is there.

Poorly inflated tyres are an infinitely bigger risk.

 

[Rashman]

Just fit a long hose...use their electricity...

Another idea is to get hold of an old fridge compressor and attach an air line and gauge.

Hahaha!

Like your style

I'll probably have to look into getting a full-on compressor from Machine Mart or something.

Really does seem like over-kill just to check my pressures before heading out though

 

[Dieselman]

Really does seem like over-kill just to check my pressures before heading out though

Are you measuring tyre temperatures at pit stops, too.

Just get a 12v compressor...I did and it works great.

 

[Rashman]

Are you measuring tyre temperatures at pit stops, too.

Just get a 12v compressor...I did and it works great.

Haha.

Funny thing is, I have a 12v compressor thingy... but I have never used it because I decided that I didn't want to keep plugging it into the car.

I know, completely weird and perhaps ocd-like

I'm a funny bugger.

All I want is a plug-in inflator that I can use without disturbing the car.

I hate disturbing the car.

lol

 

[SavMan]

Try the Michelin one I have had it over a year and use it regularly and while it is not as accurate as I would like it is consistent, I simple set it 2 psi above where I want to and then use a more accurate gauge to drop to the desired level. I think I paid £40 for it, it runs of 12 volts though which is also far more useful than mains powered.

 

[Dieselman]

I got one from Costco. Cost £20, seems to work well. The gauge is slightly out (1-2psi), but consistent.

 

[Rashman]

Try the Michelin one I have had it over a year and use it regularly and while it is not as accurate as I would like it is consistent, I simple set it 2 psi above where I want to and then use a more accurate gauge to drop to the desired level. I think I paid £40 for it, it runs of 12 volts though which is also far more useful than mains powered.

Hey Paul.

I hear you.

So how do you power it.. ciggie lighter or car battery?

 

[SavMan]

Hey Paul.

I hear you.

So how do you power it.. ciggie lighter or car battery?

I just plug it in the cigar lighter, I have found you need to start the engine otherwise it seems to take a lot longer.

 

[Rashman]

I just plug it in the cigar lighter, I have found you need to start the engine otherwise it seems to take a lot longer.

lol

This is what I want to avoid - for when I want to check the tyres when not taking the car out.

 

[Dieselman]

Get a 12v one and a battery charger, that way there is no need to start the engine.

 

[SavMan]

Get an extension and run it off your Alfa.

 

[SavMan]

Or this one, it has 3 power option 12v/240v/internal battery


http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_786101_langId_-1_categoryId_255241

 

[Rashman]

Get an extension and run it off your Alfa.

lol!

That means opening the big garage door and letting in damp air


Hahahahahaa

 

[joembuck]

Compressed air safety

Is everyone buying a small compressor aware that certain pressure vessel certification inspections may be periodically required to comply with legislation? I'm not sure if all small home compressors are exempt from this or not but I imagine statutory requirement will increase with vessel size and working pressure? http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l122.pdf

Pretty sure this is only for commercial use - Per HSE regs the guideline is that systems over 250 bar-litres (thats around the top end of DIY-type systems) are likely to need a written safety scheme.

But remember that compressed air can be dangerous, both explosion and flying debris hazards are a particular issue. a fair bit of common sense is required.

 

[Rashman]

Or this one, it has 3 power option 12v/240v/internal battery


Halfords | Halfords Advanced Rechargeable Multi Purpose Tyre Inflator

Funnily enough, I was looking at that when I was there.

What's annoying is that no one working there knows what the hell they're on about. One person said you can run it off the mains, one person said you can't, and have to charge the internal battery and then use it - and the 3rd person said they don't sell mains-powered inflators?!?!

I mean Jeeeeeeeeeesus!!!

But it may be an option.

If I have to charge it first then use it, I could live with that.

Thanks for your patience dude... I know I'm an awkward bugger!

 

[Ian Donkin]

This is what you want...
RING RAC 900 Auto Heavy Duty Tyre Inflator | FREE UK Delivery

Its blooming excellent, I have two, one for home, one at work. It can blow up a flat tyre in seconds.

This connects to your cars live and earth terminals not ciggie lighter.

If you really want a mains one, the best thing to get is a mini compressor... I got mine from Aldi or Lidl IIRC for £50 with a load of free attachments.

You can get a Maplin badged version of this for about £15 and it's brilliant. It plugs into the lighter socket, but it's the best battery compressor I've ever used. I bought 3 at once for various cars having bought one previously as an Xmas present.

 

[sinewave]

Fill ya boots!

Compressors | Maplin Electronics

 

[BTB 500]

I've used a rechargeable one for some years, have been very pleased with it. I always stick it back on charge after using so the battery (sealed lead acid) is kept fully topped up. Useful for the caravan, bikes, etc. too.

I use the pressure gauge on it as a guide only - always over-inflate a bit, then use a good quality hand-held gauge to set the pressure accurately.

Mine's branded "Air Monster" .. no idea if they are still sold or not.

 

[Rashman]

I've used a rechargeable one for some years, have been very pleased with it. I always stick it back on charge after using so the battery (sealed lead acid) is kept fully topped up. Useful for the caravan, bikes, etc. too.

I use the pressure gauge on it as a guide only - always over-inflate a bit, then use a good quality hand-held gauge to set the pressure accurately.

Mine's branded "Air Monster" .. no idea if they are still sold or not.

Thanks for your input

I may well get the rechargable one they have in halfords and see how it goes.

Understand what you say about over-inflating and then getting the right pressure with a seperate gauge.

I have a decent handheld guage I can use.