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Milwaukee M18 Inflator: A Game Changer in the World of Portable Inflators
When Milwaukee Tool released their new M18 inflator, they changed the game. Not only is it rated from zero to 150 psi, like all the other inflators out there, but it actually performs and holds up to what it says it’s going to do without creating a lot of heat. The impressive duty cycle allows it to be used in a commercial market where you’re working on medium-duty trucks and larger tires need to be filled up fairly quickly. In this article, we will go through the Milwaukee M18 inflator, top to bottom.
Test 1: Speed and Efficiency
The first test conducted was connecting the M18 inflator to a jeep with a 35×12.5-inch tire. The tire only needed to go up by two psi, and the inflator accomplished that in seconds. The speed and ease of use were astonishing compared to other inflators on the market.
Test 2: Comparing the M18 and M12 Inflators
To further illustrate the difference between the M18 and M12 inflators, another test was performed. The inflators were connected to two trailer tires, with the M12 given a head start. The results spoke volumes: the M18 increased tire pressure by six psi in just 15 seconds, while the M12 took 44 seconds to do the same.
Test 3: Medium-duty Truck Tire Test
Given the impressive performance at lower psi, it was time to test the inflator on a medium-duty truck tire. The front tires of an F450 were chosen, going from 71 psi to 80 psi. The M18 accomplished this in 40 seconds, while the M12 would have taken the full duration of its duty cycle to do the same.
Duty Cycle Comparison
The M12 inflator has a duty cycle of approximately five minutes, followed by a 10-minute rest. In comparison, the M18 has a duty cycle of 20 minutes, after which it needs to rest for 40 minutes.
Test 4: Heavy-duty Trailer Test
To put the inflator to an even more challenging test, all the tires on a heavy-duty trailer were taken down to 50 psi. The M18 was then tasked with inflating them to 75 psi. It took around three minutes and 23 seconds for the first tire, which is impressive considering the size and fill range. The inflator did slow down as the battery drained and more tires were filled, but it remained impressive throughout.
Temperature Management
The M18 inflator features a built-in fan to keep the unit cool, preventing overheating that could damage the inflator. It is an essential feature, as heat can cause significant damage to the unit.
Features and Functionality
The Milwaukee M18 inflator offers both speed and functionality, with onboard storage for all necessary attachments, including a Presta valve connection, a ball inflating attachment, and a standard inflating attachment for inflatable toys. Users can also save preset pressure settings, ensuring accuracy and ease of use.
Price and Value
At a retail price of $169 for the bare tool, the M18 inflator may seem expensive, but for those with a multitude of tires to maintain or professionals in the commercial market, it is worth every penny. Its performance, accuracy, and convenience make it a valuable addition to any workshop or home.
The Verdict
Milwaukee truly raised the bar with this product. The M18 inflator outperforms its competitors and even the smaller M12 inflator with ease, making it a must-have for anyone in need of a reliable, portable, and efficient inflator. It is perfect for commercial use and medium-duty applications, and its temperature management ensures that it will last for years to come. So if you’re in the market for a new inflator, the Milwaukee M18 inflator is the investment to make.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Used on my mustang today from 15 to 35 PSI and it was not loud as I thought. Fast and accurate. Very impressed. Not sure if it needs oil change like some of my classic compressors that do use oil.
Is it useful for semi trucks?
The only thing I don’t like is you can’t power it any other way than with the battery.
What’s max psi for this unit?
I have the M12 for my Hyundai Elantra and it works great. Not having to deal with gas station air hassles and the freaks and criminals you usually run into at gas stations has been great. My hands at my age have been getting weak and not having to pull out hoses with ridiculously tight springs and hoses that don’t lock extended has been great. I just wish it had the memory function of the M18 version. It’s annoying that I have to set the pressure for every top off session.
What is the CFM that is what really matters my Warn winch is 5CFM. 40 minutes of cooling ill stick with my Warn winch compressor.
I just bought one ,plus the warranty is five year , now I don’t have to go gas station wasting 2 dollar each time
Got the M12 and I like it a lot. But in case I have now also some M18 tools I think about the bigger Inflator.
Thanks for this review.
I bought this last August and all I gotta say is: No more paying $1 for air at the gas station. This thing's a BEAST
No 12v or 110v option this thing sucks. I'm sure the next Dewalt one will be battery only as well. So sick of it
Can it deflate them as well if they’ve been over filled?
Our mechanics are filling HD truck tires @ 120psi w these. They’re impressive
So glad I waited for this instead of buying the m12 version.
I received and M18, battery and charger for Christmas and it works like a champ.. No more going anywhere to inflate my anything…
Nice video. I have the M12 and it just took a crap i think from overheating. I have a Ram 2500 and trying to fill these larger tires draws too much heat i think the piston seal crapped out. I like the fact they made the M18 with a fan.
Great review. You talked me into it. I purchased one with the charger and two 5amp batteries for $199 from Home Depot. Love it so much I decided to get one for my daughter, OUT OF STOCK and now $496 at Home Depot! So thankful I purchased when I did. Thank you!
Thanks for this
Dewalt inflator has dual power option as regular car 12v plug and 20V battery. Waaay more practical!
I work for a tow company, i typically do 4+ tire changes a day after 3 months of owning this its been nothing but amazing, i did think i fkd it up 3 weeks back in a brief rainstorm but its been fine. Moisture did get inside the screen lense but its gone now and still works fine. I do recharge battery everyday because im paranoid, My XC 5.0 has gone 1 bar once when we where busy as hell so i charge regularly but thats just me, And the 12.0HD too expensive.
If your looking into one it's very practical for my line of work,
But to have in the garage? Theres cheaper options i would say. I don't have buyers remorse but i do think when i quit this Job i wont have anymore use for it honestly. Already have a cheap ass slime inflator i rarely use at home. Milwaukee Inflator stays in work truck.
Regardless it's a bad ass inflator to have and i recommend it and maybe if you have no tight budget get 12.0 battery lol
Does it deflate psi with accuracy as well? Or does it at all have this option? Seems like no one has asked this question.
Does this fill inflatables as well? I have a ryobi one that does both tires and air mattresses, inner tubes and so on…. Or does this ONLY do tires?
Oh man, I'm on my 2nd M12 inflator. Burned my first one when I was filling the tires on my fuel tank truck. User error definitely as I ignored the cooling periods. Being in the Euro-zone we always get stuff late, but I see my welding shop has the M18 version now. I'll definitely get it for next month!
How is this holding up
Is the M18 WATERPROOF??? Rain, snow, etc. Will it work in WET CONDITIONS on the side of the road?
Can I use this thing to winterize and blow out my small sprinkler system in my front yard? or is this mainly for inflating tires?
$200 at HD with 2-5.0 batteries and charger right now!!!!!!
On sale at homedepot right now with 2 free 5.0 batteries.
You just made me buy this. Lol I went on hone depot and saw that it came with two 5amp batteries and a charger for $199. I had too
Ok ok I have to buy that now
wonder if this would be strong enough for semi tires going from 110 to 120psi ??
The M12 inflator actually has a 10-minute duty cycle not 5-minutes as stated in the review. 10 minutes on/10 minutes rest/10 minutes on.
Hi, great review. I am looking for something compact like this for my bike shop to seat tubeless mountain bike tires. This requires a fairly high volume of air and usually, shops use a standard air compressor. Do you have any thoughts about the volume of air this produces and do you think it is capable for this application?
I just bought one today. 😎
Cool review. Good to see that Milwaukee have come out with option for their customers with different requirement. I have the M12, for more that 2.5y and this inflator is running well without issues. I could live with its duty cycle and speed compared to the M18 here. M12 comes in a more compact form and it does what i need it to do. However for the future I would definitely go for the M18 as the next purchase due to its better specs. If milwaukee made the M18 inflator similar design but scaled up, it would be a best seller imo
Would be nice being able to connect it on 120VAC outley as well.
The cord gets very hot when is use. Is this normal ?
Thank you very much for the video! I've been disputing with myself on getting the M12 or the M18 and I'm only 2 minutes and 39 seconds into the video and you've already helped me decide! It was very tempting because the M12 has a really good deal right now at Home Depot with extra batteries but the performance definitely would not cut it.
I’ve had the M12 for years, and I truly love that thing. It’s saved my bacon a few times. I use it weekly, and it’s been worth every penny. Been curious about the M18, and I can see myself having both. After all, an inflator is only useful if you have it with you in a time of need. Thanks for the video! You can’t go wrong with Milwaukee!
Looks sweet but I need to see a comparison video against the mighty might Air Hawk Pro. This doesn’t even have pro in the name!
finally something that works good. ive been using them Slime Brand air inflators from Oreillys and they have always gone out, especially here in Texas in the summer. Thanks for the great review!!
Who doesn't love tools lol 🍻
best video out there, always wanted to see 80 psi
Duty cycle on the m12 is 10 min runtime..Than 10 min rest time …
This thing sounds pretty damn quiet too
Does anyone know how it keeps the Preset Memory without the M18 Battery?
Most tools that i know of have a Secondary battery to hold it's stored features/preferences……
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I’d like to use this for an atv along with my truck. Does it have precise enough control to pump 4-5 psi for atv tires?
You sold me on this. Buying one Tomorrow. Military discount will help at home Depot.
Great video, this is the type of review that has me now on board with this tool and I will be purchasing one
Super review, test and demonstration.