Archives

What do any of you suggest by way of an air pump for my tires? Should I buy one? If so, which? What kind?

I'd get a pancake compressor if i had the money right now. craftsman/lowes, whichever is on sale.
I've burned up several of the smaller car tire pumps that you get at walmart.
I run 60psi right now. I get 50psi in with the cheap pump and then use a high quality bike pump to pressurize it up to 60psi.

I'm also interested in hearing some opinions on this. I was looking at a $10 12v cigarette lighter air pump at Wal-Mart, but have hesitated on buying it because I'm not sure of the quality (not to mention that I don't believe the claims of 200+ PSI on it).

Back in 1997 I bought a $10 Walmart air compressor with a built in flashlight. Still have it and it still works. I only use it to maintain my tire pressure. It's worthless if your tire is flat. It's handy to have. Mine came with an emergency flasher feature. Say you're trying to change a flat on the side of the road at night, you can plug in the compressor and set it facing oncoming traffic with the warning flashers going. If you're going to be changing the tire closest to the road you should probably have it facing you so other drivers can see you before their headlights reach you. A neighbor had a tiny model and loaned it to a friend. This was in Dallas, TX. The tire was flat and was taking too long so the friend went back inside to watch the Cowboys football game. He was going to check on the tire during commercials. He forgot about the tire until he heard an explosion that shook his house. His tire exploded and that little air compressor was still running with it's plastic casing melted to the unit. Once he turned it off and it cooled, it never ran again. He was out close to $200 for the cost of replacing his friend's compressor and buying a new tire for his truck.

I just bought this one from Sears and love it. http://tinyurl.com/55rd8o It may be overkill, but I like tools! I wanted one I could set on my work bench and just leave there. The hose that comes with it is very cheap; I'd just order a nice one with it. In fact, I did. I thought 25 feet sounded long, but it barely reaches out of my shed to the back wheels if I park right in front of the shed. It comes in handy for blowing off my lawnmower, too.

Nanci

The one I have I got at the local Harbor Freight for $25. Nice little unit that is good to have when you have to add 5 or less psi to the tire.

I have two types. One I got sounds a lot like the one SailorDave has. Got it a long time ago. Has a light that used to be red, but the red cover melted. Pump has an analog gauge. It's slow but dependable.

I also have one that you use your foot to operater. That way you get some exercise, so that's a plus.

I used he walmart special for 6 years also. I think it is a Campbell/Halford or something like that. It is slow but works fine. I still use it now and then. I stepped up to a real air compressor for the garage. Now I can use an impact gun for rotating my tires and numerous other tasks.