Getting stuck on the side of the road with a flat tire and no services in sight is one of the biggest fears of many drivers, especially if alone out in the middle of nowhere. Sure, there are services that you can call to come help you in your hour of need but, in many cases, you end up waiting quite some time just to get a temporary fix. The best solution to this nightmare scenario is being prepared so when a flat tire rears its ugly head, you’re prepared.
A handheld tire inflator, or portable tire inflator, is an essential tool to have in your roadside emergency kit. These little tire inflators won’t replace the large air compressor you may have in your garage but they stow away easily and can be your most essential tool on-the-go. Of course, with so many options on the market, it may be hard to choose which one is right for you. There are tire inflators that you plug straight into the cigarette lighter, digital tire inflators with an incredibly accurate pressure gauge to ensure perfect tire inflation, and many other cordless tire inflators. Here are some of the best options to consider when looking to buy a handheld tire inflator.
Fineed Hand-Held 12V Electric Mini Air Inflator
A handheld tire inflator doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. Fineed offers a unit that should meet your needs and stow away easily so that you can still pack everything else you want to take on a road trip. One of the best features of this unit is that it can be charged with a regular wall outlet or a vehicle outlet. The best idea would be to charge it at home before you head out on a trip but, if you forget, you won’t be stuck in the middle of nowhere with no hope in sight. Simply charge up on-the-go and fill up your tire! The time to fill a vehicle tire is quoted as 15 minutes. Obviously, this is not meant to replace a large, garage air compressor. People who ride bikes may find this unit perfect for putting in their backpack as they hit the trails. A flat tire can ruin a good bike ride pretty quickly. However, this Fineed handheld tire inflator can have a bike tire filled up in just a couple of minutes. Pack this along with a tire repair kit and you’re all set for a day of riding!
Kensun AC/DC Rapid Performance Portable Air Compressor
This handheld tire inflator from Kensun has all the features you should be looking for in a handheld compressor unit! Unlike the model above, this inflator from Kensun does require a power source so you will need access to either a home or vehicle outlet. However, the additional features may make the lack of battery power an easy trade-off for some. The Kensun handheld tire inflator features a digital display, LED flashlight, and easy-to-hold design. The handy carrying bag makes it easy to stow away in your trunk or back seat and move between vehicles as-needed. If you’re looking for something convenient, look no further!
Kensun AC/DC Swift Performance Portable Air Compressor
This is another unit from Kensun that promises great portability and fast inflation time. With an advertised inflation time for vehicles tires being 6.5 minutes, this Kensun handheld tire inflator can have you back up and running much more quickly than some other handheld units. The analog gauge is prominent and easy to read. Plus, just like the Kensun model above, this unit can run on power from a home outlet or a vehicle outlet. Flexibility and portability all come together in one small package. Oh, and you get the handy carrying case too!
Ryobi P737 18V ONE+ Portable Cordless Power Inflator
Ryobi is one of the top brand names in battery-powered, portable power tools. Having a trusted name on the box isn’t always everything but, in this case, Ryobi lives up to the name. This is an especially handy unit to have if you already own some Ryobi tools as the batteries are universal across most of their power tools. This handheld tire inflator is pretty basic compared to some of the other models on this list. However, sometimes all you need is a trusty tool to fill your tire. Ryobi can offer that. The size of this Ryobi tire inflator is its main selling point. It won’t take up much room in your garage or vehicle and you can trust you will be able to maneuver in even the tightest spaces. Plus, the price is on-par with, or better than, most of the other units on this list. For price-conscious buyers who want a trusted brand name by their side, this is the handheld tire inflator for you.
Suaoki B24A Portable Air Compressor
The Suaoki B24A portable air compressor can be held with one hand. However, don’t let its small size fool you. This little unit promises big results with a fill time of just 5 minutes for a flat vehicle tire! Use it on a home outlet or with power from your vehicle outlet for fast filling of vehicle tires, bike tires, and more. The large LED light can be used to help see in the dark or set to a pulse mode which can help catch the attention of passerby in situations where help may be needed. Plus, the easy-to-read digital gauge can be seen during the day or at night to make filling your tire quick and convenient. Getting stuck with a flat tire is never at the top of anyone’s wish list but the experience is a lot less daunting when you have the Suaoki handheld tire inflator with you.
