Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Review 2848-20

The Milwaukee 2848-20 Inflator claims to be the fastest 18V model on the market

When Milwaukee Tool claimed that their M18 2848-20 cordless tire inflator was the fastest 18V model on the market, we had to get our hands dirty and test it. We've used nearly a dozen of these cordless tools and found they all get the job done…but fast? Not that much. We wanted to test this particular tool on cars, trucks, and even some ranch equipment to see if it would add inflation, the only thing we like here.

advantage

• Really fast compared to all other tested tools so far
• Low frequencies sound better than the typical highs of other cordless inflators
• Accurate Pressure Gauge
• Brass Schrader Chuck
• 150 psi max

shortcoming

• Due to the depth of the threads on the Schrader chuck, a little bit of air will leak when dismounting

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Performance

From the start, we knew this was an unusual inflator. First off, it never takes more than a minute to fill up any of our car tires — even ones with a fair amount of tire wear. The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator also has a lower pitch when operating than other tire inflators we have used. The ears are not that uncomfortable. We first tested it on a combination of passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks and SUVs from Jeep, Honda, Subaru and Ford.

Setting the desired pressure involves pressing the + and – buttons on the Milwaukee 2848-20, then pressing the inflation button on the right to begin. Milwaukee designed their M18 cordless inflator to take readings throughout the tire inflation process. This seems to help it get a more accurate fill. Based on our comparisons using a manual tire pressure gauge, it hit our target PSI numbers more accurately, up to 2 PSI.

After discovering that it was quick and easy to refuel our passenger car, we took our Milwaukee M18 tire inflator to the ranch to pair it with a John Deere tractor. While these tires don't require a lot of pressure, they do require a lot of air. Unsurprisingly, the Milwaukee 2848-20 tire inflator's increased inflation speed—even when pausing to reassess pressure—saves a lot of time on larger tire inflation jobs like this one.

Compare the Speed and Accuracy of the M18 Tire Inflator to Other Models

We compared the Milwaukee 2848-20 to the Ryobi P747 Dual Function Inflator and the Ridgid R87044 Digital Inflator. The test involved pumping 6 PSI out of the tires on a 2015 Ford F150 and seeing how quickly the inflator could get it back to 36 PSI. We verify front and rear pressures with manual dial tire gauges.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Design Notes

It's really not a complicated tool. While it excels in terms of speed, it also uses a simple interface. You'll get 4 memory locations that you can switch between using the memory buttons below the backlit LCD screen. Use the + and – buttons to set the desired pressure, then press the inflation button to start inflation.

I like this because it works and the tool's tone isn't as high-pitched as other battery-operated tire inflators. Milwaukee apparently uses a larger inner bladder so it runs less frequently and fills the tire faster. The automatic pressure check feature seems to work really well, and I even like the design of the brass Schrader chucks. One potential issue is the amount of threads on the Schrader valve causing me to lose a little more air than I would like when removing it from the stem.

Additional features

• Includes inflation needle, nozzle and French chuck
• Backlit LCD screen
• Onboard hose and nozzle storage
• Compatible with all current M18 batteries
• Shockproof feet

You can pick up the Milwaukee 2848-20 M18 Cordless Tire Inflator for around $169 bare-bones. We've had it sell for about $348 as a kit, but that seems exorbitant. Get bare tools or wait for a deal or special.

the bottom line

This product should really appeal to current Milwaukee Tool users. Skip the kit option and just use whatever battery you have lying around. We tried with 5Ah RedLithium and 8Ah high output battery. With a bigger pack, you'll just inflate more between charges. The Milwaukee is much faster than all other 18V tire inflators we have used. This is especially important for anyone who does a lot of remote inflation and wants a faster solution. If this was the main design goal Milwaukee Tool had in mind for this tool, we'd say: Mission accomplished.

Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Specifications

• Model: 2848-20
• Collet (integrated): Brass Schrader
• Maximum pressure: 150 PSI
• Dimensions (H x W x L): 7.8 x 6.4 x 13.8 inches
• Weight: 9 lbs.
• Warranty: 5 years
• Includes: M18 Inflator, Integrated Brass Schrader Collet, Inflation Needle, Inflator Nozzle, Presta Collet