The Fastest 18V Model on the Market
The Milwaukee 2848-20 Inflator claims to be the fastest 18V model available. We were intrigued by this bold claim and decided to put it to the test. Having used many cordless tools before, we were curious to see if this inflator could truly live up to its reputation. Our goal was to determine if it could inflate car tires, trucks, and even ranch equipment quickly and efficiently.
Pros: What Makes the Milwaukee 2848-20 Stand Out?
- Impressive speed compared to other tested tools
- Low frequencies for a more pleasant sound
- Accurate pressure gauge
- Brass Schrader chuck
- Maximum pressure of 150 psi
Cons: A Minor Shortcoming
- Some air leakage when dismounting due to the depth of the threads on the Schrader chuck
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Performance
Right from the start, it was clear that the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator was something special. It consistently took less than a minute to fill up our car tires, even those with significant wear. In addition, the inflator operated at a lower pitch compared to other models we’ve used, making it more comfortable for our ears. We tested it on various passenger vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs from Jeep, Honda, Subaru, and Ford.
Setting the desired pressure was a breeze with the Milwaukee 2848-20. By using the + and – buttons, followed by the inflation button, we were able to start the inflation process. Milwaukee designed this cordless inflator to take readings throughout the inflation process, resulting in more accurate fills. We compared the measurements to a manual tire pressure gauge and found that it achieved our desired PSI numbers with an accuracy of up to 2 PSI.
We then decided to take the Milwaukee M18 tire inflator to the ranch to test it on a John Deere tractor. While these tires don’t require high pressure, they do require a significant amount of air. The Milwaukee 2848-20 tire inflator’s increased speed, even when pausing to reassess pressure, proved to be a time-saving advantage for larger tire inflation tasks.
Compare the Speed and Accuracy
To further evaluate the Milwaukee 2848-20, we compared it to the Ryobi P747 Dual Function Inflator and the Ridgid R87044 Digital Inflator. We conducted a test that involved deflating the tires on a 2015 Ford F150 to 6 PSI and measuring how quickly each inflator could bring them back to 36 PSI. To ensure accurate results, we used manual dial tire gauges to verify the front and rear pressures.
| Milwaukee 2848-20 | Ryobi P747 | Ridgid R87044 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflation Time | 0:52 | 2:19 | 1:19 |
| PSI at Completion* | 36 psi | 35 psi | 35 psi |
| Function | tire inflation only | Tires and High Volume | tire inflation only |
| Price | $169 | $59.98 | $69 |
*Measured with a manual tire pressure gauge.
Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator Design Notes
The Milwaukee M18 Cordless Inflator is a straightforward tool that excels in terms of speed while maintaining a simple interface. It features 4 memory locations that can be easily switched using the buttons below the backlit LCD screen. By using the + and – buttons, the desired pressure can be set, followed by pressing the inflation button to initiate the inflation process.
We appreciate that the tool operates at a lower pitch compared to other battery-operated tire inflators, thanks to Milwaukee’s use of a larger inner bladder. This design allows for less frequent operation and faster tire inflation. The automatic pressure check feature works exceptionally well, and the design of the brass Schrader chucks is appealing. However, the abundance of threads on the Schrader valve results in some air loss 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
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee 2848-20 M18 Cordless Tire Inflator is an excellent choice, particularly for existing Milwaukee Tool users. Opting for the bare-bones option and using the battery you already have is recommended. We tested it with both the 5Ah RedLithium and 8Ah high-output battery. With a larger battery pack, you can inflate more tires before needing to recharge. The Milwaukee inflator surpassed all other 18V models we’ve used in terms of speed. This is a crucial advantage for individuals who frequently require fast and efficient inflation, making it a mission accomplished for Milwaukee Tool.
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