SWortham Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I've been using a tiny tire inflator I bought at Target. It plugs into the cigarette lighter and it's kinda handy but it's incredibly slow and incredibly loud. So I want something better. I'd even be happier using a bicycle pump if they would only fit on the valve stem. I'm looking for something portable. But the products I've tried suck. So rather than just pick another myself, I thought I'd ask. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henkle Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Here's a portable unit that pumps much faster: http://www.jaeeagle.com/air_horns_compressors.php http://www.jaeeagle.com/images/site/JH12TC.jpgJH12TC- Commercial Grade 12 Volt Air Compressor This 12 volt air compressor is a great way to prevent having to return home early from riding a dirt bike in your favorite remote location simply because you have a flat tire. It is a portable unit weighing just 35 lbs. Our 12 volt compressor can be a very useful tool for tire inflation, operating air tools, or many other camping, off-roading, or racing purposes. The compressor has overall dimensions of just 20" x 18" x 8", so it can easily be stored in your toolbox, camper, or four-wheeler trailer. It comes equipped with a 3 gallon tank and operates at ¾ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 Hmm, that's a bit too big (and heavy). I wonder if a bicycle pump is the way to go. If only I can find one that works with the valve stems... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henkle Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Bicycle pump? Remember that you're pumping 35+ psi... Like you, I also keep a $15 pump in my trunk. It works great for me, since I only use it occasionally when the RE92's pressure went down on me... If you think these are slow, try pumping +3 psi of air to a big SUV tire that holds a lot more air... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forestir Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 You can use a bike pump to touch up pressures, but I wouldn't want to fill up a flat tire. It takes about 10 strokes (depending on pump, of course) to increase 1 psi. The floor-standing bike pumps have a short hose to a locking valve connector, so the valve shouldn't be a problem. Many also have a pressure guage to help you get an approximation of the pressure. You still want to check with an accurate guage though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
froggert Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 i use a bicycle pump on my motorcycle tires. never tried it on the car, but it should work. it could be a lot of pumping though if the tire's low on air or it's not a great pump. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest *Jedimaster* Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Wasn't there an officila Subaru accessory with an inflator thingy on it? I seem to remember it being advertised as able to inflate kids toys, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 I used to use a bike pump all the time with my last two cars. It's not as hard as it sounds. I always fine tune my tire pressures to get the right balance in handling. And I can always feel when one of the tires is just a couple psi low. As for the valve problem... it has to with these valve stems. It's hard to describe but they're too short, so the valve is not actually pressed in when I fit the hose onto it. It's that way with both of the bike pumps I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 I ended up getting a rechargeable battery-based air compressor from Target yesterday for $30. Tried it this morning, and while it does work it is pretty slow and hella loud. -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 12, 2005 Author Share Posted October 12, 2005 I ended up getting a rechargeable battery-based air compressor from Target yesterday for $30. Tried it this morning, and while it does work it is pretty slow and hella loud. Sounds like mine, haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxerGT2.5 Posted October 12, 2005 Share Posted October 12, 2005 Who the fuck gets out a bike pump after a round of golf and adjusts their tire pressures? Go home and fill the tires. If you have a flat your gonna put the spare on anyway. OBAMA......One Big Ass Mistake America! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 13, 2005 Author Share Posted October 13, 2005 Call me weird. But my reasons for getting something portable are many. And I want something light because I want to keep it in my car all the time. I'll also be going to a couple autocrossing events soon and I'd like to be able to adjust tire pressures while I'm out there. What do you autocrossers use? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BoxerGT2.5 Posted October 13, 2005 Share Posted October 13, 2005 Call me weird. But my reasons for getting something portable are many. And I want something light because I want to keep it in my car all the time. I'll also be going to a couple autocrossing events soon and I'd like to be able to adjust tire pressures while I'm out there. What do you autocrossers use? http://imagex.homedepot.com/f/248/13340/7d/www.homedepot.com/cmc_upload/HDUS/EN_US/asset/images/eplus/732422012582_3.jpg OBAMA......One Big Ass Mistake America! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 I returned the rechargeable air compressor (too loud for my tastes) and got a $6 air foot pump from a local Walmart. Works nicely if you just want to pump a few psi to keep the tires in check. And it doesn't take too much pressure to pump it with your feet or your hands/arms (I used both hands/arms - don't ask why ) Was a squeeky little monster at first, but nothing a squirt of WD40 didn't fix -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mblock66 Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Hey I don't know if you are going to catch this tonight but head over to www.woot.com and buy todays item. It is EXACTLY what you are looking for... Woot only sells one item a day and they have limited quantities. They vary from speakers to DLP's to car stuff to computers etc etc.. Today they have a kit that is a portable compressor with an air impact wrench in the kit. Shipping no matter how big the item is always only $5. This kit is normally $50 + shipping other places. I have been thinking about this woot all day and I am about to pull the triggaar myself! Just for the compressor it is worth 29.99!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Too late, says sold out! Cool site though, I'll have to add it to my daily browsings... -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mblock66 Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Oh well, sorry guys. Last time they had this woot it didn't sell out. Still a kick ass unit for $50 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 20, 2005 Author Share Posted October 20, 2005 I returned the rechargeable air compressor (too loud for my tastes) and got a $6 air foot pump from a local Walmart. Works nicely if you just want to pump a few psi to keep the tires in check. And it doesn't take too much pressure to pump it with your feet or your hands/arms (I used both hands/arms - don't ask why ) Was a squeeky little monster at first, but nothing a squirt of WD40 didn't fix Wow, that's weird... I actually bought the exact same pump online last weekend (didn't know I could get it at Wal-Mart). It should be coming just in time for the autocross event this Sunday. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magnetic1 Posted October 20, 2005 Share Posted October 20, 2005 Wow, that's weird... I actually bought the exact same pump online last weekend (didn't know I could get it at Wal-Mart). It should be coming just in time for the autocross event this Sunday. Why not just stop by a gas station close to the autocross? Or buy an air tank, fill that up at the gas station and bring with you. http://content.sears.com/data/product_images/009/15200/00915200000-dlv.jpg That's what I used to do until a sponsor donated an air compressor to the region. Free Sonax Cleaner Deal http://www.brakeswap.com Carbotech, Hawk, PFC, DBA Rotors, Motul, Wilwood, Castrol... Great service. No bumping required ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mach_six Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=G64442&src=21SM001 you need somehting like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legasee Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 ya...I have one of those little electronic air compressors that cost $20 or so..and they are hella loud (I have to wrap a large towel around the entire compressor to quiet it down)...I'm thinking about getting one of those ^^^ air foot pumps...probably just as slow as the one I have and much quieter ) In Taiwan now... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlabs Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=G64442&src=21SM001 you need somehting like this. $52?!?!!! -=- Livin life at 140 BPM -=- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWortham Posted October 21, 2005 Author Share Posted October 21, 2005 Well, that foot pump came and once again it doesn't fit the valve stems properly... stupid chrome valve stems. Getting an air tank is not a bad idea. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NutBucket Posted October 21, 2005 Share Posted October 21, 2005 http://www.gemplers.com/a/shop/product.asp?T1=G64442&src=21SM001 you need somehting like this. Yeah, I have a blackburn very similar to that and it works great for tires. Hell, I've even inflated emergency spares to 60psi with it. Yes, I originally bought it for my bike! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
riscy Posted October 22, 2005 Share Posted October 22, 2005 As for the valve problem... it has to with these valve stems. It's hard to describe but they're too short, so the valve is not actually pressed in when I fit the hose onto it. It's that way with both of the bike pumps I have. You ought to be able to buy valvestem extensions. I know I've seen them. They might look goofy sticking out an extra 1/2" to 3/4" (and increase your rotating mass ) but they should do the trick. Have no clue about the quality, but a quick google search yielded this example of what I'm talking about. A little pricey, but there are surely cheaper options: http://www.dual-star.com/index2/Equipment/valve_stem_extensions.htm Let us know if that works... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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