What tyre inflator attachment?
Discussion
I have a small compressor and want to inflate/top up my tyres, so need a good attachment with an accurate gauge, this one from PCL looks the type I want, but any others I should look at? Maybe less money?
Note I'll be using this maybe once a month tops, so it doesnt need to be workshop standard, but needs an accurate gauge.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/pcl-airforce-mk4-analog...
Note I'll be using this maybe once a month tops, so it doesnt need to be workshop standard, but needs an accurate gauge.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/pcl-airforce-mk4-analog...
Is there a digital option with auto stop?
I can’t really see the point of an analogue gauge as it’s likely to go out of calibration.
I’ve got a sub £10 inflator and about the same price separate digital gauge. I just go a bit over on the inflator and check with the gauge. Normally let a hiss out and it’s spot on.
I can’t really see the point of an analogue gauge as it’s likely to go out of calibration.
I’ve got a sub £10 inflator and about the same price separate digital gauge. I just go a bit over on the inflator and check with the gauge. Normally let a hiss out and it’s spot on.
Thanks, appreciate the PCL is a bit OTT. I could go for a lower cost type if I can get something that is accurate. I currently use a cheap no brand I've had for decades but the gauge is broken. My other gauge is not accurate. The two 12v inflators I have are not accurate (according to my cars pressure monitors)
I like the 'push-on/hold-on' form factor, just makes it easier, the valves are not easy to get to through the wheel covers on one of my cars.
I like the 'push-on/hold-on' form factor, just makes it easier, the valves are not easy to get to through the wheel covers on one of my cars.
I top up my tyres with a push bike track pump.
If that is too much work, some less leaky tyres are in order.
I use a little digital gauge, I keep one in each car, so it's handy enough for the bikes.
IF you've got one gauge you trust, then it's easy to apply a bit of correction to what the one on the track pump or whatever is telling you.
My track pump over-reads by about the thickness of the needle for the kinds of pressures you use in cars and motorbikes.
If you got a schraeder fitting that latches onto the valve, you could put a T piece and a gauge in maybe?
Bear in mind that temperature affects the pressure, so either be realistic about precision or wait for things to equalise then go back and measure again.
I'm still looking for an excuse to buy a compressor though.
If that is too much work, some less leaky tyres are in order.
I use a little digital gauge, I keep one in each car, so it's handy enough for the bikes.
IF you've got one gauge you trust, then it's easy to apply a bit of correction to what the one on the track pump or whatever is telling you.
My track pump over-reads by about the thickness of the needle for the kinds of pressures you use in cars and motorbikes.
If you got a schraeder fitting that latches onto the valve, you could put a T piece and a gauge in maybe?
Bear in mind that temperature affects the pressure, so either be realistic about precision or wait for things to equalise then go back and measure again.
I'm still looking for an excuse to buy a compressor though.
paddy1970 said:
You don't need the PCL...Is designed for 40000 cycles...it is no more accurate than the options below if you use it once a month
Sealey SA400 -£40
Clarke TPG30P -£20
Draper 01071 -£15
Agree with Paddy1970 - I had the Sealey and it worked fine, unless you are running a lorry tyre-repair shop.Sealey SA400 -£40
Clarke TPG30P -£20
Draper 01071 -£15
Having said that, in 2026, get the 18v inflator instead, for whichever batteries you have. I find it so much better than a compressor for domestic purposes. See the separate posts advocating the Makita one, for example. Haven't used the compressors for tyres, for years.
Who's right though, I have a cheap old gauge and one of the PCL as above and a cheap digital one.
They all read the same , so I went to have a new a new tyre fitted, the guy says I'll check all your pressures, now his gauge completely disagreed with my 3 , but he was adamant that his was correct, even though I saw him just throw it down on the floor after using it.
They all read the same , so I went to have a new a new tyre fitted, the guy says I'll check all your pressures, now his gauge completely disagreed with my 3 , but he was adamant that his was correct, even though I saw him just throw it down on the floor after using it.
OutInTheShed said:
I top up my tyres with a push bike track pump.
If that is too much work, some less leaky tyres are in order.
I use a little digital gauge, I keep one in each car, so it's handy enough for the bikes.
IF you've got one gauge you trust, then it's easy to apply a bit of correction to what the one on the track pump or whatever is telling you.
My track pump over-reads by about the thickness of the needle for the kinds of pressures you use in cars and motorbikes.
If you got a schraeder fitting that latches onto the valve, you could put a T piece and a gauge in maybe?
Bear in mind that temperature affects the pressure, so either be realistic about precision or wait for things to equalise then go back and measure again.
I'm still looking for an excuse to buy a compressor though.
Unfortunately there isn't space for the track pump head to fit on the valve, not without removing the wheel trims. If that is too much work, some less leaky tyres are in order.
I use a little digital gauge, I keep one in each car, so it's handy enough for the bikes.
IF you've got one gauge you trust, then it's easy to apply a bit of correction to what the one on the track pump or whatever is telling you.
My track pump over-reads by about the thickness of the needle for the kinds of pressures you use in cars and motorbikes.
If you got a schraeder fitting that latches onto the valve, you could put a T piece and a gauge in maybe?
Bear in mind that temperature affects the pressure, so either be realistic about precision or wait for things to equalise then go back and measure again.
I'm still looking for an excuse to buy a compressor though.
I've changed the track pump connector to this type:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222431594618
Push it on, it grips the thread, tighten it 90 degrees or so.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222431594618
Push it on, it grips the thread, tighten it 90 degrees or so.
I have a compressor, tyre inflator, long hose, all that.
I actually use a 12v inflator, same as https://www.safety-devices.com/goodyear-12-volt-ai...
It's far less faff than the compressor, and the gauge is accurate enough. (I've crosschecked it with other gauges and they all concur).
When it eventually dies, I'll be buying one of the Makita inflators. Even more convenience.
I actually use a 12v inflator, same as https://www.safety-devices.com/goodyear-12-volt-ai...
It's far less faff than the compressor, and the gauge is accurate enough. (I've crosschecked it with other gauges and they all concur).
When it eventually dies, I'll be buying one of the Makita inflators. Even more convenience.
I use a Ring digital pump.
https://amzn.eu/d/07bz7aG3
I can't vouch for the accuracy of the guage as I've always just assumed it is correct.
However I can vouch for the reliability. I've always associated the Ring brand with cheap tat, but it's been brilliant.
I used to operate a car accessories web shop which sold a ton of these and had very few problems. Conversely the Michelin branded stuff was a nightmare.
https://amzn.eu/d/07bz7aG3
I can't vouch for the accuracy of the guage as I've always just assumed it is correct.
However I can vouch for the reliability. I've always associated the Ring brand with cheap tat, but it's been brilliant.
I used to operate a car accessories web shop which sold a ton of these and had very few problems. Conversely the Michelin branded stuff was a nightmare.
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