ConsFirst / Tire inflators / Compare
Milwaukee M18 Inflator vs Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Milwaukee M18 Inflator ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on inflation speed, gauge accuracy, durability. Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator wins on ease of use, size & storage.
The biggest complaint about the Milwaukee M18 Inflator is battery and charger not included; for the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator it's battery costs extra. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Milwaukee M18 Inflator | Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in tire inflators | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Tool-battery | Tool-battery |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 3% | 6% |
| Overall score | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Inflation speed | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Gauge accuracy | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 | 4.5 |
| Size & storage | 2.0 | 3.5 |
| Durability | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $50 · $$ $50–120 · $$$ over $120. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Milwaukee M18 Inflator
- Battery and charger not included
It runs only on Milwaukee's M18 battery, with no 12V plug option, and the battery and charger cost extra. Car and Driver calls this its most egregious flaw.
- Large and heavy
Car and Driver weighed it at 8.7 lb and says it's too big to carry in a daily driver. Popular Mechanics' tester measured 8 lb 11 oz with a 5Ah battery.
- Screw-on chuck
Car and Driver found the screw-on valve connector a pain for cold fingers. Popular Mechanics found it let out a little air on removal, so the tester set about 0.5 psi extra.
Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator
- Battery costs extra
The bare tool ships without a battery or charger, which adds cost and weight (Popular Mechanics, Milwaukee). Some Amazon owners note the same in mixed value comments.
- Pricey for its performance
Car and Driver left it off its picks because the price, even without a battery, is too high for decent but not standout inflation. Value for money is mixed on Amazon.
- Battery life mixed
Battery life is a mixed aspect in Amazon's review summary.
Who should pick which
Pick the Milwaukee M18 Inflator if
Owners of Milwaukee M18 batteries
Trucks, SUVs and frequent top-offs
Off-road air-downs and garage use
Skip it if: You don't own M18 batteries; You want something small for the glovebox; You want a clamp-on chuck
Pick the Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator if
Owners of Milwaukee M12 batteries
A small inflator with set-and-walk-away shut-off
Cars, light trucks and bikes
Skip it if: You don't own M12 batteries; You want the fastest possible fill; You need more than about 120 psi
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