Tire inflators have graced store shelves since we can remember. Recently, however, features like digital LCD displays and automatic pressure gauges have improved these products. As recently as this year I’ve been using a DeWalt Quiet Trim compressor to top off the air in my tires. All that takes is a dual air chuck for the 1/4-inch NPT quick coupler on the end of the hose. If you’re fancy, you could use an automotive automotive style inflator with integrated gauge. Now, with the new Kobalt 120 volt tire inflator, you can dial in the desired PSI (up to 120) and sit back. The inflator will do all the work and stop when finished.
It may not be as quick as inflating your tires with an air compressor, but it’s a whole lot easier.
And a whole lot more portable. Throw the new Kobalt 120V tire inflator into your car or truck, and it’s ready to be used as soon as you need it. Since it has both a 120V plug and a 12V power supply cord, you can connect it to your vehicle or plug it into a wall. It will get the job done no matter which method you choose. Neither method affects the inflation rate or maximum PSI. Both power supply mechanisms produce the same amount of power and inflation speed.
Using the Kobalt 120 Volt Tire Inflator
The Kobalt 120 Volt tire inflator does a good job at…well…inflating car tires and truck tires. Bicycle tires and smaller inflatable items are simply no problem. We took it outside and set it to the factory-recommended 33 PSI by pressing the up and down arrows as needed. The integrated LCD screen reflects this in real-time.
As the Kobalt 120V tire inflator worked, the LCD display reflects the current real-time pressure as well as the target pressure. When the system measured 33.5 PSI (.5 PSI over the target) the system shut off.
The 12V plug goes easily into the vehicle to provide power. On the other end, the 26-inch braided hose terminates into a plastic nozzle. I’m not terribly confident in the ability for this nozzle to stand the test of time, but it didn’t give us any problems during testing.
A few accessories come with the Kobalt 120 tire inflator and store in the top of the unit. This includes adapters for balls, airless tires, and more.
If you end up needing to inflate a tire at night, an LED light on the back of the 120V inflator gives you plenty of light to get the job done.
Kobalt 120 Volt Tire Inflator Features
- Max pressure: 120-PSI
- Power: 12-volt DC, 120-volt AC
- LED worklight
- 26-inch hose
- Digital LCD gauge
- Automatic shut-off
- Automatic pressure test
- Includes: inflator, built-in digital tire gauge, LED work light, nozzle accessories
Conclusion
The Kobalt 120V tire inflator is one of the easiest inflators you’ll use. Connecting it checks the pressure, and setting the max pressure is all you need to do before hitting the Start button. On top of that, it costs just $49.98 at Lowe’s. That’s impossibly cheap and affordable for just about anybody. Pick one up and keep it handy—or even in the back of your SUV or truck.
