Pumping tyres - manual foot pump or air compressor?

[YanMa YatTai]

Hi All,
Since I know many of you, like me, are into "affordable" items (ok, cheapskates, there I said it ) - what is your preference for affordable solutions for pumping tyres, say, at the track?

There are the cheap eBay/KMart air compressor jobbies, or for similar price, manual foot pumps. Which does a better job for topping up the tyres by a few PSI? I dont need the full blown 4WD air compressors as I dont have the budget and dont intend to pump masses of air.

I have borrowed someone's cheapie air compressor and it took a long time to even get 2 PSI in! I dont mind the manual labour (and saving my ear drums) if the foot pumps are more efficient, but if its the same or worse than the cheap compressors, then I will buy the compressor. I am thinking of the double barrel kind of foot pump.

It will server 2 purposes - the kids bike tyres at home and for topping up the car tyres at the track. Your thoughts appreciated.

[Apu]

I've used both pumps...spend about $60-80 and get a half decent compressor - its worth it!

[Dan]

^ Yeh I'd just get a small 12v one and be done with it.

I use the OEM Mazda 12v one that came with my NC which plugs into the cigarette lighter at the track if I need to bump up the pressures (rare as I'm usually bleeding it) and to add around 10psi to my tyres before I drive home while I'm packing the car.

I'd estimate it takes 2-3 minutes to go up 10psi.

[rascal]

Just use the servo pumps to pump them up before you hit the track, then you can bleed down to desired pressure after first session.
Much easier than pumping up after first session.

I have a decent portable compressor, but using the above method I haven't needed to use it at the track in years..

[Steampunk]

DO NOT buy cheapo single piston ones, even if the brand seems reputable. I bought a Dr. Air one and nothing worked properly; unstable, valve clamp weak, piston overheats very quickly.
At the very least, get a 2 piston pump but as stated, a small 12v compressor is a better option.

[kalt]

If you're a cheapskate who loves multifunction useful items then I can recommend the AirMan tyre repair kit. I bought mine from Kmart maybe 10 years ago I can't remember, when it was on sale for around $60. It's a 12V compressor that also has attachments to pump balls up, inflate the airbed with a turbo jet nozzle, and sealant bottle to repair tyre punctures. Simple on/off button, an air release button, and a 'thereabouts' (aka inaccurate) pressure gauge going up to 120PSI.


Very neat package, could be placed in the boot of the roadster if you don't want to carry the space saver around, weighs about 1kg. It has been indispensible for the car as well as camping/park related activity, and touch wood, haven't needed to use the sealant which is probably still in good condition?


Just looked and they don't offer the model I have anymore, upgraded to a Pro version with built-in carry handle.

http://www.my-airman.com/product/tire-r ... s/resq-pro

[manga_blue]

I've used a genuine single barrel Michelin foot pump at the track for years.

The gauge is dead accurate. The pump itself has never given any trouble, unlike the cheap electric pumps I had before. If it's just a matter of adding 2 or 3 psi then the foot pump is faster and easier than an electric. If you're pumping the rears on the tow car back up to 55 psi then go find 240V.

[sailaholic]

I bought a portable one that runs the same 12v lithium battery as my torch, impact gun and drill. Gauge has about a 2psi error while pumping be reads accurate static. You set the pressure turn it on and away it goes. Turns itself off when it's done.

It's a bit battery hungry but I can easily put 5 psi in 8 (yes two cars) tires at the end of a track day on one battery.

100 with a battery, charger and multi use attachments.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ricky-pinky]

I use a Track Pump that I have left over from my cycling days. The gauge seems to be pretty accurate but is only graduated in 5psi increments. However, you can pretty much guess the in between pressures.
If you're only adding a couple of psi it only takes about half a dozen pumps and its a lot quicker than mucking around with a 12 volt electric pump. But I have pumped up a flat 16" NB tyre with it, which only took about two minutes.
If you have a hand held gauge then you can always slightly over inflate the tyre then use the gauge and bleed a bit of air out till you get the pressure you want.

[project.r.racing]

I've used both pumps...spend about $60-80 and get a half decent compressor - its worth it!

^this^

dual piston versions moving air at 65L/min cost $50-$60 on ebay.