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Milwaukee M12 vs M18 Tire Inflator

Both use TrueFill auto shut-off. The M18 is rated to 150 PSI with four presets and a longer hose; the M12 is smaller and suits cars.

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This page was drafted with AI assistance from manufacturers' specs and manuals, and is checked by our editor.

Our pick: Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)

Why the Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only) wins

For trucks and SUVs, the M18: 150 PSI, four memory presets, a 36-inch hose and a 5-year warranty. The M12 is the better fit for a car if you already own M12 batteries.

Prices change often. Check the current price and availability on Amazon.

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Image: MilwaukeeMilwaukee M12 Compact Inflator 2475-20 (Tool Only)
Editorial score:8.2/10

Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator 2475-20 (Tool Only)

A compact M12 inflator rated over 120 PSI, with TrueFill auto shut-off and a backlit display showing target and current pressure.

Image: MilwaukeeMilwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)
Editorial score:8.4/10Our pick

Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)

A 150 PSI cordless inflator on Milwaukee's M18 battery, with auto shut-off, four PSI presets and a 36-inch hose.

Specs compared

SpecificationMilwaukee M12 Compact Inflator 2475-20 (Tool Only)Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)Our pick
Editorial scoreEditorial score:8.2/10Editorial score:8.4/10
Best forBest Compact Tool InflatorBest for Light Trucks
Max pressureOver 120 PSI150 PSI
Power sourceM12 (12 V) batteryM18 (18 V) battery
BatteryNot included (tool only)Not included (tool only)
Auto shutoffYes, TrueFill auto shut-offYes, at the selected pressure
DisplayBacklit LCD with target and current pressureDigital
Hose length26 in, with an all-brass Schrader chuck—
Included accessoriesBall inflation needle, Presta chuck, Schrader chuck, inflator nozzleAll-brass Schrader chuck on a 36 in hose, inflation needle, inflator nozzle, Presta chuck
Warranty3-year limited5-year tool warranty
Modes—Inflation with TrueFill auto pressure check; 4 PSI memory presets
Where to buyCheck Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)Check Latest Price on Amazon (paid link)

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Key differences

  1. 1Max pressure: 150 PSI for the M18, over 120 PSI for the M12.
  2. 2Presets: four memory presets on the M18.
  3. 3Hose: 36 inches against 26 inches.
  4. 4Speed: the M18 tops off 33-inch truck tires in under a minute; the M12 fills an LT tire from 30 to 45 PSI in under four.
  5. 5Warranty: 5 years for the M18, 3 years for the M12.

Pros and cons

Best Compact Tool InflatorModel 2475-20

Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator 2475-20 (Tool Only)

The compact Milwaukee for cars and crossovers, especially if you already own M12 tools. Truck owners on M18 should buy the 2848-20 instead.

Pros

  • Tops off a car tire (28-35 PSI) in under a minute, by Milwaukee's figures
  • TrueFill auto shut-off guards against overfilling
  • Display shows target and current pressure at the same time
  • Small enough to keep in a car with a spare M12 battery

Cons

  • Runs only on M12 batteries; no 12 V or wall power
  • Battery and charger sold separately
  • Aimed at cars: Milwaukee quotes under 4 minutes to fill a light truck tire from 30 to 45 PSI
Best for Light TrucksModel 2848-20

Milwaukee M18 Tire Inflator 2848-20 (Tool Only)

The best cordless inflator here for trucks and anyone already on Milwaukee's M18 batteries. If you want to plug into the car or a wall outlet, the DEWALT DCC020IB is more flexible.

Pros

  • Milwaukee says it tops off 33-inch light truck tires in under a minute
  • TrueFill checks the tire's pressure before filling, so the shut-off point is more accurate
  • Four memory presets for vehicles with different tire pressures
  • 5-year tool warranty, longer than DEWALT's 3 years

Cons

  • Runs only on M18 batteries: no 12 V car plug or wall cord
  • Battery and charger are sold separately
  • No high-volume mode for air mattresses and pool toys

Choose the Milwaukee M18 2848-20 if

  • You drive a truck or SUV, or inflate several vehicles' tires.
  • You already own M18 batteries.

Choose the Milwaukee M12 2475-20 if

  • You drive a car or crossover and want the smaller tool.
  • You already own M12 batteries.

Both

TrueFill auto shut-off, brass Schrader chucks and a Presta chuck in the box, and no battery included.

Frequently asked questions

Which Milwaukee inflator is better for trucks?
The M18 2848-20: Milwaukee says it tops off 33-inch light truck tires in under a minute.
Do the Milwaukee inflators include a battery?
No. Both the 2475-20 and the 2848-20 are tool only.
Which has the longer warranty?
The M18, with 5 years against 3 years for the M12.

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