Ryobi Power Inflator

As someone who often finds themselves needing to inflate a variety of items, from vehicle tires to pool toys, I was excited to try out the Ryobi Power Inflator (model P737). This compact and versatile tool seemed like it could be a handy addition to my toolkit. After using it for a while, I found it to be a mixed bag of impressive features and a few notable drawbacks.

First, let's talk about the tool's standout feature: its high volume inflation and deflation capability. The Power Inflator can inflate a standard twin air mattress in approximately 45 seconds, which is incredibly fast. This makes it ideal for anyone who frequently deals with large inflatables, such as air mattresses or pool toys. The tool also doubles as a portable blower, which I found useful for quickly clearing debris from my workbench and even for accelerating the readiness of charcoal by supplying airflow.

The Ryobi Power Inflator is ergonomically designed with a pistol grip handle, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods. This feature, combined with the locking trigger, significantly reduces user fatigue, allowing me to inflate multiple items without feeling strained. The tool is also compatible with any Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery, which is a huge plus if you already own other tools from this series. However, it's worth noting that the battery and charger are sold separately, which can be an additional cost if you don't already own them.

One of the most practical aspects of this inflator is its portability. Weighing just 0.7 lbs, it's easy to carry around, and its compact size makes it convenient to store in my car or garage. The on-board storage compartment for accessories is a thoughtful addition, keeping everything you need in one place. I found myself using this tool in various scenarios, from inflating bike tires during a long trail ride to topping up my car tires before a road trip.

However, the tool is not without its flaws. One of the most significant issues I encountered was the inaccuracy of the digital pressure gauge. While the digital readout is a convenient feature, I found it to be off by several psi compared to my calibrated manual tire gauge. This discrepancy can be problematic, especially when inflating vehicle tires where precise pressure is crucial for safety. I had to over-inflate according to the digital gauge and then bleed off the excess air to reach the correct pressure, which added extra steps to the process.

Another minor issue is the attachment valve. It feels somewhat flimsy and can be fussy when attaching to valve stems, often letting out a bit of air when disconnecting. This can be mitigated by over-inflating slightly and then quickly removing the valve, but it’s an inconvenience that could have been avoided with a better design.

The tool also gets quite warm during extended use. While it didn’t get hot enough to be a safety concern, it did make me wonder about its long-term durability. The short hose length is another drawback, making it a bit cumbersome to reach certain valve stems, especially on larger tires.

Battery life was another area where the Power Inflator showed mixed performance. While it’s efficient for smaller tasks like inflating bike tires or sports balls, inflating larger items like vehicle tires drained the battery more quickly than I expected. If you plan to use this tool for more heavy-duty tasks, having a spare battery on hand is advisable.

Despite these issues, the Ryobi Power Inflator has several redeeming qualities. Its compact and lightweight design, combined with its high-speed inflation capability, makes it a handy tool for a variety of tasks. It's particularly useful for emergency situations, such as inflating a flat tire on the roadside, provided you have a charged battery with you.

The versatility of this tool cannot be overstated. Whether you need to inflate a pool toy, top up vehicle tires, or blow away debris from your workspace, the Power Inflator can handle it. The convenience of cordless operation and the compatibility with Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ battery system make it a valuable addition to any DIY enthusiast’s arsenal.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Ryobi Power Inflator with some reservations. If you’re looking for a lightweight, portable, and versatile inflator for light to medium-duty tasks, this tool is an excellent choice. Its ease of use and high-speed inflation capabilities make it a convenient tool to have on hand. However, if you require highly accurate pressure readings or plan to use it for heavy-duty tasks frequently, you may find the digital gauge’s inaccuracy and the battery life limitations to be significant drawbacks. Overall, for everyday use and emergency situations, the Ryobi Power Inflator is a practical and reliable tool that I’m happy to have in my collection.