Black & Decker Inflator Multi-Tool Attachment with Storage Case

A week with the Matrix inflator

I tossed the Matrix inflator into my trunk for a week of errands, rides, and kid sports to see if this compact head could earn a permanent spot in my kit. In short, it’s a useful, no-frills way to turn a Black+Decker MATRIX power unit into a handy inflator that covers car tires, bikes, balls, and beach gear—without adding another dedicated tool to charge and store.

Setup and compatibility

If you’re already in the MATRIX ecosystem, setup is as simple as clicking the inflator head into your power unit and squeezing the trigger. If you’re not, note that the power unit is sold separately; this attachment doesn’t run on its own. The quick-connect interface engages firmly and there was no wobble or play on my 20V MAX MATRIX base.

In the box, you get the high-pressure inflator head, a needle nozzle (for sports balls), a beach-ball nozzle, and a compact storage case. There’s also a universal adaptor that accepts the included nozzles and similar accessories. Everything nests neatly in the case, which is more helpful than it sounds; it keeps the oddball tips from vanishing into a drawer.

Build and ergonomics

Physically, the attachment is compact and tidy: roughly 11.5 inches long, 9.6 inches wide, and 5.9 inches tall. At 3.3 lb listed weight, it feels substantial without being burdensome, and the weight sits close to the power unit so the whole package balances well in hand. The housing plastics are in line with other MATRIX heads—nothing fancy, but seams are clean and the hose fittings thread smoothly.

There’s no fiddly control scheme here; the power unit’s trigger is your on/off. That makes the learning curve nonexistent, but it also means you’ll be manually controlling inflation rather than relying on presets or auto shutoff. For quick top-offs, that’s fine. For longer runs, you’ll want to keep an eye on your own pressure gauge.

Pressure capability and accuracy

The spec sheet claims up to 125 psi, and in use I had no trouble reaching common targets: mid-30s for passenger car tires, 50–65 psi for hybrid bikes, and triple digits for a skinny road tire. I used a separate tire gauge to verify pressure as I went; readings were consistent with what I’d expect after bursts of inflation. Since the attachment doesn’t advertise a built-in gauge, plan on using your own for precise results.

As with most small compressors, the final few psi on high-pressure bike tires take longer and require a little patience. It’ll get there, but it’s not meant to be a shop compressor. For most household needs, the 125 psi headroom is ample.

Inflation speed and use cases

Speed is acceptable for a compact, battery-powered attachment. Topping a car tire from low 30s to high 30s takes a couple of minutes, and a standard basketball is done in seconds. I also used the beach nozzle on a kid’s swim ring and a small beach ball—both were up faster than I could have blown them by mouth, which is really the threshold that matters for poolside use.

Starting from a completely flat passenger tire is asking a lot of any small cordless inflator. The Matrix inflator can do it in a pinch, but that’s the edge of its comfort zone and it generates noticeable heat if you go that route. For emergency fills, I’d pair it with a sensible duty cycle: run for a couple of minutes, rest briefly, and repeat. For routine top-offs, it remains cool and composed.

Noise and heat

It’s noisy in the way most compact inflators are—think a small compressor hum rather than a scream. I didn’t measure decibels, but it won’t startle the neighbors and it’s conversation-loud in a garage. After longer runs, the head warms up. The plastics never felt soft or stressed, but common-sense practice applies: don’t cover the vents, and let it cool between extended inflations.

Accessories and storage

The included nozzles cover common needs: the needle for balls and the tapered beach nozzle for inflatables. The universal adaptor is straightforward and holds tips securely. If you ride with Presta valves, you’ll need a Presta-to-Schrader adapter, as none is included. That’s a minor omission given the audience, but worth noting before a ride.

The storage case is better than a throw-in. It’s compact enough for a trunk cubby, and the foam/compartment layout keeps the nozzles from rattling loose. The latches close positively; mine stayed shut through a week of travel.

Battery use and portability

Because it shares the MATRIX power unit and batteries you already own, portability is a strong suit. One battery, many tools is the whole point of the platform, and this attachment fits that philosophy well. With a freshly charged pack, I topped off four car tires and handled a couple of balls with charge to spare. Battery life will vary with your pack size, but the draw feels in the normal range for a compact compressor. If you anticipate a long session, have a second battery ready.

The overall package—power unit plus inflator head—is smaller than most standalone cordless inflators, and much easier to tuck into a shelf or tote bag. That compactness is the killer feature here.

What I liked

• Simple, click-on setup with any MATRIX power unit
• Respectable 125 psi ceiling for cars, bikes, and balls
• Included needle and beach nozzles cover everyday inflatables
• Compact storage case keeps the small bits organized
• Good balance in hand; hose and fittings feel solid
• Easy to stash in a vehicle or hall closet

What could be better

• No Presta adapter in the box for road cyclists
• Manual control requires a separate pressure gauge for precise targets
• Extended fills generate heat; duty cycling is prudent
• Requires the MATRIX base; not useful if you’re not already in the system

Alternatives and context

If you don’t own a MATRIX power unit, a dedicated 12V plug-in inflator or a standalone cordless inflator with an integrated gauge and auto shutoff may make more sense. Those tools often add features like digital readouts, lights, and preset pressure stops, though they’re bulkier and require separate batteries/chargers. For MATRIX users, this attachment hits the sweet spot: it leverages gear you own, saves space, and inflates the things you actually encounter day to day.

Who it’s for

• Existing MATRIX users who want a compact, always-there inflator
• Home and vehicle owners who mainly top off rather than fill from flat
• Parents hauling balls and pool inflatables to parks and beaches
• Cyclists who are fine using a Presta adapter and a separate gauge

If you’re frequently seating tubeless tires, inflating truck tires from empty, or you value digital presets and auto shutoff, you’ll want to look at purpose-built inflators.

Specs at a glance

• Max pressure: 125 psi
• Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.6 x 5.9 in
• Weight: 3.3 lb
• Includes: inflator attachment, needle nozzle, beach nozzle, storage case
• Compatibility: Black+Decker MATRIX Quick Connect System (power unit sold separately)

Recommendation

I recommend the Matrix inflator to anyone already invested in the MATRIX ecosystem who wants a compact, reliable way to handle everyday inflation tasks. It’s easy to deploy, reaches the pressures most households need, and its case keeps the little accessories from going missing. The trade-offs—manual control and the need for your own pressure gauge—are reasonable given the attachment’s size and simplicity. If you’re starting from zero and don’t own a MATRIX base, a dedicated inflator with more built-in controls might suit you better. But for MATRIX users, this is a practical, space-saving head that earns its place on the rack and in the trunk.