Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free High Pressure Digital Inflator

As someone who frequently tackles a variety of tasks around the house, having a reliable and versatile tool is essential. The Ryobi 18V ONE+ Lithium Starter Kit with Free High Pressure Digital Inflator has proven to be a noteworthy addition to my toolkit. This compact, yet powerful inflator has quickly become my go-to for a range of inflation needs, from vehicle tires to sports equipment.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed about this inflator is its compact and portable design. It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around whether I’m inflating tires in the driveway or packing it for a trip. The 24-inch hose is a convenient length, allowing for hands-free use without feeling cumbersome. However, I did find the hose to be a bit short when reaching the top of larger tires, which can make the process slightly awkward.

The digital display is bright and easy to read, even in low light conditions, which is a huge plus for early morning or late night tasks. The build quality feels solid, although the plastic and rubber components do have a somewhat cheap feel to them. Despite this, the tool has held up well under regular use, and I haven’t experienced any issues with durability.

Performance

One of the standout features of this inflator is its ability to inflate up to 160 PSI. This range is more than sufficient for most household and automotive needs. In practice, I found the inflator to be quite effective at topping up tires and inflating various items quickly. The auto shut-off feature is particularly handy, preventing over-inflation and ensuring accuracy.

However, the accuracy of the digital gauge is a mixed bag. While it provides a good ballpark figure, I found it to be off by a few PSI compared to my manual tire gauge. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it does require a bit of compensation when aiming for precise inflation levels. I typically inflate slightly above the desired pressure and then bleed off any excess air to get an accurate reading with my manual gauge.

Battery Life and Compatibility

The kit includes two batteries—a 4Ah and a 2Ah—along with a charger. The 18V ONE+ system is compatible with other Ryobi tools, which is a significant advantage if you already own other products from the lineup. In terms of battery life, I was pleasantly surprised. The 4Ah battery can handle multiple inflations on a single charge, making it suitable for more extended tasks. The 2Ah battery is less robust but still adequate for smaller jobs.

One of the most significant advantages of this system is its cordless nature. Not having to deal with power cords or finding an electrical outlet makes the process much more convenient. This portability is especially useful for emergency roadside situations or when inflating items far from a power source.

Usability and Convenience

Ease of use is where this inflator truly shines. The trigger mechanism is intuitive, and the clip-on valve makes attaching to tire stems a breeze. However, the trigger is quite sensitive, and I found myself accidentally engaging the inflator a few times while handling it. This is a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of, especially if you have pets or children nearby.

The inflator also comes with various adapters for different types of valves, including bike tires and sports balls. This versatility makes it a handy tool for a wide range of applications beyond just automotive use. I’ve used it to inflate everything from pool floats to basketballs, and it performs admirably across the board.

Noise and Heat

Like any compressor, this inflator does generate some noise, but it’s not excessively loud. It’s comparable to other small compressors I’ve used and is tolerable for short-term use. One thing to note is that the hose can get quite warm during extended use. This hasn’t caused any issues for me, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re inflating multiple tires or larger items in one session.

Value for Money

Considering its price point, the Ryobi inflator offers excellent value. It’s not the fastest inflator on the market, but its convenience and versatility more than make up for any speed deficiencies. The inclusion of two batteries and a charger adds to its value, especially if you’re already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ High Pressure Digital Inflator is a reliable and versatile tool that has earned its place in my toolkit. Its portability, ease of use, and compatibility with other Ryobi tools make it a valuable addition for anyone who needs a convenient solution for inflating tires and other items.

While it does have some minor drawbacks, such as the accuracy of the digital gauge and the sensitivity of the trigger, these are relatively minor issues in the grand scheme of things. For light to moderate use, this inflator is more than adequate and offers a level of convenience that larger, corded compressors simply can’t match.

I would recommend this tool to anyone looking for a portable, easy-to-use inflator that can handle a variety of tasks. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a frequent traveler, or just someone who values convenience, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ High Pressure Digital Inflator is a solid choice that won’t disappoint.