Craftsman Tire Inflator Lineup: 12V, V20 and Dual Power

The CRAFTSMAN Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor is the smallest model here at about 1.3 lbs and 5 by 3 by 8 inches. It has a built-in 6000mAh rechargeable battery and can also run from a 10 ft 12V car accessory plug, so a dead battery does not leave you stuck. The listing says a single charge can top up four car tires (195/55 R15) and raise one from 30 to 36 PSI in 45 seconds.

Maximum pressure is 150 PSI with 36 liters per minute of airflow. It offers four presets for bikes, motorcycles, cars and balls plus a custom mode, and it reads in PSI, KPA, BAR and KG/CM2. Auto shut-off stops at your preset. Extras include a three-mode LED light, a USB-C charging port and a 5V/1A USB output for phones. In the box are three extra nozzles, a spare fuse, a USB-C cable and the 12V plug. Noise is listed at 78 dB.

It suits drivers who want a quick top-up before heading out and like having a light and phone charger in the glovebox. Its airflow is modest, so large truck tires are better handled by the 3-in-1.

• 6000mAh battery or 12V corded
• 150 PSI max, 36 L/min
• Auto shut-off with presets
• LED light and USB output

Best for
Craftsman V20 owners wanting a light pump

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Air Compressor Portable is a cordless high-pressure inflator that runs only on a Craftsman V20 battery. It is sold as a tool only, so you need to own a battery and charger already. Weight is listed at 2 lbs and maximum pressure at 150 PSI.

Its digital display is the focus. The features cite a delta of 2 PSI in Craftsman’s testing, while the description says accuracy of plus or minus 2%. Those are different measures, so treat both as approximate. The D-handle has a rubber overmold for grip, and included pieces are a high-pressure tapered nozzle adaptor, an inflator needle adaptor and a Presta valve adaptor. The listing does not specify auto shut-off.

This is the pick for V20 owners who want a light, cord-free pump for car tires, bikes and balls. If you want a wall or car plug as backup, the CMCE520B covers that.

Best for
Simple 12V car inflator on a budget

The CRAFTSMAN Portable 12V Tire Inflator is a corded unit powered from your car’s 12V accessory socket through a 10 ft cord. The listing says it reaches 150 PSI and inflates a 195/65 R15 tire from 30 to 36 PSI in under a minute.

You set a target in PSI, BAR or kg/cm2 and it shuts off automatically. The LCD shows current and target pressure, and there is a three-mode LED light. It weighs 1.9 lbs, with a 2.17 ft air hose, built-in cord storage and a carry bag. The box includes a Presta adapter, inflatable adapter, ball needle, extra fuse and manual. Noise is listed at 78 dB.

It fits someone who keeps an inflator in the trunk and never wants to think about charging. The short hose means you may need to park close to the tire, and it gives way to the dual power model if you also want to use it in the garage.

Best for
Garage and trunk use with three power options

The CRAFTSMAN V20 Tire Inflator Portable Air compressor (CMCE520B) is the most flexible on power. It runs from a V20 battery, an AC wall plug or a 12V car adapter, which makes it useful both in a home garage and at the roadside. The specifications list 5 cfm airflow and 3.8 lbs, though they label the power source as battery only despite the three-source description.

Auto shut-off lets you set a PSI and walk away, and a digital gauge shows pressure. It includes a ball needle, Presta adapter, small inflatable adapter and a large volume hose for things like air mattresses. Battery and charger are sold separately. The listing does not state a maximum PSI, and it carries a 3-year limited warranty.

It suits V20 owners who want one inflator for tires, pool toys and camping mattresses with a plug-in fallback. For more on cordless options, our 20V cordless inflator guide goes further.

• V20 battery, AC wall and 12V car power
• Auto shut-off
• Large volume hose for inflatables

Best for
Home garage plus car without batteries

The CRAFTSMAN Dual Power Tire Inflator runs from a 12V car plug or a 120V home outlet, so there is no battery to manage. It has a digital gauge, preset modes for cars, bikes, motorcycles and sports gear, auto shut-off and an LED work light.

Pressure figures conflict: the features say custom mode goes up to 150 PSI, while the specifications list a 125 PSI maximum. The specs also list 25 cfm airflow and a 0.5 gallon capacity, which are unusual for this kind of inflator, and the listed dimensions match the 3-in-1 exactly, so check the product page. Noise is 68 dB, the hose is 29 inches, and the box includes Presta, inflatable, ball needle and universal adapters, an extra fuse, air hose and carry bag.

It suits drivers who want the same tool in the garage and the car without buying batteries. If you already own V20 packs, the CMCE520B adds cordless use.

Best for
Truck and RV owners who also vacuum

The CRAFTSMAN 3-in-1 Tire Inflator combines an inflator, car vacuum with a 0.2-gallon dust cup and a blower. It runs on a 20V battery (sold separately) or 12V car power through a 14 ft cable, and it has the highest listed pressure here at 160 PSI.

The listing says one 4Ah battery can take 12 car tires (195/60 R15) from 0 to 40 PSI in about 4 minutes, and it claims 4x faster inflation than competitors, which is a brand claim. The gauge is listed at plus or minus 1 PSI. It shows PSI, BAR and KPA with battery level, and noise is listed at 68 dB. At 6 lbs it is the heaviest, with a crevice nozzle and three inflation heads.

It suits truck and RV owners, or anyone who wants to clean snack crumbs out of the car after an event. If you only need tires topped up, the lighter models are easier to store. Our full Craftsman tire inflator guide covers more of the range.