Scorpion 12V Digital Compressor Tyre Inflator SDTI12V
Powerful and compact
Easy to read digital display
Adapters for other inflatable's
Long-lasting LED light for night use
Rubberized feet provide stability during use
3 metre cigarette lighter power cord
Check your local store as it is listed as CLEARANCE
Video showing a similar looking Ring unit from flat to 35psi (warning boring video)
https://youtu.be/N9ieJxGAUEg
I'd have to say no.
But on the other hand, i dont think the hose from the petrol station will reach if your tyre goes flat on the freeway!
I heard that the petrol station ones had quite poor calibration, but hey, that is pretty weak evidence.
True, but I would change it to my spare tire or call roadside assistance.
I'd primarily use this as part of my monthly / pre holiday checks I do on my vehicle.
Are these more reliable than the petrol station ones for reading tyre pressures?
Yes they are unless they're the clipsal type with the wall/post mounted digital display.
Can someone post on the reliability of these? Would it work for bicycles at 120kpa?
there's something similar on Amazon which is 35psi, google reckons that is ~240kpa
http://www.amazon.com/Slime-40022-12-Volt-Digital-Inflator/d…
you sure you don't mean 120psi?
Can someone post on the reliability of these? Would it work for bicycles at 120kpa?
They'll work up to around 100psi depending on the model (this one from masters is 100psi). And they're very reliable given their size (I'm talking about the Ring Automotive ones here - our model was the RAC630 - but this seems similar).
Had one similar to this. My internal car electric behind the 12v outlet started to smoke when i used it. Never again
Had one similar to this. My internal car electric behind the 12v outlet started to smoke when i used it. Never again
These are similar to the Ring Automotive branded ones you can buy from Amazon UK and are very good units. I picked one up today to replace my wife's compressor that failed after over five years of use. If you car electric <sic> behind the 12v outlet started to smoke you have a crap car and possibly a crap compressor.
The main difference between these and the Ring Automotive units is they don't have an area to wind the power cable around (you stuff it into a plastic opening) and they don't come with a carry bag to store it in.
These are similar to the Ring Automotive branded ones you can buy from Amazon UK and are very good units.
What do you mean by similar? When it comes to assessing quality of the product, they're the same thing or they're not.
What do you mean by similar? When it comes to assessing quality of the product, they're the same thing or they're not.
I mean similar. The ones that I have are five years old and they have some newer models out and the masters one is a newer model as well but they are similar in many aspects and I would even go as far to say the designs are from the same company.
Photos of the "similar models"
http://imgur.com/lJR2eUI
http://imgur.com/FM6smxt
The unit on the right is the RAC630 and the one on the left the Scorpion. There is a crack in the metal housing near the main gear on the RAC630, the air compression area seems larger on the RAC630.
This unit appears to be identical to the Scorpion and has good reviews, not quite as good as the Ring Automotive but there are only 20 reviews so far and a 4.5 out of 5 - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00N94L21U
I picked one up today to replace my wife's compressor that failed after over five years of use.
Wouldn't it be better to just repair the leaking tyre?
I have a Kmart cheapy that I've owned for 20 years, and it's still running. But I'd expect it to, since owning for 20 years doesn't mean that I've used it for 20 years. I reckon mine's been used 10 times
With a failure after only 5 years, this doesn't sound like a product that you should be recommending.
How many times has "your wife's" compressor been used? Once per year?
Wouldn't it be better to just repair the leaking tyre?
Great, yet another one on the roads who has no idea about car maintenance, the checking of tyres or even that tyres lose pressure. Why on earth would you make the statement that you don't check tyre pressures and top them up because this is only if you have a leaking tyre. All tyres leak and this is why you have to check them on a regular basis not just when you drop your car into K-mart Auto every two years for a basic service.
I have a Kmart cheapy that I've owned for 20 years, and it's still running. But I'd expect it to, since owning for 20 years doesn't mean that I've used it for 20 years. I reckon mine's been used 10 times
Sounds about right for someone who has no idea about car maintenance.
How often should you check your tyres? I guess in your case once every two years when they drop to a dangerous 15 PSI and you can see that the tyre needs inflation.
With a failure after only 5 years, this doesn't sound like a product that you should be recommending.
And why is that? Because you have only topped up your tyres 10 times in 20 years so everyone else is just as negligent with car maintenance? I paid around $50 for those units so $10 per year to ensure that the tyres are correctly inflate is absolutely nothing. I would pay that each year without hesitation. If this $20 unit lasts two years it's only $10 per year.
How many times has "your wife's" compressor been used? Once per?
""my wife's"" compressor has been used on around 40 occasions so has inflated 160 tyres. "my" compressor has been used more often and is still working.
The purpose of this unit is that you can check and inflate your tyres at home with relative accuracy instead of doing this at the service station "next time". These units make it easier so you will hopefully do it more often.
Our cars are fitted with in wheel TPMS so we get live pressure and temperature readings from inside the tyre which reduces the need to check the tyre pressures but we still use these units every six to eight weeks to top up the tyres. If you don't have TPMS you should use these at least monthly or more if you do a lot of driving, they're easy to use and all you do is screw this onto the valve and press the go button.
Great, yet another one on the roads who has no idea about car maintenance, the checking of tyres or even that tyres lose pressure. Why on earth would you make the statement that you don't check tyre pressures and top them up
Sorry to deflate your rant, but you are making a massive assumption that is totally wrong.
I'll be honest - I've never considered checking tyre pressures with a cheap "tyre inflator". Honestly, it never crossed my mind that you might be using these devices for that reason!
Personally, I check tyre pressures with a digital pressure gauge. I pump up the tyres with one of my compressors, or I add air at the service station. Either way, my digital gauge is what verifies the pressures for me.
Remember, to get pressures correct you need to over-inflate, then leak out slowly until you hit the correct value - so the air pump's gauge accuracy doesn't really matter much.
I've even "calibrated" the inflating gun on my compressor. So I know that if it shows (say) 40psi, then it's actually (say) 36psi. So, I just inflate to a few PSI over that, then use the digital gauge to set the end pressure accurately.
And why is that? Because you have only topped up your tyres 10 times in 20 years so everyone else is just as negligent with car maintenance?
I hardly ever use my 12V inflator because I couldn't be bothered using a tiny little toy like this to inflate my tyres. I class it purely as an emergency device, for when there are no other options. It's much easier using a decent tanked compressor. In fact, most of the time I don't bother firing up the big one, but I use a small (tank-less) oil-free compressor that can be carried by hand. However the one at the Servo is much easier than anything I own.
Remember… I check pressures with a separate gauge, and never the device used for inflating.
I'll be honest - I've never considered checking tyre pressures with a cheap "tyre inflator". Honestly, it never crossed my mind that you might be using these devices for that reason!
So what do you think these devices are for? Cooking breakfast perhaps?
Personally, I check tyre pressures with a digital pressure gauge. I pump up the tyres with one of my compressors, or I add air at the service station. Either way, my digital gauge is what verifies the pressures for me.
Good for you but these are much more convenient and easier to use as they can be done at home in the driveway. The pressure sensor in these is the same as in your digital pressure gauge.
Remember, to get pressures correct you need to over-inflate, then leak out slowly until you hit the correct value - so the air pump's gauge accuracy doesn't really matter much.
No you don't need to over-inflate and leak air out until you get the pressure correct, no wonder you only check your pressure once a year. It's far simpler to use one of these devices, set it to one PSI higher to allow for any loss when you unscrew the fitting and you don't need to stuff around setting up a compressor, getting out the hose, fitting the connections, over inflating, and constantly going back and forth with the pressure gauge and releasing air.
I've even "calibrated" the inflating gun on my compressor. So I know that if it shows (say) 40psi, then it's actually (say) 36psi. So, I just inflate to a few PSI over that, then use the digital gauge to set the end pressure accurately.
Good for you but this has a digital gauge built in and it stops when it hits the correct pressure. So much easier.
I hardly ever use my 12V inflator because I couldn't be bothered using a tiny little toy like this to inflate my tyres.
So you would rather spend half an hour setting up a compressor, stuffing around, drain the tank on the compressor instead of spending literally thirty seconds a tyre using "a toy" device….. LOL.
I class it purely as an emergency device, for when there are no other options. It's much easier using a decent tanked compressor. In fact, most of the time I don't bother firing up the big one, but I use a small (tank-less) oil-free compressor that can be carried by hand. However the one at the Servo is much easier than anything I own.
I guess you consider the spare as an ornament if you consider a compressor as the last option. Some people value their time, others seem to like to waste time when there are easier options.
Remember… I check pressures with a separate gauge, and never the device used for inflating.
Make life more difficult for yourself all you like but this device saves a lot of time and allows people to check their pressure more regularly.
So what do you think these devices are for? Cooking breakfast perhaps?
Inflating tyres. Very slowly.
No you don't need to over-inflate and leak air out until you get the pressure correct, no wonder you only check your pressure once a year.
If you listen carefully, you'll find that your "wonder device" does exactly that!
set it to one PSI higher to allow for any loss when you unscrew the fitting
Ahhh… I see. Yet you just said "you don't need to over-inflate and leak air out until you get the pressure correct" ??? LOL
and you don't need to stuff around setting up a compressor, getting out the hose, fitting the connections, over inflating, and constantly going back and forth with the pressure gauge and releasing air.
Setting up? Fitting connections? Constantly going back and forth? You obviously have no idea what you are talking about, how an air compressor works or how to use one to inflate a tyre.
So you would rather spend half an hour setting up a compressor, stuffing around, drain the tank on the compressor instead of spending literally thirty seconds a tyre using "a toy" device
A compressor doesn't need any setup time. They run on electricity, not coal, so it's "plug in & switch on". However I already explained that I use a small oil-free compressor because it sometimes suits the car location better. Anyway, instead of "literally 30 seconds a tyre" I spend about 2 seconds per tyre with my "non-toy" inflators, and that's only if air is needed.
For maximum time savings, I don't even need to get an inflator out to check pressures!
Anyway, I'm sure you've convinced many people to buy one like yours, which are obviously the best product available :-)
Inflating tyres. Very slowly.
Why slowly? I just gave an example of how long it takes per tyre.
If you listen carefully, you'll find that your "wonder device" does exactly that!
So what? The point is you plug it in and turn it on and it does all the work for you.
Ahhh… I see. Yet you just said "you don't need to over-inflate and leak air out until you get the pressure correct" ??? LOL
You really do have no idea about tyres! What part of accounting for losses when you disconnect the hose is hard to understand?
Setting up? Fitting connections? Constantly going back and forth? You obviously have no idea what you are talking about, how an air compressor works or how to use one to inflate a tyre.
Air compressor has to be switched on, hose connected, valve fitting connected, tyre inflated, tyre checked with separate gauge, tyre inflated/deflated, gauge and so forth (your words), remove hose, connector, drain tank on compressor and put away. etc etc.
A compressor doesn't need any setup time. They run on electricity, not coal, so it's "plug in & switch on". However I already explained that I use a small oil-free compressor because it sometimes suits the car location better. Anyway, instead of "literally 30 seconds a tyre" I spend about 2 seconds per tyre with my "non-toy" inflators, and that's only if air is needed.
So 2 seconds to do all of the above with a separate pressure gauge. Utter bollocks.
For maximum time savings, I don't even need to get an inflator out to check pressures!
Get yourself TPMS and don't even have to spend that much time but no doubt you will come back and claim that using the pressure gauge takes minus time so you save time.
Anyway, I'm sure you've convinced many people to buy one like yours, which are obviously the best product available :-)
I never said it was the best product available but it's damn good value and if it encourages people to inflate their tyres more often it's worth it. Your method is utterly absurd and a waste of time.
Why slowly? I just gave an example of how long it takes per tyre.
You were the one that said 30 seconds per tyre - that is damn slow to add a few PSI to a regularly checked tyre.
You really do have no idea about tyres! What part of accounting for losses when you disconnect the hose is hard to understand?
What part of "taking a random guess about how much pressure is lost when you disconnect the hose" is hard to understand?
Air compressor has to be switched on, hose connected, valve fitting connected, tyre inflated, tyre checked with separate gauge, tyre inflated/deflated, gauge and so forth (your words), remove hose, connector, drain tank on compressor and put away. etc etc.
LOL WOT?
Your toy inflator must be switched on, valve fitting connected, tyre inflated, tyre inflated/deflated, remove hose, connector, and put away. etc etc. So, all those are the same for both of us.
Which leaves hose connected NOPE, tyre checked with separate gauge YES, gauge and so forth (your words) NOPE, remove hose, NOPE, *drain tank on compressor * NOPE.
So, the only difference is that I check my pressure with an accurate gauge, and drop the pressure if necessary to meet target. I can assure you that I can do that in far less than 30 seconds.
Get yourself TPMS and don't even have to spend that much time
If you have it, why are you checking it with a $20 inflator?
I never said it was the best product available but it's damn good value and if it encourages people to inflate their tyres more often it's worth it.
If they won't check pressures at a servo, they certainly ain't going to fart-arse around getting this thing out, plug it in, wait 30 seconds per tyre, etc etc just to check pressures.
Your method is utterly absurd and a waste of time.
Well, I am sorry that you feel that way, and I'm also sorry you feel the need to defend your personal method so strongly. I use the same method that the pros and big boys use, and maybe you would too if you owned a couple of compressors like I do. Ever been to a tyre installation workshop and seen what equipment they use?
You were the one that said 30 seconds per tyre - that is damn slow to add a few PSI to a regularly checked tyre.
It's a realistic figure to remove the valve cap, screw the fitting onto the valve cap, press the power button, wait for it to finish, press the power button, unscrew the fitting and replace the valve cap.
What part of "taking a random guess about how much pressure is lost when you disconnect the hose" is hard to understand?
I know exactly how much is lost, I can see it on my TPMS readout and the display on the compressor.
So, the only difference is that I check my pressure with an accurate gauge, and drop the pressure if necessary to meet target. I can assure you that I can do that in far less than 30 seconds.
Sure you can……. utter rubbish.
If you have it, why are you checking it with a $20 inflator?
Because all tyres lose air and require topping up but clearly you have no idea once again about car maintenance or you wouldn't make such an absurd statement.
If they won't check pressures at a servo, they certainly ain't going to fart-arse around getting this thing out, plug it in, wait 30 seconds per tyre, etc etc just to check pressures.
What is more convenient? Wait don't answer as you clearly think you can pull out your tanked compressor, hook up a hose to it, put a tyre inflation fitting on it, run the compressor, inflate the tyre, detach, use your gauge and repeat before putting it all away, draining the tank etc in a few seconds per tyre.
Well, I am sorry that you feel that way, and I'm also sorry you feel the need to defend your personal method so strongly. I use the same method that the pros and big boys use, and maybe you would too if you owned a couple of compressors like I do. Ever been to a tyre installation workshop and seen what equipment they use?
Your method is absurd for occasional home use, for professionals doing this all day it is totally different. I'm not defending "my method" but using these all in one units to inflate your tyre is a hell of a lot easier to perform.
Any other uses besides inflating car tyres…
Any other uses besides inflating car tyres…
You can blow up your
You should be able to go off the battery with alligator clips for reliability
Also air gauges a notoriously unreliable on cheap air tools
Just spend up on a decent gauge
There's some decent brass ones now for 4b's for $20bucks or so
You should be able to go off the battery with alligator clips for reliability
Why? The cigarette socket should be capable of ten amps for short periods.
Also air gauges a notoriously unreliable on cheap air tools
Not on these units, the pressure is a always within a pound or two of the TPMS reading in over five years of testing with the Ring Automotive versions.
There's some decent brass ones now for 4b's for $20bucks or so
Do they inflate your tyre automatically like this one? No so they're useless as most people won't use them.
Wow
Happy to learn from your extensive experience
But you don't have to be a dick about it
If you want accurate pressures then over inflate with one of these (good value at $20) and adjust the actual pressures with a real gauge. I have found gauges on these small alliances to out by anything from 2-4 psi. That's quite a lot when you a targeting specific pressures like between 15-20 psi.
Thanks, was looking for a new basic compressor for the car
Got one a few days ago. Still in box. Wonder if I'll ever use it or its just going to sit and collect dust like most things I ozbargain haha… Also got 2 of these https://m.masters.com.au/product/900033960/dorcy-40-lumen-le… from my local masters for only $3 each.
Thanks
It'll be a good addition for the MC when touring
I already have some plugs and an ebay $5 digital gauge that has proven accurate over the last few years.
You can Get co2 bulbs and adapters for motorcycle tyres if you want compact and lightweight
You can, but the amount of cartridges I would need to make the bike rideable would probably cost more than this and take up similar space.
Weight and space isnt really an issue.
Co2 bulbs are cheap and 1 or two to inflate a front motorcycle tube,
and lots smaller, lighter
and remember,
we're not just talking about you
this is general info
for all the readers
This compressor is good emergency kit for a car, or maybe large bike with storage
If I didn't already have one
I tested the unit out this weekend and found the digital reading is actually 3 psi more than my calibrated pressure gauge - Joe's Racing tire gauge (made in USA).
I just over inflate and then adjust it using my real gauge.
Are these more reliable than the petrol station ones for reading tyre pressures?