Manual tire pump and gauge

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TAILspin38
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Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by TAILspin38 »

Working on assembling an emergency tool kit. Does anyone have suggestions on a manual tire pump and gauge. I'm sure getting to the inflation valve/ stem will be restricted. Still new to the plane and wanting to cover all my bases. Also any other suggestions for tool kit is greatly appreciated.
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p3dave
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by p3dave »

I personally don't carry anything but based on what I see on other forums a road bicycle pump is mentioned. As for a gauge, any accurate tire gauge should work. Most aircraft tubes have schrader valves in my experience.
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jwx96
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by jwx96 »

I have a JACO ELITE PRO gauge and am very happy with it. $20 on Amazon. Make sure you get the one with a flexible hose and an angled tip. It works great, even with straight stems and wheel fairings. I also have a battery powered pistol grip portable pump. It shows the pressure when connected to the tire and inflates to the the specified value, so I don’t use the gauge so much any more. It’s great for topping off tires and should work for an emergency kit. I’ll check the brand the next time I’m at the airport but there are several similar ones on Amazon now.
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Colin
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by Colin »

Thanks for the tip on the inflator. I just ordered a $60 one on Amazon. It can produce 140psi, charges off a USB port (which I have in the plane) and will be a game-changer for me.
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dant
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by dant »

I can't make heads or tails of what might be a quality item on amazon, so I would appreciate PIREPs on the actual products used!
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jwx96
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by jwx96 »

Here’s the inflator that I have. I’ve had it for 1.5 years and would give it a 5 star review so far. I got it from Amazon.
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Rich
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by Rich »

A couple of additional small items to consider carrying:
- 10mm nut driver, for removing/installing valve caps
- Rigid tire valve extension (optional - depends on the inflater tip design). Example:
https://www.amazon.com/Extenders-Straig ... r=8-8&th=1
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by p3dave »

Just saw someone with a Ryobi cordless inflator that was pretty compact.
AnthonyR

Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by AnthonyR »

Along with the 6inch extensions that Rich provided I bought the set that has the 90 and 45 degree bends to hopefully allow extension out the small access hole. Haven't been to the airport to try them but think the 45 is going to be good for the mains.
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Rich
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Re: Manual tire pump and gauge

Post by Rich »

I've settled on this collection of stuff for checking and inflating any/all tires, including while traveling:
Travel Tire Inflator.jpg
It does require making sure the Airmoto is kept charged. It's still worthwhile when in the hangar to put the plane up on jacks.

BTW, A worthwhile check when checking tire pressure is to be sure neither of the brakes is dragging. This is a quick/easy check if you have the old style fat main fairings or no fairings. Just be sure the calipers can be easily "rattled" by hand.
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