A company with the resources and general cleverness of Makita could surely source or invent a better system. I used a Prestacycle EZ-Grip Big Presta Head instead of the brass adapter, which does the job a treat. Not out of the Woods The Makita 18V LXT Inflator Bare Unit is an ideal unit for trade professionals as well as DIY enthusiasts. It is designed with an LED job light to increase visibility during a task, this will help to improve the condition of working and the job. To increase tool life and to ensure there are minimal mishaps this inflator has protection from overheating, enabling the user to use this tool for as long as possible without needing to repair or replace the unit as often. To make sure any job can be fulfilled the adapter holder is perfect for holding all different sizes and shape adapters. For increased accuracy and ease during use, it has an auto-stop at a pre-set target pressure. Its easy-grip handle ensures maximum comfort and reduces user fatigue. It has an air release function to help in over-inflation circumstances, the digital pressure gauge displays relevant information for safe and easy inflation. This is a bare unit and supplied on its own. Features and Benefits:

It’s part of Makita’s expanding 18V LXT® System, the world’s largest cordless tool system powered by 18V lithium-ion slide-style batteries. Makita® 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Batteries have the fastest charge times in their categories, so they spend more time working and less time sitting on the charger. It's a pity you have to hold the switch to make it work. When inflating larger tyres it would be nice to be able to set it going and walk away while it gets on with it. A releasable zip-tie or Velcro strap fixes that, though.It's possibly a bit unreasonable to criticise a general-purpose device like this for its shortfalls as a cycling tool, but the adapters to inflate Presta valves, balls and other inflatables feel like afterthoughts. You get a screw-on brass Schrader-to-Presta adaptor, a sports ball needle and a tapered plastic widget for airbeds and like that. Perfect if you've just played a hard match of sports ball and need a lie down. Tool users who unplug the cord with Makita 18V LXT® experience new levels of convenience, efficiency and productivity. Makita created the 18V Lithium-Ion cordless tool category in 2005, and today it is the world’s largest 18V cordless tool line-up. Makita’s leading technology gives tool users unmatched performance and breadth of line, with innovation in motor and battery technology that is obliterating industry standards – and leaving old thinking behind. With high amp-hour batteries, efficient brushed and brushless motors, and 36V (18V X2) LXT® technology, Makita 18V LXT® tools not only meet corded demands, they can exceed the performance of corded, all while remaining in a single cordless platform powered by the industry's fastest-charging 18V lithium-ion batteries. [Learn More] The Makita DMP181Z is a handy cordless inflator powered by any 18v LXT battery suitable for inflating tyres, boats and camping equipment, to name a few. With three inflation modes (high, low and ball), a digital pressure gauge with auto-stop function and LED light, this handy tool is sure to save getting out of breath pumping up inflatables. Main switch is equipped with Auto-off function to prevent accidental start-up during transportation

The bottom line is that, while there are a few irritating shortcomings that make it hard to give a top score, this is a brilliant piece of kit in terms of core functionality. If it had a longer hose, a better Presta adapter and a switch that didn't need constant pressing, it'd be perfect. Verdict At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Protection from over-heating: Thermostat is activated to protect the machine when the pump temperature increasesAs a newly converted LX battery bloke I seem to be looking for excuses to buy handy 'bare' tools to use with the TWO batteries in my Makita drill's box. One charge of the first battery last summer an it's only just down to one red bar. The second battery is untouched. Recommended brand. Makita DMP181Z 18V LXT Tyre Inflator Bare Unit The Makita 18V LXT Inflator Bare Unit is an ideal unit for trade professionals as well as DIY enthusiasts. This is a bare unit and supplied on its own. I have literally seen petite riders lift themselves off the floor trying to pump the last few psi into a high-pressure tyre'