Is there a foot pump (air) that doesn't break?

[julianf]

The sort of thing for adding air to tyres.

I buy the twin cylinder ones but they never seem to last as long as I think they should.

Is there anything that lasts better?

 

[Beeezer]

The sort of thing for adding air to tyres.

I buy the twin cylinder ones but they never seem to last as long as I think they should.

Is there anything that lasts better?

A old fashioned one, think there’s a few collectors on here.

 

[julianf]

Last one was one of this sort of design (but "Dunlop" branded), as I thought the larger foot pad would cut down on twist and it would survive longer.

The gauge dropped off instead!

 

[Seadog]

The old brass Dunlop twin cylinder pumps are indestructible, if you can find one.

 

[MattF]

You definitely want to be looking to get an older one. Can't recall ever seeing a decent modern version.

 

[MysterG]

I've had a Halfords one for 20+ years.
Probably don't make them like they used to though.

 

[gaz1]

a 2020 foot pump thread

V

Thread 'Vintage Foot pumps'

Nov 1, 2020

As somebody who collects stuff here's some photo's of an earlier obsession

Old British Foot pumps. The big Kismet one shown really is as big as it looks, it's a beast !

Built in the days when even a humble item was beautifully put together.

Are there any collectors of these on here?

• Vono
• Replies: 95
• forum: The Brew Room

• 

if you strip and build an 3mm angle iron foot pump design you will get a foot pump that will last compared to thin twisting junk thats on the market

same design but built with angle iron

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Buy an old fashioned metal Dunlop from ebay

 

[Kram]

Fakita mini air compressor does it nicely, possibly costs less than a collectors item..

 

[bricol]

As per the quoted thread - still using my dads, maybe even his dads, Kismet Lorry. Had a lot of use in the intervening 5 or 6 years as we've had a few leaky tyres.

I've stopped using vegetable oil in it though - gums it up stopping the non-return valve working. Back to motor oil - it may rot the leather washer, but for a few quid I can easily make another - but it's lasted 5 yrs so far.

Sold my rebuilt trolley pump - liked the look, the idea, but wasn't using it.

 

[Red'n'Black]

One of these.

Mine used to be my Grandad's, it's a bit shinier than that one and no it's not for sale

The one time I had it in bits on the bench to replace the washer, I had to go to the shops, came out afterwards to find a flat tyre.
Bloke in the next car offered the use of his Ferrex rechargeable one. It ran for 20 seconds, then the battery died.

 

[Ubique]

If you're looking for a 12V alternative, VIAIR are very good, I used a 450p on a daily basis for three years, it also survived three trips to North Africa a year. It's now 20 years old and still in regular use - I suppose it's approaching 'vintage' status.
I haven't used their cheaper models (85p are £98 on Amazon) but I've no reason to suspect they'll want to damage their reputation with substandard tat.

 

[brightspark]

The sort of thing for adding air to tyres.

I buy the twin cylinder ones but they never seem to last as long as I think they should.

Is there anything that lasts better?

yea an old sutty or a kismet pump with a new leather pump washer fitted . robust and well last you till you die i have 3 , got them for under 20 quid each. i do use my compressor tire inflator still that i relieved from a for court 55 years ago and is still accurate just a new hose and tire conector fitted

 

[Jack_K]

I didn't know anyone would still want one. I thought they were just a thing from when electric air compressors weren't affordable.

 

[daleyd]

I didn't know anyone would still want one. I thought they were just a thing from when electric air compressors weren't affordable.

Got a dewalt 18v one - so convenient not having to fire up compressor. Same batteries as power tools, set a value and leave it do its thing. Also used for mountain bike tyres, balls, inflatables

 

[bricol]

I didn't know anyone would still want one. I thought they were just a thing from when electric air compressors weren't affordable.

'Cos they work - quickly, easily, don't require power, leads untangling, ignition on to get power to a lighter socket etc.

I do have a small electric tyre compressor, I even had one mounted permanently to the trials car, but the Kismet pump is just easier. Certainly easier, and cheaper, than running even my smallest mains air compressor.

 

[julianf]

I didn't know anyone would still want one. I thought they were just a thing from when electric air compressors weren't affordable.

The last time i used one of those small electric things, it broke.

Maybe they have gotten better now.

 

[brightspark]

I didn't know anyone would still want one. I thought they were just a thing from when electric air compressors weren't affordable.

cant run a lead out to the lawnmower out in the field if it needs a bit of air

 

[Porkypine]

'Cos they work - quickly, easily, don't require power, leads untangling, ignition on to get power to a lighter socket etc.

cant run a lead out to the lawnmower out in the field if it needs a bit of air

Like these chaps said...

 

[RichardM]

I've had a Halfords one for 20+ years.
Probably don't make them like they used to though.

My one's still going strong and it must be 30 years old now