Craftsman V20 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor (CMCE520B) with 3 Power Modes
Product description
What it is and why people buy it
The Craftsman V20 Tire Inflator (CMCE520B) is a portable tire inflator you can use in a few different power scenarios: cordless on the Craftsman V20 battery platform, plugged into a 120V AC outlet, or powered from a 12V car adapter. That flexibility is a big reason it shows up on shopping lists—because flat tires don’t care whether you’re at home, at work, or parked on the roadside.
On paper, the goal is simple: let you set a target PSI and have the inflator automatically shut off when it reaches that level. It also includes a digital PSI gauge, so you’re not guessing mid-job. Still, there’s one practical caveat to keep in mind: the battery (and the charger) is sold separately.
Key takeaways (what matters most for day-to-day use)
This inflator is built around convenience and repeatable results. Instead of just “pumping until you think it’s right,” you can adjust the PSI you want and let the unit stop when it hits the target.
You also get three power modes, which changes how useful it is for different routines. If you already own (or plan to own) Craftsman V20 batteries, cordless use can feel like the simplest option. If you don’t, the corded and 12V paths can still cover you—assuming you have access to an outlet or the car adapter.
Quick reality check: the included description mentions “low volume output” and focuses on high pressure for fast inflation of things like a tire or an air mattress. That’s helpful for everyday topping off and emergency use, but if you’re expecting a heavy-duty workshop-style compressor, this is more in the portable category than the “power tool” category.
Power options: cordless, 120V, or 12V car adapter
The V20 inflator is designed to run on: - V20 20V MAX* battery (battery sold separately) - 120V AC wall power - 12V car adapter
This matters because it affects how fast you can get going. For example, if you’re at home and you want to inflate a couple of items, the 120V mode can be a straightforward workflow. If you’re away from outlets, the 12V car adapter route is the obvious backup.
A small but real-life micro-scenario: imagine you notice a tire is low on a Friday afternoon. You keep the inflator in the trunk, connect the 12V adapter to your car, set the PSI target, and start inflating without hunting for an outlet. Once it reaches the set PSI, the auto shutoff helps prevent overfilling.
What you’ll notice in use (and what you should verify)
The most noticeable feature here is the digital PSI gauge and the ability to dial in your target pressure. That combination is usually what makes tire inflators feel “worth it,” because it reduces the back-and-forth of checking pressure.
The description also calls out an automatic shutoff when the unit reaches the set PSI. That’s a quality-of-life improvement—especially when you’re doing this in less-than-perfect conditions.
Worth noting, though: the description says the output is “low volume.” Depending on what you’re inflating and how empty it starts, that can affect how quickly it gets there. If your main goal is frequent large-volume inflation, you may find yourself wanting something more like a higher-throughput setup.
Also verify battery expectations before buying: since the battery and charger are sold separately, you’ll want to confirm what you already have (or plan to purchase) so you’re not stuck trying to use the cordless mode on day one.
Tech specs
- Name: Craftsman V20 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor (CMCE520B)
- Type: Portable tire inflator / air compressor
- Power modes: Cordless (Craftsman V20 20V MAX* battery, sold separately), 120V corded, 12V car adapter
- Display: Digital PSI gauge
- Auto shutoff: Turns off once target PSI is reached
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
Who it’s for—and who should skip it
It makes sense if you want a portable inflator with clear pressure control, and you like the idea of using it at home, in the car, or cordless when you have the V20 battery system.
It may not suit you if you don’t want to deal with a separately sold battery and charger, or if you’re expecting a high-throughput compressor for heavy, frequent, high-volume inflation. In those cases, you might be happier focusing on a model whose package includes the needed power setup and better matches your workload.
A key buying question (simple, but important): will you realistically have either a compatible V20 battery ready, a wall outlet nearby, or a car adapter situation? If not, it’s the kind of tool that can feel annoying rather than helpful.
Mini FAQ
How many power modes does it have?
It’s designed for three: a V20 battery (battery sold separately), 120V AC corded power, and a 12V car adapter.
Does it shut off automatically?
Yes. The inflator can be adjusted to a target PSI and it turns off once it reaches that PSI.
Is the battery included?
No. The battery and charger are sold separately, even though it supports the V20 20V MAX* platform.
What does the digital gauge do?
It displays PSI digitally so you can set and confirm pressure more precisely than with an analog-only approach.
Is it good for more than tires?
The description suggests it can inflate items beyond tires (it mentions an air mattress as an example), but the “low volume output” hint means your results depend on how much inflation is needed.
When it makes sense
Buy the Craftsman V20 Tire Inflator (CMCE520B) if you want a portable, pressure-targeting inflator you can use at home, in the car, or cordless with a V20 battery—and you value the digital PSI gauge and auto shutoff. Skip it if you’re not planning to obtain the V20 battery system, or if you need a higher-volume inflation setup for demanding, frequent jobs.