Introduction
Tire inflators are live savers in times of danger. A good tire inflator gauge can make things easier.
However, picking up tire inflator gauges can be quite tricky. Especially when you have to pick between Milton gauges, the best ones.
You might think,” Which one is the better of Milton s506 vs s516?”
The Milton S506 has a moderate PSI rating of 10-60 psi with an increment of 2 psi. It has an angled tip but lacks the thread lock feature. On the other hand, the S516 has a greater PSI rating. But the increment is higher at 5 psi. However, it supports straight tips and a thread lock system.
This is just a short preview. We have compared them in detail. We’re certain that it will only take a few minutes to read.
Let’s begin.
Milton s506 vs s516: Quick Comparison
Let’s first take a look at this fast side-by-by-side comparison.
| Aspect | S506 | S516 |
| PSI Rating | 10-60 psi | 10-160 psi |
| Tip Type | Angled Tip | Straight Tip |
| Thread Lock | No Thread Lock | Thread Lock Available |
| Increments | 2 psi | 5 psi |
| Price | $45-50 | $60-65 |
Now let’s head on to the detailed comparison.
Milton s506 vs s516: Detailed Comparison
Both tire inflator gauges are good in their respective segment. They have the same quality. Picking between them may seem tricky like choosing between Ryobi p237 & p290.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, however. We’ve gathered them all in one place for your convenience.
PSI Rating
This is the most important factor of a tire inflator gauge. The PSI rating basically means how many psi the inflator gauge can handle.
The more the psi rating, the more pressure the gauge can handle. The S516 shines here. It supports a wide range of pressure ratings. The PSI range for an S516 gauge is 10-160 psi.
On the other hand, the S 506 has a psi rating of 10-60 psi. This is 100 psi lower than the S516.
Winner: The Milton S516 wins this battle. It has better pressure support than the S506.
Tip Type
Tip size matters a lot in usability. The standard dual head on the 506 is set at an angle.
On the other side, The dual head on the 516 has a straight end. The inside dual tires can be filled through the outside wheel.
This means the S-516 has a straight and angled inflator. Whereas the S-506 has only an angle inflator both ways.
Winner: the S516 wins with both straight and angle inflator support. The S506 lacks straight inflator support which limits its usability.
Thread Lock
Another important feature for any tire inflator gauge is the thread lock. This is very crucial for safety. You may build a garage over power lines but there is no compromise with safety.
The thread lock feature enables the gauge to stick to the filling tip. It does not come off easily.
The S516 has threads in the hole that just grab the threads of the valve stem. The hole is slightly bigger than the stem. Therefore, it slides on when the valve is straight but hangs when it isn’t.
On the other hand, the S506 lacks this thread lock feature. It lacks a locking chuck mechanism. You have to hold it manually with your hands.
Winner: The S516 wins the safety game featuring a thread lock system. The S506 is outrun very easily on this segment.
Increments
Increment means the pressure adjustment scale of a tire inflator. It means how accurately you can adjust the pressure of the tire.
A lower increment level means you can adjust them more precisely. The S506 stands out in this segment. It has an increment of 2psi. This allows the S506 to adjust the pressure very precisely. This is very ideal for small to medium vehicles.
On the other hand, the S516 has an increment of 5psi. This allows less accurate adjustment than the S506. This is ideal for high-pressure tires. Big commercial Vans or Trucks can benefit from this gauge.
Winner: The S506 wins the increment battle. Its low increment allows more accuracy in adjustment.
Price
Pricewise, the two pressure gauges are not that far apart. The S506 is priced at around $45-50. This makes it ideal for small to medium users.
The S516, on the other hand, is available for $60-65. This is ideal for larger vehicles and commercial users.
Winner: There is no apparent winner in this contest. Both gauge price is justified according to their usage. We can call this a draw.
So, Which One to Choose?
Both inflator gauges are excellent in quality. There is no compromise with the build material or the quality.
However, these gauges are situational. The S506 has a lower price point, moderate PSI rating, angled tip, and a 2lb increment. This makes the S506 suitable for small to medium vehicles.
If you need a tire pressure gauge for your vehicle, this is the one to get.
However, the S516 is an alternate option. It is priced approx $20 higher than the S506. But it supports higher pressure than the S506. It has an increment of 5psi.
Also, it has a thread lock feature which is crucial for high-pressure safety. This makes it ideal for large vehicles and trailer trucks.
If you are looking for a gauge for your trailer truck or bus, this is the one. Otherwise, the S506 will do the work.
FAQs
Can I Calibrate My Tire Pressure Gauge?
Yes, you can calibrate your tire pressure gauge. To do so, you have to find a way to apply pressure to it. There are different ways to do this. You can use a pressure hand pump, and a pressure regulator with a bottle. You can also use a dead-weight tester.
What Can Cause My Inflator Gauge to Fail?
Your inflator gauge can fail because of eight different reasons. Mechanical vibration, pulsation, extreme temperature, pressure spikes, overpressure, corrosion, clogging, and improper handling are the reasons. The gauges are vital for tire pressure maintenance.
How Much Pressure Should a Car Tire Have?
On the inside of the driver’s door is a sticker with the appropriate tire pressure. For information not found on the door, consult your owner’s manual. Most passenger cars recommend putting 32 to 35 pressures in the tires when they’re cold.
Conclusion
This ends our debate on Milton S506 vs S516. You should be able to find one that works for your needs.
Don’t forget to calibrate the inflator gauge every 8 to 12 months. Do put your opinions in the comment section.
Have a great day. See you soon.