What balloon pumps are you using? For 4 years, I've used those $10 camping pumps from Wally World but I think it is time to move up.

Please let me know what you use and the pros & cons of it.

Thanks!

I have a Mac Pump. www.macpump.net They are well made, have no O ring, and seem pretty bullet proof. He charges $75.00 for them. They are availible on EBay. Just type in Balloon inflators.
I have been very happy with mine. I give it a squirt of silicone spray lube before I head to an event and I'm good for the evening!
I did dress mine up with some Krylon Fusion paint. just to give it some color. It will stick to the PVC with no prep work and it looks great!!

Scruffy

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/boosterbaby/000_0962.jpg

That looks cool scruffy,
I just use a reqular hand pump from tMyers.

i use an electric one, but i think i want a floor model now. the electric goes out too easy and it might scare the kids- the noise and all.

I use the pump 260 you know what it looks like and Iam happy with it

I built myself an electric one a couple of years ago. Jamz was a huge help. I had to call him a couple of times to figure it out 8)
I works very well. I decided to get a manual pump for events Mainly because of the noise factor. It always sounded like a tire shop everywhere we took the electric. I prefer my electirc.But, every other Joey 've worked with appreciates the peace and quiet of the floor pump. :wink:

Jamz, I don't remember what your pump 260 looks like.

What balloon pumps are you using? For 4 years, I've used those $10 camping pumps from Wally World but I think it is time to move up.

Please let me know what you use and the pros & cons of it.

Thanks!

WALLY WORLD WASENT THAT WERE THE GRISWOLDS WENT ON VACTION

Its the same one Smiles and Fritz have the red floor pump

I had a hard time pushing Smiles' down. I don't know how she does it. It was really hard to use. Do you think it just needed lubricant?

Scooter,

... Whose your favorite friend?..... Marty moose!


Yes, that was the place. The sad thing is many people call it that. Few know what it's from.

Scooter:

Wally World = Walmart :)

Scruffy,

Can you tell me more about the macpump? Does it go up and down fairly easily or will my arms fall off until they build up some muscle? Has any of your paint chipped off? Is the nozzle removable (to prevent damaging it in the trunk)?

Thanks!

Scruffy,

Can you tell me more about the macpump? Does it go up and down fairly easily or will my arms fall off until they build up some muscle? Has any of your paint chipped off? Is the nozzle removable (to prevent damaging it in the trunk)?

Thanks!

I think it goes up and down pretty easy. I'm only five foot seven and I have no trouble with it. Muscle does help, but My experience with it is that it's much easier after it's been lubericated. I use a good silicone lubricant spray that can be found in any store that has automotive supplies. Spray a good, healthy snort down the nozzle, and move it up and down a few times to get the thing going.
Regarding the paint. I painted mine myself. Krylon makes a paint called fusion that will bond to PVC on a molecular level. It hasn't chipped yet. I used Green painters tape and newspaper to mask it to do the painting. If you pull straight up, the pump will come apart. Making it easier to paint.
The nozzle is brass. I believe it is removable, but Honestly, I've never tried it. The good news? It's a fitting used for air hoses and is availible from most auto parts stores. I thinks it's alot of "Bang" for the buck.
The only problem I am having to learn how high to raise it for the amount of air that I need.
I give it three stars!

I have the PumpO from TMyers. I bought it last year around this time. Since buying it I have seen better and more inexpensive pumps. Bubba Sikes had some cool pumps at the Clown Escapades over the weekend. I can't buy a new one until this thing dies though.

GiGi :D

I'm 5' 7" too! Sounds like a good deal. I think I'm going to try the macpump. For the number of jobs I have, I can't justify one of the real expensive ones. I'll find out their return policy first - just in case!

Thanks for the input everyone! :D

Good luck with it Stitches! I think you will like it.

Just your standard ole hand pumps here for me....... and a little palm (bulb) pump for when i need something small to fit inside my "normal" clothes pocket....

I carry a little bulb pump in my pocket for such an occasion too. They also work better for blowing up the 160 balloons than most bigger pumps. They are so thin that the air seems to blow back past the seal, rather than fill the balloon. IMO

Well, I bought the macpump. Lubricated it with WD-40 as per the instructions. It didn't say how much to lubricate it so I did it a few more times. Used it a little - very nice pump.

A week later, I sprayed WD-40 once more before a gig. Oi! Big Mistake! My balloons were dissintegrating! They would inflate then, right before my eyes, they'd develop a hole and lose air quickly.

Now, I can either operate my pump till the excess disappates, or I can attempt to take it appart and wipe the excess away.

I won't do that again!

:?

-------------STOP WHERE YOU ARE----------
DO NOT USE ANY OIL BASED GREASE ON RUBBER PARTS
Oil eats rubber thats why you balloons popped
I would take apart the pump and clean all rubber parts with soap and water the go to the auto parts store and but some silacon grease and lube it with that this is made for use on rubber parts like on a brake system

Thank you!!
this might explain why so many are popping lately!

I use Filbert Pump.. had it a year ago... Nvr had problem with it... i can inflate almost all kind of balloons with it... including 160s. Its very light too... they catch a lot of attention too.. :) But i hate it when kids touch my balloon pump.. :)

If they must i let them "help" me pump the balloons, i don't let them get crazy. I must protect the investment.

I heard great things about the filbert. Just ordered one last night. Can't wait to get it.

I heard great things about the filbert. Just ordered one last night. Can't wait to get it.

I think u've made the right choice.. Happy Twisting Blossom!!

I got the light weight one from T Myers, Its sort of like your sweetie Pie but not as colorfull, but i do agree, lite weight is good, i like it much better that the big one.

Where can I get the best deal on a filbert??? I want to get Funny Bonz one for Christmas!

Filbert Productions - Home of the Filbert Balloon Pump (http://www.filbertpump.com)

Where can I get the best deal on a filbert??? I want to get Funny Bonz one for Christmas!

Go directly to filbert website!!!! Best price directly from manufacturer. I have had a filbert for quite a few years, and wouldn't own any other!!!! I also decorated the shaft of my pump with mylar rainbow tape and some scrapbooking 3D strips and stars for a little extra WOW facttor!!!!

Kids really love the look!!!!!!

Will you show us Duckie??

Where can I get the best deal on a filbert??? I want to get Funny Bonz one for Christmas!



Filbert pumps take some time to get. Usually orders take a month or more in arriving at your door so take that into consideration when planning for Christmas. I'd order it soon...

Has anyone ever used the "Huff Daddy" pump? If so, can you offer a review please?

Our Products (http://www.idahofunhouse.com/Our_Products.html)

Will you show us Duckie??

Sure!!! Let me see if I can remember how to post a picture!!!! --

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/meaclown2/IMG_1600.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn167/meaclown2/IMG_1601.jpg

Yes, did it!!!! Hard to see the detail from the pics., especially the stars, but I think you can get the idea!!!!! Thanks for askin'!!!!!!

WOW!!! Thanks Duckie, that looks really cool. Thanks for the decorating idea. I ordered my pump on Oct. 2nd and can't wait to get it. Now I'll have to think how I want to decorate it too.

I have a Mac Pump. MacPump (http://www.macpump.net) They are well made, have no O ring, and seem pretty bullet proof. He charges $75.00 for them. They are availible on EBay. Just type in Balloon inflators.
I have been very happy with mine. I give it a squirt of silicone spray lube before I head to an event and I'm good for the evening!
I did dress mine up with some Krylon Fusion paint. just to give it some color. It will stick to the PVC with no prep work and it looks great!!

Scruffy

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y103/boosterbaby/000_0962.jpg


I "THINK" this is the same type of pump that I tried that I had a hard time using. (It may have been a different brand, but it looked very similar) I tried several out, but the one like this that I tried I had a hard time lifting it up to inflate it, the 2 pvc parts were a very tight fit and you had to be very strong to be able to use it. (they may have just needed to be oiled possibly?) It also weighed a ton though and seemed heavy to carry around. This is just MY opinion...I don't want to discourage anyone from getting it...I just wanted to warn other petite females that it may tire you out to use it for very long. I opted for the filbert pump, and LOVE it! It only weighs 2 1/2 lbs, but it will fully inflate a 260 in no time at all. It is very powerful, but it is not heavy and requires no strength or effort at all to use it. I think I payed right around $100 for it, so it is a little more costly.

Filbert pumps take some time to get. Usually orders take a month or more in arriving at your door so take that into consideration when planning for Christmas. I'd order it soon...


Wow! That's a long time! I got mine in within about a week and 1/2. I ordered it last spring, though.

Go directly to filbert website!!!! Best price directly from manufacturer. I have had a filbert for quite a few years, and wouldn't own any other!!!! I also decorated the shaft of my pump with mylar rainbow tape and some scrapbooking 3D strips and stars for a little extra WOW facttor!!!!

Kids really love the look!!!!!!


What did you use for adhesive to make the scrapbook paper stick to the pump? I would like to decorate mine, but I want to make sure that I can take it off if I get bored with it and it not leave any residue on the pump itself.

It wasn't scrapbook paper. It was just the scrapbook supply area that I found it. They are actually stickers and you just stick them on. The silver for the background was purchased on line. It is actually automotive holographic tape, also self adhesive!!!! Both products worked great and I've never had a problem with anything coming off although they are just stickers, so if you wanted to change them, I'm sure you could easily enough!!!!!



What did you use for adhesive to make the scrapbook paper stick to the pump? I would like to decorate mine, but I want to make sure that I can take it off if I get bored with it and it not leave any residue on the pump itself.

How awesome! I have recently seen several twisters who have fabric covers on their filbert pumps...but the silver holographic looks so much brighter...I really love it!

Recently a guy, Roberto produce a nozzle for our filbert pump, It's great.. I had received mine last week..and i changed the nozzle..and now i have no prob inflating the 160s too... shouldnt have prob with other balloons i guess..but i havent tries it yet.... And the nozzle looks neat too. Thx to Roberto.

That pump is awesome looking Duckie!!!

Thank you, I kinda like it too!!!!!

I'll bet the kids LOVE it!!!

Why yes, yes they do!!!!!

Duckie!

Your Filbert is gorgeous!
WOW! Nice job.

I think I'm going to cover mine in fur and make it look muppety, maybe even some big bug eyes.

Duckie!

Your Filbert is gorgeous!
WOW! Nice job.

Thanks Cricket, I do seem to like to go over the top!!! LOL

Thanks guys I ordered Funny Bonz a Filbert!!!
That and I'm having him some clown duds and stilt pants made!!
WWWWWOOOOOO HHHHOOOO!!!
Now what to get my husband??? HHHHHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.....

my pump is a big hit with kids.... Blouz MacPump... sonshine has to always give him the first balloon so he has something to play with while he is working.

I got to looking at the Filbert pump. I'd be willing to wait the 6 weeks for delivery, but it looks like you would have to bend over a lot to use it. Is this so? I didn't see any pictures showing the operation of the pump, so I'm not quite sure what to make of it. My back gets enough of a workout picking up all the balls, clubs and rings I drop when I'm juggling.

I got to looking at the Filbert pump. I'd be willing to wait the 6 weeks for delivery, but it looks like you would have to bend over a lot to use it. Is this so? I didn't see any pictures showing the operation of the pump, so I'm not quite sure what to make of it. My back gets enough of a workout picking up all the balls, clubs and rings I drop when I'm juggling.

Hey there Teemo, I'm 5'3" tall and it's perfect for me!!! No bending!!!!. Since I'm sure you are taller, then you might be bending a little, but the pump is made to lift, then inflate, so you wouldn't be bending all that much to actually operate it.

I've also heard that if you inquire when ordering, that they can make your pump taller to accomodate your height. I don't know if there is an extra charge for that, or if there are restrictions that apply, but it might be worth checking out???

No idea if the Filbert Pump will customize for height, but macpump has been known to make modifications upon request. Macpump also has some spring loaded pumps that auto-return to inflate position.

Oh My What a Charming Avatar!!!
I would SO like to see it in a bigger picture!!!

On second thought I just checked out your profile albums and HE is darling....:)

Woo hoo! My Filbert pump arrived tonight. I ordered it on 10/2 so the wait wasn't too terribly long.

Woo hoo! My Filbert pump arrived tonight. I ordered it on 10/2 so the wait wasn't too terribly long.

Congratulations Blossom!!!! You won't be disappointed!!!

Now I need to decide how to decorate it so it looks as cool as yours Duckie. :-)

Now I need to decide how to decorate it so it looks as cool as yours Duckie. :-)

Awww!!!! Thanks Blossom, but I'm sure you will come up with something really, really cool!!!! Let us see it when you are done creating it!!!!!

So I assume you only use the Filbert pump if you are going to be twisting balloons in one location. If you're going to be roaming, do you still use a little cheapy pump? I'm thinking about putting the Filbert on my Christmas list.

I saw that Sweet-Pie had a special nozzle made for 160s. Do the rest of you use a different pump for 160s?

I use a mini mac lite pump. It does a good job on 160, However, I prefer the small Qualatex pump for the 160's.

[QUOTE=Pickles;68751]So I assume you only use the Filbert pump if you are going to be twisting balloons in one location. If you're going to be roaming, do you still use a little cheapy pump? I'm thinking about putting the Filbert on my Christmas list.

Not me...I take mine EVERYWHERE! They so lite weight, I just carry with me wherever I go. I have also seen other twisters with straps on theirs (like a guitar strap) then you can just throw it over your shoulder to carry it to the next place. I'm not sure if Filbert sells the straps or if these people just found them else where, but like I said it resembles a guitar strap, so that may even work for you. I don't think you will be disapointed with it though... they are great!!

My one complaint about my Twist em Up apron is that there is no place to hang my pump when I'm not using it. With a Filbert, I wouldn't have to worry about that. Hmmmm.

Dear Santa........

I love my new filbert pump. Mine is pink and white with a teal cap on top. Since the base is a lot of white and I wanted to cut down on some of the white and make it more colorful, I used purple tape to make stripes going up and down. Now it has all of Blossom's colors ... pink, purple, teal, and white. Woo hoo! I'll have to figure out how to post a picture as I haven't done that before.

Has anyone ever used the "Huff Daddy" pump? If so, can you offer a review please?

Our Products (http://www.idahofunhouse.com/Our_Products.html)
i have the huff daddy and i love it i use it when i am busy but i have used many kind if pumps and this is the best electric pump i have seen! i also like that is sits on your sholder and the button is hidden to all others except you! the maker sells them on Ebay for less and they are brand new also8-)

I got to use my new Filbert pump for the first time this weekend. I loved it! It was so much quicker and easier than using my hand pump. Here's a picture of it after I added the purple stripes for a little more color.

http://public.fotki.com/Tenderhearted/clowns-will-be-clowns/pump.html

Hmmm! so what did I do wrong when adding the image because it didn't show up? I have it located at the following, Photo: Pump | Clowns will be Clowns album | Tenderhearted Clowns | Fotki.com (http://public.fotki.com/Tenderhearted/clowns-will-be-clowns/pump.html), and pasted that in the add image but it didn't work. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

I got to use my new Filbert pump for the first time this weekend. I loved it! It was so much quicker and easier than using my hand pump. Here's a picture of it after I added the purple stripes for a little more color.

http://public.fotki.com/Tenderhearted/clowns-will-be-clowns/pump.html


I love how u add the purple stripes.. are they stickers...? made of..?

Thanks Sw33tiePie! Actually it's just purple duct tape. I found it in assorted colors (teal, pink, blue, yellow, purple, etc). It also came in different widths. It's easy to take off if I decide to change it too. Both Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby carried it, but Wal-Mart was cheaper and had the narrower tape. I saw they had electrical tape in colors too but there wasn't any purple in it so I went with the duct tape instead.

Hmmm! so what did I do wrong when adding the image because it didn't show up? I have it located at the following, Photo: Pump | Clowns will be Clowns album | Tenderhearted Clowns | Fotki.com (http://public.fotki.com/Tenderhearted/clowns-will-be-clowns/pump.html), and pasted that in the add image but it didn't work. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

Blossom, your pump is awesome!!!! Nice custom job!!!!!

I just ordered a Filbert pump as a back up last week. We are double booked and my wife and daughter are doing a gig on the same day...neither one of us will use a hand pump all day so it was time for a backup. I was able to talk him into sending me one that was already made. It was shipped the same day and all i can say is WOW! It blows away my other floor pump. it is so light..and blows up 260's and 160's with ease. Duckie can you share your source for the Mylar paper. know you said it was for automotive...I just love the way you did yours. My other pump has the same stuff with a gold tone to it.

Hey yall thinking about getting a filbert pump and I really saw the cool holographic tape and stuff so I went a hunting and I found this cool site to get all kinds of cool holographic tapes and stuff. Check it out! It's from a company called Identa Tape.

IDENTI-TAPE - Holographic Tape (http://www.identi-tape.com/deco-holo.html):seltzer:

Saw some of the pump reviews on this thread were a wee dated so I thought I'd chime in. I use a MacPump, after going through a PumpO, a Magiloon, various hand pumps, etc. I have only been able to use a floor pump for a few years (I'm 5'7" now but 110 lbs) and my assistant was teeny--4'10"ish! I tried out the Filbert at T&S 2008 but I found it harder to use. The MacPump is the cheapest on the market, as well, and Andy MacDonald bends over backwards for his customers. If you are little bit bigger, you might even be able to use this floor pump when you are sitting down, which is always very nice.

There are also lots of tips and tricks for using the same nozzle on all different size balloons. I've used my MacPump from 160's to 4 ft. round balloons. The trick for that is to cut the nozzles of your balloons and slip them over the nozzle of the pump--creating a thicker ring at tbe base of the nozzle for your wider balloons but it is still thin enough for your 160's at the top. It also has a great strap so wear it upside down so the base doesn't hit you in the side when you're walking! It fits in airplane overhead compartments as well.

Alexa

I like those tapes Goose!!!!!! I just found mine by typing in Holographic Tape on E-bay!!!!

I have been thru a lot of pumps. I use to love my battery pumps for one thing because it let me make spirals easily. But they are expensive to keep up. Compressers give out and batteries only last so long.
While I was in Texas I tried Daisy's filbert. I ordered it as soon as I got home. It only took about a week and a half to get it. I LOVE it.

I will still just use my hand pump for the b-day parties. No need to go crazy hauling stuff over 15 balloons. I is light weight but the kids are really interested in it during the whole party and I do the balloons last.

Just my 2 cents worth.

I wouldn't trade my battery powered Balloon Hero for anything! It is fun to use and makes for nice, smooth uniform balloons. My hand pump of choice is a cheapy from the party store. I have eight of them and they have never once let me or my friends down. I tried "the purple pump" four times and they all were horrible. They would regularly bind up while I was using them. (I think it was probably the o-ring getting in the way.) I purchased them from different sources and they were all bad. I say try as many different kinds as you can and get what makes you happy.

hi,

i use two different pumps one from qualatex which pumps in both ways only for 260 and 350 and 646..
and a smaller one with a smaller nozzle from qualatex only for 160.. i think it also works great for 5'' rounds or hearts..

Joeke

I got a Filbert pump for Christmas and still haven't used it. It seems so big and awkward. It might just be because I'm so used to using my tiny lightweight purple hand pump.

Tell me, clowns, why do you love your Filberts so much, and how can I grow to love mine?

I have a filbert and love it too. Its lightweight and pumps up a balloon with one push. I've also now finally figured out how far to push it down as to how much air I want in the balloon (example: for a teddy bear I want 6 inches unblown at the end so I only push it down to my hip). It never fails me. Its quiet and fast. My arms get tired with the hand pump but not with the filbert. I just need to pimp it up like some of you did to make it look fabulicious like some of yours!

I got a Filbert pump for Christmas and still haven't used it. It seems so big and awkward. It might just be because I'm so used to using my tiny lightweight purple hand pump.

Tell me, clowns, why do you love your Filberts so much, and how can I grow to love mine?

Pickles, by all means, don't hold back take that baby with you everywhere you go!!!!! It's so light and easy to use. Just give yourself a chance to work with it and you will be hooked. "Specially" if you are doing a lot of balloons at a particular event!!!!! You won't be sorry.

a friend told me that the base of his keeps breaking is this common?

I have not heard of this happening. I have not had mine very long but My has. She has had no problems.

a friend told me that the base of his keeps breaking is this common?

Hey there Mr. K.

They did originally have a problem with the bases, but that was on the older pumps. Mine is one of those. Mine did crack, but I let them know and they replaced my base free of charge. They now have the problem resolved and the new base is great, no problems.