Fortress 26 Gallon 175 PSI Ultra Quiet Vertical Shop/Auto Air Compressor from Harbor Freight

[@KaneLono]

11:15 The water drain plug and any water sits at the bottom of the tank. You don't have to empty an air compressor to drain the water. Just open the water drain valve a little. The air pressure will push the water out in a few seconds. Now close the valve. Done.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Great tip, thanks!

[@johndeaux9987]

old comment, but good to know. I never thought about going that route!

[@RobertELee420]

@@johndeaux9987 how else would one do it???

[@johndeaux9987]

@@RobertELee420 drain the whole tank. I don't follow the guidelines but I've always been told to drain it empty and never let it sit full.

[@djeslic5377]

Just picked this unit up today and wow... Seriously. I have an older 21 gal. Central Pneumatic compressor I had it for more than a decade so I wanted a new one and compared to my Central Pneumatic this thing doesn't even sound like it's running. I am too happy with it.

[@ThriftyGarage]

That’s great to hear!

[@gerry427]

Wonder how this compares to HD's Husky 20 Gal Silent Air Compressor at $350 ? Anyone have input ?

[@lisa.zapata]

How long can you run it before the air runs out?

[@finley614]

I actually just bought this same compressor and man that thing is the quietest compressor i have ever owned. Manual says the break-in on this compressor is to open valve and allow it to run a half hour before actually using

[@israel4479]

Hey bud, thinking about buying one of these.. how is it holding up for you?

[@ThriftyGarage]

So far so good. I’m not a heavy air compressor user but I probably use it a few times a month. Definitely better than a little pancake air compressor and much MUCH quieter!

[@israel4479]

@@ThriftyGarage good enough, I think ima pull the trigger on this one. Thanks a lot for the info bud

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Wow 30 mins running constantly balls out!? 😬

[@RMartin631]

@@STREETFIGHTER50 It's not unusual for there to be an extended break-in time. My old Craftsman also called for 1/2 hour of break-in. People sometimes have early compressor failures because they fail to read the instructions and do the break-in.

[@rockythebulli9420]

I just picked one up yesterday and I love it. Sanded my 82 el camino with it.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Cool deal! Hope it works out well for you!

[@mylostwife5230]

I have a 1972, I’m going to do some sanding with it and other air tools, do you recommend this air compressor?

[@TheFrogfeeder]

Here we are 3 years later, and the Black Friday sale has either this model or the 27gallon you keep mentioning on sale for 350 for either. Tomoro morning I’m getting this one cause the sound is more important to me than the extra gallon…

[@houndsmanone4563]

Carson, I was just considering a new air compressor but I was considering a California Air b/c they supposedly produce minimal noise. Noise level is a concern since I store my existing air compressor inside our attached garage and the noise of my air compressor reverberates throughout the house when it turns on and off. The noise in the garage is horrendous. Thanks for firing the air compressor up to hear the noise level. My existing pancake table model is so much louder than your Fortress model which I like. Enjoyed the entire video (full-watch). 👍🏽🙂

[@rdsii64]

This is a descent compressor. With that said, when it comes to quiet compressors, California air is on another level.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Houndsman One did you get a new compressor? I’ve heard great things about the California Air and I considered getting one. If you haven’t purchased one yet we recently published an updated two year review video on this compressor. Might be worth a watch!

[@houndsmanone4563]

@@ThriftyGarage Thifty Garage, I sure did buy the California compressor and it's a dream to run. It has the power I need without the noise. When I turn it on you hardly even know it's running compared to my old pancake compressor noise. I'll go and check out your video. Have a fine week. 👍🏽🤠 2/12/23

[@ILruffian]

Just hope you never have to deal with their customer service. I own two CAT compressors. Worst company I've ever dealt with. CS phone number is a voicemail and they never call back. They respond to about half of your emails in a conversation. And are totally useless. CAT makes Home Depot customer service look good.@@houndsmanone4563

[@21dirtyj]

perfect well priced

[@jimfeaster4837]

Does this aircompressor still work well?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes, it does everything I have asked from it.

[@Brees1986]

I’ve been planning on buying the Lowe’s Quiet Tech 26 gallon compressor (which looks remarkably like this). But this appears to be more powerful. I’m going to have to do a side by side comparison now.

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

I was just at Lowes checking out the same compressor. Very similar indeed. Bet they are, just relabeled.

[@peterfranklin8653]

thanks for saving me the trouble of going down to the store to read the box and labels myself. couldn't have done it without you.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Glad you could stay in your PJs and watch a KZbin instead of wasting fuel on driving!

[@peterfranklin8653]

@@ThriftyGarage got some hot pockets to mail you. read the constuctions on the box and post a video then mail them back.

[@joewilliams5283]

@@peterfranklin8653 I'm sure it's going to be difficult for him to read the constructions. He should be able to read the instructions for you though...but hey, you're the smart ass here.

[@mr.rem2609]

You could not, you would have had to look it up or drive there but u came here for the video like we all did.

[@danrich9794]

Thats way quiet. Mine hurts to be in the garage when it fires up. Good to know

[@finley614]

Yeah this compressor is nice and quiet. Can actually have a conversation when it’s running

[@john4kc]

Only thing missing is recovery time. Do you happen to know how long to recover?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I plan to do a working/more in depth review with it in use once I have a little more user experience.

[@john4kc]

@@ThriftyGarage Your review was good. I looked it up and it's roughly a 2 minute recovery. Yours tool longer to fill than their published specs, so I'm guessing on the long side of 2 minutes to refill.

[@john4kc]

@@ThriftyGarage When the Fortress line came out I was super excited about the aluminum tanks, but I think only the 2 gallon has an aluminum tank. :( what a let down.

[@ThriftyGarage]

It’s a nice air compressor. But not a bargin like Harbor Freight is known for. Hopefully it holds up and lasts well as it’s priced right up there with other similarly spec’d air compressors.

[@voidvincent]

@@ThriftyGarage where's that video at

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Good job being the first to review this machine. You should get a lot of views.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I think so too!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@ThriftyGarage I got the McGraw 3-gallon machine when it came out, and HF used my review in their email they sent out. It got 40k in one day! Hopefully that will happen to you!

[@IvanSujey]

I have this compressor for last than a mont and i discover a little sound like air escaping for the back did anyone know why this happening ?

[@brianjennings3172]

So, it's nearly been a year since you posted this, how has this compressor been working? Any quirks or bad impressions yet? Worth a follow up video?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for the comment/question! I’ve heard some horror stories in the comments but have not had any issue on my end. It’s the perfect size for me. Big enough for the big tasks but yet still portable. I’d like to get a plasma cutter. I think that might really put it to the test.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Brian Jennings we recently published an updated two year review video on this compressor. Check it out!

[@billiebowling7755]

Was thinking about getting one of these but still time seems quite a long time compared to my 30 gallon Craftsman of about 4 and 1/2 minutes.

[@afitzgoon24]

Can you rewire it to run off of 220 instead of 120?

[@bluegrafboy]

I'm sure you could but you'd have to double check the motor specs to make sure the motors internal wiring is a big enough gauge for it

[@waxmanvids5015]

I am an idiot when it comes to electricity..I have this compressor I know it says 15 Amps. Do you know watts (coversion) it uses to run? I need more dedicated 20amp outlets in my garage! ugh

[@ThriftyGarage]

I haven’t had any issues with this air compressor popping a breaker. For most circuits it will depend on what other electrical demands are being used.

[@waxmanvids5015]

@@ThriftyGarage gotcha...i only pop when i run a steamer for detailing same time in the garage... i have an electrician coming soon for more outlet installs!

[@timkirby71]

How wide is it from end of wheel to end of wheel? I have a small cubby i keep my compressor in and looking for one that will roll in and out of it.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I’d plan on 21”. But you might be able to squeeze 20.5”

[@distra45]

Mine keeps cutting off before reaching the set pressure and I have to unplug it and let it cool for a bit then plug it back in and turn it on. This is pretty annoying. Have you noticed this? Running air tools that way sucks...thinking of returning it for another bigger model.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I’ve never had an issue. You might try an in-line pressure regulator. Or like you said a different unit.

[@distra45]

@@ThriftyGarage talked with tech support and they said bad thermal switch. I got the extended warranty so it was a easy replacement. Fingers crossed this one is better...

[@ThriftyGarage]

Glad to hear! I hope that fixes it!

[@510nuneztattoo]

I'm having same problem replaced twice same issue

[@Jmort93]

I’m having same problem, hopefully rebuild kits will be widely available after warranty is over. The pump looks extremely simple to replace the seals on.

[@PutUp365]

It's been a year. How did it hold up? How much did you use it? Has anything broken?

[@ThriftyGarage]

We have used it a fair amount. More than the average homeowner. I have used it with air tools for impact drivers. Air nailers for trim and finish woodwork. Airing up tires including heavy equipment trailer tires. No issues whatsoever. Is definitely buy it again although I’ve heard the price has gone up so that might rearrange what options it is compared to.

[@ThriftyGarage]

PutUp365 we recently published an updated two year review video on this compressor. Check it out!

[@louisevad6091]

I have one of these. Two years old. Now it shuts off before it reaches full pressure. You have to unplug it and wait ten minutes or so plug it in and it runs for a few minutes and shuts off again. Annoying. It is quiet.

[@eugeniojoaquin5712]

Do you guy now if i can use that compresor to pint my car ?

[@ThriftyGarage]

I've never painted with an air gun but yes I think this has the capacity you would need.

[@UtahTrucker]

Does it still work good I was thinking about purchasing one

[@ThriftyGarage]

Check out our shorts and the comments. It has never let me down but it has let some commenters down as well as I recently had an issue with getting it to turn over (shown in YT shorts).

[@ThriftyGarage]

Utah Trucker we recently published an updated two year review video on this compressor. Check it out!

[@THExLAWxMAN]

This was a view of the compressor, how about a real time usage video showing it do work.

[@alonsoamezcua2386]

Does anyone know the starting watts and running watts, trying to get the right generator for it. Any help would be great thanks

[@ThriftyGarage]

I’m not sure the watts. The garage is on a single 15amp breaker. It’s never tripped the breaker even with the LED ship lights on.

[@mattw4824]

It's 12.5 amps under a load.. only 9.5 when the air valve is open during break in

[@JoseSanchez-wb5rz]

In page 7 of the operators manual is the break in procedure for the pump that was completely neglected by this guy. Don't let the excitement of the new toy thing blind you from doing things right.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Page 7! Yikes, I’d be lucky to ready page 1. What’s more important that break in processes couldn’t be included on pages 1-6?

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

What was the important part of the break-in procedure?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Run the air compressor for 30 minutes with the drain plug open.

[@ivanaguilar8314]

I have 15 years working with oil compressora and oil free conpressors,i never did such a thing and all my compressors last for long time.,i still have a dewalt that i bought 12 years ago To be honest that step makes no sense to me but o well

[@PropaneTreeFiddy]

@Ivan Aguilar on any half decent compressor the head is almost never the first thing to go out (if at all). All compressor repairs I ever had to make in decades were limited to leaky fittings, bad regulator, and on one occasion the cutoff switch seized shut.

[@mikep1772]

Thank you for doing this!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexbronco5324]

Would this be ok to use for the titanium 45 plasma cutter from harbor freight??

[@ThriftyGarage]

My thoughts exactly! A good air compressor is one thing that has prevented me from purchasing a plasma cutter which would go perfectly with my Lincoln 140HD welder. I obviously haven’t tried it yet but it sounds like it would work well with a plasma in my situation (shorter cut intervals). The HF Titanium 45A requires 80-110 PSI. I’m not sure the SCFM but from my research it’s totally doable.

[@bostonbillyduchaney5655]

Titanium 45 Spec for air supply needed. 4.2CFM @ 80 to 110 PSI and fortress puts out 4.5 SCFM @90 PSI. SO technically Yes You Could use Compressor for Titanium Plasma. For a Bit LOL

[@mattw4824]

@@bostonbillyduchaney5655 5.4

[@bostonbillyduchaney5655]

@@mattw4824 possible at 40 psi but not 90psi Flow rate5.3 SCFM @ 40 PSI, 4.5 SCFM @ 90 PSI

[@mattw4824]

@@bostonbillyduchaney5655 I was telling him this air compressor is rated at 90psi is 5.4.. not the plasma cutter.. I got 1 and so far it's a good air compressor. Got tired of the Mcgraw brand it's a piece of crap. Also it says it pulls 15 amps but under load it was only pulling 12.5 and 9.5 amps when I was breaking the motor in.. hopefully this 1 turns out to be a good air compressor

[@amosnomar]

its been awhile how about an update? still working ok?

[@ThriftyGarage]

It has been working great! No complaints.

[@amosnomar]

@@ThriftyGarage Good to know because I just bought one yesterday.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Several commenters have recommended to follow the break in procedure.

[@amosnomar]

@@ThriftyGarage yes, I did that. Also impressed by how quiet it is.

[@xumot]

@@ThriftyGarage Since when oil-free air compressors need a break-in time? I have AFLATEK SilentPro10-1 Compressor (probably same pump and about 2,5-3 gallon tank) and when I bought it I asked about break-in time in the store - none needed, just plug it in and use it.

[@Club-Thirty-Three]

Thanks for the video, maybe you post a follow up and let us know if your happy with it.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Will do. Happy so far. Especially the quietness.

[@finley614]

@@ThriftyGarage same here. Does well and doesn’t have my ears ringing anymore than they already do

[@ThriftyGarage]

Club33 we recently published an updated two year review video on this compressor. Check it out!

[@voidvincent]

You're suppose to open drain valve and let it run for 30 min straight to break in.

[@billiebowling7755]

Anyone know if this is 110 or 220 volts

[@TomCreasy]

120

[@BrodieBro323]

I saw the intro and initially thought I was watching a Blockhead video.

[@juliosdiy3206]

10 sec dahaaam awesome!

[@steverich7074]

Thanks a lot of info.

[@rengel7]

Uh oh you did not do the 30 minute break in cycle her instruction manual

[@ThriftyGarage]

Nope

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

why does all reviews just read off the box never show how it works doing things like painting cutting metal sand blasting how it performs

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for the suggestions. I’ll see what I can do to get footage performing every day tasks. I’ve had this compressor for less than a week so there’s not much to report on right now other than my initial impressions and showing the specs.

[@alizod81]

It's called stroking the corporate teet. But to be fair to this young gentleman who took to his time to post this video that's helped some people make a decision whether it was the right or wrong one is not for you to decide. I'd like to point out to you as you troll through here that he didn't title it as a review, unless he changed the title before I came through. In the description he labels it as an "OVERVIEW..."

[@blueplasma5589]

So it,s 110 V

[@ThriftyGarage]

Exactly!

[@tex77tex77]

You didn't review anything.... This is just an unboxing video. You didn't test it out with a tool, didn't even stress it at all.

[@hyosungsf50scooters80]

would take 8 minutes to fill back up. 4 cfm isnt anything need 14

[@traviscade3186]

What tools do you realistically expect to run off of this?

[@ThriftyGarage]

A little bit of everything. My cordless Makita impact driver does most of the work breaking bolts loose. But occasionally I have to break out the 1/2" air impact gun. Mostly I was looking for something that could easily air up my equipment trailer tires to 120 psi and my truck tries to 80 psi. This will be the perfect size. I've always wanted an 80 gallon compressor but that's much larger than what my needs are.

[@traviscade3186]

@@ThriftyGarage so you bought a $300 compressor to fill tires?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

This machine is able to run just about everything that a home owner/home mechanic needs. I have the McGraw 21-Gallon 175PSI machine and it's been more than adequate running all of my air tools.

[@finley614]

I run all of my impacts off this compressor with no issues

[@traviscade3186]

@@finley614 thank you. I'm thinking about purchasing an air compressor for personal auto maintenance and blow out my sprinkler system. I dont know much about them so watching videos to help.

[@adeptheatingair]

Looks like a 20 GAL to me.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I didn’t write the specs, nor did I measure to verify that it’s actually 26 gallons. I’m just trusting what the label says.

[@stanstamped3538]

Just a cosmetic review if you dont test a variety of different air tools running, bit of a waste of time..

[@Masdyl1319]

10min to fill it.... that's terrible

[@hmdwn]

Too bad the warranty is only 90 days.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yea, I was a little bummed about that. They do offer an extended warranty.

[@slip0n0fall]

Agreed - no way I'd buy this when you can get it nearly the same price elsewhere with much longer warranty. An air compressor is a long term investment, not something you want to buy again in two years

[@hillbillybassfisherman8181]

awesome job for people cant read lmao

[@ThriftyGarage]

🍻 to all the blind subscribers! (Who can’t read this comment)

[@billiebowling7755]

That's a pretty long fill time anybody else agree with this.

[@r10fishing58]

i have went through 2 in 6 months, finally got fed up with them and got the 29 gallon mcgraw unit, hopefully it’s better. we will see. the first one gets over temp shutoff by the time it hit 60psi, junk. second one something let loose in the top end and started beating itself to death against the wall, it still builds to about 120 psi but takes almost 15 mins to get there. junk as well lol.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Wow! Sounds like bad luck.

[@vanliferr4079]

Just some friendly advice. The entire first half of the video is unnecessary. Reading the box etc is boring and anyone can do this. Show us what it can handle and that stuff, this seems like an add

[@ThriftyGarage]

That’s for the feedback. Always appreciated!

[@johns4407]

15 Amps is stated on the specs. Should be pushing 2 hp

[@mattw4824]

It only pulls 12.5 under load

[@tundrawhisperer4821]

Jesus, nearly 10 minutes to fill just 26 gallons, IM OUT!

[@dgomes1967]

I have a Devilbiss 30 Gal 125 psi oilless unit and it takes 10:50 minutes to reach full at 125psi so this seems about average at 175psi for 26 Gal.

[@car9167]

sounds noisy to me

[@ThriftyGarage]

Most air compressors are loud. This one is relatively quiet. It's hard to share over video.

[@car9167]

@@ThriftyGarage What's your opinion on this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHjOonWupbBrlbs

[@ThriftyGarage]

@@car9167 That is a comparison with the 27 Gallon Fortress Air Compressor. This 26 gallon is a much closer comparison to the Lowes model both in price and noise.

[@car9167]

@@ThriftyGarage I was more concerned with the noise than the 26 or 27 gallons.

[@Elsanta666]

Ff 4mins

[@mattmccarty72]

The same product as Husky from HD

[@ThriftyGarage]

Isn’t the Husky way louder?

[@John_Ridley]

And I think same as the Kobalt. Menards/MasterForce also have almost identical looking units.

[@roosterpardee1]

Garbage do not buy! Piston bent and Locked the whole compressor up after 4 months.

[@beckettcohen5493]

Can you call this a review? I own my own shop, a REAL shop 80’ wide 120’ long and another 100’x100’ shop. I’ll tell you this, based on your “review” I still have ZERO INFO on the performance of said machine. Very poor.

[@davidevans1992yahoo]

It’s trash, mine caught fire within 10 min of use. Don’t buy

[@ThriftyGarage]

No issues on my front. I guess I’m lucky.

[@MRTAT33]

Hello, I know it's ridiculous to ask any questions. This is my first air compressor excluding the rectangular Sears type. My Worst Fears became true. If anyone could Please let Me know what happened, what not to do again and what not to. I only pressurised after doing the break-in-cycle a few days later. Everything was going good 😊👍.. until I tried disconnecting the primary coupler. As soon as I did the push in to disconnect, the male fitting Burst out near took me out and left a dent in my front door. This was the least of my worries. The compressor tank coupler would not close and was making a sound that scared The Shit out of me. It was hissing, I pulled the top ring and bottom valve to try and equal the pressure exit displacement. It took an EXTREMELY Long time to complete empty on gauges. I felt like I was trying to Diffuse a hydrogen bomb while In air upsidedown with Wickman Witworth Wrenches and the bomb didn't work on either Witworth, nor Metric and not even American Standard. Turned out,. The wreck was from an old Volkswagen Fox from the 1980s. Anyways, if not for air compressors, we could not have flaked All Of those inflatable tanks during propaganda WWII 😮