Fortress 26 Gallon Air Compressor, Is It Really QUIET? | Harbor Freight Tool Review

Well, the old Central Pneumatic air compressor has finally worn out my ears. It’s also hard to record content when the old unit would fire up. We’re upgrading to the Fortress 26 gallon air compressor from Harbor Freight, and we’ll see if it’s as quiet as advertised. Join us for the unboxing, assembly, and break-in of this new unit.
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‪@harborfreight‬

[@pnv8477]

I have the 10 gallon and it’s really quiet compared to what my dad had when I lived with him!

[@johnrusac6894]

Because we were all mainly concerned about opening the box & how to bolt two wheels on.

[@benjaminvanhaastert1757]

Like the tools boxes also, looks good

[@jamesr.9239]

Most entertaining unboxing I've ever seen. Been using a Sears unit for over thirty years and it hasn't so much as stuttered in all that time but it makes me jump every time it goes on and it's a heck of a job to change or check the oil levels. However, with Sears being so shaky as a company , I don't know if buying something from them with a warranty is a good idea. The real test of any compressor is if it can keep up with air tools such as a sander that continuously drain the tank. Most non-industrial units can do so but they run without shutting off...the price you pay for saving $$$. Some units just can't maintain the required CFM to run an air hungry tool and soon fade to uselessness. Hope this one shines.

[@goodjerm]

Thanks for the comments, it’s very much appreciated. I had a little sears unit for almost 30 years as well that I sold a few years ago, it just wasn’t big enough to keep up with the bigger air tools. I’m planning on doing a “1 year later” review for this compressor in a few months and part of that would be using some air hungry tools, maybe at the same time to see how it gets on.

[@larryblackmon2341]

Nice to see a newer review of this compressor. I bought that model about 2 years ago. My shop is more for wood, crafts and home repair stuff but I really liked the idea of it being quiet. I love mine. The irony (If I'm using the correctly) is most my tools are louder than the compressor! I was able to use a coupon that brought my under the 300 dollar price but I still think it's worth the market price. Of course my pocket book disagrees but that's why we watch for the coupon.

[@goodjerm]

Yeah man, thanks for the comments! I didn’t really do much as far as using it in the video so I’m thinking about doing a follow up.

[@jeremiahsr1984]

​@@goodjermhave you done a follow up vid? Or how do you like it now?

[@goodjerm]

@@jeremiahsr1984 I like this compressor quite a lot. I’ll be doing a follow up vid on it probably in March.

[@jeremiahsr1984]

@@goodjerm good to hear and thanks for the reply. I just purchased it and it's my first compressor. Crazy quiet and I got it for $149.xx out the door at my local HF. Look forward to the follow up man. Great video also.

[@Aonexia]

​@@goodjermCool!

[@benjaminvanhaastert1757]

That was awesome Jeremy

[@LoveMyMagMoreThanYou]

Did you ever do a follow up video on the Fortress compressor?

[@goodjerm]

@@LoveMyMagMoreThanYou no but is actually coming up soon. I have a project that will cause me to use it heavier than I normally do.

[@LoveMyMagMoreThanYou]

@@goodjerm Thank you! I just didn't want to miss it and wasn't sure if it was camouflaged under another title.

[@Steve0885]

Great review!

[@goodjerm]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@fccquoter19]

Can this unit operate layed down? Does it have to stay upright at all times?

[@goodjerm]

Well that’s a good question and I honestly have no idea. I cannot find anything in the instructions saying it must remain upright and the pump is oil-less so…. Read into that what you will.

[@TimberTrainer]

If there was still that much pressure when it arrived, you know it doesn't leak air.

[@scottbroadbent2086]

Just set mine up. It has a slight air sound when it is pressurized and off. Can't find a leak on it anywhere. Sound might be coming from the box that has the on/off switch. Does yours have any noise when pressurized and off?

[@goodjerm]

No mine did not have any air noises when pressurized. I did have a hose leak that I didn’t expect though.

[@scottbroadbent2086]

​@@goodjermonce I went back and did the 30 minute burn in it stopped doing it. Weird. All's good now. Thanks for the reply

[@goodjerm]

@@scottbroadbent2086 yeah man. Glad it worked out for ya 👍🏼

[@neilspaulding2949]

thank you great video

[@markmaherr]

Wonder what happens if you didn't read the manual at all, and when your wife surprised you with an upgraded air compressor (this model but the high performance 200psi) the guy just plugs it in fills her up and starts using it. I only found out about the break in procedure weeks later... at this point it's been drained and filled many times.. I did notice a rubber burning smell and when I pulled the plastic engine cover the rubber belt was shedding a tiny bit of rubber

[@goodjerm]

I know I sometimes pretend to toss away instruction manuals, but I actually have an OCD thing that forces me to pretty much read every word. I don’t show it cuz I’m sure it’s waaaaay too boring. I feel your pain man…

[@markmaherr]

I'm just wondering if it really did anything extensive... I have been using it with little no problems and mine actually fills up to 198 psi 😅.. I've seen this units in reviews only get to 160 and 175 so I'm lucky I guess. My wife, when buying it, did get suckered into the 2 year warranty purchase! So I guess I shouldn't worry much, in two years I'll return it for a fresh one if I have problems

[@markmaherr]

Also, appreciate the fast response! Wasn't expecting an answer that fast, or at all. Subscribed!

[@goodjerm]

@@markmaherr I truly appreciate it!!!

[@dirtrider88]

22:05 that was a lie.

[@rjchiedog]

what good is the pressure in the tank if it doesnt match the hose? thats the problem with outa box ac from hf.

[@robertcondit1536]

Just a guess - but try turning up the hose pressure. It's separate from the tank pressure. Most air tools run at around 90PSI or less Or are you questioning C.F.M. requirement?

[@rjchiedog]

two compressors werebought, both compressors were turned up to max on the line and still doesnt match the tank pressure... i have a tool that requires 150 psi to run ,and the line pressure from the tank only went up to 140 . one compressor tried from harb freight advertised 225 psi and the other from homedepot was advertising175 psi. and all of the compessors i tried couldnt get neer 150 psi out the line.

[@robertcondit1536]

Dang ! What is the CFM requirement at that pressure? Would either compressor handle that? Being I'm not there- Was that the gauge pressure at the manifold? or a gauge down line? Sounds like a commercial compressor is needed. $2-3k instead of $400 and 220V instead 110V. (unless it's 150psi for a short burst)

[@rjchiedog]

@@robertcondit1536 not worried bout the cfm, cause theres a huge holding tank, the tool only needs the air for a few seconds,

[@rjchiedog]

the line would get to just around 145 at best

[@samntimramsey1112]

Ok, first time watcher. The phone call crap was very very bad. I'm going to Finnish this one but not coming back to your videos cause I don't need to wait my time with dumb phone crap. Sorry not trying to be a jerk but that was stupid.

[@charlesbamforth1425]

Absolute JUNK ran a half dozen times switch pissea air in off position till empty Won’t start now just hums

[@lesterlachappelle3947]

No it’s not quiet, mine kicks on I’ve got to leave the area till it stops.

[@danhanger4860]

Has anybody actually tried a sound meter on theirs? Mine reads 85 db from 3 feet (specs. say 69 db @3') and from across the garage it still reads 80. Nowhere near the advertised specs. My wife complained about it from inside the house!

[@jeremiahsr1984]

Weird because mine is nice and quiet. You can have a normal conversation in the garage while it's running.

[@justinweatherspoon5786]

Mine is so quite. I can turn it on and close the door and not hardly hear it.

[@daboogster7639]

Did you follow the instructions for the 30 minute break in?