Harbor Freight 5 Gallon 225 PSI Fortress Air Compressor

Like I said in the video, it'll do what I need it to do. For how long? Time will tell.
As of the day I posted this it looks like they lowered the price to $299.
www.harborfrei...
Contact and links to other stuff I use.
direct.me/funk...

[@EXTREME-DIARRHEA-BLASTING]

Yeah that air compressor seems about adequate for my viewing pleasure as a guy who only uses a compressor in my garage like once a month.

[@FunkFPV]

They just dropped the price to $300. I’m not sure if that’s a bad sign or a good deal 😊

[@EXTREME-DIARRHEA-BLASTING]

@@FunkFPV 🤔

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

I had the small one used it daily it broke after year than I bought this one , bought extended warentee and been going couple years . They’re nice and quiet but never last like a standard pump and motor compressor. Like you said we not using as much like when all out tools were pneumatic 😂 a

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Actually I’m sorry I have the medium maybe 2 or 3 gallon , this is larger of the fortress I probably get this one next

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Dam 300 not bad , I paid 2 something for one alot smaller

[@catsforhire9116]

I'm only a novice tool-user but I love your videos. You seem really passionate about what you do and I always respect that. Take care.

[@FunkFPV]

I appreciate that!

[@bmo14lax]

Same here and any extra information given about tools Even if it seems like it might be obvious information about how to use it or how it operates is always appreciated 👍

[@gergemall]

Agreed ❤

[@markfergerson2145]

I think SCFM is a useful measure especially for someone who lives and works in say Denver or in severe cold all the time. Air temperature and pressure will definitely affect how long a compressor will take to get up to rated pressure, and how long it can hold it. People are so used to dumping on Harbor Freight that their stuff is often dismissed out of hand but so far I’ve had good experiences with their stuff for the most part AS A HOME GAMER. Nice to know that compressor is adequate for your needs.

[@delta34golf]

I use one of these for plasma cutting, which has a requirement for 90psi @ 4.5cfm. It delivered and is able to run the plasma cutter at elevation 5800 feet, so that was really cool. Thanks for the video, I've had it three years.

[@Jacobo_fab_repair]

What plasma cutter. I just bought the yeswelder cut55ds pro and was considering this for a mobile weld/fab set up

[@gergemall]

I love your videos because you’re intelligent, experienced and humorous. Thank you IMPRESSIVE REVIEW.

[@paulheitkemper1559]

I've got the smallest Fortress compressor that I use in my woodshop. I shot about 400 brads yesterday, and it didn't miss a beat. I've also used it to blow off projects before finishing. Sure it needed to refill a lot for that, but it did it just fine. Plus, my broken back and shoulders could still carry the thing. And so so quiet.

[@DereliqueMahBAWLS]

0:30 Wow! You actually admitted that you blow off forklifts! We all knew you did on account of the love you have for them, and it’s good to hear you say it loud and proud!

[@JoeTheDIY]

I was really curious about real world applications of 5 gal. and under compressors. This was pretty helpful, thanks!

[@mgkleym]

I see them used a lot to run air nailers. You can also use them for air brushes. I know a dude who picked up a 1 gallon fortress a few years ago to paint his model planes with.

[@xcal_99_industries32]

Handyman/carpenter here. I use a 3 gallon for running the occasional nailer. Only needed for nailing 2-3 boards. Might get a 1 gallon or switch to battery nailers. Definitely think alot of air tools are becoming obsolete with all the cordless stuff.

[@timturner7609]

My 5 gallon is basically just for blowing stuff off in the machine shop. Especially getting the glitter out of my hair before the sweat drips it into my eyes and turns them magnetic. It also sees occasional use for inflating car tires and running finishing nailers.

[@user-lp7dd7dz9m]

​​@@xcal_99_industries32 the Cordless ones are a LOT bulkier and 5 times the price.

[@Sam-ob4of]

*18,925 liter compressor

[@benshell8662]

I have a 1 gal. HF Fortress compressor, I love it for my trim nailers. So quiet you can talk over it, super tough

[@Sam-ob4of]

*3,78543 liter compressor

[@Worrsaint]

Scfm is a standardized mass flow (not volumetric). It is normalized to a certain temperature, pressure, and humidity. It is 70F, 14.7psia and I forget the humidity. The reason they give scfm@90psi is because of volumetric efficiency changes at different output pressures. Scfm is the important number, not the acfm.

[@timothybayliss6680]

With 75psi coming from the regulator when the impact is going you are probably only getting 60-65psi at the impact gun. The biggest issue with impact guns is good air supply. If you had 3/8 lines and a high flow regulator set to 90psi it would probably double the torque from that IR impact.

[@Sam-ob4of]

*5,1510989bar at the regulator; 4,46428571bar at the impact gun; 9,525mm lines; regulator set to 6,18131868bar

[@daktari3055]

Well, I’m impressed. I just bought one. I didn’t know you could use those types of tools. I just bought it for the LE Lematec Sand Blaster.

[@jonathanvanginkel3849]

We have a similar compressor in our one service van. All we did was add another small 5 ish gallon buffer tank. That system works great. I can run a die grinder hard as I can and a impact almost as good as shop air.

[@corymiller9742]

Man’s working a full time job even with a good YT channel that definitely gets income… I bet he is raking it in right now

[@Raven_96001]

Ingersoll Rand. My last ditch air tools but they still work. And mine are well over 30 years old. Thanks for the great videos. You got me out here buying tool bags and I'm not even active anymore. Lol

[@patrickdiehl6813]

I was kind of impressed it did as well as it did with that old IR impact.

[@FunkFPV]

Same here. I thought it would’ve emptied that tank a lot quicker.

[@brantgoeking3919]

Electric forklift tech out of WI, our dealership is going away from compressors, some techs still have electric pancake compressors for running air hammers for stuck load wheels on pallet jacks. For blowing out trucks we have standardized the Milwaukee shop blower

[@kjaubrey4816]

Standard condition refers to Standard Temperature and Pressure, abbreviated STP, which is often used in chemistry and physics, especially when dealing with gasses. It is a baseline to describe and compare behavior under a specific temperature and atmospheric pressure.

[@robertmccallum8626]

Love your content, if you are after a little more performance from the tool, as you could see their was 10 psi drop. Change your fitting to NETA they have the largest thru hole, you will need to the two on the tank as well as your tools. I recognised the fittings in it and i would have thrown them out first, before starting it up even.

[@schmails]

Rock on Funk. I dig your shorts and these videos are helpful too. Thanks.

[@FunkFPV]

🤘🏻 😁 🤘🏻

[@sociopathmercenary]

I have a cheap 2 gallon air compressor that I picked up at Menards ages ago when I was poor. I've used it to run nailers and air tires for nearly 20 years. I really really want to upgrade but I have battery nailers now and batteries power nearly every other thing I use. I'd probably use it to air tires and blow stuff off... Maybe pull out that old palm nailer if I decide to build a deck for the joist hanger nails. It's just hard to justify. This is the one I look at every time I go to Harbor Freight though. The toolbox wants with the toolbox wants. 😂

[@vmjunnila]

IM from Finland. Here there are also two ways how you can measure compressor performance. Either how much it sucks air or how much you get 8bar pressured air. I only guess but maybe scfm is how much it suck air when there is no backpressure. I dont know but i think this is a good guess 🤭

[@brentbotard7440]

I got the 1 gal version in my truck toolbox running off a battery/inverter. Quiet and works good for dusting out equipment, electronics, and airing up tires. Any pneumatic tools are out of the question.

[@jacksmith2315]

Ya those 1-10 gal tanks are good for blowing stuff off, filling tires, and maybe a nail gun. Except maybe a roofing gun where you shooting nails almost constantly. Any constantly running/high flow type of air tool like a drilln grinder, impact, etc. I say minimum of a 30gal to have enough volume to efficiently and effectively run tools like that. If it requires 90psi to run for more than a quick blast, def min of 30. In this vid, that IR impact was probably only get 50-60psi. If it was gettin a constant 90psi it would blasted that lug off damn near instantly. But, most guys are running cordless for stuff like that these days. Especially mobile guys

[@johnathanh2660]

RTP vs STP Room temperature and pressure vs standard temperature and pressure. STP was measured at 0degC (30degF). In both cases it is at sea level (1 atmosphere). 1 mole of gas will change volume between STP (0degC) and RTP (also called NTP - normal temperature and pressure, 20degC). This is 22.4 litres or 24 litres respectively. I believe that the 'standard' will reflect the parameters under which the testing took place.

[@BrandonHvlogs]

I work for a forklift dealer in DFW area. My company makes us have are vans ASEC approved that makes us limited on what tool I can carry in my van. Seeing your truck reminds me of when I first started 15 years ago.

[@bg3160]

Excellent video. Nope, it won't run a paint sprayer, but if you go very slow, it'll work just fine. I looked up a die grinder's air requirements on Harbor Freight's website, SCFM or 4.4 CFM so that little die grinder is operating right at the compressor's limits. All you have to do is go a bit slower and considering the space and weight savings, probably a good tradeoff.

[@Sam-ob4of]

*124,594125l/min

[@jonas2431]

I have a porter cable pancake compressor. Works great. But i find the pancake compressors are way more noisy than some of the other's

[@dustin612]

I like the work van setup heres a crazy idea since your a forklift mechanic get a generator install a duel conversion kit and use propane

[@rcOhio]

honest dude. honest tradesman. love his content!

[@williamapplewhite3197]

10/10 patriotism

[@TonyMontanaXx]

I live for these uploads.

[@upliftmofopartyplan1156]

It's really best used for driving nails

[@Keystonecole]

The way it was explained to me on the SCFM versus CFM. SCFM stands for stored CFM meaning the actual compressor cant hold that flow steady state alone and needs the tank as a buffer where as with a true CFM it can sustain that flow with no buffer tank.

[@puckcat22679]

That is incorrect. SCFM stands for standardized CFM. It's a MASS flow rate. It enables you to properly compare 2 different compressors from the same manufacturer or from any manufacturer that uses the same standards. CFM is a measurement of volume. However, the actual amount of air present in a given volume changes with temperature and atmospheric pressure. Basically, SCFM is CFM measured under standardized conditions, which actually allows an apples-to-apples comparison. The only problem is that the standard temperature and pressure used for this aren't exactly the same worldwide. They are, however, generally pretty close.

[@number6mbw]

The best thing I ever did to my truck is install a hardwired 12v compressor and 5 gallon tank in the toolbox. Tank could be mounted under the truck, but my 1/2 ton didn't have the space. Have a hose and tools in the box. Added benefit is that I now have a button that people can actually hear if the need arises. I actually installed it for a nephew's graduation. I wasn't going to be outdone by the cheesy canned air horns in the stand, even from the parking lot.

[@Sam-ob4of]

*18,925 liter tank

[@roberthoffman4713]

Them big pull behind compressors don't like when the guys open the valves and walk away. They suck I think it was the oil separator inside out. Only had to repair one of them for that reason. That was about 20 - 25 years ago so maybe fixed that issue by now.

[@workingclassless84]

Picked me up a fortress 26 gal for my shop. I dig it. It's quiet.....er, well it just doesn't put out an ear piercing hum so it's way better than the previous one. Of course it replaced an old and worn out 10 gal Coleman so the so the bar wasn't very high lol.

[@Sam-ob4of]

*98,42118 liter compressor; worn out 37,8543 liter coleman

[@scummymummy2548]

There you go!👍

[@tommyaoi1183]

My favorite part. 😁😁

[@luisquiles3798]

Thanks for explaining the cfm it really help me a lot to understand something that i have to do at work soon.

[@SCfanIam100]

I got one of those and I liked it but after just 2 years the pressure switch went bad. I hear that many others had the same problem. It's not that big of a big deal as the part is only about $12, but just be aware of that.

[@schonnj]

SCFM to me seems like CFM with an asterix that says "under ideal conditions/certain conditions apply" in fine print.

[@andrewahern3730]

More so standardized, so you can’t fudge the rating by using funky air temperatures or static pressures.

[@FunkFPV]

And they don’t say what the “standard” conditions is 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Boobtube.]

yea! another review. Like these type of videos from u. You call it straight, no one has bought you, yet.

[@FunkFPV]

Doing these for money would be like a job. I already have one of those 😊 KZbin pays enough to make it worth my while.

[@james10739]

Dang so close you had 2 options of bottles for your comparison so I guess 50/50

[@LamoidZombieDog]

This compressor seems nice, but ridgid has an equal system that's less than half the size for $50 more, So i think i have to go for that one.

[@ab1776ctd]

If you're running it on your welder, I would highly recommend turning the auto idle off. If the compressor kicks on while the welder is at idle, the voltage will be very low. It could damage the welder or compressor.

[@samohteel4393]

My grandfather had a shop he built for amateur drag racing in the 80's, it was all fitted up Central pneumatic stuff from harbor freight, most of it was still working when I left the family farm a few years ago. I saved myself so much money fixing my own sh!t in there. Don't let the tool snobs trick you, You don't need yellow tools to get the job done.

[@randysavage8963]

Great explanation and review love the details explaining cfm etc thank you

[@FunkFPV]

I feel like I babble too much but I’m trying to review and educate at the same time 😁

[@randysavage8963]

@@FunkFPV Your doing great man I appreciate your content it’s always funny and informative 👍🏻

[@mikemcginley6309]

Seems like a decent buy for someone that doesn't need much air very often.

[@stephenzerbel]

I have 1 just like that, but made by Dewalt. My Dewalt works great. Around a used car lot and working on rental houses.

[@richardgrayson9934]

Would have liked to see a blow gun test for time to drain the tank and refill.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

My Kobalt Quiet Tech 3-gallon compressor would have been great for that application ..she's a little BEAST Those Fortresses aren't bad though...she'll do..👍

[@davesbrown]

Dude, thank you. There you go, thumbs up. (well I don't know about the tank yet, we'll have to wait after a couple years to see how it help up)

[@truckgotstuck]

The regulator inlet size is too small and it's preventing the regulator from keeping up with the tank. You might be able to put in a larger fitting or bore out the current fitting to get the regulated pressure more stable. It could also be a water separator that is choking the pressure.

[@iainbearyay2236]

Compressor mechanic gang let's go! I'm an Atlas Copco guy myself.

[@FunkFPV]

I worked on those back in the early 2000’s

[@JD-kg3mx]

Don’t think the AC has any commercial use unless you’re a professional volleyball inflator. Good for home use for light duty sprayers, paint guns and some such, but job worthy? No.

[@louisnadasky5143]

Stuff just keeps falling 😂😂😂 love it 😂😂

[@paulputnam2305]

Thanks, great job on the video. Much appreciated.

[@Tomcat05warpup]

The ole uga duga machine imma start using that lol. Education videos love the content

[@rorybyrne975]

Will sort out candles on cake next birthday. 👍.

[@james10739]

225psi I might actually run a regulator but it probably has one but that should make a impact hit pretty hard

[@WezzleG]

Metric guy here. Is ⅜ much difference size wise to ½? I'm guessing like 9mm to 13mm? Metric so much easier 😅

[@jC-kc4si]

Think of it this way, 1/2 is actually 4/8, so a little bigger than 3/8.

[@Jay-to2cn]

Let's go funk

[@retselyarrh3895]

I myself do not find that compressor very impressive! I believe the real problem with the compressor is the tank storage is too small!!! I myself which switch to a wheel barrel style gas compressor!!! You could build a rack that goes over your welder, and then mount the compressor up there! 😎😎

[@larryhornjr.1273]

What pressure did you have it set to come on? If 175psi like recommended, this compressor is junk. If it was set any lower, you'll wear the thing out in a month. It's probably good for bicycle tires, maybe an EV tire inflation, one nail gun, weekend garage repair stuff, but just not enough nuts behind it for real world application. Which is ok, but not at that price. And that sucks too bc I found one on sale for $159 that I really wanted, and almost bought on the spot. Glad I waited. Remember kids, it's all about what's in the tank pushing you, 5 gal is not near enough to blow the hat off your head.

[@martinoamello3017]

Great for grinding fingernails and toenails, but sanding down a cement truck to paint? You're going to need someone on the other end with the ability to blow really hard for a really long time.. Other than that they're alright for most home jobs. I have a tiny one for nailers.. Like you said though.. not much for a DA, cut off wheel, etc. Like running full speed from a mean dog with your pants down around your ankles..

[@davidrule1335]

10:38 drill is in reverse! Ans you say you can't sharpen a twist drill? Good job!!

[@ubahd00d]

It looks like that to me too! The bit should cut through aluminum better than that

[@FunkFPV]

Haha I think that was the frame rate of the camera that made it look like that

[@Kanesworld100]

Like the video. Do you think I can run 3 roofing coil nailers with this compressor?

[@user-xl5np5dp8n]

You kinda should know what your CFM requirement is based on your tool CFM requirement. Some tools are more "efficient" with CFM than others. Most shops also invest in larger tanks to get more time. 😊

[@b2gills]

That looks almost identical to my brother's Dewalt air compressor.

[@DudleyToolwright]

3kW at 12V is 250Amps. Your alternator and battery will not be able to keep up with that, not even close, let alone the wire gauge that would be necessary to provide that kind of current. Even 1200W is 100A so be really conservative with plugging anything in there...

[@FunkFPV]

It’s 3kw at 120 volts. That’s about 25 amps output on the AC side. That compressor probably pulls 10 amps

[@alanearnest6040]

I've always wanted to hook a framing nail gun up to 225 psi

[@stevekwiatkowski2535]

Very well done real world video, but i thought this going to a "rate YOUR toe" video 🤣

[@FunkFPV]

😜👍🏻

[@Tiersmoke92555]

I'm looking to run this compressor for my plasma cutter.

[@jacksmith2315]

Air tools that require a constant 90psi for more than a quick blast to run efficiently and effectively, like drillsn grinders, impacts, etc, no less than 30psi. If you're using them constantly like in a shop, 50-60gal, especially if feeding more than 1 person. Ya you may be able to pull a couple bolts if they arent super tight, but its going to run out of volume way to fast if you're hammering on something like that lug nut. Will it do it, sure, but not efficiently and effectively. its guna blow that compressor up if you keep doing it.

[@scummymummy2548]

Wes, do you stream games on twitch or kick on your days off?

[@FunkFPV]

Nah, Maybe some time in the future but I need a lot of computer upgrades.

[@thedispenser8301]

Awesome review

[@jimgresham5529]

Drill a pilot hole in that block first, less wear and tear on that large drill bit.

[@Dr650rob]

I have a porter cable compressor like that and it won't even activate a impact gun, it goes up to 175psi

[@Scrublord26]

Bro has every gaming console available

[@fladoodel]

Give me the old gas one!!! I'll buy it from you!!

[@FunkFPV]

My shop guy called dibs on it 😁

[@fladoodel]

@@FunkFPV shit

[@Pb_salt]

Wait was that a 33mm lug nut you just took off with a 1/4 inch gun and this little compressor?

[@joshuahosang6690]

Nice

[@JohnDoe-yi8rn]

Really considering on changing to neumatic, batteries sum up the price for a freaking air tank on the other hand cordless seems handy

[@FunkFPV]

I was all most all pneumatic until a few years ago. You can’t beat the convenience of cordless on the road.

[@leckthetech6132]

I'd argue if it's a workshop, stationary setup, pneumatic is great. Anything else, cordless is really nice. I'm working what is essentially a mobile mechanic setup, love cordless tools

[@edwarddherde9536]

Princess auto in Canada is the equivalent of harbor freight

[@stevenfoust3782]

That is basically the same as the Dewalt. They don’t last very long if used daily. Pancake compressors are superior for everything except when you need lots of air but that requires a really big tank like 20 gal or much more. 2.5-4.5 com is plenty good for pneumatic guns and blowing off part- a little at a time.

[@gregkogler3203]

Keep Rock’n dude

[@jeremyspurlock6636]

They have princess auto in canada

[@setoman1]

Very generous boss.

[@FunkFPV]

Well, it’s either he bought that for me, or have an excuse not to blow off forklifts 😜

[@tommyaoi1183]

That was Good for 5 gallons. 😀😊😊

[@stevdbird3424]

Max acetylene pressure is 15psi g.

[@michaelladue5655]

After the regulator......full tank pressure is 200 psi. With the acetone fully saturated.

[@danielfrazier840]

Those ir impacts really like about 150 psi

[@piffpete420]

Da Bears!!

[@Stew-rl9qk]

Does it really weigh 88lbs?

[@GHOZTPRODUCTIONZ]

can you this unit standing up?? i have it but never tried it

[@OffendingTheOffendable]

They opened one of these Chinese landfills near my house.

[@billsmith5166]

Cool. Have you ever tried an auto drain?

[@FunkFPV]

We have one on our shop compressor. It’s handy because no ever remembers to do it.

[@billsmith5166]

@@FunkFPV I was just thinking that it's Harbor Freight and 250 PSI. Compressors just give me the heebies as I've gotten old. I don't want to have to bend over and pick up my hat every time one blows up.

[@SKYNET9er]

Cool of him not to hurt his bosses feefees tho. 👍🏻

[@CTROADSIDEASSISTANCE]

I need that gas compresor where i can pick it up

[@villano31]

Did you run the compressor standing up or laying down? I have one and have been wanting to run it standing up to save space but didn’t want to try it 😅

[@W-C-F-o1k]

Looks nice! I have a really small one, lol. 2.5 gallons, I think?

[@Sam-ob4of]

*9,463575 liters

[@iggew2]

For someone that likes to point out the bare feet and lack of PPE of others using tools - I was surprised to see you creating and flinging metal shards wearing shorts and short sleeves. Just get one shard imbedded, and you will realize that a simple pair of jeans, and a long sleeve shirt can prevent a small piece of metal from becoming a large medical issue. Just saying...