Harbor Freight’s McGraw 21 Gallon 175PSI Oilless Compressor COMPLETE Review!

[@luluhus1]

Totally late to the show, but 2 years in and I still love it.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

It’s a decent machine! I’ve since moved mine along - check out my long-term review I posted a few months back. 🇺🇸🤘

[@massimoportinari3199]

I'm an amateur engine mechanic and I just bought the same compressor. I wasn't sure I made a good deal. Usually cheep the price cheep the product. Now I'm a little more confident about it. Thank you for the information.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thanks for watching! I think it’s a GREAT little shop compressor for non-professionals.

[@jonpenguin303]

Compressor still working for you?

[@itsmeatiq]

I got this in a parking lot sale for $75. Nothing wrong with the unit at all! I have been using it since 2019 summer.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Whoa that’s a steal! Nice find!

[@kitchentrout5867]

Well shit I wouldn't be looking for anything wrong for $75 lol

[@jonpenguin303]

Still working for you??

[@rpmz1234]

Great review. Bought one. Love it! It says it doesn't work well with high volume low pressure sprayers but I've been using it with mine and It works great!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Yeah it’s a decent machine for the money. I just sold mine actually - never had an issue after 4 years of ownership. Thanks for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@factionfx]

Loved mine. Way quieter than a standard compressor. Have had it about 2 years. Now it won't turn on. Thinking the motor is toast. Switch tests good and the pressure switch in the tank tests good. Pump and motor spin free. Might replace with an oil-filled...my last oil-filled lasted 10 years.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

All connections are good? I’d check the solder joints/connections to the motor. Did it ever smell funny when running? It’s a decent machine for the money. Takes a while to fill up, but I’ve been happy with it. Thanks for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@aussernllc]

I love it. 30 gallon Craftsman $650+tax. This 20 gallon compressor $200 something. I’ve got two air tools that rip through my 3 gallon compressor in 15 seconds. 20 gallons would give me 1 minute 30 seconds which would be a huge improvement. One tool for carpet, one tool for spraying all purpose cleaner fluid.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I have several as well. Good to have different ones for different uses. Thanks for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@CZMate]

Nice review. Going to pick this up tomorrow for my garage.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

That’s awesome - I hope you love it!

[@telcodave]

It’s on sale right now, picking one up too

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@telcodave Sweet! Buy the “Merlin” drain valve also. The one that comes on that compressor is crap. I have a video on why you should replace your drain valve - check it out.

[@chadfield376]

Good down to the point review; would this air compressor have enough air capacity to allow an impact to take off all lug nuts for an average car tire rotation without waiting for a “top off” before all tires can be removed? Thanks.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

If you’re asking if you can fill the tank and remove 20 lug nuts before reaching cut-in pressure - possibly. If you filled it and shut the machine off, you’d have enough air pressure in the tank to remove all the lugs if you were running an impact at 90 PSI. Thanks for watching.

[@chadfield376]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Awesome, that’s good enough for what I need to do.

[@MrRedex88]

Bought this one 2 years ago, quit on me this week but , dead. Can't really complain being we used it hard daily at my detail shop, I'm honestly surprised it lasted that long, going pickup a new one.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Oh bummer. Are you going to get this one again or go with the oiled machine? I’d love to see how that performs vs this one.

[@MrRedex88]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Think I'll go with an oil model this time. We probably average 2.5 hours run time on our compressor each day. Thinking of going with a Fortress, 26 gallon, reviews all say how quite it runs which would be sweet, we always have to go in the office to make or take a phone call. How do you feel about the Fortress compressor?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@MrRedex88 I haven’t tried them yet - still using my 4 McGRAW machines! I’d like to get one though. If I’d do, I’ll be sure to post a video.

[@MrRedex88]

@@jimmysgarage9068 If I buy one I'll do a quick review on it.

[@dubiousf00d]

Very good review! I know what I'm buying now. Thanks!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching! 🤘 Glad it could help.

[@thomaschetney990]

Great Review Sound was my Biggest concern Thank You

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching! 🇺🇸🤘

[@freemarketjoe9869]

Great review. My only concern is Harbor Freight only gives an insanely short 90 day warrentee! Crazy when Husky and Wen give you 2 years! For about the same price! A deal breaker to me! The Wen is a better deal for 180.00 because they at least believe in their product! The Husky also has a two year protection, has much better recovery time with 200 psi!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Great points! Thanks for watching Joe! 🤘

[@Puro4letraspuroMAGA]

Husky $359 Mcgraw $220

[@edrhyan5352]

What Husky model Joe?

[@turbobill1747]

Good compressor review,abt to buy this model.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you! It’s a good machine. A little slow to fill up, but meets a lot of air requirements. 🇺🇸🤘

[@FNNIV]

Thanks for the review. I’m wondering if I can blow out a sprinkler system?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Totally. Thank you for watching 🤘🇺🇸

[@mpe777]

Great video thanks. So the owners manual states to install a regulator valve and inline shutoff valve along with the hose. I haven’t seen anyone yet on KZbin that has either installed. Only the hose. Do you find it’s necessary or even helpful to have them?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I think it’s helpful to install an air/water separator to protect your tools - but the inline shutoff valve - I’ve never used one. This machine has run strong for years for me - no issues.

[@mpe777]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll get a water filter for it. Happy to hear it’s a good machine since this is my first. I wanted to get something that will last years.

[@FranksShitBoxCollection]

Pretty straight forward, I like that. I want to buy this because I want to paint a car since I was to pick up bodywork as a hobby and was considering this air compressor when I went to Harbor Freight today.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

It’s a good machine for me so far. It does take a little while to build pressure, but if you aren’t using it continually, it should do just about any job

[@FranksShitBoxCollection]

@@jimmysgarage9068 that's great to hear. Definitely considering this air compressor now.

[@jacobydavis3953]

@@FranksShitBoxCollectionDod you ever paint a car with it?

[@mayhem111]

Just looking at these. Your video was a big help. Thanks man.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I’m glad to hear that! Thank you for watching 🤘

[@williamwitkowski4831]

Nice video to those of you who wonder about oil less compressors. well my start capacitor and check valve went bad on mine. replaced both and back and running. just happen to check the date I bought it. it's a craftsman 30gallon oil less 135psi air compressor the date I bought it was in 1999 not bad for an oil less compressor that went 24years I have no problem with oil-less. now the bad side. I checked on line and at sears. well do to it's age if anything major goes wrong I will have to replace it. [ NO MORE PARTS AVAILABLE FOR IT ] it's to old. guess sears don't sell parts for life of the product like they used too. been lookin at this one and the portercable24gal 150psi. the only tye breaker would be the warranty 90days versus 1year. any takes on these two

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hi William! Great insight. I like this compressor, and it’s been good to me for a few years now. It does take a while to fill up, but can run just about anything you need. Grinders/cutters will use that tank up quickly - so if you plan on using that stuff I’d go for a machine with more volume. I plan on upgrading to a larger oiled machine eventually, as I do like using air tools pretty frequently. Thank you for watching 🤘🇺🇸

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Good review Jimmy. Nicely done! 👍

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thanks brother!

[@hmdwn]

Guess I'll purchase it tomorrow, last day for the $219.00 sale.

[@jamesco0329]

Bought one 2 yes ago. No issues, but I've never cleaned the filter. What's the best way to clean it?

[@610PRISTINESHINEDETAIL]

Upgraded from my pancake craftsman to this, picking up today

[@weta-linetv5354]

Thanks❤, that was very in depth.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching! 🤘🇺🇸

[@assocpress]

Thanks! I actually bought one earlier today. $219.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Sweet! I hope you like it. Quick tip - replace the drain valve with a better one. I have a video on that if you wanna watch.

[@assocpress]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Will do! I went ahead and bought the Milton hi-flo couplings. It was only like $24 for a 14 piece set.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@assocpress Good idea. I hope you love the compressor - it’s been a great machine for my shop.

[@assocpress]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Thanks

[@johnny1556]

Thank you on the review of this air compressor I have one from harbor freight which is 100 PSI one of the small one I've been thinking about getting one like the one you just did where I don't have to worry about running it with oil but if you change the filters is it to change it or to clean and who sells them?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hey man, thanks for watching! I also have the 100PSI compressor from Harbor Freight - it's good for very small jobs only. This compressor should handle just about anything you throw at it! You can find the replacement filters on the Harbor Freight website. They come in a 3-pack for $1.98.

[@sonofthunder.]

Thought mine died,...it took about half hr cooling down ...thermal overload i guess ...started right up again,cant let it run continuously gets hot😊

[@jimmysgarage9068]

That little motor needs time to cool down! Definitely not meant for continuous use. Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@KODmasta07]

So does it connect to a wall outlet to turn on and build air? Might sound dumb, but serious question

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Yes! This compressor is powered by an electric motor, that plugs into a regular wall outlet. Not a dumb question!

[@tonymarra4371]

Hey Jimmy! I need a recommendation? I’m going back and forth between this McGraw and the Fortress 26 gallon. Thoughts?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Fortress all the way. Check out my McGraw vs Fortress comparison with their 6-gallon machine. Night and day.

[@elitres8811]

Hey just a quick question, when your storing it away are you supposed to release all the pressure or can you leave it half way or full ? Please

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Drain the tank completely. When they compress air, they will retain moisture - which can rust the tank. Always empty your tank after use. Best of luck to you! 🇺🇸🤘

[@ThriftyGarage]

Nice compressor review! Very detailed overview.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words and thanks for watching!

[@songsfromthelord888]

Thanks Jimmy been looking at that machine..glad to know it's worth it 🙂 Remember Jummy: God really loves you! 🙂 Again, thanks much for your help 🙂

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching! 🇺🇸🤘

[@Wagonracer8]

I’m interested in buying this compressor I have own some smaller pancake ones over the years and I never adjusted any of the knobs on any because I didn’t know how or why they should be adjusted to if I don’t adjust the knob accordingly will I cause and damage to an air tool possibly that I connected?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Possibly - but not likely. The regulator knob adjusts the OUTLET pressure, meaning pressure going to the tool. Check to see what pressure the air tool is recommended for, then adjust the knob accordingly. Best of luck! 🇺🇸🤘

[@Wagonracer8]

@@jimmysgarage9068 Thanks

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Of course! Would a video on adjusting air pressure be helpful for you?

[@kmacho5298]

Hi, excuse me i have a question I hope you can help me: My air compressor soon its full of air, air start coming out from a valv its below to regulator. Thank You

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hi there. I would start by letting all the air out of your machine. Then I would remove the valve that’s leaking, and reinstall using Teflon tape on the threads. That can help seal up leaks. Other than that, there’s not much I can do without seeing it. Best of luck and thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@kmacho5298]

Ok Thank You so much @@jimmysgarage9068 I'll do that

[@DrMatthewHudson]

What size hose can be used? Can any size be used with the right couplers?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

1/4” NPT Fittings and you should be able to use any length of hose. If you are running air “hungry” tools, steer away from the curly hoses. They usually max out at 90PSI

[@DrMatthewHudson]

@@jimmysgarage9068 this may be a dumb question (again), but is 1/4 npt a fairly standard connector size regardless of the size of tubing used? For example if I went to the store and looked at 5/8 in, 1/2in, and 1/4 in air hoses would they all likely have a 1/4 in connector?

[@DrMatthewHudson]

@@jimmysgarage9068 thank you so much for the fast, honest, and helpful response. I subscribed and will definitely be watching all your videos.

[@arielj4005]

do you use separate lubricator/filter for lubricated air tools or no

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Nope. A couple drops in the tool before use each time and I always drain the tank.

[@adrianchavezsr.60]

Great and Educational Video... Thanks

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@shanesubashe787]

I'm debating between this one and the Husky.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Either way, you’ll have a good shop compressor that can run most anything. Make sure to look for coupons first!

[@logansportpilotrp8174]

i just bought the Husky today at Home Depot it was 214.00 compared to this at 269.00 and this one onlt has a 90 day wasrrranty and the Husky has a 2 year warranty.

[@shanesubashe787]

@@logansportpilotrp8174 I ended up buying the Husky Quiet Tech 26 gallon. It was $40 cheaper.

[@logansportpilotrp8174]

@@shanesubashe787 Do you like it?I just got mine yestrerday...im gonna power it up later tonight,let me know if you think it was a good buy or not an i'll do the same.

[@Cam-wi3tp]

how much cfm@40psi? They only have 4@90, need it to paint my motorcycle and gun requires 6cfm@40psi

[@jimmysgarage9068]

5@40. That tank packs a lot of air though, so painting a bike shouldn’t be an issue.

[@codyfowler3384]

How is this machine holding up? I'm considering on getting it but with coupon it's around $260 but I've seen them lower before. I need a new compressor for certain pneumatic tools but honestly considering buying milwaukee( impact, ratchets etc.) When possible. Do you consider this tank a good medium or should I go smaller since I'm considering switch to battery tools. Thanks for your input!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Sometimes this is on sale for around $220, so maybe you should wait for that sale. So far, it’s been a great machine. VERY air tight, and since it packs 175 PSI in the tank, I’m able to run cutoff tools, impacts, ratchets and die grinders really well. It does take a while to fill and recover though. I like that it’s tall and fits in the corner of the garage well. As far as battery vs air - battery is much more convenient and saves time for quick jobs. I just like using air because I can use multiple tools and just switch them out quickly, rather than having to buy and charge multiple batteries. Also - battery powered tools are upgraded/updated so frequently that they become obsolete quickly. Hopefully my air tools will last a long time! I hope that helps! Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@jimamimas]

Great review!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I appreciate it!

[@bbqsmokernc7252]

I wonder how it will do spray painting.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Haven't tried that yet. When I do, there will be a video! Thanks for watching!

[@S7E7V7E7N]

@@jimmysgarage9068 have you tried yet?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@S7E7V7E7N Nope.

[@alberez9605]

Can this inflate heavy duty tires 75-120 psi range? Will it struggle?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I don’t see why it couldn’t. Only one way to find out!

[@bikeworksbywes]

Great review thank you

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching! 🤘🇺🇸

[@thepacketnarc7634]

The ipad Mic is on the bottom, and it's in a case, and it's sitting on the Mic. So you're probably attenuating that by 10+ dB.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

That’d be cool to test that theory out with an actual DB reader. Thanks for watching 🤘🇺🇸

[@hmdwn]

What did you pay? Now on sale for $219.00 I'm considering an upright compressor however, I wonder how long the oil-less motors last? I'm use to the standard oil lubed compressors motors....seem to last a long time.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hi Ray. So I actually got this from someone second-hand, but it was in like new condition. Oilless motors don’t last as long as oiled, but you’ll get plenty of life out of his one.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Also, swap out the drain valve for a better one. I have a video on that if you’re interested.

[@hmdwn]

@@jimmysgarage9068 fair to say if it's just used intermittently to inflate the occasional low tire or run the occasional air gun it should last a long time? Months will go by without needing to touch my oiled compressor.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@hmdwn Oh, for sure. Over the Fall I restored a 20+ year old craftsman with an Oilless motor. It was still in perfect operating condition.

[@hmdwn]

@@jimmysgarage9068 ... just today I purchased it, last day of the $219.00 sale.

[@shawnyelle]

What size hose did you use?

[@adrianlopez9293]

Thanks for the video review.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thanks for watching! I hope it helped.

[@adrianlopez9293]

It sure did

[@johndufrasne1641]

Do I have to drain it after each use ?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I would recommend doing that.

[@sherrijohnson5587]

I love your review.....were you running through the hose on reel for your measurements? Or was it a shorter hose?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thanks Sherri! I was running a 50-foot hose reel for the test - great question! \m/

[@ralphvaccaro2638]

Good review thanks

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@WopGenius]

Great video

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you!

[@carlosfrances01]

What size air hose this use ?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

1/4” NPT fittings, and it can support several different types of hoses.

[@carlosfrances01]

@@jimmysgarage9068 tks

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@carlosfrances01 🤘

[@theamerican7080]

Very helpful!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘

[@loneranger5349]

Bought mine new used one summer motor burn up won't shut off

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Oh no!

[@Theerainbowunicorn6453]

Is this can handle the tire changer machine?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Doubtful. Those require a ton of air.

[@devinstead6077]

Il be honest im young and dont know much looking for a decent compressor to work on my truck needes to something a little good seeing as how i have over 200,000 thousand miles any suggestions

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hey Devin. What kind of work do you plan on doing? If you need to run air tools like an impact gun, you’ll need around a 20 gallon.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

I have the Harbor Freight 6-gallon compressor ($99), and it’s a great machine for small tasks.

[@devinstead6077]

@@jimmysgarage9068 looking to do a lift kit new exhaust system, cold air intake essentially just beef it up from stocm

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@devinstead6077 Cool, man. Well, anything that uses constant air flow (impact, wrenches, drills, hammers) will need at least a 20-gallon. Check out Facebook Marketplace and see what people are Selina second-hand. I get lucky a lot doing that.

[@rubenvargas3547]

Is this compressor good enough to run a plasma cutter?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Check the air requirements of your machine, but for most I’d say yes.

[@oftenmisconceivedtv8570]

Pew pew was exactly what I was thinking 😂

[@jimmysgarage9068]

🇺🇸🤘

[@WswRefrigeration]

How’s this thing doing long term?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Pretty good actually. Maybe I’ll do a long-term review. I use it all the time.

[@mpe777]

Is the connector ¼ or ½ inch

[@jimmysgarage9068]

1/4NPT

[@andresdiaz7773]

Good video

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you! 🤘🇺🇸

[@mycroftselene3326]

How much was it?

[@jimmysgarage9068]

It’s on sale for $219 right now. I bought mine second hand. I’d be happy paying full price for this - it’s been a great compressor so far.

[@Nissan370_z]

Microphone blocked when it was sitting on the shelf lol

[@jimmysgarage9068]

😬

[@terrellscaife2411]

I’m a little worried that it’s oil free long-term durability for 4 1/2 years I got a 10 gallon oil compressor and it’s held up just fine and also I’ve added to 20 gallon auxiliary tanks to make it a 50 gallon compressor

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Nice! I’ve used expansion tanks before also - they work great when you need extra air.

[@hmdwn]

Update???

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Still going strong! I love it.

[@BIGCMC100]

Can Do!

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Hoorah! 🇺🇸🤘

[@JesusOrtiz-qp1so]

Doesn’t anyone knows if I can paint a car with this compressor

[@jimmysgarage9068]

It depends on the paint gun that you’re using. Check the air requirements of the tool. Short answer - probably.

[@Snackdavis]

Smash 👍🏼

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Smash back at you

[@BlackPill-pu4vi]

A needle scaler will test even the most robust air compressors, in my experience....

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Good to know - I may have to get one! 🇺🇸🤘

[@trjb1767]

Mine worked great for two years. Then motor crapped out

[@jimmysgarage9068]

That blows!

[@joshuaowens7653]

Will this Air Compressor take lug nuts off 18 wheelers

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Yes. It’s all about the air needs of your tools. This will run any impact gun without any problems.

[@aiwa159]

175psi ? and dont blow? nice

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Not yet! It’s been a great machine thus far.

[@clinteast7476]

Never get oil less. talking from experience.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

It’s all up to the user. I agree that oiled machines are better in just about every aspect - but some people don’t want to think about maintenance. I actually use my 10-gallon oiled machine more than this one because it’s quicker to fill and has a better recovery time.

[@FrostE941]

Trash mine just quit working about a year old harbor freight won't do anything to help... do yourself a favor and spend the extra money for a company that cares.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Bummer!

[@FrostE941]

@@jimmysgarage9068 yeah I actually just fixed it capacitor went out then after that the cold start valve.. still though.

[@jimmysgarage9068]

@@FrostE941Do you use it a lot? I had mine for a few years & it was my main compressor. Never a single issue.

[@FrostE941]

@@jimmysgarage9068 no I didn't I have no idea how it happened but it's workin agin so I'm not as upset anymore... I was more upset that the Harbor freight people offered no help other than tryin to sell me parts for it. All parts can be bought off Amazon FYI

[@FrostE941]

@@jimmysgarage9068 gave ya a sub though sorry about the drama lol

[@law00454]

@ jimmy garage...how do I send you an email. I have the same unit and have a question for you? Thx

[@jimmysgarage9068]

You can find me on Instagram, or my email is [e-mail]. Happy to help you if I can.

[@MAR210TX]

great review thanks

[@jimmysgarage9068]

Thank you for watching 🇺🇸🤘