Fortress 27 Gallon Air Compressor Harbor Freight Tools (Testing and Overall Opinion)

We finish the 27 Gallon Fortress Air compressor review with some tests of various air tools and also I give my over all opinion about this air compressor.
$1400 Harbor Freight tool haul Video
• ICONIC $1400 Harbor Fr...
27 Gallon Fortress Air compressor specs and info video
• Fortress 27 Gallon Air...
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[@RedemptionGarage]

The first Fortess air compressor video can be found here kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnKreKyJo62Mgs0

[@claytonfrans4826]

It sucks I need to sand and paint a whole car. 1978 Camaro!

[@shrug53]

Thanks so much for this. I have had my old Harbor Freight compressor for a decade and was looking to upgrade. This looks like a great machine for my budget. Being a retired vet, I always have to watch my pennies!

[@DieselLegiance]

First, great video bro. I really like your channel and your quality content. I just bought this compressor for airing up my truck tires, impact wrench for lugs, general home air tools such as framing/trim nailers, powder coating gun, and I’d like to be able to spray paint. I’ve seen quality paint guns as low as 4.5 scfm. It would be awesome to show this compressor in action painting using a spray gun at 4.5-6 scfm as I believe this tank has a higher scfm rating at lower psi. I just have not tried painting yet. I appreciate your thoughts...

[@Durchii]

Buying it today on account of this review. The Bear helped wet my whistle, but this one right here sold the farm! Thanks a hell of a bunch. 👍

[@djformi]

Curious how it held up?

[@marx769]

Thank you for taking the time to do this! Exactly what I was looking for! 🤘

[@kaotmdct5568]

A nice honest and solid review -- thank you for taking the time to do this it was very helpful.

[@apuckett1971]

I used and old Craftsman 25 gallon for years painting cars and da cars. It wasn't best setup but it will do the job. It just takes longer.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Thanks for the review you saved me $400.00 plus😁🛫

[@frugalprepper]

I am just really surprised that for $400 dollars it doesn't perform better. It doesn't seem any better as far as tool run time, than my old Central Pneumatic 21 Gallon that I got on sale for $129 (that HF is dropping now), it is probably quieter though. I got a 15CFM 60 Gallon that was given to me that I repaired by fixing the wiring and replacing the ball valve, and it's made a huge difference for me. Having something that can run a angle/die grinder continuous is a huge time saver when you have to cut apart rusty crap, but if I hadn't got that for free I would probably still be running the 21 gallon one.

[@RedemptionGarage]

It is actually comparable to the dewalt i talked about before they are both the same for the most part but these arent made to be used all day like your 60 gallon tank which I'm sure does do whatever you need it to. I think this would be a decent mobile air compressor which is why i like it. You may be able to find better deals though. I want to try a 60 gallon fortess if they ever release one a two stage 60 gallon legit "professional" compressor but we will see lol. Thanks for watching brother

[@gergemall]

Wow

[@gergemall]

Understand. I have an older craftsman 33 gal. Like new . I bought used and knew the little hack to make it work properly. It’s loud but ?,, I’ll wait and see or figure out how to use a reservoir. Excellent video . I thank you.

[@BTKeck]

If you would like a measurement of how loud something is, you can get a application for your smart phone that will measure decibels (dB). Though just like anything else that's free or low cost, it might work just "good enough" for your proposes. Thank you for the videos!

[@MrMONTEROB]

😊well demonstrated 👏👏 I was looking into buying this compressor. You just made it easy for me to purchase it. Thanks.

[@jaivette1497]

Fantastic tutorial! And I love your “mobile mechanic “ idea! Go with it!!

[@tkboxer]

Thanks for both videos, very informative. The larger tank is a asset but the recovery time is too slow. As it turns out wouldn't be the best choice for me as I use sanders and spray guns.

[@JH-mo8mh]

Thanks for the great video, thorough and well done. You just saved me $450. I was looking for something in between my 80 gallon compressor and my 12 gallon compressor. Wow the tool duration time vs the pump up times on that compressor are just a complete joke, it really pretty much makes it worthless for anything but air nailing. Harbor Freight seems to be really weak in the compressor Department, Not sure ether why they don't have a 60 and 80 gallon line of decent compressors . They only offer a couple of decent compressors and they are gasoline driven and over $1,000 . You should be able to get a compressor with 14 CFM @ 90 PSI with a decent pump up time for under $1,000.

[@ChaoticDave69]

This compressor actually runs everything with ease . I have it and it outperforms my other larger unit

[@brianhebert7892]

Very thorough review, I've been looking at this compressor for a while I think I will be getting one for my garage. Cost of the compressor seems to outweigh the time waiting for it to refill especially if you're only using it as a hobbyist or light duty and not hammering on it.

[@larrytraber]

If I were you I would get the Kobalt 26 Gal Quiet Tech air compressor. Its a bit lower cfm but it's way quiter and built much better. It uses a better motor and the casting and quality of materials is better. Also since it has 2 pistons the motor spins slower so it wears slower

[@scottyV1000]

I have a Craftsman 30 gal and was thinking of replacing it with this since the Craftsman only goes up to 160 psi but after watching this I don't think I'd be gaining much in performance. It's just being used as a garage utility compressor but I want to start spray painting small projects.

[@syndakitpanda1777]

Hook this up to your 30 gallon compressor and increase capacity. It may stain a bit more but should work

[@regpeeler5509]

Afternoon, Just saw your video on this compressor. I see video is about 4 yes old. You still have compressor? Still working good? Any trouble you would like to share?

[@DXT61]

Thanks for the review. I have been looking for a review where someone timed the thing while using air tools. and you gave me what i was looking for.

[@FREEfitnessCOACHING]

Good video, i agree the specs on this compressor are good especially at that price point, the only question is will this compressor last and for how long? We shall see, so far all the review on harbor freight are good

[@lionlocks5910]

I got one of these compressors. Don't waste your money. Spend a little more and get something that fills faster. It takes way too long to fill up. Though it does work it's too slow if your into finnishing projects fast.

[@bobjohnson8206]

I recently brought this compressor, two things that need to be addressed. The knob on the drain valve on the bottom of the compressor needs to be shorter so that it doesn't get scrapped or broken off when moving the compressor around. The other thing how would you be able to add a water separator or a pressure regulator to catch the water before it gets to the air tools? Your comment please or others what did you do to fix this potential problem. Love your video, GREAT WORK!

[@Soulcommander]

Is the compressor still working?

[@TheZigZiggy]

We need a BOLTR teardown!

[@danielfurr5409]

What do you think of the 5 gal high perf 225psi jobsite air comp fortress from harbor compared to this? Im not impressed w what you showed

[@MiklaDfar]

Nice vid, thanks for posting. It would have been nice to see you use a tool rated just below the rated SCFM of the compressor to see if it keeps up at 90 psi.

[@jimslasercreations2221]

Hey Brian, bro hope all is well with you, I've had my issues on here and been hacked and lost everything so I'm starting again, question about the fortress, I'm on my third one, first one was the 10 gallon then it quit just outside the 90 day warranty but I had purchased the warranty, there weren't any replacements within 200 miles so I went with the 6 gal, then it wouldn't air up so now on my second 6 gal, have you had any issues at all with yours? I used mine intermittently. Hope to hear back from you bro and maybe get caught up, almost finished with setting up my small shop

[@kevinmccarley2674]

One should keep using the tool until the tool psi limit is about reached. My weaver compressor would continue to pump and kick off again. Running air file, orbit sander, die grinder ect. Not two or thee at a time.

[@wayneericksen5374]

My old Craftsman compressor is oiless, noisy, 22 gal vertical tank, 8.6 scfm at 40 psi, 6.4 scfm at 80 psi, 120v/240 capable, 130 psi max.

[@ponyxpress3]

I just picked this model up and getting ready to retire my 20 year old craftsman 20 gallon 6.1 scfm @90 psi. Hopefully it works as well. They are both just as noisy. I bought mine online auction for $177.

[@saldrich3226]

@@ponyxpress3how are you liking it 2 years in?

[@ponyxpress3]

@@saldrich3226I didn’t get to use it much. I hated it. It had a short circuit, and I took it apart to try and figure it out. I ended up breaking the built in fan. The reason I hate this model so much, is that you cannot buy individual parts for the motor, such as the fan. The guy I sold it to, fixed the short circuit, wires were touching and cutting out when on due to vibration. I ended up buying a bigger dewalt from tractor supply.

[@saldrich3226]

@@ponyxpress3 thanks for the reply. Too bad about the unavailable parts.

[@ponyxpress3]

@@saldrich3226if you ever need to work on it, don’t smack the cover while it’s on. That fan is really shitty. The clearance is tight between the fan and cover. Plastic was frail. I was in the middle of building a giant chicken coop, and it pissed me off that it broke while nailing. I had to buy a pancake compressor to get me through. Ha. I’m sure the fortress can be a really good compressor. I bought someone else’s problems.

[@kylewest100]

I’ve got a question I’m only looking to get a new compressor because mines loud AF and I live in a neighborhood now. I’m thinking about getting this and yanking the compressor off my 30 gallon kobalt and using it as a second tank for this thing since it’s got two out puts. What y’all think?

[@OmarUnikel]

Hola amigo, han apsado 3 años desde este review, cuéntame cómo ha sido tu experiencia, aún lo conservas? El nivel de ruido sigue siendo bajo? El mantenimiento? Saludos amigo.

[@Maddog3806]

My Craftsman performs well but is very heavy and difficult to move. What’s the weight on this unit and by the tilt frame, I imagine it’s a bit easier to move.

[@brettallen1525]

Watched you vid because I am looking for the possibility of switching out the pressure switch for an adjustable one if this one is not. The adjustable ones have screws that you adjust to change the "Cut in" & "Cut out" pressures. I looked hard when you had the cover off and did not see any screws. Think i could make mine adjustable. I just don't know if I want it running all the way up to 200 psi. Brett....

[@jimfeaster4837]

Good review😊

[@tammikrolikowski727]

Thanks for the video. I think I’m gona go a little bigger at harbor freight with the central Pneumatic 29 gallon still a bit concerned with the life of that pump, did u say that was brushed motor I was hoping they would go brushless.

[@RedemptionGarage]

Yeah it is i didn't expect it to be brushless but it actually seemed well made. Even though this tank is smaller it still will hold more air than the compressor you are talking about but for the price you may be better off i dont know your situation but they seem solid for most people

[@chrisjones6165]

Look at scfm rating on both. The fortress is a joke at 90 psi. Atleast for me as a welder/fabricator I'd use air for blasting and painting the rest id pick up one of my Milwaukee tools

[@tammikrolikowski727]

Thanks I like that compressor and am still debating over the two compressors I am a flat rate mechanic by trade and this will be just a home compressor tough decision but I think the central Pneumatic for me is the way to go for me but thank you so much for the video I appreciate your channel. Been watching since you started to review icon tools

[@chrisjones6165]

@@tammikrolikowski727 look at the scfm the 29gal central pneumatic is 2to3 times the working load. Now if u air up tires and shoot nails get the fortress and save ur ears a bit but anything where air flow counts get the 29 gal central pneumatic and run some air tools while the fortress gets 2min use the central will get 8

[@thomaschetney990]

Thank You Excellent review

[@gergemall]

Thx Brian . New subscriber. Appreciate your work .

[@CarlosGarcia-tv4rk]

Is that pressure valve adjustable?

[@kevinwilliams3616]

Would this be good for impact guns taking tires off an what not?

[@shirleyewing7304]

Is it big enough to run a plasma cutter?

[@andrewjewell8209]

What size hose do you recommend with this compressor 3/8 or 1/2”. Using the tools you used in the video.

[@larrytraber]

3/8

[@whisps1]

Where’d you get the coupon for $350? I’ve been looking and the best I could find is $379 which is the current deal on one.

[@jhondoe1483]

Inside track club coupon price is 349 regular coupon price is 379

[@gergemall]

Hi Brian . Back again a year later so I guess I’m still wondering?

[@jthomos21]

Good video...for my DiYer needs this will work. Thanks

[@theboysplayingcod2959]

What gauge extension cord are you using ?

[@abettervideo4435]

Hi - are you using a 20 amp electrical outlet and/or will this unit run on a 15 amp? Thanks for the helpful video.

[@walterk1221]

The unit has a 15 amp plug...

[@StevenMartinez-n8e]

Where's do i put my air filter with regulator

[@BlackjackNight]

Thanks for the warning

[@allenedwards7108]

Does it actually hit 200psi?

[@BradsWorkbench]

I was gonna buy the little 1 gal just to run a brad nailer but i bought the big lathe instead 😂 maybe next time

[@jaredhulm4694]

Great video bro!

[@cherokeesfinestindian]

I feel like your like the compressor full of hot air. Lol 😆🤣

[@V.Galeana]

So this will not be good to remove tires on my cars 🤔

[@joem443]

Galaxy Note squad ✊

[@frugalprepper]

Never trust a guy with and iPhone!

[@aninconspicuousman2288]

Isn't 9 minutes and 25 seconds a really long fill time?

[@RedemptionGarage]

The tank is kind of big so you have to expect some delay but yes it is a little long. Similar compressors do take a while but this seems to be longer than a lot of them. Thanks for your input brother.

[@aninconspicuousman2288]

@@RedemptionGarage Do you have any other recommendations on an Oiler around this price range and size or is this about it?

[@impetus444]

Good video. Obviously

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

you said dez nutts :) hahaha i had to sorry

[@T6Tarek]

New mic is sounding on point, still not a HF fan jk my man keep it up

[@cpufrost]

LOL universal motor running a belt semi open piston design. It's definitely no continuous duty machine. Should be fine for home use and is quieter than typical oil less units. This unit is fine for all those tools you tried it on. Dual action sanding and big paint jobs? Definitely not. Also, NEVER use around flammable fumes! Those sparks will ignite them!

[@robkenney826]

Tell us more about you’re junky neighbors haha so funny

[@glennyj65]

With a standard 1 stage compressor, the efficiency goes out the window after 110-120 psi. mostly due to heat build up. Getting that little fart compressor to build 200 psi is really a joke. You folks need to google the physics so you don't buy into these bogus compressors. If it's high psi you're looking for, then you need a 2 stage compressor...and they're not cheap but would pay for themselves in cheaper power bills without pulling a virtually continuous 15 amps through your wiring. I would at the least, set the shut off switch at 120 psi. You'd still have plenty of volume but without putting an ungodly strain on the pump.

[@Romans--bo7br]

Good review.... but, Too Much redundancy... you repeat yourself a lot, saying the same thing over two to four times, in different ways, and some things really are not worth the time to point out... like in the first video for this compressor, you took a couple of minutes just to point out the Stickers on the front of the compressor tank... not necessary and is obviously self explanatory. I am Not meaning to be critical of you, whatsoever... just trying to help you scale down a bit and to help you make more condensed videos, which would be a better use of your own time... and point out the important things... Once. As the saying goes, "sometimes, Less... is more". People can and will, lose interest in a video if the presenter "goes on & on" about the same thing, too much or wastes time (Yours and Theirs) pointing out things that are simply obvious and really not important.... you want to gain subscribers, not lose them. Keep going.. you'll get it.

[@kwmiked]

Don't think he'll be repeating much anymore, someone said he passed away

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@kwmiked.... Thanks for your reply, Mike. Gee!... really sorry to hear that, I didn't think he was very old (compared to myself, anyway!)... looked to be only in his late 30's to 40ish... maybe. I see that he hasn't posted anything in about a year, now... but he did post 45 videos in 2021.

[@Romans--bo7br]

@@kwmiked.... Thanks for your reply, Mike. If, that's true... I wonder if he had an accident or something, as he couldn't have been much older than his early 40's or so. His website shows his last video as "1 year ago"... which, if taken literally would be in the spring of 2021.... however, clicking on his last one - "Protecting you investment" (tools)... it shows that it was actually posted on Oct. 27th, 2020.... with 27K subscribers. Perhaps he wasn't making enough from only having 27K subscribers to make it worth his while to keep going(?). I've been told by several "youtuber's" that "you" (re: anyone) really need 100K subscribers for your channel to become monetarily viable... and anything over that number becomes "icing on the cake". Anyway... thanks again for your reply and update, I appreciate it.

[@kwmiked]

That thing is lame, good thing I didn't buy this POS

[@ChaoticDave69]

It works excellent .

[@albertbritschgi1271]

WEAK...............

[@denjhill]

Appreciate the info, but 20 minutes to give us 5 minutes of value? Way too much yakking.

[@RedemptionGarage]

That took me 8 hours of my life to make

[@jaredhulm4694]

Probably coming from a guy who watches a cartoon character talk about tools on a computer screen for 30 minutes a video 😂

[@johne9341]

@@RedemptionGarage Keep up the good work! I don't want to watch a 5 minute review of any tool, especially a compressor, and I enjoy the entertainment as well as the information.

[@MrYogurtMan24]

Talk about a real dirt bag...

[@ToxicityAssured]

I liked the video a lot, not so much the compressor. Eight hours is a lot of work to basically be doing volunteer style. Thanks for ALL the long-winded videos you've made. I've watched many. Your subscriber count shows your format has an audience. 48k people watched this video so that eight hours wasn't in vain.