Harbor Freight Fortress Air Compressor Unboxing and Review! 2 Gallon 1.2 HP 135 PSI Ultra Quiet
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- čas přidán 3. 01. 2020
- This Fortress ULTRA QUIET Series Air Compressor is 80% quieter and up to 28% lighter than other compressors in its class. This professional quality air compressor delivers up to 50% more runtime than similar jobsite compressors. The compressor has an integrated control panel with easy-to-read gauges and TWO built-in quick connect couplers for easy one-handed hose connection.
Ultra quiet 60 dBA operation is up to 80% quieter than similar jobsite compressors
Oil-free pump for no-maintenance operation
Brushless 4-pole induction motor lowers heat and friction to deliver up to 2x longer life*
Compact and lightweight, this compressor delivers 2.2 CFM (2.1 SCFM) @ 90 PSI with a max pressure of 135 PSI for up to 50% more runtime**
2 gallon aluminum tank for lightweight, rust-free usage
Full protective roll cage protects vital components
Easy-access ball drain valve
! ! ! DISCOUNTS ! ! !
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Just bought one yesterday and used the crap out of it. Works great, quiet, and quick to reload. I had to sell my pancake because it was way to obnoxiously loud to use around our customers. Great review sir, thanks for sharing.
I bought mine about 9 months ago. Lightly used. It is working perfectly. I am extremely pleased. I have a 33 gallon oiless out in the shed, Loud as a hell. I have gone through three regulators on it. Again not used heavily. Wish I had never bought it.
Mine is now almost two years old. No problems. Love it. Indoors, you can stand right next to it and talk on your cell phone while it is running. That is how quiet it really is. You can have a conversation while it's running without yelling, it really is an incredible compressor. I will say my oil is Coleman compressor which is an absolute screaming beast. It's louder than standing next to an F-16 with its engine running in idle. Oil is compressors have hard limits on what they can do. The one I have flat out tells you don't use a die grinder. It's a big beast but oil is compressors run hotter than regular oil based compressors. If you're running a tool that your compressor isn't designed to handle you're going to burn it up plain and simple. I recommend getting the oil based compressors for other uses. To be honest the prices on harbor freight oil based compressors are so good it's worth it. I have friends that own them and not one is had to throw them out or rebuild anything. That's a lot more than I can say for my Coleman. That darn thing burns up regulators for some reason. I think debris comes through. I even have a filter on that line before it gets to the regulator and that is seemed to help that was the last time I changed the regulator. If you have an oil less compressor I would put a filter between it and the regulator.
I bought thie 4 gallon 1, about 2 years ago for my handyman business does Brad nails, finishing nail guns, I even done 2 roofing jobs with a roofing nailer! no problems! Love it!
I'm giving it a try. So far, it is as quiet as advertised. To my worn out ears, it is a big improvement over my noisy old Craftsman oilless. The Fortress will be used as backup to my Dewalt. I intend to put an accumulator inline to reduce cycle frequency. Thanks for the review.
There are videos showing easy tank additions
Well done review. I have this compressor and it's great. I highly recommend it.
^ same how dose it do with impact guns?
Have been thinking of getting a small air compressor for small jobs like blowing out carb jet passages and filling tires. Thanks for the great video and highlighting points I hadn't even considered.
Will it pump up a17 inch trk tire
I used it with a framing nailer. It worked great!
Great review! 👍You convinced me. I'm buying one today.
If people would take the time to read the manual they would see there is a break in period. On first start you are asked to run the compressor for a full 30 minutes with the drain valve open. By doing this you are extending the useful life of the compressor, as well as it operates much quieter.
Yup! You are absolutely correct!
Excellent review my man I’m actually in the look out for an air compressor for my mobile detailing and I think this one is the Winner 🏅
I have the same one and wow is it bad ass. I love how quiet it is.
I just bought one to use inside and I'm in love.
How is it holding up Two years later?
Thanks for the review. Looks pretty good. Lets see how it holds up over time. Do you know if the regulator is serviceable?
I have had my portacable pancake for years running two guns do roofing in the summer never had a problem but loud as hell.
I bought one yesterday...the 2 gallon model....ultra quiet....it's a great little compressor. It will do what I need it to do, blow up tires, blow out the leaves in my garage, etc. My Harbor Freight trip met with some disappointment as I found out AFTER I got home they did not honor my 20% off coupon for this compressor or the accessories I bought. Get your magnifying glass out and read the tiny 2pt print on the coupon....compressors and about 80% of what they sell...are exempt from the "Super Coupon"....now I know.
How is it holding up?
Thank you! I just purchased one of these and I was trying to figure out what the two valves were for. Duh!
"We have a manual, which could be handy..." 'tosses like frisbee' lol
Sounds like a vacuum pump. Not bad!
Awesome info thanks 👌
can i use this with a texture spray hopper? i am interested in this for home repair such as patching(texturing/painting) walls, running a brad nailer and maybe some light stuff with grinders/wrenches. how long does the 1 gal last?
I bought one 3 years ago and it is still wonderful I use it a few times a week shooting shoe mold if your on the fence buy it Dely
The bigger full size fortress is a great compressor as well
I've had this compressor for a few months and it's great. Hope it lasts a long time.
Has it lasted?
@@Thedirtylittlesecret yes still doing great.
@@brianbelt9403what about now
@@steezyplaya452 still working great
@@brianbelt9403how about now? New Year's Day 😹 Also do you remember how much you paid 3 years ago?✌️
Good video - thank you!
I have the Walmart Campbell compressor for at least 10 years now..leaks like hell, never powerful enough to blow my shop out..& loud enough where ALL my neighbors can hear it...can this run a nail gun?
Great video
I am going to buy one - only waiting for one of those discount offers - usually the send me a 25 percent off coupon with no exceptions - I’ve had 2 so far in 2023 - hoping with the upcoming holidays they will send one soon
Thanks for the video review
Will this do Door trim and baseboards? I'm looking at the 4.5 gallons 1. If this does it and keeps pressure to keep going while using one nailer
These things are fantastic
Wow at how quiet it is
Will this be good enough to be use for painting cabinets (DIY only and not for commercial quantity). What about pin nailers? What do you guys recommend? Thanks!
Would you know if this would be best for a cheap 3 in 1 welder
Love ours so far!!!!!!!
I see someone else commented about a vacuum pump. When you fired it up, I thought of the sound my vacuum pump makes. I may purchase one of these. I have a 6hp craftsman oil free compressor that is over 20 years old. It works like a champ, but as you said, it is maid by daemons and way to loud.
Harbor Freight tools have become better, but their prices have also become much higher. high enough so we can often by a similar tool from well known manufacturers for close to the same price. I think Harbor Freight has priced themselves out. But your review was very good. Thanks.
I also think it is easy to forget that HF is still selling the lower quality cheap tools. Albeit this Fortress 2 Gallon (California Air) knockoff is currently selling for $160, you can still buy a McGraw 3 gallon compressor from them for $70 bucks. But you are absolutely right, prices have been going up, unfortunately for a lot of companies and items. Thanks for the comment!
@@1D10CRACY, Just 10 months later (Feb 2023) and the price is now $199.99 (expected sale price of $189.99). Kobalt is $179. Makita is $229. California Air Tools is $231.
Amazing video
does it keep up with a framing nailgun?
Fyi, it is a little slower recharging the tank then say an oil bathed compressor. I'm sure there's some thermal reasons for the RPMs. Doesn't really trouble me in the least. I actually have three compressors. In addition to this one I have a POS Coleman dry compressor. It's so loud you can hear it almost a block away. A neighbor had one and I could hear his at least a block away. I also have a 1966 vintage Craftsman compressor that was my dad's. I'm not sure if this one counts but I also have the Ryobi inflator that has the tire inflation on one side and it has the HVLP outlet for mattresses in here inflated toys on the other. The Ryobi is louder than this compressor by a wide margin. I bought this to use for hobbies in the house. I live alone so it really wouldn't matter what I used. But I do get migraines quite a bit and I can use this even when my head is breaking. I can't recommend it enough!
I just bought one. Highly recommend it.
Do you think this is quiet enough for me to use in an office where I share the building with attorneys ? Is it really quieter than a vacuum ?
@@KidTrunksSD absolutely is quieter than a vacuum, by a long shot.
@@KidTrunksSD Office setting...NO. Why does an atty office need an air compressor in it
Hello, Great review! This may seem like a dumb question but i'm new to the air compressing world. I wanted to know if this would be okay for sand blasting from a small application perspective. In my case, on golf clubs to help create texture. Any information is much appreciated. Thanks!
Carefully check the blaster’s CFM requirement
I just got the Goodyear 2 gallons quiet series and is pretty quiet but is only 0.5 hp what is that mean ?is it okay for home use
Just got this for air brushing, sense was on sale figured why not get bigger one for few more bucks, hope I brought right fittings lol
Could this be used for snorkel for diving?
Do they make wheels for it to roll it around?🤔
With an extension handle, so you don't have to bend over while pulling it.
it’s pretty quiet but I’m still skeptical o it’s longevity as a unit I have and love the small Senco Compressors that come in a kit with a Finish Pro nail gun that’s a 18 Guage brad gun that will shoot 3/4” to 21/2 “ nails if I remember correctly that compressor is super quiet and light for doing trim work inside a occupied office or home it can’t be beat I ran a Architectual Woodworking crew for 25 years and had over 40 people onmy crew I bought more than 30 of those kits and even one for myself for home projects and small jobs I might do
Can you tell me what you get with the air compressor? Joe H. Ohio
Interesting how the noise/vibration interferes with the video even though it's not that loud. Was your camera on the same work surface as the compressor?
Looks like a nice deal. How much did you pay for it ?
I have a kirby as well there loud as heck
What is the decibel rating? Can it be used for an A/C flush?
I have had a oil less 33 gallon craftsman sears compressor for 15 years no problems
There is more than one type of oil less hardware.
Some use nylon pistons and sleeve bearings and they are problematic.
Yours is very probably either needle bearing or roller bearing and metal piston.
@@fishyfool mine is a metal piston with bearings
Yes the old craftsman compressors will last a long time. Mine is 22 years old and still going strong. Hard to replace just for quieter model.
@@stevewilson7857 I agree and wow 22 years very nice
Me too
Good for airbrushing.
Why is the 6 gallon one so much louder than this? Does the higher psi of the tank make these things run louder? If so can I lower the max psi on the regulator to acheive the same sound level as this one?
They should have moved the rubber feet further forward to allow the compressor to be rocked forward so the drain valve can be positioned at the bottom to best drain the moisture. As it is, the lever on the open position will contact the floor when trying to do that. I just removed the lever and flipped it 180 degrees so it won't hit the floor.
I'll probably still put a rubber pad forward of the feet for this purpose so it doesn't slide on the rails when trying to tilt it, and get it high enough to clear the valve lever.
How hard is it to flip the lever. Getting one next weekend
@@timmytot666 very easy, much better than the usual screw type petcock drain valves
Could you blow out a small sprinkler system with this
Trying to decide between the 1 and 2 gal version for 18 and maybe 15 gauge nailer for occasional use. Any recommendations? Thanks.
the 1 gallon is positively puny, with much lower air delivery capability. Only if you don't plan on needing to run anything requiring more than a spritz of air, and lightweight and portable is the biggest concern.
Did you follow the recommended break in procedure per the manual? This is critical for long life and holding pressure with no leaks.
Not sure, as I gave it to my dad. But knowing him, I'm sure he did. I did put an extended warranty on it when I purchased it.
PETCOCK.......not PEACOCK. 😂
Two guys fighting over a cock
Suposably!
@@hard2getitrightagain314 I actually think I do pretty well considering English isn't my first language. I'll get better over time I'm sure.
@@1D10CRACY
Are you serious, because I detect no accent other than a typical American?
Pee cock makes more sense, but you're right.
I'm with ya. . . oilless are NOISEY!!!
I thought that had the new hawk valve
Would this be a good option if all I’ll use it for is airing up car/mower tires? I don’t really use air tools for anything
Yes
I was gonna get one but then i noticed the 4 gal cal air was close to the same price on amazon so now i gotta do deeper research
Make sure u check all fittings, I had 3 leaks, no thread dope or tape,
Looks like the same exact pump as my California air compressor , sounds the same also.
I think it's just a typical "Gast" style pump.
@3:27 - this video confirmed what I was curious about - I just ordered the California compressor for Christmas and I think I made the right choice. No knock to the Fortress, but you're comparing it to what I bought and this compressor seems nice. The California must be the bees knees.
Is that an oil cooler on your larger compressor? I'd like to do that with mine to cut down on the water but wasnt sure it could handle the 145 psi.
It sure is and it should handle 145psi without any issues. Here is the build. czcams.com/video/avCIvBewO-0/video.html
How many pounds does it weights? To move around
Anybody know the actual dimensions of this compressor (LxWxH). Need to know if it will fit in my van
I just bought the Harbor Freight McGraw 8 Gallon 1.5 HP 150 PSI Oil-Free Portable Air Compressor it does everything I need but is SO much louder than yours is.
Dennis White how much did it cost
have many decibels?
Its construction looks just like a California Air compressor and the sound is almost identical (Db level). I wonder if its a generic version to sell at Harbor Freight
Both this Fortress and the California Tools have the exact same 1 to 1.2 hp motor, all these new oiless quiet compressors use the exact same motor, even the campbells, in the end is a good motor for the compressor system, only thing that changes is the tanks and valves and pressure gauges.
The mean girls coming at you for calling the petcock valve the peacock valve 😅
I have a Makita MAC700. I think I’m going to sell it and get one of these. That makita is heavy and runs at about 80 dB.
Is it good enough not to buy the 90 day warranty?
I once painted a car with a kirby vacuum cleaner. I guess you could call it the original HVLP paint gun.
Wth? Are you being serious?🤣
😂🤣
I actually got a spray gun with my Kirby in the 90’s
What type of couplers can be used with this? The m-style industrial kind?
Sorry, I didn't pay attention. I always swap my fittings out out ColorConnex couplers. amzn.to/3b0xJW2
I’m sure the CFM output wouldn’t keep up with many tools BUT having said that, for a person doing hobby/craft work it looks like an excellent option.
You could even stash that in the closet of your office and probably wouldn’t hear it at all. Thanks. 🙏💯👍🏻
I bought 2 California Air Tools compressor both went bad within 3 weeks. Looking at this one I'm Kind of skeptical Fortress appears to be using the same motor as California Air.
Mine didn’t work fresh out of the box
Need a compressor to air up 65 lb travel trailer tires. Would this work
I don't see why it wouldn't!
But is it manufacturered in the land of the free?
Hi, can you change out the couplers? Say to the Kobolt High Flow from Lowes?
As long as the fittings are of the same shape, you should be fine.
@@brianpham2584 I can't get it off. The thread lock is completely solid and there is no backing nut. So, looks like it will just torque the copper air hose into a pretzel.
Whats it duty cycle?
I have a 400w inverter in my truck, will this compressor run at or below 400w?
May “run” below 400W.
, but starting W will be WAY higher.
can you put a Moisture Trap on it?
Does it overheat?
Really nobody has said anything about the weird image ripple at around 5:55? Great review, just a weird effect that im not sure the cause of
his camera has a slow scan rate and wasn't on a stationary mount, so it caused that wavy appearance.
Don’t forget to break in the compressor- run 30 mins with value open
I had to laugh because I have never heard anyone call it a peacock valve.
I have seen Peacock valves! It was on a zoo channel...
Super quiet and quick air compression to 135 psi
What is the CP FM on the fortress air compressor
2.1 at 90 psi
Why is the screen shaking when you turn on the air compressor? Does it vibrate that much?!?
It's just electric interference with my cheap camera.
It is very quiet and I was having a great time with it until, in under a month, one of the mounting studs broke. Now I wonder if it’s a matter of time before the other three start to go.
It has a 90 day warranty, return it and get another one!
Is it powerful enough to blow leaves off my cars windshield wipers and blow out the sunroof drains?
Maybe but i would find something bigger than a 2 gallon because you'dbe using alot of air at once. It works well for filling tires etc.
I just bought 1 today.
Need my first air compressor. Confused at was size I need. I understand it is not just about PSI but recovery time. My needs are basic. Blow stuff for cleaning in the shop. Fill car and motorcycle tires. And run some basic air tools, primarily impact drivers. Can this size do all that?
How did your brother react to the "gift wrapping" needa follow up, lol
He thought it was great! Rumor is he has already removed the lock! I had thought about filling the tumbler with loctite, but in the spirit of Christmas, I didn't want to want to be too mean. ;)
How would if fare with a spray gun for car painting?
You would need to look at the paint gun's air requirements. I want to say this wouldn't support one, but I still use an older siphon air gun to paint cars.
Quiet little compressor! @ 2.1 CFM, good for pumping up your bike tire or a pin nailer but that's about it!
But an air brushers dream! LOL. I actually bought it for my Dad who has been using for nail guns. You can hit four roofing nails before it comes on, but by the time a one man band places the next shingles, it's ready to go again.
I bought the 2 gallon model of this in November, 2021, sku #64596. I paid $160 plus tax. The pressure switch just started giving me an issue (end of January 2023) where tit doesn't shut off when the correct pressure is reached so it goes into a blow-off, over-pressure mode and just starts hissing out air. I ordered a pressure switch from HF, cost $20.I could have gotten an extended warranty when I bought it but it was expensive plus I don't have a HF close by. To load it up and go back for a replacement would cost me more than $20. I like it though, pretty quiet when it works correctly. Mine had two plastic square covers over the twin compressor heads for safety, so you can't burn your hands and fingers but I took them off so it cools faster.
It does look and sound like a decent little unit , Although i am a retired Commercial Woodworker and i personally found the small Senco Compressors to be a great Value at around $200.00 bucks And it comes packaged with a Senco 18gauge Brad Nailer and a Spiral styled hose it is quieter than the Harbor Freight one and really light to carry around mine is over 12 years old and still working like it was new i also purchased 10 units to be used Commercially when my Installers often had to work in opened hospitals and offices And we needed to keep the noise down to a respectful level ! Ive always been a fan of Senco nail guns and at my old Company we had over 100 nail guns, Staplers that were used on a daily basis in our Architectual Millwork Shop for building Custom Cabinetry and Woodwork
What model do you have? ( senco)
Tom Kilty Hey Tom mine is the Finish Pro kit with Compressor right now they are around $249 I bought mine it was under $200.00 and that was at a local Lumber yard in the D.C, Area who was usually a little high but convenient as most of the Architectual Woodworking my old Company did was in Washington D.C. I did buy 12 more units from Tools OnSale for the Company because we had a Account with them and Grainger carried them as well A large reason we used Senco was our local Sales reps a Father /Son team were Awesome guys and if we needed parts or Service those guys would show up in a hurry if it was a broken down situation on a job site they would drop off a loaner to keep the job being productive it was expensive but sometimes you need to pay to play ! For me i was responsible for overseeing 25 Million dollars of work each year and it was all about keeping the customers happy and meeting the Deadlines I loved the setup because the little Compressors had rubber feet on them and to top it off they are super quiet especially important when working in a Running business before those we had a Fleet of Emglo and Dewalt Compressors that were reliable but super noisy ! It’s sort of funny a couple of weeks ago i was at my Barber Shop and he used a air hose to clean up. The hair on my clothing after my haircut like a old Barber shop uses i heard the compressor kick on in the back room of the shop and I asked him what brand did he put in he said I’m not sure but its a little one so i asked him if it was a Senco ? He ran and looked and said yes it is he said Man You know your Shit ! I laughed and said i have the same one and I used them for years the gun in the kit is a 18guage Brad gun and i think it will shoot up to 2 and 1/2” nails it has a little more plastic than some of their other Finish Nailers but we never had any issues with them. And my crew of 40 never complained about them as well Usually I prefer nail guns with the quick opening front in case of Jams Those dont have that but again it wasn’t really a issue and generally jams happen when people are holding down the trigger and rapid firing by using the Safety on the gun to fire and thats not how you should be working a Nail gun any way IMO I apologize about not giving you the Model number At this moment mine is on loan to my son and is in his garage at the moment hopefully you can find it online without any issues they originally came with a 20 foot yellow coiled air hose but i think they are Blue in color now for some strange reason my crew didn’t like those springy hoses so i always gave them a 50 foot Hybrid or Silicone hose which is basically what I preferred to use as well
@@craigmonteforte1478 I'll thank you for all your information since someone else apparently forgot.✌️
I had a Porter cable Job Boss 4.5 gal roll around. It was an oiled model and was pretty quiet for a job sight compressor. Had to laugh when you showed your big stand up unit. Pulley driven probably 2 inch single or double piston with a probably 2 to 3 inch stroke. Those are the big boys garage's use and yeah, they're not quiet. But u also have 30 gallons or so of air. So they run a quarter as much as that little 2 gal . Wait till you try hooking up a second hose to that bug. It'll be running non-stop. But you're right, its portable. The big tank jobs are nice cause u can keep um aired to 50 lbs and have air in a pinch too. And All u need is hose. I know, you're not supposed to keep um aired up. And I always drain mine if not planning to use it for a while. But how long does it take to fill the big one. A couple minutes at best? Then u have loads of air. I believe fortress also has a role around like my Porter cable. A Job style unit. 5 gallon I think. Those are nice cause you can stand them up, less bulky. I think if mine ever went out, that's what I d look into.
Thanks though. Good informative vid.