The Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic $49.99 air compressor...is it worth it?

I find this small air compressor to be the perfect companion for around the house and out in the garage for small jobs. Know your limitations with this compressor. You have a 100 psi max output and only three gallons of compressed air so in other words, you can get about 1 standard tire sized fill out of one complete tank drain. Otherwise for under $50, its small size and utility make it very handy for around the house and garage!

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[curtcarpenter]

I have an earlier model of this compressor, and used it with a framing nailer to rebuild a fence around my house -- a fairly large job -- then on various workshop projects over a two year period. It worked really well, but finally just wore out. The motor is a brushed DC unit, and the brushes of course eventually wear away (hard, but not impossible, to replace). Them the valve between the compressor and the tank (a simple Schrader valve) wore out and I discovered that parts are no longer available.

All that said, the compressor gave me yeoman service for the money and I plan to replace it with the newer model the next time I go to Harbor Freight. One problem: it was my first compressor, and it ruined me forever for driving nails with a hammer!

[haydenc]

Just remember, in the instructions it says to get it, put a empty nozzle in adapter, open the drain, then run for 30 min to "break it in" if you don't you get the "it takes forever to fill up, or it won't get to 100 psi anymore" complaints (has to wear the nylon ring in the piston to the cylinder wall)
I went a step further and put a few drops of non detergent oil in the air compressor intake hole in the bottom of the piston casting to get a tiny bit of oil soaked up into the sintered metal sleeve to help lubricate the nylon ring of the compressor (after break in)
Mine had a plastic dust cover over the crank area...I might end up sealing the intake hole with epoxy then cutting a hole in that protector and running a piece of copper tubing out the main cover so I can put a filter on it and be able to put a drop or two oil in it every now and again to make it last a very very long time!
Oh and those leaky air attachments...if they leak ALOT...just wrap them with a single wrap of electrical tape at the hump and it will fix the problem.
Good video..just remind people of the "break in" requirements or it results in it being a piece of junk

[jeffkinder]

I always go to your channel when I buy a new firearm but I had a buddy give me one of these compressors so i was checking out reviews on it and seen you had a review of it so of course I had to check it out and smash the like button

[boringmir]

We use this in our Ford Rangers for a towing company and they just aren't enough, takes too long to fill a totally flat tire. A 17-20in wheel takes about 10-15 minutes to go from 0-35psi and thats even with me having it pre filled to 100psi in the tank and no leaks on the hose.

[Ardie]

Go Big Red!! Great review. Wish you would have turned it on to see/hear how loud it actually is. Will probably pick one up this weekend for airbrushing.

[douglundy]

Just want to clarify since he does not seem to know what scfm means, that square cubic feet per minute. In my opinion. Volume of air flow at a given pressure.

[notmedrano]

You know I like this guy ima hit that red button

[TrevorNet]

I tried to fill up an inflatable swimming pool and it would dump it’s tank so fast, it wasn’t worth it. I would let the pressure build up to 100psi (5:49) and open it up, 17 seconds. At a steady stream, the output is extremely low. So that’s out of question. Perhaps it’s just my unit, but I’m giving it to a family member and going to Home Depot for something else.

[billygivens]

I have a CP air compressor a bit bigger than that one. It works fine until the temp gets below 50˚F. After that it won't start.

[liveandletlive]

Lol 80 miles away, I grouch cause I'm stuck exactly 4 miles in between 2 of them here in NJ.

[anthonyemmm]

Labor Day sale and just picked one up for $39.99 last week. I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale and couldn’t pass it up. Not bad for small jobs.

[kle]

I just got into RC car hobby, and was looking into purchasing a cheap air compressor to help clean and blow away dirt from my RC car body/chassis and electronics after running it through the dirt and mud. Is this a good purchase for just that, or do you have a better recommendation? Also there is a "pancake" shape version at Harbor Freight. Is there a difference? thx








Reply

[Michelle]

I’m thinking about getting 1 but it’s for my barbershop just to blow hair and clean my clippers. This should be good. I wonder how loud it is... 🤔

[deadhorse]

Do you still own this? How is it holding up? Any regrets? Maybe a follow up long term vid?

[dancrumbo]

My 13 year old Senco 1/2HP 1Gallon compressor finally bit the dust. Would this be a suitable replacement?

[ApproachAspect]

Harbor Freight sells portable 5 or 11 gal tank for a reasonable price, so that might help remedy your air problem?

[fernandavalladares]

80 miles wow my harbor is less than half a mile away

[zakkaustin]

GOOD REVIEW BRO I LEFT YOUR VIDEO AND CAME BACK JUST TO COMMENT AND HIT THE LIIKE BUTTON LOL

[JohnSmith-gojl]

Pos my one day just wont turn on havnt maybe only aired up my mower 8 or 10 times and a van tire once haf it a year cant find no videos of my problem

[Saddlegait]

Good video!
Can you keep it running while you are filling up your tires or do you have to fill it up, then fill up a tire then turn it on again and fill up the tank each time?