Fortress Ultra Quiet Compressor

[softailgarage]

I think everyone pretty much knows what my opinion of Harbor Freight is, Hell, all you have to do is look at my signature, however, I try to be a fair guy and will give credit where credit is due, as in this case. I needed a small compressor, didn't have a lot of money available at the time and wanted something quiet, something I could keep at my tech bench in the office at home, something I could use at night and not disturb my neighbors or more important, my girlfriend. I decided, since HF is literally right down the street I would check out this Fortress line. I'll admit it, I'm impressed. $135.00, no oil to worry about, which was one reason I was hesitant. We all know oil less compressors are usually loud, much louder than a oiled motor compressor. No, not this, this is so quiet you can carry on a conversation and not have to raise your voice as it cycles. It had enough power for what I needed, staple gun for drywall, panel and trim. The most impressive thing is it takes less than 30 seconds to fill the tank.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I think everyone pretty much knows what my opinion of Harbor Freight is, Hell, all you have to do is look at my signature, however, I try to be a fair guy and will give credit where credit is due, as in this case. I needed a small compressor, didn't have a lot of money available at the time and wanted something quiet, something I could keep at my tech bench in the office at home, something I could use at night and not disturb my neighbors or more important, my girlfriend. I decided, since HF is literally right down the street I would check out this Fortress line. I'll admit it, I'm impressed. $135.00, no oil to worry about, which was one reason I was hesitant. We all know oil less compressors are usually loud, much louder than a oiled motor compressor. No, not this, this is so quiet you can carry on a conversation and not have to raise your voice as it cycles. It had enough power for what I needed, staple gun for drywall, panel and trim. The most impressive thing is it takes less than 30 seconds to fill the tank.

Have that same machine and I love it. I’d tell anyone to try them out.

 

[macgee]

Seems like HF decided to be a direct competitor and copied the California Air Tools products.

 

[16again]

Have that same machine and I love it. I’d tell anyone to try them out.

Same here.

 

[softailgarage]

Seems like HF decided to be a direct competitor and copied the California Air Tools products.

Yep, at least the looks. Never heard a CAT run, so I can't comment on that, but it was the first thing to come to mind.

 

[Citation]

Seems like HF decided to be a direct competitor and copied the California Air Tools products.

I don't think CAT just put their name on some Chinese low noise compressors. I believe Husky had a model that was identical to a CAT twin tank model and GMC (not the GM brand) had a "GMC Cyclone" quiet compressor... how GM allowed that name to fly I have no idea.

Anyway, these compressors really dispel the myth that oil free compressors are inherently loud. BTW, I had a Campbell Hausfeld twin tank oil lubed compressor that should have dispelled any idea that oiled compressors are quiet. It was the loudest compressor I've ever used (about 10-15 different 120V models and some 240V models).

There are a lot of details that make a compressor quiet or not. I'm glad to see that the market is starting to respond to noise level as a significant difference. I don't think any of these oil free compressors will have the service life of a decent oil lubed compressor but many people just don't use the compressor that hard. Also the prices really are dropping. Lot's of good home use options under $200 and even some light duty but not useless stuff around $100.

 

[tarbellb]

Welcome to whats been happening at HF for the last 10-15 years

 

[Sneezer]

I didn't know about this style of compressor until my old Black Max 21 gal finally got to the point that replacement was warranted. Got a great deal on the Kobalt upright 26 gal to replace it, and was super impressed. The whole neighborhood knew when I was running the old one, which sucked for those late night repairs when things didn't go as planned.

Shortly after that I picked up a clearance marked 8 gal one from Wal Mart that is super quiet. Did an excellent job for my interior nailing jobs compared to my old 4 gal one that did a good job waking the dead.

Wife is happy, and I am happy. Heard good things about this HF model, but I couldn't pass up the price on the ones I got.

 

[zendriver]

I wanted to upgrade my trusty little craftsman air compressor,Wanting to stay with a Carry model

I purchased a 1 gallon fortress but it was too small so I returned it and got the 2 gallon.

Is the most quiet and well-built Air compressor I’ve ever owned. I could almost go with the next larger model but then I would have to horse it around


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Citation]

I have a CAT 5.5 gallon aluminum tank model. It's one of three compressors I have in my garage (I might have a problem). Compared to my Emglo 4 gallon twin tank it's lighter (~35lb vs 55) and much quieter. It also doesn't care about cold starting. I think my Kobalt compressor oil is too thick for cold temp starting with the Emglo. The down side to the CAT is the regulator is junk. It was assembled wrong which is why I got the compressor near new for cheap. The adjuster cap is cracking just due to molded in stresses. While it's limited in power, most of the time I just need a burst of air for the impact or air gun or to inflate a tire. This compressor is more than up to that sort of job.

If you want light and quiet, the CAT 5510A (A for aluminum) is nice even if the regulator is ****.