BEST AIR COMPRESSORS For Car Detailing And Home Garage

BEST AIR COMPRESSORS For Car Detailing And Home Garage - FULL TEST

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IMJOSHV - Car Detailing and Reconditioning Tips

Күн бұрын

Which air compressor is best for your needs? With so many options available, thats exactly what I wanted to find out. I bought 6 of the most common air compressors and compared them side by side. Testing each unit to see how loud they are and also testing the run time of certain air tools to see which air compressor comes out on top. I know its not a true test when the tools are not under load or at optimal running speeds, but this will still set a benchmark to show an equal comparison between the air compressors... ENJOY!
See the items I use and join the mailing list at: dtlrsupply.com/
Air Compressors in this video:
Vevor 13 gallon - shorturl.at/vKWY0
Husky 4.5 Gallon - shorturl.at/loyD9
Husky 20 Gallon - shorturl.at/hER07
Rigid 4.5 Gallon - shorturl.at/ezDWZ
Kobalt 26 gallon - shorturl.at/dmwAX
Fortress 26 gallon - www.harborfreight.com/26-gall...
Time Codes:
0:00 - Best Air Compressors For Car Detailing And Home Garage
0:21 - Quiet Air Compressors
1:15 - How these will be tested
2:13 - Husky 4.5 gallon Silent Air Compressor
3:24 - Rigid 4.5 gallon Quiet Air Compressor
4:32 - Vevor 13 gallon Air Compressor
5:54 - Husky 20 gallon air compressor
6:56 - Fortress Air Compressor Harbor Freight
8:29 - Kobalt Quiet Tech 26 Gallon Air Compressor
9:42 - NOISE TEST
13:42 - Final Thoughts and Recommendations
#aircompressor #quietaircompressor #cardetailing
**These are affiliate links to the products. We make a small commission on anything purchased from our links.
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond my control, I cannot guarantee against improper use of the information I share in my videos. (IMJOSHV) assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not (IMJOSHV) or any business affiliated to (IMJOSHV).

Пікірлер: 141

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Air Compressors in this video: Vevor 13 gallon - shorturl.at/vKWY0 Husky 4.5 Gallon - shorturl.at/loyD9 Husky 20 Gallon - shorturl.at/hER07 Rigid 4.5 Gallon - shorturl.at/ezDWZ Kobalt 26 gallon - shorturl.at/dmwAX Fortress 26 gallon - www.harborfreight.com/26-gallon-175-psi-ultra-quiet-vertical-shopauto-air-compressor-57336.html

@CirclesAreRound 5 күн бұрын

CAT 10020C next?

@jeremiahsr1984 5 ай бұрын

The fortress I recently nabbed from Harbor Freight. It was an as-is item marked at $227 and I had a 40% off clearance and as-is items. Cost me $149 out the door. Extremely happy with that. Great video by the way. Good and informative.

@megafatshady 4 ай бұрын

Nice snag!

@chispakustomz1071 5 ай бұрын

The Best KZfaq detailer.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

👍👍👍

@RMartin631 Ай бұрын

I have the HF Fortress in my home shop. The regulator failed after about 2 years of use, but HF sells spare parts at what must be cost and free shipping. They sent the entire manifold with new gauges, both air hose fittings, pressure relief valve, and the regulator for under $30.

@jorgerayon1761 5 ай бұрын

Nothing but the best out of Josh! He really helped me start my business with his tricks and tips! Really want to give the ridgid one a try! Thank you Josh for everything you do!

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind words!!!

@joshmeurer9278 2 ай бұрын

Thank you for a clear and unbiased review! I've watched a million of these and every other one has you believing you need a 200 GAL commercial compressor for a home shop if you want to take lugs off your car/truck. Thanks for comparing 6CFM tools to things like the HF compressor. It shouldn't take me more than a minute to run the lugs off and will have time to build up before moving to the next tire (we aren't running a pit crew here)... Super helpful and helps make my decision much easier!

@brandiwood9338 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for all of your detail videos-I have learned so much and look forward to the next one!

@jlb3675 5 ай бұрын

Thanks Josh, I haven't pulled the trigger on an air compressor yet. I am just a weekend, hobbyist guy so not in business. But I have been wanting one, was going to get the rigid but the noise has held me back. So your review helps. I am probably going to get one of these sometime this year.

@jrm523 3 ай бұрын

I love your channel. This couldnt come at a better time. I am in the market for an air compressor and this comparison review is so helpful. Thanks!

@jaygrosse8365 4 ай бұрын

Very efficient use of camera time, and these are the kinds of compressors I am considering right now. Well done.

@GlitteredUp4Easter 21 күн бұрын

That Vevor demo gives me hope. I just ordered one and I'm just checking around videos to make sure it was a good choice. I wouldn't buy it at normal price, BUT their website currently has it for $177, with a 5% discount code which brings it to $169 plus tax and free shipping. It doesn't look like it'd be a good replacement for any of those big boys, but compared to other compressors under $200 (my initial choice was one of the $159 8 gallon 150 psi ones, Husky, Kobalt, and McGraw(Harbor Freight) all have versions of this) it's quite a deal. That noise level is amazing as well. Little dicier though as those 3 all have physical locations you can return your item if it stops working.

@str8racn 5 ай бұрын

Always appreciate your video content and honesty. Great video!

@corypierce202 3 ай бұрын

Very thorough test! Thanks Josh. The tiles look great!

@mundymulligan665 5 ай бұрын

This is right up my alley! I have been thinking about this exact question for a week. Thank you

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Nice! Glad it was helpful

@ricardoesparza03 5 ай бұрын

Great Job Josh, another helpful video by you. Keep up the GOOD WORK.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@tomchinigo5014 5 ай бұрын

Fantastic video Josh !!! Very thorough and I was looking into the Kobalt for a really long time but I may pull the trigger on the 20 gallon Husky or the Fortress 26 gallon. THANK YOU very much !!

@larrysing 5 ай бұрын

I’m shopping now too! Perfect timing ! Thanks!

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

You are so welcome!

@angell.garcia9174 5 ай бұрын

Great video, always so informative. Thank you so much! I would love to see a similar video on generators, I have been debating on getting one but still can't decide.

@Chefboiali. 23 күн бұрын

This is the best video! Thank you so so much. I really needed to see this before making my choice!

@danielfletcher1384 5 ай бұрын

Great video Josh! I have the Rigid and love its performance! Thanks for the comparison!

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Awesome!!

@mnmn1665 5 ай бұрын

Excellent. Thanks. The noise ratings are vital when you have an attached garage.

@barrybij8079 5 ай бұрын

Great review josh

@ssclassof2000 5 ай бұрын

I've got a 30 year old Devibliss 5hp 20 gal belt drive . It's way quieter than all these oil less compressors. Only downsides are it takes up too much space and it has a bunch of pin holes in the tank so it leaks down . Nice test, I think the husky is a pretty good deal.

@kylebouyers51 5 ай бұрын

FINALLY!!!!! Especially for a tornador use.

@Chefboiali. 23 күн бұрын

I was impressed with the 4 minute run time of the 20 gallon Husky for the Tornador!!!

@ECXTD 5 ай бұрын

About 10 years ago got a 1 gallon oilless California Air compressor for inflating tires and fit in my small garage. At that time California Air had some of the quietest compressors on the market and that is why I got it. There were kinda pricey but haven’t had any issues.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Ive heard great things about the California Air Compressors!

@cardo1111 5 ай бұрын

Looks like the Fortress may be made by California Air?

@bosswindowtint 5 ай бұрын

We've had the Kobalt Quiet Tech 26 gallon unit for about 4 years now. Unfortunately I do not recommend this unit long term. It just doesn't hold up. We probably only refill the tank twice a month since it's barely used. We've gone through 3 air pressure regulators within 4 years, each taking months of waiting for parts to be sent to us. The air regulator is proprietary and is low quality cast and will leak guaranteed. The only way we've been able to overcome this is to bypass and ditch the stock regulator system entirely and plumb in a new custom air regulator system. I hope this helps somebody since this is a very common and known issue with this Kobalt air compressor...

@kesu90 2 ай бұрын

Not only does the air regulator break for the cobalt, it drops 35 psi at 90 for 1/2 impact!

@thedevilinthecircuit1414 22 күн бұрын

News flash in case you're unaware: all manufacturers of home-gamer air compressors advertise their CFM numbers based on airflow through the inlet--not the outlet. It allows the makers to lie about performance of their products. If you need specific CFM numbers to accommodate your shop's needs, it's best to buy from an industrial supplier because these compressors are truthfully spec'd for CFM at their outlet.

@pkt1213 5 ай бұрын

Smashing that like at the beginning because I have been looking at the Kobalt and the Fortress. Looking forward to the results.

@pkt1213 5 ай бұрын

I think I'll be picking up the Fortress 26 gal now. With it in my garage, quieter is better. I have a small fortress and it is super loud.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

The quitest of them all is the husky 4.5 but if you need something with more capacity the fortress would be my #1 choice!

@toycoma98 2 ай бұрын

I modifed my husky 20 gal with a 5" power steering cooler, muffin fan, water separator, replaced the manifold regulator with a reg/water separator combo, coalescing filter, desicant filter. The water separator after the cooler collects most of the water. The bottom drain just mists. I use for painting with a R500 spray gun.

@Darkcruzer23 5 ай бұрын

thank you for this! i need one for my shop but want the most powerful and quiet one and you put them to the test! i definitely think the fortress performed the best. like if you got the 10gallon one it appears it would be as quiet as the quietest but based on the 26gal it should also outperform the other smaller ones

@dannysandoval5195 5 ай бұрын

Excellent test on the air compressors.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@DJJDSKREWED 2 ай бұрын

Thus why I love this channel!

@imjoshv 2 ай бұрын

Thanks!!

@DaynamicsolMD 5 ай бұрын

Glad you finally made a video. I know it’s under $400 units. But California air tool compressor is also known but cost more than all of them unless you go 10 gallon. I get harbor freight compressors cuz there warrenty is amazing

@fire060 5 ай бұрын

Love this video! super explained!! Ty

@drive2siva 5 ай бұрын

Awesome video Josh

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@coreymerritt7742 5 ай бұрын

Hi josh they all seem to work well I have a 20 gallon 1973 belt drive speedaire I’ve had it over 22 years 2 owner I do regularly drain the tank from condensation I sure the tank will probably start leaking one day or blow up lol but it works great thanks

@TJsVette 5 ай бұрын

I have the kobalt and it works great! Have had it for about 3 years and never had an issue with it. Just make sure when it's not in use you let the air out to avoid moisture to build up in the bottom of the tank. This goes for any of them.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

great point! i love my kobalt unit!

@tzajic 3 ай бұрын

I have the kobalt and the compressor just crapped out on me after 3 yrs. I use mine every day with the Tornador and drain it regularly. I like how quiet it is. It's piston seals are the main issue on this model.

@williampinchbeck4321 5 ай бұрын

Great video thanks for the info!!!

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@MikesAutoDetailing 5 ай бұрын

Well done video

@ExodusFX 5 ай бұрын

All of the sizes of Fortress air compressors are great. They go on sale or have coupons all the time and have easy warranty service.

@megafatshady 4 ай бұрын

Not Project Farm but a REALLY good video and comparison. I have an older Kobalt, great compressor easy to fix and maintain but LOUD.... I REALLY want to replace loud AND get a little more SCFM.You should do one of these on the big boys if that is something budget can handle.

@CanDaMan05 4 ай бұрын

Hey Josh, Thanks so much for the reviews BUT now I’m so stuck on which one would be good for me and what I need it for. I’m currently detailing out of my garage so I would manly use it just for detailing. I love the quiet ones only so my neighbors will still like me at the end of the day 😂 That being said, which one would you recommend for my detailing needs? Also, what hose or connectors would you also recommend? As always thaaaank you so much Josh!!

@bertastleford4692 5 ай бұрын

That ridgid sounded like it was gonna explode or take off. Nothing but the best from Josh

@louiem40 5 ай бұрын

I’m weak

@randymueller2349 4 ай бұрын

Informative Video Josh. Feb of 23' I pulled the trigger on a California Air Tools #20020 from Lowes Online, I considered the Kobalt, primary reason I went with 20020 is the Air Manifold design. I was replacing a 220V 20 Gallon Craftsman 919.15678 from the late 70's only because I was concerned about the 40+ YO Pressure Vessel letting go (in a potential bad way). BTW, I'm a retired Professional Wrench. I've been more than pleased with the Performance and how Quiet the 20020 is. Randy AKA randog311

@thedevilinthecircuit1414 22 күн бұрын

Their newest versions of the small CAT verticals are made of aluminum (no rusting) and have an automatic tank drain. Both features are worth the additional cost.

@barlowgarage449 5 ай бұрын

Would have definitely loved to see you do a California Air Tools compressor...

@rafaelalonso4044 5 ай бұрын

Greetings!! good video. One question is VEVOR for mobile detailing I have WRX 2014 hatchback, do you think it works? It's possibly a dumb question haha. Although I plan to use it in my garage too. Thanks in advance

@boardingliftingespressonur7930 5 ай бұрын

Another I would look at is the Stealth Profession 20 gallon. 150 PSI 1.8hp motor 5SCFM. Plus Lifetime warranty

@JP-vs8yl 5 ай бұрын

Hey Josh, Quick question, I'm barely starting in the detail business, your videos have been so helpful....I'll be lost without your videos. My question is what size of a compressor I need to.turn the tornador tool? Thank you

@Embrxceyourdemons 5 ай бұрын

I think tornador recommends 4.5 cfm @ 80 psi. I’ve used the rigid double tank and it worked fine with the tornador

@mshawnlane 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for making this video. I was looking at purchasing a new air compressor. I need something quiet when detailing my cars at home.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Glad I could help

@tanker242 3 ай бұрын

Hulk Power(Flexzilla too) 10/20 Gal 2HP units are bomb 5.77 c @ 90 and 8.4 cfm. It's also quiet running.

@frank828 5 ай бұрын

just used a 25% coupon to pickup the fortress for 300! thanks for the recommendation!

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

That’s great!!! I should have done that when I bought mine

@flh3282 4 ай бұрын

Hello and thank you for your work. I have a 4000w generator does the vevor compressor have to work on it?

@DocMozautodetail 5 ай бұрын

I detail out of my Honda Accord, the Rigid works great for me.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Thats perfect!

@IamDetailedAF 5 ай бұрын

I own the bigger Husky you have. I love it, but dont know any better until you have all side by side. Similar to chemical products 👀.... Thanks for review

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

That’s a great choice! All 3 of the larger ones will handle anything is Detailers throw at them!

@jjunior1283 5 ай бұрын

Hi Josh. It would have been nice to measure how long it takes to refill the tank. I’ve been using the rigid air compressor on my mobile unit. I like it because it’s small and refills faster but I wanted upgrade to a bigger one so I can have two tornadors in the van. I’m eying the fortress one but I’m not sure if it will be practical on the field. For power, I upgraded to the predator 5000 and from your test, the fortress uses only about 250 more watts so I know it won’t be a problem. Your inputs or others are always much appreciated

@chriscarter3304 5 ай бұрын

GOAT

@MagicMikesDetailing 5 ай бұрын

QUESTION? Which is best for use a Vortex blow tool? The compressor I have when it’s full works great but then dies down & I can’t blow out the entire car!! Have to stop & rebuild pressure & continue…repeat???

@TheManic.5-OH 5 ай бұрын

As soon as my Harborfreight replacement plan is up, I'm going to be swapping out my Fortress 27 gallon 200psi 5.1 cfm oiless for their McGraw 29 gallon 165 5.3 cfm oiled compressor. Believe it or not the 26 gallon isn't really enough if you're using your tornador alot. Plus, oiled compressors last alot longer unless you keep paying $90 for harbors replacement plan(which is legit)

@Rica17ramirez 5 ай бұрын

Great video Josh. I bought the rigid last week and finally tried it out with a tornador. However I’m not sure if I’m using properly. When I regulate and lock in the output gauge and it refills it changes to a different number either higher or lower than what I set it to. Is this normal? Anyone that can help? I’m not sure if it’s user error as this is my first experience with a compressor and tornador gun.

@chadwilliams6437 5 ай бұрын

Reason the Ridgid 4.5 is so good and popular is because it delivers 5.0 cfm @ 90 psi which is what the tornador is best at

@francohernandez13 3 ай бұрын

Im about to buy a metabo 6 gallon with 4.0 cfm at 90 psi i know its not enough run time but i want it to learn with my cars before moving on to something big

@glyndonsprofessionaldetail7429 5 ай бұрын

i have a california air tool 8 gal compresser, super quiet

@truckinfool3550 4 ай бұрын

I’d like to see a test on the DeWalt 4.5 gal, 225 psi, 5.0 cfm, 78 dBa for $339. I’m considering it for mobile use, and could add a slave tank for the garage if necessary.

@HiFiInsider 5 күн бұрын

Is the Ridgid reliable? I am eyeing it vs Husky.

@vdgitaliano 5 ай бұрын

I have the kobalt... love it, but... I had to rig a fan to blow on the motor because it overheats during extended use. I thought it was a flaw and returned the first one, but the second one did the same thing. I called the manufacturer and they said it shouldn't be left to run for more than 10 minutes straight and rest times should be at least ten minutes. This is the problem with oilless motors. Rigging a fan solved my problems.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Thats a great point. They all heat up.. The vevor was the only was that had a warning label on it letting you know it gets hot and not to touch

@boskosdoghouse 5 ай бұрын

All combined are still less noisy than my Mother in Law..

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

haha best comment ever

@dinosoarskill17 25 күн бұрын

There's an easy upgrade for the kobalt to add thicker line and better regulator.

@SimpleEnigma331 3 ай бұрын

When you say run time is that time before the compressor kicks back on?

@ZechariahDiaz-rb9qm 3 ай бұрын

I’m thinking about the husky 20 gallon, my only concern is that it’s only 4.0 cfm. How do you think it’s performing with your totnador since I know tornador think asks for a minimum of 5.0 at 90 psi

@joeschmoe6908 5 ай бұрын

Question, if the cfm rating of the tool is less than the specs of the compressor shouldn't it be able to run continuously? I know the compressor doesn't begin to run until the set psi is reached, but is it able to the bring up or mantain the pressure during use? I've been looking at a compressor to run a tornador and assumed that if I had a 5cfm compressor @90psi and a tool that used less than that I could operate continuously. If this is not the case, why not? False specs? Tools not rated accurately? What gives?

@billiebowling7755 18 күн бұрын

Was thinking about buying the fortress but I noticed the vevor and the husky the engines look the same on all three. Do you know if they are the same motors

@josesmobiledetailing8480 5 ай бұрын

Just picked up a 15.5 x 15.5 350 gsm edgeless value pack towels at Walmart have you done a review on these yet I normally see the 300 gsm with sewn-in edges

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

can you send me a link to it? I have covered some like that

@FrankA-973 5 ай бұрын

I have the Kobalt in my wrap and detailing shop. It’s reliable but it runs out if CFM super fast.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Yea for anoth $20 the Fortress would perform a little bit better. But pretty close as far as performance goes

@RMartin631 Ай бұрын

The standard for measuring dB is 1 meter away from the sound source.

@fccquoter19 2 ай бұрын

Does anyone know if any of the 20-26 gallon upright units operate with no issues layed down? Can't find anywhere if they all have to stay upright.

@AustinL911 4 ай бұрын

The Husky is a gigantic POS. I bought two and they both failed within 1 day. Followed the break-in instructions to a T. 1st unit filled fine. Turned it off, and wouldn't turn back on the next day. 2nd unit seemed slow to fill on the break-in, and wouldn't turn on the next day, tripping the breaker. Will probably go with Kobalt or Fortress next.

@Son_of_Aragorn 3 ай бұрын

Would the 4.5 gallon option be good to fill one's truck tires from time to time? Mainly interested in it filling up fast.

@imjoshv 3 ай бұрын

Yea it should handle that no problem!!

@chrxx4327 5 ай бұрын

I have the kobalt and I would not recommend it. The Air regulator started leaking after 1 year. It's a well known problem with the unit. Also when you're measuing run time, keep in mind that an air tool experiencing no resistance will consume less air. If that impact wrench, or cutoff tool was working against something, it would draw more air. So the figures taken here are not representative of real world use time.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

You are 100% correct. The numbers would definitely be different under load for sure. I didnt have anyting to test it while under load though so i went this route. I figured it would still give a side by side comparison since they all were tested that way. the performance under load could potentially differ though

@josep78738 2 ай бұрын

Josh, can I run a tornador on the Husky 4.5 Gal. 175 PSI Portable Electric Quiet Air Compressor with no problem ?

@Slider617 Ай бұрын

Nope. Not even close. I literally bought it today after asking myself that same question. I'm pretty disappointed with it.

@alexm3551 3 ай бұрын

Should have used the tornador which is why we need air

@frankschopp8748 5 ай бұрын

What about air temp and condensation . Do you run a cooler on your compressors.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

I dont, In all honestly i dont run my compressors very hard so all i do is drain the tanks on occasion to release some condensation build up

@tylerbarton541 5 ай бұрын

I'm struggling to find an answer online. For the Husky 4.5g when using a tornador, will you have to take a break every 30ish seconds? I'm in the market for a compressor and would like to buy the husky, but if i'm dealing with a vehicle with lots of hair or debris, it would slow down time considerably to have to wait on the tank to refill after 30 seconds of use. In your experience, have you had this issue?

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Yea with the 4.5 you will be waiting for sure. Its so quite though haha. I would use a lilly brush or a fur reel from buff brite to get most of the hair. Then follow up with compressed hair to release the embedded stuff. That would be the fastest option You dont want to go straight in with compressed air because it will just blow it everywhere,

@tylerbarton541 5 ай бұрын

@@imjoshv Got it. REALLY Appreciate the response. I totally don't want the Rigid because of how loud it is. So i've been back and forth between the Vevor and Husky as they're comparable in price, seems like you get a little more with the Vevor. I just wanted to set my expectations here, honestly. That makes sense! I'm leaning to the Husky solely due to th how quiet it is

@403032xy 3 ай бұрын

Same it's between the rigid and little husky for the size and quietness. So hard to decide

@tylerbarton541 3 ай бұрын

@@403032xy I went with the Husky. I LOVE it. It SO quiet and works perfectly for my situation. Since I'm not a mobile detailer its stationary in the garage. I picked up a 50ft Vevor Hose reel and its a fantastic combo.

@TheChaztor 3 күн бұрын

I wonder if the harbor freight is still working based on all the bad reviews I've seen.

@TheGreatChrisB 5 ай бұрын

Makita's quiet air compressor is extremely quiet if that's important

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Ill check it out!

@Rudimentary007 5 ай бұрын

I use California air compressor.

@imjoshv 5 ай бұрын

Great compressors!!

@platinum.mobile.detail 5 ай бұрын

Josh your "best" title is misleading when you have two huskys in there but no California air tools. My 10 gallon Cali outperforms my old husky 20 gallon in every way... I would never buy another one. Yes it was almost twice the cost, but I get more than twice the work done with no down time, and I can have a conversation with my clients while it's running lol.

@jamesdavies686 3 ай бұрын

So I have the Vortex gun, should I set my compressor to a certain output so it lasts longer? My compressor is only 2 or 3 gallons and it doesn't last more than 10 seconds or so before losing a lot of power.

@imjoshv 3 ай бұрын

Yea i dont think you need it spinning at a crazy rate. Just set it to where it performs well