A few weeks ago I met up with Brian, a ToolGuyd contributor, and I spotted a Kobalt compressor (model 236005) in his shop. This unit is no longer available for sale at Lowes, but I’ve recently seen quite a few of them for sale on Craigslist and ebay, and carbon-copy units are still available at other retailers.
Based on our discussion, it became clear that this wasn’t a compressor many would want to consider buying at full price, or even used at a huge discount. Following is Brian’s review of the unit, including a discussion of how he handled some of the major problems he’s had with it.
I purchased this 17 gallon 1.5HP Kobalt air compressor in 2005 as a closeout sale at a local Lowes Home Improvement warehouse. Since then, the air compressor has seen very little use in a non-commercial environment.
When I first used the air compressor, I noticed how incredibly loud the unit is. When it comes time to fill up the 17 gallon tank, don’t plan on being in the garage without hearing protection handy, you’ll need it. Oil-free compressor pumps are going to be loud, but this unit was perhaps way too loud.
After a couple of light-duty uses, I noticed the regulator started to get loose. Initially, I considered that the regulator was just breaking in and would free up a little with continued use. Well that wasn’t the case at all - as it loosened more and more , I realized that the regulator was started to strip out! After examining it, I noticed that the regulator was made up of very light grade aluminum.
The fine threaded plastic knob attached to the regulator had completely stripped out of the aluminum block after simply using the regulator properly. It’s not like it was abused or mistreated. To repair the threads, I completely disassembled the regulator and re-threaded the aluminum block to accept a coarser thread. One threaded rod and rubber knob later and the regulator worked much better than the factory setup.
Kobalt 17 Gallon 1.5HP Air Compressor Regulator & Gauges
When the air compressor fills the tank to 150 psi red line, the unit automatically shuts off. If the unit is left full, it will slowly leak at both the hose connection and at the safety relief valve. After some time the tank will drop down to about 120-125psi, while continuing to leak. I have made proper adjustments and tightened all connections, but the unit still leaks. It is only a matter of time before the leaks get worse.
In the last year or so, the air intake port became loose and now needs tightening every time I use the unit. The compressor vibrates so much when pumping air that it always works the connection loose.
Conclusion
Given the quality and performance issues I’ve experienced with this compressor, I certainly wouldn’t buy it again – even at a discount. Despite its flaws, this unit still serves my needs enough that I cannot justify purchasing a larger or costlier unit. For my next compressor, I will probably try a smaller unit or at least one that is built a lot better than this one.
The compressor came bundled with an air tool kit, and for the most part those tools haven’t disappointed me yet.
On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this product a 6. Its only redeeming quality was that it was fairly inexpensive (and now I know why).
A little googling reveals that some other Kobalt compressors, such as their 1.5HP 26 gallon unit, also suffer from a stripped regulator manifolds and leaky connections.
Given the regulator and leaking problems you described, a 6 rating seems far too generous. I’d give that unit a 2–leaking connections and the ability to rattle itself loose are unacceptable IMO.
I think that the rating is reasonably fair. Brian is still using the compressor so it wasn’t really a loss, and he still has the use of the tools included in the original kit. Most people won’t see the 6/10 rating by itself as it follows a “I wouldn’t buy this again” recommendation.
I took back a Kobalt compressor that I bought because it had a leak and would not maintain pressure. The quality of these units seem very questionable. I instead spent about $100 more and bought a Dewalt compressor that I love.
BEHIND MY FAN, IS A CONECTION ROD, THE OTHER END LOOKS LIKE A VALVE., WHICH IS USED TO PUMP THE AIR INTO THE TANK. BEHIND THE ROD, IS LIKE A WEIGHT LIKE ON A CRANK SHAFT. THEIR IS A BEARING IN THE CENTER OF THIS THAT IS NO GOOD. WHERE DO I GET THE BEARING FOR THIS? THANK YOU
Sorry, Robert, I’m not quite sure how to help you. Have you tried contacting Kobalt?
I just had the same problem with the regulator knob stripping out and I am going to try and rethread it, can you tell me what size tap he used to fix the stripped out knob please.
Joe, I believe it depends on the size of the threaded rod/knob you choose to use, but will check with Brian to see what he used.
Joe, I have been told that the regulator was retapped to 5/16″.
I’ve had two of these exact units and i’m very disappointed in them, on the first one the electric motor burnt up within the first six months, when i called Kobalt they told me that they quit using that particular manufacturer and would send me a new compressor, i’ve had this new compressor for 1.5 years now and now the regulator has stripped out and the tank has a leak at one of the welds, what a piece of crap. I plan on using the retapping method to repair the unit, hopefully it works out. I wouldn’t recommend this product to my worst enemy and will not buy Kobalt equipment anymore, i consider it a waste of my HARD earned money!
thanks that worked great. compressor works again but next time it quits im going to spend the money and go with a Dewalt or something similar. There are too many complaints about these things. Thanks again for the help.
I have a Kobalt 236005 and recently replaced the manifold with a new air pressure regulator. The previous owner had disconnected the electric to the pressure switch for continual pressure and used only the on/off switch to start and stop the compressor. Anyone know where I can obtain a wiring diagram to reconnect the pressure switch?
I have had my 236005 now for one year and the head snaped off has any one els had this prob.
Sometimes when I turn on my compressor it seems like the motor is trying to lock up and will turn off. I didnt know if there was some kind of automatic pressure switch that shuts it down that isn’t working right or something. Just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem and knows how to fix it.
I just had the same problem with the regulator knob stripping out dam thing hit me in the side of the head. I was 3 feet away when it blew off. Must say I am going to try and rethread it. This unit has been an issue day one the fan in back is off center and broke the first time I started it. Lowes let me down on this one.
17 months old 10 hours @ most head brakes off
I bought this exact model at my local Lowe’s in May 2011 and I was upset that it couldn’t hold a charge. I stripped it down and found that the manifold has 3 plastic plugs loctited into the un-used ports, each one leaking heavily. I contacted Lowe’s service dept by phone and they gave me a local repair place to take the machine to. That was June 1st 2011 and so far the replacement manifold has not arrived from China as of Oct 27th 2011. Certainly not impressed.
I have Kobalt compressor model 37296 and I have a different problem. The pump housing connected to the motor completely broke in half. inspection shows that the thin aluminum was too thin for this type of use. The parts are no longer available. Does any body know where we may get used parts?