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.
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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.
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.
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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.
teicher
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.
Jeremy Rowley
Mine stopped working years ago and it always leaked air too! I will never buy another Kobalt Air Compressor again. I finally threw the thing away!
Stuart
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.
Wesley
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.
ROBERT LARSON
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
Stuart
Sorry, Robert, I’m not quite sure how to help you. Have you tried contacting Kobalt?
joe
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.
Steve
It’s just cheap pot metal and will only strip out again
Stuart
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.
Stuart
Joe, I have been told that the regulator was retapped to 5/16″.
Trey A
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!
joe
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.
bucky reiter
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?
Ben
The pressure switch is simply placed in series with the on/off switch. Basically, you have three wires coming out of the black plug wire. The green is ground – it connects to the frame in a couple locations. The other two are connected in series, like a loop. From the black plug wire one wire will go to the on/off switch (it doesn’t matter which terminal), then from the other terminal a wire goes to the pressure switch (again, either terminal), then from the other terminal on that switch to the motor. The other wire coming from the motor then will go back to the black plug wire.
john in ohio
I have had my 236005 now for one year and the head snaped off has any one els had this prob.
joe
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.
Brian
If it does that after it’s been running a filled the tank and it’s trying to come back on to refill after you’ve used air it’s your check valve and pressure relief system, the hose that goes from your valve at the tank up to bottom of your pressure switch is there so that when your compressor shuts off after filling the tank it relieves the pressure left in the line that goes back to the pump if it’s not working and isn’t relieving that pressure your pump will I guess you could call it vapor lock once you relieve the pressure it will work again I’m about to go get a new check valve right now for the same issue
John-Paul
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.
jack
17 months old 10 hours @ most head brakes off
Geo.
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.
Joe Nunes
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?
Clyde Steapp
A steel thread regulator knob in a cheap Aluminum thread to receive it only ask’s for the above results! Has anyone had positive resolution yet?
Erin McConkey
I have had one of these for 4 years now. The fan on the back came off center and keeps flying off. I keep trying tio refit it. Bit after 5 attemts at this and it working for another 2 hours or so. The fan in finally broken up so much its now just broken plastic.
Also its loud. It leaks and doesn’t hold its air. I would never buy a Kobalt compressor again. Not any Model. Lowes have no spare parts. They say call Kobalt. Pretty Slacl service when they sell the product. Lowe if you ask me.
Ray Schroer
I just bought a used 236005 17 gallon Kobalt air compressor. I need to know where I can get an owners manual for it. I’ve searched online but no luck. It runs well and seems quite quiet. However, it doesn’t have a pressure gauge on it so I suspect the previous owner has removed it. But not knowing how high the pressure is going, I have not run it too long yet nad don’t know if it will shut off automatically when it gets to max pressure. Any help on this is appreciated !!
Paul
I have had my air compressor for three years, It started making a lot of nise sounding like the piston was slaping on the inside of the jug. I pulled it away from the wall and found out there is very little jug and that it was mounted on a thin piece of pot metal that was snaped on all three sides so the sound i was hearing was the jug slaping against the rest of the compressor. and of course warrenty went out 2 weeks ago
Tony
I too have the stripped out regulator. What a piece of crap. My fix was to use a 5/16 bolt and nuts inside and out and lock it all together set to max psi. No further adjustment here and no further trouble either. Had to clamp the reg back together to get the four screws started into the back plate. Then I got an inline reg from Harbor Freight tools for 4.99. Problem solved forever.
Mike
I have a kobalt 236005 and once it fills up it cuts off. And when I cut the switch on and off sounds like its trying to start up but doesn’t. Can anyone tell me what could be the problem???
Tony
Sounds like the start capacitor on the motor is bad.
Brian
Vapor lock bet you need a new check valve the pressure relief isn’t working so air in line isn’t blowing off and it locks it up soon as u let pressure out it will start working right
Randy
I received the kobalt 236005 from my wife 4 years ago for Christmas. Lowes salesman told her it would be ideal for servicing our well driven lawn sprinkler system/NOT. I have babied it AND had all off the problems listed above beginning with stripped regulator which took numerous calls before Lowe’s would stand behind that; pressure leaks off; and now after using an impact wrench to rotate auto tires, the compressor might kick in one out of 10 times. SAD COMMENTARY FOR LOWES; KOBALT; and foreign workpersonship. WASTE OF $211.00 and my time. DONE WITH LOWES and KOBALT. MENARDS and HOME DEPOT here I come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frank L. Mayne IV
I hope someone can tell me what’s going on with my compressor. It was given to me and will not start and run. The unit seems to be almost new and it is an upright wheeled type compressor. I am not sure what the model number it is. It is 110 voltage. I can plug the power cord in and turn it on and the motor turns very slow. I have turned the fan by hand and it does not seem to be jammed or binding. I read on another page about the start capacitor may have gone bad. Where is it located and how to test it. Thanks in advance for the help. I’m stumped as to what to do to it.
Hoagie
I inherited mine from my dad when he moved. Same problem with the regulator, but this is an easy fix. I have always wanted an air compressor and this is my first one so I do not have any complaints regarding the noise or leaks. If the air leaks out over time, I figure I don’t have a pressurized container sitting around, which is safer.
Brian
How did you fix the regulator? I have the same issue with the stripped out threads.
dustin staack
Anyone know of a reason why my compressor will not cut on. I have tried replacing the switch and checked all wires.
Fred Brown
Do you have the wiring diagram for a Kobalt 17 Gal. compressor Model #F217HKL ?
if so I need one.
thanks
Fred
brian
I have one that vibrated so loud the bracket containing the piston cracked in half. does anyone have one they would like to sell?
Bill
Brian if you find one let me know mine broke too. What a piece of crap
Ole Hagen
Why would any one buy junk like made in japan?
Ace Cathcart
I just have the regulator knob come off on my 236005. It was used very little over the years I have had it and I usually had it set it one position, unless I was painting. For the most part I have had some of the problems with the compressor that is mentioned above but for the most part it has been reliable for me. The main place it leaks air is where the hose plugs in. I went to use it the other day to pump up air in the lawn mower, first time this spring. The regulator knob was on the floor. It was stripped. I put in a 5/16″ bolt and I am good to go again. The rest of the compressor, although loud, seems to be okay for now. Thank for the information you all provided. Now I know what to look for in the future.
Jerry Woodley
Need a Manifold w/ regulator / KOBLT. #236005 Model # F217HKL PartsList. # 57 Kit# E101811. Need one # 1 and a Price on it. Thank you PH. 731 334 8187
Dana
I guess I must be lucky,had mine for 13 years,never had any problems,only complaint is noise level
Darrell King
I bought a Kolbolt 17 gal model #236005 compressor several years ago, used it about once a month just to put air in my vehicle tires, and that’s all I used it for, the regulator went out on it a couple of years a go I started to try to get a new regular, after several 30 mile trips to lowes I was told they no longer made parts for this compressor, I told them I will never buy another thing from Lowes, you would think that all the hype they had about Kolbalt tools they would do better, never again will I buy Kolbalt or anything else from Lowes,
gary wagner
Hilarious reading! I was looking for the part that holds the plasyic cooling fan on. Guess that’s the end of THIS project! I wonder how long it will last without a fan… (Need the regulator electrical switch too but that looks like a standard switch available at any electrical distributor…)
Jack wilson
The 5gal & the 17gal kobalt oiless compressors are apiece of crap . Neither 1 would shut off after max psi was reached, leadind to seal failure. Wouldnt even air up a bicylce tire they suck cant even get parts the impact tools suck 2.