Mcgraw Air Compressor Reviews – Are They Any Good?

There are around 8 Mcgraw air compressor models in harbor freight. They are in different sizes, equipped with oil-lube or oil-free pumps, and available in various capacities. 

In this McGraw air compressor reviews guide, we discussed all the model’s actual capacities and what makes them different from competitors. 

So, this McGraw air compressor reviews guide will help you to find the suitable unit according to your job’s requirements.

McGraw 3-Gallon air compressor reviews 

Mostly 3-gallon compressors are suitable to run low air-consuming tools like nail guns, staple guns, and airbrushing. Also, this type of small compressor is at the top of most home and RV owners’ priority lists. 

This 3-gallon McGraw air compressor air delivering capacity is only 0.6 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at 90 PSI. The capacity is sheer to run highly demanding tools but adequate to run nail guns and capable of inflating tires. 

But there are a few limitations on nail guns; with this 3-gallon McGraw compressor, you can only run brad nailers, staple guns, and finish nailers. It does not have the power to continuously run framing and roofing nailers; you must wait a few moments during the tank pressure recovery. 

We measured the noise level of this portable compressor is around 89 to 92 DB from 3 feet away from the compressor; This is not quiet at all; it is acceptable;  but you can’t continue the conversation over the noise. 

Comparison between the Mcgraw 3-gallon air compressor to competitors

There are a few models available from different brands under $80. They offer the same features as the McGraw 3-Gallon; some are with noise levels above 95DB. 

If you think the noise is an issue and more air is needed to fill your requirements, then you should consider a premium 3-gallon compressor, which has an average noise level of around 60DB and have 4X more airflow than the McGraw 3-gallon. 

Here is an upgrade option from MAKITA Quite Series. (Makita MAC320Q)

Mcgraw 3-gallon VS Makita MAC320Q, 3-gallon

Mcgraw 3-gallon

• Pump Type: Oil-free
• Maximum Tank Pressure: 110 PSI
• Airflow Capacity: 0.6 SCFMat 90 PSI
• Noise Level: 85 DBA
• Pump-Up time: (0 to 110 PSI – 3 minutes and 50 seconds)
• Weight: 14.7 lb
• Price: $75

Makita MAC320Q, 3-gallon

• Pump Type: Oil-free
• Maximum Tank Pressure: 135 PSI
• Airflow Capacity: 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI
• Noise Level: 60 DBA
• Weight: ‎52.5 pounds
• Price: $300
• Roll case protection: Yes

Mcgraw 6 gallon air compressor review

If you need an air compressor to replace your old noisy small one, the Mcgraw 6 gallon from harbor freight under $125 would be a value-for-money deal. 

Most homeowners and DIYers like this pancake shape, It’s most favorite because it requires less space in the garage, has decent airflow to hold up any nail gun, and is powerful yet. 

It can support holding up any nail gun with its 2.8 SCFM airflow at 90 PSI. The tank pressure is a maximum of 150 PSI, which is massive for most air tools. 

From home remodeling to painting cars body for occasionally, its quick recovery and easy-to-accessible pressure knob make it outstanding for inflating tires at any pressure level and help painters to adjust the pressure as they need. 

Comparison between the Mcgraw 6-gallon air compressor to competitors

There are dozens of 6-gallon pancake air compressors from reputable brands like Dewalt, Porter-cable, Bostitch, Metabo, Ridgid, Fortress, Craftsman, and lots more. Comparing their price range, offering values, tank pressure, pressure refill time, and delivering air capacity, we found that the Mcgraw 6-gallon air compressor is the best budget bet. It offers the same things as them for under 125$. 

But, if you want more air volume above 3 or 4 CFM at 90 PSI to hold framing guns, roofing guns, and other moderate air-consuming nail guns at the job site, you should consider the high-CFM 6-gallon unit. 

You can choose the Metabo HPT Air Compressor THE TANK, 6-gallon. 

Mcgraw 6-gallon VS Metabo HPT 6-gallon

Mcgraw 8 gallon air compressor review

The Mcgraw 8-gallon air compressor is suitable for high-air demanding nail guns and tires inflating jobs. 

The 6-gallon compressors are ideal for nail guns but are a bit heavier. Most traditional 6-gallon compressors have airflow limitations between 2-2.8 SCFM at 90 PSI. When they meet moderate air-hungry tools, they often fail to supply a certain airflow. And users often need to wait a few minutes during the tank pressure refilling. We haven’t faced any issues with the Mcgraw 8-gallon air compressor. It’s an oil-free compressor, so do not require any periodic maintenance. The maximum tank pressure is 150PSI, which is adequate to handle occasional spray painting or use an impact wrench to remove lug nuts.

In our tests, it took around two minutes and 3 seconds to fill the tank from ZERO to maximum (0-150 PSI); refilling time was so quick it was only 30 seconds. It’s heavier, weighing around 53 LB, but two wheels make it easy to move around the job site. 

Mcgraw 8 gallon air compressor Competitors

You’ll get three to five competitors from reputable brands like Husky, Campbell Hausfeld, California air tools, and NorthStar Electric. They have offered similar values to the Mcgraw 8 gallon, but the retail price is slightly higher. Few models have higher tank pressure ratings, but the airflow capacity is smaller than the Mcgraw 8 gallon. 

According to price range, airflow capacity, maximum tank pressure, recovery time, and offering values, the Mcgraw 8-gallon air compressor would be the best bet. 

Mcgraw 8-gallon vs. Husky 8-gallon, Campbell Hausfeld 8-gallon, California air tools

Mcgraw 20 gallon air compressor review

What do buyers say? Almost 94% of 2100+ harbor freight reviewers rated this 20-gallon compressor 5 stars. 

If you’re looking for a 20-gallon compressor at a tight budget that won’t burn your pocket, then the Mcgraw 20-gallon would be the right for you. It’s powerful enough and can deliver 4 standard cubic feet per minute (SCFM) at 90 psi. This configuration is adequate to run any air tools in moderate use, for example, small impact wrenches, air drills, paint sprayers, air chisels, and die grinders. The tank pressure, recovery time, and two wheels for easy portability allow the home building contractor to use this for their job sites. 

The big advantage of this Mcgraw 20-gallon compressor is that it is equipped with an oil-lube compressor pump that requires periodic maintenance, meaning you need to change the oil when needed, depending on your usage. But as you know, oil-lube compressors last longer than oil-free versions. 

The compressor can hold you with a 1/2 impact wrench only for 10 to 12 seconds, will depend on the tool’s air requirement. 

Mcgraw 20 gallon air compressor competitors

Mcgraw 21-Gallon air compressor, Review

The Airflow capacity of this 21-Gallon compressor is similar to the 20-gallon model. The Mcgraw 21-Gallon air compressor features an oil-free compressor pump and 175 maximum tank pressure, which give you the ability to supply plenty of air for most applications.

Most of the harbor freight reviewers said that the compressor fit their needs; some people bought it to run 1-inch impact wrenches, and they mentioned they hadn’t faced any issues.  

In our tests, we used the compressor to run different sizes of impact guns, air chisels, and air drills to evaluate the actual effectivity; this 21-gallon compressor is ideal for those high-air-hungry tools for occasional uses.