Friday, Aug. 28, 2026

I recently received an email offer of 25 percent off any purchase at one of my favorite stores, Harbor Freight Tools. The timing of the offer was fortunate — I had been kicking around buying a replacement air compressor pump for my previous air compressor.

I don’t recall the brand, but that compressor NEVER worked very well. I don’t know for sure, but the pump on that unit was apparently compromised and even when it was new, it did not get the tank filled reasonably quick. As the unit aged, the pump’s ability to refill the tank continued to decline to the point that it would run and run and run — until the breaker on the motor would pop due to the motor apparently overheating.

COMPRESSOR SHOPPING! With my 25 percent discount coupon in hand, my son and I took off for our nearest Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight offers three different compressor pumps — a smaller one, aimed at 2 hp motor compressors, a mid-range one, aimed at 3.7 hp units, and a big honking two-stage pump, which was more pump than I wanted to pay for, even with 25 percent off!

Unfortunately, though the website said the middle pump was in stock, it was not. Huge disappointment. So we continued to look around the store until we found the “OPEN BOX” tables, full of various tools, sockets, wrenches, drivers, etc.

Lo and behold, the pump I wanted to buy was on the OPEN BOX table! And the price? Discounted by $50 — not bad! On closer inspection, there’s a problem.

The flywheel on the pump was significantly damaged. The outer rim of the flywheel was broken, and several vanes on the flywheel were cracked or completely missing. Decision time: Do I buy this damaged pump at a big discount — and then buy a new flywheel? Sounds like a gamble, but one that’s worth taking.

We got home, and then I went to work finding a replacement flywheel for the pump. In short, that search was completely fruitless. I could find 10 inch, 11 inch and 12 inch flywheels, but apparently, 13 inch flywheels only exist on this pump at Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight offers parts for its compressor pumps; unfortunately, they only have SIX parts for this compressor — all minor pieces, like oil drain plug, etc. NO FLYWHEEL AVAILABLE! I called HF customer service and confirmed — only six parts are available. DAMN!

Their return policy on OPEN BOX items is five days. And yesterday, we took that pump back. I didn’t leave empty-handed however – the smaller compressor pump was on the OPEN BOX table — at less than half the original price. The flywheel was in fine shape; the only issue was the oil plug and the oil breather were both missing. Those I can handle!

NEXT STEPS. I’m going to need to find an oil breather and a oil plug, both appear to have the same thread, then I’m good. I need to be sure to be sure the oil in the compressor is full, too!

More to come! Stay tuned.