Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

wedge40 · Jan 20, 2010

horsebroke said:
FYI - I'm a regular subscriber to a number of handyman type magazines - like "Discover", "Popular Mechanics", "Popular Science", etc.

Whats a magazine?

Can you tell me the website? LOL
This a joke in case you didn't know that.

Wedge

jinman · Jan 21, 2010

horsebroke said:
FYI - I'm a regular subscriber to a number of handyman type magazines - like "Discover", "Popular Mechanics", "Popular Science", etc.

When you get a chance, take a look in one - near the back will be a HF full-page advertisement, including a 20% off coupon!. Check it out. Since I subscribe to several of these mags, I have LOTS of these coupons and I make it a point to keep them in my car.

You don't have to subscribe to handyman magazines. My wife found HF coupon pages with 20% off coupons in her Reader's Digest. We have two coupons that don't expire until the end of May 2010.

I wouldn't expect them to show up in Nat'l Geographic anytime soon, though.

Travelover · Jan 21, 2010

jinman said:
You don't have to subscribe to handyman magazines. My wife found HF coupon pages with 20% off coupons in her Reader's Digest. We have two coupons that don't expire until the end of May 2010.

I wouldn't expect them to show up in Nat'l Geographic anytime soon, though.

Found 'em in AARP and AAA magazines, too.

FurrorNos · Jan 21, 2010

Hi All -

Has anyone bought the 30" hand brake? If so... does it really bend 17 gauge steel?

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Thanks
-Jordan

Bedlam · Jan 21, 2010

I used the one they have thats three foot long worked well.However the handle was missing in the shipment (fell out the hole in the box.)(damage was noted by UPS driver also). Submitted a claim with UPS, got confirmation and waited
then keep checking until they said there was no claim .(about 5 months)Odd as I have the mail form them with the number.
I made my own handle and the unit works well.Id recommend this one also just be sure to open the box before the ups leaves.

California · Jan 21, 2010

lakngulf said:
What is the best method to cut roofing metal (tin)? I have several angle cuts to make to snug tin to a ridge in my tractor shed.

Corrugated galvanized roofing? We used to simply mount a skilsaw blade backward and attack it with that. This probably is best used in locations that will be covered by trim or other flashing. Tin snips or nibbler might be better for 'finish carpentry'.

dex3361 · Jan 21, 2010

lakngulf said:
What is the best method to cut roofing metal (tin)? I have several angle cuts to make to snug tin to a ridge in my tractor shed.

Would this type of metal blade be overkill?

Buy the blade set it to the side take a pair of tin snips and cut till your hands are blistered. Take a break then put saw blade in saw put in ear plugs and long sleeve cotton shirt, gloves and safety glasses. Support roofing metal on supports and cut away. Sit saw to the side kick self a few times for not using saw blade first. Seriously I installed over 3000 square feet of metal roof on my house and this is the only way to cut the metal roofing. It does not heat the metal and damage the coating system. My neighbor borrowed my blade and didn't want to give it back.

FinMod · Jan 21, 2010

I found this 20% off coupon on dealnews.com just today. It is good until March 1. I love that site...

damartin · Jan 21, 2010

I haven't read the whole thread so maybe this was covered but I saw a miter saw today that I would like to buy if it works well. It is a 12" compound mitersaw on sale for $149.00. Here is the link. - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
If anybody has any info please let me know. Thanks.

Iplayfarmer · Jan 21, 2010

damartin said:
I haven't read the whole thread so maybe this was covered but I saw a miter saw today that I would like to buy if it works well. It is a 12" compound mitersaw on sale for $149.00. Here is the link. - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
If anybody has any info please let me know. Thanks.

I bought it on a doorbuster Black Friday sale a few months ago. Unfortunately it's still in the box in my garage. I'm starting a remodel next month. After that I can probably give a review, but that probably won't help you.

wildwillie · Jan 22, 2010

For cutting metal roofing I have tried them all, nothing works as quick, as easy, as clean as a 4" angle grinder with thin cut off wheels, It also wont scratch up the paint or get stuck on humps and bumps. You can just use a straight edge and mark the metal with a sharpie or just clamp the straight edge and follow it. Don't forget gloves and glasses.

lakngulf · Jan 22, 2010

wildwillie, is that the same as a RotoZip? I have a small one with metal blades.

wildwillie · Jan 22, 2010

I don't know. Maby if you have the right angle attachment ,But I'm sure you can pick one up at HF for under $50.

Iplayfarmer · Jan 22, 2010

wildwillie said:
I don't know. Maby if you have the right angle attachment ,But I'm sure you can pick one up at HF for under $50.

A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

winston1 · Jan 22, 2010

A nibbler is $30 regular price. Again, that is the proper tool. That's what professionals use. Probably not the HF but it would be great for occasional use. I have one and have used it considerably. Need a good air compressor though.

Travelover · Jan 22, 2010

Iplayfarmer said:
A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

If you get one, get the orange one, not the blue one.

radioman · Jan 22, 2010

Iplayfarmer said:
A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

Has anyone used both from HF? which one do you prefer? 4 or 4.5 ? Right now I have a makita 4" for over 17 years. This year the switch is now acting funny and the bearings feels like it's shot. Time for a new one. I want to get a new one first before I take the makita apart to fix in case i screw it up.

Bedlam · Jan 22, 2010

I agree comparing these two
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
the blue less expensive one I bought as a backup , I'm now using it regular and there is a difference.Seems less powerful. Not sure if it will take the abuse and last as long as my Ole yellow one or not..

Iplayfarmer · Jan 22, 2010

radioman said:
Has anyone used both from HF? which one do you prefer? 4 or 4.5 ? Right now I have a makita 4" for over 17 years. This year the switch is now acting funny and the bearings feels like it's shot. Time for a new one. I want to get a new one first before I take the makita apart to fix in case i screw it up.

I've never bought the actual one that HF sells, but I've bought cheaper chinese grinders from other sources. I prefer the 4 1/2". I use it mostly for cutting using a skinny wheel. I burn through grinders pretty fast. The name brand ones don't seem to last any longer than the cheaper ones. I have four right now because I thought my last two cheap ones died. I bought replacements, and the next day the "dead" ones started working again.

dex3361 · Jan 22, 2010

I would go with the 4 1/2 inch orange HF grinder I have 2 and they work great I got them on sale and I keep a cutting wheel in one and a grinding wheel in the other. I think they have them on sale for $17.99 if you have the coupon.- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
The only fault I can find is the switch is not a spring loaded switch you have to push it on and push it off.