Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[flusher]

I've got one of the tire changers. Biggest problem is finding a suitable anchor for it if you don't have extra floor space to mount it to. When I built my fork extensions I mounted the changer on a piece of scrap plate that I had and it sandwiches the fork between the other half of the plate like a bolt clamp. Makes a pretty substantial base for it.

Yep--that tire changer ain't goin' anywhere--clever thinking:thumbsup:
My HP tire changer is bolted to a base made from scrap 2x and 4x lumber I had laying around.

 

[BigE_]

hope your store isn't like the one close to me it is higher than the internet i'll find something i want and get to the store and see that the price is much higher so i just get something eles , only time i buy from store is if i need it now.

The stores near me will price match the internet price. Just take in a print out of the ad, or even show it to them on your smart phone.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

The stores near me will price match the internet price. Just take in a print out of the ad, or even show it to them on your smart phone.

I've had similar experiences. There are three stores I frequent depending on where I am, and all three will price match internet prices.

 

[RobertBrown]

I was in Harbor Freight yesterday, killing time while the spouse was at the craft/ fabric store down the street.
There was 41/2" angle grinder on sale for 9.99$. :shocked: :drool:

Looked to be of good quality...so I figured I would regret leaving the store without it even though I already have 2.
I can justify 3 grinders, as it's quicker than having to switch from a cutoff wheel to a grinding wheel to a wire brush... Anyway... it's mine and it seems to be OK even though it's only 4.5 amps, enough for a cup brush.
For 10$ I figured I would give it a go ...90 day warranty.

 

[CBW1999]

Can't beat that for an angle grinder. I like the idea of not having to change out discs like you said.

I recently picked up an OBDII scanner essentially as an "open box return" not used.


This is the "top end" model. Very easy to use- scrolling through the menu and finding the data I needed was easy. I haven't yet tried to upload anything to my computer or- update the software. For my needs, tieing anything to my computer isn't a necessity. I have heard that some probems may arise with updating the software but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I now will be able to do a lot more of the maintenance on my vehices and save substantial money. Already, on our Audi- I have been able to deal with several issues that have persisted. That alone has saved at least one $80.00 scan at the dealership.

 

[sixdogs]

I was in Harbor Freight yesterday, killing time while the spouse was at the craft/ fabric store down the street.
There was 41/2" angle grinder on sale for 9.99$. :shocked: :drool:

Looked to be of good quality...so I figured I would regret leaving the store without it even though I already have 2.
I can justify 3 grinders, as it's quicker than having to switch from a cutoff wheel to a grinding wheel to a wire brush... Anyway... it's mine and it seems to be OK even though it's only 4.5 amps, enough for a cup brush.
For 10$ I figured I would give it a go ...90 day warranty.

Better save your receipt too because it's no tickee, no laundry if it breaks.
Could you do a follow-up post on the grinder and tell how it works out?

 

[California]

I have had two of the blue grinders for several years now. (15+ years for the first one, maybe 6 years for the second). I have a knotted wire wheel on one and cup brush on the other. They work great for cleaning before welding and for cleanup after. It is convenient to have both within reach. I think they are fine for this light use, and for casual hobby work. Their gears scream "throwaway tool". These draw 4 amps for a comparison of power.

I also have their better 4 inch grinder, and then bought the paddle 4 inch one when it came out. 4.5 amp and 6 amp. These are ok but I think one of these (for its light weight) plus a much stronger (but heavier) 4 inch grinder would be more productive - for example the 11 amp Milwaukee at $100.

Note I am describing 4 inch and 4.5 inch interchangeably; I can't see any difference in this spec.

 

[RobertBrown]

Better save your receipt too because it's no tickee, no laundry if it breaks.
Could you do a follow-up post on the grinder and tell how it works out?

I used it today for about an hour. I compared it to my Hitachi, that I bought for 29$ and it looks as though it was made with the same parts.
I get your point as I once bought a chop saw (metal/abrasive) at HF and it lasted 2 cuts before it failed. The switch went out. That saw was 5-10 times more than this grinder, I don't remember how much it cost, but I do remember how mad I was that I had to go out, take it back and buy another at Lowes for 200$. I was at the beginning of a project.

If this fails I'm not going anywhere for 10$.
I suspect that if it lasted for an hour today It's mine to the death...which ever comes first.
I still have the first angle grinder I ever bought, B$D.... I've had it for over 25 years. I have dissembled it and replaced the grease in the head with a high quality synthetic.
That's probably what I should do with the other two.

 

[sixdogs]

Agreed on the grease. Whatever it is for grease in China must not really be grease. Be it roller wheels or whatever , I grease it and it helps. Learned that when I bought a bunch of 3" wheels on sale and couldn't figure out why they wouldn't roll. No grease. Try that some time.

 

[Danno1]

.


Used these all summer w/o a failure:


3/4" x 25 Ft. Soaker Hose



.

 

[TxFig]

I bought one of these a few months ago. Already paid for itself in sharper chainsaw blades

 

[California]

Recall - HF blue 19.2V Cordless Drill

Recall - Harbor Freight blue 19.2V Cordless Drill - Sold through May 2012.

Tool overheats. One owner got a minor burn. CPSC is asking if others experienced this.

Harbor Freight Tools Recalls Cordless Drill Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

(alerted by Shortfuse over on Welding Web)

 

[chopped]

Re: Recall - HF blue 19.2V Cordless Drill

WOW thats scarey, I remove or try to remoe my bats when not in use. I had a well know Ryobi that melted from the switch as well,HD didnt seem to want to exchange it either..Like anything , pull the battery when possible.

 

[sixdogs]

Re: Recall - HF blue 19.2V Cordless Drill

WOW thats scarey, I remove or try to remoe my bats when not in use. I had a well know Ryobi that melted from the switch as well,HD didnt seem to want to exchange it either..Like anything , pull the battery when possible.

Absolutely...these lithium batts can go bonkers and heat up and cause problems. Same thing when charging them--keep an eye on them and watch how hot they can get.

 

[PhysAssist]

I was in Harbor Freight yesterday, killing time while the spouse was at the craft/ fabric store down the street.
There was 41/2" angle grinder on sale for 9.99$. :shocked: :drool:

Looked to be of good quality...so I figured I would regret leaving the store without it even though I already have 2.
I can justify 3 grinders, as it's quicker than having to switch from a cutoff wheel to a grinding wheel to a wire brush... Anyway... it's mine and it seems to be OK even though it's only 4.5 amps, enough for a cup brush.
For 10$ I figured I would give it a go ...90 day warranty.

Thanks for giving me the necessary rationalization to buy another grinder (I just bought my 2nd-their 4.5" paddle switched model and haven't used it yet), your grinder swapping vs wheel/disk swapping is a great efficiency improver.
Thomas

 

[PhysAssist]

Can't beat that for an angle grinder. I like the idea of not having to change out discs like you said.

I recently picked up an OBDII scanner essentially as an "open box return" not used.
View attachment 290159

This is the "top end" model. Very easy to use- scrolling through the menu and finding the data I needed was easy. I haven't yet tried to upload anything to my computer or- update the software. For my needs, tieing anything to my computer isn't a necessity. I have heard that some probems may arise with updating the software but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I now will be able to do a lot more of the maintenance on my vehices and save substantial money. Already, on our Audi- I have been able to deal with several issues that have persisted. That alone has saved at least one $80.00 scan at the dealership.

We have one, and it has saved several family members from expensive "fault-hunting" service bills and repair scams.
Thomas

 

[crazyal]

Can't beat that for an angle grinder. I like the idea of not having to change out discs like you said.

I recently picked up an OBDII scanner essentially as an "open box return" not used.
View attachment 290159

This is the "top end" model. Very easy to use- scrolling through the menu and finding the data I needed was easy. I haven't yet tried to upload anything to my computer or- update the software. For my needs, tieing anything to my computer isn't a necessity. I have heard that some probems may arise with updating the software but I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I now will be able to do a lot more of the maintenance on my vehices and save substantial money. Already, on our Audi- I have been able to deal with several issues that have persisted. That alone has saved at least one $80.00 scan at the dealership.

I was toying with buying one for some time. After finally breaking down and getting a smart phone I ended up buying a wireless (blue tooth) OBDII adapter for the phone and downloaded an app. For less than $30 it works great. If you have a fault it'll read the code, a description, and ask if you want to search the internet for more detailed info. It'll display any gauge or sensor that's connected to the computer. It'll even read the tire pressure sensors on cars that display the actual pressure. You can even drive down the road and display any gauge or sensor as well as chart it in case you have a problem that's not giving a check engine code.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I was toying with buying one for some time. After finally breaking down and getting a smart phone I ended up buying a wireless (blue tooth) OBDII adapter for the phone and downloaded an app. For less than $30 it works great. If you have a fault it'll read the code, a description, and ask if you want to search the internet for more detailed info. It'll display any gauge or sensor that's connected to the computer. It'll even read the tire pressure sensors on cars that display the actual pressure. You can even drive down the road and display any gauge or sensor as well as chart it in case you have a problem that's not giving a check engine code.

That sounds like an amazing ap. do you have a link or any additional info?

 

[crazyal]

The app is called "torque" it's for Android phones.
Torque — OBD2 Performance and Diagnostics for your Vehicle
The website isn't all that great but the app works very well. In fact I opted to pay the $5 for the upgrade.
Here's the adapter I bought. I paid more because it's a US seller. If you don't mind buying direct from China you can get it for half the price. I think the price has gone up a few bucks but it's still only $25.
Interfuse Mini Car Diagnostic Scanner - ELM327 v1.5 OBD-II Bluetooth for Android | eBay

 

[aczlan]

I have a similar Bluetooth adapter that I got on Amazon and Touchscan installed on my laptop (which has a bluetooth adapter in it). $40 total invested and it works well for most gas vehicles. Touchscan doesn't read many codes on Diesels (or at least not on my parents '99 E350 w/ the 7.3L diesel).
Touchscan lists for $35, but some sites (I think I used mp3car) have it on sale for $25 with great regularity.

Aaron Z