HF tools that suck

[Egbert]

I've bought just a few tools from HF, and they served their purpose. I needed a "giant" pipe-wrench for a 5 minute project. No way was I going to drop $75 or more for a name. Building privacy fence, I set about 50 steel posts that needed to be topped with a portable band-saw. HF had one for $69 at the time, or I could spend over $200 on a Dewalt. I figured I'd had to throw the HF saw away by the time I finished but it held up and still runs fine.

For tools you are going to use over and over - spend the money. For tools intended for single or short-term use - cheap can be a good alternative.

 

[sd455dan]

Re drill bits, they frequently have a full index set (1/16" to 1/2") on sale for ten bucks. I've been happy with the set I have, though I'm a casual user.

Even better if you have and know how to use a drill doctor- they cut like new ( not HF electric drill sharpener - it IS JUNK)

 

[Travelover]

Even better if you have and know how to use a drill doctor- they cut like new ( not HF electric drill sharpener - it IS JUNK)

Yep, I've got a genuine drill Dr. Works great.

 

[chopped]

quote from previous poster....I bought an $89 portable 12v 3,000 lb winch. No way will that thing pull 3,000 lbs. I was going to return it for refund then it fell 2 feet onto dirt and cracked the plastic case and now I doubt if they will take it back. I am embarrassed about that purchase.

Unless they have changed the policy I think they would take it back It used to be Satisfacton Guaranteed.I know i had a few returns and I simple laid out the problem with them in an email or letter and they were very good about it.Just be honest and straight forward with it

 

[CharlieKtractor]

if and when i decide to go to HF i will have to look up their address

 

[California]

$89 portable 12v 3,000 lb winch. No way will that thing pull 3,000 lbs.

I wonder if the guy who writes their advertising meant it could drag a 3000 lb vehicle - not lift that much dead weight.

I have the little remote control winch they sold a few years ago. I think it would be ok to rescue a 400 lb ATV but not anything larger.

I'm getting good use out of it as the lifter for my tilt trailer. It should also work to drag something onto the trailer.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I wonder if the guy who writes their advertising meant it could drag a 3000 lb vehicle - not lift that much dead weight.

I have the little remote control winch they sold a few years ago. I think it would be ok to rescue a 400 lb ATV but not anything larger.

I'm getting good use out of it as the lifter for my tilt trailer. It should also work to drag something onto the trailer.

I seem to remember reading in the manual years ago that they were rated for 'rolling loads', so ya.

There were also stipulations on some of them as to whether it was single line pull or doubled up.

 

[Travelover]

............. It should also work to drag something onto the trailer...........

That is what I use mine for - to drag stuff on to the HF tilt bed trailer that I have. The wireless remote is really handy as I can steer whatever I'm dragging with one hand and work the control with the other. For the $50 I paid, it is a winner.

 

[xtn]

I seem to remember reading in the manual years ago that they were rated for 'rolling loads', so ya.

There were also stipulations on some of them as to whether it was single line pull or doubled up.

Rolling against what resistance? I can pull a million pounds with my pinky finger if it's distributed over enough hardened needle bearings rolling on a flat, level, hard surface.

If it isn't rated for a dead lift against Earth's gravity at the surface, or doesn't give the conditions used, then it's a completely arbitrary and useless marketing number.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Rolling against what resistance? I can pull a million pounds with my pinky finger if it's distributed over enough hardened needle bearings rolling on a flat, level, hard surface.

If it isn't rated for a dead lift against Earth's gravity at the surface, or doesn't give the conditions used, then it's a completely arbitrary and useless marketing number.

Rolling loads as in a car or tractor.. And it did say, as I said. But I dont know if that still true or not.. Easy enough to find out though.

I had a guy here once dragging a 60's Brisbane outta the woods - no tires, and buried some - who used the HF 6000lb hitch mount (plastic case) version, and it did it.