Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[txdon]

I bought the wife a HF torque multiplier so she could remove the lug bolts on her car. It works great. The only thing is that the user has to remember to turn clockwise to remove the nut. That doesn't bother her because she can never remember which direction to turn, anyway.

Direction changes with the direction the clock is facing, especially when you on the edge of the clock, and on which side of the clock you are on and if you or the clock is inverted. :confused2:

 

[gtrippleb]

Yea, we discussed this mixer here before, it is a big thumbs up, or for this thread title, a big don't suck. I have had one for about 7 years, occasional use, never a problem. Well, other than the motor was DOA, but the local store replaced it, no problem. The wheels are very narrow, so they are awful in loose dirt. I also added wheelbarrow type handles to make it easier to move. I leave it outside for days when I am using it, it has never rusted.
-jp

I've had mine for about 3 yrs and it's worked great for occasional use, but I haven't been as lucky regarding the rusting. When I bought mine the paint was already flaking but I figured I was using it for mixing concrete so I wasn't to worried about. It has worked great for me over the past three yrs though as I used it pour 27 footings for the 32x20 deck I built. I tend to mix 2 bags of 80 .lb at a time and then dump the mix into my loader bucket. I would agree the wheels are awful in loose dirt due to being skinny. I've been thinking of modifying it to be a 3 point hook as well but haven't yet.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I've had mine for about 3 yrs and it's worked great for occasional use, but I haven't been as lucky regarding the rusting. When I bought mine the paint was already flaking but I figured I was using it for mixing concrete so I wasn't to worried about. It has worked great for me over the past three yrs though as I used it pour 27 footings for the 32x20 deck I built. I tend to mix 2 bags of 80 .lb at a time and then dump the mix into my loader bucket. I would agree the wheels are awful in loose dirt due to being skinny. I've been thinking of modifying it to be a 3 point hook as well but haven't yet.

Bought the HF 3 1/2 cu. ft. mixer a couple of weeks ago. Started assembly a few days ago. All major parts are undamaged and paint in good condition. The assembly hardware is another issue though. Until recently the mixer was boxed with hardware in individual numbered bags with a bag for each major assembly step. Now everything in two large bags with descriptions on parts list being very generic. So far no major missing pieces but did have to go buy some addition M8 bolt due to missing parts.

As other reviewers have offered the gasket, that goes between the drum halves, was wadded and thrown in the box. Spread it out flat and used blue tape to tape it to counter in the shop to get it flattened out.

Adding a real 5/8" axel so I can install some larger wider tires off of an old pull type fertilizer spreader that's frame had rusted out. With taller, wider tires, will have to modify the base on opposite end from wheels so took the motor base to Sherwin Williams and had them scan and mix a quart of matching orange All Surface Enamel to make repairs to paint after mods and for future touchup.

Will post a new thread of this project later and add the SW paint recipe.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[newbury]

I've had one of those folding HF 1000# capacity trailers for about 8 years and for what it is - it is great. Nice to fold it up out of the weather. So, I'm preparing to move and decided to look on Craigslist to see what I should sell it for. I was amazed to see several advertised for $500. These things are $300 new. Yea, they screwed on a piece of particle board and bolted it together.....but......


Utility Trailer 4'x8' - Heavy Duty Folding Utility Trailer

OK, I'll advertise it for $500, too, just like the guy I was carping about. :laughing:

Don't joke.
Did you hear about the guy selling snow for $20?
In the DC area they sell the "improved with age" HF trailer. Bolt on a sheet of OSB, leave out in the weather for two years. After a good rusting and when the OSB is "tender" sell it on CL for 25% more than it cost.

Direction changes with the direction the clock is facing, especially when you on the edge of the clock, and on which side of the clock you are on and if you or the clock is inverted. :confused2:

Clocks are digital.

 

[ArTrvlr]

I've had mine for about 3 yrs and it's worked great for occasional use, but I haven't been as lucky regarding the rusting. When I bought mine the paint was already flaking but I figured I was using it for mixing concrete so I wasn't to worried about. It has worked great for me over the past three yrs though as I used it pour 27 footings for the 32x20 deck I built. I tend to mix 2 bags of 80 .lb at a time and then dump the mix into my loader bucket. I would agree the wheels are awful in loose dirt due to being skinny. I've been thinking of modifying it to be a 3 point hook as well but haven't yet.

The paint on mine has really surprised me. Unlike the current models, which have a glossy finish cost, mine was a dull, flat dark burnt orange. It looks like a red oxide primer and I guessed the metal would rust right through it, since primers are usually porous. But it has been rained on hundreds of times with no sign of rust except where it has been scraped. Even in those spots the rust doesn't seem to spread under the paint. Of course inside the drum is worn bare and it rusts some between uses. Apparently it was something really good, so HF quit using it!

 

[paulharvey]

This, Tire Inflator with Gauge, pistol grip tire inflator with gauge.

It falls about half way between sucks and doesn't suck. The air pressure gauge is accurate to maybe +/-5 psi. It is easy to use, but doesn't lock onto the valve stem really well. The chromed steel should be brass; but it's still way nicer than a plain chuck. Now, with some rust from humidity and (I'll admit) perhaps sitting out in the rain a few times, the trigger doesn't always spring back out to the off position when released and you got to pull it out with your hand. That's mostly abuse, but better materials probably would have done better given the same abuse.

 

[paulharvey]

Double post. I don't know if it's been mentioned, but price wise avoid ever buying Harbor Freight welding rods. Even with a 20 or 25% coupon, you get same price for Hobarts at TSC, or Lincolns at Lowes.

I general I don't like HF grinding wheels, there not That cheap, and they last a quarter as long. I've had Dewalt metal grinding wheels that last and last and last. Sure they are double the price, but Much better quality and life.

Harbor freight hi vise safety vest... I have to wear safety vest pretty much every day, often 8-12 hours... theirs Does suck. Hot, uncomfortable, awkward, and no pockets. I had lost mine one day, so figured I'd just grab the cheapest around... no way I would wear it all day every day. Bright Yellow Reflective Vest. think it was this one

Which brings to mind, basically anything you'll use every day, probably have better options. Mechanic needs mechanic tools, buy better; but mechanic needs framing hammer; sure. Framer needs wrenches and sockets sure; framer needs framing hammer; ah nahh.

 

[IslandTractor]

Double post. I don't know if it's been mentioned, but price wise avoid ever buying Harbor Freight welding rods. Even with a 20 or 25% coupon, you get same price for Hobarts at TSC, or Lincolns at Lowes.

I general I don't like HF grinding wheels, there not That cheap, and they last a quarter as long. I've had Dewalt metal grinding wheels that last and last and last. Sure they are double the price, but Much better quality and life.

Harbor freight hi vise safety vest... I have to wear safety vest pretty much every day, often 8-12 hours... theirs Does suck. Hot, uncomfortable, awkward, and no pockets. I had lost mine one day, so figured I'd just grab the cheapest around... no way I would wear it all day every day. Bright Yellow Reflective Vest. think it was this one

Which brings to mind, basically anything you'll use every day, probably have better options. Mechanic needs mechanic tools, buy better; but mechanic needs framing hammer; sure. Framer needs wrenches and sockets sure; framer needs framing hammer; ah nahh.

I agree with your summation that anything used professionally every day should be purchased somewhere other than HF. On the other hand, I recall last summer on a Friday evening just before closing, a welders truck pulled up outside the store and a guy ran in to buy an armful of welding rods. I asked him if they were any good and he replied that they were good enough, especially when the LWS was closed.

 

[sixdogs]

I rarely buy anything there that I have to seriously depend on but some of the hand tools are improving. Their polished wrench set look surprisingly good. I have them for nasty ag work and haven't bent or broken any and they do seem true to size. They really get a beating and still look pretty good.

 

[rbstern]

I rarely buy anything there that I have to seriously depend on but some of the hand tools are improving. Their polished wrench set look surprisingly good. I have them for nasty ag work and haven't bent or broken any and they do seem true to size. They really get a beating and still look pretty good.

Agreed. I have started using some of the Pittsburgh branded hand tools, and their much better than they were 10 years ago.