Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[DK35vince]

The XT has a coupon sale at $127.99 with coupon code. I don't think it ever goes lower than that.

1/2 in. Composite Xtreme Torque Air Impact Wrench

I think I paid $129 when I ordered mine back in Nov.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think I paid $129 when I ordered mine back in Nov.

You did well. For those that are considering the Earthquake just be aware there is the Earthquake and Earthquake Xtreme (XT).

 

[sixdogs]

Finally got my 1/2" Earthquake XT air gun that has been on backorder since beginning of November 2016

And? How does it look ad feel? Fit and finish? Comments? Use it yet?

 

[DK35vince]

And? How does it look ad feel? Fit and finish? Comments? Use it yet?

Looks and feels good. Have not used it yet

 

[slow84ta]

I haven't had any issues with Harbor Freight tools yet. But I am just a weekend DIY Mechanic that use the tools 1-2x a month and I'd like to think I'm not too hard on them. I had 1 tool break once, it was a clamp. But i was able to exchange it at the store without any questions asked and I've been using this one now for about 3 years with no issues!

 

[dragoneggs]

I haven't had any issues with Harbor Freight tools yet. But I am just a weekend DIY Mechanic that use the tools 1-2x a month and I'd like to think I'm not too hard on them. I had 1 tool break once, it was a clamp. But i was able to exchange it at the store without any questions asked and I've been using this one now for about 3 years with no issues!

HF is good that way for some tools where it's hard to make the investment in a little used tool.

 

[dragoneggs]

Okay here is a HF tool that kinda doesn't suck. I just bought an easy out (screw extractor) set. Very first use, I shattered two drill bits in seconds. Reverted to my non HF bits and drilled the pilot holes. The HF extractor worked perfectly though to back out two 5/16-18 screws in the vice I am restoring.

 

[newbury]

They also make good "loaner" tools

 

[buckeyefarmer]

Last time I used an easy out, the easy out broke off. My next easy out was to pay someone to remove the bolt.

 

[IslandTractor]

Last time I used an easy out, the easy out broke off. My next easy out was to pay someone to remove the bolt.

I don't think I've ever used an easy out that didn't break. I suspect the reason is that I rarely use a drill press to drill out the stuck bolt and doing the drilling by hand just puts too much stress on the bit.

The last time I broke my easy out I ended up using a special small chisel to back the broken bolt out. I was impressed how well it worked compared to the easy out.

 

[dragoneggs]

I've had pretty good luck with screw extractors. I'm no expert but I the key is to get a hole drilled in the crapped up screw as big as possible and use the largest extractor. Of course you don't want to go too wide and break the walls out that you're trying to grip. The easy outs I have used don't break but sometime they twist a bit if not large enough diameter for the torque applied.

 

[MossRoad]

Okay here is a HF tool that kinda doesn't suck. I just bought an easy out (screw extractor) set. Very first use, I shattered two drill bits in seconds. Reverted to my non HF bits and drilled the pilot holes. The HF extractor worked perfectly though to back out two 5/16-18 screws in the vice I am restoring.

View attachment 496617

I've got that same set. I agree, the bits suck. I broke one first use, too. :laughing:

 

[sixdogs]

Maybe it's just me but HF needs to put some new and different items in it's coupon and sale fliers. Time to shuffle things up so it's not the same old predictable items time after time. But maybe it's just me.

 

[dragoneggs]

Maybe it's just me but HF needs to put some new and different items in it's coupon and sale fliers. Time to shuffle things up so it's not the same old predictable items time after time. But maybe it's just me.

That would be nice but remember they buy by the boat load and have quite the distribution and marketing machine allowing to move through their inventory. Adding a new item to their repertoire is probably more trouble and risk than it may seem. They have it wired for sure.

 

[Travelover]

Maybe it's just me but HF needs to put some new and different items in it's coupon and sale fliers. Time to shuffle things up so it's not the same old predictable items time after time. But maybe it's just me.

Yea, especially the free items. What's a guy to do with 50 flashlights? :laughing:

 

[sixdogs]

Yea, especially the free items. What's a guy to do with 50 flashlights? :laughing:

Put 'em with the other 35 free ones?

 

[California]

My wife grabbed some as prizes for her students. They loved them!

 

[94BULLITT]

I've had pretty good luck with screw extractors. I'm no expert but I the key is to get a hole drilled in the crapped up screw as big as possible and use the largest extractor. Of course you don't want to go too wide and break the walls out that you're trying to grip. The easy outs I have used don't break but sometime they twist a bit if not large enough diameter for the torque applied.

Getting the hole drilled in the center of the bolt is very important.

 

[California]

Getting the hole drilled in the center of the bolt is very important.

Agree.

Center punch the h*** out of it. You might have to grind the stub flat to do this. And be sure to use a left-handed drill bit.

For my last project like this I bought a premium drill bit and ez-out from an industrial-supply place. For most projects HF tools are 'good enough' but this was a broken stud in an engine front cover where botching the job would cost hundreds to remedy. With good tools everything went according to plan. Here's a post I made describing the project including a photo. That wasn't supposed to break.

 

[TheMan419]

Ok so I found a website that claims the coupons they have are legit. And that I can get a bunch of cheap stuff for free with no additional purchase required? True statement?

Yes I realize the flashlight and multi meter will be junky but likely good to keep in the tractor tool box for emergency.