Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[dragoneggs]

I like the paddle switches for when working above my head. Last time I was grinding on my back under a trailer with out one, I dropped it and it landed 3 inches from my ear running like a scolded ape with the slide trigger locked on.

Yep it is a huge safety thing and what I like least on the HF cheapo grinders. Not to mention the side switch is finicky on turning onff easily.

 

[aczlan]

Yep it is a huge safety thing and what I like least on the HF cheapo grinders. Not to mention the side switch is finicky on turning onff easily.

I agree, I have no interest in buying one without a paddle switch.

Aaron Z

 

[IslandTractor]

I agree, I have no interest in buying one without a paddle switch.

Aaron Z

My welding instructor was a retired ironworker. He lost control of a grinder once on the fortieth floor of a building under construction and had to watch, horrified, as it flew out and down to the ground. Apparently nothing worse came of the incident but it sure drives home the unexpected ways that power tools can be dangerous.

 

[California]

I used an air drill recently and was impressed with its torque but even more impressed by how it stops instantly, unlike an electric drill or particularly a Skillsaw that has enough inertia to remain dangerous after you let go of the trigger.

 

[crazyal]

I have a Black and Decker 3/4" drill from a very long time ago. It's one of the D handle drills where the handle with the trigger is about a foot long. The thing is huge and turns at about 1 revolution per hour, ok not that slow it it's real slow. I was told it was used for drilling holes for rivets on bridges. That thing takes a good minute to come to a stop and because it's geared so low if it catches either you move or the bit breaks. I hasn't been used in decades but it was my grandfathers so sooner or later I'll clean it up and hang it on the wall.

 

[DFB]

All my newest cordless tools drills and especially the circ saws all have instant braking. I have a lock on slide switch cordless grinder (was the only option back when I got it) but since then there been 2 paddle switch versions and the latest one with brake. That is the type I want next

 

[KubotainNH]

I think I would try this one over the new HF one. Paddle switch, easy move guard and 3 year warranty for $5 more. Ratings are good too. It even comes with 2 guards, one for cutting and one for grinding.

PORTER-CABLE PC6�TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool - Power Angle Grinders - Amazon.com

 

[California]

I think I would try this one over the new HF one. Paddle switch, easy move guard and 3 year warranty for $5 more. Ratings are good too. It even comes with 2 guards, one for cutting and one for grinding.

PORTER-CABLE PC6�TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool - Power Angle Grinders - Amazon.com

The reviews on that one look excellent, also the specs. I think it's well worth paying $5 more than the not-quite-as-good HF grinder. But I don't see electric brake listed.

 

[KubotainNH]

The reviews on that one look excellent, also the specs. I think it's well worth paying $5 more than the not-quite-as-good HF grinder. But I don't see electric brake listed.

Does the HF one have electric brake?

 

[California]

I don't think either has electric brake. Anybody?