Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[bcp]

Hardware stores around here stock the double-ended 5/16 bits, with the sprung ball in the side, in many different combinations.

Bruce

 

[Oaktree]

Hardware stores around here stock the double-ended 5/16 bits, with the sprung ball in the side, in many different combinations.

Good to know, I've got several of these (not HF ones) with missing/chewed-up bits...never knew they made replacement ones. I'll have to look next time I'm out.

 

[Travelover]

I got the free 6 piece set of bungee cords the other day. Not bad for the price...lol. At least they have metal ends with little caps on the sharp ends. Always handy for something and comes in a nice plastic jar - good for fastener storage. Digital Savings and Coupons from Harbor Freight

 

[JRobyn]

My SIL "borrowed" my air hose a while back, so I got a replacement when I was at HF the other day. One of these -

1/4 in. x 25 ft. Coiled Polyurethane Air Hose

should be at the end of the hose for every pneumatic finish nailer, tire chuck, and air nozzle/blow gun. Very flexible, surprisingly long, substantially larger than the cheapy yellow ones, come with a swivel end, and are cheap! I now have 4 (and SIL has 1).

 

[bcp]

I didn't like my experience with those coiled hoses. OK with something heavy, but set down a blow nozzle, and it recoils out of reach.

Bruce

 

[Rock Crawler]

I didn't like my experience with those coiled hoses. OK with something heavy, but set down a blow nozzle, and it recoils out of reach.

Bruce

1/4" is to small to effectively run your impact. Your impact will be weak as all get out on a 1/4" supply. I run the 1/2" black pipe to my fittings and then 1/2" sure line.

 

[TheMan419]

I have 3 or 4 already.

They are actually quite durable. I also have 3 sets of there free 6 screwdriver sets, also decent. I don't mind grinding them up for special projects.

The 6 free screw drivers are awesome. For light use having sets located in places that are not just my shop is good. Nicer screw drivers in the shop.

Yes also good for making modifications to get a project done if needed.... they were free after all.

 

[whitepine2]

I didn't like my experience with those coiled hoses. OK with something heavy, but set down a blow nozzle, and it recoils out of reach.

Bruce

Another thing don't weld around them a spark will burn right through,melt like butter.

 

[PhysAssist]

One of the most useful "cheap" tools I have found is the $19.99 reciprocating saw. I have had 3 or 4 of these over the years. (Yes I consider them "disposable"). For a 20 dollar bill I can use, abuse, destroy, and do it again a few times. Then I go buy another. They ussually last about a year or so, depending on how much abuse. This past "time to replace", I decided to get a Ryobi one, 1/3 more power, some nicer features... What a POS !... First time using it, broke the blade holder... Took it back the next day and got another... 60 miles RT (had to get other materials anyway). The second wasn't any better, the reciprocating shaft would bend when any pressure is applied (and I mean just a little). Got another $20 special (really $16 w/ 20% off). Serves my purpose well. I think I'm gonna try the next better "industrial" one next time around.

I concur- I'm on my 3rd, I think, because I only reach for it, when there's no other way [I can think of] to get whatever it is cut off.

I prefer almost anything to reciprocating saws- unless it's THE right too for the job...

BTW, has anyone seen the new [to me anyway] DeWalt reciprocating saw blades that you can snap/break off about 1.5- 2 inches out from the attachment point to the saw- leaving the longer piece with a new attachment point, so you basically throw away the used up/dulled area closest to the saw and have a new [shorter] saw blade to continue with.

If anyone has tried them, are they resistant to breaking off prematurely- like while in use?

PA

 

[California]

Not HF but Tractor Supply: a LED flashlight/flat panel worklight. 300 lumens. Bigger than a flattened D-cell flashlight. Cost $3.19.

Look in Tractor Supply's specials/closeout bin by the register. I tried it then bought a second one. It's bright!

There's a folding foot to tilt it toward your work. Magnets on the bottom and back. A hook folds out from the top. Finally, a big pocket clip.

These show as closed-out on TSC's website so no mailorder.

Here's a review with photos. $5 Jobsmart LED Work Light Review | For B Bodies Only Classic Mopar Forum

I should have bought several for Christmas presents!