Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[PJSprog]

I've been using this Cen-Tech multimeter for about 10-ish years. Had the previous version for another 10 years that worked just fine until I dropped it face-down on a concrete floor in my basement. I've had no trouble at all with the new one, but the continuity tone could definitely be louder ... and maybe a different frequency that doesn't blend so well with my tinnitus.

 

[PhysAssist]

As I mentioned, the Coot is an antique UTV it weighs about 1000#, so yeah, I'd say the X20 is overkill (what I'm seeing are rated 10,000# and up). Plus the 16 Amp alternator on the 16 HP Briggs V-Twin engine is going to have trouble keeping up.

I appreciate the lead on the smaller winches. They certainly seem to be a step up from the Harbor Freight (which I know is setting the bar rather low).

That being said, and I'm not disagreeing, BUT...
I bought the old style wired remote #3500 HF winch 6+ years ago to use as a lift motor for our snowplow, which started out weighing about #400, but with multiple rebuilds from impact damage [we had a lot of stumps along our driveway that have since been re-mediated], rust, and general improvements, it's now probably #500-600+- not counting the truck mounts, and it just died this winter,and although I could have rebuilt it I bought one of these instead: 25 lb. ATV/Utility Electric Winch with Wireless Remote Control

 

[frugalangler]

was working in the shop the other day, and had to tack some metal together, so used my HF 120V spot welder, I have to say it's also one of those that not only doesn't suck, but it's actually very good. my only regret is that I didn't get the 220V version but at the time I needed something to do a job fast and I didn't have 220V readily available, so went the 120V route, but it's tacked stuff I'd not have expected it to.

120 Volt Spot Welder

 

[tjkubota93]

I don’t think I stand much chance with my more than 10 yo Fluke 117

LIMITED WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
This Fluke product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for three years from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover fuses, disposable bat- teries, or damage from accident, neglect, misuse, alteration, contamination, or abnor- mal conditions of operation or handling. Resellers are not authorized to extend any other warranty on Fluke’s behalf. To obtain service during the warranty period, contact your nearest Fluke authorized service center to obtain return authorization information, then send the product to that Service Center with a description of the problem.
THIS WARRANTY IS YOUR ONLY REMEDY. NO OTHER WARRANTIES, SUCH AS FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. FLUKE IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUEN- TIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES, ARISING FROM ANY CAUSE OR THEORY. Since some states or countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of an implied warranty or of incidental or consequential damages, this limitation of liability may not apply to you.

I don't know the specifics, I had a fluke 73 I bought used on ebay quit working. Listed it for parts and someone messaged me saying it was lifetime warranty. I sent it for repairs and sold it for twice as much after receiving a fixed meter. Maybe the warranty was only on that model or they changed their policy? Either way I was happy. They gave me no grief at all.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I've got a bad 73 and a AN/77.. Have to call them and check this out.

 

[jdom84]

without having to read all 827+ pages of this thread... how do you know which tools have been discussed already? :confused3:

 

[PJSprog]

without having to read all 827+ pages of this thread... how do you know which tools have been discussed already? :confused3:

If you're looking for something specific, you can use the search tool for this thread.

Otherwise, happy reading.

 

[Travelover]

without having to read all 827+ pages of this thread... how do you know which tools have been discussed already? :confused3:

I've asked people to include the item number in the post to make it easier to search, but not everyone does, plus numbers change with suppliers. Definitely use the search function.

 

[4get gto]

without having to read all 827+ pages of this thread... how do you know which tools have been discussed already? :confused3:

I would hope nobody has a hissy fit if it was talked about before. Heck most everything on TBN gets discussed 3-4 times a year.

 

[jdom84]

Very true... see the same things pop up over and over all the time. I was mostly thinking it would be cool to have an index. The search works to a point, but sometimes brings up so much other stuff that I go ADD and end up on a different thought.

I have found that reading reviews of items where they are sold is a waste of time... But when people in the field are reviewing these things after they have put them to work, you can trust them a bit more (sometimes).


Anyways, couple months ago, I bought a harbor freight air grease gun and have had good luck with it. Like other grease guns, people complain about busting off zerks... but you can loosen the tip on this one and get it off with out any damage to the zerk. I was going to get a lock-n-lube tip but after seeing you can just loosen this tip, Ill hold off on buying it. It cost more than the tool does. I have always treated HF tools like they are disposable but have been surprised how long some of the stuff last.