Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Rock Crawler]

Regarding HF cordless items, is Bauer (red) or Hercules (blue) if reasonable quality, or are both to be avoided? I have a 15 or 20 year old DeWalt 18V kit (drill, circular saw, saws all and flashlight in a hard case) that still works great, but the batteries are miserable, expensive, don't last long per charge and go bad often.

Maybe I should go buy a new Lithium DeWalt kit for $500 and go another 20 years?

 

[John_Mc]

You can get the batteries rebuilt. I think it generally runs about half the cost of new ones. Lots of places online where you can send them, or at least in our area, the Interstate Battery outlet does it. Or you can buy the cells and do it yourself (I did an old NiCad cordless tool battery years ago. I have not attempted a newer Lithium-ion - many of the better brands have some electronics in the battery that communicates with the tool, which may complicate things a bit)

 

[sixdogs]

Speaking of tamper proof screws, here's a security bit set that I'm glad I have. It's got every security or odd bit I ever came across as well as some more normal ones. Most recently, I had to install a license plate on a trailer and needed it and my folding knife had an odd adjustment screw. The refrigerator has an odd adjustment screw.




1 Pc Security Bit Set with Case


These cost around $8 with a coupon but I have seen them on specials and sidewalk sales for less.

 

[CoachEarl]

Speaking of tamper proof screws, here's a security bit set that I'm glad I have. It's got every security or odd bit I ever came across as well as some more normal ones. Most recently, I had to install a license plate on a trailer and needed it and my folding knife had an odd adjustment screw. The refrigerator has an odd adjustment screw.

View attachment 544183


1 Pc Security Bit Set with Case


These cost around $8 with a coupon but I have seen them on specials and sidewalk sales for less.

I have that set and use it very often. No problems at all.

 

[PhysAssist]

Regarding HF cordless items, is Bauer (red) or Hercules (blue) if reasonable quality, or are both to be avoided? I have a 15 or 20 year old DeWalt 18V kit (drill, circular saw, saws all and flashlight in a hard case) that still works great, but the batteries are miserable, expensive, don't last long per charge and go bad often.

Maybe I should go buy a new Lithium DeWalt kit for $500 and go another 20 years?

I have had the same experience with my DeWalt 18V NiCad drill/saw kit- they were great when new, but the power goes away too quickly- unfortunately- as Johnny Mc says changing them to Li-ion is not really easily do-able

That's why I started buying refurb Hitachi Li-ion stuff from Big Sky Tools- they have great prices periodically- you just have to sign up for their email list and keep an eye on the comparison pricings.

I started buying from them when we had our barn built in '12- they overhead door installers beat the living snot out of the Hitachi refurb impact-drivers they were using, so I asked and they were all too happy to brag on how cheaply they got them, and how well they held up in their professional use of them.

I have never been disappointed or had a problem with them, and my Hitachi impact-driver gets used constantly [prolly more often than it should be--- ]- and the above posts re: hex to socket driver bits are true for me too.

 

[PhysAssist]

I have that set and use it very often. No problems at all.

I have the smaller 33 piece set and likewise- it has made me able to tamper with lots of stuff I prolly shouldn't be... :confused2:

I looked more closely at that 100 piece set, end by my count close to 40 of those bits are just plain standard Phillips and straight or hexagonal screwdriver bits that are prolly redundant for most of us.

I don't think there were any like that in the 33 piece set.

Just sayin'

 

[newbury]

Those things are great, haven't broken one yet but do seem to lose them. I should buy some more.

I use them extensively, I "built" my trailer enclosure, which goes from a flatbed equipment trailer (so I can haul my M4700),


to one with side racks





to an enclosed cargo trailer



with about 50 to 100 flat U bolts and rely on my DeWALT 20V Max and that adapter to a deep 7/16 socket for assembly, dissasembly. Without that my wrist would die turning the wrench.

Regarding HF cordless items, is Bauer (red) or Hercules (blue) if reasonable quality, or are both to be avoided? I have a 15 or 20 year old DeWalt 18V kit (drill, circular saw, saws all and flashlight in a hard case) that still works great, but the batteries are miserable, expensive, don't last long per charge and go bad often.

Maybe I should go buy a new Lithium DeWalt kit for $500 and go another 20 years?

NO!!! buy the adapter and just some new batteries. You can get the adapter, a charger and 2 batteries for about $100.

 

[Threepoint]

The current 44" toolbox depth is listed as 18 1/2" deep -vs- 22" highlighted in the coupon. The current 56" is 22" deep...

The text in the coupon mentions "Series 2", as seen on some of the new 30" 5-drawer mechanic's carts.
--

Good point, another $100 for an inch and a half.

Actually 3-1/2", if they are measuring both the same way. In fact, maybe even 4". My 44" cabinet measures 18", rather than 18-1/2", and that's measuring from the back to the face of the drawer pulls.

BTW, I ended up getting the discontinued "End Cabinet" after all. :thumbsup: Just yesterday morning, all the HF stores got the go ahead to sell their display unit on "clearance". So I bought the one in the nearest store for another $30 off: $119!

 

[lostcreekranch]

I have the smaller 33 piece set and likewise- it has made me able to tamper with lots of stuff I prolly shouldn't be... :confused2:

I looked more closely at that 100 piece set, end by my count close to 40 of those bits are just plain standard Phillips and straight or hexagonal screwdriver bits that are prolly redundant for most of us.

I don't think there were any like that in the 33 piece set.

Just sayin'

Same with me. I looked at both and was happy with the 33 piece set. Still am.

 

[aeblank]

I use them extensively, I "built" my trailer enclosure, which goes from a flatbed equipment trailer (so I can haul my M4700),
View attachment 544200

to one with side racks

View attachment 544195

View attachment 544196

to an enclosed cargo trailer

View attachment 544197

with about 50 to 100 flat U bolts and rely on my DeWALT 20V Max and that adapter to a deep 7/16 socket for assembly, dissasembly. Without that my wrist would die turning the wrench.


NO!!! buy the adapter and just some new batteries. You can get the adapter, a charger and 2 batteries for about $100.

Links please! Sounds super interesting

 

[PhysAssist]

NO!!! buy the adapter and just some new batteries. You can get the adapter, a charger and 2 batteries for about $100.

Hey Newbury,

Do you mean that you've found Li-ion batteries that will fit an old DeWalt that came with NiCads?

Otherwise buying new batteries doesn't seem worth it- it'll just happen again.

 

[newbury]

I was ispired by another thread with this link to Weldingweb:<snip>.

I must have hit this thread a hundred times and this is the first time I noticed "ispired"

 

[newbury]

Hey Newbury,

Do you mean that you've found Li-ion batteries that will fit an old DeWalt that came with NiCads?

Otherwise buying new batteries doesn't seem worth it- it'll just happen again.

No I meant 18V to 2V Adapter - DCA182 | DEWALT which is often packaged with a charger and 2 small 20V batteries. They are the new batteries and last longer better than the NiCads.

As I've boasted before, I've got about $3K invested in 20V max tools, batteries, chargers. Many of the bare tools are rarely used. But the batteries are frequently used. I've had one battery pack bought in 2012 that died. All the tools are great.
If I had done what I normally do - buy stuff cheap - I would have stocked up on the 18v NiCads. I was pleasantly surprised when DeWalt introduce their Flexvolt which is backward compatible with most, if not all, of my 20v Max WITHOUT an adapter.

Now if they would just come out with a pole pruner before I buy the Lynxx

 

[KubotainNH]

Regarding HF cordless items, is Bauer (red) or Hercules (blue) if reasonable quality, or are both to be avoided? I have a 15 or 20 year old DeWalt 18V kit (drill, circular saw, saws all and flashlight in a hard case) that still works great, but the batteries are miserable, expensive, don't last long per charge and go bad often.

I think only time will tell but they are lithium. Pretty impressive what they sell for tools.
Search results for: 'Bauer 2v'

 

[PhysAssist]

No I meant 18V to 2V Adapter - DCA182 | DEWALT which is often packaged with a charger and 2 small 20V batteries. They are the new batteries and last longer better than the NiCads.

As I've boasted before, I've got about $3K invested in 20V max tools, batteries, chargers. Many of the bare tools are rarely used. But the batteries are frequently used. I've had one battery pack bought in 2012 that died. All the tools are great.
If I had done what I normally do - buy stuff cheap - I would have stocked up on the 18v NiCads. I was pleasantly surprised when DeWalt introduce their Flexvolt which is backward compatible with most, if not all, of my 20v Max WITHOUT an adapter.

Now if they would just come out with a pole pruner before I buy the Lynxx

Hey Newbury,

Thanks!!

That's just what the doctor ordered

Now, I just have it figure out where I can get it, the batteries, and charger for the least scratch [and make sure mine aren't the proscribed DC970 or DC759 tools- per the website you linked]:mischievous:.

If I can't get it all for under $100, I might have to petition SWMBO for the lot as a B-day or Anniversary present.:confused3:

[Both are coming up in May.]

Thanks again! :thumbsup:
PA

 

[newbury]

Well I made an HF run, got the Lynxx Pole saw and a 4 pack of chains. The Woodbridge, Va store was cleared out of the 44" series 1 rolling tool cabinet. The sales person said they were just told yesterday, St. Patrick's day, that it was discontinued and she didn't know WHEN to expect series 2. She said there were a few of the series 1 left in the warehouse which they should get delivered next week. It was noticeable because there was a big gap in the display area where the series 1 cabinets had been.

 

[Michael Aos]

Looked like one of the local stores still had some of the End Cabinets for $149 and at least the display model of the side-locker. I can't decide if I want to pick up the end cabinet now or wait and see what Series 2 brings.

Both local stores have sold the 44" top chest display.

I ended up getting the discontinued "End Cabinet" after all. :thumbsup: Just yesterday morning, all the HF stores got the go ahead to sell their display unit on "clearance". So I bought the one in the nearest store for another $30 off: $119!
View attachment 544201

 

[Threepoint]

Well I made an HF run, got the Lynxx Pole saw and a 4 pack of chains. The Woodbridge, Va store was cleared out of the 44" series 1 rolling tool cabinet. The sales person said they were just told yesterday, St. Patrick's day, that it was discontinued and she didn't know WHEN to expect series 2. She said there were a few of the series 1 left in the warehouse which they should get delivered next week. It was noticeable because there was a big gap in the display area where the series 1 cabinets had been.

Didn't realize the local HFs stock chainsaw chains. Let us know what you think of the Lynxx pole saw.

 

[newbury]

Didn't realize the local HFs stock chainsaw chains. Let us know what you think of the Lynxx pole saw.

didn't write chainsaw chains, meant the 5/16"? x 20' trucker chains.

 

[lennyzx11]

Links please! Sounds super interesting

X2 Newbury on your enclosed trailer.

I'm thinking of doing this also for an upcoming cross country move this year.