Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[sixdogs]

Go check out a real Echo Dealer. In my experience Home Depot overprices their Echo Equipment.

ECHO - Outdoors - The Home Depot

Compare to Echo MSRP.

Tree Pruners, Long Reach Pole Pruners, Extended Reach Pruners | ECHO USA

Thank you. His is not an extended reach and that's fine with me since I'm pruning bottom branches and just want to reach in without getting ripped apart by branches. I never prune high and there are no trees here other than what I planted. All farmed.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Thank you. His is not an extended reach and that's fine with me since I'm pruning bottom branches and just want to reach in without getting ripped apart by branches. I never prune high and there are no trees here other than what I planted. All farmed.

It’s probably not a $500 pole saw then. Like I said, you might want to visit a real Echo Dealer.

If you don’t need the reach, have you considered the Lynxx battery pole saw. Much lighter.

 

[GirlWhoWantsTractor]

Was one factor in finally pulling the trigger on the tractor. Have definitely been filling in the holes on my tool collection.....have bought enough so I don't need to buy anything for quite a while.

Of course, it may not actually happen, as a lot of this talk has turned out to be bluster.

Good excuse to buy tools/equipment in any case.

 

[weldingisfun]

Do any of you have experience with the HF Lynxx 40 volt pole saw?

4V Lithium Cordless Pole Saw

I致e got an Echo pole saw that extends up to 16 but, I知 thinking the HF saw would be good for branches just above the reach of a chain saw, and way lighter too.

Can you use the 20% coupons on the Lynxx tools and batteries?

Have used one for over year . My overall rating: Excellent.
Battery goes seemingly forever and has a rapid recharge.
Cannot use the standard 20% off coupons. Wait until they are on sale or spend the extra $$. They are worth it.

 

[sixdogs]

It痴 probably not a $500 pole saw then. Like I said, you might want to visit a real Echo Dealer.

If you don稚 need the reach, have you considered the Lynxx battery pole saw. Much lighter.

I think it's this one PPF-2620 $480 retail.

Tree Pruners, Long Reach Pole Pruners, Extended Reach Pruners | ECHO USA

It will do exactly what I want. As mentioned, my plan is to use for the task and then re-sell it. It's better than renting. I would be tempted to keep it but don't understand how these saws can be durable and long term dependable. Then again, I've never used one.

You seem to know a lot about them so I would welcome any testimonial commentary or opinions or anything. I know zero about them.

 

[ThirdMan]

I have been thinking about getting an air compressor and some air tools. I have never worked with an air compressor. I need a way to get the mower blades off of my deck, and decided now was the time. My budget is pretty limited right now and this Air Tool Kit from Northern Tool looked to be decent and the reviews are positive. The impact wrench says it needs 5 CFM. The Harbor Freight 21 gallon compressor is on sale for $145 and claims 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI. Is it any good and will it run the impact wrench?

 

[lostcreekranch]

I think it's this one PPF-2620 $480 retail.

Tree Pruners, Long Reach Pole Pruners, Extended Reach Pruners | ECHO USA

It will do exactly what I want. As mentioned, my plan is to use for the task and then re-sell it. It's better than renting. I would be tempted to keep it but don't understand how these saws can be durable and long term dependable. Then again, I've never used one.

You seem to know a lot about them so I would welcome any testimonial commentary or opinions or anything. I know zero about them.

I’ve had mine for several years and it always starts on 1st or 2nd pull. All my 2-cycle tools are Echo.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Drove into Houston, actually Katy, this morning and dropped by HF to investigate their Lynxx 40 volt tools.

Used the coupon from PA to get the 40 volt polesaw for $139.

4V Lithium Cordless Pole Saw

I found a coupon to buy the Lynxx 40 Volt Blower for $119.

4V Lithium Cordless Blower

 

[PhysAssist]

Drove into Houston, actually Katy, this morning and dropped by HF to investigate their Lynxx 40 volt tools.

Used the coupon from PA to get the 40 volt polesaw for $139.

4V Lithium Cordless Pole Saw

I found a coupon to buy the Lynxx 40 Volt Blower for $119.

4V Lithium Cordless Blower

Way to go!

There are also these- [which I didn't think to post because you were asking specifically after the Pole saw]:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM 14" CORDLESS CHAIN SAW

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - $20 OFF ANY LYNXX TOOL

and you already got this one:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS BRUSHLESS BLOWER

 

[ronjhall]

Way to go!

There are also these- [which I didn't think to post because you were asking specifically after the Pole saw]:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM 14" CORDLESS CHAIN SAW

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - $20 OFF ANY LYNXX TOOL

and you already got this one:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS BRUSHLESS BLOWER

The pole saw was not in stock at my local store or one close by. Ordered pole saw and blower online. $6.99 shipping and used the above coupons. Not sure how long it will take to ship.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Way to go!

There are also these- [which I didn't think to post because you were asking specifically after the Pole saw]:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM 14" CORDLESS CHAIN SAW

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - $20 OFF ANY LYNXX TOOL

and you already got this one:

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - LYNXX 40 VOLT LITHIUM CORDLESS BRUSHLESS BLOWER

Thanks. I was going to buy a spare battery but, found the coupon for the blower so bought it and now have two batteries.

 

[aczlan]

I have been thinking about getting an air compressor and some air tools. I have never worked with an air compressor. I need a way to get the mower blades off of my deck, and decided now was the time. My budget is pretty limited right now and this Air Tool Kit from Northern Tool looked to be decent and the reviews are positive. The impact wrench says it needs 5 CFM. The Harbor Freight 21 gallon compressor is on sale for $145 and claims 4.7 CFM @ 90 PSI. Is it any good and will it run the impact wrench?

Those should work.
I have (and much prefer) the Harbor Freight Earthquake impact wrench, it has over 700 ft/lb of torque (vs the 400ish ft/lb from that gun).
I also have and like a belt driven compressor vs a direct drive compressor. The belt driven ones are much quieter, you can have a conversation while they are running (vs that one where you will want hearing protection while it's running).

Aaron Z

 

[sixdogs]

I致e had mine for several years and it always starts on 1st or 2nd pull. All my 2-cycle tools are Echo.

How does it work at various sizes of branches? Strong? Weak? Any issues or strong points?

 

[Rock Crawler]

Those should work.
I have (and much prefer) the Harbor Freight Earthquake impact wrench, it has over 700 ft/lb of torque (vs the 400ish ft/lb from that gun).
I also have and like a belt driven compressor vs a direct drive compressor. The belt driven ones are much quieter, you can have a conversation while they are running (vs that one where you will want hearing protection while it's running).

Aaron Z

So much truth in that direct drive compressor comment, I'll never in my life own one again. I've been there, done that, learned the lesson. I now use a belt drive Kobalt 60 gallon compressor.

I went with the Harbor Freight Earthquake Extreme 1190 ft/lb impact and converted to all 3/8 air hose and high flow 3/8 fittings. Wow! I typically run it with the dial turned all the way down, and it's still super easy to over tighten lug nuts. This thing is a total beast!

 

[lostcreekranch]

How does it work at various sizes of branches? Strong? Weak? Any issues or strong points?

I’ve cut 8-10” branches often but ....... I make several initial cuts farther out the limb to prevent damage to the tree. Keep the chain sharp, oil in the tank, and it will cut wood ..... like cutting butter. Let the weight of the saw do the work, you don’t need to force it.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Those should work.
I have (and much prefer) the Harbor Freight Earthquake impact wrench, it has over 700 ft/lb of torque (vs the 400ish ft/lb from that gun).
I also have and like a belt driven compressor vs a direct drive compressor. The belt driven ones are much quieter, you can have a conversation while they are running (vs that one where you will want hearing protection while it's running).

Aaron Z

Many direct drive compressors are oiless. The oil lubricated direct drive ones arent as noisey as the oiless variety. Easy to fall into the oiless trap.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Thanks. I was going to buy a spare battery but, found the coupon for the blower so bought it and now have two batteries.

Well ..... after a 150 mile round trip, to closest HF Store, I opened the pole saw box only to find that the saw bar was missing. No plastic guard either!

Can’t begin to describe how p...sed off I am now. All savings now blown in diesel fuel costs to make a second round trip to get this corrected.

How hard is it to put all the parts in the box!!!

Haven’t tried blower yet ..... just three parts ..... blower, battery, charger. Charging battery overnight.

 

[Rock Crawler]

Well ..... after a 150 mile round trip, to closest HF Store, I opened the pole saw box only to find that the saw bar was missing. No plastic guard either!

Can’t begin to describe how p...sed off I am now. All savings now blown in diesel fuel costs to make a second round trip to get this corrected.

How hard is it to put all the parts in the box!!!

Haven’t tried blower yet ..... just three parts ..... blower, battery, charger. Charging battery overnight.

I would see if it's possible to contact them and ask if they can ship you the missing parts. Maybe they do not do that kind of thing, but I think in your unfortunate position, I would try...

 

[California]

Many direct drive compressors are oiless. The oil lubricated direct drive ones arent as noisey as the oiless variety. Easy to fall into the oiless trap.

I can't imagine anything louder than my HF direct drive oil lubricated compressor, an earlier 10 gallon version of this present model.

It's unpleasant, deafening - even located beyond the end of the workbench at the back of the tractor stall.

I see there are two different current models. The plastic cover faces the user and is like a megaphone on this one, and mine. Maybe the other version with the cover opening to the rear is a little quieter.

That said, I think these are the practical minimum in cost and capacity that can run that impact wrench.

 

[California]

Well ..... after a 150 mile round trip, to closest HF Store, I opened the pole saw box only to find that the saw bar was missing. No plastic guard either!

Can't begin to describe how p...sed off I am now.

And if they are as unreasonable as I have occasionally encountered, they will require you to return your entire kit as-received in exchange for another kit. Instead of pulling the missing parts from one on the shelf.

I broke 1/2" ratchets twice in the cheap $10 socket/ratchet kit and had turn in the whole kit for exchange - both times - when just a ratchet exchange would have been sufficient.