Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Rock Crawler]

Or.... Good enough for Government work....

I also have Craftsman Pro, Mac and the $9.99 on coupon HF versions.

I work at a nuclear power plant, so we have our own calibration lab and once a year or so I bring mine in and have them tested. The HF cheap junk seems to be nearly as good as the others. They all get tweaked by the techs, but just barely.

I'll admit that the first HF 1/2" torque that I bought was total trash based on verifying it with my known calibrated tools,I took it back and exchanged it with fear and trepidation.... But the second one has been rock solid.

So start by verifying it's where it should be, exchange it if it's obviously junked, and get a good one.

 

[Diggin It]

I have the 3/8, but have no way to verify/calibrate it.

 

[aczlan]

I have the 3/8, but have no way to verify/calibrate it.

Set it to a point mid-way through its torque range, put a socket in it and clamp the socket into a vice so that the torque wrench is sticking out straight to the side, parallel to the floor. Then use a rope to hang weights enough to equal the set point of the torque wrench at 12 in from the Centerline of the socket. Or if it is long enough, half the weight of the setpoint at 24 in from the Centerline of the socket.
It should click when you put the last weight on. If not, put a little bit more weight on and see where it clicks.

If you have a hanging scale such as a fisherman's scale, you could also use that instead of the weights and pull on the scale with the other end of the scale attached to the torque wrench at 12 in from the Centerline of the socket.

Aaron Z

 

[sixdogs]

I am kind of in the market for a 1/2" torque wrench. A you tube video tested the Icon (HF) brand against Snap On. A fraction of the price and the Icon was better in accuracy and repeatibility. Plus, the case had metal hinges and hasps.

I'm surprised. My $9.95 HF torque wrench has always tested identical to two torsion-bar wrenches I compare it against, a couple of times per project. (Trust but verify. It's from HF after all! )

That accuracy is 'good enough for the girls I go with', to quote an old Carpenter buddy.

I've posted comments on the sale priced $10, 1/2 torque wrench and it is as accurate as mu high $$ brand name versions. I still only sort of trust it but it is always on when I test is. HF also makes a more expensive version that apparently turns easier. I would like that but am in no rush to trade up. My $10 wrench is now 3 or 4 years od and still on the money.

Always remember to back off your wrench to zero setting when you store it. Apparently helps with accuracy and longevity.

 

[newbury]

Yukon 46 in. Mobile Storage Cabinet with Wood Top - good or bad?

I tried a search but found only a couple of posts.
Sometimes dips down to $200. I'm needing a roller base for a Husky 36".

 

[downsizingnow48]

I looked closely at that wood top Yukon cabinet. Also could not find much info anywhere from users. Did not get it.

 

[tjkubota93]

Yukon 46 in. Mobile Storage Cabinet with Wood Top - good or bad?

I tried a search but found only a couple of posts.
Sometimes dips down to $200. I'm needing a roller base for a Husky 36".

I have it. Use it to store all my power tools, blades, drill bits, kreg stuff. On top is my little belt/disc sander and drill press. Drawers and doors are great. Shelves are ok. The wood top, is a thin wood top. Didnt expect anything as far as that goes. Its chinese, probably rubber wood or whatever they found over there that's cheap. It works fine for what it is.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Has anybody purchased one of the Daytona floor jacks, specifically the professional yellow colored one? How long have you had it? It's been compared to the Snap-on, and Snap-on sued HF, but lose the suit.
Any other Daytona floor jack owners? The 4 ton?

I have the HF 4ton. I needed it for the 7520. It works as advertised. I also have the low profile with pedal and handle lift - and the 3 ton aluminum. . . . Several yrs. All good.

 

[countrybumpkin]

They have the Portland electric pole saw on sale for 58.99 thinking of trying one, no more than I would use it figure be worth a try.

 

[LD48750]

They have the Portland electric pole saw on sale for 58.99 thinking of trying one, no more than I would use it figure be worth a try.

You realize that is a corded saw don't you?

I ask because I don't have enough extension cords to reach where I would need a poll saw.