Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[defranks]

I just bought a Pierce finish nailer from HF. I dropped it and broke the nose-piece off; the bit that operates the safety. I kept using it by cutting a small block of wood to hold the safety up, but I tried to buy a replacement part, which wasn't available. Because the nailer was still under warranty, though, HF replaced it, even though the damage was my fault, not really a defect in the nail gun. It sure would have been cheaper for them if they'd stocked the part. It's probably a five dollar part and I would have bought two or three, because I think it's likely I'll break another one.

BTW- Has anyone here used their hardwood floor nailer? I'm about to start putting flooring down and I can buy their nailer for $150, less than it will cost to rent one. The reviews look pretty good, but I know they exclude some reviews on their website.

 

[hunt4570]

I just bought a Pierce finish nailer from HF. I dropped it and broke the nose-piece off; the bit that operates the safety. I kept using it by cutting a small block of wood to hold the safety up, but I tried to buy a replacement part, which wasn't available. Because the nailer was still under warranty, though, HF replaced it, even though the damage was my fault, not really a defect in the nail gun. It sure would have been cheaper for them if they'd stocked the part. It's probably a five dollar part and I would have bought two or three, because I think it's likely I'll break another one.

BTW- Has anyone here used their hardwood floor nailer? I'm about to start putting flooring down and I can buy their nailer for $150, less than it will cost to rent one. The reviews look pretty good, but I know they exclude some reviews on their website.

Everybody excludes reviews from their websites... Amazon excluded one of mine and so I'll no longer review any of the stuff I get from them, good or bad..

I did buy the Banks roofing nailer from HF and it works great, done 2 small roofs with it already..

 

[Fallon]

Yep. That’s why I have stuck with Ryobi. I have tools I bought 15 plus years ago that work with batteries I bought recently. I know Ryobi is not the high end stuff but it works for my uses and they keep using the same batteries.

Same. Have a ton of Ryobi One+ gear. Manufacturers love cordless tools as it locks you into a battery platform. The ones that keep changing battery platforms loose the lock in & alienate customers.

 

[sodamo]

Same. Have a ton of Ryobi One+ gear. Manufacturers love cordless tools as it locks you into a battery platform. The ones that keep changing battery platforms loose the lock in & alienate customers.

Same here.
Had the craftsman 19.2v for years, upgraded from nicad to lithiums, then the tools started disappearing and couldn’t get new ones. Switched to Ryobi. Seriously considered the higher end but just couldn’t justify when I could buy a replacement Ryobi and still be less expensive. I only had to do that once so far, but from time to time I’ll add a new tool, even get a new battery when on sale.

 

[Wasmeneh]

I have had a hardwood dloor nailer from HF for at least 15 years and it has performed very well. Probably have put down 2000 square feet with it with no issues. Would buy one again. This was the bottom of the line model, all they had at the time.

 

[dragoneggs]

Well my 'don't suck' HF retractable air hose is starting to suck (actually blow). Really liked it but the hose is drying and cracking and now leaking at the quick connect if I bend it so. Not sure how long I have had it but it doesn't see sun and not used daily and it is only about 7-8 years old. Would like hoses to last 20 years at least with easy use... is this an unreasonable request?

 

[3Ts]

Well my 'don't suck' HF retractable air hose is starting to suck (actually blow). Really liked it but the hose is drying and cracking and now leaking at the quick connect if I bend it so. Not sure how long I have had it but it doesn't see sun and not used daily and it is only about 7-8 years old. Would like hoses to last 20 years at least with easy use... is this an unreasonable request?

View attachment 653905 View attachment 653904

I have the identical hose and reel, and the same crack in the hose in the same place. I also have a reel that wobbles but not sure whether it came that way or something i did to it. I ended up replacing the whole thing, but kept the hose and cut off the ends and put on a new fitting. You'll want a 3/8" hose barb to 1/4" NPT

 

[herm0016]

mine hose reel did the same, I replaced all the hose with flexzilla hose and it works great.

 

[dragoneggs]

mine hose reel did the same, I replaced all the hose with flexzilla hose and it works great.

...just found it on Amazon. Bought it and its on its way! $32.55 plus tax. Cheaper that replacing the whole thing and made in USA! Guess I will be adding lime green to the color palette in my shop.

Amazon.com: Flexzilla Air Hose, 3/8 in. x 5 ft., 1/4 in. MNPT Fittings, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Hybrid, ZillaGreen - HFZ385YW2: Automotive

 

[herm0016]

...just found it on Amazon. Bought it and its on its way! $32.55 plus tax. Cheaper that replacing the whole thing and made in USA! Guess I will be adding lime green to the color palette in my shop.

Amazon.com: Flexzilla Air Hose, 3/8 in. x 5 ft., 1/4 in. MNPT Fittings, Heavy Duty, Lightweight, Hybrid, ZillaGreen - HFZ385YW2: Automotive

Same exact hose i ordered. don't forget some fittings to replace the hose from the reel to the compressor.

 

[5030]

I see Mr. Schmid has extended all the coupons from last month's flyer into this month and that includes all the inside track stuff as well.

far as the hose cracking at the fittings, go to your local hardware emporium, aka: big box store and buy coil springs that will fit over the fitting ends. The spring eliminates the kink that eventually causes the hose to split at the fitting junction.

 

[dragoneggs]

I see Mr. Schmid has extended all the coupons from last month's flyer into this month and that includes all the inside track stuff as well.

far as the hose cracking at the fittings, go to your local hardware emporium, aka: big box store and buy coil springs that will fit over the fitting ends. The spring eliminates the kink that eventually causes the hose to split at the fitting junction.

Might help for next time, but as I examined the hose, it has micro cracks everywhere. I was going to cut off the fitting and go get a new fitting crimped on at my local hydraulic/hose shop but the hose is too far gone.

 

[BukitCase]

Same here; I have 3 of the 50' spring return reels and 2 25's, I think there's ONE that I haven't changed hose on (only because it doesn't get used as much) - the black "diablo" hoses don't seem to last much longer before the cracks start. They're quite a bit cheaper than so-called high quality hoses (one I bought was 5 TIMES what the HF Diablo's are with a coupon), so I tend to consider it a "cost of doing biz" -

The last year or so, I've been lowering the spring return tension to the point that it almost needs help taking up the last couple feet; I'm not sure if that'll make much difference, but it shouldn't HURT - my LABTYD philosophy (Life's A *****, Then You Die) appears to be as true as ever ... Steve

 

[5030]

Might help for next time, but as I examined the hose, it has micro cracks everywhere. I was going to cut off the fitting and go get a new fitting crimped on at my local hydraulic/hose shop but the hose is too far gone.

Chalk it up to to the 'Chineseum' rubber.

 

[WW2017]

I posted this several posts back but didn't get a response. Can anyone offer an opinion:

Has any one tried the CenTech Timing light. I need to check the timing on my 861. Was going to static time it but since I've never done this, I was wondering if the light could just confirm I hadn't screwed something up

 

[hunt4570]

I posted this several posts back but didn't get a response. Can anyone offer an opinion:

Has any one tried the CenTech Timing light. I need to check the timing on my 861. Was going to static time it but since I've never done this, I was wondering if the light could just confirm I hadn't screwed something up

I have an old Penske I think timing light and I don't think I've touched it in 25 years..

 

[defranks]

A timing light is so simple that even a really cheap one should work just fine. So long as it works out of the box, it should work to check your timing. There are no guarantees how long a HF timing light will work, but I have several of their free multi-meters that continue to function properly.

 

[5030]

Those free meters are the pinnacle of cheap but they do keep working, I have a couple.

 

[hunt4570]

Those free meters are the pinnacle of cheap but they do keep working, I have a couple.

I think we all do..:laughing:

 

[KubotainNH]

I have an old Penske I think timing light and I don't think I've touched it in 25 years..

I have a Craftsman I bought 25+ years ago. Last car I used it on was an 84 Chrysler 2.2l. I may have used it on occasion to test spark on other things but that's a rarity. WW could probably get a quality one super cheap on E-bay.