Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Williy]

On your pipe wrench that the teeth are bad can you use
a file or grinder to redo them? They are two pieces so you
can take them apart to work on them

willy

 

[Runner]

My dumb idea worked as good as I'd hoped... I had these magnets sitting around that are basically small magnet fishing magnets and they're the same diameter as the collar, loosened the set screw and put the magnet on and you can pull the magnet/collar off or pull the pinion shaft out but you have to be deliberate... the ratcheting method is neat and I might do that later but this was easy...

View attachment 1747141

This may not be the place to ask, but does anyone use one of these presses to punch holes in metal? I'm not talking about sheet metal, but specifically, to punch holes in steel bed frames that are otherwise impossible to drill. Maybe 1/4" holes maximum of 1/8" thick steel.

If so, what die set do you use and how well does it work.

 

[Tinhack]

This may not be the place to ask, but does anyone use one of these presses to punch holes in metal? I'm not talking about sheet metal, but specifically, to punch holes in steel bed frames that are otherwise impossible to drill. Maybe 1/4" holes maximum of 1/8" thick steel.

If so, what die set do you use and how well does it work.

Steel bed frames are typically very hard steel. Most likely a high carbon steel and full of junk. I'd be willing to bet it would take 40-50 tons or more to punch a 1/4" hole in one (if your punch die survived). The frame and die would most likely shatter like glass. Drilling can be done with carbide drill bits, but the frames are brittle and may crack or break at the hole if stressed. It can also crack if welded. The stuff isn't particularly well suited to repurposing. The scrap yard is the best place for old bed frames.

 

[rangerfredbob]

Couple weeks ago I picked up a Bauer Brushless angle grinder open box (hey, $31 wasn't bad...) and 5030 isn't kidding, the brushless version is a complete different animal from the brushed version, more rpm and power and just as smooth, the square battery mounting is kinda silly and the switch is going to take some getting used to but I like it...

I've picked up a whole bunch of their hitch pins since they've been on sale the last couple weeks, will probably grab more tomorrow while I'm in town, $1.91 is a deal...

 

[LouNY]

Couple weeks ago I picked up a Bauer Brushless angle grinder open box (hey, $31 wasn't bad...) and 5030 isn't kidding, the brushless version is a complete different animal from the brushed version, more rpm and power and just as smooth, the square battery mounting is kinda silly and the switch is going to take some getting used to but I like it...

I've picked up a whole bunch of their hitch pins since they've been on sale the last couple weeks, will probably grab more tomorrow while I'm in town, $1.91 is a deal...

I have noticed a considerable difference in the performance with the different sized batteries. On the smaller battery it was almost useless on the larger battery it was very nice.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I only have one of the small batteries, a bunch of the 3ah and a couple 5's, the brushed grinder can only use a couple bars worth of battery, the brushless with it's controller is probably more efficient if I had to guess (I do have some experience with RC airplanes and cars so I do understand it isn't just a marketing gimmick) but yes, the high amp tools appreciate the larger batteries tremendously! For the most part I just use the small battery on the portable work light (that is fantastic by the way)

 

[rgr33]

Immediate access is more important to me than the risk of something being taken by the orchard laborers who congregate there for breaks and lunch. These immigrant farm laborers are great people. Nothing has ever disappeared.

Agree with the honesty of labor crews. A couple of years ago, my Milwaukee impact wrench went missing for almost a year.
I suspected one of my vineyard crew must have appropriated it, but never asked them about it.
The following summer, I was working in the orchard, and there it was, sitting on top of a post. Yep, I instantly remembered using it for fence repair right next to the tree.

As a side note, stuck a fresh battery in it and it worked good as ever, even after enduring a very wet winter

 

[California]

The Hercules 11 amp 4.5" corded angle grinder is 50% off, $35, today Wednesday 12/18 only. Using the email '12 days of deals' coupon.

I have one, I recommend it. It is a near twin to the 11 amp DeWalt.

 

[John_Mc]

Tomorrow only, Thursday Dec 19 all Badland winches are 40% off as part of the "12 days of deals" sale.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-days-of-deals

I'd suggest getting there early if you want one.

 

[BryceSteiner]

yesterday was the highly rated Hercules Miter Saw Stand for half price. It was a great deal on a very good stand!

 

[walhondingMF]

Picked up a Bauer Portable Bandsaw. Haven't had a chance to use it. Want to make a table/stand for it. Anyone here do that yet?

 

[John_Mc]

yesterday was the highly rated Hercules Miter Saw Stand for half price. It was a great deal on a very good stand!

Yeah, I don't really NEED one of those, but I do wish I had made the trip up to get one. It would be better than the table we are using now.

 

[jyoutz]

It looks like the deal tomorrow is 40% off any electric winch.

 

[gstrom99]

It looks like the deal tomorrow is 40% off any electric winch.

Just my luck. I bought a winch there last month. Maybe I should take 'em up their Inside Deal membership...

 

[walhondingMF]

Yeah, I don't really NEED one of those, but I do wish I had made the trip up to get one. It would be better than the table we are using now.

Bought one before summer for a few side jobs. Well worth it

 

[jyoutz]

Just my luck. I bought a winch there last month. Maybe I should take 'em up their Inside Deal membership...

I saw this on their holiday 12 days of deals. They show today’s deal and the next 2 days.

 

[KubotainNH]

Picked up a Bauer Portable Bandsaw. Haven't had a chance to use it. Want to make a table/stand for it. Anyone here do that yet?

I have the Hercules version and built a temporary stand that's become somewhat permanent. It gets used quite often for cutting sheet metal. I didn't add a table as I haven't felt the need. I'll have to make something better at some point. Best add-on is a cheap foot operated switch from Amazon and Velcro to hold the bandsaw trigger on.

 

[slckeys]

I saw this on their holiday 12 days of deals. They show today’s deal and the next 2 days.

How are you seeing the next 2 days deals? I'm not. Thanks.

 

[jyoutz]

How are you seeing the next 2 days deals? I'm not. Thanks.

Go to HF website and click on 12 days of deals. Tomorrow is day 8.

 

[slckeys]

Look at that... Haha