Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[John_Mc]

When did HF stop selling individual large sockets/wrenches? This morning I went to get a 34mm/1-5/16" socket or wrench for a pitman arm nut. They had the 'front axle socket kit' which had it included, but I didn't want to buy the whole kit for $69.99, when I only needed one socket. Down side, TSC, had it, but only in 3/4" drive, and 100% sold out of 1/2" to 3/4" adapter...

I've run into similar problems in the past. Ended up having to buy a 3/4" drive socket from one store, and finding a 1/2" to 3/4" adapter at another. (HF had neither of the items)

 

[sea2summit]

When did HF stop selling individual large sockets/wrenches? This morning I went to get a 34mm/1-5/16" socket or wrench for a pitman arm nut. They had the 'front axle socket kit' which had it included, but I didn't want to buy the whole kit for $69.99, when I only needed one socket. Down side, TSC, had it, but only in 3/4" drive, and 100% sold out of 1/2" to 3/4" adapter...

Hmmm, had a wall of individual sockets when I went last weekend. I’m sure because I searched it looking for the 1/2” impact U-Joint I wanted. Don’t remember seeing big ones though.

 

[5030]

Never looked myself, but I will next time I go. Just picked up the Bauer 20 volt (tool only) right angle drill and the Bauer 20 volt pole saw (on sale, 10 bucks off) with the ITC membership, I get my money's worth with the ITC membership, well worth the annual fee for us.

I will say I have a boatload of Bayer 20 volt tools and so far none have failed. I would not recommend them for professional shop use but for the ocassional user (like me) they are fine and the price is very hard to beat as well

 

[Deleted member 371759]

Never looked myself, but I will next time I go. Just picked up the Bauer 20 volt (tool only) right angle drill and the Bauer 20 volt pole saw (on sale, 10 bucks off) with the ITC membership, I get my money's worth with the ITC membership, well worth the annual fee for us.

I will say I have a boatload of Bayer 20 volt tools and so far none have failed. I would not recommend them for professional shop use but for the ocassional user (like me) they are fine and the price is very hard to beat as well

I have the Bauer heat gun and love that thing I also have the 6 inch Bauer bench grinder that I converted over to wire wheel and use the other side to grind nothing but tungsten, also works great. We also pay for the inside track thing. Like you said it pays for itself pretty quickly. My favorite tools from HF are my Icon ratcheting wrenches. I actually would not hesitate to own those in a professional setting. I have not tried their Icon ratchets only because I'm still using a USA made Craftsman mechanics set from the late 90's

 

[5030]

I Have the Icon 1/2" drive torque wrench and I also have a Snap-On 1/2" as well and if you put them side by side with the laser etched brand name down, there is NO difference except the price. The Snap-On tool truck price is just shy of 600 bucks. The Icon store price (no coupons) is 102 bucks. The Snap-On is for sale btw.

 

[jjeff]

15k posts probably mentioned but anyways the hf side tool chest boxes are extremely handy/ decent qaulity added much needed organization to a existing 46" chest. Especially if matching aesthetics isn't your thing. Quick hack I found for mounting is use flat bar to bolt into existing holes on primary chest using washers as spacers to hook the side boxes.

 

[5030]

Their tool chests are an excellent value compared to say Snap-On or MAC.

 

[Deleted member 371759]

Im looking to get the Harbor Freight refrigerated air dryer. I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with it?

Compressed Air Dryer

Amazing deals on this Compressed Air Dryer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[5030]

Im looking to get the Harbor Freight refrigerated air dryer. I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with it?

Compressed Air Dryer

Amazing deals on this Compressed Air Dryer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I have and while it's a lot less than say a comparable IR dryer, I've had issues with mine.

First off, the start capacitor took a dump so I had to replace that and it took a dump almost right away.

Then, the fittings on the water separator are very poorly threaded and I had to take it apart and rethread them because it leaked constantly and be apprised that it does not come with either a drain hose nor a line cord, you have to supply them yourself and install them.

If you want to fiddle with it, you can get it to work correctly, but out of the box it's really not workable plus, mine came with a dented cabinet. HF ships them to your home, they are not available in stores.

Finally, HF denied any warranty which I found to be less than upstanding on their part. In fact I left a bad review on their product website. You can read it in there if you want to, unless they have deleted it.

I would suggest you spring for the IR dryer. Costs more but the fiddle factor is nil.

 

[jjeff]

Their tool chests are an excellent value compared to say Snap-On or MAC.

And cost about as much as an old beater car. a buddy of mine bought a new snap on chest I asked him if they included all the tools and a shop to put it in lol.