Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

Garandman · Jan 11, 2016

dieselcrawler said:
Isn't that that a waste of old tin and used plywood?

They use it partly to camouflage the installation: during the 2011 ice storm that went through central MA. NH and CT, there were incidents of generators being stolen while people were away at work.

We have a longer cable so we can keep the generators behind a locked gate, and in our line of sight. Easier to refuel in bad weather as well.

Garandman · Jan 11, 2016

dieselcrawler said:
Isn't that that a waste of old tin and used plywood?

They use it partly to camouflage the installation: during the 2011 ice storm that went through central MA. NH and CT, there were incidents of generators being stolen while people were away at work.

We have a longer cable so we can keep the generators behind a locked gate, and in our line of sight. Easier to refuel in bad weather as well.

dieselcrawler · Jan 11, 2016

I live at an intersection of a gravel road and 2 lane black top. The gravel road separates our house and barn, and the barn is where the generator is stored and used. Nice lean-to roof area to run the generator, but then it's fully visible to everyone. Yup, it gets chained up when it's out in use. And fully visible from my bedroom window and meny others from the house. And well within range of any handy firearm.

Threepoint · Jan 11, 2016

Garandman said:
Price just went up but still a good deal. I had a coupon so paid $279 plus plywood.
1720 lb. Capacity 48 in. x 96 in. Super Duty Folding Trailer

The bearings come in a preservative. The directions are very clear that you must clean and repack the bearings, but some people don't. Took about 5 hours to build. I added a ground wire to the wiring harness and soldered all the connections. Coated the plywood with rubberized paint.

Nice. How do you load your snowmachine?

sixdogs · Jan 12, 2016

That's not my sled and I can't speak for the owner but I have loaded many that way. Only the first time is the issue because of no snow. After that, you load and unload on a snowbank. You can put them in the back of a pickup that way. Piece of cake.

Probably the first loading is to back the trailer tires into a ditch and that brings the bed close enough to the ground.

sixdogs · Jan 12, 2016

That's not my sled and I can't speak for the owner but I have loaded many that way. Only the first time is the issue because of no snow. After that, you load and unload on a snowbank. You can put them in the back of a pickup that way. Piece of cake.

Probably the first loading is to back the trailer tires into a ditch and that brings the bed close enough to the ground.

Garandman · Jan 12, 2016

Threepoint said:
Nice. How do you load your snowmachine?

It tips (you can see the pins at front) so you can drive it right on.

That sled is a big girl: over 700 lbs wet. Handled great.

Threepoint · Jan 12, 2016

Garandman said:
It tips (you can see the pins at front) so you can drive it right on.

That sled is a big girl: over 700 lbs wet. Handled great.

Thanks, I wondered if you tipped the trailer. Must take a light touch to stop the sled right at top dead center of the pivot point! :thumbsup:

woodlandfarms · Jan 25, 2016

I have a "quality" code reader for my vehicles. Found it was the cheapest way to deal with my wife not putting on the gas cap tight.

Well, last night my F150 threw an ABS code and of course my reader is not in this state. Wondering if I just purchase another "quality" reader or if something like this does the same job

OBD II & CAN Code Reader with Multilingual Menu

woodlandfarms · Jan 25, 2016

Well, now this really threw me.... Seems like HF is greatly overcharging for their product

Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

aczlan · Jan 25, 2016

To just read basic codes, I use a bluetooth OBD-II reader and an app on my phone (such as Torque) or on my laptop (such as TouchScan).
IIRC, the OBD-II reader was $15ish.

Aaron Z

DFB · Jan 25, 2016

woodlandfarms said:
I have a "quality" code reader for my vehicles. Found it was the cheapest way to deal with my wife not putting on the gas cap tight.

Well, last night my F150 threw an ABS code and of course my reader is not in this state. Wondering if I just purchase another "quality" reader or if something like this does the same job

OBD II & CAN Code Reader with Multilingual Menu

woodlandfarms said:
Well, now this really threw me.... Seems like HF is greatly overcharging for their product

Amazon.com: Autel MaxiScan MS300 CAN Diagnostic Scan Tool for OBDII Vehicles: Automotive

I don't believe either read ABS codes.

The Autel looks very similar to the one I have, the Performance Tool W2977 It was $16 on sale at Summit Racing a while back.

94BULLITT · Jan 27, 2016

woodlandfarms said:
I have a "quality" code reader for my vehicles. Found it was the cheapest way to deal with my wife not putting on the gas cap tight.

Well, last night my F150 threw an ABS code and of course my reader is not in this state. Wondering if I just purchase another "quality" reader or if something like this does the same job

OBD II & CAN Code Reader with Multilingual Menu

Most generic scan tools will not retrieve abs codes. You are going to need something like this. What year is the truck?

woodlandfarms · Jan 28, 2016

I am starting a post on the OBD issue here

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/351569-obdii-abs-scan-tools-wifi.html#post4355422

woodlandfarms · Jan 28, 2016

I am starting a post on the OBD issue here

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/parts-repairs/351569-obdii-abs-scan-tools-wifi.html#post4355422

paulsharvey · Jan 28, 2016

Does anyone like their 11-1/2 X 7-1/2 X 4-1/2 ALUMINUM CASE as a pistol case. I actually was all set to get one, until I looked at in person. Seemed a bit tall/deep for my use.

paulsharvey · Jan 28, 2016

paulsharvey said:
Does anyone like their 11-1/2 X 7-1/2 X 4-1/2 ALUMINUM CASE as a pistol case. I actually was all set to get one, until I looked at in person. Seemed a bit tall/deep for my use.

11-1/2 x 7-1/2 x 4-1/2 Aluminum Case

Garandman · Jan 28, 2016

We use them for tools. Meh.

I buy used Zero Halliburton aluminum cases on eBay. Strong and water resistant.

lomita · Jan 28, 2016

I agree the HF case is nice but a little deep although adding foam can take care of that.
Thrift stores sometimes have alumium cases that were originaly used for toys. I picked up this one (see pic) for $7.99. The case was made to hold poker chips and cards, I removed them

and added foam. I have bought others for as little as $2.99.

lomita · Jan 28, 2016

I agree the HF case is nice but a little deep although adding foam can take care of that.
Thrift stores sometimes have alumium cases that were originaly used for toys. I picked up this one (see pic) for $7.99. The case was made to hold poker chips and cards, I removed themView attachment 455193 View attachment 455194 and added foam. I have bought others for as little as $2.99.