Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[IslandTractor]

I probably managed to get two bad ones out of same manufacturing run. I was really hoping it would work as I thought it would be handy for numerous tasks. They both did have a lot of power but, the vibration and setting my glove on fire kinda soured me on the tool.

Having my glove go up in flames would alter my perception of the value/quality of a tool too. I've actually had fairly decent luck with their grinders, I own a bunch as I figure they are disposable at $15 each but haven't killed one yet. Different story with their utility pumps....

 

[Big Barn]

I've not heard of using a die grinder with a wire wheel. Is that common? I only use carbide burrs or small sanding disks which require far less power to run. I use angle grinders when using wire wheels. Was the tool a POS or was it asked to do something it wasn't designed to do?

Die grinders work really well for wire brushing. The small size enables you to get in corners really well.



Terry

 

[IslandTractor]

Die grinders work really well for wire brushing. The small size enables you to get in corners really well.

View attachment 458137

Terry

Appreciate the education and examples.

 

[lostcreekranch]

Die grinders work really well for wire brushing. The small size enables you to get in corners really well.

View attachment 458137

Terry

Yep, use them on my pneumatic die grinders all the time. No muss, no fuss, no bother. Just didn't work with the HF Electric version. Never had a tool light my gloves on fire before. BTW they were HF blue western safety gloves. Oh well?

 

[94BULLITT]

I almost forgot one I can't do without and recommend everyone has. The Security Bit set. Invaluable when you need one. There's a 10-12 piece and a 100 piece set. They're actually cheap enough to have both. Work really well, although you have to provide your own 1/4" driver or wrench. I think the small set is $3 and large $6

They are a nice set for the money especially since they have some odd ball bits. I have found they will not hold up to an impact driver.

 

[Big Barn]

Yep, use them on my pneumatic die grinders all the time. No muss, no fuss, no bother. Just didn't work with the HF Electric version. Never had a tool light my gloves on fire before. BTW they were HF blue western safety gloves. Oh well?

You should have bought the H F fire extinguisher to complete the set.

Terry

 

[MossRoad]

You should have bought the H F fire extinguisher to complete the set.

Terry

NICE!!! :laughing:

 

[DFB]

So this is cool!

Real Tool had recently announced that they were going to Skidmore torque test the KOBALT 6904 corded 1/2 impact wrench from LOWES (8 amp 350 ft lbs) same machine they have been testing and reviewing all the latest High Torque cordless impacts models with.

So I suggested that they also do one of the cheaper corded models for a comparison and he went out and got the Chicago Electric 7amp @ 240 Ft lb rated impact to test as well.

On sale for $39 with super coupon right now too! :confused2:

Reviews on the performance of these electric impact wrenches vary considerably especially at HF (read them back from lowest rating) and so it is going to be interesting to see the results!

Exact same specs as the Cal- Hawk branded electric impact wrench I bought many years ago and never much cared for. With that I can tighten down a 1/2 bolt/nut/washer combination with it while locked in my vice and then loosen it with my 12volt Milwaukee impact wrench.

That's up for sale...anyone? :laughing:


Can't hardly wait for the video to be published online.
Hopefully before the end of the month.

 

[jwstewar]

Way back in 2003 when I bought my tractor I bought a Han-D-Pump to go on 5 gallon fuel cans. Worked great for several years, but it finally wore out. When I went to find a replacement I couldn't find one. Turns out they had been discontinued because of the EPA for some reason or another. When I went looking for some type of replacement I ended up going to Harbor Freight. I bought one of their blue Diesel Pumps. I mounted on a 15 gallon steel barrel, took the battery clips off and mounted a 7-pin RV plug on it. Now when I need fuel I just plug it into the RV plug on the back of the tractor and fill the tank up. I've only got one issue with it, my tractor only has a 5 gallon tank, so most of the time I'm only putting in 3 or 4 gallons. This pump pumps so fast, if I'm not careful and paying attention the tank is full in no time flat and I've got diesel going every where. Other than that it works great. I'm guess I've had it now probably 7 or 8 years and the rubber hose that came with it is starting to crack. So I figure I probably need to pick up a new hose for it. It used to be regular price of $129 and on sale for $99. I then had a 20% off coupon. I see now it is $149 and on sale for $129. Wish I could find a similar pump for gas.

 

[California]

I bought the corded impact wrench 15~20 years ago. Like DFB's Cal-Hawk version (probably the same thing) it isn't sufficient for removing lug nuts. Using a beam torque wrench, I can get more tightening as the beam wrench moves past 70 ft lbs.

For refueling I mounted HF's hand-crank pump, the reversible version, on a 15 gallon plastic barrel. I described it in this 2012 post (post #2753 in this thread) . It works fine but as one reply at that time said, the threads in the barrel don't stand up to cranking the handle so you need to steady the pump with your other hand.

Here's my earlier inquiry asking if others have done this. (post #2389). I got some good advice.

 

[JRobyn]

..... and an HF wire brush set using a 20% coupon.

Wire Wheel/Cup Brush Set 6 Pc .....

I have tried several different rotary wire brushes from HF. I like to keep a smallish 2" - 4" disk one with an arbor chucked in the drill press at all times for small parts cleaning. EVERY one I have bought was horribly out of round and/or out of balance.

 

[PhysAssist]

I bought the corded impact wrench 15~20 years ago. Like DFB's Cal-Hawk version (probably the same thing) it isn't sufficient for removing lug nuts. Using a beam torque wrench, I can get more tightening as the beam wrench moves past 70 ft lbs.

For refueling I mounted HF's hand-crank pump, the reversible version, on a 15 gallon plastic barrel. I described it in this 2012 post. It works fine but as one reply at that time said, the threads in the barrel don't stand up to cranking the handle so you need to steady the pump with your other hand.

Picture removed to save space

Hi Calif,

Did that collar fitting with the barrel threads come with the pump? [Never mind- I followed you HF link and it shows the collar and pipe as included.

Can I ask where you sourced that barrel?

I can get some of the bigger [55 gal, I think] blue ones cheaply and easily, but they're not ideal due to being opaque and it would be hard to see how much is left, not to mention weighing a bit more [which I'd want to do as much as possible because of the recommendations to keep it full to avoid condensation].

We have been looking for a solution to addressing our Diesel needs, and yours looks like a great one.

BTW, I tried your link about the pump, but it just leads to a 2010 post #138].

So I flipped through to 2012 and found your post [#239] and Piloon's reply here: http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...-tools-dont-suck-post2673519.html#post2673519

Thanks for the share!

Thomas

 

[California]

Can I ask where you sourced that barrel?

It came from a regional distributor of carwash detergent. It had been pressure washed and was immaculate. (I pressure washed it again before use). He put an ad on Craigslist, his yard was jammed with too many empty return barrels. Cost $2.

I went back and edited the links in that post. They should work now.

Comment: This 15 gallons is a reasonable weight to rassle out of a low trailer working alone - about 100 lbs.

 

[PhysAssist]

It came from a regional distributor of carwash detergent. It had been pressure washed and was immaculate. (I pressure washed it again before use). He put an ad on Craigslist, his yard was jammed with too many empty return barrels. Cost $2.

I went back and edited the links in that post. They should work now.

Thanks- I guess I'll check the local CL.

G'day!
Thomas

 

[PILOON]

"Yep, use them on my pneumatic die grinders all the time. No muss, no fuss, no bother. Just didn't work with the HF Electric version. Never had a tool light my gloves on fire before.? "

LOL once while grinding a project I discovered it was getting kind of warm, looked down to find my pants on fire. True!
Another time a hot spark from welding got tangled in my shorts and heated the privates- no fun I assure you but I did learn a new dance step.

(Liar liar, pants on fire--LOL)

 

[aczlan]

It came from a regional distributor of carwash detergent. It had been pressure washed and was immaculate. (I pressure washed it again before use). He put an ad on Craigslist, his yard was jammed with too many empty return barrels. Cost $2.
I went back and edited the links in that post. They should work now.
Comment: This 15 gallons is a reasonable weight to rassle out of a low trailer working alone - about 100 lbs.

Locally, most carwash places will sell them for $5 to $15.

Aaron Z

 

[California]

LOL once while grinding a project I discovered it was getting kind of warm, looked down to find my pants on fire. True!

(Liar liar, pants on fire--LOL)

My kid asked me to cut the lock off her bicycle. No problem, got out the 7" angle grinder and started on it.

But the old slacks I was wearing didn't stand up to sparks like my usual Levi's. She was impressed with how fast the grinder cut the lock. ... then greatly amused ...

 

[PhysAssist]

Locally, most carwash places will sell them for $5 to $15.

Aaron Z

Know of any doing so around us-neighbor?

Not that there's much carwashing going on around here today- good weather for ducks.

Thomas

 

[IslandTractor]

Know of any doing so around us-neighbor? Not that there's much carwashing going on around here today- good weather for ducks. Thomas

I got one from a local car wash too. Mine is 30 gal. Probably all car washes have them.

 

[aczlan]

Know of any doing so around us-neighbor?

Not that there's much carwashing going on around here today- good weather for ducks.
Thomas

Sent you a PM.

Aaron Z