Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[PILOON]

My sure way of positioning metal is 2 pairs of Vicegrips (sometimes 3) and a narrow strip(s) of of metal to hold at 90 deg.
Welding in close proximity of a magnet makes for weird effects as the magnet tends to pull the molten weld.

 

[IslandTractor]

My sure way of positioning metal is 2 pairs of Vicegrips (sometimes 3) and a narrow strip(s) of of metal to hold at 90 deg.
Welding in close proximity of a magnet makes for weird effects as the magnet tends to pull the molten weld.

The simple way around that is to use the magnets to set up the weld, then put in a few tack welds between the magnets, remove magnets and finish weld.

 

[dragoneggs]

The simple way around that is to use the magnets to set up the weld, then put in a few tack welds between the magnets, remove magnets and finish weld.

Bingo! That is what I do... I actually did witness the magnet mess with my bead. That was my excuse anyways... :laughing:

 

[ArTrvlr]

You have an ingenious way of cleaning out all of the metal fileings that get attached to them?

Blow 'em off with compressed air.

 

[sixdogs]

Remove the filings by holding a short strip of duct tape on your finger, adhesive out, then pressing the filings.

Bruce

Great idea and never thought of that.

I keep the retrieving magnet in a ziplock to keep it clean when I use it. That plus the TSA-style metal detector wand to first locate a lost object make a good combination.

But I don't see how a ziplock near welding would work, due to the heat.

To clean up nails after we burn pallets I put the magnet in a plastic bag as described above and when done just peel the bag off. It leaves me with no metal or scraps on the magnet.

 

[stuckmotor]

My sure way of positioning metal is 2 pairs of Vicegrips (sometimes 3) and a narrow strip(s) of of metal to hold at 90 deg.
Welding in close proximity of a magnet makes for weird effects as the magnet tends to pull the molten weld.

That's the way I do it with my homemade angles. I've had magnets turn loose too many times.

I've thought about trying the more expensive magnets with a switch. Does anyone know whether they hold any better?

 

[weldingisfun]

You have an ingenious way of cleaning out all of the metal fileings that get attached to them?

Use an old toothbrush to clean off the filings.

 

[Threepoint]

Understood but what these magnets are really designed for is to simply hold two pieces of steel at a 90 degree angle while welding. They really are not designed to hold weight but rather position. I think the main use is to have both pieces on a bench with one on edge and the magnet keeps the piece on edge from falling over and in the correct position. Very different than clamps.

Agree with Island on this. The four-piece set is great for small pieces of plate and bar stock, when the larger, stronger magnets would be in the way. Ribbed re-bar, even small pieces, is especially tough for the magnets. The ribs reduce purchase, and the asymmetry promotes rolling.

Hmm, I've never tried it, but I wonder how a 2" section of 1/2" steel angle between the magnet and the re-bar would work? :scratchchin: It would provide more support, but it may set up opposing magnetic forces that would defeat the whole idea.

 

[IslandTractor]

That's the way I do it with my homemade angles. I've had magnets turn loose too many times. I've thought about trying the more expensive magnets with a switch. Does anyone know whether they hold any better?

I've only used the switched magnet type once during a welding course. Worked great (much stronger magnet) but I was put off by the cost. If I welded for a living it would be a no brainer.

 

[FredH]

17 Ft. Type 1A Multi-Task Ladder Folding Ladder System

I don't have one , but My brother does . For outside , it is a typical step ladder , but inside is were it's true colors come to life . We have been doing a lot of work inside My Moms house , Fixing drywall , electrical , then finishing with painting . In the utility room , the hot water heater sits in the corner . On the right side of it sits the dryer , on the left side sits a large utility sink . How to fix drywall and paint the entire corner around / above hot water heater ?? Positioned one side of the ladder straight down , right up against hot water heater . Other side of ladder was then extended out and positioned at about a 22.5 degree angle onto the floor .
Was able to walk right up and used hot water heater as a tool holder , fixed drywall with new mud , sanded , then later painted . Although those type ladder's are a little heaver than a standard step ladder , their versatility makes them awesome tools . Similar in price to the Werner brand's at either Lowes or Home depot if not on sale . The Werner brand has been on sale at both those stores in the 22' model several times at the same price as H.F.'s 17' model .

Still a pretty awesome ladder .

Fred H.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have a 35 year old Little Giant original version ($300) of that ladder and a couple of the Costco $99 versions. Great tools but they are heavy.

 

[Steave]

First time posting on this thread, am I late for the party? The metal particles that get stuck to the magnets come off easily with your wire brush and if your're welding its usually pretty close by. Just happened to try it one day and swoosh there're gone.

 

[California]

I have a 35 year old Little Giant original version ($300) of that ladder and a couple of the Costco $99 versions. Great tools but they are heavy.

Yes heavy. And top-heavy, very unlike an ordinary stepladder.

I have one but I use it only where I need that unique shape, not for general use. I'm not very tall and the thing is so topheavy that it tries to turn me head over heels when I move it around. Using it feels like an imminent back injury. Not a favorite tool.

Recommended if you have a use for its unique capability but it's not a general-purpose ladder.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes heavy. And top-heavy, very unlike an ordinary stepladder. I have one but I use it only where I need that unique shape, not for general use. I'm not very tall and the thing is so topheavy that it tries to turn me head over heels when I move it around. Using it feels like an imminent back injury. Not a favorite tool. Recommended if you have a use for its unique capability but it's not a general-purpose ladder.

Agree 100%. However, if I could have just one ladder (horrors), I'd probably pick one of these. Same way as you'd choose a Leatherman if you could carry just one tool.

 

[California]

Here's my favorite multitool. I have two sizes. Bought them new but I think they are no longer sold.

The 'crescent' wrench in my larger one is big enough to remove a hose from a propane bottle. This tool, plus a HF combo screwdriver - four tips, plus the handle and the two adapters have hex openings to fit three sizes of hose-clamp nuts - and a tiny indestructible Buck pocketknife, are about all I've ever needed for maintaining stuff when camping. I carry more tools 'just in case' but never seem to get them out. I keep one of these in each car.

HF could sell a lot of these if they could match the durability of the originals.

 

[sodamo]

Amazon:

Amazon.com: CTA Tools 1 4-In-1 Farmer's Pliers: Automotive

 

[California]

Amazon:

Amazon.com: CTA Tools 15 4-In-1 Farmer's Pliers: Automotive

That's the one. Or at least the best clone available today according to what I've read elsewhere. All the Amazon reviews are positive, the single uncomplimentary reviewer ('moderate quality') scored it 3 out of 5 points. A farmer and a carpenter said they used it daily.

It's the ultimate glovebox tool from a simpler time.


Added:
I just went out and looked in the car. The one there a DH16 same as that photo above. The wrench on it is the size of a 6" Crescent wrench.

The larger handyboy that I keep in the Subaru, our camping rig, has a larger 'crescent' wrench so it must be their model DH18. If you need to swap propane tanks (with the old wrench fittings) that's the version you need. I see on Ebay Completed Auctions these sold recently for $35 to several over $100.

You know you are getting old - but have good taste when your favorite toys sell in thrift stores and on ebay for considerably more than you paid for them back in the day.

 

[dragoneggs]

Here's my favorite multitool. I have two sizes. Bought them new but I think they are no longer sold.

The 'crescent' wrench in my larger one is big enough to remove a hose from a propane bottle. This tool, plus a HF combo screwdriver - four tips, plus the handle and the two adapters have hex openings to fit three sizes of hose-clamp nuts - and a tiny indestructible Buck pocketknife, are about all I've ever needed for maintaining stuff when camping. I carry more tools 'just in case' but never seem to get them out. I keep one of these in each car.

HF could sell a lot of these if they could match the durability of the originals.

Cool... save that box... looks to be collectible someday even if there are knockoffs available online now.

 

[California]

Cool... save that box... looks to be collectible someday even if there are knockoffs available online now.

Sorry, that's a photo I linked from some tool collector hobby board. It's the identical tool to what I have. I no longer have the box.

I was surprised to find that some on Ebay are listed as New Old Stock - New In Box with the box shown.

Seeing the prices on Ebay, it appears these have already become collectibles.

 

[petegoud]

Sometimes, you get what you pay for. I've used the Harbor Freight magnets with success, but finally purchased a couple Strong Hand magnetic squares. Expensive, yes, but if you want something that's strong, easy to clean, easy to set, these are the way to go.