Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Threepoint]

I have several of these (in the newest, current version) from HF, both diesel and gas. I'm surprised at how quickly they empty, even without adding a vent.

Just ordered 10 pop-in vent caps off e-bay to try in my 5-gal HF fuel cans. I'll report back once I see how much they improve flow rate.

Thanks, all, for the tips on dealing with swarf when I drill to install them. :thumbsup:

 

[newbury]

Does anyone know yet what the changes or updates are? Did the box become better, it did it decrease in value?

There's a long discussion over on Garage Journal

 

[lostcreekranch]

Just ordered 10 pop-in vent caps off e-bay to try in my 5-gal HF fuel cans. I'll report back once I see how much they improve flow rate.

Thanks, all, for the tips on dealing with swarf when I drill to install them. :thumbsup:

Before you Drill, turn your can upside down as if your pouring fuel, to determine best spot for your vent.

 

[Ford850]

Has anyone tried the Vulcan ArcSafe welding helmet? ArcSafe™ Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

 

[redmand]

I had always thought of HF tools as being throw aways. I recently bought the 220 piece mechanics ratchet set, and have been nothing less than trilled with the quality of the set (although the hinges broke on the case when I dropped it working in close quarters). I ended up buying two spare sets, one for my boat ,and the other for my business.

 

[Code54]

So far my Harbor Freight sockets have held up better than the Craftsman's one I have (100's). I only had one of the Harbor Freight chrome ones split once using a 1200 Ft/lbs impact gun and took it back and they handed me a new one no questions asked. I have split several of my name brand ones.
Their new professional line ratchets work great and are holding up extremely well.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Today I took back the Dado set, pneumatic pin gun, and belt sander. Talked to Chris the manager (we have discussed things before) explained my problem and stated all but the sander failed in the middle of a project and replaced locally to keep on going. I hated the way the dust bag attached on the sander. He took it all back at full price rebate even though the pin nailer was over a year old. I bought the earlier version of the sander as it had a bag attachment handier than the newer one. He even allowed me to use two 20% off coupons for the $100+ additional stuff I bought. Overall I have had good results with their tools. Every manufacture's have their dogs and problems. All the folks at the Tacoma store have been great to work with over the years. Chris has been there 6 years so have seen and talked with him a lot. Relationships! Relationships.

Ron

 

[Oaktree]

All the folks at the Tacoma store have been great to work with over the years. Chris has been there 6 years so have seen and talked with him a lot. Relationships! Relationships.

The store nearest to me (Littleton, N.H.) has been open just over a year and is a revolving door staff wise. It's rare to see anyone there twice, never more than a couple months. Given that job opportunities don't exactly abound here I just figured they were a terrible place to work.

 

[Travelover]

The store nearest to me (Littleton, N.H.) has been open just over a year and is a revolving door staff wise. It's rare to see anyone there twice, never more than a couple months. Given that job opportunities don't exactly abound here I just figured they were a terrible place to work.

Hard to know. The two that I frequent seem to have fairly stable staffing - probably depends on the manager. It is not exactly a place for a real career.

 

[Rock Crawler]

It looks like Harbor Freight is no longer stocking or are they going to get back in stock the high-flow 3/8 Air Line quick disconnect kit with all of the different fittings that you need. This sucks because I do not know where to buy them in a cost-effective way now. If any of you know another source for an inexpensive fitting that will match the ones that I already bought from Harbor Freight, I would love to know.

 

[fried1765]

It looks like Harbor Freight is no longer stocking or are they going to get back in stock the high-flow 3/8 Air Line quick disconnect kit with all of the different fittings that you need. This sucks because I do not know where to buy them in a cost-effective way now. If any of you know another source for an inexpensive fitting that will match the ones that I already bought from Harbor Freight, I would love to know.View attachment 545431

Did you ask them?
I have found that they sometimes do not have them, but then have found them again at a later date.
You might also try E-Bay, or the internet in general, if you can match the type from a picture.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I did take the tag to the guy, he searched it and said no one that he can see inventory on has them and it's not showing as ordered. He's thinking that the part is done for good.

 

[Code54]

Anyone ever buy one of their paint guns? Was looking for something cheap to repaint implements and things like that - no cars or anything super important.

 

[sixdogs]

Anyone ever buy one of their paint guns? Was looking for something cheap to repaint implements and things like that - no cars or anything super important.

Yes, there have been many comments and threads on their very high quality HVLP paint guns. The one that sells for $30-- on sale--is a winner. I have used it for years with excellent results and there have been many comments about them being used for primer in high end body shops. I paint a lot of farm implements and get excellent results with OEM paint and acetone thinner.

 

[Code54]

Perfect - thanks!!! I will pick one of them up tomorrow when I am out!

 

[sixdogs]

Perfect - thanks!!! I will pick one of them up tomorrow when I am out!

Also get a 5 pack of throwaway paint cups and a wire paint gun stand. Both make life easier. For the plastic paint cups, just screw the thing onto your gun and don't use their plastic adaptor. That adaptor sometimes can leak and it's not really needed. Clean the gun thoroughly when done and blow some solvent through it. Follow adjustment instructions in owner's manual and I usually need to thin the paint more than suggested. I spray a light coat and the come back 5 minutes later with a little heavier coat. Acetone is certainly flammable dangerous but it dries super quick.

Use good paint such as factory OEM. I've done lots of threads and comments on the high quality and what a bargain it is compared with farm store cr@-p

 

[Code54]

Thanks Sixdogs! I have had some good luck using the oil based Rust Oleum (think they call it professional line) and brush painting implements. It is weird but it you do it right it leaves no brush marks. Figure spraying it would be a LOT faster and easier. I have a few things like my brush hog that sit outs that I paints 8 or so years ago and it is still holding up great!

 

[dragoneggs]

Yes, there have been many comments and threads on their very high quality HVLP paint guns. The one that sells for $30-- on sale--is a winner. I have used it for years with excellent results and there have been many comments about them being used for primer in high end body shops. I paint a lot of farm implements and get excellent results with OEM paint and acetone thinner.

Which one specifically are you talking about? See link...

Search results for: 'paint gun'

 

[lostcreekranch]

I bought this one, 4-5 years ago and it works very well for me. I like having the ability to control air pressure with the onboard regulator.

2 oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun with Regulator

 

[sixdogs]

It has to be this one. Looks like same gun with two makers. It's 20 oz, not 2 oz,
2 oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun with Regulator
2 oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun with Regulator

Don't buy this $70 one below unless you are painting cars. I have one and it's not much different than the above for farm spraying.
2 oz. Professional HVLP Gravity Feed Air Spray Gun


Here are the paint cups and wire stand. These are a must so get two packs of cups. Don't use the screw-in adaptor. Mine leaked so just screw the paint cup onto gun.
5 Piece Air Spray Gun Disposable Paint Cups
The paint gun stand I like looks like this below but I can't find on the net right now. It's in the store.

You also could use some HF paint filters, especially if you store partial cans. I have but don't use very often. You'll need a metric hex wrench to put the stand on and remove for cleaning and a toothbrush. You should also have a water trap on your compressor. Set your gun pressure with the trigger pulled and air flowing on a cleaned gun.





I spray and when done, immediately rinse cup with a little acetone and spray clean. I disassemble what I can, soak the nozzle, etc in acetone and blow clean with compressed air while wearing goggles. Also, acetone is acetylene (get at WalMart) and highly flammable so I keep outside as much as possible. I don't work directly under my overhead lights while cleaning and pouring the stuff. Keep rags outside. Wear thin rubber gloves.

You have to thin Rustoleum more than you think. A splattering finish usually means too thick of paint. I spray Rustoleum primer on hot days and wait maybe a half hour or longer. Then I light spray the color coat, wait a few minutes and slightly heavier coat once or twice. If using good OEM paints, you will be thrilled at the results, especially when compared to farm store paints. Please, forget those and the few percent savings. When you first open the can, punch some small nail holes around the rim of the can so paint can flow back. If you have a partial can, put the lid on and store the can upside down so it doesn't skin over. Just do it; you'll see. Filter stored paint.

Here is a lo-buck Harbor Freight paint gun job with OEM acrylic enamel paint.


How's that for "pop"? Here's the thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/312434-1950s-dearborn-cultivator-find-rebuild.html
There are a number of threads I have done like this. Search for more if you care.


Anyway, have fun and post pictures. I've done this for decades and the HF HVLP paint gun is among the best there is, especially for the price. It's a fine reward to restore something to a respectable facsimile of it's original state.


EDIT--When painting, I wear those typical "Tee shirt" type bags on my feet that are available everywhere. Just find some beefy ones, put your foot in and tie the tops together. It looks dumb but keeps my boots the rustic brown leather color I prefer rather than Kubota Orange or JD Classic Green.