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.