Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[rangerfredbob]

Apparently THESE fit as well, and a 5 pack for $9 isn't bad...

 

[lostcreekranch]

Apparently THESE fit as well, and a 5 pack for $9 isn't bad...

So .. your arbor is 3/8"?

 

[rangerfredbob]

I haven't measured, but one of the answered questions said it fit

 

[Oaktree]

I bought one of these benches a couple weeks ago, and I'd put it in the "doesn't suck" category. I notice it's on sale for $69.99 this weekend, I got it new years with a 25% off coupon for only a couple dollars more.

Went together in maybe 3 hr, and seems pretty solid. Not sure I'd use it in an unheated shed or other place that might be damp since the pegboard back and the drawer bottoms didn't seem like they'd stand up too well to dampness, but we're using it in a utility room in the house so that should be fine. Bench top & shelves are plastic-covered 5/8" particle board, but for what we use it for should be OK. Not something I'd put a vise on or use for metalworking/carpentry though.
The included light wasn't very bright so I replaced it with a 3' LED shoplight.

 

[BukitCase]

I bought one of the benches Oaktree linked thinking it'd be faster than building one myself; it probably was, by at least a few hours. Included light was crap, so I cut the ends of the top pieces out to fit a 4' LED shop lamp.

the ONLY thing that's worth saving when I get time to build my own, is that (not even HF) shop lamp. Other than that, it should be sold as a "flat surface for lightweight stuff" - The drawers FALL OUT if you put more than a couple pencils in 'em, it's my own fault for the temporary insanity of swallowing HF's "industrial, heavy duty, professional, etc, BS.

If/when I get time, I'll build one. When I do, I'll probably just fold the pieces of this one up (yeah, they really ARE that thin) and toss 'em in the garbage. Either that, or maybe keep it for working on electronics stuff.

To be fair, this 5 ton splitter
5 ton 12 Amp Electric Log Splitter

has worked FAR better than I woulda hoped - makes kindling out of straighter wood pieces quick and easy, takes a fairly knarly chunk to bog it down... Steve

 

[Ford850]

I have one of those cabinets. I love it. Well made and heavy materials. Use it as my O/A center as it has racks for two cylinders and O/A rod. I am considering adding a 1/2" plate to the top for a welding bench. Drill and tap it for a vise and for work hold down clamps. I sold my big (2.5' X 4') welding bench when moving /downsizing and sure miss it. My new garage is much smaller so space is now a problem as my other half insists on parking her car in one side. I also have the smaller unit for MIG/TIG that I have my AC buzz box on for my arc welding center. It is also is a great unit. Not set up yet as I have not been doing shop work. A welding project is in the offing so plan to work on my equipment set up. Will make a rack to hold 3 HF 4 1/2" grinders; cutoff, 1/4" grind wheel, and wire brush. Hate changing discs all the time.

Ron

How’s that Vulcan welding cart #63179 holding up for you?

 

[Travelover]

I bought one of these benches a couple weeks ago, and I'd put it in the "doesn't suck" category. I notice it's on sale for $69.99 this weekend, I got it new years with a 25% off coupon for only a couple dollars more..........

I've had one of these for a couple of years and it has worked out fine. I've had to re-tighten the bolts a few times (use Loktite if you buy one), but for the money it does the trick - I even have a medium sized vice mounted to it. Now, if you do heavy duty mechanical work like reefing on suspension parts, you'll want something beefier.

 

[Threepoint]

I've had one of these for a couple of years and it has worked out fine. I've had to re-tighten the bolts a few times (use Loktite if you buy one), but for the money it does the trick - I even have a medium sized vice mounted to it. Now, if you do heavy duty mechanical work like reefing on suspension parts, you'll want something beefier.

I've had one in a bay of our barn for over 15 years. It's been a good addition for lightweight work. The particle board top (maybe 1/2" or 5/8") has warped pretty badly from the ambient humidity, but that's no big deal at all.

 

[hunt4570]

So bought this "sand blaster" a while back, finally got a chance to use it yesterday. I thought it did real well getting the rust and old paint off an old vice I'm fixing up. Had a 25% off coupon so it cost me all of 20 bucks!

Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit

 

[stingray1]

How is it as far as capability? As we all know, HF tends to be a bit optimistic about capabilities of their tools, and as it is 1.5 ton seems a bit light duty for anything but an ATV or a very small car.

I also have this 1.5 ton aluminum jack,works great for my Corvettes.

 

[4570Man]

The 1.5 ton aluminum jack is now on sale for $59.99.


1.5 Ton Aluminum Rapid Pump(R) Racing Floor Jack

I have one of those. It’s pretty handy but not big enough for full size vehicle. The first problem is it doesn’t lift high enough. I like to lift my vehicles and put a 6x6 under the wheels for changing the oil. Even you could work with the limited height it was starting to bend sideways so I quit. It’s still handy for a lot of things. I’d rate it as a solid $60 investment.

 

[stuckmotor]

I bought a set of tires for my little Ranger yesterday. The crew came out with three jacks and had them on in short order. I noticed one was a 3 ton rapid pump Harbor Freight jack. I didn't get the model number, it was red. These guys sell lots and lots of tires and I was surprised they didn't have more expensive equipment. Maybe they know something.

 

[5030]

I bought one of the benches Oaktree linked thinking it'd be faster than building one myself; it probably was, by at least a few hours. Included light was crap, so I cut the ends of the top pieces out to fit a 4' LED shop lamp.

the ONLY thing that's worth saving when I get time to build my own, is that (not even HF) shop lamp. Other than that, it should be sold as a "flat surface for lightweight stuff" - The drawers FALL OUT if you put more than a couple pencils in 'em, it's my own fault for the temporary insanity of swallowing HF's "industrial, heavy duty, professional, etc, BS.

If/when I get time, I'll build one. When I do, I'll probably just fold the pieces of this one up (yeah, they really ARE that thin) and toss 'em in the garbage. Either that, or maybe keep it for working on electronics stuff.

To be fair, this 5 ton splitter
5 ton 12 Amp Electric Log Splitter

has worked FAR better than I woulda hoped - makes kindling out of straighter wood pieces quick and easy, takes a fairly knarly chunk to bog it down... Steve

Good deal. I was considering one. I'll put it on my list now.

 

[BukitCase]

" I was considering one. I'll put it on my list now"

Dunno what all irritates YOU; with ME, the list seems to get longer as I get older

Sooo, the relatively short list of things that could be improved -
1 - Mine had hyd oil, but not enough - the manual says what kind, don't recall but I stock 3 different "flavors" and I think I still bought a small bottle
2 - Supposedly the newer versions got TOO safe, require you to hold the power switch AND the (inconveniently placed) actuator lever - unconfirmed by me, the display at my local HF is just like mine - I would HATE that, I tend to hold the round against the wedge with one hand (NOT in the "oh crap" path, duh), push the lever with the other.
3 - If you think you're gonna work it fairly hard, it's a good idea to keep any extension cords short and fat - I have mine on a true 20 amp circuit with a 25' #12 cord. Prior to doing that, a stubborn piece would lug it down and pop the breaker... Steve

 

[dragoneggs]

I'm not minding my HF portable welding table. I like easy fold up with two levers and it is sturdy enough for light duty and easy to toss in the truck for remote use.

Adjustable Steel Welding Table

 

[lostcreekranch]

I have one of those. It’s pretty handy but not big enough for full size vehicle. The first probably is it doesn’t lift high enough. I like to lift my vehicles and put a 6x6 under the wheels for changing the oil. Even you could work with the limited height it was starting to bend sideways so I quit. It’s still handy for a lot of things. I’d rate it as a solid $60 investment.

You do know that they have 2-ton and 3-ton aluminum jacks?

Search Results For "Aluminum Jack"

 

[5030]

candidly, they are nice jacks at a good price but I don't see the need for an aluminum one. I have a steel one and it stays on the concrete floor 99% of the time getting rolled around so why worry about a few pounds of weight anyway. Just curious.

 

[5030]

" I was considering one. I'll put it on my list now"

Dunno what all irritates YOU; with ME, the list seems to get longer as I get older

Sooo, the relatively short list of things that could be improved -
1 - Mine had hyd oil, but not enough - the manual says what kind, don't recall but I stock 3 different "flavors" and I think I still bought a small bottle
2 - Supposedly the newer versions got TOO safe, require you to hold the power switch AND the (inconveniently placed) actuator lever - unconfirmed by me, the display at my local HF is just like mine - I would HATE that, I tend to hold the round against the wedge with one hand (NOT in the "oh crap" path, duh), push the lever with the other.
3 - If you think you're gonna work it fairly hard, it's a good idea to keep any extension cords short and fat - I have mine on a true 20 amp circuit with a 25' #12 cord. Prior to doing that, a stubborn piece would lug it down and pop the breaker... Steve

All easy work arounds which is pretty typical with some HF stuff. I think my big concern would be finding the smoke in the motor. Chinese motors and me don't get along too well. I tend to make them stink pretty quickly. Why I'm pretty content with the Baueer cordless stuff, I haven't found the smoke yet. Gimme time and I will though....:laughing:

 

[dragoneggs]

All easy work arounds which is pretty typical with some HF stuff. I think my big concern would be finding the smoke in the motor. Chinese motors and me don't get along too well. I tend to make them stink pretty quickly. Why I'm pretty content with the Baueer cordless stuff, I haven't found the smoke yet. Gimme time and I will though....:laughing:

Are u especially hard on tools? I have found that if I take care of my tools and don't abuse them, they take care of me. Yes, my first power tools were cheap because that was all I could afford and I killed my share. Most all of my second time around tools are still with me after a decade or two... or three in some cases, because I learned how not to use them.

 

[4570Man]

Are u especially hard on tools? I have found that if I take care of my tools and don't abuse them, they take care of me. Yes, my first power tools were cheap because that was all I could afford and I killed my share. Most all of my second time around tools are still with me after a decade or two... or three in some cases, because I learned how not to use them.

I had one of the harbor freight really cheap grinders. It survived about 10 minutes of tough use before it melted. My other grinders take the same use just fine. I’m not one to grind especially hard unless it’s a big grinder that’ll take it but this thing was junk.