Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Threepoint]

New toys!

I see HF is now selling a Li-Ion power pack that isn't much larger than a phone but can start a car.

Reviews on Amazon for similar models are favorable. You can carry it in the glovebox, it holds a charge for years, it will start a good size car, pickup, or diesel tractor up to maybe 30hp. And start these more than once.

For me, I think I would pay a little more for a similar model on Amazon that additionally has 19 volts out for my laptop. But the amperage rating on this HF model is right up there with the better ones I see on Amazon.

Thanks for posting this, California. I downloaded the manual, and it looks like it's comparable to most currently available at 450A peak output. I've been a bit skeptical of compact lithium-ion units like this, but they've been around for awhile now.

After a bit more investigation, I found this for $3 more on Amazon, which might be what you refer to. Amazon.com: Bolt Power G6 Portable 6 AMP Peak Car Battery Jump Starter Power Bank Charger With 165mAh - Emergency Auto Heavy Duty Jump Starter For Truck, Van, SUV and More: Automotive 600A, so more capacity; slightly bulkier. I'm ordering it to try. Can't use a HF coupon on it, though. :laughing:

 

[California]

Do you thin it will keep its charge even after repeated freezing?

Read through the Questions and User Reviews for the Bolt unit that Threepoint linked to. That seller indicated the Bolt is usable well below zero (C or F?) and there's likely a good answer in the user reviews.

The Bolt unit is a little larger than HF's, its rated 600 amp peak and 16500mAh. Seller and some users noted the Bolt can start a 7 liter Diesel pickup, a 40 hp diesel farm tractor, gas Suburban, etc. I'm impressed.


Thanks Threepoint, that Bolt unit you found looks to be the best among similar units.

 

[IslandTractor]

I have one of these small lithium battery boosters. They do appear to be ridiculously small to start an engine but I can testify that mine has worked. Mine is a 300amp peak current with 5600milliamp capacity and it keeps itself charged via a USB cable that is hot whenever I drive. This size may not be big enough to start a diesel but the concept works. Lithium batteries can deliver a heck of a lot of power. Amazon.com: BESTEK 3A Peak 56mAh Jump Starter Car Battery Booster Portable Charger: Automotive

My Ford dealer uses a slightly larger version ?600amp peak current to jump start virtually all the cars they need to jump these days.

I agree with those who are skeptical as I was too. You have to see it to believe it. One thing that is different is that while with a lead acid battery you just put on jumpers to the dead battery and crank, with these you hook them up to the dead battery, wait a couple of minutes and then crank.

 

[California]

One thing that is different is that while with a lead acid battery you just put on jumpers to the dead battery and crank, with these you hook them up to the dead battery, wait a couple of minutes and then crank.

HF's latest conventional lead-acid jump start units are set up like this too. Attach wait, then start. I wonder if they have a big capacitor in them to provide a momentary surge.

 

[Midniteoyl]

HF's latest conventional lead-acid jump start units are set up like this too. Attach wait, then start. I wonder if they have a big capacitor in them to provide a momentary surge.

They make you wait in order to put a small charge in you existing battery. You should do this when using jumper cables too, anyways..

 

[PhysAssist]

AND it's a LFP battery vs LiCo3, so it should be both safer and more reliable for long term storage and use.

 

[Travelover]

AND it's a LFP battery vs LiCo3, so it should be both safer and more reliable for long term storage and use.

Nothing more comforting that having a potentially explosive Harbor Freight battery in your glove box. What could go wrong? :hot:

 

[sixdogs]

Nothing more comforting that having a potentially explosive Harbor Freight battery in your glove box. What could go wrong? :hot:

Wow, that is funny on so many levels. 650 pages over eight years and that about sums up the roll of the dice and the HF experience. Will it explode or not?

Note here that Travelover is the OP that started this thread---in 2008. :drink:

 

[California]

What could go wrong? :hot:

Wow, that is funny on so many levels. 650 pages over eight years and that about sums up ... the HF experience. Will it explode or not?
Note Travelover started this thread in 2008. :drink:

8 years using HF tools and he's still alive!!!





Thanks Travelover for starting this thread :thumbsup:

 

[Midniteoyl]

He's got a point, Li-Ion batts are actually very dangerous..