Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[KubotainNH]

So I bought a paddle switch angle grinder maybe 6 months ago hoping it would last longer than the $10 one. It doesn't look like that will be the case. I just had to shorten the cord because of a wire break near the tool end and while in the unit found that half of the toggle pivot is broken. It works for now but we'll see how long it will last. The $10 one is 2 or 3 (or 4?) years old, has had the cord fixed at least twice and now the brushes are about gone and making lots of sparks. I'll have to look around to see if I have some extra brushes laying around. I might try the Hercules one to see how it works but for HF tools that $10 unit is hard to beat for what I put it through.

 

[hutchman]

I wonder if these new HF tools don't suck?

View attachment 514422

I splurged for the hammer drill. Very light. There is a Dewalt kit that it compares favorably with that is about same price but only comes with 1.5AH batteries where the Hercules kit comes with 2.5AH batteries. A spare 2.5AH battery is $30 and they also have a 5.0AH battery for $50 ... both significantly cheaper than Dewalt. Dewalt US made and parts available. Parts for Hercules? Well ....

They are running a 90 day risk free trial on all these new LiIon tools so I decided to give it a try.

The batteries have a little button on the front to push and light up LED's to see charge level. Case and charger look nice too.

 

[17 Oaks]

I was ispired by another thread with this link to Weldingweb:

HF tools that don't suck - WeldingWeb - Professional Welding Forum

The Weldingweb site is mostly about metal working tools, so I thought it might be interesting to share which tools / products we have found to be a good value at HF. I don't think anyone seriously thinks they sell good tools, but some are adequate for the need or usage we have in mind.

Some of my experiences:

1000# capacity folding trailer, about $250. Works great for my light duty needs and folds in half to stand on end in my garage, out of the weather.

4 1/2 inch angle grinder, $15. So far, so good for sharpening mower blades, dressing up metal projects

Welding magnets. Inexpensive (with the coupons I get nonstop) and fascinating for the kids to play with.

Diamond blade wet saw, $50. Works great and allowed me to do my whole bath ceramic tile project without renting any tools. Water tray is hard to remove without slopping water.

880# overhead hoist. Paid $80. Mounted to reinforced ceiling joists in barn. Extremely useful for horsing around 3 point attachments, lawn tractor, etc. A real back saver.

Box knives - not worth the $1 on sale - handle breaks on first use.

YOU BETCHA! I owned a welding and fab shop it did not take long for me to figure out that I could really speed up my work if I had a 4 ｽ angle grinder each with a different wheel, cut off, grinder, flap sander in 40, 60, 80, 120 grit, wire wheel, coarse, medium and a couple of 7" angle grinders. In almost 6 years I only had one fail on me, I did use high end flap sanders and cut offs, found they just lasted longer.

And welding magnets for sure, best deal around.

Also found a lot of small items for the shop, low cost, break it just buy another one stuff.

 

[dragoneggs]

So I bought a paddle switch angle grinder maybe 6 months ago hoping it would last longer than the $10 one. It doesn't look like that will be the case. I just had to shorten the cord because of a wire break near the tool end and while in the unit found that half of the toggle pivot is broken. It works for now but we'll see how long it will last. The $10 one is 2 or 3 (or 4?) years old, has had the cord fixed at least twice and now the brushes are about gone and making lots of sparks. I'll have to look around to see if I have some extra brushes laying around. I might try the Hercules one to see how it works but for HF tools that $10 unit is hard to beat for what I put it through.

I have a fleet of $10 HF grinders. As mention previously I removed the head cover on each when I purchased and repacked with decent grease. I don't push them hard, trying not to bog them down. One thing I don't like is the side switch. Not real positive detent and easily can be bumped 'off'.

 

[dragoneggs]

I splurged for the hammer drill. Very light. There is a Dewalt kit that it compares favorably with that is about same price but only comes with 1.5AH batteries where the Hercules kit comes with 2.5AH batteries. A spare 2.5AH battery is $30 and they also have a 5.0AH battery for $50 ... both significantly cheaper than Dewalt. Dewalt US made and parts available. Parts for Hercules? Well ....

They are running a 90 day risk free trial on all these new LiIon tools so I decided to give it a try.

The batteries have a little button on the front to push and light up LED's to see charge level. Case and charger look nice too.

Do report back. I'm assuming the batteries are not interchangeable with Dewalt?

 

[dragoneggs]

I wonder if these new HF tools don't suck?

View attachment 514422

What's going on? First Hurcules... now Bauer!

 

[hutchman]

What's going on? First Hurcules... now Bauer!

View attachment 515354

Yes, a whole line of battery powered stuff.

 

[hutchman]

Do report back. I'm assuming the batteries are not interchangeable with Dewalt?

Probably not interchangeable by design. ... just like Skil, Milwaukee, Dewalt etc.

Used it past two evenings driving 2-1/2" screws. When I push button on battery it says it's still fully charged.

 

[hutchman]

What's going on? First Hurcules... now Bauer!

View attachment 515354

The Bauer is supposed to be ordinary and Hercules is supposed to be professional grade according to their marketing scheme.

 

[KubotainNH]

I have a fleet of $10 HF grinders. As mention previously I removed the head cover on each when I purchased and repacked with decent grease. I don't push them hard, trying not to bog them down. One thing I don't like is the side switch. Not real positive detent and easily can be bumped 'off'.

I do like the paddle design, very easy to remove power to the unit. I just wish the lever was more robust.