Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[IslandTractor]

I love this thread!!! Could anyone comment on this? 1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Breaker Bar This seems like a no brainer for 10 bucks!

I have had one for six or seven years. Works fine. Haven't broken it even when standing on it with 220lbs plus a can of beer.

 

[Pixguy]

I have had one for six or seven years. Works fine. Haven't broken it even when standing on it with 220lbs plus a can of beer.

Remember back when it was 160lbs and a keg of beer?

 

[IslandTractor]

Remember back when it was 160lbs and a keg of beer?

I don't think I could afford a whole keg back in the days when I tipped the scales at 160lbs. Mom probably would have objected too as I was about 14 or 15 at the time.

 

[sixdogs]

I love this thread!!! Could anyone comment on this? 1/2 in. Drive 25 in. Breaker Bar
This seems like a no brainer for 10 bucks!

I have one of these and you are right. For $10, it is a no-brainer. It gets used hard and while it occasionally feels like it wants to break, it never does.
Two thumbs up for me.

 

[sixdogs]

Can anyone comment on the 20 ton press? It's on a coupon sale for the lowest I've seen it---$153--and that's enough to push me over the edge. Any advice to go with this or other commentary?

Also, can I bend metal into angles with this?

20 Ton Shop Press - Hydraulic Shop Presses on Sale


edit--Not sure if I'd get a response here so I started a separate thread seeking advice. It's in parts/repairs.

 

[IslandTractor]

Can anyone comment on the 20 ton press? It's on a coupon sale for the lowest I've seen it---$153--and that's enough to push me over the edge. Any advice to go with this or other commentary? Also, can I bend metal into angles with this? 20 Ton Shop Press - Hydraulic Shop Presses on Sale

I have the 20ton press. It is crude but strong and capable. It is simply a sturdy frame and a HF quality 20ton Jack. Easy to replace or upgrade the jack if necessary but mine has been fine. Typical crappy handle but easy enough to improve. The press plates are cast and I would probably upgrade to steel if using them directly. I use mine only with a press brake so not an issue.

The press is MUCH more useful if you add a SwagOffRoad.com press brake kit especially if bending metal into angles is your goal. I have their basic press brake but they have since come out with a finger brake version that is more flexible, especially if you are doing multiple bends to make a box etc. The basic press brake kit (some simple welding required) costs $170. The finger brake version costs just $200 and I would say that is a bargain upgrade.

Overall, the HF press is a good buy. Nothing better available at less than two or three times the price.

 

[DFB]

Well the Pittsburgh pin punches didn't break so I guess they don't suck. Took a 3lb ball pein hammer to drive out these never been removed frozen up old 1/4" roll pins to swap over from a Cat 2 set up to Cat 1 today.



Better to have the turned down starter tip style for roll pins though

 

[dragoneggs]

Remember back when it was 160lbs and a keg of beer?

That's pretty funny... and unfortunately right on. You hit both my high school graduation and current weight spot on!!! I'm not kidding. :smiley_aafz:

 

[Scooter78]

Has anyone purchased the plunger router? I have been wanting one to use periodically but not enough to spend $200 at lowes. I bought a router table awhile back in clearance from lowes and it came with a Blackhawk plunger router on it. I have been taking it off the table when I needed a plunger router but that gets old quick. After looking the Blackhawk and harbor freights look identical. I bet they are made by same company. I have been happy with Blackhawk just wanted to know if anyone has the harbor freight version.

 

[wtcross]

I buy a lot of consumables also, however, my most impressive purchase has been my 12,000 lb Badland winch from there. I currently have it mounted in my Jeep, but will be moving it over to Taj, my tractor. I used that winch to pull my tractor at 10,000lbs, out of mud up to it's backhoe/FEL rails. My wife loves that store also. So I don't catch flack for going