Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Mendonsy]

I have an 18 volt Ryobi string trimmer that is about 4 years old. I have not had any problems with it. The run time with a 4ah LI battery is good. I have never run out of battery when trimming after lawn mowing which usually takes me 45 min to 1 hour.

 

[California]

My experience with the Ryobi 18v string trimmer - it would be fine for urban lawn grooming. My actual use is to cut foot-high straw that is too close to the deck columns to cut with the tractor and rotary mower. This works, but cutting material that coarse breaks the string continually. And refilling the spool is a PIA. Buy a couple of extra spools to swap in mid-job!

I would like a tool powerful enough to trim the blackberry runners that threaten to go up my orchard trees - this isn't it.

Mine was a great buy in near-new condition at Goodwill for $10. Next time I dropped stuff off there I found the leaf blower for $7. Again, this blower is sufficient for minor use but its not up to moving windrows of large wet leaves.

I see there are several models of Ryobi 18V string trimmers and leaf blowers. I'm talking about the models in this photo. Here's the review article where I found the photo.

 

[Diggin It]

I didn't realize that Ryobi made an 18v string trimmer. How do they stand up? Run time OK?

It's OK. More time on bigger batteries of course. I can do around the house with it on usually one small battery, but I try to carry a second with me. The one I got is convertible though, either battery or A/C if I want to drag an extension cord around behind me.

 

[Diggin It]

Anybody (else) have the 'go through' socket set? Kind of a combination of regular and deep well sockets all in one with a special extension. I use my combination SAE/Metric set quite a bit.

 

[Wasmeneh]

I've had one a couple of years now, no complaints and in certain circumstances it has been invaluable.

 

[newbury]

My experience with the Ryobi 18v string trimmer - it would be fine for urban lawn grooming. My actual use is to cut foot-high straw that is too close to the deck columns to cut with the tractor and rotary mower. This works, but cutting material that coarse breaks the string continually. And refilling the spool is a PIA. Buy a couple of extra spools to swap in mid-job!
<snip>

Can you swap the head for one with 3 blades?

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rino-Tuff-Push-N-Load-3-Blade-Universal-Trimmer-Head-16234/100671846

 

[California]

The one I got is convertible though, either battery or A/C if I want to drag an extension cord around behind me.

I think the convertible trimmer may be more powerful than what I have, the version shown the photo above.

I should research if the 3-blade head will fit mine. That would be an improvement for cutting tough material.

 

[PJSprog]

I picked up one of those right-angle ratchet screwdrivers last weekend while there for other things. Had the opportunity to use it this weekend to tighten some ceiling fan blades, and it worked just fine.

 

[California]

I picked up one of those right-angle ratchet screwdrivers last weekend while there for other things. Had the opportunity to use it this weekend to tighten some ceiling fan blades, and it worked just fine.
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Yes! That tool is one example of buying a specialty tool at HF for a single project and if you never use it again, it paid for itself already. I don't remember what I bought mine for but it was the only tool that would fit into a tight spot. I don't recall that I've ever used it again. Still worthwhile.

 

[newbury]

Yes! That tool is one example of buying a specialty tool at HF for a single project and if you never use it again, it paid for itself already. I don't remember what I bought mine for but it was the only tool that would fit into a tight spot. I don't recall that I've ever used it again. Still worthwhile.

With me the problem is remembering WHERE I put the specialty tool when I need it X years later.

 

[Wasmeneh]

I bought one a while back and have used is many times good tool for the money.

 

[PJSprog]

With me the problem is remembering WHERE I put the specialty tool when I need it X years later.

This one was easy. Went right in the toolbox drawer with the other screwdrivers. :thumbsup:

I bought one a while back and have used is many times good tool for the money.

$2.99. I thought the ratchet was rather tight for such an inexpensive tool. No slippage at all.

 

[Wasmeneh]

I had purchased thw older version years ago but when I saw the knob on the top to speed tighten/unscrew it's a much better tool.

 

[Diggin It]

Do they really NOT have a right angle chuck?

 

[California]

Do they really NOT have a right angle chuck?

Sometimes you have only an inch of headspace and that ratchet screwdriver is the only thing that will get in there. I wish I could remember what I needed it for, but I recall it avoided a half hour of disassembling something that was blocking access.

 

[Diggin It]

I know, I have that one.

But I need a right angle chuck for a drill. They have a low profile drill, but that's not what I want.

 

[Ford850]

I know, I have that one.

But I need a right angle chuck for a drill. They have a low profile drill, but that's not what I want.

Here's one. 3/8 in. 9deg Angle Drill Attachment

 

[KubotainNH]

Has anyone here ever needed to replace the original brushes with the ones that were included with their electric tool. I think I did it one time and confirmed that bad brushes weren't the problem.

I'm pretty sure my $10 grinder needs new brushes, it sparks all over the place now. I have had to repair the cord multiple times and found a set of brushes that are now taped to the tool to try. I just haven't got there and I have 5 other grinders if needed.

Looking forward to Rockcrawler reviewing that new tool set.

 

[Rock Crawler]

I'm pretty sure my $10 grinder needs new brushes, it sparks all over the place now. I have had to repair the cord multiple times and found a set of brushes that are now taped to the tool to try. I just haven't got there and I have 5 other grinders if needed.

Looking forward to Rockcrawler reviewing that new tool set.

I'm returning them

I found the Ridgid 5 tool deal for $279 and ordered that. For around $80 more I'll have the 1/2" impact, 1/4" impact, drill, 4.5" grinder and LED light plus a 2 amp battery and 4 amp battery and a single charger.

I can't pass that deal up.

 

[sixdogs]

I picked up one of those right-angle ratchet screwdrivers last weekend while there for other things. Had the opportunity to use it this weekend to tighten some ceiling fan blades, and it worked just fine.

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I bought something similar to this 10 years ago at HF but with a greatly expanded assortment of bits. My use was a one time only thing, or so I thought, but it turns out I use it maybe 10 times a year for obscure things from tightening a knife handle with odd screws to adjusting the carb idle on a tight clearance truck. If you see the expanded version, it's a buy. Only cost maybe $6 or $8.