Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[California]

My $9.95 HF torque wrench I've had for 20 years always matches the two beam torque wrenches I compare it to, a couple of times each project. Maybe I got a good one.

 

[5030]

My $9.95 HF torque wrench I've had for 20 years always matches the two beam torque wrenches I compare it to, a couple of times each project. Maybe I got a good one.

You must have. Problem is it is very hard to check a clicker or dial wrench against a beam wrench. You really need a certified digital Torque master.

 

[California]

Problem is it is very hard to check a clicker or dial wrench against a beam wrench. You really need a certified digital Torque master.

Agree. The beam wrenches and the HF all have 5 lb graduations so I'm probably reading with precision of 2 or 3 lbs. But the beam wrenches, S-K and Craftsman, always read identical so far as I can see. So far as I know this is sufficient for my projects. "Good enough for the girls I go with", as an old Carpenter buddy used to say.

If I earned my living with my tools I would probably go buy an Icon.

 

[rangerfredbob]

Considering you can buy 3 Bauer's for the price of ONE Milwaukee makes them very attractive to me and amazingly, I have not found the rice paper smoke in any of them yet, but of course I don't get them wet either. I suspect the Milwaukee tools don't like water either, they aren't IP rated.

I believe the Bauer line has become HF's biggest seller.

Actually, the only reason I even have Milwaukee M18 stuff is because they are apparently somewhat water resistant... My previous boss (just retired a couple months ago) was doing something on his roof and dropped the drill in his fish pond, it stopped working for him and needed something to get the project done so he bought something else (probably DeWalt). He then handed me the whole kit, 1/2" Fuel Brushless drill, two batteries and charger and said if I could get it to work it was mine... turns out one of the batteries just shorted a cell or two, it just worked... Then I found some clearance "tool only" stuff at a local farm store so I ended up with 3 of the 1/4" hex impacts for $45 each, a drill for like $25 and the reciprocating saw for $55, then ordered some batteries from Amazon...

 

[5030]

Actually, the only reason I even have Milwaukee M18 stuff is because they are apparently somewhat water resistant... My previous boss (just retired a couple months ago) was doing something on his roof and dropped the drill in his fish pond, it stopped working for him and needed something to get the project done so he bought something else (probably DeWalt). He then handed me the whole kit, 1/2" Fuel Brushless drill, two batteries and charger and said if I could get it to work it was mine... turns out one of the batteries just shorted a cell or two, it just worked... Then I found some clearance "tool only" stuff at a local farm store so I ended up with 3 of the 1/4" hex impacts for $45 each, a drill for like $25 and the reciprocating saw for $55, then ordered some batteries from Amazon...

Bangood is now offering replacement batteries for the Milwaukee cordless 'Fuel' tools cheap. You need to check it out. They will be Chinese (everything on there is) but I suspect the components inside the Milwaukee tools are anyway.

 

[5030]

Agree. The beam wrenches and the HF all have 5 lb graduations so I'm probably reading with precision of 2 or 3 lbs. But the beam wrenches, S-K and Craftsman, always read identical so far as I can see. So far as I know this is sufficient for my projects. "Good enough for the girls I go with", as an old Carpenter buddy used to say.

If I earned my living with my tools I would probably go buy an Icon.

Even with the slight price increase, like 5 bucks, they are extremely cheap for what you get. Amazes me the built in quality of the entire ICON line, except the tool cabinets. They are pretty expensive, I'd do US General before the ICON cabs.

 

[stuckmotor]

Checking to see if this thread is really closed.

 

[stuckmotor]

Checking to see if this thread is really closed.

I could have sworn some body said it was closed.

 

[dragoneggs]

Checking to see if this thread is really closed.

I could have sworn some body said it was closed.

Maybe the 'HF do suck' thread?

 

[stuckmotor]

Maybe the 'HF do suck' thread?

Thanks dragoneggs. That must be it.