Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[newbury]

Have you seen this new (to me) ad:

I'm sure there are a lot of you guys with CORDED chainsaws. But to me portraying a corded chainsaw in an ad is not what I would expect.

 

[Pixguy]

I thought it was fitting to post this here as a laugh

 

[Gregster613]

I couldn't find the new post button, so I'll just reply to this post......I recently bought two new tools from Harbor Freight and am quite pleased so far with them both. They are the Atlas Extendable pole Hedge trimmer and the Atlas String trimmer.

I did have to buy batteries and a charger again, but these are the lithium batteries and seem to be "much" more reliable than the old style I've had in the past. I used the string trimmer the day I bought it and did my entire 2.5 acre fence line with only one drop in the battery icon. The same with my hedge trimmer. Hedge trimmer is 40 volt, string trimmer is 80 volt - so takes the higher "more expensive" ($200.00) battery. I only bought one of those, have two 2.5 amp hour batteries for the hedge trimmer and have only needed to use the one. I like having a back-up, although by the time the battery dies out - so do I!

My question is - I also have some Bauer tools that I am pleased with also but Bauer didn't have the hedge and string tool that I needed. So, how does the community think Atlas stands?
My Bauer "short" hedge trimmer has been "extremely" useful and reliable. I can only "hope" that the Atlas brand is as successful!! Thanks for any thoughts.

Now that I've posted - I found/remembered how to post a new thread. Going back to reread I saw the new post in the thread slot. Sorry for the inconvenience I may or may not have caused. My bad, Greg

 

[Midniteoyl]

I couldn't find the new post button, so I'll just reply to this post......I recently bought two new tools from Harbor Freight and am quite pleased so far with them both. They are the Atlas Extendable pole Hedge trimmer and the Atlas String trimmer.

I did have to buy batteries and a charger again, but these are the lithium batteries and seem to be "much" more reliable than the old style I've had in the past. I used the string trimmer the day I bought it and did my entire 2.5 acre fence line with only one drop in the battery icon. The same with my hedge trimmer. Hedge trimmer is 40 volt, string trimmer is 80 volt - so takes the higher "more expensive" ($200.00) battery. I only bought one of those, have two 2.5 amp hour batteries for the hedge trimmer and have only needed to use the one. I like having a back-up, although by the time the battery dies out - so do I!

My question is - I also have some Bauer tools that I am pleased with also but Bauer didn't have the hedge and string tool that I needed. So, how does the community think Atlas stands?
My Bauer "short" hedge trimmer has been "extremely" useful and reliable. I can only "hope" that the Atlas brand is as successful!! Thanks for any thoughts.

Now that I've posted - I found/remembered how to post a new thread. Going back to reread I saw the new post in the thread slot. Sorry for the inconvenience I may or may not have caused. My bad, Greg

I don't like the string head on the 40v Atlas Trimmer (copy of Stihl?). Never seems to work correctly, otherwise its fine and has plenty of power and battery longevity.

The 40v Atlas Chain Pole Saw I love, and works great. Plenty of power and the battery lasts way longer than I do.

Bought both, along with the 40v chainsaw and 80v blower during one of their 'Buy the battery and charger kit, get a free tool' sales a few years back. All have been running great since then.

 

[LouNY]

I have the Atlas 80v chain saw and 2 batteries and am pleased with it so far.

 

[dlctcg]

Been using the Atlas tools for at least the past 2yrs... they have all done the jobs they're designed for & performed well thus far.

I'm currently running:

ATLAS 40V 10 in. Pole Saw
ATLAS 40V 24 in. Hedge Trimmer
ATLAS 40V Blower
ATLAS 80V 16 in. String Trimmer
ATLAS 80V 18 in. Chainsaw - (this is really only used to clear debris / trail stuff when out on the tractor / SxS / or ATV - use our gas power saws for the big work / firewood)

I really need a 80V 4.0 battery (but they are pricey) & I only have the standard charger & would really like the rapid charger... but other than that they all have performed well...

 

[Gregster613]

Been using the Atlas tools for at least the past 2yrs... they have all done the jobs they're designed for & performed well thus far.

I'm currently running:

ATLAS 40V 10 in. Pole Saw
ATLAS 40V 24 in. Hedge Trimmer
ATLAS 40V Blower
ATLAS 80V 16 in. String Trimmer
ATLAS 80V 18 in. Chainsaw - (this is really only used to clear debris / trail stuff when out on the tractor / SxS / or ATV - use our gas power saws for the big work / firewood)
https://www.harborfreight.com/brand...less-24-in-hedge-trimmer-tool-only-56935.html
I really need a 80V 4.0 battery (but they are pricey) & I only have the standard charger & would really like the rapid charger... but other than that they all have performed well...

Thanks to all whom responded! It sounds as if the Atlas brand is not flimsy and will last. That's good to hear.
Yes Midniteoyl - I'm still figuring out the string trimmer head, I did a reload and it seemed quite tedious but I assumed it was because it was my first time and had to just get used to it. But, it didn't seem to rewind as "easily" as the instruction say it's supposed to.

Perhaps it'll get better/easier after a few time of doing it, and ensuring I'm not putting to much line in!

 

[Midniteoyl]

Thanks to all whom responded! It sounds as if the Atlas brand is not flimsy and will last. That's good to hear.
Yes Midniteoyl - I'm still figuring out the string trimmer head, I did a reload and it seemed quite tedious but I assumed it was because it was my first time and had to just get used to it. But, it didn't seem to rewind as "easily" as the instruction say it's supposed to.

Perhaps it'll get better/easier after a few time of doing it, and ensuring I'm not putting to much line in!

It seems to tangle up in the spool after a few bump feeds and the only way to fix it is to pull it apart and rewind, over and over again. I have a couple of 2 stroke ones that work fine so not in a real hurry to test other spool heads atm. Will get to it some day

 

[Gregster613]

It seems to tangle up in the spool after a few bump feeds and the only way to fix it is to pull it apart and rewind, over and over again. I have a couple of 2 stroke ones that work fine so not in a real hurry to test other spool heads atm. Will get to it some day

If you ever do figure out how to put a different head on it, please post the how and what it takes!

I have a 4 string head (each string about 6") on my two stroke that really works swell and is quick/easy to change strings whenever needed. It uses real heavy duty string also so it lasts quite a long time. I'll be glad to be able to change out heads, but this Atlas looks as if maybe not able to swap heads? Thanks, Greg

I finally remembered to look at the head I have on my 2 stroke; it's called a "Gatorize your Trimmer" head and uses 0.130" line on the spool. I really like it because all you need to do is cut (4) about 6" strips of line and when you need to refresh - just push out the used ends and push in the new strips. Quick and easy, plus that thick line doesn't wear out fast! I've got some really tough stuff that grows in certain areas and this really works for me!

But, that Gator head was for my Poulan trimmer and I don't know if there is an interchange for the Atlas trimmer. If I ever do find one it's going to be installed promptly!

 

[Grumpycat]

It seems to tangle up in the spool after a few bump feeds and the only way to fix it is to pull it apart and rewind, over and over again. I have a couple of 2 stroke ones that work fine so not in a real hurry to test other spool heads atm. Will get to it some day

I have found on my old EGo string trimmer that taking the head apart and winding new string is the wrong way to load it.

The string needs to be fed in one side and out the other (2 string head) then wound by twisting the head to suck the string in. This way it goes in exactly the same way as it goes out.