Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[IslandTractor]

I've had one of their "better" ones for 12+ years and it has worked very well. This is the one with the red Goodyear rubber hose, 25'. The only complaint is that it does leak down every so slightly. I just turn my compressor off at the tank to fix that problem.

I notice the same thing. It doesn't affect function but there is a slow leak down so I just try to remember to turn the compressor off when I leave.

 

[weldingisfun]

Anybody have any experience with the HF retractable air hose reel? I'm tired of air hose rats nests and these look like they may solve that problem .

Don't waste your money. They do not lock without a lot of effort on your part.

 

[AchingBack]

I've had this hose reel for several years with absolutely no problems. True, during colder weather the hose is slightly stiff, but it never fails to work. I'd buy it again. The price at Wal*Mart is the best I've seen. Purchase the Campbell Hausfeld 50' Retractable Hose Reel for less at Walmart.com. Save money. Live better.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

I have a 50' retractable hose reel I got from Homier years ago. I had to replace the hose and re-do the rotary union with new o-rings and silicone grease. It works great. Northern has this one for $60 in the current store flyer:
ReelWorks Air Hose Reel with 3/8in. x 50ft. PVC Hose, Model# L816153-P | Air Hoses Reels| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[sixdogs]

Thanks for the reviews - I think I'll get the one with the crank and be done with it for under $20! I think if I carry the free end back to the reel before I start rewinding I won't have to worry about dragging the fittings on the ground.

I don't think it would matter. I've been dragging my hoses and ends and driving over them and banging them around for years and never had a problem. I always use quick disconnect ends if that matters.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I've had 3 of the 25' HF reels in my shop for 5 years now and really like them.

 

[rbstern]

Bumping this thread for the 90 AMP MIG Welder and the 4.5 amp angle grinder ($10 with coupon!). I've had them for a couple of years, have done some very minor work with them. This past weekend, used them to repair a home-made trailer that had been abandoned on my property. Welded on a new coupler, repaired a couple of broken welds in the frame. The welder worked great.

The lug nuts on one of the wheels were rusted solid. Couldn't break them loose with penetrating oil and a 4' long breaker bar. Ended up using the angle grinder and a cutting wheel to cut the lug nuts and bolts off. Heavy work for a 4.5 amp angle grinder, but it soldiered right through without complaint.

 

[rbstern]

And speaking of trailers:

Anybody own a set of Harbor Freight loading ramps? Any feedback on performance?

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have the ramps. They are fine, labled by a number of other companies, meaning they are the same sold by Sears and a few other places. As they are cheap, a guy I know bolted two sets together for his quad, so they are doublewide. Downside is that they are short, thus steep assuming you are going to a bed of a truck. With a motorcycle its a big PITA. Quad not so much as you can drive the quad up. There are expensive, yet much longer ramps, a budd of mine who builds custom choppers uses.

 

[rbstern]

I have the ramps. They are fine, labled by a number of other companies, meaning they are the same sold by Sears and a few other places. As they are cheap, a guy I know bolted two sets together for his quad, so they are doublewide. Downside is that they are short, thus steep assuming you are going to a bed of a truck. With a motorcycle its a big PITA. Quad not so much as you can drive the quad up. There are expensive, yet much longer ramps, a budd of mine who builds custom choppers uses.

Thanks for the feedback.

These will be used with a 4x8 trailer, much lower than a truck bed, so the length should be fine. No motorcycles to worry about. Lawn tractor, ATVs, golf cart.