HF tools that suck

[Travelover]

Originally Posted by klm

They sell a great looking hatchet, fiberglass handle and all, works good unless you attempt to use it, especially on something like wood. The steel is dead soft and will look like you were trying to cut rocks with it.

I believe these only look like hatchets. They are actually designed as wall decorations or in an extreme case, for home defense.

[Iplayfarmer]

Originally Posted by Dargo

...Out of about 8 or 10 total from Horrible Fright not one single grinder or chop saw has made it past 2 uses...

Dargo, from all the anectdotes in multiple posts that you have shared about how often you destroy tools, and how only the absolute top of the line stuff will stand up to your use, you have got to be the absolute hardest man on tools that I have ever heard of.

[Ken_CT]

I bought a couple of things from them recently. I have had some very good buys from them and some junk Since this is the HF tools that suck thread, I'll mention the $1.99 magnetic bit holder. I drove one screw in, it slipped a little when it was all the way home, which is normal. The next screw wouldn't go in at all. I looked at the head and it was completely stripped. I think it was made of aluminum. What a piece of junk.

[California]

The $5.99 cordless shaver. I bought one several years ago. It always bogged down and stalled. I took it back. Now, several years later, I bought one to keep out at the ranch. In my experience some of the stuff from China has vastly improved in quality compared to 10 years ago.

This new shaver works better, it shaves close and holds a charge for several days. However ... the rpm's drop to half as it hits an unshaven area. This one hasn't stalled yet, but it doesn't inspire confidence. I expect it will soon be a throwaway.

Maybe I'll open it up and see if I can put a Radio Shack replacement nicad in it. It shaves nice, it's just underpowered.

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by Iplayfarmer

Dargo, from all the anectdotes in multiple posts that you have shared about how often you destroy tools, and how only the absolute top of the line stuff will stand up to your use, you have got to be the absolute hardest man on tools that I have ever heard of.

Hey, can you tear up an anvil with a rubber mallet?

Actually most of my projects tend to be on the heavy side. I don't abuse tools or equipment, but I also expect them to be as durable and powerful as claimed. My plasma cutter is a Hypertherm 1250. I needed one that size to cut the steel I use. Besides the DeWalt D28715 chop saw, I also use my DeWalt DW872 multicutter saw quite often. I just noticed that DeWalt does sell a cheaper and less powerful chop saw than the one I own.

[gemini5362]

Originally Posted by patrick_g

Sorry buddy but... Is DeWart deserving of being in the list of premium tools. (Maybe on price because you pay a premium but not on function or quality)

Within a period of 2 weeks I had the following DeWart tools fail:
1. 4 1/2 angle grinder
2. 4 1/2 angle grinder
3. 14 inch chop saw

Saw was repaired for nearly the cost of a new one. Angle grinder minimum repair cost at factory warranty station was in excess of sale price making them throw away.

Now for the HF tool that sucks. Plastic woodworking clamps that you tighten by repetitive hand squeezing. I broke one and got it replaced under the warranty. Yesterday it broke. Sure they will give me another but... In the mean time I don't have a tool and cost of travel requires me mto wait till I'm going near an HF to do the swap.

Pat

Pat I dont really know that much about dewalt tools. I see them and I do notice the price is about the same as I pay for my ridgid tools so of course I buy the ridgid brand. I have no idea how well they hold up. I have to read yours and other posts about them to try and have an opinion. I do wonder if maybe all the trouble you are having with your dewalt tools would go away if you changed the frequency of the water injection you use on them to try and get them to use less electricity.

[tallyho8]

Originally Posted by gemini5362

Pat I dont really know that much about dewalt tools. I see them and I do notice the price is about the same as I pay for my ridgid tools so of course I buy the ridgid brand. I have no idea how well they hold up. I have to read yours and other posts about them to try and have an opinion. I do wonder if maybe all the trouble you are having with your dewalt tools would go away if you changed the frequency of the water injection you use on them to try and get them to use less electricity.

Or, if you get rid of your HST and get a gear tractor.

[dawoodwa]

The only HF tool that I have ever liked was their dial indicators. When I did millwright work I would use their dial indicators while i was performing alignments because it wouldn't hurt so bad if I broke one but I would always pull out the Starrett for the buyoff from the customer. The HF dial indicators worked just as good as the Starretts, never had any problems on the alignments.

[DionysiosA76]

probaly the pencil torch sucks the most... the best though is either the CAT gloves, or some of the welding accesories...

[California]

Originally Posted by DionysiosA76

probably the pencil torch sucks the most... the best though is either the CAT gloves, or some of the welding accesories...

The slender blue torch? Agreed. I got rid of one long ago.

CAT gloves? I can't find them on their glove page. The leather driving gloves or roping gloves (same but thicker) are great for shoveling.