Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[grsthegreat]

im not a big fan of Harbor Freight, usually only buying stuff like hammers and NON POWERED items, but i broke down and got a 44" tool chest for xmas. I shopped around and looked at alot of different took cases, and theirs seamed like the best for the money spent. Its amazing that its so well built and sturdy for the money. im quite impressed with it. With the money i saved, i splurged on a new craftsmen socket set for the shop. Ive had a mess of different branded tools collected over the years, quite a mis-matched mess actually. Craftsman had a 311 piece kit for under $200 that was too good to turn down. i checked out Kobalt and home depot brand, not even close. sure there all chinese made, but craftsman set was more complete. I gave away most of my old tools, and i purchased a bunch of drawer organizers. Hopefully this will last me a long time. I even labeled the drawers after all was done.

 

[sixdogs]

Those red tool chests are the best in the industry, especially for the price. I've never regretted my purchase. Prices this year have been the lowest I can ever recall.

 

[DFB]

Cool...

Harbor Freight Earthquake XT impact wrench teardown review

Harbor Freight Earthquake XT impact wrench teardown review - YouTube

 

[crazyal]

im not a big fan of Harbor Freight, usually only buying stuff like hammers and NON POWERED items, but i broke down and got a 44" tool chest for xmas. I shopped around and looked at alot of different took cases, and theirs seamed like the best for the money spent. Its amazing that its so well built and sturdy for the money. im quite impressed with it. With the money i saved, i splurged on a new craftsmen socket set for the shop. Ive had a mess of different branded tools collected over the years, quite a mis-matched mess actually. Craftsman had a 311 piece kit for under $200 that was too good to turn down. i checked out Kobalt and home depot brand, not even close. sure there all chinese made, but craftsman set was more complete. I gave away most of my old tools, and i purchased a bunch of drawer organizers. Hopefully this will last me a long time. I even labeled the drawers after all was done. View attachment 493116 View attachment 493117 View attachment 493115

I think the Craftsman sockets are made in the US (or were the last time i looked). I've toyed with buying a new set but the last few times I looked they no longer stamp the size into the side of the socket. I'm not sure how well the etched markings will stand up over time. Hopefully they have gone back to having both the large etching and the engraved at the base.

 

[KubotainNH]

I think the Craftsman sockets are made in the US (or were the last time i looked). I've toyed with buying a new set but the last few times I looked they no longer stamp the size into the side of the socket. I'm not sure how well the etched markings will stand up over time. Hopefully they have gone back to having both the large etching and the engraved at the base.

Not many are USA made now, you really need to watch. I think the Pro series may be though. I ordered some wrenches to supplement my Craftsman set and found China made on some. I sent those back and bought new USA made ones on E-bay for less or similar money and better quality. For China made tools, I'm really sold on Gearwrench, I've had their ratcheting wrenches for a few years. They make great stuff. My son bought a huge set for collision school. Very complete set for a decent price. He couldn't touch the USA made ones at this point.

BTW, he has the HF tall tool chest. It is well made and at this point full of tools for school. He's having tool withdrawal while on break.

 

[dragoneggs]

Looking at getting the HF blasting cabinet using the 25% off coupon good Sunday/Monday only. Apparently there are two model numbers #68893 and #62144. Does anybody know if there is any difference between them?

Search results for: 'blast cabinet'

 

[lostcreekranch]

Looking at getting the HF blasting cabinet using the 25% off coupon good Sunday/Monday only. Apparently there are two model numbers #68893 and #62144. Does anybody know if there is any difference between them?

Search results for: 'blast cabinet'

DE, I'm guessing same product from 2 different vendors. Make sure you look at the compressor requirement. Specs indicate minimum of 9.5 cfm @ 90 psi but, about 15-16 cfm @ 90 psi would be much better.

I've been looking at their 5 HP / 60 gallon compressor for this very reason.

6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

It's rated at 15.8 cfm @90 psi.

 

[dragoneggs]

DE, I'm guessing same product from 2 different vendors. Make sure you look at the compressor requirement. Specs indicate minimum of 9.5 cfm @ 90 psi but, about 15-16 cfm @ 90 psi would be much better.

I've been looking at their 5 HP / 60 gallon compressor for this very reason.

6 Gallon Air Compressor - 2 Stage, 5 HP, 165 PSI

It's rated at 15.8 cfm @90 psi.

Hi Rick, I'm asking because when I bought my HF 20T press there were two model numbers... one was a later version that had a few improvements including better welds in places. As far as air requirements, yes they are monsters. I recently upgraded my old Craftsman 2hp 20gal compressor to a Husky 3.7hp 60gal. It is rated at 11.5cfm at 90psi so I should be good on air. I am also planning to upgrade the system using Tacoma Products 'pro-blast' kit that switches out the triggered gun to a gravity feed and foot pedal setup. There are several Youtube videos on this mod. It seems to drastically reduce the pressure requirement and fouling/clogging problems turning the unit into a much more efficient machine.

I also looked at the HF 5hp two stage but it was $250 more than the HD unit I bought for $489 and think it should be plenty for my shop (I hope).

Here is a link to the mod I plan on doing. Harborfreight sandblast Blast cabinet makeover with Tacomacompany kit part 1 - YouTube

 

[sw99]

Hi Rick, I'm asking because when I bought my HF 20T press there were two model numbers... one was a later version that had a few improvements including better welds in places.

Just noticed this also. They a couple different 20 ton presses when I picked up mine. I opted for the welded version instead of the bolt together one. Overall, very happy with it so far!

 

[dragoneggs]

Just noticed this also. They a couple different 20 ton presses when I picked up mine. I opted for the welded version instead of the bolt together one. Overall, very happy with it so far!

The silver/gray color one is the latest version (#60603). I swapped the hand jack with a HF pneumatic bottle jack that really makes it a pleasure to use! Just squeeze the trigger and you are bending.