Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[TMGT]

Has anyone here used the sanding sponges? Thinking of grabbing some of those this weekend to work on a guitar body I'm building.

I have, the ones I used were pretty hit or miss. I was doing drywall and the media seemed to wear down/ off pretty quick. Went back to 3M ones and found them a lot less frustrating, didn't seem to wear out or load up as quick.
This was a few years ago so maybe the quality has changed.

 

[California]

[Sanding sponges...] pretty hit or miss. I was doing drywall and the media seemed to wear down/ off pretty quick.

This was a few years ago so maybe the quality has changed.

My experience too. Worthwhile for sanding curves. Used wet, I went through several, they wore out faster than I expected.

I would use them for a guitar project. But if I were paying someone hourly wages I might look for similar in 'pro' quality.

 

[PJSprog]

Thanks, guys. I didn't expect them to be 3M quality, just wondering whether or not they are a complete waste of time.

Appreciate the input. I'll give them a try.

 

[farmer2009]

What’s your thoughts on the rotary hammers?

Been wanting one for a while. Main task will be concrete drilling and driving ground rods. New harbor freight opened about 30 miles away. So far it’s the closest and we’re in the city weekly. Thinking about the 1 1/8” $97 one. There’s also a 1” $82 one. Next step is 1 9/16” for $150.

 

[Wasmeneh]

Don't recall which one I bought but I've used it for probably 10 years off and on. No problems and it's their brand. If Iwas using it every day maybe not but Ive drilled probably 50 holes in concrete with their bits and no issues.

 

[lostcreekranch]

What’s your thoughts on the rotary hammers?

Been wanting one for a while. Main task will be concrete drilling and driving ground rods. New harbor freight opened about 30 miles away. So far it’s the closest and we’re in the city weekly. Thinking about the 1 1/8” $97 one. There’s also a 1” $82 one. Next step is 1 9/16” for $150.

I’m curious as to how well rotary hammers work driving ground rods?

I’ll be installing some temporary electric fence in the spring in several places as we replace some cross fencing.

 

[dragoneggs]

While we're on HF cutoff wheels...I always wear quality safety glasses after I had one come apart at high RPM. Could happen to any wheel.

For those of you doing just about anything in the shop, please get in the habit of wearing your safety glasses, especially if you don't wear eyeglasses. I have had too many close calls over the years. Still don't wear them 100%. I did just buy a full face shield with a flip down shade which is great for grinding and plasma cutting. I can highly recommend this one, so far...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000150J3C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Code54]

Don't recall which one I bought but I've used it for probably 10 years off and on. No problems and it's their brand. If Iwas using it every day maybe not but Ive drilled probably 50 holes in concrete with their bits and no issues.

Same here - don't use it a lot but works great when I do

 

[Tractor Seabee]

The Home I recently bought has a Harbor Freight sourced First Alert 2054F fire safe built in.

I have the key but have no combination and none of the seller's relatives know the combination. It was sourced through Harbor Freight for $140

To open requires the 4 number combo and key.

Home Depot PDF Link

https://images.homedepot-static.com/catalog/pdfImages/79/7960ce4a-09dd-4953-b689-d915a9cc782a.pdf

The 4 number combo is suppose to be printed on the owner's manual which I have not been able to find.

Am I out of luck?

Is cutting through the hardened steel anchors to get it out the only option?

The manual is probably inside the safe. A good locksmith should be able to open a clunky safe like those using their listening tool.

Ron

 

[ultrarunner]

I've kind of taken it as a personal challenge... so far the Safe is winning!

The other two were drilled and a bore scope inserted and the dial manipulated accordingly... took longer to drill than to open.

 

[4570Man]

So are you trying to open it without damaging the safe?

 

[Threepoint]

Whatç—´ your thoughts on the rotary hammers?

Been wanting one for a while. Main task will be concrete drilling and driving ground rods. New harbor freight opened about 30 miles away. So far itç—´ the closest and weæ±*e in the city weekly. Thinking about the 1 1/8 $97 one. Thereç—´ also a 1 $82 one. Next step is 1 9/16 for $150.

For what you want, I definitely would not go lighter than the 1-9/16" SDS Max. 1.5 Amp 1-9/16 in. SDS Max-Type Pro Variable Speed Rotary Hammer Kit

 

[Threepoint]

Whatç—´ your thoughts on the rotary hammers?

Been wanting one for a while. Main task will be concrete drilling and driving ground rods. New harbor freight opened about 30 miles away. So far itç—´ the closest and weæ±*e in the city weekly. Thinking about the 1 1/8 $97 one. Thereç—´ also a 1 $82 one. Next step is 1 9/16 for $150.

For what you want, I definitely would not go lighter than the 10.5A 1-9/16" SDS Max. 1.5 Amp 1-9/16 in. SDS Max-Type Pro Variable Speed Rotary Hammer Kit
I've had the blue predecessor of this model for four or five years and like it a lot. Good combination of power and weight.

 

[gator]

For what you want, I definitely would not go lighter than the 10.5A 1-9/16" SDS Max. 1.5 Amp 1-9/16 in. SDS Max-Type Pro Variable Speed Rotary Hammer Kit
I've had the blue predecessor of this model for four or five years and like it a lot. Good combination of power and weight.

If anyone is interested in this rotary hammer HERE IS A LINK FOR SUPER CUPON AT $99.99

 

[farmer2009]

For what you want, I definitely would not go lighter than the 10.5A 1-9/16" SDS Max. 1.5 Amp 1-9/16 in. SDS Max-Type Pro Variable Speed Rotary Hammer Kit
I've had the blue predecessor of this model for four or five years and like it a lot. Good combination of power and weight.

School me on the SDS Max. Is it the type of motor or just a rating? Are the others too light to drive rods?

 

[4570Man]

The SDS max is a heavier duty drill. That’s the size of bits it uses. I’ve got one and I’ve never tried but I believe it would drive ground rods. It’s the best thing ever for drilling holes and knocking off masonry products inside.

 

[farmer2009]

I’m curious as to how well rotary hammers work driving ground rods?

I’ll be installing some temporary electric fence in the spring in several places as we replace some cross fencing.

I have always drove ground rods with a post driver and then a sledge near the ground. My understanding is they work very well. But you just use the hammer setting and you buy a ground rod holder that goes into the chuck.

Temporary fence post I alway just step in the ground with my foot. In a hard spot I might use a 3 lb. hammer.

 

[Code54]

Used ours to drive the ground rods at our shop. We had a heck of time trying to get them in (hammer, sledge, etc) so I got the bit and we put the rods in on the hammer setting without another issue in something like 15 minutes. Well worth it!

 

[ultrarunner]

So are you trying to open it without damaging the safe?

Yes for now... trying to all different approaches of manipulation...

I did find a cut away showing the 4 discs... the security rating of this safe isn't very high... but so far it is wining.

The cleanest destructive way is to drill access for a scope to see the discs turning and line them up...

 

[ultrarunner]

I'm a big fan of SDS Hammer Drills from my construction time in Austria... EVERY house has a Hammer Drill... masonry and concrete construction is the norm where I was.