Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[California]

I know this won't go over big with a lot of people here but I just run my cat1 stuff in the quick hitch without bushings.
So far I can't find any wear or damage to anything.

Me too. (With an early HF qhitch that has cat 2 hooks).

 

[Threepoint]

Thanks! So HF has changed the spec since their first version which had a Cat 2 hook.

It seems to me using an adapter sleeve like that with a clevis to hold it in, is preferable to adding the semi-permanent adapters with rollpins on every implement.

Rick and California - It's true that the off-the-shelf farm-store sleeve bushings are easily removed if you plan to use the implement from time to time without a QH. But there is another issue that hasn't been mentioned. All the ones I've seen are quite short in length, which means they don't cover the full usable length of the implement link pins. So when you back up to the implement, there's a good chance the QH hooks will not fully seat on the bushings, i.e., will end up partly hanging off. Also, if you use a large flat washer on the hitch pin end, the washer won't stay against the hitch pin, making it harder to line up when hooking up. A good work around that I've used is to buy two bushings for each side, then cut the second one down to make up the gap left on the pin by the first.

 

[lostcreekranch]

That make the QH Bushing pretty appealing then?

RanchEx 102074 Quick Hitch Adapter Bushing Kit - Cat 1 For Quick Hitch (SKU 102851) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747GKLX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Wp4mDbWSRMVMJ

 

[Threepoint]

That make the QH Bushing pretty appealing then?

RanchEx 102074 Quick Hitch Adapter Bushing Kit - Cat 1 For Quick Hitch (SKU 102851) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0747GKLX8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Wp4mDbWSRMVMJ

That RanchEx price is the best I've seen: $13.43/pair w/free shipping. :shocked: They've gone up to $18/pair at Northern Tool, and $30 at TSC.

Tempted to order a couple more sets just for an excuse to get more implements.

 

[lostcreekranch]

That RanchEx price is the best I've seen: $13.43/pair w/free shipping. :shocked: They've gone up to $18/pair at Northern Tool, and $30 at TSC.

Tempted to order a couple more sets just for an excuse to get more implements.

"an excuse to get more implements."

Now you get it!

 

[plumberroy]

I bought a couple of the plastic handle hatchets to chop roots in the dirt where I didn't want to use my good I.E. estwing and fiskars hatchets. Any axe/hatchet under $100 will need the edge shaped to the right profile to cut decent. Once I started working on them on the belt sander ,it became apparent that they had better steel than the fiskars and estwing hatchets. I have since bought the firemans hatchet and modified it to a decent all around medium axe . You do need to look them over and pick out the ones handled decent. By the way the 1 x30 belt sander I use is harbor freight too. I have reprofiled dozens of hatchets, axes and machetes on it.

 

[Threepoint]

I bought a couple of the plastic handle hatchets to chop roots in the dirt where I didn't want to use my good I.E. estwing and fiskars hatchets. Any axe/hatchet under $100 will need the edge shaped to the right profile to cut decent. Once I started working on them on the belt sander ,it became apparent that they had better steel than the fiskars and estwing hatchets. I have since bought the firemans hatchet and modified it to a decent all around medium axe . You do need to look them over and pick out the ones handled decent. By the way the 1 x30 belt sander I use is harbor freight too. I have reprofiled dozens of hatchets, axes and machetes on it.

Very interesting about the HF axes and hatchets. Curious how you go about modifying them. When you say you re-profile them, are you grinding them so the taper of the blade is more gradual? Can you give an idea of how much material you take off (how far up the blade)?

 

[California]

And a new use for the Magnetic Tool Holder that is occasionally 'free with purchase'.

Someone posted about using a flat magnet on his HFQuickHitch to hold clips temporarily. (I use similar flat magnets on my fenders for the seat belt ends). After reading his magnet post, I stuck a Magnetic Tool Holder on my qhitch.

This still needs to be modified. It's too long to put on top so I stuck it to the front edge of the hitch, see the photo. But only the weak back side of the magnet is exposed. Next, I'll cut it down to the length I can install on top, with the magnetic material upward. Question - Is it possible to arc weld the magnet's metal U-shaped border without killing the magnetism?

 

[plumberroy]

Very interesting about the HF axes and hatchets. Curious how you go about modifying them. When you say you re-profile them, are you grinding them so the taper of the blade is more gradual? Can you give an idea of how much material you take off (how far up the blade)?

Yes I file or belt sand the angle finer not a fan of grinder to work on a cutting tool. As far as how much to take off? That is kind of hard to tell you over the net. I am 57 , l was taught to sharpen very young by my Hillbilly dad and uncles. I free hand sharpen. And like knives there are a lot variables. I would say that if you bevel back 3/8th to a 1/2 on the harbor freight axes you would get a decent edge. On a double bit axe with good steel I may bevel the cheeks back close to an inch, double bits are felling axes pure and simple on a rough use hatchet of questionable steel I may only bevel back a 1/4 inch same with a tool for splitting.
This were the Harbor freight hatchets are great they are cheap enough to practice on . Look at the handles close before you buy it , go slow and cool the metal often .
I have reprofiled axes with a file before too. The U.S.A. made Vaughan hatchets are as good as they get , if you can reprofile and sharpen but come with virtually no edge they are 1085 high carbon steel.

 

[Threepoint]

And a new use for the Magnetic Tool Holder that is occasionally 'free with purchase'.
[snip] I stuck a Magnetic Tool Holder on my qhitch.

This still needs to be modified. It's too long to put on top so I stuck it to the front edge of the hitch, see the photo. But only the weak back side of the magnet is exposed. Next, I'll cut it down to the length I can install on top, with the magnetic material upward. Question - Is it possible to arc weld the magnet's metal U-shaped border without killing the magnetism?

View attachment 613893

California, have a look at this link online:
Mig welding near powerful magnet | The H.A.M.B.

I think the magnets will be fine. The welding might be the casualty!
Could probably get some tack welds to hold, but let us know!