Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[stuckmotor]

I have ti say, probably the best item I ever bought at HF is their 2500 PSI gas pressure washer. Has a Pred motor and some Chinese no name axial pump on it but, I've used it hard for 4 years now (I wash down ll my farm equipment, 2 cars and my pickup truck regularly and I've never had on issue with it. Starts first pull, uses no oil and never lets me down.

I've never even changed the spark plug. All I do is once a year, change the oil, clean the air filter and change the oil in the pump (30 weight non detergent). Thats it.

For 250 bucks (probably costs more now), it was a bargain.

I see you live in Michigan, where it's cold. Do you ever add antifreeze to the pump?

 

[PJSprog]

Their stocking levels are becoming a 'Do'. All too often I go for something and they don't have it. 'We'll get another truck tomorrow' doesn't help me today. And not just me. As I was wandering after hearing that, I overheard the same answer to several other queries about different items.

I suspect they are heading down the same road as most music stores; victim of their own website success. Most music stores, even the big places like Guitar Center, hardly carry any of the stuff that musicians use on a regular basis because they make it so easy to just order it online and have it delivered right to your door, so no one goes into the stores to buy those consumables anymore (strings, picks, etc.). The same is probably true for HF; not carrying enough stock because it's just not selling, or it's mostly going to fill online orders and they can't get any to the stores. Either way, victims of their own success.

Brick and mortar stores can only carry so much. I understand that. But, when you're constantly running out of the same stuff, your planning is less good.

 

[downsizingnow48]

There are quite a few HF stores around Sacramento. When something is not at the store I am in, the checkout people look at the SKU on their computer. The same screen shows availability at other locations and they always tell me where the closest alternative is.

 

[5030]

I see you live in Michigan, where it's cold. Do you ever add antifreeze to the pump?

Never. The pressure washer and everything else (machine tools and welders and all tools reside in a heated and air conditioned shop. If I kept it in an unheated space, you bet it would be filled with RV antifreeze. One freeze destroys a pressure washer pump.

 

[California]

There are quite a few HF stores around Sacramento. When something is not at the store I am in, the checkout people look at the SKU on their computer. The same screen shows availability at other locations and they always tell me where the closest alternative is.

Same region, my favorite HF is right next to I-80 in Fairfield so I go past it each time between home and ranch. I don't think I've hit a not-in-stock there more than once every several years. The freeway there is 10 lanes wide and traffic is nearly standing still with congestion for hours every day so they have a huge number of potential customers. They must do a huge volume. No problems at all.

In contrast, the Fry's Electronics off I-80 NE of Sacramento looks like PJSprog described for the music stores. Its a disaster. Its a huge store, bigger than a Target or K-Mart in floor space - and it has recently become a ghost town with aisles of empty shelves and no staff on the floor. Online, all the Fry's are described similar with rumors they've halted buying anything to restock shelves and an expectation they will shut down the stores. Hopefully Fry's will remain active online.

 

[California]

The pressure washer and everything else reside in a heated and air conditioned shop. If I kept it in an unheated space, you bet it would be filled with RV antifreeze. One freeze destroys a pressure washer pump.

My pressure washer seized from aluminum corrosion after I simply drained it then didn't use it for a year or so. In its replacement, I use automotive antifreeze every time its stored. No more problem.

 

[hunt4570]

Good video but you need to lose that yellow cordless impact wrench and get yourself a Bauer 20 volt lithium....lol

Nothing personal but "I" will stick with my Makita! And it goes well with my yellow cordless framing nailer!

 

[stuckmotor]

Never. The pressure washer and everything else (machine tools and welders and all tools reside in a heated and air conditioned shop. If I kept it in an unheated space, you bet it would be filled with RV antifreeze. One freeze destroys a pressure washer pump.

Now I understand. Thank you for the reply.

 

[KubotainNH]

Anyone try the cheaper leaf blower/mulcher below? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something I don't use often and if I have a big task I can use a gas powered one I have. Issue with that one is it now needs some tinkering seeing it wouldn't start today. I do like having the battery option. I'd assume the batteries won't last in the one below and if needed I can adapt it to run off my other cordless power packs that get recharged often, I did this with a weed whacker with a failed battery. Thanks.

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[Threepoint]

Anyone try the cheaper leaf blower/mulcher below? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on something I don't use often and if I have a big task I can use a gas powered one I have. Issue with that one is it now needs some tinkering seeing it wouldn't start today. I do like having the battery option. I'd assume the batteries won't last in the one below and if needed I can adapt it to run off my other cordless power packs that get recharged often, I did this with a weed whacker with a failed battery. Thanks.

Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - Free coupons, 25 percent off coupons, toolbox coupons - 3 IN 1 ELECTRIC BLOWER VACUUM MULCHER

KubotainNH, the Portland model you linked to is 120v. Is that the one you mean?

Also, you mentioned that you've adapted a battery-operated weed whacker to run off other cordless power packs. You do realize, I hope, that you're now obligated to share with the rest of us how you did that!