Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[DMax82]

I used the one on Hfqpdb.com.

 

[ultrarunner]

Those $7.95 LED pocket LED with magnetic base have been a Godsend during the power outages... right now maybe 2 million without power.

I bought some extras and gave them to neighbors and you would have thought it was Christmas... still all on original batteries they came with...

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I used to think that until someone gave me a couple Ryobi 18v tools (but no battery). When I discovered the batteries were compatible with their newer tools I picked up a drill/driver kit and just swap the batteries around as needed. They've stood up very well. The reciprocating saw is my go-to one. Battery life is good...better than some other brands I've sed./QUOTE]

I have had great service with the Ryobi 18V tools, had them for 30+ years. They have really blown it on their 40V outdoor stuff. If you get 4 charges out of a battery that is good. At $100+ per I am going to scrap that line if they don't change. I have 4 of the 40V tools and 6 batteries, only one works.

Ron

 

[5030]

One thing I fail to understand is why the big jump to higher voltages. Is that a marketing gimmick or what? It's not the voltage that powers the tool, it's the delivered amperage that powers the tool.

I prefer a lower voltage with a higher amp hour pack versus a higher voltage pack anyday and it seems like as the voltage jumps, so does the price of the battery pack. My opinion is even 20 is too much. I'd prefer a high amp hour pack and tool at 12 volts.

 

[5030]

Wife has the freebie LED lights stuck everywhere. I think we have at least 4 now, all on original batteries and possibly another 3 as Christmas presents. Wallyworld wants 12 bucks for the same light, different color.

 

[LouNY]

Takes less amps as the voltage increases which in turn allows for smaller wires and contacts and switches which cost and weigh less.

 

[aczlan]

Takes less amps as the voltage increases which in turn allows for smaller wires and contacts and switches which cost and weigh less.

Exactly, Volts * Amps = Watts
12 Volts * 10 Amps = 120 Watts
20 Volts * 6 Amps = 120 Watts

Wiring, switches, etc for a 6 amp load are much cheaper than the same for a 10 amp load.

Aaron Z

 

[Fallon]

One thing I fail to understand is why the big jump to higher voltages. Is that a marketing gimmick or what? It's not the voltage that powers the tool, it's the delivered amperage that powers the tool.

I prefer a lower voltage with a higher amp hour pack versus a higher voltage pack anyday and it seems like as the voltage jumps, so does the price of the battery pack. My opinion is even 20 is too much. I'd prefer a high amp hour pack and tool at 12 volts.

Others have noted the amps * volts = watts aspect, which explains a fair bit. On the Ryobi side, the 40v packs are about triple the size of the One+ 18v standard sized packs. I picked up a 40v weed wacker kit & it is 2-3 times as powerful & lasts the same or longer as my worthless One+ 18v string trimmer. I'm sure it's a lot to do with a better designed motor in the 40v unit, but the bigger one is better in all respects, usually by a good margin.


All things being equal, you need double the number of cells in a 40v battery that you need in a 18-20v one. Depending on the number of cells you can rewire cells in a small battery from parallel to series to increase the voltage. Dewalts have some batteries that run dual voltage depending on what you put them in. But at least from what I've seen those Dewalt dual voltage batteries are noticably bigger (presumably more cells) as are the 40v Ryobis.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

Others have noted the amps * volts = watts aspect, which explains a fair bit. On the Ryobi side, the 40v packs are about triple the size of the One+ 18v standard sized packs. I picked up a 40v weed wacker kit & it is 2-3 times as powerful & lasts the same or longer as my worthless One+ 18v string trimmer. I'm sure it's a lot to do with a better designed motor in the 40v unit, but the bigger one is better in all respects, usually by a good margin.


All things being equal, you need double the number of cells in a 40v battery that you need in a 18-20v one. Depending on the number of cells you can rewire cells in a small battery from parallel to series to increase the voltage. Dewalts have some batteries that run dual voltage depending on what you put them in. But at least from what I've seen those Dewalt dual voltage batteries are noticably bigger (presumably more cells) as are the 40v Ryobis.

Like my previous, seem that Ryobi developed an 18V system that has been very successful, but when they went to 40V it has not panned out well. Hope they get it fixed so I can use my investment in outdoor tools.

Ron

 

[5030]

I could never 'live' with a battery powered 'weed wacker'. I don't wack weeds for the most part, I mow them. I use my Stihl straight shaft brush cutter with a scratcher blade most of the time and some of the time with a toothed blade to cut saplings on the ditch bank.