Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[rangerfredbob]

I was working on a 3 point forklift setup that'd been on the back burner for a couple years since I got it for $20 at an auction, it was set up for some skid steer so the middle link was on the bottom instead of the top, they had made that middle point with two sandwiched 1/2" plates that were about 4" long at where I needed to cut them off to reuse. I wanted a clean cut and should have probably used the O/A torch in hind sight but anywho, I used my corded HFT reciprocating saw that has the turnable handle and a Diablo bi metal blade from Home Depot and went at it. That was the longest cut I've ever done on a reciprocating saw and it didn't seem to phase it... few teeth missing from the blade but don't remember if they were missing beforehand...

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I've pretty much learned to avoid HF and other no name power tools, not worth the effort!

Some stuff at HF is ok, just not power equipment in my book anyway... Ryobi is in the same bucket..

My cordless stuff is Panasonic brushless that is still running after a decade of use with the original batteries (although I did purchase more batteries) and Milwaukee M28 stuff, a company wise enough to license Panasonic's battery tech. I've had to replace the triggers and blade holder in the Milwaukee cordless sawzall, but nothing else.

Yep, brushless is the way to go! The second thing I noticed in your garage was the RC痴 hanging up! Are they brushless or still nitro.... I have 6 airplanes 2 of which are still nitro, 2 converted to brushless, 2 still to be converted from brushed (I have the motors but not the time to do it). Honestly, I have not been flying for the last 3 - 4 years.... life got in the way. Soon to change though and I will be flying soon!

Still all nitro and like yourself, gathering dust--but it does give the garage a bit of ambiance.

 

[hunt4570]

My cordless stuff is Panasonic brushless that is still running after a decade of use with the original batteries (although I did purchase more batteries) and Milwaukee M28 stuff, a company wise enough to license Panasonic's battery tech. I've had to replace the triggers and blade holder in the Milwaukee cordless sawzall, but nothing else.




Still all nitro and like yourself, gathering dust--but it does give the garage a bit of ambiance.

Power tools here are (old) porter cable stuff, mostly in that 15-25 year range and going strong (before black and decker bought them), some Makita, older and newer, Dewalt, mostly newer, Hitachi, newer also, and one Bosch cordless drill I got talked into at the store.. within a week I went back and bought a Makita to replace it! Oh , I forgot a couple Milwaukee tools, a corded hammer drill and a corded panel saw.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The only power tools I ever bought at HF are their 4.5" grinders. I have both the paddle switch and the push switch (light duty) and all are still working ok after about 9 years of occasional use.
Wrenches and socket sets hold up well. The ball detent popped out of my 1" drive ratchet and HF replaced it, no questions asked.

 

[5030]

I thought a garage was a place to park your cat / truck, not to collect stuff (junk).....

 

[5030]

Put my Portland 110 volt corded pole saw to the test yesterday. Passed with flying colors. Only issue is the tiny bar oil tank. Good for maybe 15 minutes use. Used a 50 foot extension cord to power it and my 2000 watt portable generator in the back of the side by side.

79 regular price, 59 on sale. Has an Oregon roller nose bar and chain too. Must not make chainsaw bars and chains in China.

 

[Oaktree]

I thought a garage was a place to park your cat / truck, not to collect stuff (junk).....

I dunno, IMHO a garage is way too valuable a building to waste on parking a car inside of. My wife is not of that opinion so we compromise...she gets to park inside from first snowfall 'til mid April or so, otherwise it's my workshop. Too much of a hassle to heat once the temp gets below 20 or so in the winter anyway.
My vehicles live outside year round.

I've pretty much learned to avoid HF and other no name power tools, not worth the effort!

Some stuff at HF is ok, just not power equipment in my book anyway... Ryobi is in the same bucket..

While I disagree on Ryobi, I'm cautious on HF power tools as well. Maybe the newer brands are better quality, maybe not...time will tell. That having been said I have the Chicago Electric impact driver...does what I need it to do.

IMHO Ryobi (as well as Hitachi, Porter Cable, Makita, etc.) are OK home mechanic/handyman tools. Not pro quality, but not junk either.

 

[hunt4570]

I dunno, IMHO a garage is way too valuable a building to waste on parking a car inside of. My wife is not of that opinion so we compromise...she gets to park inside from first snowfall 'til mid April or so, otherwise it's my workshop. Too much of a hassle to heat once the temp gets below 20 or so in the winter anyway.
My vehicles live outside year round.



While I disagree on Ryobi, I'm cautious on HF power tools as well. Maybe the newer brands are better quality, maybe not...time will tell. That having been said I have the Chicago Electric impact driver...does what I need it to do.

IMHO Ryobi (as well as Hitachi, Porter Cable, Makita, etc.) are OK home mechanic/handyman tools. Not pro quality, but not junk either.

Wow used the Hitachi, Makita, Porter Cable professionally for years!! Most tools on the job sites are those (and a couple Bosch), and now the Dewalt brand. So what do you consider "pro" quality?

 

[hunt4570]

So I'm thinking about a little sand blaster, I have a big vice I want cleaned up and a guy around here wants $80-$100 to do it!

I can get this little blaster for under 30 bucks.. anybody have one?? Reviews look good!

Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit

 

[California]

So I'm thinking about a little sand blaster, I have a big vice I want cleaned up and a guy around here wants $80-$100 to do it!

I can get this little blaster for under 30 bucks.. anybody have one?? Reviews look good!

Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit

I bought that several years ago when it was an ITC special then let it sit a year before I got around to using it. The hose crumbled, broke in several places without any force applied, as I unwound it off of the body. Unusable.

Maybe they've improved the hose quality by now.

Buy the warranty for this one!