Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[California]

In my opinion the era of Nicad powered tools is past, dead, rightfully so. Lithium packs more energy per weight and the batteries don't seem to age as fast.

 

[dragoneggs]

In my opinion the era of Nicad powered tools is past, dead, rightfully so. Lithium packs more energy per weight and the batteries don't seem to age as fast.

Don't seem to have memory block issues that NiCad did either.

 

[John_Mc]

Don't seem to have memory block issues that NiCad did either.

No, Lithium doesn't have that issue. However, they don't like sitting unused for extended periods, especially if they are completely full or almost empty of charge. If you are going to be storing them for a while, try to leave lithium batteries roughly half charged.

 

[dragoneggs]

No, Lithium doesn't have that issue. However, they don't like sitting unused for extended periods, especially if they are completely full or almost empty of charge. If yo are going to be storing them for a while, try to leave lithium batteries roughly half charged.

Yeah I know that but old habits are hard to break.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I have no idea on the breakaway torque, but the lug nuts I pulled this weekend had been there for a while, the 5 on the rear of the Ranger had some rust powder in them and were stubborn but weren't a problem for the impact.

The impact starts adding up when you have to add in a battery and charger, I think there's still a 10% off coupon on Bauer stuff so that would make the tool $116ish, battery $41ish and charger around $20 if you did separate transactions... Several of the ratings on the Earthquake stuff aren't that stellar plus not sure if it's worth the premium, the other Bauer tools are kinda nice too, the wife got the weedeater and likes it, I got both square drive impacts and the compressor so far (haven't tried the compressor yet) and thinking about the stereo... and maybe the angle grinder if I get the urge...

 

[KubotainNH]

I have no idea on the breakaway torque, but the lug nuts I pulled this weekend had been there for a while, the 5 on the rear of the Ranger had some rust powder in them and were stubborn but weren't a problem for the impact.

The impact starts adding up when you have to add in a battery and charger, I think there's still a 10% off coupon on Bauer stuff so that would make the tool $116ish, battery $41ish and charger around $20 if you did separate transactions... Several of the ratings on the Earthquake stuff aren't that stellar plus not sure if it's worth the premium, the other Bauer tools are kinda nice too, the wife got the weedeater and likes it, I got both square drive impacts and the compressor so far (haven't tried the compressor yet) and thinking about the stereo... and maybe the angle grinder if I get the urge...

Thanks, I was looking at the 1/4" impact that comes with a small battery and charger, plus the 1/2" impact bare tool and a 4ah battery. With coupons it came to a bit over $200. I'm thinking I'll go the Dewalt route though, more money but 2 - 5ah batteries and a more compact design on their mid torque 1/2" model that compares to the Bauer power wise. My concern is if HF still has these batteries in 2 years or will they switch to another new design. Also with the Dewalt you can get an adapter that allows the new batteries to fit his old gear.

 

[Woodpeckerlips]

I don't know if it's been posted on here or not but the hf deep cut portable bandsaw works great just not with the hf lumpy band saw blades I use the Milwaukee brand

 

[California]

I don't know if it's been posted on here or not but the hf deep cut portable bandsaw works great just not with the hf lumpy band saw blades I use the Milwaukee brand

I have the previous model, not deep cut but adequate. It works fine, with a good blade.

Seems to me a portable bandsaw is one of those basic essential tools any shop should have, even the occasional weekend DIY'er.

 

[crazyal]

The problem with lithium is that if one cell dies the whole pack is dead.

 

[Rock Crawler]

The problem with lithium is that if one cell dies the whole pack is dead.

I wouldn't buy any of the HF lithium stuff while you can buy the Ridgid kits that are lithium, brushless and lifetime warranty. I bought the Hercules stuff, returned it all a few days later... Not because it didn't perform... But because I could pay similar for Ridgid and register everything in the kits including tools, batteries and charger for the lifetime warranty. No extra cost, just buy Ridgid in kits with the lifetime warranty clearly marked on the package. Bare tools and individual batteries are exempt from that warranty.