Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[buck12]

The angle grinder? I see there are two of them now, $45 and $99. I have the first one. It's real convenient but not that powerful. Only 6500 rpm vs the more common 13,000 rpm. It's great with a cup brush for cleaning flux-core slag between welding passes. No cord to get snarled up in! It also worked well with a flap disc. But its no more powerful than HF's $9 DrillMaster for actual grinding. For remote use, maybe with a cutting wheel for fenceposts or something, it would be ideal.

I got that one when I wanted another battery so buying the combo pack made the net cost of the angle grinder very reasonable.

Has anyone tried the new $99 version?

Added: I went looking for reviews of the $99 grinder. Reviews on Amazon are very favorable. Except some people who bought the 'refurb' version for $20 less, received random quality. I've had good luck with 'Amazon Warehouse' discount items, clearly described as 'packaging damaged', minor scratches (so what?) or something that is likely a customer return that tested ok. Those have simple return privileges. I don't care if the manual is missing for $20 off. But I've avoided third-party sellers listed after Amazon Warehouse, those sound like a frustration-maker.

One common theme in the reviews is this larger one needs Ryobi's more powerful 18 volt batteries, 3AH or better.

The $99 model. A while back I watched a YouTube video that compared the two models and the higher dollar model was rated better. I really like cordless tools especially at our remote property.

 

[rangerfredbob]

I bought one of the US General 22" x 26" tool storage cabinets a couple of years ago. I've been very happy with it, except for one thing: the mice are also very happy with it. Evey few months, I find a drawer filled with chewed up paper towels & rags, seeds/grain/nuts, and LOTS of mouse poop. Does anyone have suggestions on how to mouse-proof one of these things?

Might be inconvenient at this point, but on the bottom if it is open I would look into covering up any holes. It's been a long time since I got my 44" so I don't remember, and just ordered the 56" set so I don't have that yet...

If it's open at the bottom, you could unbolt the casters and put a piece of sheet metal or plywood between the casters and box, should keep most stuff out.

 

[John_Mc]

I bought one of the US General 22" x 26" tool storage cabinets a couple of years ago. I've been very happy with it, except for one thing: the mice are also very happy with it. Evey few months, I find a drawer filled with chewed up paper towels & rags, seeds/grain/nuts, and LOTS of mouse poop. Does anyone have suggestions on how to mouse-proof one of these things?

Get a tabby.

Got one. She's getting old and overweight, but still a decent mouser. Problem is that she can't get in and out of the shop (and likely wouldn't choose to go in if she could - too many other, more interesting places she'd rather be.

 

[stuckmotor]

Got one. She's getting old and overweight, but still a decent mouser. Problem is that she can't get in and out of the shop (and likely wouldn't choose to go in if she could - too many other, more interesting places she'd rather be.

Some of the buildings on the farm where I grew up had the bottom corner of the door cut cut into a rectangular cat hole.

 

[reb]

Several of my table saw blades are dull. Has anyone tried the HF sharpener?

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

Several of my table saw blades are dull. Has anyone tried the HF sharpener?

I would like to know how good it is, I almost bought one the last time I was in the store.... I got lucky, they didn't have one. I have been thinking about it ever since. I have a bunch of 10 and 12" blades that need sharpened. They were expensive blades....

 

[crazyal]

From what I've read the grinding wheel is too course. It'll sharpen your blade but it leaves it rough. For a circular saw cutting a 2x4 for framing it'll work fine. If you are looking for a nice clean cut I doubt you'll be happy.

 

[Pixguy]

My son was gonna buy the large home despot tool chest for $900. I told him to go compare the HF ones. I could not find the steel gauge thickness on the hf one.

 

[Rock Crawler]

The HF US General suff is supposed to be 0.047" and there are some reinforcement areas where heavier steel or plate is used.

 

[Pixguy]

The HF US General suff is supposed to be 0.047" and there are some reinforcement areas where heavier steel or plate is used.

How does that compare to HD 19 gauge?