Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Rock Crawler]

How does that compare to HD 19 gauge?

19G is 1.062 mm ÷ 25.4 (mm per inch) = 0.0418" thick.

So HF uses 18g steel, or 1.214mm thick. Or 13% thicker.

 

[sodamo]

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.

I have the $99, Brushless. Have used a couple HF cut off disks with it. Quite pleased. I usually power with a 3 or 4 ah battery.

 

[flyerdan]

I think that I might have mentioned it before, but this showed up in a Black Friday email and it's a good deal. Variable speed Dremel clone. For $18, it's well worth picking up, even as a backup for one that might be on it's way out.

 

[California]

...Black Friday email Variable speed Dremel clone. For $18, it's well worth picking up ...

Yes! Double the torque of a real Dremel. I love mine. Recommended.

 

[John_Mc]

Off topic warning: Northern Tool question

Has anyone else experienced problems with Northern Tool not shipping as promised?

After searching locally for an available Honda GX270 engine to replace the engine on my log splitter, I gave up and ordered one in th e"flavor" I needed online from Northern Tool. At the time, the site indicated "Backordered: ships in 2-5 days". That was on Oct. 25. In my Oct 30 conversation with their customer service, they said " the shipment of engines to us was delayed in customs, but is on it's way now. We will ship to you in a few days." It's now been 13 days and it still has not shipped. I've checked 3 times and each time been told 2 - 5 days till it ships.

Still no sign of it shipping, and checks of the website each day have always shown "ships in 2 - 5 days".

 

[5030]

Yes! Double the torque of a real Dremel. I love mine. Recommended.

Think I'll get one. I just found the smoke in my Dremel the other day. Smelled mysteriously like rice paper.

 

[5030]

Off topic warning: Northern Tool question

Has anyone else experienced problems with Northern Tool not shipping as promised?

After searching locally for an available Honda GX270 engine to replace the engine on my log splitter, I gave up and ordered one in th e"flavor" I needed online from Northern Tool. At the time, the site indicated "Backordered: ships in 2-5 days". That was on Oct. 25. In my Oct 30 conversation with their customer service, they said " the shipment of engines to us was delayed in customs, but is on it's way now. We will ship to you in a few days." It's now been 13 days and it still has not shipped. I've checked 3 times and each time been told 2 - 5 days till it ships.

Still no sign of it shipping, and checks of the website each day have always shown "ships in 2 - 5 days".

Don't much care for Northern, never have and I remember way back when almost everything they sold was chainsaw related. Bought a few things over the years, ni issue with shipping.

Guess you should have bought a Predator. I have had excellent luck with them, better than even Honda.

 

[dragoneggs]

Guess you should have bought a Predator. I have had excellent luck with them, better than even Honda.

Better than Honda? I've been wanting something bigger than my 3kW Honda so I can run my well pump. Wonder how clean the power is though? This one sure got great reviews on HF.com for whatever that's worth?

9000 Watt Max Starting Extra Long Life Gas Powered Generator - EPA III

 

[Oaktree]

Yes! Double the torque of a real Dremel. I love mine. Recommended.

Chicago Electric, meh. I don't have that but I do have the CE oscillating tool and it's about what you'd expect for <$20. Loud, vibrates badly, feels cheap. Got it as a "one project" tool that I didn't want to spend real money on a real one.

 

[John_Mc]

Don't much care for Northern, never have and I remember way back when almost everything they sold was chainsaw related. Bought a few things over the years, ni issue with shipping.

Guess you should have bought a Predator. I have had excellent luck with them, better than even Honda.

Sounds as though your experience has been different than mine.