Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[dragoneggs]

Sounds as though your experience has been different than mine.

Predator experience?

 

[California]

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.

The 'Dremel' is ok.

I got the little orbital sander and it was total junk. The bag could never be zipped back up after the first time there was sawdust in it. I returned it. I see it's on closeout now. Good riddance.

 

[daugen]

I was going to recommend the HF Predator 2kw inverter gen to a friend who just needed something to power a refrigerator, but then went comparison shopping on amazon and found
a top rated Wen model similar to the HF for 20 dollars less. Also seeing that current promotions seem to be doing away with 20 percent off, now down to lower discounts. But still finding 20 percent off in magazines like motorhome. Have never figured out HF marketing...wish they would be more consistent.
Have a friend who has repowered a rototiller and logsplitter with Predator engines and has been very pleased.

Am seeing rising prices everywhere as manufacturing and distribution problems created by Covid seem to be more frequent.

 

[Frankenkubota]

I have the Chicago angle grinder. Had it for 20 years and almost never use it but when I need it, it works.

Yesterday fixing a friends Dewalt compressor. One of the bolts that hold the cover on put up a fuss, 45 seconds and the old angle grinder did it!

For me, no more battery powered tools if at all possible.

 

[Popgadget]

Anyone have experience with their tire changer for small tires?
I just had to change a tire on a caster on my progressive mower with tire irons and large C clamps. Every time I have to wrestle a small tire, I think about getting a machine to make it easier.

 

[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.

Predator experience?

Yes. I should have been more clear.

I was not taking issue with the Northern Tool statement. I'm not a fan of them at all. I will occasionally buy name brand tools from them when they are not available locally, or the oddball item that I can't find anywhere else. I really don't like another segment of their business which seems to revolve around cloning well-known tool with excellent reputations, but cheapening them into junk that is barely functional. In the past, some of the clones are incredibly close copies, right down to similar names and designing very similar logos. Some owners have been fooled and submitted them to the original manufacturer for warranty claims, thinking they had the real McCoy. I tend to avoid doing business with companies who have something like that as part of their business model, unless I have little other choice. (At least with Harbor Freight's cheaper line of tools, you generally know what you are getting up front.)

I have had very good luck with Honda engines over the years, both at work and on my own equipment. With the exception of the one I'm replacing, the 4 Honda engines I've owned always started easily and run well. All of my friends with Honda engines have been very happy with them. The only significant problem I've ever had with a Honda engine is with the GX240 on my log splitter. However, I bought that used, and it had pr0blems from the day I brought it home. I'm just now (after about 5 years of owning it) giving up on fiddling with it and replacing it with a GX270. I'll sell the GX240, and make sure the buyer is aware of the issues I've had before agreeing on a price.

I've never owned a Predator, but a number of friends have. Some run very well. Too many have died prematurely or had chronic issues. I'm sure if I got one of the good ones, I'd be happy with it. I'm just not prepared to gamble and end up with more problems.

 

[psvfd]

Anyone have experience with their tire changer for small tires?
I just had to change a tire on a caster on my progressive mower with tire irons and large C clamps. Every time I have to wrestle a small tire, I think about getting a machine to make it easier.

Manual Tire Changer
I have this one, changed tires on trailer have not tried a tire that small. Trailer tire is 12", works good on them with soap to make easier.

 

[TMGT]

Anyone have experience with their tire changer for small tires?
I just had to change a tire on a caster on my progressive mower with tire irons and large C clamps. Every time I have to wrestle a small tire, I think about getting a machine to make it easier.

For the under 12in tires I have this model, Mini-Tire Changer
works well and is nice and compact.

 

[5030]

Manual Tire Changer
I have this one, changed tires on trailer have not tried a tire that small. Trailer tire is 12", works good on them with soap to make easier.

Have one as well and I've changed a bunch of tires with it. Trick is to use plenty of bead lube. Got their static balancer and use the HF stick on weights. I've balanced them and had them checked on a spin balance machine and they are always good.

 

[5030]

Predator experience?

Was always a Honda engine fan until I had one toss a rod through the side of the case with less than 10 hours on it and the local Honda small engine shop told me it was my fault, no warranty, so I went and got a 99 buck Pred. That was 7 years ago and it's till running fine. Gets the oil changed every fall (it's on a tiller), starts first pull, original plug, blow out the filter and call it good. No more Honda's for me.

Got one of the HF pressure washers too, had it 5 years now. I wash down farm tractors with it. Runs like a top 6.5 horse Pred and an Italian pump, I think an Antiono Reverri or some such. Change the oil in the pump when I change the engine oil which is infrequently. The hose gave out but a replacement was cheap, like 35 bucks so all is good with me.