Harbor Freight Tools that DO SUCK II

[Oaktree]

That said, nobody's cordless anything works for me. :stirthepot:

Cordless tools aren't what they were 20 years ago, they're pretty capable today...even the entry-level stuff. In my experience the biggest impediment to longevity is finding batteries for older tools once the originals won't take a charge anymore (and the fact that the older ones used NiCads). You might be able to find replacement batteries for name brand tools, but lotsa luck finding them for HF or other "no name" ones.

Even in the shop I'll reach for a cordless drill if all I need to do is drill a couple holes.

 

[5030]

Said before and will say again, I have had zero issues with Bauer cordless tools and I use the heck out of them As cheap as they are, finding the smoke isn't a big deal but I've yet to find it.

I have found the smoke in DeWalt and in Makita before. They both stink like rice paper insulation.

 

[aczlan]

My luck with the HF step drills has been much better. Usually they cut well for me. Once when drilling something the HF drill wouldn't cut, I tried an Irwin and it wouldn't cut it either and at a higher price.

I have been happy with their ones that chuck into a drill, snapped the stems off their 1/4" hex drive ones that I had a few years back, but they might do better in an impact vs a 1/2" Dewalt corded drill.

Aaron Z

 

[grsthegreat]

i use an impact driven step bit for up to 1" hole for my electrical. work great. i think there Milwaukee branded as i recall

 

[the old grind]

Trick with a step bit is to do the same as with others. Wobble it around a lot to drill faster and thereby extend the life of the tool.

btw, ask a plumber how much that helps when drilling a SS sink for an RO tap or soap dispenser.

 

[grsthegreat]

Trick with a step bit is to do the same as with others. Wobble it around a lot to drill faster and thereby extend the life of the tool.

btw, ask a plumber how much that helps when drilling a SS sink for an RO tap or soap dispenser.

they make special hole saws for SS sinks and cabinets. very expensive, but cut great.

 

[the old grind]

they make special hole saws for SS sinks and cabinets. very expensive, but cut great.

I wouldn't call that nice a cutter expensive. I looked 'em up, saw that $50 get ya 2 3/8" hole size, with smaller dias costing less.

For steel electrical boxes, panels, fixtures, f-glass, abs, etc I'd buy one of a size for two or more holes. (bet I could re-sharpen one a good 15-20 times)

Not that my opinion or experience is all that, but that's one to be recommended & I'm definitely bookmarking. Thanks!

btw, I joked above about wobbling step drills. That and not knowing to reduce RPM a bit as the hole gets larger is why they tend to be disposable. In a mill or DP they hold up quite well. Remember not to use lubricating oils when cutting metals. There's not so much friction & the cutting edge wants a bite. We want the cooling. Windex is way underrated for drilling. (no sarcasm) Watch your chip!

 

[5030]

I use Blu-Mol plug cutters myself. They handle everything. Not cheap either but you get what you pay for like anything else.

 

[5030]

Bought a HF air mover fan yesterday and returned it today for the Bauer model (which was less expensive actually). The round air mover sounds like a jet plane running, very annoying. The Bauer is pretty quiet and has 3 speeds as well. The Chicago one only has 2 speeds and both are obnoxiously loud.

Bauer has 3 speeds and cost less to boot. No issue with returning it as usual. I even put it back in the box and packing so they could put it back on the shelf. Only ran it for 30 seconds to realize it was super loud.

 

[5030]

Stay away from the HF LED shop lights (and the Menards as well). Both are the same offshore manufacturer and both have very limited working life and neither have replaceable tubes.

Had 4 expire in less than a year.