Harbor Freight Tools that DO SUCK II

California · Oct 4, 2021

I like Project Farm's reviews, I've learned a lot.

is there a YT review out there somewhere comparing HF's original Earthquake impact wrench to others, or at least verifying the claimed torque? It is claimed 700 ft lbs tighten, 800 remove. But "Torque range (ft.-lbs.)50-500 ft. lbs." All I can find is reviews of HF's later models.

Oh no! I see it's on Closeout, when I went to get a picture.
Related - Closeout price on the long nose version is only $52. Same specs. I wish I had bought that version.

5030 · Oct 4, 2021

If you want the 'real skinny' on any impact wrench, go to the Torque Test Channel on YT. The test them all with zero bias.

Always get a charge out of their 'Lets see the beans' comment.

If you want a real torque monster get yourself a 1/2" drive Thor and start splitting sockets.

Like the guy on Torque Test Channel aptly states.. 'What it says on the box (torque) and what it actually is are usually 2 different things.

John_Mc · Oct 4, 2021

I second the recommendation for the Torque Test Channel on YouTube. They do great testing

5030 · Oct 4, 2021

Completely unbiased too. Why I bought the Thor. it ranks number 1 for left and and right hand power with them. Firmly in their number 1 spot for air impacts in the 1/2" drive segment.

It's one wicked impact wrench. Problem is, they are so popular you have to order one as no one has them in stock.

if I need mega beans I get my IR 1" drive beast out. 2500 foot pounds of left torque, 2100 in right. Too bad it's a boat anchor weight wise.

5030 · Oct 4, 2021

California said:
I like Project Farm's reviews, I've learned a lot.

is there a YT review out there somewhere comparing HF's original Earthquake impact wrench to others, or at least verifying the claimed torque? It is claimed 700 ft lbs tighten, 800 remove. But "Torque range (ft.-lbs.)50-500 ft. lbs." All I can find is reviews of HF's later models.

Oh no! I see it's on Closeout, when I went to get a picture.
Related - Closeout price on the long nose version is only $52. Same specs. I wish I had bought that version.

I don't believe ANY HF air impact makes anywhere near that much power, except maybe their 1" drive wrench. If you want real nut busting power, 52 bucks won't cut the cheese.

California · Oct 4, 2021

HF's Earthquake version 1 works fine for my use. The highest removal torque I've encountered is a rusty nut on the back side of a Cat1 pin, on an implement.

I'm not running heavy equipment here. Just the elderly rigs shown in my footer photo linked below. Yanmar YM240 and YM186D

diesel85 · Oct 4, 2021

I love my Nitrocat 1200-K. It will loosen heavy truck and bus lug nuts with ease at 90PSI.

It's priced right too.

I know of a couple shops in my area that have had theirs and use it every single day with no problems.

California · Oct 4, 2021

Real sucky at Harbor Freight:

HF website shows the $52 Closeout long-nose Earthquake impact wrench in stock at two stores within a reasonable driving distance, plus 'limited stock' at a third. So I stopped by where it was supposed to be in stock.

The store said corporate won't let them sell their last one because its needed as a demo. But a thorough search didn't find even one. Stock clerk said their internal database shows none anywhere in the region. He said don't trust what HF's public website shows for stock available.

Then I happened to look over to see who was talking about being too weak to work an 8 hour shift as he recovered from Covid. it was the only guy in the store without a mask. The cashier at the other register.

HF has hit a new low in customer service!

IndyJay · Oct 5, 2021

California said:
Real sucky at Harbor Freight:

...Then I happened to look over to see who was talking about being too weak to work an 8 hour shift as he recovered from Covid. it was the only guy in the store without a mask. The cashier at the other register.

HF has hit a new low in customer service!

It's alright... he was probably fully vaccinated.