Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[jjeff]

I have a number of them For as cheap as they are, when I find the smoke they go to the landfill and I fire up another. Think I have 5 or so presently. That is equal to one Metabo.

Are we talking about the real metabo grinders or the big box store versions of the 4.5" $40-50 metabo?

 

[California]

My HF $10 grinder has a wire brush wheel and stays with my welding gear, dedicated to cleaning new weld beads. Plenty of power for that. It isn't run long enough to overheat. It works well for that application. No complaints.

I have better angle grinders for heavier tasks.

 

[5030]

I have to report that I'm having issues with my Braun LED trouble light. Not sure what is up with it but it shuts off all by itself at the most inconvenient times. Wasn't a big spend, I think it was less than 30 bucks but it's only been a year and it's not working very well. Might have to landfill it and get another. Little disappointed in it. Could be the battery terminal were oxidized. I cleaned them and it's currently charging on a Micro USB cable on the desk next to me. I'll see if cleaning the battery has made any difference. The swivel head is also getting loose. It has 4 small Phillips head screws that secure it to the base and I tightened them but made no difference. I do use it a lot when working under the cars so it gets banged around quite a bit.

 

[5030]

Are we talking about the real metabo grinders or the big box store versions of the 4.5" $40-50 metabo?

Don't buy the 'box store' Metabo's (I have one and I also have a Metabo SDS hammer drill. Bought them both at Fatstenal which is an industrial Metabo dealer. Cannot remember exactly what I paid but it was well north of a C note for the grinder and the SDS hammer drill was almost 350 bucks. Dang good hammer drill. I can bore 2" diameter holes in cured concrete for anchors with it, no issue (using a hollow core hole drill). I do buy my SDS shank bits at HF, much cheaper than at Fasternal.

I like tools, good tools and HF has some good tools if you are willing to pay a bit more than the cheap line. I tend to stick to Icon or Chief or Bauer for the cordless occasional use cordless stuff and to date, I have not 'found the smoke' in any Bauer cordless tool I have and I have quite a few. I have the 4.5" angle grinder, the 3/8" impact, the 1/2" variable speed drill, the hex drive nit setter and the 1/2" right angle drill. I don't recommend them for constant use but for a quick job, they are fine. I do recommend getting the 5.0AH packs as the little ones aren't worth beans.

On an impulse the other day I bought a set of metric and SAE Pittsburg Pro Series ratcheting box end wrenches and that are very nice. Fine ratchet heads and highly polished. 23 bucks a set. Will see how they hold up.

I'm a HF junkie but only descent stuff, no one time use junk. Yes I'm an ITC member and have an HF credit card too.

Been agonizing over another roll around tool box. Both of the ones I own are stuffed and my ancient Waterloo is getting pretty rickety.

Maybe this summer I'll spring for a new one, in Kubota Orange, of course. Really need a box up at the Kubota dealership I'm working at part time as I'm always using the head technician's tools. He don't mind as we have been personal friends for a long time but I prefer having my own stuff anyway. The old Waterloo can go there, then.

 

[marhar]

I was ispired by another thread with this link to Weldingweb:

HF tools that don't suck - WeldingWeb - Professional Welding Forum

The Weldingweb site is mostly about metal working tools, so I thought it might be interesting to share which tools / products we have found to be a good value at HF. I don't think anyone seriously thinks they sell good tools, but some are adequate for the need or usage we have in mind.

Some of my experiences:

1000# capacity folding trailer, about $250. Works great for my light duty needs and folds in half to stand on end in my garage, out of the weather.

4 1/2 inch angle grinder, $15. So far, so good for sharpening mower blades, dressing up metal projects

Welding magnets. Inexpensive (with the coupons I get nonstop) and fascinating for the kids to play with.

Diamond blade wet saw, $50. Works great and allowed me to do my whole bath ceramic tile project without renting any tools. Water tray is hard to remove without slopping water.

880# overhead hoist. Paid $80. Mounted to reinforced ceiling joists in barn. Extremely useful for horsing around 3 point attachments, lawn tractor, etc. A real back saver.

Box knives - not worth the $1 on sale - handle breaks on first use.

Not a tool but the assortment of hose clamps is a good buy. I have bought some 3" ext bars for my socket set as well as a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter. Both have held up. I have not used a cheater bar yet to break a bolt loose so I do not know how much torque they can take.

 

[Raul-02]

That is equal to one Metabo

Yah too true, except the Metabo is still running like a top.

 

[5030]

Yah too true, except the Metabo is still running like a top.

No issue with me. I like quality tools myself but I also like disposa tools for some uses.

 

[5030]

Never visited 'Welding Web' but I'll have to have a look see sometime. I'm very proficient in all disciplines, from TIG to gas welding and everything in between. Always been a 'stick it together' person. Started out gas welding, using coat hangers for filler rod. Don't even think you can buy metal coat hangers today...

 

[bcp]

Welding with the modern plastic coat hangers makes a weak joint.

Bruce

 

[5030]

Welding with the modern plastic coat hangers makes a weak joint.

Bruce

Yeah baby...