Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[jyoutz]

A friend bought one of those. Not very "quiet", IMHO.

I have one. It’s not very quiet but works great.

 

[92blacksunshine]

I also have a Predator 3500 generator... for a generator, it's amazingly quiet. So far, has worked flawlessly.

 

[lpakiz]

I have a Fortress 1.2 HP 135 PSI "Ultra Quiet" compressor. It is ultra quiet.
The contractor who changed my house windows has several. He swears by them.

 

[jjeff]

Anyone have any experience using the HF hand crank winches (like a boat trailer winch) with wire line not the strap ones, might get one for a small project to help my folks get there dock in and out.

 

[Root Cause]

Anyone have any experience using the HF hand crank winches (like a boat trailer winch) with wire line not the strap ones, might get one for a small project to help my folks get there dock in and out.

I hate the cable version. It is difficult to keep the cable tight when winding it up. It springs loose like a coil and then herky-jerky. Honestly, I am OCD and prefer the strap. I keep a bucket over it so it doesn't get soaked when its outside.

 

[jjeff]

I hate the cable version. It is difficult to keep the cable tight when winding it up. It springs loose like a coil and then herky-jerky. Honestly, I am OCD and prefer the strap. I keep a bucket over it so it doesn't get soaked when its outside.

The problem I've found with straps is the strap degrades and breaks cause of being left out and ended up replacing the strap with wire any way on a otherwise perfectly good winch im planning to permanently mount it to a huge pine with timber-locks use it for pulling a a dock up an embankment (not lifting), I've had cable ones for 20 yrs and there still usable although I wear gloves cause of meathooks when I touch the cable, I try and put tension on it and wrap accordingly. I also looked at the price of better brand-name ones but was blown away what some are costing. trying to make removal a one or two person job not 4. but point taken thanks.

 

[Root Cause]

The problem I've found with straps is the strap degrades and breaks cause of being left out and ended up replacing the strap with wire any way on a otherwise perfectly good winch im planning to permanently mount it to a huge pine with timber-locks use it for pulling a a dock up an embankment (not lifting), I've had cable ones for 20 yrs and there still usable although I wear gloves cause of meathooks when I touch the cable, I try and put tension on it and wrap accordingly. I also looked at the price of better brand-name ones but was blown away what some are costing. trying to make removal a one or two person job not 4. but point taken thanks.

Yep, I get it. Personal choice.

 

[bcp]

I would get the cable winch, then replace the cable with this synthetic rope made for a small electric winch. Keep it covered.

3/16 diameter, 3000 lbs working load limit.

ATV/UTV Synthetic Rope & Fairlead Kit

Amazing deals on this Atv/Utv Synthetic Rope And Fairlead Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Bruce

 

[jjeff]

Yep, I get it. Personal choice.

Plus if you needed to run a pulley or snatch block for a strap they are harder to find, don't work as well and cost more imo.

 

[jjeff]

I would get the cable winch, then replace the cable with this synthetic rope made for a small electric winch. Keep it covered.

3/16 diameter, 3000 lbs working load limit.

ATV/UTV Synthetic Rope & Fairlead Kit

Amazing deals on this Atv/Utv Synthetic Rope And Fairlead Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

Bruce

I've ran synthetic rope before it is very, nice lightweight, no meat hooks, but imo is not as abrasion resistant, or durable as wire. Ever have had it jump and jam in a sheave? it probably will ruin it.

 

[Travelover]

25% off coupon Memorial Day May 30 Only

 

[crazyal]

Well I decided the Makita 9404 was what I really wanted. One of the things that changed my mind was the flat top.
It will be easier to fasten my Father's diving belt weights on top like I did in 1986.
Also it's variable speed (compared to the 9403). For some reason Amazon had it for $250, most other places wanted about $300. Now to test it out.

I have several Makita tools. The cordless ones I've moved to Milwaukee after having problems with battery life but their corded stuff has lasted decades without any issues. I've looked at their sander but each time I just can't justify spending that much on a tool I rarely use. As it is I have 10 sanders (several large stationary ones down to small ROS palm sanders). The belt sander has it's place but like most sanders it doesn't do well outside it's comfort zone. That's what lead me to think about taking a risk on the Bauer. Still undecided though. I don't know if I need variable speed. I see HF has a 25% off one item coupon. Not sure if that includes Bauer stuff or if it can be used on-line but that would be enough to tempt me to try it.

 

[Diggin It]

My problem with any of the hand crank winches (that I have tried) is that you can ONLY winch IN. There is no provision for controlled release of the cable to winch out.

 

[IndyJay]

I have several Makita tools. The cordless ones I've moved to Milwaukee after having problems with battery life but their corded stuff has lasted decades without any issues. I've looked at their sander but each time I just can't justify spending that much on a tool I rarely use. As it is I have 10 sanders (several large stationary ones down to small ROS palm sanders). The belt sander has it's place but like most sanders it doesn't do well outside it's comfort zone. That's what lead me to think about taking a risk on the Bauer. Still undecided though. I don't know if I need variable speed. I see HF has a 25% off one item coupon. Not sure if that includes Bauer stuff or if it can be used on-line but that would be enough to tempt me to try it.

I bought a Bauer Rotary Hammer and a Jig Saw. Both have been exceptional tools.

I usually lean toward DeWalt but feel that they are resting on their laurels a bit as far as price and quality. I recenly bought a 6 pc set of 20v DeWalt to replace the same 18v set. The tools were pretty much identical, including specs, except with the new battery mount. They had less accessories included though. Thinking now that I should have stuck with the adapter with the new Lithium batteries.

 

[Midniteoyl]

I bought a Bauer Rotary Hammer and a Jig Saw. Both have been exceptional tools.

I usually lean toward DeWalt but feel that they are resting on their laurels a bit as far as price and quality. I recenly bought a 6 pc set of 20v DeWalt to replace the same 18v set. The tools were pretty much identical, including specs, except with the new battery mount. They had less accessories included though. Thinking now that I should have stuck with the adapter with the new Lithium batteries.

Those 20v Max *are* 18v. I feel like it was just a money grab to switch batteries.

 

[jjeff]

My problem with any of the hand crank winches (that I have tried) is that you can ONLY winch IN. There is no provision for controlled release of the cable to winch out.

That's why I never use them for lifting only pulling.

 

[IndyJay]

Those 20v Max *are* 18v. I feel like it was just a money grab to switch batteries.

The lithium batteries are better but the tools are basically the same.

 

[bcp]

It would be handy to have a winch that would push things, not just pull them.



Bruce

 

[Root Cause]

In case you missed it. Not many of these offered any more.

 

[jthibodeau89]

I usually lean toward DeWalt.....I recenly bought a 6 pc set of 20v DeWalt to replace the same 18v set. The tools were pretty much identical, including specs, except with the new battery mount.

When shopping for cordless tools, look for brushless motors. More torque and longer battery life. I used to have Dewalt and Porter-Cable, but switched to Kobalt when i upgraded to brushless.