Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Charlesaf3]

I think I defended HF a bit (though not too strongly) on this thread a while back.

I'm coming to the conclusion Dargo is right - most stuff at HF is just junk. Still some stuff I buy there, but instead of thinking around 20% of it is worthwhile, I'm probably down to 5-10%...

Still positive recs on the hydraulic stuff - the portapower is great for jacking house parts. And the 3 pack of welders gloves is very useful.

But prices keep on going up there - HF used to be priced for throw aways, and now they are starting to charge as if they are selling real tools. That's just crazy.

 

[IslandTractor]

Still positive recs on the hydraulic stuff - the portapower is great for jacking house parts. .

Which portapower are you referring to, the small one or the ?10 ton version? The latter goes on sale occasionally and I've been thinking it would be good for straightening various things I manage to bend with or on the tractor.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I think I defended HF a bit (though not too strongly) on this thread a while back.

I'm coming to the conclusion Dargo is right - most stuff at HF is just junk. Still some stuff I buy there, but instead of thinking around 20% of it is worthwhile, I'm probably down to 5-10%...

Still positive recs on the hydraulic stuff - the portapower is great for jacking house parts. And the 3 pack of welders gloves is very useful.

But prices keep on going up there - HF used to be priced for throw aways, and now they are starting to charge as if they are selling real tools. That's just crazy.

To add to your point, it seems the deals are not as good anymore. There are more restrictions on the coupons, and the deep discounts are fewer and further between.

 

[whateg0]

How can all the broken electical tools be a plus for HF?
It seems most of the tools quit after that infamous half hour and need to be replaced. Wouldn't it work better to just build a better product?
They must buy this stuff for peanuts.

Even HF seems to have different tiers of electrical stuff. The orange angle grinders that go on sale for $17.99 (used to be $14.99) seem to hold up well. The ones that are closer to $10 I've never bought. I now have a half-dozen of the oranges ones that I started accumulating some 10 years ago. The only problem I have ever had was the brushes backing out on one of them. Tightened the retainer and it was good as new!

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Even HF seems to have different tiers of electrical stuff. The orange angle grinders that go on sale for $17.99 (used to be $14.99) seem to hold up well. The ones that are closer to $10 I've never bought. I now have a half-dozen of the oranges ones that I started accumulating some 10 years ago. The only problem I have ever had was the brushes backing out on one of them. Tightened the retainer and it was good as new!

I go through angle grinders at a rate of about one a year. I just burned another one up, and my wife has let it slip that she got be one from HF for father's day. She also let it slip that she got the two year warranty on it so that I can take it back and replace it as many times as I want for two years. I'll let you know in two years how the warranty thing works for me.

The one she got is the one that's normally $29.99. I think she got it for $22.

 

[Sherweld]

Here is a post I submitted a couple of years ago that still applies. The only change is that I now have several more grinders, each for a different task or at a different location. I have only had one fail, it was just the brushes which worked like new when replaced.

"Son-in-law who is chief engineer in high end multi-state recycling business with 150 employees uses several HF products, and avoids many others.

The best tip he gave me is the HF 4 1/2" angle grinder (specifically item #91223) He claims that he has extensively tested all brands from high end to low, including all HF models. These grinders are in continuous use all day long cutting apart everything from computers to refrigerators.

Surprisingly (to me anyway) the HF model above lasts as long or longer than any other brand or model. He waits til they go on sale and buys several dozen at a time. If one breaks down and takes more than ten minutes to fix, it's gone.

Also buys cut-off wheels #45430 (by the pallet).

I now have four for less than I paid for my one deWalt. Each one has a different wheel, disk or brush and the only time I change wheels is when one wears out."

 

[IslandTractor]

The best tip he gave me is the HF 4 1/2" angle grinder (specifically item #91223)

I now have four for less than I paid for my one deWalt. Each one has a different wheel, disk or brush and the only time I change wheels is when one wears out."

Hah, I thought I was the only one lazy enough to do that. I've got four of those grinders each with a different wheel or brush mounted. So much easier than stopping to change.

 

[Dargo]

Which portapower are you referring to, the small one or the ?10 ton version? The latter goes on sale occasionally and I've been thinking it would be good for straightening various things I manage to bend with or on the tractor.

I have both; the smaller isn't worth "free". You have to weigh your time in returning it after each use to get it replaced. Although it's sort of heavy to lug around (the plastic carrying case has wheels - but they promptly break off - if that gives you a hint), but it seems to work rather well. I actually like it. I may use it to try to bend my 12 ton shop press back into shape before I give it to my dad.

 

[Travelover]

Maybe I should start a new thread on how to repair your HF tools.

I have a bunch of HF air tools that sit a long time between uses. When I go to use them they won't self start - I have to take them apart and move the vanes to the outer edge to the slot. Once they are working they are great, but let them set a while and I'm back to taking them apart.

Any hints? I tried WD 40, thinking that the oil may be holding the vanes inward, but no joy. I know that WD 40 is no good as a lube for air tools - just trying to get them moving.

 

[jmanatee2]

Maybe I should start a new thread on how to repair your HF tools.

I have a bunch of HF air tools that sit a long time between uses. When I go to use them they won't self start - I have to take them apart and move the vanes to the outer edge to the slot. Once they are working they are great, but let them set a while and I'm back to taking them apart.

Any hints? I tried WD 40, thinking that the oil may be holding the vanes inward, but no joy. I know that WD 40 is no good as a lube for air tools - just trying to get them moving.

Air tool oil, Just before you put it away give it a couple drops in the air inlet (quick connect) and then a run it for a sec

If it is still stuck when you try it, I have smacked mine against my bench with the trigger pulled and that always worked.

Since I got my air dryer (desiccant) and became religious about oiling I don't seem to have that problem anymore.