Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[JRobyn]

I have one of the older 2HP, 3gal pancake air compressors (the black ones, SKU 94599) that is now about 5 yrs old. It didn't start out well; one of the fittings on the air pressure cutoff switch cracked right after I bought it, but HF replaced the whole compressor. The replacement has been good. Like I said, 5 years and has driven thousands of finish nails. The pressure switch diaphragm in it finally ruptured this week. Switch is made by Kedu. Generic compressor switch replacements (that look identical) are available on Amazon for only $9! Amazing to me that the whole switch/body/unloader valve can be had for that little. All in all, a good compressor.

- Jay

 

[sixdogs]

Anyone know if I can use a coupon to buy this welding card? The 20% off coupons now exclude certain things. Here's the cart...

Welding Cabinet


It's on "sale" for $149 now but the regular price with a coupon is still cheaper. As well I have a 25% off coupon I could use.

Picked up my welding cart like above. Heavy and looks great. I might replace the front wheels in advance, however since they look a little wobbly. This looks like one of the better HF deals.

 

[bcp]

1/4" or 3/8?

- Jay

Supposed to be a 3/8" drill -- 1/4" chuck ?????

They are downsizing everything nowadays.



Bruce

 

[PhysAssist]

I have one of the older 2HP, 3gal pancake air compressors (the black ones, SKU 94599) that is now about 5 yrs old. It didn't start out well; one of the fittings on the air pressure cutoff switch cracked right after I bought it, but HF replaced the whole compressor. The replacement has been good. Like I said, 5 years and has driven thousands of finish nails. The pressure switch diaphragm in it finally ruptured this week. Switch is made by Kedu. Generic compressor switch replacements (that look identical) are available on Amazon for only $9! Amazing to me that the whole switch/body/unloader valve can be had for that little. All in all, a good compressor.

- Jay

Hi Jay,

Would that be the one with the oil-cooled pump? I have one too, and the brass fitting that the air hose connector threads onto broke off. Thing is, I can't seem to figure out what it looked like before it broke, or how to get the remainder off, so I can replace it... Is there any chance you could post a picture of the one on yours?

I also looked for a parts diagram online, but I couldn't find the model there any more.

Thank either way!
Thomas

 

[California]

... looked for a parts diagram online, but I couldn't find the model there any more.

The manuals for discontinued products are still available - if your model # tag is still readable.

From memory - this might need to be fine tuned:
Click on the manual for a current product. Note the URL. The manuals are in folders numbered 29000~29999 for example, then the specific product number. (29255 for this example).
Make up a similar inquiry using the series/number for your product.

 

[JRobyn]

PhysAssist, Mine is all disassembled now waiting for its new switch, but here's how it was together. Yes, it is the oil-filled model. IIRC, where my original broke was also at the fitting between the pressure switch and the tool pressure regulator. This OEM fitting appears to be steel and not brass. I bet that a brass one would last much better. It appears to be a regular 1/4" NPT nipple about 1" long. At least that is what the relief valve is stamped and the threads seem identical; starting threads mic at 0.502". You could probably remove a broken stub with a standard pipe "extractor" type of easy-out. If all else fails, you can replace the entire pressure switch like I'm doing for <$10!

- Jay

 

[camillieri]

I've returned a couple of tools but the majority are OK. I just can't seem to get out without spending at least $100.

 

[sixdogs]

This is a chest on chest rolling toolbox often discussed here and widely praised. I have one and paid $345 for it.

The current email I got from Harbor Freight shows it with a coupon and priced at $319 with the coupon. This is the lowest price I have ever seen on this and just figured to pass it along. It's better than most of the pricier competition.



8 Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet w/ 8 Drawer Top Chest

 

[sixdogs]

This is a chest on chest rolling toolbox often discussed here and widely praised. I have one and paid $345 for it.

The current email I got from Harbor Freight shows it with a coupon and priced at $319 with the coupon. This is the lowest price I have ever seen on this and just figured to pass it along. It's better than most of the pricier competition.





8 Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet w/ 8 Drawer Top Chest

 

[varmint]

Don't need one, but I happened to look at that tool chest when I was last at a HF store, and thought it was pretty decent quality, especially for $350.