Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Mendonsy]

I have both the inch and metric deep well sets in the metal case, probably 10 years old or so. I haven't managed to damage any of them them yet.

 

[IslandTractor]

Are their impact sockets any good? I purchased a Makita 1/2" cordless impact wrench and was wanting some sockets for it. Must say I'm very impressed with the Makita.

I have the same Makita and use both the HF metric and SAE impact sockets. So far so good. No complaints.

 

[frugalangler]

Based on my limited experience - maintaining farm equipment, not journeyman all-day use - The black deep sockets sets which include a metal case for $20 are excellent.

I wish I could say the same, I've broken almost all of mine, I've gone to Klutch from Northenr Tool, I had to give up on HF but the price was sure good - but I got what I paid for

 

[hutchman]

I have the same Makita and use both the HF metric and SAE impact sockets. So far so good. No complaints.

Same experience here ... I have both sets and never broke one.

 

[California]

Uh oh. Looks like they may be closing out the 6 amp paddle-switch angle grinder.

Price in the email ad I received today: Sale $23.99 with coupon 22102547

 

[KubotainNH]

I am unsure how one could break that paddle unless you are hanging it up on something and inadvertently pulling up on it.

The outside is very robust on the paddle, the inside pivot not so much. If you look at the video below and stop around 2:29 you can see one side of the paddle pivot nib pointing up near the screw hole. Mine broke just below it. I wouldn't have known it if I wasn't in it fixing the cord. I'm good until the other side breaks then comes bodging.
Teardown: Harbor Freight angle grinder review - paddle switch model - YouTube

Are their impact sockets any good? I purchased a Makita 1/2" cordless impact wrench and was wanting some sockets for it. Must say I'm very impressed with the Makita.

I also have both SAE (red box) and Metric (shallow and deep, got these as a closeout very cheap). I've beat the snot out of all of them with no issues whatsoever, these are the sockets I put a 24" breaker bar and pipe on when needed. The 19"mm deep one gets used a ton and is getting shiny but that's about it.

 

[DFB]

Are their impact sockets any good? I purchased a Makita 1/2" cordless impact wrench and was wanting some sockets for it. Must say I'm very impressed with the Makita.

I have some older CRV sockets metal cased I like them...the basic sets are plenty strong enough but a quite bit thick on the walls so depending on the job at hand fitment may be an issue.

Pittsburgh Pro sets though a bit more money are somewhat better quality.

Biggest issue I find with HF impacts is sizing they skip around a lot especially in the metrics. Only you can determine if the kits they offer will work for you

I have been buying a lot them recently flipping them for resale so watch the coupons...1/2" drive shallow can be had for $10

a set 3/8" deepwalls can be had for that price too.

I think a good all around buy is the 37pc set 3/8 and 1/2 both metric and SAE maybe $25 bucks tops with coupon.

Guess it depends on how powerful a 1/2 drive cordless gun you have don't be reducing to 3/8 on a high torque model or like instant adapter breakage

Compact no problem

 

[California]

re HF Mig-180 welder: I posted back in February that I got a killer deal on this plus a tig welder from someone who had to have them gone before he moved. See the photos at that link. I finally built a simple project today that gave me an opportunity to use the HF welder.

It works great. For my amateur skill level, this HF welder is all I need.

The Century 135 (110v) I've been using for small work is going on Craigslist to clear a little space. Possibly also the antique Wards 230A-AC stick welder as well, after I try out the HF on heavy work to verify it will do as claimed.

The prior owner put in every mod that enthusiasts over on Welding Web have described for this welder - longer better stinger, a big capacitor for higher output (I left that switched out today), heavier power cord, heavier ground cord and of course a heavier ground clamp.

I'm not sure I would pay the $260 new for this model but used, discounted, I think its a good buy. I'm happy.

 

[tjkubota93]

I bought the 1/2 deep sockets many years ago. Put on ir231 impact to remove lug nut and busted in a million pieces 1st use. Threw them in the trash metal case and all.

 

[sixdogs]

Didn't notice this before ... has Jacobs chuck:

View attachment 515366

Yeah, but that's Larry Jacobs from Buffalo.