Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[ArlyA]

I agr

I like most of what he does but I have to turn the volume waaay down

I agree, but still one of the few youtube reviewers I'll watch.

 

[boatmoter]

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.

I have 2 ofthe cheap 4.5 angle grinders,as much as I would use them they last me.as a retired ASE auto tech I no longer get on the tool truck with the deed to my home. I don't have something I need I go to harbor freight now. I got one of their cheap 90 amp welders. used from a friend that said it did not weld good. he was right. I did the research on it and they said to not use the harbor freight wire,it was no good,I bought some Lincoln wire and it's been welding like a champ for 10 years now. a lot of the tools are pretty good for non professional use. their test lites are not bad either,anything goes wrong with em I throw away and get another.. their cheap

 

[Oaktree]

The pipe from my well to the house apparently has a kink or pinch somewhere, and occasionally, it will trap enough silt so that flow and pressure drop to almost nothing. Backflushing with water will clear it.
A couple months ago, it happened again and the gasoline pump I have wouldn't start so I picked up this one at HF. Was only able to push a couple gallons uphill, but it was enough to clear the clog.
At the time, I just used the AC power supply but have since gotten an adapter so I can use one of my Ryobi 18v batteries with it. A Dewalt battery looks like it'd fit, but it doesn't.
I'd give it 4 stars.

 

[Oaktree]

I got one of their cheap 90 amp welders. used from a friend that said it did not weld good. he was right. I did the research on it and they said to not use the harbor freight wire,it was no good,I bought some Lincoln wire and it's been welding like a champ for 10 years now. a lot of the tools are pretty good for non professional use.

I'd read that about their wire too. Likewise for their framing nails.
Agree the quality of their tools has come a long way.

 

[jyoutz]

I'd read that about their wire too. Likewise for their framing nails.
Agree the quality of their tools has come a long way.

The HF welding rods are junk also. Most of their tools seem fine.

 

[Happy in NC]

Went there 3 times this weekend just for the freebies. 200 shop towels and a moving blanket to haul my new to me SnapOn boxes

 

[kenmbz]

Anyone have the small table top router table? Any good for longer pieces?

 

[CliffordK]

I just bought an ICON 11 in. High-Leverage Diagonal Cutter.

I bought it because I hit woven wire with my flail mower a couple of times, and wanted to cut it out.

So far it works very well cutting the fencing, and no damage yet.

 

[CliffordK]

I wonder if that 1inch square drive impact wrench is any good? $299 with an extra 25 prevent off until tomorrow. I’m almost pulling the trigger on it. I own a couple of dozers

Is that air?

I've used both the Hercules 3/4" cordless and Earthquake 3/4" cordless, and they do well for my needs. I have a lot of Hercules battery powered tools and have been generally impressed by them.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I am on the hunt for the 8" stationary bench top Buffer. I check every few days to see if there is a discount coupon for it.

ALSO
I did just get a 30% off items less than $10.00. Are there any suggestions on stuff to get at that price point? I do need a new set of "Grabbers" the kind you use to pick up a small nut that has fallen in a tight space so I will get one of those while there.

 

[Topzide]

I just got a 10% off coupon on any item!

 

[Jeff Lary]

Cool but I have not at least not yet

 

[Topzide]

Just sent you a pm.

 

[kenhar]

Put a toolbox on the farm truck. Didn't want to put my good hand tools in it and risk losing them out in the field. Bought wrenches 1/4" to 1 1/4" and similar size metrics, similar socket sets both regular and deep with ratchets. Screw drivers and pliers. The screw drivers are too soft and replaced with old craftsman almost immediately. In 10+ years, 1 ratchet wore out, 1 socket adapter 1/2" to 3/8" broke. Both were replaced with no hassle or receipt. Same with a 4 ton port-a-power. Any tool will break and is no better than the guarantee.

 

[jwmorris]

Works great for my light duty needs

A lot of their stuff doesn't suck if your needs are light and expectations are low.

They are certainly better now than 30 years ago. They have learned a lot with the offshoring of American mfg.

Back in the '80's, their drills would twist straight if you tried to drill metal. Their ratchets stripped out instantly and if you used a decent ratchet on the socket, the socket would split into two pieces.

Much better products today also not as cheap.

 

[walhondingMF]

Just used the 1/10 horsepower transfer pump. Draining a ditch for a water line. Its not fast, but for the price, it works.

 

[jjeff]

This hf icon pipe extractor kit saved me a plumbing service call on a cheap Chinese shower downspout pipe hat broke flush with the copper screw in coupler soldered to copper pipe behind a tiled wall. of course I did have to buy the more expensive kit for the size of extractor I needed but still worth it. I also replaced the shower head with a new one to surprise wife lol. Don't waste your time or money on the cheaper Amazon kit like I originally did.

 

[Jeff Lary]

Just sent you a pm.

Thank you !!

 

[Jeff Lary]

Update, thank you Topzide for the 10% coupon We just got home with my new Bench Top 8"Buffer. My wife got it for me for Christmas; With the 30% coupon I received today in my email I bought 4 of the Black Poly casters my grabber tool and 2 of the blue 2 way flashlights with the little black hanging hook on the back. They make very nice light and last for a very long time.

 

[Topzide]

Got their 9" drywall sander the other week. Work great and not allow the dust to contend with! I use their cyclone separator on 5 gal bucket to shop vac with hose on the exhaust to a board cut to fit in window.

The led lighting ring really helps with seeing where to sand.

Some of the reviews said that they have spot sanded wood floors! May need to try as I have a couple of wear areas.

The grit choices are 60, 120 and 220. Not bad choices for what it does.