Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[wildwillie]

For cutting metal roofing I have tried them all, nothing works as quick, as easy, as clean as a 4" angle grinder with thin cut off wheels, It also wont scratch up the paint or get stuck on humps and bumps. You can just use a straight edge and mark the metal with a sharpie or just clamp the straight edge and follow it. Don't forget gloves and glasses.

 

[lakngulf]

wildwillie, is that the same as a RotoZip? I have a small one with metal blades.

 

[wildwillie]

I don't know. Maby if you have the right angle attachment ,But I'm sure you can pick one up at HF for under $50.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I don't know. Maby if you have the right angle attachment ,But I'm sure you can pick one up at HF for under $50.

A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

 

[winston1]

A nibbler is $30 regular price. Again, that is the proper tool. That's what professionals use. Probably not the HF but it would be great for occasional use. I have one and have used it considerably. Need a good air compressor though.

 

[Travelover]

A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

If you get one, get the orange one, not the blue one.

 

[radioman]

A 4" can typically be had for under $20 if you watch the ads.

4 1/2" are usually about $20 on sale.

Has anyone used both from HF? which one do you prefer? 4 or 4.5 ? Right now I have a makita 4" for over 17 years. This year the switch is now acting funny and the bearings feels like it's shot. Time for a new one. I want to get a new one first before I take the makita apart to fix in case i screw it up.

 

[Bedlam]

I agree comparing these two
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
the blue less expensive one I bought as a backup , I'm now using it regular and there is a difference.Seems less powerful. Not sure if it will take the abuse and last as long as my Ole yellow one or not..

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Has anyone used both from HF? which one do you prefer? 4 or 4.5 ? Right now I have a makita 4" for over 17 years. This year the switch is now acting funny and the bearings feels like it's shot. Time for a new one. I want to get a new one first before I take the makita apart to fix in case i screw it up.

I've never bought the actual one that HF sells, but I've bought cheaper chinese grinders from other sources. I prefer the 4 1/2". I use it mostly for cutting using a skinny wheel. I burn through grinders pretty fast. The name brand ones don't seem to last any longer than the cheaper ones. I have four right now because I thought my last two cheap ones died. I bought replacements, and the next day the "dead" ones started working again.

 

[dex3361]

I would go with the 4 1/2 inch orange HF grinder I have 2 and they work great I got them on sale and I keep a cutting wheel in one and a grinding wheel in the other. I think they have them on sale for $17.99 if you have the coupon.- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
The only fault I can find is the switch is not a spring loaded switch you have to push it on and push it off.