Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[ETpilot]

I had one of the "racing" jacks. Wouldn't buy it again. It was a quick pump and when lifting near it's limits it took a lot of force. It's one thing for a racing team to need to raise a car off the ground quickly but 4 or 5 pumps (vs 2) is fine by me.

Now that is a good point. I, too, noted on my 1.5 ton that it took more force when lifting near its limit of travel. Something to consider.

 

[txdon]

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.

On the HF wet saw I found it is easier to have a fresh water 5 gallon bucket to set the sump in and a separate bucket to catch the used water in. It is easy to dump and no filter clog. This experience was gained after 10,000 clay pavers - and the saw still works great - used only 3 blades.

 

[JRobyn]

I was hoping, based on comments on here, that the little 900w 2-cycle generator would be a "don't suck", but now having had one for 6 months, I'm not too sure! I have used non-ethanol, fresh fuel in it exclusively, but it is almost impossible to start. If I remove the air cleaner cover and drizzle in a bit of fuel, it kicks right off. I shut off the fuel valve and run the carb dry whenever I am done using it. It seems to run ok after it starts. Maybe a little lean. So I'm suspecting something wrong in the choke/low speed carb circuit, or it may be that the fuel on/off valve is so restricted that it takes a long time to slowly drizzle a bowl full. Guess it's going back for a trade-in on another.

- Jay

 

[JRobyn]

I was hoping, based on comments on here, that the little 900w 2-cycle generator would be a "don't suck", but now having had one for 6 months, I'm not too sure! I have used non-ethanol, fresh fuel in it exclusively, but it is almost impossible to start. If I remove the air cleaner cover and drizzle in a bit of fuel, it kicks right off. I shut off the fuel valve and run the carb dry whenever I am done using it. It seems to run ok after it starts. Maybe a little lean. So I'm suspecting something wrong in the choke/low speed carb circuit, or it may be that the fuel on/off valve is so restricted that it takes a long time to slowly drizzle a bowl full. Guess it's going back for a trade-in on another.

- Jay

 

[sixdogs]

Interesting note relative to Harbor Freight. I happened to go into a Home Depot today and saw many Chinese tool products pretty much the same as Harbor Freight carries. Now, some were on sale but many items were cheaper than what they would cost at Harbor Freight.

Things I saw were cut-off tools, grinders, impact guns, hand tools and such. Surely this has to be having an effect on Harbor Freight?

 

[brin]

HF...has a 4&1/2 inch grinder on sale right now for $12.00 and change...with a coupon even less but I think only good until this Friday...They have a reciprocating saw for only $19.00 ...again until Friday....I bought the grinder and will go this Friday and get the reciprocating saw...too cheap - I have to buy it...LOL

 

[California]

There are two recipro saws - a cheap one and a almost-tradesman one that has a higher amp rating (more power) and higher cost. I don't think I've ever seen the better one go on sale.

I have a couple of the $10 grinders. They are fine for occasional use and for running a wire brush.

 

[brin]

There are two recipro saws - a cheap one and a almost-tradesman one that has a higher amp rating (more power) and higher cost. I don't think I've ever seen the better one go on sale.

I have a couple of the $10 grinders. They are fine for occasional use and for running a wire brush.

Here is the one I am talking about...it is $19.99 with the coupon code...what do you think...? good deal or not...? Thanks
Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

 

[California]

I don't have experience with either. In my experience HF power tools are generally less powerful than tradesman-quality tools (that cost more), so HF's more powerful choice will be more satisfactory. But their overall quality is improving, and now there are fewer dogs in their product lines.

In this particular case HF's Customer Reviews for each model should be a good guide. (and I see there are now 3 recipro saw models).

 

[Midniteoyl]

Here is the one I am talking about...it is $19.99 with the coupon code...what do you think...? good deal or not...? Thanks
Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

For the price.. yea, prolly.. But 8 amps is the minimum for getting decent cuts..