Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[paulharvey]

Bought one of the 20 ton presses a couple years ago mainly for bearings and bushings, fist time we used it instead of a sledge and pipe to do a set of bearings was very glad about the purchase. Believe I payed around 154 then. Would like a pneumatic one but the hand one still beats the heck outta a hammer! have had no problems with there 1/2 inch impact sockets either, 2 foot breaker with 6 ct pipe and 300+ pound boy on the end.... something gave but wasn't the socket.

I've got an ancient 1/2" breaker I literally found buried on a job sight, ands it awesome, and I'm considering getting a HF 1/2" and 3/8"; are they good?

 

[lostcreekranch]

You really have to page through those catalogs and booklets... that shop press is listed for two different prices in the same book. I see that a lot in their ads for lots of different things. Buyer beware.

MR;

The $154.99 is a Super Coupon. The second listing is their regular price. Most of the super coupon items are in same flyer elsewhere.

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[lostcreekranch]

My first mod was to swap out the bottle jack for a HF pneumatic one. You will understand after pressing a few things.

Which HF pneumatic jack did I you get?

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[mecan]

Haven't had a problem with the 1\2 breaker, but in recent years hasn't had alot of use. Picked up a big Cornwell 1/2 ratchet and better impact guns. Was a hf breaker in the above situation though.

 

[Threepoint]

It was my understanding that the air just speeds the ram to a "close as you want" point, then you make fine adjustments with the hand pump. Never used one, but isn't that how it works? Keeps you from having to hand pump the slack?

I'll look into that. That would be nice. I'm also wondering how the air pressure affects the release after the power stroke is completed. Would be nice not to have to open the bypass valve manually every time. If that can be sped up the foot peddle, I might go ahead and make the switch now. Maybe Dragoneggs or others can illuminate.

Edit: After a little reading on this, looks like you still must release pressure manually by opening the bypass valve. Foot-operated air valves are avaiable online to free up hands.

 

[Brad_Blazer]

VERY interesting! Do you by chance have a pic or scan of the ad?

The Brush Mower listing is now on-line:
6.5 HP (212cc) 21 in. Brush Mower

Edit 1: And here's the link to the manual again.
http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/61000-61999/61623.pdf

Edit 2: I guess it needs this mod: https://www.farmshow.com/a_article.php?aid=21269
Or this? Meg-Mo Systems

 

[dieselcrawler]

I had the opportunity to visit one of the HF stores a few weeks ago, on my way back from a swap meet. Guy I work with has one of their tool chest, (US General?) and it seems like a nice chest for the price. I picked up a set of impact sockts, and a welding helmet, both of which I am pleased with so far.

I am a mechanic, and will be using these and other tools I purchase in the future on a daily basis. Sure, having all Craftsman tools would be nice, but I'm aware of the trade off, possibly lower quality for a lower price.

Good thread.... I'll report any future purchase or feedback.

 

[dragoneggs]

I'll look into that. That would be nice. I'm also wondering how the air pressure affects the release after the power stroke is completed. Would be nice not to have to open the bypass valve manually every time. If that can be sped up the foot peddle, I might go ahead and make the switch now. Maybe Dragoneggs or others can illuminate. Edit: After a little reading on this, looks like you still must release pressure manually by opening the bypass valve. Foot-operated air valves are avaiable online to free up hands.

Yes you still have to manually turn the bled valve or whatever it is called to release pressure but it is working against a couple springs so no big deal. On pressing, you still have the option of manually fine tuning/pressing with a handle on the pneumatic jack.

 

[hutchman]

I have a strong feeling this will be my next impulse buy
View attachment 442498

Well, I was weak. I bought it today at the $349 price ... I didn't wait for the $297 price.

I've missed over a week of working on my backhoe mount due to the crazy rain we've had so I reasoned that $50 wasn't worth it to go be in a big crowd trying to pick out one that wasn't beat up and by the time the sale rolls around hopefully this rain will be out of here and I can get back to work on my project and not take time out of my day to save $50.

So I wimped out!

 

[California]

Take in a 20% off coupon and see if you can get a $70 refund!

I think you're right to get in early and find one not dented. On the final day of their parking lot sales, what's left isn't worth it.