Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[lostcreekranch]

Rick,

I've had that compressor here for around 5 or so years. Had an issue with the fitting on the on/off switch not sealing when I got it home.

Called an 800 number and they shipped out a complete new switch and I had it in a few days.

No problems since then. I do have the shutoff dialed back to 150 psi.

Thanks RS, I stopped and looked at one while I was in Houston. Seems to be a quality built product. I like the after-cooler provided. I will probably go back and get one while they are on sale for $799.

How much adjustment is here for the pump on / off?

 

[rswyan]

Thanks RS, I stopped and looked at one while I was in Houston. Seems to be a quality built product. I like the after-cooler provided. I will probably go back and get one while they are on sale for $799.

I don't think you be displeased.

How much adjustment is here for the pump on / off?

Mine uses a Condor MDR 11/11 EA switch.

The differential between on and off is set (non-adjustable), so that when you adjust the cut-out pressure, the cut-in pressure is adjusted as well. There is however an optional differential pressure kit available (listed in the pdf below) that allows the differential to be adjusted separately.

The cut out pressure can be adjusted from 36 psi (and change) to 160 psi (... plus or minus 3% ... which is probably where they get the "165 psi" ... )

http://www.condor-cpc.com/assets/26-03_pressure_switch_mdr_112.pdf

 

[rbstern]

HF selling American? Wonders never cease...

Been using their SuperCut brand, Idaho-made bandsaw blades for a few years. Much better than the Chinese made Bosch blades at the orange big box store.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I don't think you be displeased.

Mine uses a Condor MDR 11/11 EA switch.

The differential between on and off is set (non-adjustable), so that when you adjust the cut-out pressure, the cut-in pressure is adjusted as well. There is however an optional differential pressure kit available (listed in the pdf below) that allows the differential to be adjusted separately.

The cut out pressure can be adjusted from 36 psi (and change) to 160 psi (... plus or minus 3% ... which is probably where they get the "165 psi" ... )

http://www.condor-cpc.com/assets/26-03_pressure_switch_mdr_112.pdf

Thanks RS, very helpful. I'm happy with a fixed differential. Just wanted to make sure I could adjust max pressure.

 

[rswyan]

Thanks RS, very helpful. I'm happy with a fixed differential. Just wanted to make sure I could adjust max pressure.

My pleasure :thumbsup:

 

[California]

Back to HF's #68187 1/4" (threads) x 3/8" (I.D.) 'Automotive Series' air couplers:

I measured 7.5mm ID for the Automotive Series air coupler vs 5mm for HF's common brass coupler. 2.25 x the cross section area.

I recommend these for any air tool that could use a little more oomph.

 

[CreekyB]

New to the forum and will have to admit I did not read this entire thread but I love it.

I am a bit of a tool snob, I made my living with tools everyday. I do have a small fortune in Matco and Snapon but there is a good bit of HF tools mixed in there. Any wrench much over 1" becomes silly priced off of a tool truck. I have beat the tar out of the Jumbo and Super Jumbo sets of SAE wrenches for years. They work flawlessly. I have a good bit of HF impact sockets and a ton of other stuff as well.

About the only thing that I hate about Harbor Freight is that I can "go for one thing and one thing only"... but I always leave the store with a cart of stuff to carry to the truck. I went last Saturday for a pair of extra jackstands that I really absolutely had to have that day. Told the wife they were only 19$. I get home and she asked "So what part of 19$ jackstands cost almost 200$?" ......uhm..... Coupons?

 

[Midniteoyl]

New to the forum and will have to admit I did not read this entire thread but I love it.

I am a bit of a tool snob, I made my living with tools everyday. I do have a small fortune in Matco and Snapon but there is a good bit of HF tools mixed in there. Any wrench much over 1" becomes silly priced off of a tool truck. I have beat the tar out of the Jumbo and Super Jumbo sets of SAE wrenches for years. They work flawlessly. I have a good bit of HF impact sockets and a ton of other stuff as well.

About the only thing that I hate about Harbor Freight is that I can "go for one thing and one thing only"... but I always leave the store with a cart of stuff to carry to the truck. I went last Saturday for a pair of extra jackstands that I really absolutely had to have that day. Told the wife they were only 19$. I get home and she asked "So what part of 19$ jackstands cost almost 200$?" ......uhm..... Coupons?

Annnd, we have a new Club member folks.. Everyone say "Hi!" :cool2:

 

[PhysAssist]

Annnd, we have a new Club member folks.. Everyone say "Hi!" :cool2:

Hi CreekyB,

My name is Thomas and I buy tools...

...aaand the new HF in our area is opening 10 miles from my house- vs the previous closest one being about an hour away.

 

[Otto Syracuse]

We are enablers then!