Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

jack707 · Jul 18, 2016

I need one because the shop where I get my tires rotated is always full, so I'll do it myself and save.

kencunningham · Jul 18, 2016

I have one of the earthquake impacts but never pull it out because I have this set, and I have to say I use both items pretty regularly. Not sure about posting links, but just go to sears or ebay and type the model # 17729XN. It is only 159 with free shipping on the sears site, which seems like a slamming deal to me. I mostly use the battery impact to remove lug nuts.

California · Jul 18, 2016

stuckmotor said:
I have one of the cheaper ones and wish I had the Earthquake.

For an air impact wrench - just buy the Earthquake. I wish I had listened to this advice.

I first bought HF's electric one maybe 20 years ago. Heavy, wrist-twisting, and wouldn't break loose lugnuts.

Then I got the cheap long nose one when it was discounted from the usual $22. (twin to this #95310, its review average is only 2/5.

It was only slightly better, some lugnuts were beyond its ability. Replaced it with the inexpensive lightweight composite one that has similar rated torque - 230 ft lbs - the one that is probably a 3/8 tool with a 1/2" nose on it. (#94802. No longer listed.) Measuring tightened bolts with a beam torque gauge, neither will loosen anything above 125 ft lbs.

Finally bought the #68424 Earthquake and HF's 3/8 ID air connectors I showed recently in this thread. I should have used this combination in the first place.

The better air connectors improved the cheaper impact wrenches, but not to where I would recommend them. I reach for the Earthquake to dis-assemble larger bolts but use the lighter compact composite one most of the time.

Another alternative for light work is the Ryobi 18 volt impact driver (not their Impact Wrench). The beam torque wrench (gauge) shows it will do about 60 ft lbs.

lostcreekranch · Jul 18, 2016

Midniteoyl said:
Here.. Use this if you dont already have one: http://widgets.harborfreight.com/ws...2816b&utm_source=1023&cid=mEmail_s1023_c2816b

Midnite, that coupon excludes Earthquake.

Midniteoyl · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
Midnite, that coupon excludes Earthquake.

Darn.. you're correct.. Missed it.

lostcreekranch · Jul 18, 2016

Midniteoyl said:
Darn.. you're correct.. Missed it.

Yep, I've been looking at the 1/2" Earthquake myself.

Midniteoyl · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
Yep, I've been looking at the 1/2" Earthquake myself.

Just keep an eye out as they regularly go on sale for $89, and on holiday sale to $79.. Thats the price point I got mine at.

lostcreekranch · Jul 18, 2016

Midniteoyl said:
Just keep an eye out as they regularly go on sale for $89, and on holiday sale to $79.. Thats the price point I got mine at.

Good to know, thanks!

sixdogs · Jul 18, 2016

One notable thing with my Earthquake impact wrench is that it was very stiff until it got some use. It was hard to switch from F-R until I used it maybe 15-20 times. Then it was easier. Mine has tremendous power and I have loosened big and rusty parts that were rust-welded together. Someone said it was 300 ft lbs but I think way more than that. I have even twisted 1/2" drive shorty extensions in half.

I also use it with 3/4" and 1" adaptors to loosen really big nuts. No problem yet.

rswyan · Jul 18, 2016

Rick,

Did you get the compressor?

KubotainNH · Jul 18, 2016

kencunningham said:
I have one of the earthquake impacts but never pull it out because I have this set, and I have to say I use both items pretty regularly. Not sure about posting links, but just go to sears or ebay and type the model # 17729XN. It is only 159 with free shipping on the sears site, which seems like a slamming deal to me. I mostly use the battery impact to remove lug nuts.

I have that set too, that thing packs a punch. I think the 200 ft/lbs is lower than what it really does. Zips off lug nuts like they were already loose. Gotta buy it when on the $159 special. Also nice to have the extra battery and angle grinder.

Sears.com

lostcreekranch · Jul 18, 2016

sixdogs said:
One notable thing with my Earthquake impact wrench is that it was very stiff until it got some use. It was hard to switch from F-R until I used it maybe 15-20 times. Then it was easier. Mine has tremendous power and I have loosened big and rusty parts that were rust-welded together. Someone said it was 300 ft lbs but I think way more than that. I have even twisted 1/2" drive shorty extensions in half.

I also use it with 3/4" and 1" adaptors to loosen really big nuts. No problem yet.

The 1/2" Earthquake is rated at 700 ft.-lbs.

I'm also looking at this Kobalt 700 ft.-lb. Impact at Lowes. It's $80.

Shop Kobalt 1/2-in 7 ft-lbs Air Impact Wrench at Lowes.com

Reg · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
Yep, I've been looking at the 1/2" Earthquake myself.

I have been very satisfied with the 1/2 inch earthquake.
I doubt that ...ahh, just remembered that this is the TRACTOR forum.
I was about to say that it will undo the lug nuts on ANYTHING.
For tractors, trucks (other than pick-ups) and HEAVY RVs, maybe get the 3/4 inch one.

lostcreekranch · Jul 18, 2016

rswyan said:
Rick,

Did you get the compressor?

Not yet RS. Went to the closest HF to ranch last week and they had the old model on display. Didn't have time to go to one of the other HF stores in Houston, may try this week. I want to see the new model before putting my money down. I don't think that, other than the decals on tank, there is much difference, but need to see for myself.

It's still on sale for $799.

I need to get my 220 VAC Power run to where it will be installed also.

sixdogs · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
The 1/2" Earthquake is rated at 700 ft.-lbs.

I'm also looking at this Kobalt 700 ft.-lb. Impact at Lowes. It's $80.

Shop Kobalt 1/2-in 7 ft-lbs Air Impact Wrench at Lowes.com

Look at it this way: everyone here knows the Earthquake works and is powerful. It gets nearly five stars and has been around for maybe 10 years in current form. The Kobalt is surely Chinese, as is the Earthquake but is a partially unknown item and gets a lower rating. I compared other wrenches before I bought the Earthquake and feel the Earthquake was overall best.

jack707 · Jul 18, 2016

How often do they have 20% sales?

Midniteoyl · Jul 18, 2016

sixdogs said:
One notable thing with my Earthquake impact wrench is that it was very stiff until it got some use. It was hard to switch from F-R until I used it maybe 15-20 times. Then it was easier. Mine has tremendous power and I have loosened big and rusty parts that were rust-welded together. Someone said it was 300 ft lbs but I think way more than that. I have even twisted 1/2" drive shorty extensions in half.

I also use it with 3/4" and 1" adaptors to loosen really big nuts. No problem yet.

The Earthquake has an ultimate torque of 700+ft.lb. in reverse.. About 500ft.lb forward.

Midniteoyl · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
The 1/2" Earthquake is rated at 700 ft.-lbs.

I'm also looking at this Kobalt 700 ft.-lb. Impact at Lowes. It's $80.

Shop Kobalt 1/2-in 7 ft-lbs Air Impact Wrench at Lowes.com

Kolbalt uses 2.5cfm more.. with people complaining its actually about 300-400ftlb, not 700.

94BULLITT · Jul 18, 2016

jack707 said:
How often do they have 20% sales?

Daily

CreekyB · Jul 18, 2016

rlgustafson said:
Not yet RS. Went to the closest HF to ranch last week and they had the old model on display. Didn't have time to go to one of the other HF stores in Houston, may try this week. I want to see the new model before putting my money down. I don't think that, other than the decals on tank, there is much difference, but need to see for myself.

It's still on sale for $799.

I need to get my 220 VAC Power run to where it will be installed also.

You will not be far from a decently stocked HF on Wednesday this week

It is on Lamar not far off of 71/290.