Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Threepoint]

didn't write chainsaw chains, meant the 5/16"? x 20' trucker chains.

Ah! I misread it. That's why I couldn't find chainsaw chains on the HF website!

 

[crazyal]

Over the weekend I picked up the 14" band saw from HF. It wasn't hard to assemble but more time consuming that I thought it would be. I knew what to expect and that I would be modifying it. The first thing I noticed was how cr^ppy the belts are. They are so stiff that it takes a noticeable amount of force to just spin it with no blade installed while the motor, the intermediate, and the bottom pulley spin very easily. They are robbing the under powered motor so I'll swap them out for link belts. Some of the other issues are the tension adjusting rod pushes against the upper casting but there's no place to hold it so it walks around some, should be an easy fix. The T-slot is 5/8" of an inch wide when it seams like the standard is 3/4". The square is also plastic and aluminum and fits pretty loosely into the slot. Also the dust collection port is in a stupid location. It's after the lower wheel so any sawdust will go down onto the wheel rubber and collect as it gets pressed between the blade and wheel.

But it's almost $400 cheaper than a Grizzly once you add in the fact that I could drive to pit up the HF one vs pay over $100 for shipping on the Grizzly. The Grizzly does have more options and someday I may have them all for now I don't need them. I did play some using the stock blade and it cut well. I think once the belts are replaced I should be able to keep the motor. I'm going to add a riser block so I didn't bother getting any blades for it. The blade runs true right out of the box so the only adjustments needed was just the guides. Over all I think it'll do what I want. If I could of found something on Craig's list I might have gone that way but around here used stuff is over priced.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Lynxx are on sale and there's a $20 coupon for them (except the battery alone)..

 

[sixdogs]

I have an older version of this can and it was one I was able to get a usable non-EPA snout for it really works for me. It's my go to can right now. I had to vent mine with a push-in snap one but I really like it. You would just have to be sure you could put an aftermarket non-EPA nozzle on it.

 

[Threepoint]

I have an older version of this can and it was one I was able to get a usable non-EPA snout for it really works for me. It's my go to can right now. I had to vent mine with a push-in snap one but I really like it. You would just have to be sure you could put an aftermarket non-EPA nozzle on it.

View attachment 544708

I have several of these (in the newest, current version) from HF, both diesel and gas. I'm surprised at how quickly they empty, even without adding a vent.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I bought 2 cans on my last trip there..
I cut the snout spring about in half & added a vent.. WOW.. does that baby POUR GAS..
I also drilled a small hole in the side of the cap & tied fishing string thru it & around the snout.. that way I'll never loose the little red spout cap..
VERY impressed w/ the gas can..
I must say tho, I never used it before my mods so I cant comment on its actual, off the shelf use..

 

[Threepoint]

I haven't added pop-in vents yet. If anyone has tried these cans before and after, I'd sure like to hear impressions.

Another big surprise for me is that I actually like the way the valve mechanism is activated. I thought I'd hate it. The pressure of the snout's hook against the lip of the fuel tank's mouth opens the valve. Pulling back slightly on the can to relieve the weight instantly stops the flow. No more overfilling, and I've been using these newer cans for several months now.

I'll add pop-vents if it makes much difference. My only reluctance is concern about swarf from the twist drill ending up in the cans, even if I drill upside down. Only one of my tractors has a filter basket inside the lip of the tank opening. For the other two, it would be hard to use a filter funnel and still activate the can's valve mechanism. Does anyone happen to know if the swarf will float in the diesel or gas once the can is refilled? If so, filtering it out right away would be fairly easy.

 

[fried1765]

I haven't added pop-in vents yet. If anyone has tried these cans before and after, I'd sure like to hear impressions.

Another big surprise for me is that I actually like the way the valve mechanism is activated. I thought I'd hate it. The pressure of the snout's hook against the lip of the fuel tank's mouth opens the valve. Pulling back slightly on the can to relieve the weight instantly stops the flow. No more overfilling, and I've been using these newer cans for several months now.

I'll add pop-vents if it makes much difference. My only reluctance is concern about swarf from the twist drill ending up in the cans, even if I drill upside down. Only one of my tractors has a filter basket inside the lip of the tank opening. For the other two, it would be hard to use a filter funnel and still activate the can's valve mechanism. Does anyone happen to know if the swarf will float in the diesel or gas once the can is refilled? If so, filtering it out right away would be fairly easy.

Why not just rinse the can out before using, if you are concerned about the drilling residue, and then just filter the rinse gas?

 

[newbury]

<snip>Let us know what you think of the Lynxx pole saw.

Well I've played with it for maybe 15 minutes, but it's snowing outside and I'm bored. So quick review here -
Decent packaging.
Clear assembly directions.
Easy assembly.

Would have liked an on side chain tensioner, and chain tensioner looks REAL cheap.

Decent balance, light enough so I didn't use the harness. Largest branch I cut was maybe 4" diameter. Plenty of power.

Didn't use hardly any chain oil. Looking at the oiler construction I've got to be sure to tip it right so the oil flows onto the chain.

Looking at the assembly diagram I should be able to extend the shaft with just another pipe, some electrical wire, and duct tape. Another 4 feet would be nice

Definitely a good addition to my arsenal of chain saws, puts me at 10.

Lynxx are on sale and there's a $20 coupon for them (except the battery alone)..

View attachment 544640View attachment 544641

My HF wouldn't use the coupon on the already discounted pole saw, I tried.

 

[Jim Nelson]

I haven't added pop-in vents yet. If anyone has tried these cans before and after, I'd sure like to hear impressions.

Another big surprise for me is that I actually like the way the valve mechanism is activated. I thought I'd hate it. The pressure of the snout's hook against the lip of the fuel tank's mouth opens the valve. Pulling back slightly on the can to relieve the weight instantly stops the flow. No more overfilling, and I've been using these newer cans for several months now.

I'll add pop-vents if it makes much difference. My only reluctance is concern about swarf from the twist drill ending up in the cans, even if I drill upside down. Only one of my tractors has a filter basket inside the lip of the tank opening. For the other two, it would be hard to use a filter funnel and still activate the can's valve mechanism. Does anyone happen to know if the swarf will float in the diesel or gas once the can is refilled? If so, filtering it out right away would be fairly easy.

When I drilled mine out I used the step drills from H.F. and they pulled the cuttings out as I drilled. I drilled at a real low speed and it seemed to work well. I did rinse the cans out after but didn't find any more residue.