Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[ArlyA]

I agr

I like most of what he does but I have to turn the volume waaay down

I agree, but still one of the few youtube reviewers I'll watch.

 

[boatmoter]

I was ispired by another thread with this link to Weldingweb:

HF tools that don't suck - WeldingWeb - Professional Welding Forum

The Weldingweb site is mostly about metal working tools, so I thought it might be interesting to share which tools / products we have found to be a good value at HF. I don't think anyone seriously thinks they sell good tools, but some are adequate for the need or usage we have in mind.

Some of my experiences:

1000# capacity folding trailer, about $250. Works great for my light duty needs and folds in half to stand on end in my garage, out of the weather.

4 1/2 inch angle grinder, $15. So far, so good for sharpening mower blades, dressing up metal projects

Welding magnets. Inexpensive (with the coupons I get nonstop) and fascinating for the kids to play with.

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.

880# overhead hoist. Paid $80. Mounted to reinforced ceiling joists in barn. Extremely useful for horsing around 3 point attachments, lawn tractor, etc. A real back saver.

Box knives - not worth the $1 on sale - handle breaks on first use.

I have 2 ofthe cheap 4.5 angle grinders,as much as I would use them they last me.as a retired ASE auto tech I no longer get on the tool truck with the deed to my home. I don't have something I need I go to harbor freight now. I got one of their cheap 90 amp welders. used from a friend that said it did not weld good. he was right. I did the research on it and they said to not use the harbor freight wire,it was no good,I bought some Lincoln wire and it's been welding like a champ for 10 years now. a lot of the tools are pretty good for non professional use. their test lites are not bad either,anything goes wrong with em I throw away and get another.. their cheap

 

[Oaktree]

The pipe from my well to the house apparently has a kink or pinch somewhere, and occasionally, it will trap enough silt so that flow and pressure drop to almost nothing. Backflushing with water will clear it.
A couple months ago, it happened again and the gasoline pump I have wouldn't start so I picked up this one at HF. Was only able to push a couple gallons uphill, but it was enough to clear the clog.
At the time, I just used the AC power supply but have since gotten an adapter so I can use one of my Ryobi 18v batteries with it. A Dewalt battery looks like it'd fit, but it doesn't.
I'd give it 4 stars.

 

[Oaktree]

I got one of their cheap 90 amp welders. used from a friend that said it did not weld good. he was right. I did the research on it and they said to not use the harbor freight wire,it was no good,I bought some Lincoln wire and it's been welding like a champ for 10 years now. a lot of the tools are pretty good for non professional use.

I'd read that about their wire too. Likewise for their framing nails.
Agree the quality of their tools has come a long way.

 

[jyoutz]

I'd read that about their wire too. Likewise for their framing nails.
Agree the quality of their tools has come a long way.

The HF welding rods are junk also. Most of their tools seem fine.

 

[Happy in NC]

Went there 3 times this weekend just for the freebies. 200 shop towels and a moving blanket to haul my new to me SnapOn boxes

 

[kenmbz]

Anyone have the small table top router table? Any good for longer pieces?

 

[CliffordK]

I just bought an ICON 11 in. High-Leverage Diagonal Cutter.

I bought it because I hit woven wire with my flail mower a couple of times, and wanted to cut it out.

So far it works very well cutting the fencing, and no damage yet.

 

[CliffordK]

I wonder if that 1inch square drive impact wrench is any good? $299 with an extra 25 prevent off until tomorrow. I’m almost pulling the trigger on it. I own a couple of dozers

Is that air?

I've used both the Hercules 3/4" cordless and Earthquake 3/4" cordless, and they do well for my needs. I have a lot of Hercules battery powered tools and have been generally impressed by them.

 

[Jeff Lary]

I am on the hunt for the 8" stationary bench top Buffer. I check every few days to see if there is a discount coupon for it.

ALSO
I did just get a 30% off items less than $10.00. Are there any suggestions on stuff to get at that price point? I do need a new set of "Grabbers" the kind you use to pick up a small nut that has fallen in a tight space so I will get one of those while there.