HF tools that don't suck

[Boostinjdm]

I got a mini needle scaler item# 96997 as part of my end of the year purchasing. Anyways, I've been using the **** out of it this week and am plenty happy with the purchase. It won't do the work of a $200 full size scaler, but for about $35 it handles knocking off welding slag and thick rust/corrosion just fine. I can see it being a very popular tool in my collection if it doesn't wear out right away.

[clearchris]

48" 3-1/2 Ton Farm Jack # 6530
http://www.harborfreight.com/48-inch...jack-6530.html
49$ on sale.

Ok, I have heard these types of jacks refered to as "widow makers" and my experience here would corroborate that. This jack is fairly wobbly, but if you need to raise something, and raise it quickly, it's great. Don't even think you will be able to get under something with this jack supporting it, you MUST hold your object up with something else. I like cinderblocks, stones, wood, anything solid. Jack raises quickly and high much faster than a bottle jack. This jack has **tipped over twice** in my brief use (one short day) of it.

You need around 4-5" of clearance underneath. I wouldn't use this on a vehicle, or anything with wheels.

This jack will make a great addition to my tool arsenal.

[Joe Bill Moad]

Great price on a "high lift jack".


Lincoln 305G
Lincoln 100 Weldpak
Assortment of Victor, Smith and Harris Torches

Dont Worry About the Mule-
Load the Wagon!

[Charleyhorse]

Originally Posted by Boostinjdm

I got a mini needle scaler item# 96997 as part of my end of the year purchasing. Anyways, I've been using the **** out of it this week and am plenty happy with the purchase. It won't do the work of a $200 full size scaler, but for about $35 it handles knocking off welding slag and thick rust/corrosion just fine. I can see it being a very popular tool in my collection if it doesn't wear out right away.

I just bought the mini needle scaler yesterday. On sale for 19.99. Let's see how long it lasts. HF also sells a bigger one. It's a heavy tool and looks well made, I don't see how I can lose for just 20 bucks.

[eadsracing]

Originally Posted by triffid_98

Instead of the usual 'does this tool actually work' or 'HF tools suck', how about a list of genuinely useful tools they sell. I'll certainly buy quality if I can afford to, but knowing where you can save in order to finance the shiny tools is more than half the battle...

Anyway, here's my personal list

HF tools I really like
============
4 1/2" chicago electric grinder
heavy duty sawzall (*not* the cheaper one, which won't cut a damn steak)
18ga. brad nailer
3/4" pipe clamps

HF tools I tolerate
============
8" 3/4hp (yeah right) grinder
3 piece 'large' locking C-clamp set
auto-darkening helmet
8 ton comealong

HF tools I promise never to buy
============
anything with an integrated blade
anything with rechargeable batteries
any of their 2% duty cycle welders
any of their pot-metal vises

I have a harbor freight welding helmet i got when i started welding my freshman year in high school, and now im a freshman in coolege going to school for diesel truck technology and we have to take a welding class and that helmet still works like it was brand new! I love that helmet and i spent like 30 bucks on it and it works alot better then one of those snap- on welding helmets! ik because i spent three hundred bucks on one and it's JUNK!

[rundogs]

Does anbody have the adjustable pin wrench? If so will the pins adjust to within 3/4 of an inch of each other? I was thinking of another use for them.

[Brianstick]

Yes, I have the adj pin wrench, in the closed position the pins measure .557" on the outside of pins. The pin diameter is .155". I hope this helps.

[jworman]

Originally Posted by eadsracing

I have a harbor freight welding helmet i got when i started welding my freshman year in high school, and now im a freshman in coolege going to school for diesel truck technology and we have to take a welding class and that helmet still works like it was brand new! I love that helmet and i spent like 30 bucks on it and it works alot better then one of those snap- on welding helmets! ik because i spent three hundred bucks on one and it's JUNK!

I have one of those $30 helmets that they had on sale some time back. I have to say, I haven't used my Jackson EQC since I got the HF mode. It works great!

[clearchris]

1.5 gallon Texture Paint Spray Gun
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-too...gun-66103.html

Build is the best quality HF I have seen in a while. No metal casting flaws, etc. I had it assembled and spraying texture in no time. One issue, there's no air shut off. When you hit the trigger, it feeds texture media, but when you release, it's still letting air through full blast. Recommend a shut off valve and a regulator mounted on the handle to get consistent pressure without hose resistance. Otherwise, it was my first time spraying texture (those touch up aerosol cans don't count) and it came out pretty darn good, even using my 4gal compressor. Used "premixed" texture from HD, cut 20% with water, and medium tip for orange peel texture. Will be using this again.

[rundogs]

Thanks Brianstick,that's exactly what I needed to know.I want to use it as a VW Tdi timing belt tensioner.

[BAKERHUSKIE1]

well, so far a cheap grinder$18.00, a pack of 4" 10 pieces grinding wheel, cutting wheel and flap disk. some small vicegrips.4pack-$7.00. Seem to work pretty goood.

[Poopie]

the 3" orbital air sander is FANTASTIC. owned it for over 2 years and never let me down. The exhaust could be routed or diffused a little better. your hand will get pretty cold on long use. wear a glove.

[FusionKing]

Bought the 2 ton low profile, long reach Jack a few days ago. It lowers to 2 5/8" and goes up to 23 3/4".
So far it works great. It was on sale for $129 and is #68050. The rapid pump is quite handy and the lowering knob works much better than the ones you have to twist the handle on. Foot pedal is nice as well.

[dugndeep]

Bought this spot weld cutter yesterday for 2 bucks ,they are having a Father's day sale,I've read good reviews about this from other website's beside's Harbor Freight review's.I also had a coupon for their 29 piece Titanium-coated drill bits for 9 bucks.The bug zapper was free with a purchase and it does work,believe me,don't touch the grid when the red light is on or after the red light has gone off because there is still a charge left in the capacitor.

[dugndeep]

Bought this spot weld cutter yesterday for 2 bucks ,they are having a Father's day sale,I've read good reviews about this from other website's beside's Harbor Freight review's.I also had a coupon for their 29 piece Titanium-coated drill bits for 9 bucks.The bug zapper was free with a purchase and it does work,believe me,don't touch the grid when the red light is on or off for that matter because there is still a charge left in the capacitor.

[jpfabricator]

I havent been able to break the 3/4" drive socket set yet. Altho the racet needs to be replaced the sockets are still "bustin em loose". I also buy and keep a set of the cheap wrenches when they go on super low sales for loaning to "friends". Keeps my Craftsmans from dissapearing, or never coming home. I also use them in the "field" if they get lost oh-well.

[mechanic416]

I picked up 2 of the #65654 F style clamps on sale a few months ago but did not use them till last week. Needed some extra clamps and used these to my surprise they worked great so on Friday I picked up 4 more to keep on the welding trailer.

[beck549]

i got there cheap chop saw for a back up used it on two jobs worked great did about 200 cuts with it that weekend and the brushes went out put new ones in and works good agian but it is low on power that is what is bad with it and my clamp is worn out

[Bioburner]

I got a air compressor automatic drain kit. $9. The hose with it blows at 95 psi but replaced with 6 cent a foot line from hardware store and the brass tee for the bottom of the tank had to be replaced because the Chinese machine off to much brass, replaced with iron tee and nipple for $1.50 and now I don't have to do a headstand to drain my big shop compressor. The hassle of replacing the minor parts was worth it as the main valve and 1/4in brass line tee connector is well made. I bought 2 kits at different stores before resorting to replacing parts with hardware store parts.

[soutthpaw]

Anyone try the twin cut saw yetM the one with 2 counter rotating blades? I used to have the craftsman version but afte burning up about 6 of them (gears in head would strip). I sold it after last warranty repair...

[brucer]

I bought a multimeter a while back for like $15. its the larger one with the red rubber protector on it.. works fine..

[Muntz]

Their blue generators, I believe some of the previous models were honda re-manufactured, if they are not, they did a good cloning job.

[j440]

believe it or not, we have one of their vises at our shop. now we dont use a vise every day as usually we are working on large beams. but when it is used its abused. and its 5 or 6 years strong with only a slightly bent handle. go figure that one! never would have thought it would last more than a month lol... its also been welded through more times than i can count

[Kaos]

Originally Posted by soutthpaw

Anyone try the twin cut saw yetM the one with 2 counter rotating blades? I used to have the craftsman version but afte burning up about 6 of them (gears in head would strip). I sold it after last warranty repair...

Yes, I bought one a month or so ago on sale for $59 plus $6 for adding a year on the warranty. I have a HF in my city so it is easy to return should it fail. I have cut 1/4 inch aluminum with ease. The only downside I see so far is there isn't any type of guide.

[circlecranch]

Buy it once.......or buy it 20 times......your choice.......but at the end of the day, if you're embarrassed to drag it out in front of your buddy.......spend the money on the tool you wanted to buy in the first place. Stop supporting those ching chang outfits, really?