Any harbor freight bauer or hercules cordless tools to stay away from?

[signcrafter]

I started a thread not too long ago about getting HF or ryobi cordless tools for the ones I won't use often. I have a lot of m18 and m12 tools for the common stuff and the tools I use the most. But there's some tools I would like to get but won't use very often at all so hard to justify the milwaukee price. I need a narrow crown stapler for a project this weekend so I decided it was time to try out the bauer cordless and see how it does. I ordered an adapter from amazon to use my m18 batteries with it.

Some of these HF cordless tools are crazy cheap. Like bauer grinder for 39.99, I have a M18 brushless that is nice but for the price of the bauer if they aren't complete garbage it might be worth it to pick a couple more up so I don't have to change blades as often. Or their 5" random orbit sander for 24.99, I have a M18 one but again for the price it would be nice to pick up a couple more and have a sander for a few different grit sandpapers so I don't have to switch when doing a project. Their caulk gun is 39.99, I have 2 m12 caulk guns, well technically 1 that I bought a few months ago for 170 because I couldn't find my other one but guessing I will find it when I start organizing from the move. But again, for 39.99 I wouldn't mind have a spare one around because there are times I'm using 2-3 different tubes of caulk/adhesive at a time. Their miter saw is 169.99, I have been looking at the milwaukee for a long time. I have a bosch 12" corded but would like a lighter more portable cordless 7 1/4" for portability. Bauer router is 59.99, and hercules is 69.99 and same story, I have a m18 but many times I'm switching 3-4 different bits back and forth for a project and would be nice to have a few so I don't have to waste time switching bits. Recently bought a m18 belt sander for 350 bucks and the bauer is 69.99. The m18 price was tough to swallow because I don't use it that often but it is nice and powerful. Not sure how the bauer would compare but might have tried it out for the cheap price if I had the battery adapter already.

So going to start picking up a few of their cordless tools when I need them and try them out. But wondering if there are any that I should stay away from? I'm not expecting them to be top notch for the price but also don't want to throw money away on complete garbage.

 

[UserNameAttempt3]

Wouldn't know, haven't caught anything from HF that didn't need plugged in. Good results with everything corded.

I have M12 for my low voltage work in the field. Ryobi for everything around the house. I usually try and buy a couple 4ah batteries when they are on sale for 2 for ~$100

 

[mike93lx]

The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is decent, and some of it is horrid. But you never know which is which, till you buy it and try it. So what if we made a thread where we posted our HF purchases with a PASS or FAIL grade? After awhile we could check this thread and see what's...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[JeepYJ]

I have a few Bauer tools and a few Herc tools. The Herc tools seem much better built. I use battery adapters. I haven’t had any tools that didn’t meet expectations.

 

[Old tool guy]

I had a 3/8” corded milwaukee for a long time, finally wore it out, could not find a modern replacement that i liked so i bought this from HF. Nice, but has one major flaw: the clutch dial doesn't work. When you turn the dial to a lower number, it reduces the max speed but does not reduce the torque. When I put the dial on 1 it turns slowly but i can’t stop it from turning by gripping the chuck.

 

[AJHD]

Definitely a few things I've thought about picking up. Stuff I don't use enough to pay Milwaukee prices for.

Honestly I can't really even afford Milwaukee anymore. Overpriced and too many other things on my list of priorities, like $5/gal gas and paying bills.

I'm looking at the 1/2" high torque Bauer impact and some flavor of the Bauer grinder. Maybe one or two other things if I'm going to buy into the platform. The Hercules equivalents are also an option.

 

[zendriver]

Since they are all now made in China, I'm wondering if if it's not so much the HF stuff is priced cheap, or if Milwaukee is just overpriced.

I have the Hercules 1/4" brushless hex and 1/2" ultra torque impact drivers. Never will see a need to upgrade even if I used them all day long.

Considered the 3/8 long reach ratchet, but it's a different battery platform and I would not used it much.

Wet/dry vac looks well built.

 

[mreisner]

Definitely a few things I've thought about picking up. Stuff I don't use enough to pay Milwaukee prices for.

Honestly I can't really even afford Milwaukee anymore. Overpriced and too many other things on my list of priorities, like $5/gal gas and paying bills.

I'm looking at the 1/2" high torque Bauer impact and some flavor of the Bauer grinder. Maybe one or two other things if I'm going to buy into the platform. The Hercules equivalents are also an option.

I've got this recorder high torque Hercules impact and I'm really happy with it. The thing is a beast. Kept waiting on Milwaukee to come out with a new 3/4 high torque and they never have. The one that have now is based on the previous generation 1/2 inch high torque impact wrench.

 

[mreisner]

Has anybody used the Hercules cordless vacuum pump? For 20% off I'm going to give it a shot I think, I do some mobile service on farm equipment and it's a pain in the *** to have to bring a little generator to run a vacuum pump, and most of them are just a quick pump and dump in the field.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have some corded HF tools (Bauer mostly) and have had good luck with them, but I don't think I'd ever buy cordless tools there. Most of my battery tools are Milwaukee and some Hitachi, but if I needed cheap cordless tools I'd look at Ryobi. Who knows how long Hercules, etc will be around before changing, but Ryobi still has battery tools in use that were built in the early 90s. Hard to beat that track record.

 

[signcrafter]

Has anybody used the Hercules cordless vacuum pump? For 20% off I'm going to give it a shot I think, I do some mobile service on farm equipment and it's a pain in the *** to have to bring a little generator to run a vacuum pump, and most of them are just a quick pump and dump in the field.

I just bought a new vacuum pump a couple weeks ago, I never saw that cordless one when I was searching or I might have picked it up.

I have some corded HF tools (Bauer mostly) and have had good luck with them, but I don't think I'd ever buy cordless tools there. Most of my battery tools are Milwaukee and some Hitachi, but if I needed cheap cordless tools I'd look at Ryobi. Who knows how long Hercules, etc will be around before changing, but Ryobi still has battery tools in use that were built in the early 90s. Hard to beat that track record.

My guess would be they aren't changing anytime soon but who knows. But really doesn't matter to me since I'm using adapters to use the m18 batteries so even if they do change the current tools will still work with my milwaukee batteries and I'm sure someone will make an adapter for the new tools if they change.


I picked up the bauer narrow crown stapler this morning and my adapter arrived from amazon this morning. So far I'm not sure of this stapler. I tried some 1 1/4" staples in two pieces of 3/4" plywood and it wasn't sinking the staples all the way, even with depth adjustment set all the way and the rubber non marring tip removed. Tried it in a 2x4 and it sinks them nicely below the surface. I never used the milwaukee crown stapler so can't compare how it would do in the same woods. But know my air stapler would sink them fine. Wish I had experience with the m18 stapler to be able to see if the bauer is just that much weaker or if cordless just has it's limitations on some stuff. I know my m18 finish nailers sometimes can have issues sinking nails all the way in some woods so guessing the stapler is alright and just the limitation of cordless stuff.

 

[JeepYJ]

I tried some 1 1/4" staples in two pieces of 3/4" plywood and it wasn't sinking the staples all the way, even with depth adjustment set all the way and the rubber non marring tip removed.

Can you get shorter staples?

 

[signcrafter]

Can you get shorter staples?

For some things. But mostly use it for plywood projects which is mostly 3/4" thick so need 1 1/4" staples. This stapler is supposed to do up to 1 1/2" staples. I'll keep trying it out on different things to see how it does. For the price I think it will come in handy. Would love to have a milwaukee to see how it compares.

 

[zendriver]

Can you get shorter staples?

It is new and it can't work as advertised.

I'd take it back.

 

[JeepYJ]

It is new and it can't work as advertised.

I'd take it back.

It does sink them into 2x4s just fine according to the OP.
I guess he could buy a Milwaukee and if it doesn’t shoot them into plywood either then take back the Milwaukee.

 

[signcrafter]

It does sink them into 2x4s just fine according to the OP.
I guess he could buy a Milwaukee and if it doesn’t shoot them into plywood either then take back the Milwaukee.

Ya I'm guessing it's a limitation of cordless. Although the milwaukee is brushless and 3 times the price so I would expect it to be a little more powerful.

 

[JeepYJ]

Ya I'm guessing it's a limitation of cordless. Although the milwaukee is brushless and 3 times the price so I would expect it to be a little more powerful.

You would hope for the cost difference it’s far better.

 

[zendriver]

It does sink them into 2x4s just fine according to the OP.
I guess he could buy a Milwaukee and if it doesn’t shoot them into plywood either then take back the Milwaukee.

Or, just don't use plywood.

It shouldn't be too much to ask, That a tool advertises certain capabilities, actually be capable.

IMO, Even if it is Harbor Freight.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have a few of the Bauer tools and they are ok. Nothing special, but worth the price. The high torque impact wrench isn't so high torque; It wouldn't take the lug nuts off of my Jeep or F150 but did just fine with lawnmower blades and 1/2" lag screws.

 

[Slick111]

I started a thread not too long ago about getting HF or ryobi cordless tools for the ones I won't use often. I have a lot of m18 and m12 tools for the common stuff and the tools I use the most. But there's some tools I would like to get but won't use very often at all so hard to justify the milwaukee price. I need a narrow crown stapler for a project this weekend so I decided it was time to try out the bauer cordless and see how it does. I ordered an adapter from amazon to use my m18 batteries with it.

I started a thread not too long ago about getting HF or ryobi cordless tools for the ones I won't use often. I have a lot of m18 and m12 tools for the common stuff and the tools I use the most. But there's some tools I would like to get but won't use very often at all so hard to justify the milwaukee price. I need a narrow crown stapler for a project this weekend so I decided it was time to try out the bauer cordless and see how it does. I ordered an adapter from amazon to use my m18 batteries with it.

Some of these HF cordless tools are crazy cheap. Like bauer grinder for 39.99, I have a M18 brushless that is nice but for the price of the bauer if they aren't complete garbage it might be worth it to pick a couple more up so I don't have to change blades as often. Or their 5" random orbit sander for 24.99, I have a M18 one but again for the price it would be nice to pick up a couple more and have a sander for a few different grit sandpapers so I don't have to switch when doing a project. Their caulk gun is 39.99, I have 2 m12 caulk guns, well technically 1 that I bought a few months ago for 170 because I couldn't find my other one but guessing I will find it when I start organizing from the move. But again, for 39.99 I wouldn't mind have a spare one around because there are times I'm using 2-3 different tubes of caulk/adhesive at a time. Their miter saw is 169.99, I have been looking at the milwaukee for a long time. I have a bosch 12" corded but would like a lighter more portable cordless 7 1/4" for portability. Bauer router is 59.99, and hercules is 69.99 and same story, I have a m18 but many times I'm switching 3-4 different bits back and forth for a project and would be nice to have a few so I don't have to waste time switching bits. Recently bought a m18 belt sander for 350 bucks and the bauer is 69.99. The m18 price was tough to swallow because I don't use it that often but it is nice and powerful. Not sure how the bauer would compare but might have tried it out for the cheap price if I had the battery adapter already.

So going to start picking up a few of their cordless tools when I need them and try them out. But wondering if there are any that I should stay away from? I'm not expecting them to be top notch for the price but also don't want to throw money away on complete garbage.

Some of these HF cordless tools are crazy cheap. Like bauer grinder for 39.99, I have a M18 brushless that is nice but for the price of the bauer if they aren't complete garbage it might be worth it to pick a couple more up so I don't have to change blades as often. Or their 5" random orbit sander for 24.99, I have a M18 one but again for the price it would be nice to pick up a couple more and have a sander for a few different grit sandpapers so I don't have to switch when doing a project. Their caulk gun is 39.99, I have 2 m12 caulk guns, well technically 1 that I bought a few months ago for 170 because I couldn't find my other one but guessing I will find it when I start organizing from the move. But again, for 39.99 I wouldn't mind have a spare one around because there are times I'm using 2-3 different tubes of caulk/adhesive at a time. Their miter saw is 169.99, I have been looking at the milwaukee for a long time. I have a bosch 12" corded but would like a lighter more portable cordless 7 1/4" for portability. Bauer router is 59.99, and hercules is 69.99 and same story, I have a m18 but many times I'm switching 3-4 different bits back and forth for a project and would be nice to have a few so I don't have to waste time switching bits. Recently bought a m18 belt sander for 350 bucks and the bauer is 69.99. The m18 price was tough to swallow because I don't use it that often but it is nice and powerful. Not sure how the bauer would compare but might have tried it out for the cheap price if I had the battery adapter already.

So going to start picking up a few of their cordless tools when I need them and try them out. But wondering if there are any that I should stay away from? I'm not expecting them to be top notch for the price but also don't want to throw money away on complete garbage.

Don't waste your money on 14 inch Hercules carbide blade for steel I got 6 cuts out of one on some 2x2 3/16th angle iron slow push did great on first 2 or 3 cuts then slowed then sparks stopped checked blade not hot now the supposed carbide tips are dull no edge at all my old evolution twice the cost but lasted for years .

 

[Aaron_W]

I've acquired a fair number of Bauer cordless tools, drills, jig saw, 7-1/4" circular saw, 3-1/2 gallon shop vac. Most are quite good for the price, better than I expected. I'd put most as equal to or in a few cases maybe even better than Ryobi. Yard tools are an exception, Ryobi offers several levels of quality for most of their 18v yard tools and Bauer seems to be competing against only the lowest tier.

I've avoided their sanders, and grinders just because I have good corded versions and don't feel like cordless is a good fit for the type.

With Bauer in particular, look out for brushed tools. Bauer has largely gone brushless, but they still have a few tools that are brushed, and a smaller number like the drill and impact driver where they offer both.

I'd recommend the 5ah batteries. They are the best value and with many of the tools, there is a performance increase over the 1.5 and 2ah batteries.

I have both the brushed and brushless drill and impact driver. The brushless set is quite good, almost equal to my Makita. The brushed is functional and was quite cheap, but it reminds me of cordless drills from the late 90s.

The 7-1/4" circular saw is kind of anemic, but it works. I'm comparing it to corded though, it is the only cordless circ saw I've used so maybe that is normal. I think it is also the older brushed version, so the current may be better. Still I got it in a buy a battery get a free tool deal, so the price was right, and it is fine when I just need to make a couple of cuts and am too lazy to get an extension cord.

The jigsaw by comparison is a beast, and I think I got it for around $30 on sale. It is the newer brushless version.