Hercules cordless tools (Harbor Freight)

[Sychotix57]

So my grandpa and I were memorized by the attractive Hercules and Bauer cordless tools at the front door of the "Horrible Freight" tool store today. I figured since I wanted something other than my 12v DeWalt impact driver I spent an arm and a leg for a few years ago; I bought 2 Hercules impact drivers (1 for me and 1 for pops) for $109.99 with the 2yr warranty as well. It looks similar to my DeWalt. They have a 2.5ah battery but they sell 5ah batteries separate. Anybody know much about these? I can't find anything other than on the HF website. I also bought the bit set.

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[General Geoff]

Nope, brand new products. You get to be the first reviewer! Let us know how it works for you, many folks here are interested.

 

[Sychotix57]

Well for starters, it seems to be built better than the Bauer brand!

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[Sychotix57]

Side by side comparison between my 12v DeWalt and my 20v Hercules and their 12v/20v chargers. The Hercules has a shorter nose on that the DeWalt by 1/2 inch. So far it seems just as strong as the Milwaukee 18v Fuel impact driver I have at work. Haven't ran the battery down yet.

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[kctyphoon]

Yes, these are posted in another thread. That Hercules impact driver has the same torque rating as the standard Milwaukee M18, and M18 brushless version. (Not the fuel). Consensus is you are paying near top tier prices anyway, and giving up the 3 or 5 year warranty offered from Dewalt or Milwaukee.

They have a drill, and hammer drill option as well. Only benefit right now seems to be the cheap battery prices.. lots of people would like to see a video demo of what you just bought. I'm willing to bet its impressive. To me it seems like a straight dewalt clone of the older style models.

Here's the other thread - http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364549

Lower part of the impact looks very similar to this, OR a Milwaukee m18 with a dewalt battery and belt clip

 

[bcradio]

Let us know how the batteries hold up on these bad boys. That would be my main concern with a new-to-market brand.

 

[Parrothead]

Did I miss something?

20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver - $99.00

http://www.homedepot.com/p/207121879

I'm sure I'm tired and not comparing properly, but isn't this DeWalt cheaper, and well DeWalt?

 

[6PTsocket]

Like any HF stuff, there probably are no parts available. It is short term exchange or pay extra for longer term exchange. With a name brand it is still repairable even after the warranty runs out. Anything from HF is a throw away and now for the cost of their better brands you can buy a "real" brand tool.

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[Sychotix57]

Did I miss something?

20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion 1/4 in. Cordless Impact Driver - $99.00

http://www.homedepot.com/p/207121879

I'm sure I'm tired and not comparing properly, but isn't this DeWalt cheaper, and well DeWalt?

Well sir the DeWalt you posted only comes with a 1.5ah battery. Additional batteries around my location range from $60-90 for a 20v 2.0ah battery and $90-110 for a 3.0ah battery. Meanwhile, the Hercules comes with a 2.5ah battery. Additional batteries from Harbor Freight are 20v 2.5ah battery for $30 and a 5.0ah battery for $50.

Also, I happen to see that the DeWalt comes with 3 year limited warranty and 1 year free service warranty. But my Hercules has a two-year full replacement plan (for like $15) on top of my in-store warranty. Any additional Hercules batteries have a 5 year limited warranty as well.

That is all I'm looking at.

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[thadru2001]

Will the Hercules batteries fit in the DeWalt tools?

 

[Sychotix57]

Will the Hercules batteries fit in the DeWalt tools?

The Hercules battery won't fit my DeWalt
12v/20v charger but I haven't bothered to see if you can modify it or not.

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[Flashesbuck]

Ok, ill try this, Please let me know if you can not see this photo.

 

[KBATN]

I like the idea. But why the F does HF have 3 different battery platforms??? So you buy there new Cordless impact but does there batteries work on Hercules?? looks different to me... Why would they do that.

 

[Flashesbuck]

I like the idea. But why the F does HF have 3 different battery platforms??? So you buy there new Cordless impact but does there batteries work on Hercules?? looks different to me... Why would they do that.

I agree, this is what stuck out most to me. The fact that its all different batters. I would be really interested, If i had not already bought into the green Ryobi stuff.

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I agree, this is what stuck out most to me. The fact that its all different batters. I would be really interested, If i had not already bought into the green Ryobi stuff.

Why hasn't Ryobi released a 5ah battery yet? *That* may drive me to these tools. I'm about as casual as a casual DIYer can get, which is why I don't get the yellow/red brands.

 

[Flashesbuck]

Why hasn't Ryobi released a 5ah battery yet? *That* may drive me to these tools. I'm about as casual as a casual DIYer can get, which is why I don't get the yellow/red brands.

I was reading yesterday that Ryobi is on the verge of releasing a new line of batteries (of course backwards compatible) including up to 9ah.
I personally have no issues with the 4ah battery.
Even runs my grinder all I ask for.


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[Hpozzuoli]

Similar to maikta, colors and all!

 

[PugetDude]

I like the idea. But why the F does HF have 3 different battery platforms??? So you buy there new Cordless impact but does there batteries work on Hercules?? looks different to me... Why would they do that.

Three different quality levels, three different price points. the old "good-better-best" model. If they interchanged they would never sell a replacement $60 Hercules battery; their customers would buy the $20 Chicago Electric replacement instead.

Another way of looking at it- Why don't Ryobi/Ridgid/Milwaukee batteries interchange?
Or Black and Decker/Dewalt? Or Skil/Bosch? Each product family is made by the same manufacturer.

 

[American Locomotive]

I like the idea. But why the F does HF have 3 different battery platforms??? So you buy there new Cordless impact but does there batteries work on Hercules?? looks different to me... Why would they do that.

Because HF doesn't manufacture anything. They go to random Chinese firms and ask for a particular tool. Different companies make their different tools.

 

[Ehrmantraut]

Good on HF for making a bold push to deliver better products. I think this roll out is a bit clumsy and there isn't a real need for the 3 different tiers of products. I think over the next few months, they will evolve and adapt and the prices of these products will come down some to make them even more attractive against the Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, Ridgid, etc. brands.

 

[tjdux]

I like the idea. But why the F does HF have 3 different battery platforms??? So you buy there new Cordless impact but does there batteries work on Hercules?? looks different to me... Why would they do that.

I think the 3 platforms are going to effect HF coupons making it easier to control which "brands" coupns apply to

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[bobs_garage]

A little grinding on my black and decker battery lets me use it with a porter cable impact driver. It was a cheap way getting a decent impact without having to adopt yet another battery set.

I standardized on B&D for yard work and this was a branch into something that can do lug nuts.

 

[uncwstudent]

I'd be interested to know how this new line of tools works out. The last Harbor Freight tool that I had was a router that, I'm pretty sure, was on the verge of setting itself on fire with normal use.

 

[KBATN]

Three different quality levels, three different price points. the old "good-better-best" model. If they interchanged they would never sell a replacement $60 Hercules battery; their customers would buy the $20 Chicago Electric replacement instead.

Another way of looking at it- Why don't Ryobi/Ridgid/Milwaukee batteries interchange?
Or Black and Decker/Dewalt? Or Skil/Bosch? Each product family is made by the same manufacturer.

What I am saying here is, Its like your buying the IR Impact then buying Makita drill/driver. Sounds kinda dumb to me.

I know they have 3 different companies building there cordless tool line. 1 is ripping off the Milwaukee design and the other is ripping off Dewalt lol.

I might check out there cordless ratchets. I don't have any 12v tools so no big deal.

 

[BillMoney]

Have we found out if these are Dewalt clones using the same battery? My HF still hasn't gotten the extra batteries so I can try one in my Dewalt w/ 20% coup. Before you say its not included I have older 20% off coups that are valid until 12/31/17 and I will argue that hercule is not on the exclusion list with.

 

[tjdux]

Have we found out if these are Dewalt clones using the same battery? My HF still hasn't gotten the extra batteries so I can try one in my Dewalt w/ 20% coup. Before you say its not included I have older 20% off coups that are valid until 12/31/17 and I will argue that hercule is not on the exclusion list with.

I belive someone said they don't fit but may possibly modified to fit. Maybe take the plunge and find out and share with us all the process.

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[BillMoney]

I belive someone said they don't fit but may possibly modified to fit. Maybe take the plunge and find out and share with us all the process.

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When they get the batteries in (not the whole drill) I'll take a look.

 

[Sychotix57]

Okay guys I have managed to fit my Hercules battery on my DeWalt 12v/20v charger! (I have 12v tools, so I can't test the 20v battery to a tool.) I have some good news and some bad news.

The good news:
Once you cut this little tab on the DeWalt charger (that's what keeps it from sliding in) it will fit the charger. So I cut it off and it said right in.

The bad news: my charger doesn't recognize there is a battery on it. Boo.

The only hope I have is that it MIGHT still work on the tool. (I don't know) because the only thing different from the top of the batteries is it's missing a little contact point on the very middle slot.
Hope this helped answer some questions.

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[kctyphoon]

Wonder if the polarity or position of the pins are reversed for this exact reason.

I can't help but feel like winning the lawsuit Snap On threw at HF, has only made HF more bold about hi-jacking premium designs..

 

[Sychotix57]

Wonder if the polarity of the pins are reversed for this exact reason.

Look on the far left and right pins. The "B+" and "B-" are in the same locations on my 12v DeWalt and 20v Hercules.
Don't know if that's showing the polarity on the pins or not.

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[lbhsbz]

Look on the far left and right pins. The "B+" and "B-" are in the same locations on my 12v DeWalt and 20v Hercules.
Don't know if that's showing the polarity on the pins or not.

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Whilst at HF this evening, I picked up one the Hercules batteries to see if they'd work in a DeWalt.

They will fit if you grind off a little tab



It doesn't snap home yet, but it's close enough to make a good connection. They don't work. The dewalt uses 5 terminals, the Hercules uses only 4. The LEDs light up, but that's about it.

It was worth a shot. I'll open it up later and compare the innards to a dewalt and see what's different

 

[Mellotron]

I look forward to seeing if the battery can be hacked. Would be an affordable alternative to the Dewalt overpriced ones.

 

[Ign]

SBD's gonna sue, esp if people figure out how to make the batteries work.

Not saying don't do it, I think it'd be cool.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

Looking at the comparison pictures of the hammer drills I was wondering if the batteries were interchangeable. . Good to see its already being tested haha

 

[coderoder]

Well.. the brushless Dewalt dcd777c2 is now discounted to $99. Imo this model at this price cuts the Hercules off at the knees.

Ok the Dewalt comes with 1.5AH batteries, but it has 2 of them so you can charge one while working with the other one. Just to be clear the brushless dewalt has the redesigned DCB201 batteries (1.5AH) vs the DCDC771C2 comes with the 1.3AH, older DCB207 batteries.

Given the improved efficiency of the brushless motor, (est 30% more efficient than brushed) I hazard a guess that the actual run time will probably come close to the Bauer 2.5ah battery.

There is a youtube video of someone testing the DCd777c2 vs the Brushed dcd771c2 by comparing how many 1/2 inch holes can they drill before the battery needs recharge. The difference between the 2 DeWalt designs was 2x (192 holes vs 82), so what I am saying about real-life tool runtime is not far fetched.

I have the dcd777c2 and tempted to get the hercules so I can run a real life compare between the actual work that can be doe on a single charge.

 

[jdlong]

Ok the Dewalt comes with 1.5AH batteries, but it has 2 of them so you can charge one while working with the other one. Just to be clear the brushless dewalt has the redesigned DCB201 batteries (1.5AH) vs the DCDC771C2 comes with the 1.3AH, older DCB207 batteries.

Given the improved efficiency of the brushless motor, (est 30% more efficient than brushed) I hazard a guess that the actual run time will probably come close to the Bauer 2.5ah battery.

The 1.5AH battery is smaller giving the tool less bulk. Bulk is the deal breaker for me when it comes to cordless. I would rather lug a cord or air hose around than the FKG titanic.

 

[coderoder]

I agree. I prefer the drill to be light as well so the 1.5ah was a no brainer for me.
It just needs enough run time so I can charge up the 2nd battery while working so I can keep working without interruption. The new dcb201 battery and charger is advertised with a 30 minute rapid charge time btw.

 

[jgromada]

I noticed a couple of things by taking a long look at the Bauer & Hercules specs.

First all drill/drivers, impact drivers & hammer drills feature a 2.5 ah battery for Hercules, 1.5 ah for Bauer. Based on list prices of their replacement batteries that accounts for $10. On the charger side the Hercules specifically mentions it is for 12v/20v although no 12v Hercules tools currently exist while Bauer charges does not mention anything similar. The (replacement list) cost is approx. $30 for Hercules & $20 for Bauer.

The Hercules motor while not being brushless states a max torque of 576 in-lbs. while it is only 450 in-lbs for Bauer. Both are dual speed the Hercules states rpm from 0 to 2000 while the Bauer goes 0 to 450 (low) & 0 to 1700 rpm (high). The Hercules states it is a genuine Jacobs chuck while no such claim for Bauer. Clearly Bauer is a lower tier product than the Hercules. From a list price standpoint there is a $30 to $45 differential between the two lines whether we are talking drill/drivers, impact drivers & hammer drills. The charger & battery are conceivably accounting for $20 of that difference. It will be curious to see what they are selling these for once they set the coupon/sale price for these.

The designs of the batteries are similar but it does not look like they are interchangeable between Hercules & Bauer models. Old HFT cordless tools had a less than stellar reputation which is probably a reason these new lines were introduced.

Ave did a tear down on Youtube of the Hercules and said it was fairly robust and if it holds up a good value. Face it just about most power tools are made in China these days. (ok maybe not Snap On) but they are crazy expensive on the value proposition. People tend to get tribal these days about their tools but I think there can be value in these less expensive brands (like HFT) if you choose wisely. I'm just not sure they are hitting the correct price points yet for their Hercules & Bauer lines but a marked improvement is noticeable. (maybe in other areas they are more competitive like portable band saw)

 

[coderoder]

Brushless has some real advantages. Better power efficiency leads to more work.you can get put of a given amp hour battery. Conservatively 30 percent probably.better in real life. No brushes to wear out ever.
The only minus is more electronics as the commutator.is electronic. Overall it so a no brainer to me. Brushless is the way to go if you have the option.

 

[kythri]

Face it just about most power tools are made in China these days. (ok maybe not Snap On)

Don't be so quick there - a quick sampling of their website shows that a lot of the 14.4V lineup is of Chinese origin.

The 18V Monster Lithium stuff appears to be USA or German, however.