Hf sale!

[Codejack]

https://www.harborfreight.com/

Bunches of stuff on sale this weekend; I already got the Metric long-handle wrench set (pics in a couple of threads), but I'm looking at the torque wrenches. $10/each, which one should I get? Or do I really need 3/8" and 1/2"? I would think about 1/4" and skipping 3/8" but it doesn't overlap the 1/2" unit's torque range.

I'm also looking at the angle grinder for $10; it has decent reviews, maybe some quality issues that I might have to bring it back, but at that price, how wrong can I go, exactly? They have the $30 unit on sale for $24, but it's reviews are worse.

The Bauer hex impact kit for $70. Reviews are a little mixed, but good overall; if it dies in a week and/or just isn't doing the job (although that part seems unlikely, some of the reviews were about "too powerful" and stripping screws), I take it back for a refund, and if it dies after 3 months of hard use... I've gotten my money's worth. I don't know, I will probably hold out for a Milwaukee kit; they have one pretty much just like this for ~$140.

Any thoughts? Anything anyone else is interested in, or has already bought?

Edit: This weekend's tool haul:

 

[jumbojak]

I would hold out for a better impact. They don't look particularly bad but I think you're going to be getting heavier use than what most would.

 

[jdlong]

The rule of thumb with clicker torque wrenches is the bolt spec should fall within mid range of the torque wrench scale for optimum accuracy. That said, all three sizes are probably a good idea. I have all three and tested them on a digital adapter which I know is accurate. Well OK, accurate enough for practical purposes...LOL. They came accurate out of the box as far as the adapter goes but don't expect them to stay that way for real long due to the cheap spring alloy they use (it distorts slightly after so many stress strain cycles and the wrench has to be recalibrated). Fine for occasional use on brakes, suspension, spark plugs, etc as far as I'm concerned. They will never see a head bolt or rod cap. Also, the micrometer handle gets difficult to turn roughly beyond mid range scale. For 30 bucks for all three, they are way better than no torque wrenchs and something to hold you out until time and money allows for better quality.

 

[ocloc24]

As mentioned the torque wrenches are ok and for the price you can't go wrong, the cheap grinder I bought as a throwaway for a one time job at home and I've used it probably 30 times and been very hard on it. I was extremely surprised. It's by no means a quality tool, but it cuts and it grinds and it's $10. I went back and I bought 2 more and leave a cutting wheel on one, a grinding disc and a flat disc on the other. They could die after 2 uses and I'd still probably buy them. I use them on quick or dirty jobs. That said I have a cordless M18 Fuel grinder for portability and a metabo for long/heavy jobs.

As for the Impact, It blows my mind why anyone would buy the Bauer or the hercules. If you want a cheap tool they sell their Chicago Electric or whatever impact for $40. If you want a good tool, why would you invest that much money when for another $20-40 you can get a reputable brand with a track record. I'm not hating on HF, I have plenty of stuff from there but the craze over these new power tools is crazy.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[Gmonkee]

Wow CJ......

I think low budget sorta minimalist went out the window.

Lol!

Get what you know you have need for because you worked too hard before or had to borrow. HF or someone else will have another sale next week for the 'possibility' stuff.

I choked on unused possibility tools two years after buying them. Still have a few eating up storage space.

 

[Mr_B]

pitts pro 25" breaker bar at 14.99 (5 bucks off) is pretty good buy for lifetime warranty tool .
torque wrench is only the 1/2 @ 9.99 I believe, if 9.99 each size set of 3 would be cheap set and do the job for few years .
angle grinder at 10 bucks is great if do light duty use and don't want change disc types all time .
Battery tools in sale are mostly junk and not a wise buy really .
None of the popular toolboxes in the sale, getting bit tight on boxes ...

 

[FigureItOut]

None of the popular toolboxes in the sale, getting bit tight on boxes ...

That just might be our fault.



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930AZ using Tapatalk

 

[ryan20021982]

I had the grinder and burnt it up but used it alot for $10 so that's worth it, the torque wrenches get ok reviews but I prefer to have one that I feel is better calibrated. I would spend a little more and get a Milwaukee or DeWalt impact, they will be having labor day sales on them and they won't be much more.

 

[Mr_B]

That just might be our fault.

yeh all the good feedback resulted in price increase and less coupon deals lol .

 

[jdlong]

I got this step stool/work platform a week ago and it's probably the best HF deal I've gotten in a long time. Sturdy, super light and the legs fold up nicely. Bought it to get in the engine bay when the vehicle is on jack stands. Wife swiped it change out light bulb in the bathroom and fell in love with it. I swiped it back and used it as a bench next to the car door when I replaced a power window regulator yesterday. Quite handy is all I can say.

https://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html

 

[Codejack]

Wow CJ......

I think low budget sorta minimalist went out the window.

Lol!

Ah, yea, this isn't for my portable kit, this is job specific stuff that will stay in the shop when not in use.

Today's haul:

Angle grinder for some rusty patches on a car I am working on; good to hear that it works so well. I have had good luck with the same line of sander/polisher.

3/8" torque wrench should do most of what I need, and since I will want better ones, no reason to shell out for all 3 right now.

10" adjustable wrench; I need to hold the exhaust cam on the Miata with something, and this is it. I shelled out $3 more for the Pro version with a rubber handle.

Wire brush, test leads, pick set, pry bar, c clamp; these are just general things that I have been wishing I had at various times, and they were cheap.

I'm going to hold off on the impact; the Milwaukee isn't that much more, and the oldest review is only 2 months ago, so no real quality history.

 

[Schurkey]

Bunches of stuff on sale this weekend;

Yay! Under-engineered Communist **** at "discount" prices.

People should know better than to add to the Chinese trade imbalance.

 

[Codejack]

pitts pro 25" breaker bar at 14.99 (5 bucks off) is pretty good buy for lifetime warranty tool .

Already got it

torque wrench is only the 1/2 @ 9.99 I believe, if 9.99 each size set of 3 would be cheap set and do the job for few years .

Nope, it was all 3. I just grabbed the 3/8" for now, though.

angle grinder at 10 bucks is great if do light duty use and don't want change disc types all time .

Yea, it's for grinding rusty patches off of cars; not heavy use, and not much disc changing.

Battery tools in sale are mostly junk and not a wise buy really .

I've got a good battery charger (Schumacher), and the only stuff I was looking for today was battery juice

None of the popular toolboxes in the sale, getting bit tight on boxes ...

Already got a decent tool box

-------------------------------

And yea, our popularizing this stuff might be responsible for the lack of sales and price increases... but would you guys rather the company fail?

 

[Codejack]

Yay! Under-engineered Communist **** at "discount" prices.

As opposed to under-engineered Capitalist **** at premium prices? How is that better?

People should know better than to add to the Chinese trade imbalance.

Actually, most of the stuff I wind up buying is made in Taiwan or India...

 

[potato]

Are you using the 20% off coupons?
Check this site if you didn't already know about it
Hfqpdb.com

 

[Kayakranger76]

I bought one of those grinder 10 years ago...same mentality I'll use it till it dies....now I am no metal worker but I have used it to cut concrete. Blocks lots of wiring wheeling.....and now after 10 years it's starting to give out the ghost.....totally worth 10$

 

[Bretny]

Those angle grinders are junk. I burned up one before i wore out a grinding disc. How ever i do hear there new model is a hell of alot better. I believe its in the $40 range

 

[Codejack]

Are you using the 20% off coupons?
Check this site if you didn't already know about it
Hfqpdb.com

Oh, yea

 

[neuralsnafu]

Got a 44" box today. Still have to unload my cart into it...

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

 

[bubinga]

Yay! Under-engineered Communist **** at "discount" prices.

People should know better than to add to the Chinese trade imbalance.

here we go.
HF is decent for the Price.
A lot of us here like HF tools.
Some of them Have to know when to hold, and know when to fold.
You got the money Honey, Go with the the Snap on.
Enough hate in the world right now.
Start a HF Hate thread if You like please.

 

[bubinga]

I know this has been covered before please,
Put we don't need the receipts for hand tool warranty do we?
Tks. guys

 

[bubinga]

I got this step stool/work platform a week ago and it's probably the best HF deal I've gotten in a long time. Sturdy, super light and the legs fold up nicely. Bought it to get in the engine bay when the vehicle is on jack stands. Wife swiped it change out light bulb in the bathroom and fell in love with it. I swiped it back and used it as a bench next to the car door when I replaced a power window regulator yesterday. Quite handy is all I can say.
https://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html

Yeah, good to know, May have to get me one.
We had those at work. Probably $100.00 if I know them tho.
https://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html

see attachment

 

[Codejack]

I know this has been covered before please,
Put we don't need the receipts for hand tool warranty do we?
Tks. guys

Technically, yes...

"Warranty/Return Checklist for All Refunds

Proof of purchase (e.g. receipt, invoice) is required for all returns.
A valid, government-issued ID must be presented at the time of return (in store).
High dollar items may be refunded with a check (in store).
Items cannot contain oil or gas in them at the time of return for safety reasons.
Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.
Generators and other specific items are subject to a 20% restocking fee."

 

[cheechi]

those test leads are ok, but not really amazing. Extech for not much more is what I usually go to if a job doesn't need Fluke quality. But I have some of them, and they work when I need them.

 

[unlvrebel]

I got this step stool/work platform a week ago and it's probably the best HF deal I've gotten in a long time. Sturdy, super light and the legs fold up nicely. Bought it to get in the engine bay when the vehicle is on jack stands. Wife swiped it change out light bulb in the bathroom and fell in love with it. I swiped it back and used it as a bench next to the car door when I replaced a power window regulator yesterday. Quite handy is all I can say.

https://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html

For future reference, you can get the Werner model at Lowes for $24.97 from time to time. I've picked up three of them. Great for painting, drywall, hanging trim, etc.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Werner-3-29-ft-x-12-in-x-20-56-in-Aluminum-Work-Platform/999946108

 

[Codejack]

those test leads are ok, but not really amazing. Extech for not much more is what I usually go to if a job doesn't need Fluke quality. But I have some of them, and they work when I need them.

I've just lost the alligator clips on my multimeter (about 15 years ago...), and sometimes need to clip the lead on.

If they don't work for that much...!

 

[bubinga]

Technically, yes...

"Warranty/Return Checklist for All Refunds

Proof of purchase (e.g. receipt, invoice) is required for all returns.
A valid, government-issued ID must be presented at the time of return (in store).
High dollar items may be refunded with a check (in store).
Items cannot contain oil or gas in them at the time of return for safety reasons.
Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.
Generators and other specific items are subject to a 20% restocking fee."

hell, I got the Professional breaker bar a while back, Don't know what I did with the receipt.

 

[JohnDeere1]

That stuff is always going onsale

 

[Codejack]

That stuff is always going onsale

That's the best part!

 

[Tonyuk]

If their pro composite ratchets are the same as the ones we get here then i would pic up a few, you cant beat them for value. I've head a cheater over the 1/2" & 3/8" a few times and they still work like new. Easily as smooth as my other ratchets 3x the price.

Look like this over here;

But the selector, retaining screws & workings look identical to the HF pro line.

 

[78C-10]

I would leave the $10 torque wrench where you found it. Everything else is fine but I'd splurge and get a name brand torque wrench. JMO

 

[Mr_B]

hell, I got the Professional breaker bar a while back, Don't know what I did with the receipt.

Keep all HF pro tool reciepts in a wallet or something somewhere safe, currently they super easy on replacements but I expect that will change in years to come and then you left with a busted tool lol .
New for old exchange going cost them fair bit in time and also currently puling in more new buyers who using the tools in pro environment, no idea why don't have ratchet and breaker bar repair kits and better individual tool range to make replacement more cost efficient .

 

[Codejack]

If their pro composite ratchets are the same as the ones we get here then i would pic up a few, you cant beat them for value. I've head a cheater over the 1/2" & 3/8" a few times and they still work like new. Easily as smooth as my other ratchets 3x the price.

Look like this over here;

But the selector, retaining screws & workings look identical to the HF pro line.

Here are the ones we get:

And as you can see, while they are very close, there are some differences.

Here's their polished ratchet:

Which looks almost exactly like a Snap On ratchet.

That being said, I have seen people on youtube doing stupid things to these ratchets, so I am not worried about them.

Edit: Sorry, they have one more:

And that one DOES look suspiciously like it came out of the same factory...

I would leave the $10 torque wrench where you found it. Everything else is fine but I'd splurge and get a name brand torque wrench. JMO

I got one, just to see how it performs, and because the last 3 torque wrenches I have had, I never even got a chance to use before some friend or family member came along, picked it up to look at, and dropped it on a concrete floor.

 

[Tonyuk]

Definately from the same factory, that last one is identical to the clarke pro ratchets sold here just a different colour scheme. I'm willing to bet the other composites are made in the same factory also, just a different handle shape.

 

[Codejack]

I'm pretty sure that the other composite and the chrome ratchets have identical internals, which are copies of Snap On's 2 pawl design.

 

[Hiball]

I'm pretty sure that the other composite and the chrome ratchets have identical internals, which are copies of Snap On's 2 pawl design.

The only thing that is similar is the color scheme/exterior badging, the pawl design is no where close to dual 80, it is amusing watching people repeat that over and over though.

 

[Codejack]

The only thing that is similar is the color scheme/exterior badging, the pawl design is no where close to dual 80, it is amusing watching people repeat that over and over though.

Yes, the pawls are shaped differently, but it is a true dual pawl system.

I never said that it was just as good, I never said that it was exactly the same, I just said that it is a copy.

But I'll tell you what: I intend to purchase one of the HF ratchets this week, and I have a dual 80 to compare it to.

 

[Hiball]

Yes, the pawls are shaped differently, but it is a true dual pawl system.

I never said that it was just as good, I never said that it was exactly the same, I just said that it is a copy.

But I'll tell you what: I intend to purchase one of the HF ratchets this week, and I have a dual 80 to compare it to.

"True dual pawl" or whatever you wish to call it isn't anything New, Older Proto's (that's a closer copy than the dual 80) or older Wright pear heads just off the top of my head. I will reinterate... And yes I Own both dual 80's and a HF Pro along with the Ez red 72 tooth ratchets and they aren't even a copy. The gear is thinner, the tooth engagement due to the small paws doesn't come close to the paw/gear surface contact area of the dual 80 rats. If you wish to get technical, the Snap on utilizes a floating dual paw versus a fixed dual paw on the 72 tooth mechanism that runs rampant among import ratchets brands including the HF Pro. Off the top of my head, I'm not aware of any other manufactuer who sells a floating dual paw setup.

I never claimed you said it was just as good, nor that you said they where exact. I do refute your copy claim based off the above examples.

You can buy what you want, no Need to "Tell me anything". I own lots of quality ratchets, most are capable of removing fasteners, some will allow you to push the limits on amore regular basis.

 

[6PTsocket]

The rule of thumb with clicker torque wrenches is the bolt spec should fall within mid range of the torque wrench scale for optimum accuracy. That said, all three sizes are probably a good idea. I have all three and tested them on a digital adapter which I know is accurate. Well OK, accurate enough for practical purposes...LOL. They came accurate out of the box as far as the adapter goes but don't expect them to stay that way for real long due to the cheap spring alloy they use (it distorts slightly after so many stress strain cycles and the wrench has to be recalibrated). Fine for occasional use on brakes, suspension, spark plugs, etc as far as I'm concerned. They will never see a head bolt or rod cap. Also, the micrometer handle gets difficult to turn roughly beyond mid range scale. For 30 bucks for all three, they are way better than no torque wrenchs and something to hold you out until time and money allows for better quality.

Actually it should fall in the top 80%. Reputable clickers are calibrated at 100% 20% and some point in the middle. The idea, when calibrating, is to find a setting so all 3 readings fall within the 3 or 4% accuracy claimed for the tool. The problem at the low end is the spring tension is just too low for accuracy. One of the calibration labs published info on how they calibrate and the 20 to100% is the spec given for several good wrenches. As 100% is a calibration point it may be more accurate than some point in the middle.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[kythri]

"True dual pawl" or whatever you wish to call it isn't anything New, Older Proto's (that's a closer copy than the dual 80)

Proto 5649 (3/4" drive ratchet):

SL80A (Dual 80 1/2" drive ratchet):