New Lithium Ion jump pack at Harbor Freight.

[rlitman]

Quick question: could you leave this in the trunk of the car and not worry about temperature swings causing a problem. My wife constantly "accidently" hits her interior light and drains her battery. Not having to drive over and give her a jump would be swell.

Well, yes and no, but that's where I keep mine.

Stored on the shelf indoors, you can expect it to keep sufficient charge to start the car a couple of times for perhaps 6 months or more between charges.

But if you store it in a cold car, and let's face it, you're generally only jumping a cold car, the power reserve of a lithium battery drops a lot. So the battery you thought was charged only a few months ago may now not have enough energy to start your car (this recently happened to me).

The lesson is, if you want to leave it in your car, just check the charge level every month, and top it off it it's anything other than full (you'll may have to top it off every 2-3 months).

 

[kctyphoon]

Well, yes and no, but that's where I keep mine.

Stored on the shelf indoors, you can expect it to keep sufficient charge to start the car a couple of times for perhaps 6 months or more between charges.

But if you store it in a cold car, and let's face it, you're generally only jumping a cold car, the power reserve of a lithium battery drops a lot. So the battery you thought was charged only a few months ago may now not have enough energy to start your car (this recently happened to me).

The lesson is, if you want to leave it in your car, just check the charge level every month, and top it off it it's anything other than full (you'll may have to top it off every 2-3 months).

The battery chemistry advertises a 1% loss every month, so after 2 years with it use it should keep about 90% of its charge..

 

[DerekV]

Haha, lithium iron phosphate isn't new technology by any means. It's what Dewalt uses/used in the lithium XRP packs. It's what's in most automotive lithium replacement batteries.

It's better in that it can handle over charge/discharge better than modern "power tool" li-ion batteries. So you can abuse it more without much worry. However, it doesn't last nearly as long (cycle life) and doesn't store as much energy.

It's likely cheaper for them to use since they can get away without using sophisticated (aka more expensive) charge/discharge control circuitry. Also less risky to use since it's less likely to go boom. This is why it's a "good" candidate for drop in NiCad/SLA replacements (i.e. Dewalt XRP/Craftsman C3, car batteries, etc.).

I'd take HFT's ratings/marketing with a grain of salt. 1% self discharge? Yeah...not buying that...or the 12Ah rating. If it works, great. And I'm sure it does. But there's definitely fluff in the specs - don't be naive!

 

[kctyphoon]

Haha, lithium iron phosphate isn't new technology by any means. It's what Dewalt uses/used in the lithium XRP packs. It's what's in most automotive lithium replacement batteries.

It's better in that it can handle over charge/discharge better than modern "power tool" li-ion batteries. So you can abuse it more without much worry. However, it doesn't last nearly as long (cycle life) and doesn't store as much energy.

It's likely cheaper for them to use since they can get away without using sophisticated (aka more expensive) charge/discharge control circuitry. Also less risky to use since it's less likely to go boom. This is why it's a "good" candidate for drop in NiCad/SLA replacements (i.e. Dewalt XRP/Craftsman C3, car batteries, etc.).

I'd take HFT's ratings/marketing with a grain of salt. 1% self discharge? Yeah...not buying that...or the 12Ah rating. If it works, great. And I'm sure it does. But there's definitely fluff in the specs - don't be naive!

I guess that would make them even with Dewalt's inflated torque specs?? many of the HF advertised claims have been found to be accurate..

 

[DerekV]

I guess that would make them even with Dewalt's inflated torque specs?? many of the HF advertised claims have been found to be accurate..

I'm sorry, you lost me here...I'm no Dewalt advocate...just used them as an example. We're talking about batteries here, right? I sorta see what you're saying, but tq specs and battery specs are totally different. Apples and oranges...

 

[rlitman]

...I'd take HFT's ratings/marketing with a grain of salt. 1% self discharge? Yeah...not buying that...or the 12Ah rating. If it works, great. And I'm sure it does. But there's definitely fluff in the specs - don't be naive!

The 1% self discharge is probably what's measured at room temperature, on the first charge cycle, for the third month of discharge, or something like that. Amp-hour ratings are based on ludicrously low watt outputs. Cranking amp ratings are pure pipe dreams.

Reality is not going to give you a lithium ion battery that stays fully charged, simply sitting on the shelf for a year. I just looked at an M18 battery on my desk that's been sitting there for a year, and it currently has 3 of 4 bars lit. That's about right.

High temperatures increase the self discharge rate, and low temperatures decrease the amount of power you can draw from a battery.

That same battery on my desk would probably be only 2 bars lit if it sat the summer in a car. 1 bar might be sufficient to crank my car with a warm battery, but below freezing, that same pack might need 3 bars to crank my car. I suppose you could put the pack under your jacket and warm it up in a pinch, but my point was, you're going to have to top the charge up at least a couple of times a year if you expect reliable winter starting.

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm sorry, you lost me here

Since you mentioned dewalt, Dewalt's advertised torque specs are not always accurate either. More of a " if your going downhill, with a tailwind, from a hurricane, on the first Tuesday of a new moon during a solar eclipse" rating.. ( Im exaggerating obviously). Just saying if it's a bit off, welcome to retail - but alot of hf's new advertised ratings have been dead on when tested.

I would suspect ANY jump pack to follow the same curve..

I have an old big style of jump pack in my car, and it's sat for months and worked when needed. These types will always be an improvement over the old style. Most times people that need a jump just need an extra kick, and not like there is no battery at all in the car. After any jump (for a homeowner) I'd think it would be obvious that charging it again would be a good idea.

 

[Rewind97]

Most times people that need a jump just need an extra kick, and not like there is no battery at all in the car.

This got me to thinking............could you possible start a car with no battery with one of these?

 

[Eric Essen]

This got me to thinking............could you possible start a car with no battery with one of these?

Yes you can, and drive on it. I don't think it will charge through the output though?

I was coming back from a camping trip in a VW van, noticed things were looking dim, and realized alternator went out. Started with disconnecting one headlight and ran for about 20 miles before the original battery gave out. Disconnected it, hooked up to tiny jumpstart battery and drove another 15-20 miles to get within range of an AAA tow home.

 

[kblee27]

These small little Li-ion battery has a max of 12.6V.
That's why the jump starter tells you to remove it within 30 secs, before the alternator putting out more than 14V will destroy it.
If your alternator is not working, then it's ok, it won't destroy it, otherwise not ok.
Some of the jump starters has a reverse protection in the red cable, some not.

 

[Virgil Cain]

The Snap On is better but the haters still hate. Bottom line is the Daytona is a typical Harbor Frieight item. The low price is directly connected to all the corners that they cut.

And what corners exactly did they cut?

 

[rlitman]

Yes you can, and drive on it. I don't think it will charge through the output though? ...

The "smart" cables that prevent you from reversing the connections also may not allow you to jump the car without first sensing at least some battery voltage.

Mine has an override button (that's well hidden) that let's you get past this if the battery is too low, or not present.

If you have the cigarette lighter charging adapter, you could charge it that way while driving.

 

[chris142]

. Already had 1 lithium jump pack fail on me after a very short time (different brand).

Me too. There was a recall on mine and they replaced it. The replacement one has already swelled up.

 

[DerekV]

Since you mentioned dewalt, Dewalt's advertised torque specs are not always accurate either. More of a " if your going downhill, with a tailwind, from a hurricane, on the first Tuesday of a new moon during a solar eclipse" rating.. ( Im exaggerating obviously). Just saying if it's a bit off, welcome to retail - but alot of hf's new advertised ratings have been dead on when tested.

I would suspect ANY jump pack to follow the same curve..

I have an old big style of jump pack in my car, and it's sat for months and worked when needed. These types will always be an improvement over the old style. Most times people that need a jump just need an extra kick, and not like there is no battery at all in the car. After any jump (for a homeowner) I'd think it would be obvious that charging it again would be a good idea.

Ah I see what you're saying now. Yeah there's fluff everywhere. It should jump start a car though, and for that, it seems like an alright product.

 

[DerekV]

The 1% self discharge is probably what's measured at room temperature, on the first charge cycle, for the third month of discharge, or something like that. Amp-hour ratings are based on ludicrously low watt outputs. Cranking amp ratings are pure pipe dreams.



Reality is not going to give you a lithium ion battery that stays fully charged, simply sitting on the shelf for a year. I just looked at an M18 battery on my desk that's been sitting there for a year, and it currently has 3 of 4 bars lit. That's about right.



High temperatures increase the self discharge rate, and low temperatures decrease the amount of power you can draw from a battery.



That same battery on my desk would probably be only 2 bars lit if it sat the summer in a car. 1 bar might be sufficient to crank my car with a warm battery, but below freezing, that same pack might need 3 bars to crank my car. I suppose you could put the pack under your jacket and warm it up in a pinch, but my point was, you're going to have to top the charge up at least a couple of times a year if you expect reliable winter starting.

Yep, all basic lithium 101.

PS - if you left your battery at 3/4 charge, it probably wouldn't of dropped at all (depending on the battery condition) [emoji6]

 

[trackwelder]

And what corners exactly did they cut?[/QUOTE

Check out the thread where it was disassembled by Hiball.

 

[kctyphoon]

And what corners exactly did they cut?[/QUOTE

Check out the thread where it was disassembled by Hiball.

Not speaking for everyone - but honestly i don't have much interest of a "critical view" on a HF model jack.. they have been around long enough and even the cheaper models have a huge acceptance on here because of 3 reasons. They work well, the last a long time, and they are cheap... most people don't need a jack to last 50 years.. especially ones they paid around $100 for new..

I can drive past any number of tire shops around here and find Pittsburg jacks everywhere. I watched a tow truck driver wedge one between an engine and fender to pry open the front of car that had been basically split by a down guy from the telephone pole the car hit.. I own one myself too.. I think the HF jacks have rightfully earned some respect, and any person that thinks otherwise is just stubborn and grossly misinformed. Some people just like to complain about anything.. there's always a critic.....

 

[boomer12831]

The little light that you guys have shown on the first page, is that a HF item and does it work ok ? What batteries do they take ? Thanks

 

[guy48065]

Just for comparison I just ordered this one from Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DGJHV8K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It is rated at 600A and 14,000mAh where the HF model is rated at 450A and 12,000mAh and it's $20 less.

Does it come with one white glove?

 

[6PTsocket]

This guy again....?

Responded to by this guy again?

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[6PTsocket]

"snap on guys" ??? i have some snap on tools. i also have some harbor freight tools, im a professional technician and one of the top techs at my shop. I would buy this if it works as advertised. It's a PITA having to go get the jump box from parts then carry it out to the LOT (my Garage is HUGE 22 Bays) its a long walk. I don't understand the whole brand loyalty thing that some people seem to have.

I love my HF Pittsburgh pro impact sockets they are holding up to daily abuse just fine. I

have the NOCO GB70 and it's not let me down yet for my side business. But i would not mind having one of these HF units to keep in my Box at work.

Just goes to prove that generalities are often faulty, including mine. I just formed my opinion by reading numerous threads where Snap On guys say they would not be caught dead in HF. Clearly, it is not everybody. Personally, I think they are a very mixed bag.

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[Parrothead]

Snap On should double their price so it could be six times better. It is a cheap piece of Chinese **** that probably has a landed price of 12 cents. Snap On just rips you off more. This is not one of their ratchets or sockets . Snap On has slapped their name on cheap stuff sold in Costco. Snap On used to use Bluepoint for the cheap stuff but has found out people will buy anything marked Snap On.

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I hear ya but...

While not actually made by Snap On (sold at Costco) the led shop light gets rave reviews here and I personally think mine is fantastic no matter who's name is on it!

 

[zendriver]

The little light that you guys have shown on the first page, is that a HF item and does it work ok ? What batteries do they take ? Thanks

Yes and not sure, since I have not tried one yet. 3AA batteries.

I'll get one next time I'm in. I have experienced any light with SMD LEDs, that was not bright.

 

[6PTsocket]

This is just a thread to let some people that shop there see what's listed as new..

This guy again

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[6PTsocket]

I was wondering when HF was going to finally start selling lights with SMD LEDs.

Guess the time is now.

In a perpetually underemployed US consumer market, HF is the future of tool buying, whether one cares to admit it or not.

I'm getting one for $8 (using coupon).

http://www.harborfreight.com/rotati...62955.html?in_name=newproducts&in_date=011017

The Snap On is probably 3x better, since it's 3x the price.

The Snap On is the Ullman RT6SMD for just over half the $58 Snap On price. They did not even bother to change the advertising copy. The HF is 180 lumens and plastic. The SmapOn/ Ullmam is 375 lumens and metal. I have had the push button give out on all my blue HF freebees. If this one is made in the same place I would not expect much better.

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[anndel]

Amazing how the HF jump pack looks like the NOCOs.

 

[Rewind97]

Hadn't had mine (not HF) a week and had to jump my Daughters car off..........worked great! Much faster than pulling out the cables and a whole lot easier!!!!