So, I was at harbor freight today.....

[JayL]

I'm tempted to try these if it would work with Window Type and Small Split type ACs. I haven't done the research yet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92649

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=98076

The tools cost would probably pay off itself after a couple of DIY jobs.

 

[rickairmedic]

I would say for both items look in pawn shops and ebay . The vacuum pump is a little small for any real use and the guages are for 134A and primarily for automotive use . I will also add most window units dont have service ports on them so having a set of guages wont do a thing for you unless you put bullet valves on the window unit which will end up leaking eventually . I will also add that unless you are EPA certified you wont be able to buy refrigerant other than 134A.

Rick

 

[Danglerb]

Couple people reported defective valves or something on the HF guage sets they bought. Not saying don't buy them, just if you do and things don't go as expected it could be the set.

For $20 at Walmart I bought a can of 134 with a gauge on it, seems to have worked fine, but when I find a nice cheap set of good gauges I think I may buy them. Once the last of hot days is over they show up cheap at the swap meet etc.

You can easily get a gas license from a online course. Its cheap, and basically is about regulations on handling gas, not how to be a AC tech. Freon is easy to buy via ebay or 1lb cans.

 

[MAD]

This vacuum pump worked great for sucking the air out of the ziplock bags of green beans from my garden I froze a few weeks ago.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96677

It even worked for pulling a vacuum on the AC on my wifes Jetta.

More than half of the stuff I have bought from HF has sucked. In this case sucking was a good thing.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Yes ... several pairs of the HF welding clamp pliers are on my list right now. Intended to be used for holding bits and pieces that will be adjacent to the flame. Are these the ones you mention on your post above?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=30024

Yep, that's them. Though the ones I've bought recently are the lock grip pliers with the swivel pads. Was very impressed with the feel and finish. They've come a long way.

The stuff they used to sell...you could tell was easily inferior...the fit and finish were mediocre at best.

 

[oldtools]

I'm tempted to try these if it would work with Window Type and Small Split type ACs. I haven't done the research yet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92649

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=98076

The tools cost would probably pay off itself after a couple of DIY jobs.

I bought the AC manifold for $40 when it is on sale. I used it several times and it seem to work great. If people are concern that it won't last along time (due to leakage), just buy a set of their O-ring for $6 and change it out. It is still alot less expensive than a name brand AC manifold (probably rebadge anyway).

 

[speed bump]

I bought the AC manifold for $40 when it is on sale. I used it several times and it seem to work great. If people are concern that it won't last along time (due to leakage), just buy a set of their O-ring for $6 and change it out. It is still alot less expensive than a name brand AC manifold (probably rebadge anyway).

I don't know, I would rather spend the $60 on an Imperial manifold and know I have a good set of guages. Or bite the bullet and buy one of the nice Yellow jacket four hole manifolds which help with prevent contamination becuase you keep the vaccuum pump on the system until the refrigerent is in.

However HF does seem to make some other tools that I would hesitate to buy.

 

[64merc]

Hey, I hadn't been to HF in several months but I just went there for my lunch break. Anyway, I was impressed, at least by HF standards. They have a bunch of new items and I noticed that they are offering different levels of most of their hardline tools. For instance, they have a wrench set made in India and a similar "Professional" series that is made in Taiwan. I was also impressed with their newer laser etched socket sets. Mind you, the regular price quality stuff at HF is getting closer to the Craftsman stuff on sale, but it is still a good deal for the budget minded DIY type person (especially on sale + coupon).

Personally, I'm going to stick to buying mostly used USA stuff, but I can see where HF may be capturing more of the market targeting DIY'ers on a stricter budget as a result of the present economy.

 

[oldtools]

Hey, I hadn't been to HF in several months but I just went there for my lunch break. Anyway, I was impressed, at least by HF standards. They have a bunch of new items and I noticed that they are offering different levels of most of their hardline tools. For instance, they have a wrench set made in India and a similar "Professional" series that is made in Taiwan. I was also impressed with their newer laser etched socket sets. Mind you, the regular price quality stuff at HF is getting closer to the Craftsman stuff on sale, but it is still a good deal for the budget minded DIY type person (especially on sale + coupon).

Personally, I'm going to stick to buying mostly used USA stuff, but I can see where HF may be capturing more of the market targeting DIY'ers on a stricter budget as a result of the present economy.

Most of my tools are quality tools (whether it is USA made or not but mostly USA made), but I have no problem buying HF tools if it make sense. I would rather buy used quality tools than new low quality tool, but sometime I can not find a used one or fast enough. I don't want to pay an exorborant price for something I only need to used once or twice. I buy HF tools when it is on sale (up to 50% off) + 15% coupon. Also, most of Crafsman tools are not US made.

 

[rocketman]

The American General 41" Lower Tool Chest is on sale for $399 here in the Illinois HF's. use the ol 20% off coupon and you walk out at $319.20

 

[Togorashi]

I buy a lot of stuff at HF. My own personal rule is to not purchase anything from them that needs to be plugged into an outlet. I want my power tools to last a long time.

 

[gsport]

be sure to keep your receipt.... now, on the bottom is a $5.00 off next purchase over $35.00...

 

[nissan_crawler]

Also, most of Crafsman tools are not US made.

Since when? Sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, all US made, with VERY FEW exceptions.

 

[eschoendorff]

Since when? Sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, all US made, with VERY FEW exceptions.

Unless he got them in Canada....

 

[eschoendorff]

I buy a lot of stuff at HF. My own personal rule is to not purchase anything from them that needs to be plugged into an outlet. I want my power tools to last a long time.

I have a few power tools from Harbor Freight... and they have surprised me. I expected them to be pretty bad but all of them (angle grinders, die grinder, heat gun) have held up really well. Of course, I only buy orange tools...

I will probably end up with this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=41983

People seem to have had good luck with it...