Harbor Freight tools thread.

Remove all the gas & run it till it runs bone dry. Use the ethanol free gas that comes in cans from HD or Lowe's.

 

Thanks! I’ll try it.

 

Depending on where you live you can find ethanol free gas at gas stations too. If you don't use much 2 cycle gas though you are probably better off buying it in the cans at the store.

 

Are the HF pancake compressors any good? I see them on sale for $40 occasionally. They look comparable to the Porter Cable ones at lowes for $100. I have a couple full size compressors but I thought about picking one of the pancakes up for various small jobs where it's just not convenient to move my bigger compressor around.

 

I depends...

The cheap compressors from Lowe's or HF are a low quality compressor at best. If you need a compressor to occasionally top up a low car tire, they are fine. If you intend to use them for running any air tools, you will be very disappointed regardless where you got the compressor from. They will run a finish nailer, but not for more than 10 or so nails before it needs to charge up.

In addition, these cheap compressors are all usually oil less. This makes them painfully loud.

I have one for very occasional use. It does what it's supposed to and doesn't take up much space. I am aware that they are a disposable compressor and I'm fine with that.

 

Yeah, that's basically all it'll be used for is the occasional low tire away from my main compressor. I've thought about installing an onboard air system in my truck, but for no more than I need it I can't really justify it. I have a portable rechargeable air compressor that can also run/recharge on a 12v car outlet, but for all practical applications it is useless. It'll work in a pinch, but I don't consider it reliable enough count on for more than a few inflations on a full size tire... they are basically junk. I don't "need" a pancake compressor, but I feel like they have their place.

 

That applies to all small gas engines like lawn mowers too. For cheaper (it's still expensive these days) ethanol free gas look for a station in your area. http://www.buyrealgas.com/ Put a little Stabil in it at the end of the season and it should still be usable the next spring, unlike that ethanol crap.

 

I keep one in the back of the truck for small jobs. It will run a stapler or finish nailer just fine, fill bike tires etc. The onboard inverter will fire it up so that’s handy. For $40 I think it’s a good unit.

 

The trucks 400 watt inverter will run it?

 

Yup.

But I wouldn’t use it to inflate truck tires except in an emergency - it’s almost as slow as a 12v unit for that kind of work. I keep a CO2 cylinder in the back for heavy lifting.

 

I’ve had the Porter Cable 3 gallon (I think?) compressor kit (with 3 tools, stapler, couple of nailers) for probably 4 years now and it’s been great.

Never had any issues with any part of it, compressor or tools.

I’d definitely recommend it for what it’s used for, can’t speak to the HFs but I think the $199 I paid for the PC kit worked out to be a great purchase.

 

I've run an 8000 BTU window AC unit for a short period (CL sale demo to a buyer).

I've been thinking about getting the hotdog compressor for airing up tires post-trails. I like the profile for fitting in the bed over the pancake.

Anybody got any recommendations for non-spring bullshit spouts that fit the HF 5gal/20L gas jerry can?

 

My cordless Chicago Electric impact wrench is going strong after 3+ years. No complaints and tons of use.

 

I saw the hotdog, I agree that it might be a better option for the back of the truck. I’ll have to stop in and look at them better one day. Thanks for the input.

 

They have these at Walmart, with a 1 year warranty. Its basically the same price as the HF unit. It might be a better buy.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tough-3-Gallon-Air-Compressor/54513339

 

I have a Toro zero turn with a Kawasaki 19HP (FH601V) engine that looks just like the one below from Harbor Freight. Anybody have any experience replacing a Toro zero turn engine with one of these?:

 

Replacing a engine is way more then just looks.
Is the shaft the same size, shaft key the same, mounting holes line up? And that's before you even get into the wiring. When swapping brand of engine I hope your very understanding of wires. It may be easy, but I doubt it.

 

Impact sockets, a bolt removal socket set and a $30 impact wrench. All still working great after 5 years.

But don’t buy the Pittsburgh wrenches. Bent one changing brake pads on my first Tacoma.

 

I have one, and for the occasional use I think its great for the price. No issues.

 

Has anyone bought that Hercules 12” sliding compound miter saw? Looks like a beast and reviews seem positive but...