Harbor Freight tools thread.

I got the inverter and paid more for it because I want to be 100% sure my computers, internet, clocks and such will function if/when I WFH due to Edison shutting down power for days due to windstorm, wildfires, and the anticipated rolling blackouts because we don't have enough electricity in CA any more to keep up with demand. Edison is trying to change us to Time of Use billing, with new higher rates in the evenings through 9pm or 11pm since that's when the solar panels are offline. Maybe I'm being paranoid but I'd rather be prepared for if/ when the brown/blackouts happen.

Unrelated but relevant: My refrigerator also uses a small DC motor, I blew one out in my previous refrigerator thanks to dirty power, taking my food with it. While I'm sure a "regular" generator will suffice I decided to pay extra for the inverter to get the cleanest possible power.

YMMV of course!

 

The green long reach is proven to make jobs easier & keep garage drinks colder longer. It's science.

 

Huh. That’s one way to do it. Is that jack stand sturdier than the harbor freight ones?

 

I assume the rest of the truck's on stands since the springs aren't attached lol

 

NTD

 

What he said

I've only got 1 set of stands & they are in fact under the frame rails. I don't like leaving the jack under pressure, even if it's just the weight of the axle for a week or 2

 

I picked up a blue one. This thing is stout!!

I have two other 3 ton jacks. A auto store cheap model and a nicer Larin that I've had for 20 years. Both leak like a sieve and neither one is as stout as this one.

The box says 100+ pounds and I believe it.

Also grabbed the the Central Pneumatic 50' hose reel, step bits, and vice grips.

 

I love those step bits!

 

But the orange is color matched to an inferno truck! Its obviously the better choice

 

Anyone have the baby 8" drill press? I'm making a few motorcycle parts and need to drill 16 10mm holes through 1/8" bar and don't really want to use my handheld drill to do that many.. seems like a good excuse to buy something. Not sure if that low of hp works well for anything but wood/plastic though. And I don't have room for anything much larger.

 

My dad either has that, or a earlier version of it as his is older, but "looks" like that. It works just fine. Never really had issues drilling through any material as long as the bits were decent condition.

 

I had one any it was great for drilling most things. With metal, you'll be running a lower speed, which will help to give it a little more torque to keep spinning. I really only had issues with it on big forstner bits in harder materials. I was doing a lot of wood stuff at the time, so I sold it to upgrade to one with a larger plunge depth. for metal, the plunge depth is kind of a non issue

Using a press is x1000 better for cutting metal. The down pressure makes all the difference

I'd also recommend a center punch if you don't have one yet. helps to get the holes started right where you want them in metal

 

The $22.99 drill press vise HF has is a really nice accessory.

 

Thanks y'all, might have to pick it up this weekend. I think it's short enough I can put it on a shelf when it's not in use.

100%, I was looking at that, too

 

I got the blue one. Love that jack, got me very smoothly through new suspension on all four corners.

The control on the release is very tight, so turn the handle slowly. Great piece of equipment. And fucking heavy.

 

I have the 10" and it's got a lot of runout so while good for simple projects, not great for anything precision. Also I feel like there's absolutely no table space for anything. Been keeping my eyes peeled on a CL for a cheap mill.

 

Gotta get me some.....maybe this weekend

 

I'd invest in something from Home Cheapo. I was tempted to buy the HF one but for no more than $20 you can get something with better reputation and possibly better warranty. Also, HD has been sending coupons for money off with certain purchases. I just got $15 off a $100+ purchase.

 

Yeah this is also true. I took a second look and it's $90 from HF. Back in the day these could be had for like $40-$50 after couponing right

Also used can be a great option too