Harbor Freight tools thread.

The click is there, but it’s mighty subtle, and easy to miss.

 

So this past weekend i was finally able to order the brand new haul master 5x10 trailer at the store with no date on when it is going to come in, but for my purposes, that is more than ok with me. I have no garage and needs to be built. The greatest thing was that i got to use the 15% off anything in the store coupon on it last weekend so I got.a 1 ton trailer for $850. I have been waiting for this thing for a long time and if it is going to be as good as i think it will be, it is going to.turn the trailer industry on its.head. With its price and modularity, i am not sure if anything will beat it.

 

Last week I received the new handle and lock cylinder for my new-to-me series 2 lower box.

I got the new cylinder in place and tested the lock. Upon trying to unlock it, I pushed in on the key to get it past the detent and started to turn when something inside went "snap" . The key just freewheeled and couldn't unlock the closed upper drawer, effectively locking me out of the box.

I had to drill out the center of the lock then use a step bit to remove 98% of the trim ring on the cylinder so that I could shear off the remainder. I got lucky that the drill bit was able to basically remove the internal bits so that I was left was just the slotted brass stud attached to the metal rod that goes to the unlocking mechanism.

I had to support that part up with a piece of romex that I was using as a hook while I grabbed it with some long needle nose pliers to turn the rod. It took about a dozen attempts before I was successful in getting the stupid thing to unlock.

I made a wooden dowel that attached to the rod and sticks out of the key hole so that I can unlock the box for the time being.

The HD customer service person took care of me and us sending another replacement lock set free of charge.

 

I purchased their bi-metal bandsaw blades (18T) and have used up two of them on my trailer build since I started. Each blade lasted quite a few cuts of 1/8 3/8 and 1/4" material.


I observed some metal (I purchased) being cut off at the metal store on their big bandsaw and it wasn't noticeably faster than the HF bimetal blades on the HF Portaband. I cut the same pieces of metal 20min later so it was a decent comparison.

The bandsaw setup has been great, I feel like it's already paid for itself and it has when I consider what the metal place charges per cut ($2.50)

 

Doing sheet metal work on my car and decided to give the HF spot welder a try.

 

I have to say, HF customer service came through for me. Brown Santa's truck stopped in front of my house this afternoon, the driver handled me the box with the new lock cylinder/key set. 20 minutes later I got the lock to function again. No more twisting the wooden dowel!

 

Anyone here have the Icon T7? Is it worth the price? I'm really tempted to grab one today.

 

I'm not sold on it. A TopDon or Launch unit is a little cheaper.

The only advantage that I really see is this is wireless. I don't want wireless when graphing many sensors at once.

If the price drops to under $400, I think it would be very attractive.

 

It's back on sale (40 off), 1/27 - 2/9. "While supplies last" - lol


Edit: picked this up and am loving it. No more x4 2x4’s used with the Arcan. This thing with the extension attached handles everything.

 

So I just got the most peculiar voicemail from Harbor Freight. I was finally Able to order the brand-new Haul master trailer from Harbor freight a couple of weeks back and able to use a %15 coupon. Obviously with the trailer having a year and a half long birth before finally becoming real, I was really hoping that by ordering it might take a long time before it actually comes in due to not having a garage and it being winter so I would have to bring the parts and pieces into my basement.

And the voicemail went as follows:

yes this message is for Jared my name is Shauna calling from harbor freight. I’m calling to let you know that the item that you ordered has come in. Due to its heavy nature by just ask that you call the store and advance when you like to pick it up. Just to be sure that we have enough staff on hand as well as forklift operators so we can assist you with it being 700 lbs.


What have I gotton myself into…….

 

So ugh you pick it up yet?

 

Your going to need a trailer to go get it

 

33° outside and pour rain.......we shall see how long they can hold it

 

Got a no restriction 25% off coupon. Cool. I could use the 24gun safe. Coupon expires Tuesday. I am scheduled to move into a new house on Friday. Worked the phone, no HF store in my general area would let me buy it and pick it up later. Almost talked one nice young lady into it, but she balked. Now I get to move it again next weekend.

 

Does anyone have any experience with the Bauer rotary hammer?



I'm eyeing this up for some upcoming demo in my house. I've given up trying to score a decent used rotary hammer on Market Place and I really can't justify the cost of a brand new Milwaukee or Bosch.

 

I bought a HF engine hoist in the 80's and I swear they sell almost the same one for damn near the same price these days. Not sure the value of that thought, but here we are.

 

I brought one home and my wife thought it was hysterical, and very cute.
The Mngr at my store said nothing had caused such a commotion in ages. Said they were selling like a palate a week, and were still running out.
I think they're a riot.

 

I have one similar to this. I want to say its the Bauer line as I believe it to be red and black in color. it came in a nice hard plastic case. Maybe mine is an earlier version of this one? Anyhow, mine has done great for what I have asked of it. I hope this helps.

 

If any of you are having lunch with Eric Smidt today can you please pitch the following ideas:

1. Hottie's in the Harbor - Design/sell a solid competitor to the market leading hair dryer (which has a $500 retail.) An Atlas battery powered option is a bonus.
2. High-end home accessory - Design/sell a market leading vacuum. Leverage the 80v Atlas and trounce the competition. Sell a status symbol.
3. Harbor around, find out (HAFO) - Allow 3rd parties to accept the Harbor Freight credit card via Harbor Freight Official dealers (resellers) program. Where are the tool trucks?
4. Welcome our robotic overlords - Consider hobbyist level CNC machine offerings. Think Langmuir Systems on a budget or Cricut on steroids. Open source the application code/drivers. Continue growing your army of builders/nerds/makers/fans.
5. Glow-up and drip slay - Where's the cool swag? Perhaps a collab with a fav work-wear brand. Please don't insist on HF colors only. Neutrals please or maybe 70s 'far out' colors, thanks.
6. IPO - To the moon in an Icon, Bauer, Hercules, Pittsburgh, Predator built rocket. Go public, we'd like to own a small sliver.