Harbor Freight tools thread.

I need recommendations


I want to buy a lug nuts torque wrench, as I need to change the winter tires to the summer ones.


It would also be useful for a few repairs a year on the family cars, nothing too fancy.


What would be my options, which one do you use?

 

Split Beam style icon is an awesome tool. I use it all the time and since it is a beam style you don't have to remember to reset to low settings. You can just store at whatever with no degradation.

 

I shopped HF initially but ultimately I figured torque wrenches were a lifetime purchase for me so I shelled out a little more for click style CDI, who makes the SnapOn ones afaik. Harbor Freight brands seemed to test well out of the box from what I was seeing online, but felt better about buying something US made when I’m relying on it to hold a calibration for years. I could be off base but that was the thought process

https://www.zoro.com/torque-wrenches/c/10552/?fqv:brand=CDI

 

I've ruined stuff with a chinese HF torque wrench.

Lug nuts are probably the only thing Id use them for.

 

I went with Craftsman for torque wrenches. Got em at Lowes on clearance.

 

I use this one, but in 1/2 drive. It is easy to set, and the progressive beeping tubes you into know you are getting close to your desired torque. Takes up little space in the toolbox too.

 

I have a couple different torque wrenches, but for lug nuts I use my DeWalt cordless impact wrench. On it's number two setting it tightens the lug nuts to 87 to 90 ft lbs. Seems close enough to me.

 

Put the HF bearing press to use last weekend pressing out the differential mount on my Z3

 

In fact, I use a Milwaukee Impact to do this work, but I've never wanted to tighten too much with it for fear of stripping a bolt, like what happened to me previously with a Corolla.

That's why I'm looking for a torque wrench for lug nuts.

 

I have some tractor upgrades for the spring planned and need a wrench size I don’t have. Picked up a larger adjustable for the job. I’m not a fan of them as they always slip fit it’s 1 large fitting so I’m not too concerned. also had a 25% off coupon

 

This convo reminded me I have a torque wrench I’d been meaning to sell, if you happen to be interested and near Portland OR…

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fs-pdx-sunex-1-2”-drive-indexing-torque-wrench-60.853900/

 

brother, I live in Hood River....

 

Not HF, but my local Advance Auto is closing. Everything that is left (they have PS hose assemblies, some filters, a couple AC hose assemblies, and a few misc things left) is $1 or less. Picked these up for 35 cents each.


I did get the jacks from HF, $25 each. Going to use them to lift a wall on a house to replace the sill plate that is rotten.

 

I own 5+ torque wrenches. Mostly snap on. I have one Craftsman 1/2 torque wrench, click type from Lowes. It does 50-250 ft lbs. The Craftsman has not skipped a beat! I use it every week. I also own a torque comparator (checks the accuracy of torque wrench) and it's been spot on for a year and counting. I think it was $100, highly recommend.

 

I really have come to love HF! I know a lot of people look down on them, but dang if they don't fill a niche! Beats having to go to Home Depot or Lowes IMHO. I've got tons of tools, from torque wrenches to floor jacks and jack stands to the metal jerry cans. None of them have really disappointed me. I've got one of those flipping mechanic lights that I need to toss, but it's endured a lot of abuse.

 

Anyone use the electric pressure washers from HF? Broke my last one. Have a gas one but electric is nice for quick cleanups. Need 1200psi for a few projects

 

Really come to love their Icon tools. Many YT vids out there rightfully comparing them to SnapOn quality. And with the lifetime exchange policy if they break...only new tools I'm going to be buying for a while.

 

I have the $90 one that goes on sale all the time. I bought it for under 70 bucks. Works fine for my needs.

 

I haven't used them, but I know a lot of people in the detailing community use them daily. Check to see if it is covered under their warranty? There are a lot of very good pressure washers out on the market right now for around the $100 mark. I've even seen some of the battery powered EGO(?) versions? Check out IMJOSHV's YT channel. he does a lot of reviews and tests, but mostly targeting the home or semi-pro detailers.

 

I intend on doing some gauge cluster modding soon so I went out and got this yesterday. Pretty impressive little kit.