Best products from r/harborfreight

I've had one of these for years and it works pretty well, but it is unnecessarily big and clunky. Personally, I would go with this one instead. I bought it a little over a year ago and it has been a very good meter. I would honestly take it over pretty much any of the Ames meters we sell. If you need one with a current clamp on it, this one will probably do it for you. I don't have one personally, but Big Clive on YouTube does and he seems to like it.

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If you don't already have a meter, don't even bother getting the $4 one. I have a couple that I got with a free coupon and they are all junk. The leads are downright trash. The only time I use one is if I am doing current measurement and I don't want to risk blowing a fuse in one of my good meters.

I have it. The bit sucks. It'll make a hole but it won't be very clean. The jig mechanism is alright but is not as intuitive to set up like the kreg. The screws it comes with are Philips head instead of the typical Robertson. Not that it matters much since you will run out of the ones you need pretty quickly.

In all reality most of my pocket holes are made in 3/4 or 1-1/2 inch material and ive found myself using my kreg mini instead of breaking out the whole jig. Clamp it down, and go to town. It comes with a way sharper bit also. I never use the HF bit anymore even if I'm using the HF jig.

If youve never used the Kreg jig before then I'd say go for HF and save some cash. Id recommend shelling out 10 bucks for a Kreg bit though. So you're slowly creeping up on that higher price.

If you know what you'll be missing then spring for the Kreg. Like I said, 99% of the time I'll just use the mini since it is super simple to set up and get a move on with the project.


Edit: a good middle ground is the kreg R3. My dad has it and it is a sweet little unit!

I have almost your exact situation. I like to imagine I'm a woodworker, but 2 kids ensures I have little time for my hobby. Most of my work is done in a garage, at night. I had one of those tiny 3 gallon HF cheapo compressors, and ditched it purely because of the noise.

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When I got my current compressor, HF hadn't come out with their Fortress line yet. However, TBH I don't really see the point. They seem to be marketing the same compressors as other folks at exactly the same prices.

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What I did (and what I think you should do) is wait for a California Air Tool compressor to go on sale. Every so often they dip in price on Amazon. Set a watch using camelcamelcamel.com and wait for the dip. They're IMO worth it. The difference in noise between a ~60 db compressor and an 80-90db compressor is astonishing. Once you have a quiet one, you cannot go back.

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I bought the CAT 2010A. https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-2010A-2-0-Gallon/dp/B00TDNKBMC/ The 1 gal compressor SleeplessInS suggested is probably sufficient for your described cases too. I personally wanted something with a bit more capability and I wanted the aluminum tank. In theory that should extend the lifespan of the tank substantially.

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I have been very happy with this compressor for the things you describe. I use it for airing things up, brad nailing, stapling, blowing things off, inflating packages of balloons for a birthday party, etc. For those use cases it's great. The small tank does mean it runs out of steam when pushed. However, the recovery time (time to refill) is amazingly short, and the 1hp motor means it can keep up with most of my jobs.

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The short recovery time is also really nice for homeowner use. Most of the time when I want to use it, I have some small job. I flip it on, and it's filled up by the time I attached my air tool.

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Given what you describe yourself wanting, I'd avoid the model you linked. Get a California Air Tools compressor, or failing that, at least one of the quiet Fortress models. If you're like me, if you get an 80+db compressor you'll soon regret it.

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This Fortress model is suspiciously like the CAT I got: https://www.harborfreight.com/2-gallon-12-hp-135-psi-ultra-quiet-oil-free-professional-air-compressor-64688.html I would bet money that motor is the same - it looks almost identical. However, it costs MORE and does not advertise an aluminum tank. Again, I really don't see the point. HF's Fortress line has me baffled. Maybe someone else can explain the appeal, but I feel like you can pay less elsewhere for the same product with a better track record.

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I use a set of these https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage-organization/tool-storage/3-pc-metric-socket-trayorganizer-68102.html and a red SAE set I bought elsewhere for the sockets that are in my HF cart which I keep in the front garage. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RWtuu9QRz7UGao4b8

As mentioned above, they've just debuted some socket rails like these: https://www.amazon.com/Olsa-Tools-Aluminum-Organizer-Premium/dp/B01G31X8IK?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_4 They don't seem to be on the web site yet, so i can't link them. Looked like they were aluminum rails with ball bearing detents in the post. I use rails like that for my impact sockets, which hang on the wall near my air compressor & air tools. https://photos.app.goo.gl/11Rx2x7GfbRQANm8A They've also got some of the plastic Ernst Twist-Lock style rails as well. https://www.harborfreight.com/3-pc-socket-rail-set-68101.html In my opinion, either of those is a much better option than these: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-socket-rail-39722.html The metal posts on these (every brand I've ever had, HF and reputable brand name) always deform and lose their grip on either the socket or the rail.

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I use these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079P5Y1KY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 as well as various lengths of the above style rails (and similar) in my big toolbox in the back garage. https://photos.app.goo.gl/xpaudmtRRoWeZZU7A

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These last ones are my favorite, and, of course, they're the most expensive. :) I like that they've got clearly labeled sizes. They're also sturdier than the HF trays with the posts and magnetic, so they're a little better suited for removal from the tool box on the occasions when I want to take the whole run over to the task.

My needs/usages are a lot smaller scale than most folks. The things which I keep going back for and buying more of:

• Storehouse 18 Compartment Small Storage Container --- I try to always fill out my cart with one if I've nothing else to use a 20% off coupon on --- couldn't begin to count how many I have, but I find them a nice size, large enough for most things, small enough to hold a reasonable assortment of a single class of things --- the only hardware sizes I have which have overflowed them are #10-24 and 1/4"-20 (though M6 is threatening to do so). I just wish there was more integration (see below)
  
• Storehouse 10 Tray Utility Box --- I wish this was better, say that it was larger and the 18 compartment organizers would fit. That said, I bought a bunch extra so that I could customize an assortment of the organizers into a smaller version I found in blue: Performance Tool W5199 Organizer Tote with 1,000pc Home Fastener Assortments (Amazon) (and yes, I swapped on the black handle) to use to store tools and accessories for a small CNC machine I have: https://community.carbide3d.com/t/anyone-found-any-organizers-esp-well-suited-to-nomad-tools/9916/11
  
• Storehouse Toolbox Organizer with 4 Drawers --- continuing the theme --- I haven't bought this, but if it were sized to fit the afore-mentioned 18 compartment organizers it would solve a lot of issues I have --- I keep thinking I should just switch over to Plano (they have a similar design in at least two sizes which fit their organizers), but that's a big investment
  
• Storehouse 20 Bin Medium Portable Parts Storage Case --- hacked my Husky Rolling Connect to accommodate a pair of these: https://www.reddit.com/r/toolboxmods/comments/dd9f7n/when_home_depot_meets_harbor_freight/ --- wish it was a better fit, I'd get more, but there's a bit of wasted space --- probably going to switch to: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-10-Compartment-Interlocking-Small-Parts-Organizer-in-Black-235587/302939645 but that will lose the doubled up stacking

I use this for checking them right now maybe it’d be easier than a hanging scale? Luggage Scale, LEOKOR Hand Scales... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06WWHNBR7?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I bought that one because it seemed to have better reviews and it came with a tape measure built in so I can measure the distance from the socket to the handle easily.

I’ve checked my 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2” ones from Harbor Freight and two of three clicked within 1 pound of the correct weight, the third was a touch over that so they were pretty good right out of the box. I definitely found that I needed to exercise the spring first before they gave accurate results, but that’s probably just because it was be first time using them.

I completely agree. It is really nice knowing the bolts are put in properly, especially when you can check the tool yourself. I use mine for electrical applications, for circuit breakers and so forth, and it just really removes any doubt about the installation and looks more professional when someone looks and sees that you torqued the connections.

Well, on Amazon I found the Perlesmith version of this, but it's made to fit 24"OC studs. That will give me the side to side play I need. It is EXACTLY the same as the HF mount, just made to my specifications ;) It's five bux cheaper but no coupon. Bonus is I won't even need to drill new holes! Yuss! https://www.amazon.com/Bracket-Motion-Articulating-Swivel-Screen/dp/B07FSFV7D7/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 Wonder what kind of politics went down on that patent?

Yup, I have had both for years. They’re not much more expensive but they’re waaaay better and they’re made in the USA. I just got the Bondhus stubby ball-end hex keys for tight access and they are fantastic.

Bondhus 67099 Stubby Double Ball End L-Wrench Set with ProGuard Finish and Extra Long Arm, 9 Piece https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01F6PWYVG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iq6RDb365J7GF

Not a split beam style one. Never have to reset those when putting them away.

This one is a stellar buy - non branded snap on for a fraction of the cost. I love my hf stuff but this torque wrench is the best one I’ve ever had

Precision Instruments PREC3FR250F Silver 1/2" Drive Split Beam Torque Wrench with Flex Head https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XMSFIM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M4aPCbFEZ9X3H

Looks exactly like the Irwin 8-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver I own. It's $14 on Amazon and I love it because it takes regular bit so you can customize it how ever you want.

Irwin's page: https://www.irwin.com/tools/screwdrivers/irwin-8-in-1-ratcheting-screwdriver

Amazon's page: https://www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-1948774-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B01GHQQHP2/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2AKDBATDW9NMG&keywords=irwin+8-in-1+ratcheting+screwdriver&qid=1571363130&sprefix=irwin+8-1+ratc%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-2

Did some digging and it looks like the super cheap ones (https://www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ/comments/c4bex4/found_some_reviews_of_our_15_ebay_roof_rack_and/) didnt work out (https://www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ/comments/c5xynn/that_roof_rack_aint_looking_so_good/) and the ebay/amazon market has leveled out.


Cheapest I currently found on amazon is still the one I bought in 2018: https://smile.amazon.com/MaxxHaul-70115-Steel-Rack-150-Capacity/dp/B073G49NPV/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=maxxhaul&qid=1570734169&sr=8-1. (Though when I bought it it was $65, currently $70.)


All theMaxxhaul, Leader, Arksen, "Direct Aftermarket" stuff on amazon is all the same thing (like, the same exact product with a different label) as the Haulmaster.

Oh, nice. I have an olsatools socket tray sitting in my amazon wishlist for a while, and I was about to pull the trigger at $40. The kobalt looks identical, just that it's in blue.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776Z4ZTQ

Definitely going to pick up one or two of the kobalt trays now. Thanks for the tip.

Your supposed to use the filter and the bag together but it's kind of a hassle to fit them both in there so I just use the bag and it works well. This is the brand that I use, I am still on my first set as the bags can hold quite a bit.

Crucial vacuum bags https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DNITR28?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image&th=1

Just make sure there compatible with your model.

My rule of thumb at Harbor Freight is to buy the best version of whatever tool you are looking at, and read the reviews.

My experience with their power tools:

-Chicago Electric reciprocating saw: Decent, not quite as robust as a higher end unit, but for $20 and occasional use, it's fine.

-Drillmaster angle grinder: Used it several times a week for a year until it was stolen. $10 and pretty solid as long as you give it an occasional break under heavy use.

-Bauer cordless angle grinder: Replacement for the Drillmaster, and I would run two batteries out under heavy use without the tool itself appearing to break a sweat (e.g. cutting 1" notches out of 1/2" mild steel).

The table saw, in particular, does not have the best reputation, and the miter saw could be better.

I would spend a little extra to at least get the Admiral miter saw: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/miter-saws/12-in-dual-bevel-sliding-compound-miter-saw-64686.html

And then maybe this for a table saw: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003HIWQZ4/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=sl1&tag=daringabroad-20&linkId=d20fa642a4fd9c281d7233dfd403fbee

3/8" long handled flex is great. So great I got my high performance mechanic bud to get one too! The other ratchet I cant live without now is the Tekton 1/4" stubby. TEKTON 14901 1/4-Inch Drive x 3-3/4-Inch Stubby Low Profile Ratchet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KLY193M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1wk3BbN0TKN9X

That same bud borrowed it from me for a tight squeeze and everytime I visit him it is the only 1/4" ratchet out of 4 in his work tray.

I've been waiting for them to come out with a combo kit for the Bauer stuff. Not going to lie, I was hoping for a much better price.

You can buy a Porter Cable kit with the same stuff for the same price on Amazon. Link: https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCCK616L4-Power-Tool-Combo/dp/B0113M94RS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3TCTE13QQUHSV&keywords=porter+cable+20v+combo+tool+kit&qid=1575003599&sprefix=porter+cable+20v+combo%2Caps%2C255&sr=8-2

I decided to pull the trigger on this product: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GR9T2H3/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2KBKE1A991P4A


My setup is as follows:

1 lb canister > Adapter Fitting > Replacement Hose > Greenwood Torch Handle


Adapter Fitting - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I35OR8Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Replacement Hose (meant to replace the hose that comes with the Greenwood torch) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GR9T2H3/ref=crt_ewc_title_huc_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2KBKE1A991P4A

When this system is connected to a 1 lb disposable canister there will be a fixed amount of propane trapped in the hose. There is a regulating valve attached to the base of the handle of the Greenwood torch and an additional valve at the base of the canister utilizing the replacement hose I linked. Once I'm done using the torch I can close off both valves, and then safely use the equipped Greenwood valve to dissipate any remaining propane in the line without having it spew all over the place when I disconnect the canister.

I welcome thoughtful critique if there is a flaw in this setup.