Topic: Favorite Harbor freight Tools

[70CB750]

I just remembered these: I have 2 screwdrivers that are 1m (3 feet!) long, one in Phillips and one straight blade, from HF. They worked great to help change the CTS (Crankshaft Trigger Sensor) in my JEEP, which is about 8" further away than my fingertips can reach from underneath the driver's seat floor.

I replaced that one.  Had to tilt the whole drivetrain to get to it.

[HondaMan]

I just remembered these: I have 2 screwdrivers that are 1m (3 feet!) long, one in Phillips and one straight blade, from HF. They worked great to help change the CTS (Crankshaft Trigger Sensor) in my JEEP, which is about 8" further away than my fingertips can reach from underneath the driver's seat floor.

I replaced that one.  Had to tilt the whole drivetrain to get to it.

Doesn't that thing just SUCK?
I've had to replace it twice. The first time I was forced to use a Chinko part (during Covid) for lack of any good ones around, and of course it failed in less than 2000 miles.
Now it has a better one in it. I got better at putting it in this time: I bent a wrench (10mm, I think it was?) to get to the bolt toward the center of the transmission, from up by the engine instead of trying to get to it from below. I still have a scar from [something sharp] under the JEEP when I did the first one. 

[70CB750]

Doesn't that thing just SUCK?
I've had to replace it twice. The first time I was forced to use a Chinko part (during Covid) for lack of any good ones around, and of course it failed in less than 2000 miles.
Now it has a better one in it. I got better at putting it in this time: I bent a wrench (10mm, I think it was?) to get to the bolt toward the center of the transmission, from up by the engine instead of trying to get to it from below. I still have a scar from [something sharp] under the JEEP when I did the first one. 

I.am not sure, but I think other trucks have it in better location ..

[Bankerdanny]

I have a bunch of HF stuff. My favorite is my Hercules cordless tools. I have a 12v 3/8 impact and 20v 1/4" impact driver, drill, circular saw, and hand held shop vac. I have various socket sets and a corded angle grinder and multi-tool. The only thing I have bought that didn't last very long was the motorcycle lift (the jack style, not the table. That stopped working not long after I bought it. It's probably a seal in the bottle jack portion, I just haven't gotten around to checking because it isn't that useful for bikes with exhaust systems that run under the engine.

[HondaMan]

Does anyone here have one of the Harbor Freight mills (I thin they call it a 'mini-mill')?
I'm wondering how rigid it might be - or not... ?

[Alan F.]

I have the Micro Mill 47158 that isn't sold anymore. It's not bad for the parts I've made with it, but with 1/5 hp and plastic drive gears you can only expect so much. Upgraded metal gears and even belt drives are available.
I also have one of their 7x10 lathes from the 80's and like my mill it's not too bad if you go slowly and don't overwork the machine. I'm no machinist so these limitations aren't avery big deal.

[HondaMan]

I have the Micro Mill 47158 that isn't sold anymore. It's not bad for the parts I've made with it, but with 1/5 hp and plastic drive gears you can only expect so much. Upgraded metal gears and even belt drives are available.
I also have one of their 7x10 lathes from the 80's and like my mill it's not too bad if you go slowly and don't overwork the machine. I'm no machinist so these limitations aren't avery big deal.

I have the 7x10 lathe from Little Machine Shop, which was a somewhat-improved version of the same one HF sells (a little better quality control was applied) that I've used successfully for over 2 decades for rebuilding swingarms and making various other ( _gun ) parts. With the use of 1st-quality bits, it works well. I have the 14" long bed for it, too, but haven't stopped using the lathe long enough to install it (would like to!).

What's suddenly become very annoying is: the chuck key for my HF drill press (with someone else's name on it, 30 years old now) flew far across my garage one day into the black hole over there, and no one makes a replacement for it. If I go to HF for one, they only sell it with another copy of the drill press, and their 'universal' version (4-in-1 key) doesn't even come close to fitting it, either. I'd change the chuck, except it being HF means no one else's chuck will fit it right. 

[Alan F.]

If you have the 5-digit HF model number, it might be possible to find a replacement.

[70CB750]

Not a tool per say, but HF knock off of Pelican case works well for me. 

[Alan F.]

Not a tool per say, but HF knock off of Pelican case works well for me.

I'm tempted to pick up a pair of the orange cases for my RE Interceptor, maybe during the upcoming holiday sales...

[Gurp]

My favorite HF tool is my 3/8 and 1/4 composite ratchet. The fat handle grey and black ones.

They are great for working outside in the high heat and the cold alike. Esp in the cold. Handles are comfortable in your hand and they will take a beating. Only around 10 bucks to top of off.

[BomberMann650]

After seeing the light of compact racheting tools.  Started using this little bundle of bits.

Gets into places few other tools can.  Along with being a very packable size for life on the road.