Tools! - Crimpin ain't easy but it is necessary.

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Automotive Insanity > Tools! - Crimpin ain't easy but it is necessary.

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I love Harbor Freight, there's one a 5 minute walk from my house. I'm planning on learning how to weld when I start my Celica project this spring so they'll be getting even more money out of me when I buy a welder.

# ¿ Mar 9, 2008 09:34

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# ¿ Apr 27, 2024 04:10

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ease posted:

I just used my new air ratchet I was all excited about to change two axles on a 2002 passat. The axles attach to the transmission by 6 torx like bolts. I wore leather gloves and let the 90lbs of torque loosen them, making sure my hands were free from any pinch areas. It would have been a big pain with a regular ratchet.

I love it.

After my adventure in wheel bearings today I'm saving up for a compressor.

# ¿ Jul 8, 2008 00:47

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ease posted:

After just buying a 26 gallon oil-less compressor... unless you like the noise or are putting it in a soundproof closet, hold out get a 60 gallon oil type. My impact wrench drains it pretty quickly. I think I might take it back.

e: on the other hand, it's not bad if you have a tight workspace and don't want to have a permanent fixture hogging some of it.

I'm looking at portables because I'll be living in an apartment as of next week and will be keeping my tools in a locked storage unit.

So this week has been a great tool week for me. I bought a new jack, 2 sets of jack stands, a little dremel knock off, a new breaker bar, a torque wrench, some adapters and god knows what else. God do I love Harbor Freight.

# ¿ Jul 8, 2008 03:34

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

RealKyleH posted:

Its not an HF unit, but my Dremel knockoff sucks rear end. The collets don't seem to close tightly.

I had a $70 dremel kit that a "friend" stole. This one was like $8 so it if lasts a year ill be happy.

# ¿ Jul 8, 2008 06:13

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

RealKyleH posted:

Give it a try and let me know how it is. Mine was $15 and I haven't gotten even one use out of it because it won't tightly hold the accessories. If the one you got will even work for a day I will buy it and use it for polishing cause I would love to use the buffing wheels I got with the other one to polish smaller holes and parts.

Heh, as soon as I find a reason to use it I will. I sort of bought it just because it caught my eye, not for any practical reason.

# ¿ Jul 8, 2008 18:26

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ease posted:

Dremel tools are good for taking down toe nails.

I never thought of that. Looks like I might have a reason to use it!

# ¿ Jul 8, 2008 19:14

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Well I played with my HF dremel thingee and it works great! I cut off 10 screws and ground some rust off my Celica, works like a dream!

# ¿ Jul 12, 2008 06:16

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

RealKyleH posted:

I guess I will give it a try then. Living 4 miles or less from a HF has its perks

I'm about 3 miles from mine and in 2 weeks I'm moving less than a mile away.

# ¿ Jul 12, 2008 07:00

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

oxbrain posted:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039

This is the one I have. I haven't had it long enough to say about the longevity. It pumps a bit slower than my old sears 2-ton, but sits lower, has about the same range of travel, and is more stable.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40105

If you want to spend more, this jack is only 1/2" higher, but can lift nearly 3" more and is wider for more stability. It's also rapid pump, and the same weight as the smaller jack.

I had that first one and it got stolen. Really nice jack, no creaking at all. I was too cheap to replace it though.

# ¿ Jul 19, 2008 05:30

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Contraband posted:

I'm not arguing with what you're saying, but how do you even know that the HF torque wrench is torquing to what it is set to?

Didn't some site do tool comparisons tests with Lowes, Sears, Home Depot and Harbor Freight a few years ago? If memory serves the HF stuff did pretty well.

# ¿ Aug 17, 2008 02:24

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

meatpimp posted:

The amount of material I got for $200 is amazing. It weighed a ton (literally) and allowed me to maximize the limited space I have in the garage.

Slatwall is fantastic and wouldn't you know it there's an L&T going under in the mall I work at. I think I'll pay them a visit tomorrow.

# ¿ Jan 6, 2009 00:23

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Hello what's this then

Click here for the full 1024x768 image.

What's that hiding behind you there?

Click here for the full 1024x768 image.

Why it's a big loving tool cabinet. Bottom half seems to be a tad rusty.

Nothing a little quick and dirty coat of Rustoleum won't fix.

Click here for the full 1024x768 image.

The lock on the top half is jammed and I havn't been able to get it open just yet but other than that it's almost perfect.

# ¿ Mar 29, 2009 02:41

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Sockington posted:

And cause the wife gave the OK on something else there too (old birthday gift cards made this on sale);

Do you mind me asking how much that ran you? I'm getting read to pull the motor from the parts car and may be in need of one. Canadian->US currency conversion please/thanks.

# ¿ Oct 25, 2009 07:06

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I've been fighting the urge to buy a crane, for $100 I can't say no.

# ¿ Oct 29, 2009 05:04

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I have never welded before but it's something I would like to learn about and how to do. Now this is is just and idea and I know I shouldn't buy stuff like this from Harbor Freight but for the price I can't see the harm.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94056
At the end of this month they'll be putting it on sale for $97.99 and I have a handful of 20% off coupons so that would drop it under $80.

Would I be wasting my time/money on this or would this be a good starter kit?

# ¿ Nov 5, 2009 02:05

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Just came back from the Black Friday fun at Harbor Freight. I arrived at 5:45 and only 3 other cars were present. We left our cars at 6:25 and stood by the doors as other cars began to arrive. The staff was nice enough to check on what was in stock for us before they officially opened so we wouldn't be fighting over scarce items. And since it was getting very windy they opened 15 minutes early to allow usout of the cold.

I was after the 1 ton shop crane which I scored with no trouble AND they allowed me to use a 20% off coupon I snipped from Maxim.

List price was $179.99, It followed me out of the store for $86 and my BF shopping was finished.

# ¿ Nov 27, 2009 13:39

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Yay for new toys

# ¿ Nov 29, 2009 06:42

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ExtremeODD posted:

How about a http://www.amazon.com/Expedition-Tools-Hydrokinetic-Adjustable-Wrench/dp/B001LQH1NQ hydrokinetic wrench? Seems like it would be less than useful on stuck bolts under the hood but anyone use one?

I got one as a gift for christmas about 2 years ago.

Broke it the first time I used it that spring.

# ¿ Dec 14, 2009 02:20

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Kynetx posted:

Holy poo poo that's cool. How did you break yours Rhyno?

I went after a bolt with it and the inner adjuster thing broke and went loose. It made a loud THUNK sound when it happened.

# ¿ Dec 14, 2009 03:20

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I picked up a 5 piece front end service kit from HF today and I saw this in the new ad,
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=97503&Submit=Go

Would anyone recommend this as a starter welder? I have a few small holes in the floorboards of my Escort that will need fixing, would this handle that job?

# ¿ Dec 31, 2009 08:54

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

CatBus posted:

I bought the manual tire changer, and motorcycle adapter. They were on sale for $49 each, plus my 25% coupons, so it ended up like $80 total. Hopefully it doesn't suck too badly for motorcycle tires, and maybe it will even work for car/truck tires...

Let me know how you like that air hose reel, since that was next on my list.

This?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34542

Post a review once you use it please.

# ¿ Jan 2, 2010 04:33

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

MATLAB 1988 posted:

I picked up this 5 drawer toolbox/cart for $99 from Harbor Freight today. It's 100 lbs, pretty sturdy. About 50 bolts assembles it and foam mats are included for every drawer. It came with the keys locked in it, I had to pop the top drawer open with a screwdriver.

Are you impressed with it? I have the 3 shelf cart that I've been customizing but that badboy looks like a better solution.

This morning I picked up a set of wheel dollies for $31 after sale and coupons. Gonna run back at 4 for some cheap impact sets.

# ¿ Jan 17, 2010 20:38

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

mod sassinator posted:

I always send my oil out for analysis and haven't had any signs of wear or abuse yet. I don't think it's all from the filter though, in general yeah a cheap filter is fine. With the K&N filters I like the intgrated nut that makes removal easy.

The nut is what sold me on them. 2 oil changes ago on the Cherokee the filter was jammed on so bad that in trying to force it off I broke the dipstick handle off. Took forever to get the old dipstick out and replaced.

# ¿ Feb 8, 2010 23:30

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

dv6speed posted:

Personally, whenever I install an oil filter, I don't over tighten it, I lubricate the gasket, and never have a problem getting it off in the future.

It's when you have to change somebody else's oil, and some other rear end in a top hat torqued that filter down that you gotta worry about getting it off. But, chances are that rear end in a top hat didn't use that nice filter with the hex head on it, and you'll still have to break out some type of oil filter wrench, or a screw driver.

I do the same, the problems I had came from having a "professional" oil change.

# ¿ Feb 9, 2010 06:07

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

I bought a Milwaukee Sawzall from a sketchy dude yesterday for $25. Came with 2 10 packs of brand new blades. Pretty sure it was stolen the way he was behaving.

# ¿ Mar 5, 2010 23:27

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

grover posted:

Sawzall is like duct tape in reverse, it's perhaps the most awesome power tool in existence.

I'm pretty sure I could cut the planet in half with this thing. It makes my arms ache after a few seconds of use.

# ¿ Mar 7, 2010 00:22

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

daslog posted:

And one of these just because.

Swap out the washers on that kit if you got it from HF. I bent them the first time I used it and had to grab some from my nut&bolt bins.

# ¿ Mar 9, 2010 02:51

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

PeaceFrog posted:

On the older ones the front black plastic part was steel covered in rubber and weighs half again as much. All at the nose. Try holding that above your head for a bit and your arms feel like Jello, and shake like a fatty. But it is drat satisfying to take something from one piece into two, or 50. Sawzall-ing is an art form.

I actually cut both my arms off with it as I ran out of things to cut up. Posting with a pencil in my teeth.

# ¿ Mar 9, 2010 03:01

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ab0z posted:

are you suggesting I use the SAWZALL to cut my steaks instead?

Well I know what I'm doing with this thing next.

# ¿ Mar 11, 2010 06:43

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ab0z posted:

This gives me all sorts of ideas. I could have endless fun taking apart/destroying the harbor freight version of tools with good quality versions of the same tools.

That could a great website. Especially if there's video.

# ¿ Mar 11, 2010 06:58

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

CornHolio posted:

Stopped at Harbor Freight on my way home today. I'm doing some suspension work pretty soon and wanted some 1/2" drive tools in case I had stubborn bolts. I came back happy:

25" long 1/2" drive breaker bar. $11.99 on sale

Everyone should have that breaker bar. I have the 1/2" and the 3/4" plus a few smaller BBs I inherited. Free tools are the best.

# ¿ Mar 16, 2010 01:01

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ab0z posted:

I accidentally bought this on my lunch break. 20% off coupon = $175, and I also had one of those free flashlight coupons!

I looked at that on wednesday. I just couldn't justify it. I only have a few parts that need blasting and I'm drat near out of space in the garage.

<sigh> Maybe after I move.

# ¿ Mar 19, 2010 19:12

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ab0z posted:

My problem now is that I need a much bigger compressor.
I might get it in the form of moving to a new shop that has a real production grade compressor and lines plumbed throughout the shop.

I'm looking at a house with a 2 car garage and work space so I'd have plenty of room but I'm at least 4 months away from moving. Trying to curb my tool buying until then.

# ¿ Mar 19, 2010 19:24

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

A few months ago I picked up this to run my basic air tools
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94667

Now I also have another HF compressor with a burned out switch. I think it's this one
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93271

I've seen multi tank setups and I was wondering if it would be worthwhile or possibly to rig the 2 together.

Thoughts?

# ¿ Mar 19, 2010 19:49

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

wav3form posted:

You can make the special jack stand pad thing out of hockey pucks or some hard wood to use on the pinch welds. Just some ideas...

I use these
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95952

# ¿ Mar 30, 2010 22:42

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

RealKyleH posted:

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa...45&keycode=0000

Engine hoist: $100

I got the Hoist on Black friday for under $90. I do want that leveler though.

# ¿ Apr 6, 2010 03:23

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

ab0z posted:

Yeah never hammer a ratchet. Sometimes a wrench if the situation requires an impact and you don't have one or you can't fit it.

I...I love your new custom title.

RADL would make an excellent AI gang tag.

# ¿ Apr 6, 2010 20:46

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Uthor posted:

How do you gently caress up zip ties?

Seriously, I have a bunch of stuff zipped up with HF ties and they've been like that for 3 years. What's so bad about them?

# ¿ Apr 21, 2010 08:31

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Aceshighxxx posted:

I've said it before and I'll say it again; this

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45252

is BAD rear end for the price.

It's on sale in the store AND they let you use the 20% off coupon on it.

# ¿ Apr 22, 2010 06:02

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# ¿ Apr 27, 2024 04:10

Rhyno: Mar 22, 2003; Can't post for 10 years!

Aceshighxxx posted:

I've said it before and I'll say it again; this

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=45252

is BAD rear end for the price.

To bring this back up, I bought one for $33 today.

# ¿ Apr 23, 2010 08:53

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