We Like to Move It, Move It
If there's such a thing as a downside to accumulating a lot of friends, it's that sooner or later one of them is going to move. Which means, of course you have to help them. It's in the, you know, "friend" code. And, guess what? Moving season is upon us! Which means, right now one of your buds is either going through wanderlust, retirement or a sudden career opportunity, and that migratory song is a-callin'. This is where you can be a real friend and recommend they head over to Harbor Freight Tools for moving supplies. From hand trucks and dollies, to ramps and moving blankets, HFT's got beaucoup gear for the Big Adios. And if you've been enlisted in your buddy's relocating hellride, you'll want to make sure he's equipped for a speedy, seamless endeavor. Here are just a few examples of equipment to help them (and you) with the move:
For any move or reorganization, this 600 lb. Capacity Haul-Master Hand Truck #95061 is a great dolly to have on hand. It's the perfect work horse for moving heavy items quickly and easily. High-quality construction with a heavy-gauge beveled toe plate, the hand truck features smooth-rolling, 10" pneumatic rubber tires and a P-shaped safety handle, as well as long axle braces, making it easy for climbing stairs. At only $39.99, it's a great deal for hours of reliable service! Available in-store only.
In the event you find yourself treading over rougher terrain like lawns, dirt or landscape rock, Haul-Master's also got a rugged 700 lb. Capacity Bigfoot Hand Truck #97568 that'll make the ride smooth on all terrain. This tough sucker's got extra large tires made especially for travel over all surfaces. The"bigfoot" dolly has long axle braces for easy stair climbing, heavy gauge toe plate with rounded corners and a beveled front. Heavy duty ball bearing hubs make it suitable for lawn and garden applications as well as moving big items in the factory, shop or warehouse. You can spot this Big Foot for a reasonable $54.99. Also available in-store only.
If rough terrain isn't your concern, but flat tires are, Haul-Master's got a 700 lb. Capacity Hand Truck #95909 with solid rubber tires that will keep on rolling regardless of what it rolls over. So, if you're going over areas notorious for screws, nails or glass, you can transport items up to 700 lbs. safely and quickly, 'cause this heavy duty hand truck features solid rubber tires that can't go flat, high impact hubs with sealed ball bearings and a powder coat finish for added durability. This dolly is awesome for the big move or daily use in the shop! Just $34.99 at Harbor Freight (in-store only).
While picking up your heavy-duty hand truck, keep in mind that, besides boxes n' stuff, you'll probably be using it for more fragile stuff like wood furniture,and glass and metal pieces. Just in case, grab yourself one of the Haul-Master Hand Truck Covers #98346, a padded blanket-like cover that easily fits over the top of most round-top hand trucks. It'll prevent scratches and marring when moving the more delicate stuff, and protect the hand truck when hauling rougher cargo. The hand truck cover is filled with genuine recycled cotton and features hook and loop fasteners to ensure a snug fit on a variety of hand truck styles. For just $5.99, this accessory is a bonafide no-brainer!
Enough about hand trucks, let's talk ramps. If you guys are loading a truck that doesn't have one of those slide-out ramps, you sure as heck better get some. For everyone, man.
Harbor Freight's got a few you might want to look at:
Whether you're pushing a stack of boxes, an appliance or a quad, the Haul-Master 1000 Lb. Steel Loading Ramps #44649 will take it all, and then some. These 6-ft. long, 9-inch wide loading ramps let you roll your ATVs, armoires and lawn jockeys up into the vehicle with safety and ease! They can handle up to 1,000 lbs. to be loaded into your truck, van or trailer. No need to put your life on the line with some makeshift plank ramps, my brother. The $59.99 you spend here is a much better investment than anything they'll charge you at Urgent Care.
For a little more, Haul-Master's also got a super-duty 1200 Lb. Capacity Convertible Aluminum Loading Ramp #94057 that takes loading to the next level-- it's TWO ramps in one! Just the right balance of weight and strength, this loading ramp is made of durable yet lightweight aluminum with a ridged platform and 2-3/4" side railings for safety. Detach the center hinge and one 1200 lb. capacity ramp quickly becomes two 6 ft., 600 lb. capacity ramps. It can also fold in half for easier storage or transportation to the next destination, and comes with safety chains to tighten and secure the ramp when hauling something heavy and unwieldy It also serves as a great way to transport your log splitter of snow blower to other locations. A great deal at $137.99, this aluminum foldable loading ramp pays for itself in the first move!
Finally, when moving and loading, make sure you keep plenty of tie-down straps on hand. Harbor Freight's wildly popular Haul-Master 4-Pack of 1-inch x 15-ft Ratcheting Tie Down Straps #90984 are one of the best deals around. Each one of the tie down straps can adjust from 4 ft. to a max of 15 ft. The durable polyester ratchet straps can handle working loads of up to 400 lbs.! Features include automatic ratcheting lock action and a quick-release button to quickly secure and free your loads. A great tie down set for pick-up trucks and semis to clamp down on their hauls, too. At $12.99 per pack of 4, you're going to want to get a few.
Heck, if you want to be a REALLY good friend, go to Harbor Freight yourself, since everything's so affordable, and bring the moving supplies with you! 'Course, that means you get first dibs using it, right?
Truckin’ Magazine Review: Socket Tray Organizers
"Ever need a 10mm socket and opened your toolbox only to find a sea of random sockets rolling around in complete chaos?"
Uh, yeah, like every weekend! And in the May 2013 issue of Truckin' - The World's Leading Truck Publication - they tackle this very subject, pitting Harbor Freight Tools' Pittsburgh 3 Piece SAE (#68100) and 3 Piece Metric Socket Tray/Organizers (#68102) against the other guys.
Pittsburgh SAE Socket Organizer
Pittsburgh Metric Socket Organizer
The 3-piece socket organizer fits nicely in your tool chest, and will fit most socket designs, including both regular and deep wall sockets. Holders for 1/4", 3/8” and 1/2" drives are also included on both the SAE and metric trays. Each 3-piece set sells for an incredibly low $7.99 and will service your needs for a lifetime!
So, what did Truckin' magazine have to say about the Pittsburgh socket tray organizers? Good stuff, of course!
"Purchased locally from Harbor Freight, the Pittsburgh three-piece organizers were easy to read, easy to handle and accommodated a total of 168 sockets, placing it in a tie for third-highest capacity. Large impact sockets fit with no issues, the organizers feature a lifetime warranty, and both SAE and Metric sizes only put us out of pocket for $15.98-- an incredible value. Overall, for weekend warriors or lifetime mechanics, the Pittsburgh socket tray/organizer is certified Truckin Tough."
Harbor Freight customers who have already bought these trays, love them!
"I use these at home along with the metric set in my tool chest to organize my socket. The price of these is incredible when you compare it to any of the alternatives that allow you to stand up your sockets vertically. They're built well, marked well, and do the job perfectly. Great buy!" Big Al - Ottowa, ON
"Accomplishes the same thing as other socket trays at a much lower price. They work great in the top of a tool chest or in a deep drawer... I have several sets that I use for standard/impact, 6pt/12pt, etc. and I highly recommend them." Isaac - Pella, IA
"I am by no means a mechanic, but I love my tools and try to take care of them. My wife got a Habor Freight magazine and she found the above-shown socket organizers. She bought them for me and I have to say I'm very happy with the price and quality. These socket organizers are made with thicker plastic post for your sockets and the trays are more sturdy than the "high end" brands... trust me, for the price you can't go wrong." Scooter - Chowchilla, CA
To read the entire "Socket Organizer Shootout" article, pick up your copy of the May 2013 Truckin' magazine!
When Welders Bond
April is National Welding Month. This is a really special time. It's when grown men convene to talk openly about "bird poop," "fish eyes" and "wetting out"-- and arguing about who's more "golden from the shoulder to the holder." One cannot help but be drawn to such stout-hearted bonding... which is why it's a great time to take advantage of the welding supply deals currently running at Harbor Freight Tools.
Like, for example, the Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder. A sweet acquisition for those looking to get into welding without dropping a big chunk o' change-- now, for a limited time, only $99.99 with coupon! Build or repair a boat trailer, create an anchor, a 55-gal drum BBQ, a bullet catcher box for a .22... fix an ATV snow plow skid plate or broken exhaust pipe... do some light body work or make a trellis for the garden-- this baby won't quit! And it will pay for itself in no time!
This 90-amp flux core arc welder's got the functionality of a MIG welder without the hassle of using gas. Rather, it's designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, which means set-up and use are easy. It comes with variable speed wire control, thermal overload protection and works on a myriad of metals (excluding aluminum and stainless steel).
And while you're pulling together your welding equipment, make sure you pick up a Chicago Electric MIG - Flux Welding Cart. This is a favorite among HFT customers, and it'll take no time for you to become a member of the fan club. First of all, Harbor Freight's welding cart is nearly identical to others on the market that sell for a whole lot more. Conservatively rated at 100 lbs., this cart will handle your welder and gear with agility and smooth maneuverability on your shop floor. A tilted top shelf provides easy access to the controls, and the bottom shelf gives you a lot of storage space. This welding cart features a heavy-duty steel construction, and a powder coat finish for ultra durability, making it perfect for novice and pro welder alike-- and this month it's on sale for only $39.99 with coupon!
Meanwhile, get maximum protection from the Chicago Electric Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet with Blue Flame Design (not that the blue flame offers any additional protection, but it looks wicked cool to envious friends and passers-by).
This lightweight and sturdy welder's helmet features a superior auto-darkening mask lens that makes operating your arc, MIG or TIG welding safe and clear. Plus, that auto-darkening lens measures a generous 3-7/8" x 1-5/8" wide to give you a full view of your work. It comes with a ratcheting helmet headband and padded interior for a comfortable fit, and as I said, the cool design will make you want to hum the Mission:Impossible theme every time you stoke up the welder.
You'll be amazed at how fast it darkens and lightens. You can weld, chip slag and grind without ever touching your helmet, or take it off and put goggles on. And now, for a limited time, you can pick up one of these most excellent welding helmets for only $39.99 with coupon! That's a deal at twice the price!
Finally, if you're an armchair hobbyist, or only anticipate the occasional cutting or welding jobs, I submit to you one of the welder's favorite tools-- the Chicago Electric Oxygen And Acetylene Welding Kit. Here's a complete welding kit that handles a broad range of cutting, welding and heating applications. The kit comes complete with oxygen and acetylene hoses, welding nozzle, cutting tip, cutting attachment, goggles, torch handle with built-in flashback arrestors and check valves, tip cleaners and striker-- all packed in a heavy-duty storage case! With this kit you can be nearly prepared for everything. This is a PERFECT GIFT for that welder in your circle-- versatile, portable AND affordable at only $129.99!
Celebrate National Welding Month with these and other great welding supply buys at Harbor Freight Tools!
Hot Bike Review: The US General 5-Drawer Tool Cart
If there was a category for "Single-Most-Loved Product" at Harbor Freight Tools, the US General tool cabinets and carts would probably be in a tight group, a length ahead of all the others. Be it the insanely popular 44" 13-Drawer Tool Cabinet, the mammoth 56" 11-Drawer Industrial Rolling Cabinet or the economical, yet rugged, 4-Drawer Tool Cart, the US General tool chests have amassed a ton of rave reviews-- both for the quality and the value.
Which is why it's no surprise to see the way-thumbs-up review of the 700-lb. Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart in the May 2013 issue of Hot Bike (this issue can be found in magazine stands but is not, as of this writing, online). Same beautiful fire-engine red as the other models, the rugged all-steel, 5-drawer tool cart is the ideal choice for the wrencher with just enough-- but not too many-- tools. As pointed out by Hot Bike writer, Jeff G. Holt, in the Used and Abused column:
"This all-steel 120-pound tool cart is a great place to store a myriad of tools for not a lot of money. This bright-red powder-coated rollaway is constructed (of) 14-gauge steel and can hold up to 700 pounds worth of stuff."
Jeff wasn't a pushover for just any pretty face, though. He put the baby to work immediately.
"Sure, that is all well and good, but for a cabinet such as this, with a rather low price tag, I was worried about things like the drawers opening smoothly and other quality-related issues. Once I freed it from its shipping box, I assembled it (it took less than a half hour) and loaded it full of my wayward tools and was able to put it to the test. The ball-bearing rails on each of the drawers worked smoothly and they even had a locking lever per drawer like only the carts costing three times the price usually possess. The key-controlled locking mechanism on the top of the cart also worked flawlessly, which is truly a feat for something of this price. When fully loaded, this cart rolled around freely due to the two fixed and two swiveling locking casters. It even did so on chunky asphalt."
Sounds like a winner. But, how about down the road? Did the tool cart stand the test of time?
"After throwing tools in and out of the cart for almost a year now, I have been pretty impressed with the quality construction and ease of use. The only problem I am currently having with it is that I am running out of room and I'll need to switch to a larger storage system. If you are looking for a rolling workstation such as this, don't let the low price keep you away, buy this and save a couple hundred dollars over the competition."
A larger storage system? Harbor Freight can do that. Or, how about just getting a second tried-and-true 5-drawer tool cart? You can find the 700-lb.Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart at your local Harbor Freight, or online, for a low $199.99-- or $169.99 with coupon! Girls on Hot Bike magazine cover not included.
The Big Wind
"Aiiii! David! My flaw! My flaw!"
I can't tell you how many times I heard that, growing up in New York. I'd come home after playing hard all day, burst in the door, oblivious to where I was walking.
"Ma, I'm home!"
"Aiii! My flaw! My flaw!"
"Hah? Wha? Ma?"
"My flaw! I jus' mopped da flaw!!"
It was like being greeted by some big, exotic Bronx bird. And, of course we lived in an apartment, so you'd hear it coming from open windows all over the building.
"Ma!"
"Eeeek! Get awf da flaw!"
"Hah?"
"Da FLAW!!"
Not exactly The Waltons, but you embrace the memories you're handed.
Too bad our Moms didn't have the Chicago Electric 3-Speed Portable Blower from Harbor Freight. Their flaws would have been dry long before we showed up, and we would have been spared the tinnitus. The portable blower fan not only speeds up the drying of floors, carpets and paint jobs, it's also great for blowing away heat, fumes, dust and odors. Durable and lightweight, it's built for adjustable wind direction and comes with a convenient carry handle for easy transport.
Take a look at what people who've bought the powerful, little blower have to say:
"I use this for creating a breeze during hot summer times outside, or drying up the kitchen after mopping. This thing is small (I was a little scared that it would be under-powered) but it delivered great performance. I would compare it to those Lasko high-velocity blowers. This sucker blows as hard or even harder than that. The outlets on the side are perfect for connecting tools close to the blower to keep cool. This thing will out-blow any floor fans you can buy at Walmart. Great investment, been using for 3+ months every day for extended hours (overnight when I sleep) and it's lasting." Jae - Bakersfield, CA
"Not light weight. Very heavy construction. Squirrel cage fan. Very directional. When I want to dry something or blow air on me, this critter does not cause a room tornado. The power cord of course is metric but seems to be 12 or 14 gauge. I have connected at 1650 watt heater to the onboard receptacle when I lacked a suitable extension cord and after 8 hours of use the power cord and plug were cool. The unit puts out more air for its size than anything else I've ever owned. It has spent two years in the jungle area of México and survived. I cannot imagine the most expensive blower on the market as being better, size for size." El Codo - Mexico
"This unit was bought to help circulate the air and cool the basement during the summer months. Works great, strong blower at 1/2 the price of national home centers blower can't say anything negative about unit, if you need to dry out a wet basement or rooom or need to get air moving to help cool you in the summer this unit is the one for you." Germpa1 - US
When you consider all of the uses for the 3 Speed Portable Blower, the more you realize what an excellent tool it is to have around-- and for just $49.99 (not to mention using the 20% Off Coupon, bringing the price down to $39.99), there's no excuse NOT to run over to Harbor Freight, or jump on the website, and get this blower now!
And if for no other reason, do it to stop tinnitus. For the kids, man.
Harbor Freight Blows – Masterfully!
Oh, what a difference a cool breeze makes! I think we've all experienced enough hot air (even when it's not an election year) to know that buying a capable fan is NOT a no-brainer. Such disagreeable memories linger with us, and the recent unseasonably warm days are reminding us, it's time to buy some fans! For the garage or shop... the porch and patio... maybe the loft.
Do yourself a favor and check out the Chicago Electric 30" Pedestal Shop Fan. Its three settings --7400, 7430 and 7730 CFM-- deliver strong currents of cool air; the fan tilts up to 75 degrees and the base can be adjusted from 62-3/4” to 85-1/2”, so air will go directly where you need it to.
But, like I always say, it's not enough to just give in to fancy promises from slick copywriters. What are the customers around the country saying? Here are a few comments:
"I bought this fan for my AZ house, where it gets very hot. As a retired Fire Fighter, I use it for positive-pressure ventilation. I place it on the shady side of the house about 8' from the door and blow the cool night air through the house. I run it for about 6 hours at a time, and it stays outside all year long. I have been using it for about 4 years now with no problems. Saves using the A/C for about 4 months out of the year." Unclebob9 - Bullhead City, AZ
"Well it's very hot in Tampa , the summer heat is no joke! You need a shop fan that will do the job, move air! Well this fan moves air in all three speeds. This is a must-have item in the shop for the long summer days. The product is well built and only takes 20. min. to build. I added 4 locking casters to the four pre-drilled holes in the base. This allows this beast to move around the floor just where you need it. 5 stars!" Harley Pete - Tampa, FL
"After reading all of the other reviews, I was skeptical about buying this fan, but have been dying in this SoCal heat. I unpacked all of the parts and realized assembly is pretty self-explanatory. I did not need the directions and only used 3 tools (a Phillips head screwdriver, an 8 mm wrench, and a 10 mm wrench). I had it together in about 10 minutes, plugged it in, turned it on, and wow! I am a mechanic and it has been getting up to 99 degrees in the shop these past few weeks, but this fan makes it bearable, easily dropping the temp 10 to 15 degrees (in front of the fan of course). I have the fan placed about 15 feet away and turned on high and it has enough power to keep my shirt flapping in the wind. We have 3 fans in my shop; a 36" floor barrel-type, a 24" pedestal-type, and mine. Mine is the second loudest, but blows the most air. All in all, I'm EXTREMELY glad I bought this fan." VW Mechanic - Paramount, CA
So, it only goes to show, at the BLOWout price of $139.99, the 30" pedestal shop fan at Harbor Freight BLOWS the competition in value. Don't BLOW the opportunity to get one-- or more-- for your shop or garage, or you will WIND up regretting it (much as I will these pathetic stabs at humor).
If you're not in the market for a pedestal fan, Harbor Freight also has the gusty Chicago Electric 24" Shop Floor Fan. This high-power work horse provides massive air flow for ventilating large areas, drying carpets, flooded basements or paint jobs, or removing chemical fumes quickly. It's also perfect for outdoor parties or gatherings around the patio. This industrial-grade unit comes with low and high settings, thermal-overload protection and two carry handles for easy portability. At the low price of $129.99, it's a great addition to any work area.
And, as with the pedestal fan, the comments say it all:
"I have a 24-inch Global Industrial blower fan. When I found out Harbor Freight was selling this fan, I went to check it out. Wow! This fan is same in every detail except for the stand.You can pay more, but you can not buy a better fan anywhere, I know this. They low-ball this fan in output, too. It's lot higher, folks. Commercial grade? More like industrial grade." Cold Breeze - San Diego, CA
"This is a great little item for a party or even for your work. For this size, it delivers a great amount of air. I love it. Compact and light, great to take to your workplace." TNSHP - US
"Used in a flooded basement-- worked real good moving the air." Kenny, Wichita, KS
On your next trip to Harbor Freight, check out the shop fans-- as well as their other terrific deals-- and don't forget to bring along your 20% Off Coupon!
Super Streetbike Review: 1/5 HP Airbrush Compressor
When it comes to riding your motorcycle, it's not enough that it just runs good-- you gotta look good. So make sure you check out Super Streetbike's April 2013 issue (no, not the cover, lug nut-- I'm talking about YOU looking good).
On page 58 there's a nifty article on "Helmet Painting"-- a cool, inexpensive way to self-express on the road. But, as writer Brian Hatano points out, you need more than a creative idea to get your point across; it takes technique. So, he takes you through every step you probably don't think about when imagining that wicked skull with flames and roses... namely, preparation, detail, method and materials. To get the hang of the spray gun skills, though, Brian suggests we first get the feel of it with a practice helmet:
"For practice jobs, any helmet will work, but starting with a lid in good condition will require less initial prep and give you more time to think about designs and color combinations."
He then breaks down the process of executing a successful paint job-- from disassembling the helmet to applying the clear coat-- in crystal, concise detail. Great intel to have for when you're ready to go for it.
Interesting, however, is that even though Brian was working in a shop equipped with a large air compressor, he opted instead to go with the Central Pneumatic 1/5 HP, 58 PSI Airbrush Compressor.
"Although we had a full size compressor available, we tried out the Harbor Freight Central Pneumatic 1/5th HP Airbrush Compressor and it performed better than units costing twice as much. Zac noted the quiet motor with no pulsing in the air supply."
Constructed of sturdy anodized aluminum, the airbrush compressor is easy to clean and operate, and changing colors is a cinch. The airbrush kit works with lacquers, oils and latex-based paints to create pro-quality designs only limited by your imagination! It comes with a 22cc glass jar, 5cc metal cop and 5-ft. air hose-- and, at a low $88.99, it'll pay for itself over and over again!
While you're shopping, also be sure to pick up the Central Pneumatic Quick-Change Airbrush Kit for just $11.99. This enables you to switch out paints in a flash with next-to-no downtime.
This awesome setup would also be perfect for custom painting:
- Bike frames
- R/C and other models
- Auto body detail art
- Tool boxes or cabinets
- Furniture
- Pottery
- Metal sculpting
- Signs and murals
- Crafts
- Toys
- Cosmetic and Halloween makeup
- Spray tanning
- ...and so much more!
Also, of course, if you want to support the team at the big game.
Harbor Freight 2 HP Dust Collector: The Woodworker’s Favorite Tool
Opinions are like hand tools-- everybody's got them (opinions are like other things, too, but I can't think of what they are right now).
And, like opinions, while it might vary as to which of Harbor Freight's quality, low-priced tools customers take a shining to, the Woodworking Guys seem to share a consensus of their favorites. Like the Chicago Electric 10" Sliding Compound Miter Saw, with its consistently smooth, precise cuts; the industrial-quality Central Machinery 10" 13-amp Industrial Bench Table Saw, so easy to use, accurate, and works like a heavyweight champ; the uncompromising Central Machinery 2.5 HP 12" Planer and the powerful & compact Drill Master Trim Router.
And while I could name a dozen more off the top of my head (momentary power foot switch... ), there's no denying that-- by far-- the most popular Harbor Freight product for woodworkers is the Central Machinery 2 HP Industrial 5 Micron Dust Collector. This dust collector vanquishes the finest sawdust, dirt and debris like a wormhole that suddenly appears and sucks galaxies. It comes complete with a clear bottom bag so you see what's been collected, and four locking swivel casters making it easy to move to wherever its needed. It has a 4" diam. intake and 4" diam. exhaust, and comes with two collecting bags and hex wrenches. You can pick one of these babies up at your local Harbor Freight, or order them online, priced at $199.99-- or with the 20% Off Coupon, make it $160!
Just to get a taste of what the woodworkers ARE saying, though, here are a few comments submitted by experienced, hardcore fans:
"A year ago, when I was building my shop, I was shopping around for a dust collector to be the heart of my system. I looked at General, Jet, Grizzly, etc. But then I read several really postive reviews on the HF 2 HP model. I had a coupon for 169.00 for it so I figured, why not? Let me tell you, this thing is at least the equal of all of those others! I actually got a chance to examine a Jet, and a Grizzly….and they are almost identical. My longest run is 45 feet and I’ve had no trouble running one tool there and another 25 feet in the other direction, at the same time. It gets it all. Now I make a lot of dust here in my shop so this has gotten a workout in the last year, and I’m not disappointed. This is one of those rare Harbor Freight gems."
--njcraftsman on Lumberjocks
"There isn't much this little thingie can't handle. Cabinet saw, no problem. 12 inch Planer, same same. 6-inch jointer, 6 x 48 flat belt, compound miter saw, nada. Moderate-sized drum sander, no problem-o. Don't expect this rig to evacuate a 52-inch double wide belt sander though, but for most small shop cabinet men, chair makers and burl workers this will execute without hesitation. I've got mine in a room adjacent to my shop running through a bulkhead fitting; all you hear is the quiet screaming of the sawdust as it is slurped off to the Great Beyond. A metal trash can will fit nicely under the bag within the frame, which eases the unloading of poor, dead tree powder and other assorted shop waste. Don't think you can run a 100-ft hose from your shop to your neighbor's basement though; any DC system can only handle X amount of hose, especially if it is corrugated or has numerous 180' turns. All in all, very pleased with this item, it can run with the big dogs all day long (going on 6 years) as long as you keep good duct work and hoses in the equation and mind your housekeeping regarding the top bags cleanliness."
--R. E. Parks on Dakota Heirloom Woodworking
"At the end of the day, is this thing worth it? Heck yeah! I don't think there's anything that's comparable for the price. As I stated, I don't have a lot of personal experience with dust collectors, but I have no idea what a more expensive single stage dust collector could do that this one can't. This product comes with a high recommendation from me, and it's a pretty big improvement over my old shop vac based system."
--haugerm on Woodworking Talk
Whether your passion is wood, metal, welding, engines, the yard-- or a little of everything-- you can count on Harbor Freight Tools to deliver quality, low-priced products that'll get the job done and leave you some cash left over. Check out the deals today and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Garage Cleaning Pt. 2 – Making Space
With warm weather comes reclaiming the garage. It's your Fortress of Solitude. Your "getting-things-done" place. But when you throw your body against the door and, on the third try, finally manage to pry it open, reality comes crashing down-- as well as a stack of boxes and a pair of old Pioneer speakers. Somehow,over the course of the winter the garage has morphed into a disaster zone. Lawn tools and bikes and power tools and half-finished projects and other stuff cluttering up the bench tops and floor space, to the point that you can't go out and fetch your Costco toilet paper without ripping your shirt and tripping over something. And then you swear, and your mother-in-law overhears it and she shoots your wife a look like, "you really screwed up hooking up with this fella"... even 20 years later.
You really need to clear out the garage! So, here are a few tools from Harbor Freight I'd like to suggest that'll make your feng shui the right way:
I think you'll agree, there's nothing in the garage with more "trip potential" than the family bicycles. It's like the damned things have minds of their own, fighting you every step of the way as you try to get passed them. No longer be that victim! Harbor Freight's got a cool Bicycle Lift #95803 with a unique pulley locking mechanism that quickly hoists your bike up, off the ground. Mounting hardware and a 46 ft. nylon rope are included and set-up couldn’t be easier. They're great for kids' bikes, mountain bikes, adult cruiser bikes, etc. And check out the customer reviews-- some even use their bike lifts for other things like kayaks andconvertible tops! Perfect for anyone who needs a little extra space in their garage. The bike lifts sell for $8.99 each, well worth the price for free space, unscratched bikes and unbruised ankles!
When you were clearing the garage, I'm sure you noticed every once in a while kicking little pieces of something or another across the floor; screws, bolts, washers, etc. The next step is to clear the decks with 30" Magnetic Sweeper #93245 from Central Machinery. Riding on 7" wheels and sporting an extra-wide 30" sweeper, this tool will quickly and easily pick up hardware, scrap, nails, wires, metal dust and other metal parts over garage and shop floors, carpet-- and even grass! The magnetic sweeper provides 50 lbs. of magnetic pull plus a one-pull release to quickly clean itself of the debris. Plus, the handle extends from 30" to 44-1/2". Only $39.99! And, if your areas are smaller, Harbor Freight also carries a 22" Magnetic Sweeper #98399 for $34.99 and a mini 17" Magnetic Sweeper #98398 selling for $9.99.
Besides clutter, an unattended garage can become a den of dust and grime. Hardware that uses oil and grease like auto parts, fasteners, hinges, padlocks, etc., quickly accumulate a greasy coat of scuz that can affect their performance. One of Harbor Freight customers' favorite shop accessories is the legendary Chicago Electric 20-Gallon Parts Washer #7340. It comes with a fully enclosed electric pump that circulates 5-1/4 gallons-per-minute to dissolve grease, dirt and grime-- from even the grungiest parts! Made of rugged steel, the parts washer includes a built-in drain and a latching cover to keep spills to a minimum.The 20-gallon tub sits atop a heavy-duty steel stand and includes a small parts basket, work shelf, storage shelf and flexible chrome spigot. This thing's a virtual work horse and will perform righteously for mechanics and machine shop workers, as well as homegrown DIYers. It's the perfect companion during engine, trans and carb rebuilds, not to mention any mechanical repair jobs. At $95.99, this parts washer will give you great service for years!
Don't even think about messing around the grime, oil and chemicals without wearing protective 5-Mil Nitrile Safety Gloves #68498. Seriously, this one's a no-brainer, guys. At just $5.99 for 100 gloves (50 pair), you get the peace of mind of being protected from harmful agents while maintaining the dexterity and comfort necessary to get the tasks done. These gloves provide better resistance to chemicals and such than lates, and also don't trigger the allergic reaction that latex can. 'Nuf said.
Finally, when the job's done, make sure you've got a jug of 5-star hand cleaner, Orange Goop, nearby. This heavy-duty, citrus-scented hand cleaner is gentle on your hands, but tough on the grime. clean and smelling fresh! It removes grease, mud, plaster, paint, dirt, grime and more. With a convenient hand pump, this 1-gallon Goop-- at just $9.99-- makes it FUN to wash your hands! OK, not really, but it's better than getting the stinkeye for blackening the bar soap and sink in the powder room.
The Harbor Freight 44-Inch Tool Cabinet: A Customer’s Journey (plus coupon!)
Back in May, a Garage Journal tool forum member, who goes by the handle "Mister Moose," shared with his group his personal odyssey in the pursuit of the perfect tool cabinet. Hell-bent on being thorough, he visited several hardware stores, most of the time coming away disappointed. Here are some of the observations he made along the way:
- Sears - "All the floor models are overpriced, underbuilt disappointments. I’m fine with their hand tools, but the chests and roller cabinets are not worth the price, not by a long shot. The tool chest buyer at Sears should be publicly run out of town."
- Home Depot - "Nothing to see here. Worse than Sears."
- Tractor Supply - "They carry 2 lines, Jobsmart, and Masterhand. Jobsmart is just like the Sears ball bearing series, except it’s black, and the slides are smaller... Masterhand is better... The really odd part is that they are priced the same. That’s right, you can get cheapo drawers and slides or decent ones for the same money at the same store. The 26 inch 8 drawer base is $329, and the 40” 12 drawer base is $499."
- Lowes - "I wouldn’t spend the $610 on the 41” model."
- Matco - "Just to compare to a higher end tool truck box, I measured up a 40” Matco box at a mechanic shop I do business with... It is a very deep breath to pay the extra tool truck price... and you won’t have to peel the name plate off in shame. You will however pay dearly for that name plate. This whole name plate shame thing really should stop if in fact HF has built a high quality box and offers it with no expensive commissioned salesman in a truck to the vast unwashed masses of us garage folk."
Having run the gamut, he finally turned his attention to the US General 44" 13-Drawer Roller Tool Cabinet ("Otherwise known as the favorite child of a large percentage of Garage Journal members") at Harbor Freight Tools. At least he was honest about how he got to Harbor Freight (let's just say, it wasn't the first place that came to mind).
"I hadn’t even considered the place until I started reading good reviews here."
A big thanks to the folks at The Garage Journal! But it didn't take long for him to spot the HFT tool cabinet's quality and value (great pics, BTW!):
"Lower drawer with double slides, riveted to drawer. Look at the left side upper edge, the rolled over reinforcement is visible. Lesser drawers don’t have this. Also, look at the drawer front. Both the top drawer pull and the lower edge of the front form a structural girder that allows more weight before deforming."
"The 14 pair roller bearing cage. Full double wall construction."
"The steel wheel caster with polyurethane tire. You can also see the other style casters on the 56” and the 5 drawer cart. Look at the dual angle iron supports & perimeter angle iron welded to the cabinet, and compare that to the ‘U’ channel visible on the 5 drawer cart."
In the end, it came down to either the Kobalt 27" or the Harbor Freight "44, which were (not quite) in the same price ballpark:
"Hmmm. Better construction, and 63% more storage... This is a no brainer. I bought the HF 44” box."
To read the customer's full review-- with tons of pictures, measurements and observations-- click here to go to the Garage Journal thread.
**NOW FOR A LIMITED TIME**-- exclusively for our blog and Facebook readers-- the favorite US General 44" 13-Drawer Roller Tool Cabinet can be had on sale for just $369.99! Click on the image below to redeem and print your coupon now!
Also, be sure to sign up with Harbor Freight Tools for tons of exclusive coupons and discounts!
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