Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Friday March 29, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
NASIOC
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Custom Fabrication, Welding & Tools

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 06-02-2010, 09:46 AM   #1
THansenite
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 228498
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Des Moines
Vehicle:
2004 Forester XT
Java Black Metallic

Default Will a Harbor Freight electric impact get the job done?

I've been wanting to get a cordless impact for a while now, but I want to buy a quality one when I get one. For the time being, I would like a corded impact wrench for busting loose stubborn nuts and bolts. I know, pnumatic is much better, but the wiring in my garage stall won't even turn over my air compressor.

I love Harbor Freight for their cheap tools. I know the quality is very low, but most of them get the job done for a shade-tree mechanic. I am wondering if anyone has ever used their electric impact. Again, I know the quality of the tools is low, I simply want to know if the impact will get the job done.
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
THansenite is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 06-02-2010, 10:11 PM   #2
2.5iSTI
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 162585
Join Date: Oct 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:
2007 03 Evo w/2.3

Default

Will it get it done, yes. Will it last, no. Will it be powerful, no. I , like you, love my Harbor Freight cheap tools. However, when it came to an electric impact, I splurged for the Snap-on cordless 3/8. Words cannot describe how awesome it is and how much it helps out. Spend money where needed. Powertools you have to pay to play.
2.5iSTI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2010, 10:30 PM   #3
norexyet
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 39149
Join Date: Jun 2003
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Default

Buy a quality one it's worth it. I have cordless milwaukee 3/8" impact gun that came with a drill, flashlight, 2 batteries and charger I paid $400 for and it works really well. Also have 1/2" snap on cordless impact. One of the best items i purchased. That goes for $500ish for 2 battery, charger and sweet case. I use both of them 5 days a week and they hold up well to shop abuse.

P.S...I'd buy the snap on 3/8" set if I were to do it again.
norexyet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-02-2010, 11:00 PM   #4
norurb
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 31224
Join Date: Dec 2002
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Vehicle:
1995 Impreza Outback
maroon/grey

Default

I bought this Harbor Freight impact wrench:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...nch-45252.html


It has lasted over a year. It pulls any bolt. If not, a little Freeze-Off and a breaker bar takes care of it.
norurb is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 10:27 AM   #5
THansenite
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 228498
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Des Moines
Vehicle:
2004 Forester XT
Java Black Metallic

Default

Thanks guys. I fully plan on upgrading to a cordless impact as my dad has a couple of Makita's and those come in handy A LOT when I am working up in his shop. I want to save up and buy a good one, though, so I figure buying a cheap HF one would at least give me something to bust nuts loose with until then. I am looking at the same one norurb posted.
THansenite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 04:07 PM   #6
BoostinChick
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 218971
Join Date: Jul 2009
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: West Chester, PA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX
Black

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by norurb View Post
I bought this Harbor Freight impact wrench:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-hal...nch-45252.html


I have this too. No issues and I have used it to take cam gears off, pulley sprockets, numerous rim swaps, etc. I have had it for over 2 years. If there is a bolt I can't even turn then ATF + Acetone = omega awesome.
BoostinChick is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 04:09 PM   #7
ravi
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 37597
Join Date: May 2003
Location: charleston, sc
Vehicle:
2004 STi w/fp green

Default

I have the HF. model pictured above. I have had it for more than 3 years, granted i dont use it all that much, but its preformed very well. Its strong enough for whatever i have thrown at it. Changing tires with a floor jack, and this impact gun so easy. the only complaint i have is , that its klinda bulky, wont fit in tight spaces.
ravi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 05:43 PM   #8
teiva-boy
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 22825
Join Date: Aug 2002
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: Seattle, WA
Default

I bought a dewalt 18V from ebay for cheap... Try ebay for an affordable option. Stay away from anything power tool related from HF.
teiva-boy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 07:20 PM   #9
reddoak
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 147628
Join Date: Apr 2007
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Eldersburg, MD
Vehicle:
2019 Jeep Wrangler
Firecracker Red

Default

I've got one, it works fine. Dirt cheap, too. Why would I spend $500.00 on a toll I'll use 3 times a year when one that costs $50.00 gets done what I need to get done just fine?

If I was a real mechanic, I'd spend the money on real mechanic's tools. Since I just putter, the cheap stuff works fine for me. If you buy a tool like this from HF and expect it to work using it every day, you'll be disappointed. If you buy it expecting to remove lugnuts once a month, it'll be fine.
reddoak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-03-2010, 07:27 PM   #10
xhengmanx
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 144425
Join Date: Mar 2007
Default

if you want a cordless gun, i recommend getting a makita 3/8s gun.
xhengmanx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2010, 04:54 PM   #11
PureTorque
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 157281
Join Date: Aug 2007
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: SFV
Default

I have no problems with my HF impact wrench, used to for everything, rims, springs, removing bolts with ease. was only $40 prolly was on sale, didnt look.
PureTorque is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2010, 06:56 PM   #12
lettucemanatee
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 32493
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: LSU
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
rock chipped blue

Default

i have a makita 1/2" BTW450 18v 3A lithium cordless impact wrench. 400lbs.

it came with two batteries a charger and a contractor case for 299 shipped from amazon.

then i looked at makitas site and there was a mail in rebate for a free impact driver, the kind with the qd hex head. 3 variable speeds and it'll do 100lbs. a lot smaller than the BTW450.

check out their rebates. two for the price of one is nice.
lettucemanatee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-07-2010, 08:52 PM   #13
JoshP
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 94350
Join Date: Aug 2005
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: S. Maine
Default

I have that same harbor freight one mentioned in the thread, I love it for the cheapness but it isnt that great. Any extension or swivel renders it useless over ~100 ft/lbs. I believe i weighed it at 13lbs and its very bulky. Other than that its really great I love having it.
JoshP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2010, 01:07 PM   #14
sr20dehauler
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 98950
Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:
RIP - Subaru FXTi
SOLD - B13 SE-R

Default

Old thread but I thought I might through this Northern Industrial electric impact gun out there since it's got a bunch of good reviews and cost $80.
sr20dehauler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2010, 01:51 PM   #15
ETacv
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 134010
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region: NESIC
Location: Boston
Vehicle:
2007 WRX - BrenTuned
UGM

Default

That looks exactly like the HF one, just rebranded. I'm sure they were both produced in the same manufacturing facility in China.
ETacv is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10-31-2010, 09:34 PM   #16
Storm
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 5218
Join Date: Mar 2001
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: SAUL'S Motorsports
Vehicle:
96L Most Over-
Developed Beater

Default

I have the HF corded and cordless impact guns. I've broken the trigger and 2 battery retaining clips on the cordless, the corded gun doesn't really get used anymore since its heavier than I wanna deal with anymore and can't even break loose lower strut bolts. I usually reach for the mighty Milwaukee now when I'm not in the garage. If I'm in the garage, it's Matco or Ingersoll-Rand.

Honestly, I would spend the money to fix the wiring in the garage. If you're swapping wheels in a parking lot, the HF gun will get you by.

Jay
Storm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2010, 06:57 AM   #17
FCmaniac
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:
2013 Forester
2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG

Default

I've had that same cheap arse 1/2" Harbor Freight electric impact for over 5 years now and it's still working great. When they start to get weak, just replace the brushes.
FCmaniac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-01-2010, 11:52 AM   #18
aoscjs
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 255221
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Beckley WV
Vehicle:
1997 Impreza L 2.2
Green

Default

harbor freight is awsome no matter what your doing or how broke you are lol
aoscjs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2010, 06:32 PM   #19
sackytar
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 149262
Join Date: May 2007
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Vehicle:
03WR rallycarFXTleg
PrimerGrey

Default

I will say that harbor freight is good for some things. But those things in my case usually end up breaking. I always say to myself that I should go to sears to get better stuff. But always go back to the freight.
sackytar is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2010, 06:43 PM   #20
FCmaniac
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:
2013 Forester
2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG

Default

For the jobs I've needed my HF stuff for and probably more relevant, how often I use my tools, the HF stuff has done me right. Certain tools that I think will break more easily I've spent more and got Craftsman like socket sets, screwdrivers and ratcheting wrenches.
FCmaniac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2010, 07:12 PM   #21
mongoosaroo
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 115056
Join Date: May 2006
Chapter/Region: SCIC
Location: south bay
Vehicle:
2002 psm now w/ 2.5
jesus tuned my hot rod

Default

the goodyear one at pepboys isn't bad at all.
mongoosaroo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-02-2010, 07:39 PM   #22
lettucemanatee
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 32493
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region: South East
Location: LSU
Vehicle:
2002 Impreza WRX
rock chipped blue

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by lettucemanatee View Post
i have a makita 1/2" BTW450 18v 3A lithium cordless impact wrench. 400lbs.

it came with two batteries a charger and a contractor case for 299 shipped from amazon.

then i looked at makitas site and there was a mail in rebate for a free impact driver, the kind with the qd hex head. 3 variable speeds and it'll do 100lbs. a lot smaller than the BTW450.

check out their rebates. two for the price of one is nice.
as an update on this, both impacts have been more than adequate.

except for the lateral link bolts. they just shrugged at the 400lb makita.
lettucemanatee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2010, 01:17 PM   #23
Storm
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 5218
Join Date: Mar 2001
Chapter/Region: MWSOC
Location: SAUL'S Motorsports
Vehicle:
96L Most Over-
Developed Beater

Default

^^^ Don't feel bad. The lateral link bolts have shrugged at a 3ft breaker bar AND a cheater pipe on the end of it..... The blue wrench told it to F-off and went right through them both!


Jay
Storm is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2010, 03:45 PM   #24
midnight-z
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 261796
Join Date: Oct 2010
Default

I bought some Harbor tools before Pittsburgh screwdriders and a wrench set made in Pittsburgh the good steel Penn state Yeah

I opened them then I realized they where made in Pittsburgh-China

They are alright one has a little twist in it but I am satisfied with my purchases

Go for it I have the same one Just use it alot before the warranty ends in case it craps out i used mine on some insane bolts and it craped out and i got free newone
midnight-z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-03-2010, 06:12 PM   #25
FCmaniac
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:
2013 Forester
2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Storm View Post
^^^ Don't feel bad. The lateral link bolts have shrugged at a 3ft breaker bar AND a cheater pipe on the end of it..... The blue wrench told it to F-off and went right through them both!


Jay
what is the "blue wrench"?
FCmaniac is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Harbor Freight Cordless Impact Wrench STI4ME Car Part Reviews 15 10-20-2008 04:02 AM
Harbor Freight Cordless Impact- only $39!?! Pete Holt Tire & Wheel 6 04-13-2007 11:15 AM
What I did today, Job Interview, got soaked, prolly won't get the job. Brad Pittiful Off-Topic 8 11-08-2006 07:05 PM
for getting the job done dongiligano Off-Topic 6 07-02-2006 11:36 PM
Kinda bland but gets the job done profound_wrx Member's Car Gallery 13 11-04-2005 07:33 PM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:14 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.