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06-02-2010, 09:46 AM | #1 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 228498
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Des Moines
Vehicle:2004 Forester XT Java Black Metallic |
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.
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06-02-2010, 10:11 PM | #2 |
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Join Date: Oct 2007
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MWSOC
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:2007 03 Evo w/2.3 |
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.
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06-02-2010, 10:30 PM | #3 |
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Member#: 39149
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Tri-State
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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. |
06-02-2010, 11:00 PM | #4 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 31224
Join Date: Dec 2002
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Vehicle:1995 Impreza Outback maroon/grey |
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. |
06-03-2010, 10:27 AM | #5 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 228498
Join Date: Oct 2009
Chapter/Region:
MWSOC
Location: Des Moines
Vehicle:2004 Forester XT Java Black Metallic |
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.
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06-03-2010, 04:07 PM | #6 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 218971
Join Date: Jul 2009
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: West Chester, PA
Vehicle:2007 WRX Black |
Quote:
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06-03-2010, 04:09 PM | #7 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 37597
Join Date: May 2003
Location: charleston, sc
Vehicle:2004 STi w/fp green |
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.
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06-03-2010, 05:43 PM | #8 |
Scooby Guru
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Join Date: Aug 2002
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Location: Seattle, WA
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I bought a dewalt 18V from ebay for cheap... Try ebay for an affordable option. Stay away from anything power tool related from HF.
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06-03-2010, 07:20 PM | #9 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 147628
Join Date: Apr 2007
Chapter/Region:
MAIC
Location: Eldersburg, MD
Vehicle:2019 Jeep Wrangler Firecracker Red |
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. |
06-03-2010, 07:27 PM | #10 |
Scooby Newbie
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if you want a cordless gun, i recommend getting a makita 3/8s gun.
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06-07-2010, 04:54 PM | #11 |
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Member#: 157281
Join Date: Aug 2007
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SCIC
Location: SFV
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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.
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06-07-2010, 06:56 PM | #12 |
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Member#: 32493
Join Date: Feb 2003
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South East
Location: LSU
Vehicle:2002 Impreza WRX rock chipped blue |
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. |
06-07-2010, 08:52 PM | #13 |
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Join Date: Aug 2005
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NESIC
Location: S. Maine
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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.
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10-31-2010, 01:07 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: Oct 2005
Chapter/Region:
TXIC
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:RIP - Subaru FXTi SOLD - B13 SE-R |
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.
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10-31-2010, 01:51 PM | #15 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 134010
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region:
NESIC
Location: Boston
Vehicle:2007 WRX - BrenTuned UGM |
That looks exactly like the HF one, just rebranded. I'm sure they were both produced in the same manufacturing facility in China.
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10-31-2010, 09:34 PM | #16 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 5218
Join Date: Mar 2001
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MWSOC
Location: SAUL'S Motorsports
Vehicle:96L Most Over- Developed Beater |
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 |
11-01-2010, 06:57 AM | #17 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
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Tri-State
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:2013 Forester 2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG |
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.
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11-01-2010, 11:52 AM | #18 |
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Member#: 255221
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Location: Beckley WV
Vehicle:1997 Impreza L 2.2 Green |
harbor freight is awsome no matter what your doing or how broke you are lol
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11-02-2010, 06:32 PM | #19 |
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MWSOC
Location: Grand Rapids MI
Vehicle:03WR rallycarFXTleg PrimerGrey |
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.
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11-02-2010, 06:43 PM | #20 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region:
Tri-State
Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:2013 Forester 2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG |
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.
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11-02-2010, 07:12 PM | #21 |
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Join Date: May 2006
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Vehicle:2002 psm now w/ 2.5 jesus tuned my hot rod |
the goodyear one at pepboys isn't bad at all.
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11-02-2010, 07:39 PM | #22 | |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 32493
Join Date: Feb 2003
Chapter/Region:
South East
Location: LSU
Vehicle:2002 Impreza WRX rock chipped blue |
Quote:
except for the lateral link bolts. they just shrugged at the 400lb makita. |
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11-03-2010, 01:17 PM | #23 |
Scooby Guru
Member#: 5218
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MWSOC
Location: SAUL'S Motorsports
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^^^ 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 |
11-03-2010, 03:45 PM | #24 |
Scooby Newbie
Member#: 261796
Join Date: Oct 2010
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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 |
11-03-2010, 06:12 PM | #25 |
Scooby Specialist
Member#: 142029
Join Date: Feb 2007
Chapter/Region:
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Location: Lehigh Valley, PA
Vehicle:2013 Forester 2008 350z, 1991 Miata BRG |
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