Harbor Freight tools thread.

good to know theyre actually good

 

Any problems with the retractable extension cord reel? I bought one about a year ago and it is pretty shitty... The outlets are garbage and tools that use just two prongs without the ground fall out while Im using them, I also have to push the last 3 feet or so of cord into the housing as it doesnt retract all the way.

I have a garage full of Harbor freight stuff and its one of the occasions I have been dissapointed

 

Yeah I've been pretty happy with them so far. I also forgot to mention I have two of their 50' retractable air reels (klutch brand). They are also holding up really well and seem to be of good quality.

I've not had any issues at all, I use it frequently for 2 prong stuff like angle grinders and such. Maybe you got one the factory made on a friday lol. What brand did you get, they have a couple different ones. This is the ones I have

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200660257_200660257

 

Sorry, didnt read the prior post to yours.... I was referring to the yellow 30ft from harbor freight(this one): Surprised the reviews are so good, it sucks pretty bad IMO... Just bought this one from Amazon and can already tell its 10x better

CopperPeak Tools Retractable Extension Cord Reel - Ceiling or Wall Mount - 12 Gauge - Blue and Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07JQ2LVBS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

All good, yeah one thing I haven't bought or messed with from HF is their electrical shit. Working in the power industry, I see too many faults/damages caused by cheap or under-engineered equipment. The great thing about HF though is that you can take it back no questions asked! That one from Amazon looks good but spendy!

 

Yeah it was definitely a little pricey for an extension cord, but the utility of having a retractable cord reel has been one of those "why haven't I had one of these my whole life" type moments.

Another positive note about harbor freight for me - Im in the garage ALOT and learning as I go with tools / equipment. Harbor freights PRICES have given me greater access to equipment, and often the realizations that:

A- I need the tool and the harbor freight one is acceptable for my use.
B- I need the tool and the harbor freight one isn't going to cut it.
C- Don't need that shit and glad I didn't spend $ on a nice unit.

 

There are quite a few Northern Tool stores in MN, and a good amount of my tools are from them. I particularly like their Klutch brand hand tools

 

Inverter on sale

 

How's this one working out for you??

 

I’ve had the cord reel from Home Depot’s HDX line for 3 years without a single issue.

It’s the same manufacturer as the HF version but it’s all orange, and it was $5 cheaper.

 

cheaper and good reviews on other forums

 

just picked up the predator 2000w inverter generator. This is the break in. The heater is running 1500w, generator is rated for 1600w running. It didn't overload or bog down. And its quiet, even quieter if you kick on eco. I would recommend it..

 

regarding the cord extension reels, folks might want to be cautious and aware that the Home Depot HDX as well as the Harbor Freight reel is limited to 10 amps. Your wiring and circuit in your garage is at least 15 amp, maybe 20. Lots of garage tools will push the limit of 10 amps and you'll be relying on the built in circuit breaker of the reel to trip if there is a problem. Your circuit breaker in the electrical panel will never sense it and you could be running the risk of a fire. At a minimum I'd suggest using at least a reel with #14 wire, or better #12 if you can find one.

 

No issues with mine for my uses.

 

I have the Honda version of that same generator. It cost about 4x as much .

 

You also have the Honda version.

 

I was gunning for a Honda, but after checking out another campers predator last weekend, we pulled the trigger. He was one site over and powered his 5th wheel with it for a few hours, couldn't hear it in my pop up.i couldn't justify the price of the Honda after talking to the guy. He's had his over a year no issues. Just oil changes and blow the filter out every month.we'll see if it holds up. Got the warranty too..

 

True he does have the Honda, but I can buy 3 more of these and a parrell kit for what he has tied up in his. And I've seen on YouTube some Honda accessories will work on this.

 

No doubt it’s less expensive and has some compatibility.

I wouldn’t be upset for spending more money for a Honda, unless I didn’t really need the Honda in the first place. He said “I bought the Honda version of the same generator.”

To that end is my point - it isn’t the same generator.

 

It's at least twice as nice that's for sure.

Here's a couple side x side pics