Harbor Freight Tools... Inverter Generator

i know that i am one of the few that 'defend' HF

i bought their $29 vibrating? multi-tool, on sale $19.99 4 yrs ago
i have used it many times on many projects, bought replacement blades etc..

cut 'pergo' laminate flooring, scraped and RV roof, loaned it to a friend to scrap mortar and clean tile

it still works great, was a great investment

i also have their hydraulic wire crimping tool
and the cheap version of their hydraulic body tool

i am very happy with each one

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
"HF is a good place to buy a tool that you use once, then toss in the toolbox, or if you want an alternate set of stuff, should your main wrench or drill breaks. I've been to a HF once in my life."

Read it again, sort of an oxymoron dont'cha think?

Agree with your basic premise; however . . .

I can't tell you how many times I've had to do a one-time, one-off project where HF saved me some money.

Case-in-point. I was installing a small bathroom sink/vanity in my house. Needed to trim the wood baseboard to mount it flush against the wall. The only tool that would do it quickly, correctly, and simply was an oscillating, multi-function tool. The big-box stores wanted $100-$150 for Dewalt, Bosch, Porter-Cable versions. I purchased one at HF, on sale for $14.99, plus $5 for an attachment blade and used it for 10 minutes.

HF offers potential value if you're willing or able to take the time to look for it.

Locky wrote:
The generator is rated at 64db but it doesn't give any details about distance or under load etc... ....

Per its Manual it is 64dB at 50% load at 23 feet

"HF is a good place to buy a tool that you use once, then toss in the toolbox, or if you want an alternate set of stuff, should your main wrench or drill breaks. I've been to a HF once in my life."

Read it again, sort of an oxymoron dont'cha think?

The generator is rated at 64db but it doesn't give any details about distance or under load etc... For what it is worth, my opinion would be to spend the little bit extra if its in your budget and get the Champion. I have had great luck with mine (knock on wood) and will probably end up getting a second one.

I went on the Cabelas website and thechampion 2000 watt inverter generatorsaid it was rated at 65 decibels which surprised me.
somebody has just got to buy one of these things and tell us how they like it.At least with HFT I guess you can buy it and take it back if you don't like it without much hassle.
I wish it was parallel capable though

bikendan,

Are all of those SPL measurements you cited measured at the same load and the same distance? It appears not.

Max49 wrote:
Harbor Freight 2200 Watt Inverter Generator


Has any one bought and used one of these yet?

About 2 HP and 40CC bigger engine than the Champion 2000 Watt.
They don't say any thing about paralel capability and no RV type of plug, That would be nice but maybe not a deal breaker.
I'm tempted to try one but there are few reviews of this yet.

the noise rating of 64db, is extremely high for an inverter generator.:E in fact, i don't think i've ever seen an inverter generator that was rated that loud.

the open-framed Champion 3500 is rated at 65db. the Champion 2000w inverter generator is rated at about 54db, which is waaayyy quieter than this HF offering.

based on that noise level, it's no wonder no one has bought one.

harbor freight does not make anything,they sell some good stuff and some junk, the question is has anyone bought this inverter generator?

HF is a good place to buy a tool that you use once, then toss in the toolbox, or if you want an alternate set of stuff, should your main wrench or drill breaks. I've been to a HF once in my life.

It might be the same rebranded tool, but for hand tools, I end up with Kobalt, Craftsman, or Husky tier items. For power tools, it varies.

A generator is something you buy once, and if it is maintained, it will last decades. A malfunctioning generator can cause a lot of damage, so I'd rather spent a bit more (if possible -- this economy is still pretty horrific), and at least buy a known good brand like Champion. However, if the $100 ET800 clone is all one can afford, no shame in that. Just replace the spark plug, keep the oil/gas mixture right, and hopefully "buffer" electronic items with a power conditioner so the surges/spikes from the unregulated voltage are mitigated.