Great tool for any RV owner

[DaHose]

I don't know quite where to post this, but DIY seems most appropriate.

I recently read a great review of the Harbor Freight 1/2" cordless impact driver in Hot Rod magazine. Based on the high praise, I bought one and tested for myself by removing wheel nuts on my RV that are torqued to 160 ft/lb. One use validated the Hot Rod review. The HF tool feels solid and has a variable trigger, but is only available with NiCD batteries. However, that does not seem to limit its performance. The driver can be had for about $100 when on sale. Batteries charge in about 2.5 hours and only cost $15 on sale, so having a capable tool with multiple batteries would be possible for less than $150. Compared to other more well known brands with price tags in the $400+ range and batteries around $70, the HF model is an incredibly good bargain.

I do plan to buy at least one more battery for it and a charger that can live in the RV. That will let me keep it ready for use at home and travel.

Jose

[CWOUSMC]

I'm the same way, if it is a tool that I might use once or twice I go to HF. If I am going to use it all the time I go with Craftsman.

[westend]

BurbMan wrote:
I am a frequent HF customer and generally have good things to say about their tools, but I had not had good experiences with their cordless stuff. Batteries don't last, don't hold a charge, and you need more than two because battery #2 will drain before battery #1 is done charging.

My last experience with HF cordless was 5 years ago-ish, so if they are getting better that's good to hear!

Search for "zapping batteries" I've zapped cordless NiCad tool batteries with pretty good success. I use my shop battery charger.

[Carb_Cleaner]

BurbMan wrote:
... not had good experiences with their cordless stuff. Batteries don't last, don't hold a charge, and you need more than two because battery #2 will drain before battery #1 is done charging.

This has been my experience, through others. Working in residential remodeling, you come across all kinds of guys using all kinds of brands. The Harbor Freight tools I see that have any kind of durability are some of their corded tools. If you see a HF cordless, it's not in use or already in the dumpster. My only HF tool (that hasn't broken and been tossed) is a corded 1/2" impact gun that works well on deck bolts and my trailer's lug nuts (for removal only, using a 4-way for tightening). Presently, I have five cordless drills (1/2" and 3/8") and four cordless drivers (1/4"), all of which see frequent use. In the past, I really liked Porter Cable cordless tools, but they've become very cheaply constructed. I've used Ridgid with a bit of satisfaction, going through batteries about every 3 years while never having a Ridgid 12V, 14.4V, 18V Ridgid drill/driver or 18V cordless sawzall actually break. Replacement batteries are easy to find. My latest cordless drill & driver purchase was a Makita Li-Ion kit, about two years ago. I've been very happy with it. For some reason or another, I've never liked DeWalt cordless tools (although, my green DeWalt radial-arm saw from the 1950's can't be killed).
That's a great price for an 18V impact gun, particularly with a 20% Super Coupon, but I'd rather spend the dough, once, and get something I believe to be more durable and reliable. Like my Dad says, "If you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you." JM2C

[porknbeanr]

I bought the 110v corded Heavy Duty version on sale for 39 bucks at Harbort Freight. I Keep it in my toy hauler which has a generator. I figure I'll never need it away from my fiver so I saved a few bucks and don't have to worry about a dead battery.

[n7bsn]

Harbor Freight, your location for disposable tools.

I buy a lot of tools from HF that I figure I well seldom be using or if it's a tool I don't know much about. Oh, ya, also things like the right-angle drill I use for power sanding (sawdust kills every drill I've ever used)

If it's a tool I will use a lot, I buy quality.

I'd guess this HF impact might also work with a 3/4 nut to lower/raise the stabilizers.

[filrupmark]

Guess I will stick with my old 4 way.

[downtheroad]

Take it or leave it...it's only my opinion but, I have pretty much given up on Harbor Freight stuff...good deals to be had, but you get what you pay for.

Cheap, inexpensive tools are...well cheap tools.

On one end you have Snap-On Matco and Mac...on the other end you have Harbor Freight...the truth lies somewhere in between.

[Dakota98]

I'm not using the cordless impact wrench, but I am using the cordless 18 volt drill from HF. It's great for the scissor type stabilizer jacks on my TT. At a total cost of $16 with coupon, how can you go wrong ?

[BurbMan]

I am a frequent HF customer and generally have good things to say about their tools, but I had not had good experiences with their cordless stuff. Batteries don't last, don't hold a charge, and you need more than two because battery #2 will drain before battery #1 is done charging.

My last experience with HF cordless was 5 years ago-ish, so if they are getting better that's good to hear!

[the_bear_II]

It's funny.... I often needed a powered impact wrench and then I bought one 10 years ago to carry in the truck, haven't needed it since. Knock on wood.

[newman_fulltime]

It sucks the battery does not keep a charge I have one replaced it and the batteries same results

[gbopp]

Harbor Freight 1/2 Inch Impact Wrench

Watch for it to go on sale.
And, don't forget to take a 20% Off Coupon with you.

[westend]

Thanks, Jose.
The HF impact is on my to-buy list, I've heard good things about it, too.