Harbor Freight cordless Impact

Rio_Grande · #1 10-13-2006, 03:23 AM

I am trying to decide which way to go from here. I have dewalt tools and need a cordless Impact. I decided to buy one but didn't want to spend the 315.00 for the dewalt. While taking some tires off the other day a guy behind me brought me a a harbor freight chicago electric 1/2 inch impact. I used it flawlessly and without problem. then watched him beat on some luggs on a suburban until they submitted. I saw it used on 8 wheels in 10 minuts 4 of which were 10 lug. He said it would do about 4 cars before needing to be recharged.

I realize it is not the quality of the Dewalt, but it also sells for 69.95. Anyone have one if so what do you think of it?

LEVE · #2 10-13-2006, 07:44 AM

I had one about 8 years ago. I used it all the time on the Jeep and Caravans. It was quite handy.

However the downside was it lasted only about 2 years. An internal part broke and though it would still spin, it's impact ability was compromised.

If you by one, consider it a throw away tool.

thorjeep · #3 10-13-2006, 04:59 PM

I saw those and was wondering too. Just make sure you check the ft lbs of it. I have seen those at Harbor freight advertising a whopping 120 in-lbs!

pontiac58 · #4 10-13-2006, 06:51 PM

Jeff dont waste your money. I know you will want it to last and work hard. I know its pricey, but buy the new snap on 18v gun. It will outlast you and take anything off you need it too, or just break it off. Nobody used there guns harder then me and my old boss at the yard. The new gun will take off 400ft lbs. Yes 400 ft lbs. It retorqued to 375ftlbs. Tractor trailer lugs.

The shame of it is, if you said this two weeks ago i would have sold you my old one. Nothing was wrong with it, and both batterys were less then a year old. i just trade mine in every couple of years. Cause they keep making the new ones better and better.

As for dewalt, i have used there 18volt gun. Its wimpy, not as strong as i thought it would be. Plus i have seen dewalts quality go downhill in the last couple of years.

I had the milliwakee gun first, was a good gun, just toooooo heavy.

No matter what get a case, cause it will be in the back of the jeep with you all the time.

KentuckyCrawler · #5 10-13-2006, 09:48 PM

I just bought a 28 Volt at work. Milwalkee I believe. The guys love it and say it is damn strong, but the price was too. around $550.

Brad

Dirt Dog · #6 10-13-2006, 10:18 PM

Guy at work bought one for home and was not to impressed. Traded it off in a hurry. We use the snap on ones that Jim talked about too. We love them but their not cheap. For an individual owner I think they would last a long time.........BUT (and you asked Jim [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img])......they last us about 6 months at a crack. I have to be fair & give examples....a dewalt 18v sawzall lasts us about 30 days, a 110 one goes about 2 months. Boss bought one called WORXS and looked pretty hardcore and it lasted about a month. He had it replaced and I trashed the second one in 20 minutes. Even the best bosch one has been in the shop 4 times (6 months out of 8).
So back on topic, when it comes to tools......like ALWAYS buy the best you can because when you need it YOU NEED it.
I vote for the snappy one. (but wait for the 24v thats coming out and 4 months behind schedual)
My $.02.

pontiac58 · #7 10-14-2006, 04:21 PM

[ QUOTE ]
BUT (and you asked Jim [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img])......they last us about 6 months at a crack.

[/ QUOTE ]

You guys just work to hard. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I think its time to slowwwww down some. At least they are only 75 bucks to have rebuilt.

Dave did you get any of the new guns yet? The old ones had a problem with the batterys shorting out if you tried to use them when they got low on juice.

Dave, i got to send you a pm before i forget, so go look there would ya.