Harbor Freight Tools

[BrianAlex]

I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

[altar nospam]

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:50:13 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

Sure are!

Anvils.

As long as you are gentle with them, they could last two or even three
weeks!

Tom

[RAM³]

Post by altar nospam
On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:50:13 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex
Sure are!
Anvils.
As long as you are gentle with them, they could last two or even three
weeks!
Tom

The anvils that they have now are only good for doorstops - they quit
carrying the cast steel anvils.

THOSE anvils are small but highly sought by beginning blacksmiths.

OTOH, Caveat Emptor is the watchword for tools and expendables no matter
where you shop.

[BrianAlex]

Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

[RonB]

  Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.

Oh BOOO! That was bad.

[Tom J]

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to the
hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator???

Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability policy if you
do.

Tom J

Tom J

[Hunter Hampton]

Post by Tom J
I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to the
hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator???>

Good way to clean out the gene pool, just hope he hasn't reproduced
yet.

Post by Tom J
Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability policy if you
do.>

No. Why should my insurance go up for his stupidity?

Hunter

[Technobarbarian]

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to the
hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a generator???
Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability policy if you do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of may be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

http://news.google.com/news/search?pz=1&cf=all&ned=us&hl=en&q=carbon+monoxide+hospital+generator&cf=all&start=10 My favorites were: "He led a full life." and the Darwin award winnerswho moved the generator inside their house:http://www.dodgecountynews.com/archives/358-Generator-exhaust-suspected-cause-of-womans-death.html I've only lived in apartments during two brief transitional phasesand I've learned to avoid it like the plague. In one place they caughtsomeone making and storing bombs a little while after I moved out. In theother place a couple of heavy smokers also required lots of oxygen tosurvive. Since they wouldn't give up the cigarettes and couldn't give up theoxygen management evicted them. With the generator I'd be more worried aboutthe gasoline they were storing than carbon monoxide. Either way I'd quicklytake care of any generator that was running outside my apartment. "No, Ididn't see who hit your spark plug with a hammer."TB

[Tom J]

Post by Technobarbarian

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability
policy if you
do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of may be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc have
claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past couple of
years.

Tom J

[Eregon]

Post by Tom J

Post by Technobarbarian

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability
policy if you
do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of may be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc have
claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past couple of
years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed space is a
stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid to read - much
less understand - the Safety Instructions that accompany even the
cheapest Chicom genset.

Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.

These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a portable
genset while it's running.

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

Post by Technobarbarian

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another power
outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's liability
policy if you
do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of may be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc have
claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past couple of
years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed space is a
stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid to read - much
less understand - the Safety Instructions that accompany even the
cheapest Chicom genset.
Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.
These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a portable
genset while it's running.

Carbon monoxide is not visible, therefore to dummkopfs it does not exist.

If you can comprehend that mindset, you can see why shit happens to a certain
percentage of the population.
LZ

[Eregon]

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

Post by Technobarbarian

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another
power outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and
maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's
liability policy if you
do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of
may
be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc
have claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past
couple of years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed space
is a stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid to read -
much less understand - the Safety Instructions that accompany even
the cheapest Chicom genset.
Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.
These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a
portable genset while it's running.

Carbon monoxide is not visible, therefore to dummkopfs it does not exist.
If you can comprehend that mindset, you can see why shit happens to a
certain percentage of the population.
LZ

I'm none too sure that "mind" applies here...

[BrianAlex]

Post by Eregon

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

Post by Tom J

  Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
  On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take
the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another
power outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and
maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's
liability policy if you
do.

      I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of
      may
be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc
have claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past
couple of years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed space
is a stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid to read -
much less understand - the Safety Instructions that accompany even
the cheapest Chicom genset.
Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.
These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a
portable genset while it's running.

Carbon monoxide is not visible, therefore to dummkopfs it does not exist.
If you can comprehend that mindset, you can see why shit happens to a
certain percentage of the population.
LZ

I'm none too sure that "mind" applies here...
--
"Vocabulary word for the day: Liquidity: When you look at your
investments and wet your pants." - Carla Fong- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.
Just asking,because I don't intend to do this unless this can be
figured out.
But all this talk about "gene pools" and such has me wondering just
how bright some of you really are.

[Tom J]

Post by BrianAlex
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

It depends on which way the wind is blowing. If it blowing towards the
building, I wouldn't take the chance, even at that distance if there
are opening to the building on that side. For your information, most
motorhome rallies now require exhaust stacks above the tops of the rig
when parked rally distances.

Google gasoline generator poisoning. here is the link:
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=gasoline+generator+poisoning&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&aqi=&oq=&fp=435311d5ec9ae78f

Tom J

[BrianAlex]

Post by Tom J

  Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

It depends on which way the wind is blowing. If it blowing towards the
building, I wouldn't take the chance, even at that distance if there
are opening to the building on that side. For your information, most
motorhome rallies now require exhaust stacks above the tops of the rig
when parked rally distances.
Google gasoline generator poisoning. here is the link:http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=gasoline+generator+poisoning...
Tom J

Thanks Tom. This would just be running for the duration of the power
outage. I'm wondering if I could just duct the exhaust to the utility
closet vent (water heaters,gas clothes dryer). Obviously I wouldn't
put a gasoline fueled genset IN the utility closet (pilot lights etc.)
This is a nornal vent that exits on the roof.
Or I could just stick with plan "A" which was 2 "Marine" batts.and a
converor.

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by BrianAlex

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

It depends on which way the wind is blowing. If it blowing towards the
building, I wouldn't take the chance, even at that distance if there
are opening to the building on that side. For your information, most
motorhome rallies now require exhaust stacks above the tops of the rig
when parked rally distances.
Google gasoline generator poisoning. here is the link:http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=gasoline+generator+poisoning...
Tom J

Thanks Tom. This would just be running for the duration of the power
outage. I'm wondering if I could just duct the exhaust to the utility
closet vent (water heaters,gas clothes dryer). Obviously I wouldn't
put a gasoline fueled genset IN the utility closet (pilot lights etc.)
This is a nornal vent that exits on the roof.
Or I could just stick with plan "A" which was 2 "Marine" batts.and a
converor.

Or you could burn some incense and chant to get the power gods on your side.
LZ

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by BrianAlex

Post by Eregon

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

Post by Technobarbarian

Post by Tom J

Post by BrianAlex
Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another
power outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs and
maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent to
the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was using a
generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar renter's
liability policy if you
do.

I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking of
may
be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other smaller
incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I can't
find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other cases where
generators used in basements, beside open windows, on patios, etc
have claimed many lives and made thousands sick just in the past
couple of years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed space
is a stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid to read -
much less understand - the Safety Instructions that accompany even
the cheapest Chicom genset.
Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.
These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a
portable genset while it's running.

Carbon monoxide is not visible, therefore to dummkopfs it does not exist.
If you can comprehend that mindset, you can see why shit happens to a
certain percentage of the population.
LZ

I'm none too sure that "mind" applies here...
--
"Vocabulary word for the day: Liquidity: When you look at your
investments and wet your pants." - Carla Fong- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.
Just asking,because I don't intend to do this unless this can be
figured out.
But all this talk about "gene pools" and such has me wondering just
how bright some of you really are.

The only RV we owned where we boondocked and ran the generator a lot, I vented
the generator exhaust up the rear ladder and above the roof line. Worked well.
LZ

[Chuck Norris]

On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:07:45 -0700, Lone Haranguer

Post by Lone Haranguer
The only RV we owned where we boondocked and ran the generator a lot, I vented
the generator exhaust up the rear ladder and above the roof line. Worked well.
LZ

My Itasca has the 5KW gene in the drivers side rear. I run it often
when dry camping and have only smelled fumes once and that was for 2-3
mins max.

The exhaust is at the rear corner aimed rearwards.

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by Chuck Norris
On Mon, 01 Feb 2010 19:07:45 -0700, Lone Haranguer

Post by Lone Haranguer
The only RV we owned where we boondocked and ran the generator a lot, I vented
the generator exhaust up the rear ladder and above the roof line. Worked well.
LZ

My Itasca has the 5KW gene in the drivers side rear. I run it often
when dry camping and have only smelled fumes once and that was for 2-3
mins max.
The exhaust is at the rear corner aimed rearwards.

My '95's generator was also on the driver's side, rear compartment but the
exhaust was to the side. I put on the extension after only a few uses
because, even with the bedroom window closed, enough fumes got in to activate
the carbon monoxide detector.

My nose detected the fumes even sooner. People who looked at my exhaust stack
thought it was a nifty keen idea. I think I spent about $125 having it
fabricated and installed. I painted it to match the MH.
LZ

[Neon John]

On Mon, 1 Feb 2010 17:29:58 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

You'll be fine with it that far away. The mental midgets who are
wailing and gnashing their teeth over this can't seem to distinguish
between a tiny little generator that only produces a whiff of exhaust
and full sized generators.

You can see photos of my cabin on my web site. My little genny sits
on the porch just to the left of the front door. It's out of the
weather and out of the way. My CO monitor has never bumped off zero.

I suggest having a CO monitor in the apartment just on general
principle. I like the NightHawk (the rectangular model) better than
any other I've ever evaluated.

One other small item that I recommend is an indoor-outdoor thermometer
for your fridge. Mount the outdoor sensor in the fridge and attach
the digital display to the side of the fridge. then during a power
outage you can watch the temperature and know when to run the genny.
You don't want to discover how easy it is to get food poisoning from
refrigerated food that got too warm. (quick! Some panty wetter, please
post THOSE stats.)

My fairly new upright, freezer-on-top fridge goes from the normal 34
degrees to 50 in about 12 hours. So much for the myth that a closed
fridge will go days without warming up. I start my genny when the
temperature goes above 45 deg.

Post by BrianAlex
But all this talk about "gene pools" and such has me wondering just
how bright some of you really are.

If you hang around RORT very long, you'll discover that the panty
wetters are pretty much at the bottom of the gene pool. In fact, some
are stuck to the suction grate at the deep end!

John

[altar nospam]

Post by Neon John

Post by BrianAlex
Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

You'll be fine with it that far away. The mental midgets who are
wailing and gnashing their teeth over this can't seem to distinguish
between a tiny little generator that only produces a whiff of exhaust
and full sized generators.
You can see photos of my cabin on my web site. My little genny sits
on the porch just to the left of the front door. It's out of the
weather and out of the way. My CO monitor has never bumped off zero.

I have similar experiences. My Honda sits on the porch, with the cord
going under the door. Since it's always cold when the power goes, the
house is closed up. I can't imagine enough exhaust seeping into the
house to even begin to cause a problem.

Further, we all have generators on our RV with the exhaust right under
the living quarters. What's the difference?

Tom

[Hunter Hampton]

Post by altar nospam
I have similar experiences. My Honda sits on the porch, with the cord
going under the door. Since it's always cold when the power goes, the
house is closed up. I can't imagine enough exhaust seeping into the
house to even begin to cause a problem.
Further, we all have generators on our RV with the exhaust right under
the living quarters. What's the difference?

I see no problem with the generator outside. It was the person who was
putting it in the building that I was responding to.

We had out big generator right next to the basement sliding doors in
SC.

Hunter

[Gil J]

Post by Hunter Hampton
We had out big generator right next to the basement sliding doors in
SC.

Mine is in the garage (not attached) hooked to a 30A feed into the house
panel.
When the power goes off i kill the main house breaker and plug in the
generator.
(6250W) Will run all except 3 ton ac and electric range. microwave, tv,
computer
and furnace all work well. I raise the garage door about 6 inches when
running.
I'm working on an external exaust out and up over the roof with a flapper to
eliminate water and other things from getting in.

Gil

[BrianAlex]

Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

[unknown]

Post by BrianAlex
Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

I checked on one today.
They apparently read RORT.
The price is now 149.95.
The clerk said, on the way in, they were 109.95.
Apparently went up since his shift yesterday?

[BrianAlex]

Post by unknown

  Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
  I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

I checked on one today.
They apparently read RORT.
The price is now 149.95.
The clerk said, on the way in, they were 109.95.
Apparently went up since his shift yesterday?

When I was there today it was marked as a "special" "Regular 149,on
sale 109. I showed the clerk the coupon that I got in the mail "$99.99
and that's what he charged. On the coupon flier it says it ends Feb.
25.Must be a regional thing.I'm in Calif.

[altar nospam]

On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 18:36:06 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex

Post by unknown

  Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
  I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

I checked on one today.
They apparently read RORT.
The price is now 149.95.
The clerk said, on the way in, they were 109.95.
Apparently went up since his shift yesterday?

When I was there today it was marked as a "special" "Regular 149,on
sale 109. I showed the clerk the coupon that I got in the mail "$99.99
and that's what he charged. On the coupon flier it says it ends Feb.
25.Must be a regional thing.I'm in Calif.

In Washington State, got the $99 coupon in the flier.

Tom

[Hunter Hampton]

Post by unknown
I checked on one today.
They apparently read RORT.
The price is now 149.95.
The clerk said, on the way in, they were 109.95.
Apparently went up since his shift yesterday?

I got my flyer in the mail today... they're 99.00 with the flyer
coupon.

Hunter

[altar nospam]

On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:27:48 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?

Tom

[BrianAlex]

Post by altar nospam
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:27:48 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

 Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
 I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?
Tom

It's pretty bad in a residential setting. If fact I will eiher build
a small enclosure or return it since I do have neighbors that may
sleep occasionally.- BA

[nothermark]

On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 19:30:46 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex

Post by altar nospam
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:27:48 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

 Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
 I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?
Tom

It's pretty bad in a residential setting. If fact I will eiher build
a small enclosure or return it since I do have neighbors that may
sleep occasionally.- BA

For what you want it for they won't bitch if you share. ;-)

[BrianAlex]

Post by nothermark
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 19:30:46 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by altar nospam
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:27:48 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

 Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
 I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?
Tom

 It's pretty bad in a residential setting. If fact I will eiher build
a small enclosure or return it since I do have neighbors that may
sleep occasionally.- BA

For what you want it for they won't bitch if you share.  ;-)- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Here is a brief clip of the little-gennie-that-could powering 500W
load. You can get a sense of the noise involved.


http://s956.photobucket.com/albums/ae48/Brian_Alex/?action=view&current=MVI_1578.flv

[Mike Hendrix]

On Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:12:27 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex

Post by nothermark
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 19:30:46 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by altar nospam
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 17:27:48 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

 Well, I just bought the Harbor Freight $99.99 Special (800W rated,
900 Max,63cc engine supposedly 2HP). Got it home  and noticed that it
is a little 2-stroke,requireing gas/oil mix. I have some for my garden
equipment and I've got it running in the banana grove out back with a
500 watt load. Manual says no more that 600 W during first 25 hours
and I am also testing to see how well it works and if it does get 5hrs
to a gallon powering 500 watts.(4 hours so far).
 I would recommend this except that it is pretty noisy.Obviously it
isn't designed to be used for back-up power,in fact throughout the
instructiuons it refers to the "tools" that you will be running.

While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?
Tom

 It's pretty bad in a residential setting. If fact I will eiher build
a small enclosure or return it since I do have neighbors that may
sleep occasionally.- BA

For what you want it for they won't bitch if you share.  ;-)- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Here is a brief clip of the little-gennie-that-could powering 500W
load. You can get a sense of the noise involved.
http://s956.photobucket.com/albums/ae48/Brian_Alex/?action=view&current=MVI_1578.flv

----------------------
Brian, I just viewed/listened to your clip. That appears to be the
exact little generator I have. One thing I can tell you from
experience is that under a greater load that generator will get
quieter. The "knocking" sound that I was hearing is the sound my
little generator makes when it isn't under sufficient load.

Neon John can explain the technicalities much better than I but the
little generator is "tuned" for a heavier load. It actually gets
quieter under that load --- and that knocking goes away.

When I am running mine I listen for that "knocking" sound. When I
hear it I know that it is only putting out around 2-amps. It is much
quieter at 5 to 8 amps.

Since I am using my little generator to keep up the batteries while we
dry camp here in Key West that knocking sound is important to me. I
turn the generator off when we start hearing that knock. That way I
am not just running the generator when the batteries are essentially
at full charge or nearly so.

We have been here 7-days and we got generator gas today. It took 6.3
gallons for those 7-days. In other words less than 1-gallon a day to
keep my batteries charged.

I hope you end up liking that little generator as much as I like and
use mine.

mike
--

[altar nospam]

On Thu, 4 Feb 2010 17:12:27 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex

Post by nothermark

Post by altar nospam
While I already have a Honda EU2000, I am considering this one, based
on comments from Neon John. Can't say that I need it for anything, but
one can't have too many toys.
How noisy is noisy?
Tom

 It's pretty bad in a residential setting. If fact I will eiher build
a small enclosure or return it since I do have neighbors that may
sleep occasionally.- BA

For what you want it for they won't bitch if you share.  ;-)- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Here is a brief clip of the little-gennie-that-could powering 500W
load. You can get a sense of the noise involved.
http://s956.photobucket.com/albums/ae48/Brian_Alex/?action=view&current=MVI_1578.flv

That made up my mind for me. That was an ear grating sound, loud or
not. If I didn't have a Honda, I probably would have got it.

Thanks,

Tom

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by altar nospam

Post by Neon John

Post by BrianAlex
Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.

You'll be fine with it that far away. The mental midgets who are
wailing and gnashing their teeth over this can't seem to distinguish
between a tiny little generator that only produces a whiff of exhaust
and full sized generators.
You can see photos of my cabin on my web site. My little genny sits
on the porch just to the left of the front door. It's out of the
weather and out of the way. My CO monitor has never bumped off zero.

I have similar experiences. My Honda sits on the porch, with the cord
going under the door. Since it's always cold when the power goes, the
house is closed up. I can't imagine enough exhaust seeping into the
house to even begin to cause a problem.
Further, we all have generators on our RV with the exhaust right under
the living quarters. What's the difference?
Tom

In an apartment complex there are other people to consider.
LZ

[Eregon]

Post by BrianAlex

Post by Eregon

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

Post by Tom J

  Well,I hope I didn't open up a can of Chinese noodles.
  On the advise of Neon John and Mike Hendix I think I will
take the
plunge and purchase the $99 generator and if we have another
power outage I will run it outside the apartment downstairs
and maybe cut
him in on a few watts to keep him from complaining.

I guess you didn't read this past week about the 16 people sent
to the hospital from 1 apartment complex where 1 tenant was
using a generator??? Stupid idea!!! Get a million dollar
renter's liability policy if you
do.

      I didn't find that one and the incident you're thinking

of

Post by Eregon

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by Eregon

Post by Tom J

      may
be
related to a faulty boiler vent. I did find plenty of other
smaller incidents.

It was on news feeds on the computer a couple of weeks ago. I
can't find that incident now, but there are hundreds of other
cases where generators used in basements, beside open windows, on
patios, etc have claimed many lives and made thousands sick just
in the past couple of years.
Tom J

Having the exhaust of a gasoline/diesel genset in an enclosed
space is a stupid thing that's done by people that are too stupid
to read - much less understand - the Safety Instructions that
accompany even the cheapest Chicom genset.
Those people are known as Darwin Award Candidates.
These are the same ones that'll try to refill the fuel tank of a
portable genset while it's running.

Carbon monoxide is not visible, therefore to dummkopfs it does not exist.
If you can comprehend that mindset, you can see why shit happens to
a certain percentage of the population.
LZ

I'm none too sure that "mind" applies here...
--
"Vocabulary word for the day: Liquidity: When you look at your
investments and wet your pants." - Carla Fong- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -

Some of you guys sound pretty bright. I know that many RVs have
generators yet I don't hear in the news too many cases about people
dying from exhaust fumes.
Why wouldn't it be possible to route the fumes safely in the
vicinity of an apartment building? The unit would be 25 feet from the
building to start with.
Just asking,because I don't intend to do this unless this can be
figured out.
But all this talk about "gene pools" and such has me wondering just
how bright some of you really are.

The discussion concerned those abyssmal idiots who are stupid enough to
try to run gasoline-/diesel-fuelled gensets INDOORS.

If you're planning on having your unit OUTDOORS then those comments do
not apply.

Of course, not all apartment dwellers live on the ground floor in areas
where the local punks won't simply steal the genset.. <G>

[Ralph]

  ...? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

Lots actually. I use Harbor Freight tools anywhere I need a cheap
tool. The compact right-angle drill I use for sanding ($19 to $39) is
$100 cheaper then others and all die due to sawdust.

The sanding pads I have bought there work, and work well. The HSS
chisels are worth the money.

The flax twine SWMBO buys there she swears by. The $9 pet beds are
great.

But all of my serious tools were bough someplace else

[Hunter Hampton]

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:50:13 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

I have their big professional brick wet saw... it's great! I also
have their pancake air compressor... the secret is to always buy the
extended warranty they offer.

The angle grinder worked flawlessly through a big job.

I don't buy everyday things, like drills from them though.....

Hunter

[Mike Simmons]

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!

Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

[nothermark]

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

[Max]

Post by nothermark
Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Merchandise from China is not always bad. Many companies have production
facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what the
company has in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. The same quality
control is in effect in the Chinese plants as in the "home" company plants.
Quality problems arise when a Chinese company manufactures a product under
contract or when a retailer buys Chinese designed and manufactured products.
(think: Harbor Freight)

Max

[nothermark]

Post by Max

Post by nothermark
Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Merchandise from China is not always bad. Many companies have production
facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what the
company has in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. The same quality
control is in effect in the Chinese plants as in the "home" company plants.
Quality problems arise when a Chinese company manufactures a product under
contract or when a retailer buys Chinese designed and manufactured products.
(think: Harbor Freight)
Max

I beg to differ on one point - that should read:

"facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what
the company had in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. They are the
same or upgraded machinery relocated."

Reality is that Chinese companies have been buying American companies,
putting the equipment in contaners and shipping it to China where they
have often brought soon to be ex employee's over to teach the locals
how to run the equipment.

[unknown]

Post by nothermark

Post by Max

Post by nothermark
Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Merchandise from China is not always bad. Many companies have production
facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what the
company has in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. The same quality
control is in effect in the Chinese plants as in the "home" company plants.
Quality problems arise when a Chinese company manufactures a product under
contract or when a retailer buys Chinese designed and manufactured products.
(think: Harbor Freight)
Max

"facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what
the company had in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc. They are the
same or upgraded machinery relocated."
Reality is that Chinese companies have been buying American companies,
putting the equipment in contaners and shipping it to China where they
have often brought soon to be ex employee's over to teach the locals
how to run the equipment.

Our State Department, Department of Commerce and the Administrations
encouraged this.
We even offered economic incentives.
The Globalists have stripped America. There is little concern about
America, the Republic, or American Citizens and the American Dream among
these People.
Now a Corporation is running for office. Only time until a global
Corporation, and American Citizen runs and is elected by other Global
Corporations(American Citizens)???

[RonB]

Merchandise from China is not always bad.  Many companies have production
facilities in China that are no different, machinery-wise, from what the
company has in The US, Japan, Korea, Germany, etc.  

We might as well get over the Taiwan/China stigma. They are in the
process of kicking our butts on machine tools and tool components just
like Japan did with cars. Just a little more sneaky. If you are
outfitting a wood shop you can wave your pay premium for good USA
brands like Delta, Powermatic, Jet, etc. They are pretty much
assembled from off-shore parts from the east. Same thing with metal
machinery.

A few years ago a company named Grizzly started selling from the back
pages of woodworking and metal fabrication magazines. Today, they are
becoming a major producer of machine tools, pneumatic tools, etc. And
much of their stuff is a better value than the USA stuff (with
offshore parts). Eight years ago I started looking for my
"retirement" cabinet saw. I was predispositioned to the Delta Unisaw
that I had used during the 70's and 80's. The new saws were not the
quality of those older machines. I ended up with a Grizzly 1023s that
is a engineered Unisaw type of machine and I love it. The Grizzly
cost $875 at the time. A similar Unisaw was $1400. Grizzly holds
prices down very simply. The tools are imported into three US
locations and you buy directly from them. Yes shipping for a 400-800
pound machine is $120-$160 but the price is still right. Fortunately
we live close enough to the Grizzly Springfield store we go and get
stuff.

Harbor Freight is not a Grizzly. Many Grizzly machines are made in
ISO 9000/9001 facilities and to high standards. Most heavy HF stuff
is shoved out the door. Yeah, you get what you pay for but in the
case of companies like Griz, you pay less for the same (or better)
level of quality.

(Standard disclaimer - no affiliation to Grizzly other than
satisfaction)

[Mike Simmons]

Post by nothermark

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom. I try not to
support any country that is our enemy.

Mike

[bill horne]

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by nothermark

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom.

Which is getting harder all the time. Christmas before last, I went to
Sears instead of Walmart to buy a countertop can opener. Of the 7-8
"US brands" they had, all were made in China.

Post by Mike Simmons
I try not
to support any country that is our enemy.
Mike

[Tom J]

Post by bill horne

Post by Mike Simmons

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:49:24 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 ,
and one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not
worth the $7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears
to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must
have been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and
no
work got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire
project with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than
"Guangzhou ").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing
still made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a
lot of other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom.

Which is getting harder all the time. Christmas before last, I went to
Sears instead of Walmart to buy a countertop can opener. Of the 7-8
"US brands" they had, all were made in China.

There are many items marked "Made in the USA" that contain parts made
in China. Remember when many use to say "I don't buy anything made in
Japan" but were driving around in those US brand vehicles made in
Japan?
Don't say you don't buy something made in another country - any
country, because you have know way of knowing.

Tom J

[bill horne]

Post by Tom J

Post by bill horne

Post by Mike Simmons

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:49:24 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 ,
and one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not
worth the $7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears
to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must
have been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and
no
work got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire
project with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than
"Guangzhou ").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing
still made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a
lot of other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom.

Which is getting harder all the time. Christmas before last, I went to
Sears instead of Walmart to buy a countertop can opener. Of the 7-8
"US brands" they had, all were made in China.

There are many items marked "Made in the USA" that contain parts made
in China. Remember when many use to say "I don't buy anything made in
Japan" but were driving around in those US brand vehicles made in
Japan?
Don't say you don't buy something made in another country - any
country, because you have know way of knowing.

I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical
style and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with
imported fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA
fabric. None say USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear
OK in the USA - I haven't tried wearing them in (some other country).

[nothermark]

Post by bill horne

Post by Tom J

Post by bill horne

Post by Mike Simmons

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:49:24 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 ,
and one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not
worth the $7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears
to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must
have been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and
no
work got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire
project with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than
"Guangzhou ").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing
still made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a
lot of other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom.

Which is getting harder all the time. Christmas before last, I went to
Sears instead of Walmart to buy a countertop can opener. Of the 7-8
"US brands" they had, all were made in China.

There are many items marked "Made in the USA" that contain parts made
in China. Remember when many use to say "I don't buy anything made in
Japan" but were driving around in those US brand vehicles made in
Japan?
Don't say you don't buy something made in another country - any
country, because you have know way of knowing.

I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical
style and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with
imported fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA
fabric. None say USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear
OK in the USA - I haven't tried wearing them in (some other country).

I just returned a Penny's stafford whirt with the excuse it was cheap
chinese crap. I don't know how but the managed to make a 60% cotton
shirt feel like sandpaper.

[bill horne]

Post by nothermark

Post by bill horne

Post by Tom J

Post by bill horne

Post by Mike Simmons

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:49:24 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 ,
and one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not
worth the $7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears
to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must
have been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and
no
work got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire
project with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than
"Guangzhou ").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing
still made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a
lot of other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom.

Which is getting harder all the time. Christmas before last, I went to
Sears instead of Walmart to buy a countertop can opener. Of the 7-8
"US brands" they had, all were made in China.

There are many items marked "Made in the USA" that contain parts made
in China. Remember when many use to say "I don't buy anything made in
Japan" but were driving around in those US brand vehicles made in
Japan?
Don't say you don't buy something made in another country - any
country, because you have know way of knowing.

I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical
style and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with
imported fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA
fabric. None say USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear
OK in the USA - I haven't tried wearing them in (some other country).

I just returned a Penny's stafford whirt with the excuse it was cheap
chinese crap. I don't know how but the managed to make a 60% cotton
shirt feel like sandpaper.

Maybe the other 40% is melamine or fiberglass.

[Max]

I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical style
and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with imported
fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA fabric. None say
USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear OK in the USA - I
haven't tried wearing them in (some other country).
--
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.

Good thing. I know I don't have to be concerned about you wearing one in
Mexico but just in case, you need to know that you'll get holes in them if
you do.

Max

[bill horne]

Post by Max

Post by bill horne
I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical
style and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with
imported fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA
fabric. None say USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear
OK in the USA - I haven't tried wearing them in (some other country).
--
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.

Good thing. I know I don't have to be concerned about you wearing one
in Mexico but just in case, you need to know that you'll get holes in
them if you do.
Max

I haven't seen any bulletproof shirts in Walmart - so that means the
Chinese aren't making them yet.

[Frank Howell]

Post by bill horne

Post by Max

Post by bill horne
I buy most of my shirts from Walmart. Shirts of apparently identical
style and price have different labels. Some say Made in USA with
imported fabric. Others say Made in (some other country) with USA
fabric. None say USA/USA - but they all wear OK. At least, they wear
OK in the USA - I haven't tried wearing them in (some other
country). --
bill
Theory don't mean squat if it don't work.

Good thing. I know I don't have to be concerned about you wearing
one in Mexico but just in case, you need to know that you'll get
holes in them if you do.
Max

I haven't seen any bulletproof shirts in Walmart - so that means the
Chinese aren't making them yet.

Maybe 'cuz they want the outcome of future "Tiananmen squares" to be just
like the first one.

[Tom J]

Post by Mike Simmons

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 11:49:24 -0600, "Mike Simmons"

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must
have
been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work
got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire
project
with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than
"Guangzhou
").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom. I try
not to support any country that is our enemy.

That's a long ways from your tag line in your previous post:
"(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)"

Tom J

[Mike Simmons]

Post by Tom J

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by nothermark

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I
followed up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to
pick up a cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to
be just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have
been Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work
got done. Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my
Boysenberries and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks
the twine was broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project
with stainless steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts
$99.99 ( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou
").Or the Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are
there actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!
Mike
(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)

Do you always check labels? THe alst time I bought a hammer I went
the the whole wall rack at Homedespot before I found an Estwing still
made here. All the other hammers were chinese. Ditto on a lot of
other hand tools.

Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom. I try
not to support any country that is our enemy.

"(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)"
Tom J

How so? I don't buy ChiCom crap. My previous statement doesn't alter that.

Mike

[Max]

Post by Tom J

Post by Mike Simmons
Yeppers! I always check EVERY label! I try to buy US whenever it is
possible. If not possible I try to buy "other" than ChiCom. I try
not to support any country that is our enemy.

"(who doesn't buy ChiCom crap!)"
Tom J

You've never heard of an amendment?

Max

[altar nospam]

Post by Mike Simmons
try not to
support any country that is our enemy.

China is our enemy?

Tom

[unknown]

Post by altar nospam

Post by Mike Simmons
try not to
support any country that is our enemy.

China is our enemy?
Tom

Damned straight.
we haven't declared it but the Chinese Marxist said so and never
retracted it.
They demonstrate it in every way.
They intend to dominate the seas and trade and access to resources.
The Global Merchants and Bankers see no problem with forfeiting "America."
They have virtually stripped America and shipped it to China and they
dictate our policies. They hold the note.

[bill horne]

Post by Mike Simmons

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

You get what you pay fer!

I just bought one of these:
http://www.blackanddecker.com/productguide/product-details.aspx?productid=23592&toolview=7#details
from Walmart for $10. It was made in China.

Is this one for $20:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16896736210&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Tools++Hand+++Power-_-Black+++Decker-_-96736210
made in the USA? If so, is it twice as good? Will I get what I pay for?

Or this one for $30 (although it appears that I have to buy two to get
this wonderful price):
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030C4GAU/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0006GQ674&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=07T5VQX6MSTNPTJ98Q81
Is it made in the USA? If so, is it 3 times as good? Will I get what I
pay for?

And is this one for $30:
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-VP810-3-6-Volt-Screwdriver/dp/B001HX57A2
which my $10 one is replacing, 3 times as good? I hope not, because
everytime I pull that one out of my toolbox, the dambattery is dead.
And while a new battery will fix that problem for a while, a
dambattery costs about $15. And while that one has some bells and
whistles - articulating handle and sort of a torque selector - I found
that I rarely used either bell or whistle. I didn't get what I paid
for. Or thought I paid for - a reasonably reliable cordless screwdriver.

Meanwhile, for the tougher screw jobs and non-industrial drilling,
I've got one of these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Black-Decker-18V-Compact-Drill/10779757
for which I paid $58 several years ago. I've been happy with it -
although it was made in China. I've gotten at least what I paid for it
- maybe more.

However, if I were a drywall installer or a deck builder by trade, I'd
probably buy a more expensive, more upscale tool. But I'm not.

Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty
useless statement, IMO.

[Lone Haranguer]

Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty useless
statement, IMO.

Red Hot Suzie's escort service uses that same slogan....or so I've heard.
LZ

[unknown]

Post by Lone Haranguer

Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty useless
statement, IMO.

Red Hot Suzie's escort service uses that same slogan....or so I've heard.
LZ

Where was she when she told you?

[Lone Haranguer]

Post by unknown

Post by Lone Haranguer

Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty useless
statement, IMO.

Red Hot Suzie's escort service uses that same slogan....or so I've heard.
LZ

Where was she when she told you?

Who knows? I heard it from a satisfied customer.
LZ

[unknown]

Post by Lone Haranguer

Post by unknown

Post by Lone Haranguer

Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty useless
statement, IMO.

Red Hot Suzie's escort service uses that same slogan....or so I've heard.
LZ

Where was she when she told you?

Who knows? I heard it from a satisfied customer.
LZ

hehehhe

[Tom J]

Post by bill horne
Although wildly popular, "You get what you pay for", is a pretty
useless statement, IMO.

What they are saying is "I bought this and paid for it, so I got what
I paid for." I know that is not what some are implying!!

Tom J

[N4HHE]

Post by Mike Simmons
You get what you pay fer!

Wrong.

You only get what you *shop* for.

You do not get quality by paying for it. You only get quality by
refusing to purchase that which does not offer the required quality.

There is a lot of good quality to be had at Harbor Freight. You only
have to be a good shopper to know it when you see it.

Gasoline at the local Shell stations is $0.15 more than Chevron. Do you
really claim that by paying more for Shell I will get better gasoline?
No doubt some believe it.

[RonB]

We just had a HF discussion over at the rec.woodworking group. I
think most who hang out over there have a fairly dim view of HF tools
in general; but there are a few brights spots.

For example, they have a $49 knockoff of the $400 Fein multi-tool that
is often on sale for $39. Most agreed that it wasn't up to Fein
standards, but would do most of the work as the Fein, and do it pretty
well.......but maybe not as long.

I personally have one of their mortise machines that cost me $99, on
sale. Is it up to standard with the $250 to 600 machines? Nope, but
if you are patient it will cut square holes and line them up. I have
had it for six years and have had to replace the switch. The chisels
were actually quite good.

I have a 5-6 year old pneumatic brad nailer that is hanging in there
with a much more expensive Porter Cable.

They are a very good source for latex gloves, small shop expendables,
zip ties, etc.

I wouldn't touch any of their heavy shop equipment with a ten, twenty
or fifty foot pole. It is junk. And that has NOTHING to do with its
off-shore origin. It is just junk.

F

[altar nospam]

Post by RonB
We just had a HF discussion over at the rec.woodworking group. I
think most who hang out over there have a fairly dim view of HF tools
in general; but there are a few brights spots.
For example, they have a $49 knockoff of the $400 Fein multi-tool that
is often on sale for $39. Most agreed that it wasn't up to Fein
standards, but would do most of the work as the Fein, and do it pretty
well.......but maybe not as long.
I personally have one of their mortise machines that cost me $99, on
sale. Is it up to standard with the $250 to 600 machines? Nope, but
if you are patient it will cut square holes and line them up. I have
had it for six years and have had to replace the switch. The chisels
were actually quite good.
I have a 5-6 year old pneumatic brad nailer that is hanging in there
with a much more expensive Porter Cable.
They are a very good source for latex gloves, small shop expendables,
zip ties, etc.
I wouldn't touch any of their heavy shop equipment with a ten, twenty
or fifty foot pole. It is junk. And that has NOTHING to do with its
off-shore origin. It is just junk.
F

Several years ago I did buy a bench top multi speed Drill press for
$39, and it has served my well. I also bought an 18 volt cordless
drill. Total POS. The batteries hold a charge for about 10 minutes.
Latex gloves - about a third of them rip first time on. Because they
are so much cheaper than anywhere else, I put up with them.

I also bought a trailer hand dolly from them years ago for $40. I've
moved 30 foot RV trailers with it. (with help from several guys
pushing). Darn thing seems indestructible.

But in general, if it has moving parts, I won't buy it from HF.

Tom

[nothermark]

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:50:13 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

Many. A lot of what they sell is housebranded off the same line that
makes the same stuff sold under US brand names for a lot more money.
In general Chinese quality is spotty. Fortunately if it breaks easy
it breaks fast. My wire welder is doing OK but I need to use it to
reinforce the wheel system on the power hacksaw. I shop there
regularly because they are 10 minutes away. If it's hand tools I can
judge pretty well. Big power tools come from somewhere else but I buy
a lot of consumables and stuff that would be Chinese anyway.

[Mike Hendrix]

On Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:50:13 -0800 (PST), BrianAlex

Post by BrianAlex
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99

Actually, that $99.99 little generator is a good generator. I have
one and use it for boondocking. We are currently in Key West where we
will be dry camping until sometime in March. It runs for 4-hours (no
shit) on 1-gallon of gas while producing up to 8-amps (1,000 watts).

It keeps my motorhome charged up on less than 1-gallon per-day.

I got my chi com gen set from Northern Tool but it is the same
generator.

HTH
mike
--

[Neon John]

Post by Mike Hendrix
Actually, that $99.99 little generator is a good generator. I have
one and use it for boondocking. We are currently in Key West where we
will be dry camping until sometime in March. It runs for 4-hours (no
shit) on 1-gallon of gas while producing up to 8-amps (1,000 watts).

Yep, and at low loads it'll run forever on a gallon of gas.

On extended power outages like the one that just ended a couple of
hours ago, after my vital bus UPS depletes its batteries, I use the
little ChiCom set to power my computer and wood stove fan when I don't
want to run the whole house genset. Pulling the wood stove fan at
night (50-100 watts depending on speed), the little genset will run
all night on a gallon of fuel.

This last power outage was going into its 3rd day when it ended so the
little thing got a LOT of use. Kept me nice and warm (electric
blanket and wood stove) both nights.

John

[unknown]

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

I bought a pair of Chinese needle nose pliers several years back. They
bent like putty when I tried to use them.

[matt_colie]

Post by BrianAlex
I'm a sucker for offers that seem too good to be true so I followed
up on one from HFT and drove the 30 miles round-trip to pick up a
cordless impact wrench for $79.95 (I think it was).
They were out of stock so I picked up a few other items to help
justify the trip.
I bought a PVC pipe cutter,some sandpaper,and some twine that
appeared to be very stout nylon type stuff.
When I got home I tried the pipe cutter on a 3/4" schedule 40 , and
one of the metal handles snapped in half in my hand ! Not worth the
$7.95 to take it back I thought.
Then some days later I used the sandpaper. The "sand" appears to be
just that,sand,glued to a very flimsy paper with what must have been
Elmer's glue.The sand just fell off of the paper and no work got done.
Not worth the trip to return it.
The twine I used to set up a grid on two fences for my Boysenberries
and some Italian Jasmine to climb . Within 3 weeks the twine was
broken and sagging and I replaced the entire project with stainless
steel wire.
Now I'm on their sucker list and I get regular sales sheets
promoting such items as "Chicago" portable generator,800watts $99.99
( I'm guessing that "Chicago" sounds better than "Guangzhou ").Or the
Chicago 120 AMP welder,$79.99,etc.
How can this place stay in business? Was I just "unlucky" ? Are there
actually some useful items in this place?

Brian,

Most of what they sell there just barely qualifies as junk.
Anything that requires serious metallurgy to be successful, will not.
Expect no better.

Things there that are worthwhile:
The digital VOM for 1.99 on sale
The 0.89$ scissors are worth every dollar.
The 5$ machete can be made effective if you have a belt grinder
The set of 3 step drills for ~8$ (use once in soft stock and toss)The
hydraulic items should be used at no more than half the advertised load,
but will do that pretty well.

If you have a boat, buy tools there. You will not even be tempted to
dive after a dropped wrench.

I would honestly suggest that you reserve your purchases if you do not
drive by the place when commuting. The local stores that I deal with
are very good about returns and refunds or I wouldn't even bother.

Matt

[Eregon]

Post by matt_colie
I would honestly suggest that you reserve your purchases if you do not
drive by the place when commuting. The local stores that I deal with
are very good about returns and refunds or I wouldn't even bother.

HF, today, is like the Sears of yesterday in that they build in the price
of the replacement tool from the start.

They have both cheap and good _but_ don't expect to get both in the same
item. <G>

[Chuck Norris]

Post by Eregon

Post by matt_colie
I would honestly suggest that you reserve your purchases if you do not
drive by the place when commuting. The local stores that I deal with
are very good about returns and refunds or I wouldn't even bother.

HF, today, is like the Sears of yesterday in that they build in the price
of the replacement tool from the start.
They have both cheap and good _but_ don't expect to get both in the same
item. <G>

At one time Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances were top or near
top of the line. I don't know when Craftsman went downhill but
Kenmore went to shit when RCA, now GE, got the contract.

[unknown]

Post by Chuck Norris

Post by Eregon

Post by matt_colie
I would honestly suggest that you reserve your purchases if you do not
drive by the place when commuting. The local stores that I deal with
are very good about returns and refunds or I wouldn't even bother.

HF, today, is like the Sears of yesterday in that they build in the price
of the replacement tool from the start.
They have both cheap and good _but_ don't expect to get both in the same
item. <G>

At one time Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances were top or near
top of the line. I don't know when Craftsman went downhill but
Kenmore went to shit when RCA, now GE, got the contract.

There is no Kenmore or GE etc. It is just labels applied to Chinese
hunk. Some of last a little while but it is not expected.