It's Christmas time, which means...New tools!

Alright, so the holidays are fast approaching an I'm being bugged for things I want. I'm not really one to ask for stuff, but I do need to add some tools to my current assortment.

So therefore...I come to the experts.

First up...

A work bench. I have one currently, which is in dire need of replacement, well not really but I'd like a better one. I could build one, but I don't have the time of late to do so, so I'm looking to just buy one of the ones you just throw together. I've seen this one from HF..have any of you used one such as this? Wood Workbench - 60" Wood Workbench w/ 4 Drawers It would be doing double duty, as a scrap breakdown table, an for my woodworking that I do on the side.

Second..I need a good power saw, again I'm looking at HF as it would be a gift from the family, an I don't want to break their pocket books. Thoughts on this one.. Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

They've got another for a little more, but not as good of customer reviews (3 1/2 stars vs the first one at 4 stars).

Third...a new drill, for when my old one goes. Again this is all from HF. First one Cordless Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck, 3/8", 18 Volt

2nd one Cordless Drill/Driver and Flashlight Kit, 3/8", 18 Volt

First is only 19.99, 2nd is 22.99 but I get a flashlight& charger! lol. Any of you used either of these? An if so thoughts? They have another for 19.99 that comes with a charger, bout the only difference I see tween the 2.

Your thoughts an opinions on the above would be quite helpful. I know a lot of you buy from HF hence my coming here to get opinions. Yes I could buy big fancy brand names, but its not my wallet that will be paying for them. ;)

Now I need to go browse some more, as I'm still in need of a angle grinder, a new BFH ( Mine gets used a lot), an some other items I won't pester you all over.

Thanks ahead of time!

Sirscrapalot - Tool time on the Sandbar.

Sirscrap, I wore out a m12 Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet this year, it is by far the one tool I love the most.

corycouch attempt at a sirscrapalotaism loves Christmas from Milwaukee in liquid or solid form :)

lol...my ism's are contagious!

:p

Sirscrapalot - I came, I corrupted, I win. - Me, or maybe Cory, or some guy on a mountain top somewhere.

I have the work bench. Its a good deal for the money. I wouldn't do breakdowns on it (use a BFH to break things on it) It has a good surface that is flat. The supplied bench dogs are cheap wood pegs. They can easily be replaced with homemade pegs. The top is not 2.5 inch thick. The perimeter has a double thickness. If you look at the bench dog hole in the top you will understand. The vice is not bullet proof. Use a 25% off coupon with the sales ad and you will be happy. I built my copper separation table on this work bench along with many other projects. ie. cut, grind, weld, paint, layout, sand, clamp......

I already know what santa is placing under my tree:
Ingersoll Rand 2135TiMax Impact
Ingersoll-Rand 2135QTIMAX 1/2-Inch Titanium Duty Air Impactool - Amazon.com
And a set of SAE and Metric Impact Sockets

Can't Wait to bust some nuts!

SSA, how about suggesting several people go together to buy a quality sawzall or drill? They're my two main tools. I've convinced my wife of the advantage of quality and she WAS the High Priestess of "the bargain" (her mother was the Queen).

Hrrm..Good Idea Mick. Most likely go with the drill then, as I use it way more then the saw. Just good deal on a saw, and there are times I wish I had one. Heh. I will have to ponder this an see if it's possible.

Foam thanks for your thoughts on the work bench. I wouldn't be bashing anything on it, I'd use my old one for that. The bench would be mainly for computer break downs, hds, ewaste an the like. An double for my wood working on the side.

Sledge..I'm sending you a bag of coal for Christmas. ;)

Thanks all to who've responded so far, I do appreciate it!

Sirscrapalot - Round of beverages for all!

those ingersoll Ti impacts are super nice. All I would ever order at my previous job (for tearing down injector core).

IMO SSA, pay more for something you intend on using. Pay less for that thing you use once in a while, or have to replace often. I use my sawzall more often than not, so I picked up a dewalt (from an online auction) for like $25. I paid $200 for a Rigid Drill/Impact/Radio kit because it was the only one with lifetime warranty. I use them all the time.

I did just buy myself a small scale (the one that goes up to 11#) and the security bit set from HF yesterday. I want their 4ton work jack. I haven't complained about their breaker bars and sockets as a cheap set. I don't trust their electronics. (search for reviews of HF angle grinders :lol:)

I got this drill last year for Christmas -

Black & Decker Tools | 20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver LDX120C

It's lightweight, and works well. It's one of my backup ones, and for now the main one I use until I can find my Makita drill (I think it's hiding with about 100 different bits and my sledge hammers).

Also, I have an LED light on all my drills. It's amazing how much that comes in handy.

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Originally Posted by ryanw

Also, I have an LED light on all my drills. It's amazing how much that comes in handy.

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Mine is down by the battery. I like it more than the ones up by the bit, shines better to see what I'm looking at. It has a separate trigger for just the light so you can see without having to spin the bit.

I have the rotating handle recip saw. Got it for $19.99. Runs fine but the HF blades are crappy. Buy good blades and the saw will work fine.

I also have their 12 volt LI lightweight drill. Actually two of them. They are our go to tool for computer breakdown. Drilling holes? Don't really know. Usually have it in reverse taking out screws and bolts.

The bench look nice in the store but I would probably reinforce it somehow. Plywood gussets on the back legs and ends would go a long way to making it stiffer.

mrbillbus - not a particularly quotable guy

Tools are a tricky thing for me. I agree with all who have stated buy "good" for things you will use often.. Buy "Ehhh" for small use things.
Because I use my tools every day.. I tend to buy "good" for the day to day power tools. I've grown to LOVE Bosch Power Tools. My Sawzall, Drills etc are all Bosch
I have a Makita 1013 Compound Miter Saw- because it was top rated. To do my "craft" I have to have good tools.

My plunge cutter is HF
My work gloves are HF

Anything I rely on I tend to spend the dough on. I can use my Bosch sawzall to cut an old timber sill plate- and cut dashes out of cars. I spent $200 bucks- but it more than earns its keep. The Impact I'm getting this year- I wanted the IR, but told "Santa" to get me a set of Pittsburgh (HF) impact sockets. Over and over the reviews on them are badarse. Why spend $70/set when she could get em for $23.99 on one and the same on the second set but with a 25% off Coupon?

I research the hell out of tools before I buy. I need them to stand up and be there when I need em. So I tend to not run "cheap!" But then again.. I get to write all of them off as business expenses as well!

Quote:

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Second..I need a good power saw, again I'm looking at HF as it would be a gift from the family, an I don't want to break their pocket books. Thoughts on this one.. Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

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I have to say, I love my Milwaukee Sawzall,,, nuff said. 30 years old and still going strong

have this bench in the garage, my suggestion would be to buy two of them and put em side by side, thats what I have, plenty of room that way, Id think one wouldn't be enough, at least for me

The hf sawzall blades are the worst blades I've ever used.

Yea, I'd replace the blades with good ones. That much I remember from past threads, an the recent one Cory had on them.

Far as daily use, the drill is the winner for that. If it was me doing the buying I'd go big name, but it's not. Going to run Mick's idea by the family an see if they can go together on something like that. I hate asking for stuff, even if it's the holidays. I'm just one of those people. Rather see them spend the money on the youngin's in the family. Trying to tell family that tho is like telling a politician not to lie. ;) The sawzall is one of those things I find myself needing for things here an there through out the year, an I keep putting it off. So I'm ok with a HF one an good blades.

I'm thinking the bench is something I'll be getting myself, after the holidays if the price stays good. I now they do a lot of good sales/coupons. So not to worried over that. I like what I'm hearing about it though. An the reviews seem good on it.

Anyhow, my thanks as always to those who've responded. Your what makes this forum awesome.

An mrbillbus...we're all quoteable, it's just a matter of what they choose to quote. ;)

Sirscrapalot - My doctor told me to stop having intimate dinners for four. Unless there are three other people. - Orson Welles

Buy American made .....HMmm :( . I have The HF reciprocating saw , have had it for two years to cut every thing it works great. I honestly don't care about brand name tools , it doesn't have to look pretty as long as it does the job. I refuse to spend $200 for a Milwaukee. I know to you guys im just a kid. But its whatever . Plus I heard the reason brand name tools are so expensive is because they print the Boxes in the USA lol

SSA:
My work bench in my shop is as follows: Buy ONE of the Metal high-grade shelving systems with the particle board shelves They are approx 4 ft wide. (the good one- prob run you about $100 bucks) Take that and only put it together in halves and put them side by side. I then went to Lowes or Menards and bought an off the shelf 8 ft counter-top and screwed it in. Viola.. instant work bench with a cleanable top that doesn't look too shabby. I'll snap a pic and put it up. I will apologize in advance for its "messiness" Total cost ~$150 bucks for an 8 foot work bench with shelves underneath!

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...04155114_n.jpg

Sledge....I like that idea of countertop and two halves of a shelving unit, nice. Can I come by and dig in your sign pile?

Sir....I really like my Dewalt 18v cordless drill. If you are patient, you can find them at Lowe's for $99.

Pnut-
Sure man.. I happen to get a SLEW of signs this summer. I love em. I collected license plates from the age of 6 to about 18.. my collection at its peak was over 6,000 plates. So I have this thing with license plates, road signs etc. But as usual, I always get far more than I need. Should I take pics and post them up in another thread for ya? Don't want to douse the thread with a derail.. I may get banished from the cooler!

I call dibs on the stop sign full of bullet holes. Saves me the hassle. ;)

An thanks for posting that Sledge. I will have to visit my local Lowes, Home Depot an Ace an see what they have.

Thank ya also Pnut. I'ma be passing along the community gift to the family when I see them this weekend, they like to last minute shop, an I like to oblige them. lol.

Sirscrapalot - The tongue is the only tool that gets sharper with use. - Washington Irving

Quote:

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Originally Posted by redcrossnj

Buy American made .....HMmm :( . I have The HF reciprocating saw , have had it for two years to cut every thing it works great. I honestly don't care about brand name tools , it doesn't have to look pretty as long as it does the job. I refuse to spend $200 for a Milwaukee. I know to you guys im just a kid. But its whatever . Plus I heard the reason brand name tools are so expensive is because they print the Boxes in the USA lol

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Your being a "kid" is irrelevant. But quality is important for a professional (anything). As far as being "made in America", that doesn't even make as much of an impact any more (our new car this year is a Honda after after being strictly American-made since I started driving in 1963). Yes, the cheaper one will do the job but for how long (and as well)? Another thing to keep in mind is that the same brand bought in a "big box" store is not made the same as from a smaller retailer. John Deere is a classic example. Home Depot and WalMart were able to negotiate with JD so JD made garden tractor with plastic parts instead of steel to be sold especially to HD and WM.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sirscrapalot

Alright, so the holidays are fast approaching an I'm being bugged for things I want. I'm not really one to ask for stuff, but I do need to add some tools to my current assortment.

So therefore...I come to the experts.

First up...

A work bench. I have one currently, which is in dire need of replacement, well not really but I'd like a better one. I could build one, but I don't have the time of late to do so, so I'm looking to just buy one of the ones you just throw together. I've seen this one from HF..have any of you used one such as this? Wood Workbench - 60" Wood Workbench w/ 4 Drawers It would be doing double duty, as a scrap breakdown table, an for my woodworking that I do on the side.

Second..I need a good power saw, again I'm looking at HF as it would be a gift from the family, an I don't want to break their pocket books. Thoughts on this one.. Reciprocating Saw w/ Rotating Handle

They've got another for a little more, but not as good of customer reviews (3 1/2 stars vs the first one at 4 stars).

Third...a new drill, for when my old one goes. Again this is all from HF. First one Cordless Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck, 3/8", 18 Volt

2nd one Cordless Drill/Driver and Flashlight Kit, 3/8", 18 Volt

First is only 19.99, 2nd is 22.99 but I get a flashlight& charger! lol. Any of you used either of these? An if so thoughts? They have another for 19.99 that comes with a charger, bout the only difference I see tween the 2.

Your thoughts an opinions on the above would be quite helpful. I know a lot of you buy from HF hence my coming here to get opinions. Yes I could buy big fancy brand names, but its not my wallet that will be paying for them. ;)

Now I need to go browse some more, as I'm still in need of a angle grinder, a new BFH ( Mine gets used a lot), an some other items I won't pester you all over.

Thanks ahead of time!

Sirscrapalot - Tool time on the Sandbar.

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i have both the saw and the drill and they both do not disappoint ... just make sure you get the plug in and not the battery powered sawzall ... not sure how they are even allowed to sale the battery powered sawzall .... 4-5 cuts and the battery gets weak ...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mrbillbus

I have the rotating handle recip saw. Got it for $19.99. Runs fine but the HF blades are crappy. Buy good blades and the saw will work fine.

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good power but the HF blades dull very fast .....

I was at HF a few weeks ago and was able to compare the wood bench with this one
Multipurpose Workbench with Cabinet Light

The wood one had greater work surface but was a bit wobbly (left and right) compared to what I already have. I opted for the smaller metal one - it was actually more sturdy (comparing demos in the store). When I do get it assembled I may not add the pegboard on the back and will reinforce the top to bolt a small vice on it.

I saw that one also Erewen! I like light attached an it has some decent reviews on it. The wood one is more something I've always wanted to build, but don't have the time to do it from scratch. I think I may just find the time, an go with the one you linked, or like Sledge posted. Untill i get the time to build the wood one of my dreams. lol.

As always thanks all for your opinions an experiences on this. It helps hereing from folks who do what I do an not just reviews on a site.

Sirscrapalot - Keep'm coming.

Harbor freight tools are just as good if not better in my opinion .

Sledge, you're right on on the Pitt impact sockets. I've had a small set for a few years. They're not used daily, but prob weekly. Have held up like Snap-on so far.

Work benches...... Mine is an exterior door with a piece of osb on top, and 2x4 legs. All made of materials in my shop. It has taken massive abuse with no problems.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mechanic688

I have to say, I love my Milwaukee Sawzall,,, nuff said. 30 years old and still going strong

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Last August I bought a 18 volt battery Milwaukee set. Drill the high speed went out already. Sawzall I can't put much force behind it to cut anything, just have to basically set the saw blade on the item and let the weight of the saw be the only pressure. The light was jacked by my old boss. I use the impact everyday though. Only thing I have not had a problem with. I loved Milwaukee tools until now. My old boss had almost the same set I do (he had the smaller sawzall not the full length one) and his worked great. That's why I went out and bought my own set. First day I used the drill it wouldn't work at all, they exchanged right at the store. Central State Supply, contractors shop here in my town. Had to send in the sawzall once already under warranty because that had stopped altogether and since I got it back its not been able to be used hardly. They told me I would have to pay to get it fixed this time.

Told my parents that I wanted a tool box for the Dremel that I found in a clean-out. Something that I could keep all the accessories in as well as the tool....Got this instead. Now has my MIlwaukee set and the dremel plus some other tools.

I guess i can say i was lucky with my workbench/desk. A friend was cleaning out his garage and wanted it gone so it was a freebie, made out of 2x4's and 3/4 osb, i havent broken it yet, but i mostly use it for disassembling small stuff and computers. Parents got me a craftsman 19.2 cordless grinder for christmas, havent had chance to try it out yet but i think it's a great addition to the tool arsenal.

So SirScrap.. What did you end up getting? Hmmm Hmmmm Hmmm?

I picked up a 18v Dewalt Sawzall & 1/2 Impact Gun, 2 Lithium Ion batteries & 1 nicd, decent set of wrenches metric & standard - standard length & stubby for $350.00 at Lowes..

I also bought myself a 9000lb Bad Land Winch from HF - Going to make some custom bumpers for the truck and toss a receiver on the dolly & trailer. This way I can mount it on a plate with a 2" shank and use it where ever I like. Pull cars up or pull myself out. Paid $237.00 for it with the %25 off coupon and the sale.

Here's some items on my wish list/soon to get list:
Knipex 71 01 200 SBA Mini Bolt Cutter, 8 in - These things are great for snipping brake lines / wires / nails / rivets etc - well worth the $40!
http://img.directindustry.com/images...55-3181755.jpg

Knipex Cable Shears - Great for copper aluminum wire - easily cut 2 gauge and a couple snips through 0 gauge.
http://aws.bettymills.com/store/imag...11-612.eps.jpg

I also want this bad boy here - snap on 36" 1/2 drive breaker bar.
http://i42.tinypic.com/34eby9k.jpg
Sometimes its just easier to bust the head off than turn it out.

I also want to pick up a HF 3-ton Aluminum jack - might save my back from my sears 2 ton.. once you start lifting it in and out of a truck on a daily basis you start to notice the guns getting a little beefier, and the back a little more sore than normal =P

I'm not opposed to harbor freight tools - obviously I love the idea of cheap tools that I won't lose sleep over losing.. but I'm starting to find the joy in having nice tools that work great all the time and don't let you down..

Welllllll my first born man cub said, DAD...what ya want for Christmas? Old man man cub sez...BOAT! FOR 30 years I have been askin for a boat. Used to be a speedboat, now, wanna house boat. handicapped accessible! Ain't gettin no younger. So, what did he get me...http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c2...l/th_broom.jpg

HEY...drives like a Cadillac. One thing is for sure, will not spend 10 minutes looking for a dust pan NOMO ;-)