Harbor Freight cheapo angle grinder????

RedWrangler90 · 07-15-2009, 10:06 PM

I don't know where to post this but i only look in here anyways so what the hell i'll just ask it here....

Has anyone bought one of those angle grinders??? if you have how does it perform? any complaints?

Thank you for any feed back!

jeep-noob · 07-15-2009, 10:09 PM

Like most of their power tools, they perform as expected but for a shorter amount of time than say even Ryobi. Notice the power cord on it is half the thickness. If you will use it 3 times maybe then go ahead, otherwise buy something more expensive.

**idaholtby** · 07-15-2009, 10:09 PM

I've abused one for 5yrs now and it is still going strong. Even if had only lasted a couple of jobs, it still would have paid for it'self.

RedWrangler90 · 07-15-2009, 10:14 PM

ok thanks for the info

I've never seen one of the harbor freight ones in person so i didn't know that about the cord.

I'm leaning towards getting a 50-60$ name brand and use it for years, but i wanted to see what you guys thought of the cheapo one.

Castr8r · 07-15-2009, 10:21 PM

Much as I hate to say it, I've got to recommend the chinese made HF angle grinders. My son has beat on several of them to extremes, and did bust a couple, but says he's money ahead. Even their grinder disc' are pretty darn good.

**jbolty** · 07-15-2009, 10:21 PM

get 2-3 of the HF ones. I have a Hitachi that I use for heavy work but it's nice to have one with a cuttting wheel, one with a grinding wheel and one with a wire wheel all ready to go and avoid swapping them around to change jobs.

cweed · 07-15-2009, 10:22 PM

I have three of them in my garage, each setup for a different purpose. They have lasted just as long as some of the others I have had. Just make sure you go for teh 7+ amp rating. Anythng less just won't work.

**YJames90** · 07-16-2009, 04:37 AM

I like my Ryobi. Been going strong for over a year now

tx_medic · 07-16-2009, 04:49 AM

I've always been a high-end guy myself, but i'm slowly learning. My father on the other hand goes through grinders two at a time. I'd say if you're in manufacturing, you're going to abuse the ever living crap out of the thing, or you're only going to use it three times a year - get the HF grinders (heck, buy two).

If you're going to use it say 2-3 times a month, take care of it and not drag your welding cart over the cord - treat yourself to a milwaukee or something along those lines.
-luke

little_Jeep · 07-16-2009, 04:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by idaholtby

I've abused one for 5yrs now and it is still going strong. Even if had only lasted a couple of jobs, it still would have paid for it'self.

My Harbor Freight "Junk" has out performed and out lasted what was an expensive "good" brand. Harbor Freight grinders are tonka built in my opinion. When..... IF, mine ever dies, I'll replace it with a Harbor Freight one.

cresencio · 07-16-2009, 05:09 AM

i like my harbor freight grinder, it does the job and i havnt had a problem with it. for 20 bucks you cant go wrong and for like 3 dollars you can get the 2 year warranty

Tompatt · 07-16-2009, 05:32 AM

well.. if ur gettin the HF one.. im pretty sure they had some HF coupons in the last issue of JP mag. pretty good deal... free set of screw drivers.

dodger889 · 07-16-2009, 05:38 AM

Nothing wrong with HF stuff. It's how you use it. Most of their power hand equipment will do the job that they are designed for most are a copy of one of the big boys out there. My only problem with them is they are made in China. Sorry if that hurts anyone out there I like for my money to stay some where at least have been a friends of the USA.

deltaredneck · 07-16-2009, 05:47 AM

The One I Got I Believe Is The 4.5 Grinder I Just Burnt It Up Yesterday Grindind On My Kids Gokart.

Jeepish · 07-16-2009, 06:51 AM

I have four of the HF orange 4.5" grinders and they're great. My oldest is 3yrs and still running strong.

PS...
Change out the grease in the head and they are a lot quieter.