Clint, the man, the legend testing tools. We love your channel and appreciate the online demonstrations. These videos are exactly what us UA-cam viewers want to see, an honest unbiased evaluation. It helps us make purchasing decisions and gives feedback to the manufacturer. Thank you brother... 👍
Having used, and been around hand tools and power tools, since I was about seven years old, and I'm now about 72, I can tell you personally, manufacturers have learned over the years, not to make outlandish claims, especially in the new landscape of instant gratification social media commentary, where your claims can be checked out, within 30 seconds! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺ LOVE Harbor Freight BTW! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺ P.S. IF it were not for Harbor Freight, a lot of mechanics, and construction trade people, would not have been able to afford start their businesses, and be where they are today! Think about that! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺
Yup, as a beginner tech I refused to step on the tool trucks for obvious reasons but harbor freight, Lowe's and Home Depot really helped me out so much and I still use the tools to this day I've yet to have any of them fail on me
I've been out of the trade for a min, and my two sons want me to open a repair shop with them, and you're absolutely right about that. Harbor Freight makes the task a lot more achievable.
This is how their warranty works. Will take this Hercules Ultra 5yr warranty (also applies to their 3yr battery warranty) & any of their purchased warranties, from the date of purchase the 5yr warranty starts., that means that during those 5 yrs if your Hercules dies/breaks, you can exchange it for a new one AS MANY TIMES possible WITHIN THE 5YR PERIOD untill that 5 year date period expires! With other brands it's a "one time replacement" only policy but not with HF! 😁
The only problem with HF is that ,when I leave there, I smell like a cheap rubber hose! Their stuff works fine for my needs and they do live up to their guarantees.
I own some stuff from harbor freight it ain't that bad Hercules giving a 5-year warranty that's awesome now when I jump ship and get the Hercules platform no but it's good to see them stepping it up a bit giving you bang for your buck instead of making you feel like you were robbed a 90 day warranties not a way to do things with that said there are some tool companies that have 90 day warranties could you not your hand tools and it's not from harbor freight
Should we start a club? You know…like…the “Sniffy Joe Rubber Hose Smell Club”!? I used to hide in my home and order on line for delivery because I thought..I was the only one! I’m liberated!
Have you seen what they have been up to lately! Since the death of Sears they really have upped their game! The Icon line up of ratchets, sockets, and so on, are really quality products. I am a technician I have a Icon 1/2 ratchet I use for block heater recalls several times a week! I think Harbor Freight should bring out a tool truck and call it Icon tools a visit all the professional shop just like, Snap on, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell They could be a very good competitor with the Icon line!
My g/s said he wanted to buy a tool truck and stock it with harbor freight tools about 8 years ago 😎 it's a damn shame he never made his idea reality. The new harbor freight tools are really competitive. Fap off can just go away, way overpriced, the few tools they make that are worth the money still aren't worth dealing with them 🤣🤣🤣🤣
I have the Bauer 8.5 Amp 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Rocker Switch, the corded model. I really like it. It has never failed to loosen any nut or bolt that needed it. I also have the Bauer 20V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench, but that is rated at 450 ft-lbs max, and I use it on wheel bolts and such.
Great review! Yeah Harbor freight is uping their game, especially with their Hurcules and Bauer lines. I have the Bauer orbital sander and it performs just as well as my DeWalt. No, really. Currently it is on sale for 20 bucks... basically the price of a decent meal. BTW... Just take those worn out sockets back to HF, they will replace them free of charge. No receipt needed. Pretty cool.
@@youngsemcitychris2614that's because the engineers from snapon back when they were the end all be all quit!! Those same engineers work for ICON. And ICON tools have put snap on tools to shame with my own eyes working in the trades
Wow I am so glad I watched your Channel I was looking at those the other night and was questioning myself about them you proved it to me very happy with your video thank you I am going to show my friends your video that way they could tune in I was impressed with you pouring water on them
I don't have a problem saying Harbor Freight has the best power tools. For me, best is subjective and includes affordability. A Milwaukee may (or may not!) perform better or be more comfortable to use, but if it costs 3 times as much as the tool that's in your budget, it's not "the best."
Had bauer from harbor freight while I was working hvac. Was left in attics covered in insulation and sweet in 140 degree attics. Dropped from attics. Left in freezing rain where it froze it solid and the next day found my drill it worked fine. Was covered in free on and compressor oil to where it was soaking wet or frozen. It never let me down from when I started hvac to when I stopped
Just got the Hercules Ultra torque impact driver for $150 with the 8 amp battery (heavy) $70 + charger and what a nice deal! Working on my full BMW 5 high performance suspension it gets the job done with ease where my Milwaukee Stubby impact driver had limitations with some heavy duty bolts! Im keeping my Hercules Ultra cause it served me well... 👍
You got that right this is a great cordless impact I have the ultra torque and 5 amp battery I was so impressed I went and got the smaller brushless 3/8 drive cordless impact
Hercules coming in inexpensive and worthy is unexpected. So is there a Throwndown coming with Milwaulkee, Flex,… and Hercules in the making? Seems like it.
@@winkletown8828 The problem is that the corners they cut(and they do cut corners) may or may not eventually show themselves. Batteries are a great example of something that will be highly competitive in the first three months but then starts to deteriorate at a much faster rate.
I’m very new to tools. I heard negative things about Harbor Freight , but judging off this video I decided to give them a try. I bought their DIY 146 piece kit and I really like it. Thanks Brother
Some laborers just have to have a certain sense of elitism about affordable tool brands. It shuts them up if you point out Milwaukee is cheaply made in Chinese factories just like the rest of them.
I'm impressed they are doing 5 year warranty with the Tool and not having to buy the warranty seperate and 3 year on batteries not bad at all 179 Tool only isn't a bad price that's around Milwaukee Price Though
@@cotywarwick3100 kinda depends on which Milwaukee Impact And I have gotten Several Milwaukee impacts Including the High torque For 179 even got a few in a kit for 229 so the prices are similar there are always deals on the Milwaukee line of impact wrenches
I got the hf impact sockets when I first got into being a equipment mechanic in 2015. I’ve hammered on them heavily for years and I’ve only had three of them break.
I’ve bought several tools from HF over the years and for the money you can’t beat them most of the time. I have the Hercules 1/2” drive impact driver in 550 ft. lbs. and have used it on my F350. The battery lasts a long time and it does a great job. I’m not a professional mechanic but they gave me 90 days to try it out and if I didn’t like it just bring it back for a refund or trade for something else. I like going there.
I work at a Ford shop. Wanted one of these as a back up to my 2767. It's alright, but I must say it's alot slower then a 2767. If you compare it to hfs previous offerings. It's a swing out of the park. But I personally found it just didn't have enough swing to keep up with me. 8 outta 10
An hour and a half to charge a 12ah bat-ray 🤷 that's really not that bad. Actually quite impressive. This new pair of impacts is quite the power duo ..... I'm seriously considering getting the big nasty one ......
I use it to break loose and tighten flange bolts for oil wells for slickline work. Haven't needed hammer wrenches or breaker bars with cheater pipes since.
The smaller 550 tq 1/2" one is $89.99. Sucker busted off THREE 1 1/8 screws from the bolts that were over-torqued by your favorite yep.. SHOPS that love hammer holding their pneumatic air gun on 5 setting for 50 seconds on a 12" length screw. But man these suckers are bad ass and love em. I'm going back for the big one just to have the big brother. Saved me time and money from going to these stupid shops that don't care about your stuff
Harbor freight has there place I remember when I first bought my house and I wanted tools but didn’t have any money harbor freight was awesome I was able to get tools and have enough left over for a whopper from Burger King lol, glad to see they have tools to compete with everyone else, now if they would just bring back the classic coupon sales add lol
One thing that HF gets knocked about is warranty. BUT, how many companies offer an extended warranty that lets you walk out of the store with a replacement the same day?
I was about to buy Milwaukee's 1/2 inch impact but apparently their newer B model has a major defect in it so it looks l like I'll be getting this HB one instead. I'll get other Milwaukee tools, but not that B model.
Note about the holes on the bottom of the 4 and 12 Ah batteries, they're different types of cells I think. Perhaps those holes are needed for more airflow? If you check the labels on them they say "extreme performance" instead of "extended performance".
What's even more impressive is the price on the batteries. Same battery cell type, technologies, and amp hours is HALF the price of DeWalt or Milwaukee. HALF. And still with a 3 year warranty with over the counter swap.
Back in 2010 guys were swapping out their 18v Dewalts for the new and better (and expensive) Milwaukee tools. With some of the recent seemingly cost cutting Milwaukee has done to their tools, are we gonna see guys switch to the cheaper but seemingly high quality Hercules?
I was about to buy a 1/2 inch impact from Milwaukee but considering the major problem their B model has right now, I think I know what I'll be getting instead. Harbor Freight looks to my go to place now for tools.
Harbor Freight still has too much stigma among the contractors. Maybe in a decade if they keep it up with their quality they'll be seen as the new go to but for right now when most people hear "harbor freight" they hear "junk" which is a shame because HF tools are awesome nowadays
Thanks for the video, been thinking about getting one for home use but hated spending the big money on the big (but good) names, so after seeing your video this might be for me.
I am about to do some "DIY" projects and I need to "buy in" to a battery line and am deciding which brand I want to go with. I am almost sold now on going Hercules. You cannot beat HF's same day warranty. And I have a HF about 10 mins from me, so I am set.
Bought a black and decker sander new but when I got home it was used and who had it didn't bother to clean it just threw it back in the box and back on the self!
They're definitely improving the quality of tools that they produce. My issue is that their ecosystem of tools has DOZENS of batteries and required chargers. I can't use my impact wrench battery in my trimmer or my leaf blower.
Bauer has a trimmer and leaf blower. Hercules has a leaf blower. Wouldn't be surprised if they released a trimmer come spring. They also have little dust busters, vacuums, USB chargers, and lights. They have been making a effort to grow both Hercules and Bauer to mirror the competitions lineup.
You can't use a Milwaukee battery on a Dewalt tool either, so why is that even an issue? Harbor Freight sells multiple different brands of tools and battery ecosystems, just like Home Depot and Lowes. You don't buy an Atlas leaf blower and expect a Hercules battery to work on it. You buy an Atlas leaf blower and use Atlas batteries with it. Not sure how that's hard to understand. Just because a battery came from Harbor Freight doesn't mean it will work with all the different brand tools they sell there.
Never had a problem with Hercules or Bauer gear.....stay away from the Chicago Electric line though if you want something that will last. Actually bought the replacement warranty on a Hercules grinder with the intention of running it into the ground and replacing it but it never stopped working.
I appreciate the video, I'm new to powered tools and I was told it would be highly recommended if I'm going to work on some suspension components on my vehicle and I've been trying to look on videos on more information on them.
Did he just wasted a good 6x6? Those hurcules high torque impact seems very good but it's a bit too long on the rear end. Very impressive with the test. Thank you
I've been conflicted. I own a Makita ratchet and Hercules drill/impact drivers. Wanted the Makita impact but it's lower power, has the odd floating handle base and priced higher. I figured I might as well invest in Milwaukee since they have one of the highest torque and seem to be praised by everyone. But dang, Hercules! 5yr warranty and performs just about the same as the Milwaukee for way cheaper. Plus, I own batteries and their charger already. And they are having a parking lot sale right now. Gahh I'ma do it
If i was not already into another battery system i would have definitely bought some of these. If only they were a better price two years ago when i was looking to get started. Good review video though.
I'm keeping my m12 fuel Milwaukee ratchets (I like that the batteries go up inside the grip,) but I'm selling everything else and buying all Hercules now. Already bought this Ultra impact. Charging the batteries right now.
If I had to find a complaint, it would be that Harbor Freight's power tools do not have an available hard case. I understand the company not including the case with the tool, but they could sell them as an optional accessory.
Yinz beat them damn tools worse than the Stillers beat Carolina a couple weeks ago - and I only thought of that because they both have the same colors 😅
I aint gonna lie that was painful to watch the drop test. Also shouldnt that older socket be under the lifetime warranty? I would try I think they just need a copy of the receipt.
I've asked this on a few channels, never got a definitive answer. Why can't someone develop an actual digital torque impact "wrench" (driver)? Factories use them all day. Make a User-friendly Consumer version! Imagine a pistol driver/impact, with an LED display, set desired torque or angle, squeeze trigger, done? No arm movement. I've used pneumatic calibrated screw guns, for assembling product case halves together; it screws down to certain amount, so nothing gets cracked or screw bosses aren't stripped. It's so stupid, using two tools to do one job. Imagine needing to use a "Left hand" AND a "Right hand" ratchet? Who would put up with _that_ nonsense?
There is no big demand for such wrench, since it would be in crazy high price if built torque sensor into the tool. Several years ago I saw a digital drill concept - xDrill from Robbox, now it disappeared from their website.
I'm happy to see Harbor Freight is slowly offering better stuff rather than being the cheap "I-need-one-quick" alternative. As for the 5Ah battery not being designed similar to the 8 and 12. That's because the 5Ah battery is the old design from when their Hercules tools came onto the market. They recently released within the last few days a new 4Ah battery that uses the same 21700 cells as the new 8Ah & 12Ah batteries. I'm hoping they release a cordless miter saw for the Hercules line. They recently released a 7-1/4" cordless miter saw for the Bauer line, so I don't see why they wouldn't eventually offer a more premium version for Hercules. Now I'm curious to see if these new Extreme batteries would help out the recent brushless Hercules mid-torques that didn't do so well on the power claims. :)
Wish I still had all my tools, unfortunately my grandpa’s garage caught fire and all my tools,welder, power tools and everything was in it, sucks having to buy everything all over again😏
To really test the torque, you gotta be undoing engine crankshaft damper bolts. I know, who would borrow his/her car to do this... but there is no need to use a car, just emulate that kind of torque (a thick bolt with two nuts). A good amount of torque to test with those high torque impacts could be 300nm plus 180 degrees, idk what is the end torque for that, but is the one used in a damper bolt of a tdv6 range rover. If a high torque can undo that, then is definitely worth it. At least is the highest torque i have had to apply in an engine.
You know...30 years ago I would've been naive if you told me there'd be tool snobs and popularity contests between which tools you have, I would've been surprised. But just like car culture, fashion world, wine, etc etc. there are also tool snobs
It's a good price. I did not think it was at first. First thing I did was go back and see what I paid for my 899. It was only $194.00, and it was the top of the line DeWey. But then those lightbulbs went off. "Wait a minute self, you handsome devil, WHEN did you buy your 899?" So I went back to check that. Oh yeah...2021...and inflation has been on speed 3 for the last couple of years. So I went back to dig some more. "Self, you handsome devil, two years ago was two years ago. What is the top of the line TODAY, and what does it cost TODAY? That would be a more suitable comparison. I learned that the current top dog is the 900, and that it comes in at 300 bones, buck nekkid. In other words, the tools here cost half...and they seem to be performing very well.
I'm impressed harbor Freight sent you tools to Test Clint I can't even get Tools For testing and they contact me all the time for advice on how to make there tools better but nope they never send me Tools.. I would love to see these go up against Ridgid in The Dome Of Gnomes Arena lol @Tool Review Zone
My wife and I have randomly whispered "harbor freight" into eachothers ears for literally 5 years or more. No idea how it started lol. Sometimes we just mouth it to eachother from across the room lol.
Complaining about a long charging time is not valid. On very fast chargers you get about 500 or so cycles. On a medium speed charger like this one you get about 600 cycles or about 20% more battery life. Even with the 5.0 battery by the time you run it down from full charge, you will not be able to lift the tool anymore your arm will be so tired. These impacts performed great so no complaints.
Clint, the man, the legend testing tools. We love your channel and appreciate the online demonstrations. These videos are exactly what us UA-cam viewers want to see, an honest unbiased evaluation. It helps us make purchasing decisions and gives feedback to the manufacturer. Thank you brother... 👍
Always appreciate you jc 👊👊👊
Having used, and been around hand tools and power tools, since I was about seven years old, and I'm now about 72, I can tell you personally, manufacturers have learned over the years, not to make outlandish claims, especially in the new landscape of instant gratification social media commentary, where your claims can be checked out, within 30 seconds! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺
LOVE Harbor Freight BTW! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺
P.S. IF it were not for Harbor Freight, a lot of mechanics, and construction trade people, would not have been able to afford start their businesses, and be where they are today! Think about that! 👏🏽 👍🏼☺
Yup, as a beginner tech I refused to step on the tool trucks for obvious reasons but harbor freight, Lowe's and Home Depot really helped me out so much and I still use the tools to this day I've yet to have any of them fail on me
I've been out of the trade for a min, and my two sons want me to open a repair shop with them, and you're absolutely right about that. Harbor Freight makes the task a lot more achievable.
This is how their warranty works. Will take this Hercules Ultra 5yr warranty (also applies to their 3yr battery warranty) & any of their purchased warranties, from the date of purchase the 5yr warranty starts., that means that during those 5 yrs if your Hercules dies/breaks, you can exchange it for a new one AS MANY TIMES possible WITHIN THE 5YR PERIOD untill that 5 year date period expires!
With other brands it's a "one time replacement" only policy but not with HF! 😁
The only problem with HF is that ,when I leave there, I smell like a cheap rubber hose! Their stuff works fine for my needs and they do live up to their guarantees.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
So true! And here I thought that was all in my head! lol
I thought I was the only one 😆
I own some stuff from harbor freight it ain't that bad Hercules giving a 5-year warranty that's awesome now when I jump ship and get the Hercules platform no but it's good to see them stepping it up a bit giving you bang for your buck instead of making you feel like you were robbed a 90 day warranties not a way to do things with that said there are some tool companies that have 90 day warranties could you not your hand tools and it's not from harbor freight
Should we start a club? You know…like…the “Sniffy Joe Rubber Hose Smell Club”!? I used to hide in my home and order on line for delivery because I thought..I was the only one! I’m liberated!
Harbor Freight is fantastic for hand tools and selected consumables as well.
The raining on your Tool flowers was just hilarious 😆 🤣 Clint @Tool Review Zone
Have you seen what they have been up to lately! Since the death of Sears they really have upped their game! The Icon line up of ratchets, sockets, and so on, are really quality products. I am a technician I have a Icon 1/2 ratchet I use for block heater recalls several times a week! I think Harbor Freight should bring out a tool truck and call it Icon tools a visit all the professional shop just like, Snap on, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell They could be a very good competitor with the Icon line!
My g/s said he wanted to buy a tool truck and stock it with harbor freight tools about 8 years ago 😎 it's a damn shame he never made his idea reality. The new harbor freight tools are really competitive. Fap off can just go away, way overpriced, the few tools they make that are worth the money still aren't worth dealing with them 🤣🤣🤣🤣
😄😄 I was just thinking the same thing
I've been watching tool trk videos and thought HF needs a tool trk to go around to shops
HF would tool truck would be the death star to tool truck s
Appreciate the thorough testing...
I have the Bauer 8.5 Amp 1/2 in. Impact Wrench with Rocker Switch, the corded model. I really like it. It has never failed to loosen any nut or bolt that needed it. I also have the Bauer
20V Cordless 1/2 in. Impact Wrench, but that is rated at 450 ft-lbs max, and I use it on wheel bolts and such.
Great review! Yeah Harbor freight is uping their game, especially with their Hurcules and Bauer lines. I have the Bauer orbital sander and it performs just as well as my DeWalt. No, really. Currently it is on sale for 20 bucks... basically the price of a decent meal.
BTW... Just take those worn out sockets back to HF, they will replace them free of charge. No receipt needed. Pretty cool.
Great Ida and great feedback Gregg 👊👊👊👊
Icon also… new ratchets are not bad.. compared it to my snap-on 3/8 ratchet I could tell the difference
@@youngsemcitychris2614that's because the engineers from snapon back when they were the end all be all quit!! Those same engineers work for ICON. And ICON tools have put snap on tools to shame with my own eyes working in the trades
Wow I am so glad I watched your Channel I was looking at those the other night and was questioning myself about them you proved it to me very happy with your video thank you I am going to show my friends your video that way they could tune in I was impressed with you pouring water on them
I don't have a problem saying Harbor Freight has the best power tools. For me, best is subjective and includes affordability. A Milwaukee may (or may not!) perform better or be more comfortable to use, but if it costs 3 times as much as the tool that's in your budget, it's not "the best."
Had bauer from harbor freight while I was working hvac. Was left in attics covered in insulation and sweet in 140 degree attics. Dropped from attics. Left in freezing rain where it froze it solid and the next day found my drill it worked fine. Was covered in free on and compressor oil to where it was soaking wet or frozen. It never let me down from when I started hvac to when I stopped
My Bauer electric grinder is well made.
Just got the Hercules Ultra torque impact driver for $150 with the 8 amp battery (heavy) $70 + charger and what a nice deal! Working on my full BMW 5 high performance suspension it gets the job done with ease where my Milwaukee Stubby impact driver had limitations with some heavy duty bolts! Im keeping my Hercules Ultra cause it served me well... 👍
You got that right this is a great cordless impact I have the ultra torque and 5 amp battery I was so impressed I went and got the smaller brushless 3/8 drive cordless impact
Hercules coming in inexpensive and worthy is unexpected. So is there a Throwndown coming with Milwaulkee, Flex,… and Hercules in the making? Seems like it.
Very possible brotha
👍👍👍
Torque test channel did Milwaukee vs dewilt vs Hercules..... I'll tell you what, no reason to spend the extra money on the "name brand" 🤷
It's war, for better tools 🤣
@@winkletown8828 The problem is that the corners they cut(and they do cut corners) may or may not eventually show themselves. Batteries are a great example of something that will be highly competitive in the first three months but then starts to deteriorate at a much faster rate.
I’m very new to tools. I heard negative things about Harbor Freight , but judging off this video I decided to give them a try. I bought their DIY 146 piece kit and I really like it. Thanks Brother
Some laborers just have to have a certain sense of elitism about affordable tool brands.
It shuts them up if you point out Milwaukee is cheaply made in Chinese factories just like the rest of them.
Clint, you need to put this head to head with the DCF900 Dewalt!!
Buying my ULTRA 1500 w/ 5amp battery and fast charger kit at HF right now… On sale for $209.99.
Thanks for the review.
1.5 hours for a 12ah battery? That’s awesome! That’s an 8 amp charger. The Milwaukee rapid charger is 6 amps. Not slow at all.
No joke it takes my 6 amp hour at least 40 minutes or more with my rapid charger. DeWalt btw too.
I'm impressed they are doing 5 year warranty with the Tool and not having to buy the warranty seperate and 3 year on batteries not bad at all 179 Tool only isn't a bad price that's around Milwaukee Price Though
By me the Milwaukee impact is 350 with no battery
@@cotywarwick3100 kinda depends on which Milwaukee Impact And I have gotten Several Milwaukee impacts Including the High torque For 179 even got a few in a kit for 229 so the prices are similar there are always deals on the Milwaukee line of impact wrenches
I got the hf impact sockets when I first got into being a equipment mechanic in 2015. I’ve hammered on them heavily for years and I’ve only had three of them break.
That's kinda unacceptable
good job not afraid to say a less respected brand is good. appreciate it.
I catch hell no matter what Mike 🤣
@@ToolReviewZone Damned if you do damned if you don't.. I liked this a lot.
I’ve bought several tools from HF over the years and for the money you can’t beat them most of the time. I have the Hercules 1/2” drive impact driver in 550 ft. lbs. and have used it on my F350. The battery lasts a long time and it does a great job. I’m not a professional mechanic but they gave me 90 days to try it out and if I didn’t like it just bring it back for a refund or trade for something else. I like going there.
We’re all jealous. The weather in Youngstown, OH looks fantastic! You’re a beast cuz and awesome video! 👊
Hahaha yeah.... but it's still youngstown 😪
I'm impressed. I am heading to my HF store to buy the Ultra with the 12ah battery. BTW Subscribed 👍
You will like it rotha, and welcome to the channel!!!!!
I work at a Ford shop. Wanted one of these as a back up to my 2767. It's alright, but I must say it's alot slower then a 2767. If you compare it to hfs previous offerings. It's a swing out of the park. But I personally found it just didn't have enough swing to keep up with me. 8 outta 10
I brought lots if stuff from H.F. and they had last for years. H F. Us a poor man's Home Depot. Love H F.
Hi Clint, I’m very impressed with the ultra impact and the warranty is much better now I’ll try it,
What's up Robert 👊👊👊
@@ToolReviewZone hi Clint, love your videos keep up the awesome work, 👍
@@robertfrate9738 thanks brother, I truly appreciate that 👊👊👊👊👊
I have the Central pneumatic 62396 and so far it’s been a pretty good impact wrench
Would love to see the option in putting those protective rubber covers like Milwaukee.
An hour and a half to charge a 12ah bat-ray 🤷 that's really not that bad. Actually quite impressive. This new pair of impacts is quite the power duo ..... I'm seriously considering getting the big nasty one ......
I'm also pondering getting the Best one, unless it weighs to much.
I use it to break loose and tighten flange bolts for oil wells for slickline work. Haven't needed hammer wrenches or breaker bars with cheater pipes since.
The smaller 550 tq 1/2" one is $89.99. Sucker busted off THREE 1 1/8 screws from the bolts that were over-torqued by your favorite yep.. SHOPS that love hammer holding their pneumatic air gun on 5 setting for 50 seconds on a 12" length screw. But man these suckers are bad ass and love em. I'm going back for the big one just to have the big brother. Saved me time and money from going to these stupid shops that don't care about your stuff
Harbor freight has there place I remember when I first bought my house and I wanted tools but didn’t have any money harbor freight was awesome I was able to get tools and have enough left over for a whopper from Burger King lol, glad to see they have tools to compete with everyone else, now if they would just bring back the classic coupon sales add lol
Wow, they don't have the sales add anymore... didn't know that 😲
@@ToolReviewZone I haven’t gotten one in the mail in a long time maybe they didn’t get my new address ?
@@ToolReviewZone they do from time to time. Coupons are getting better again every month
@@lukaszelenal4278 think they do it by email now, when I go on the site I’m always asked
One thing that HF gets knocked about is warranty. BUT, how many companies offer an extended warranty that lets you walk out of the store with a replacement the same day?
Ill try it, I have too many trigger issues for the price of Milwaukee
I still have my eathquake xt and its seen a lot of abuse and after several years its still running like a champ...
I've worked for AAA emergency road side assistants but my Milwaukee works amazing in the tough weather with 1400 foot pounds of torque
I was about to buy Milwaukee's 1/2 inch impact but apparently their newer B model has a major defect in it so it looks l like I'll be getting this HB one instead. I'll get other Milwaukee tools, but not that B model.
HF done saved me many times and I'm a Milwaukee fan boy but I visit my local store alot ..
Great video I know what I'm buying next
Wow the batteries have drainage holes that is interesting
Harbor freight metric impact sockets been held up for last 20 years still not broke use them everyday
I have to say HF has stepped up in the last few years, a lot of their stuff isn't all that bad
The prices are higher !
That tends to happen with an increase in quality with an icing of inflation.
i own Milwaukee but i just gotta get me some Hercules... love the blue color too .
Always been happy with the price and quality of anything I’ve ever got from HF
I treat my tools with respect. OH the humanity of those drops and that water test killed me.
I'll like them to offer silicone covers for the guns to make it much easier to clean them off at working on greasy stuff
Thanks for the Hercules review. If only Harbor Freight was not clear across town.
Across town? I have to take a 5 hour flight to get to one.
Note about the holes on the bottom of the 4 and 12 Ah batteries, they're different types of cells I think. Perhaps those holes are needed for more airflow? If you check the labels on them they say "extreme performance" instead of "extended performance".
I've bought a many harbor freight tools and still going
Harbor Freight is no longer off brand. That is good to know for the impact options at a good price. Thanks for beating the snot of these.
What's even more impressive is the price on the batteries. Same battery cell type, technologies, and amp hours is HALF the price of DeWalt or Milwaukee. HALF. And still with a 3 year warranty with over the counter swap.
Clint they are your favorite color too……🤣🤣🤣
I’ll keep my Blk & Red impacts 🇺🇸👊🏼🪚🔨👊🏼✌🏼🇺🇸
HF stepping it up 🤜
My brotha John 👊
Back in 2010 guys were swapping out their 18v Dewalts for the new and better (and expensive) Milwaukee tools. With some of the recent seemingly cost cutting Milwaukee has done to their tools, are we gonna see guys switch to the cheaper but seemingly high quality Hercules?
I was about to buy a 1/2 inch impact from Milwaukee but considering the major problem their B model has right now, I think I know what I'll be getting instead. Harbor Freight looks to my go to place now for tools.
Harbor Freight still has too much stigma among the contractors. Maybe in a decade if they keep it up with their quality they'll be seen as the new go to but for right now when most people hear "harbor freight" they hear "junk" which is a shame because HF tools are awesome nowadays
Thanks for the video, been thinking about getting one for home use but hated spending the big money on the big (but good) names, so after seeing your video this might be for me.
I am about to do some "DIY" projects and I need to "buy in" to a battery line and am deciding which brand I want to go with. I am almost sold now on going Hercules. You cannot beat HF's same day warranty. And I have a HF about 10 mins from me, so I am set.
Three battery bars after that first test?!! Very surprised!
I was pretty shocked actually
Bought a black and decker sander new but when I got home it was used and who had it didn't bother to clean it just threw it back in the box and back on the self!
Time to check out Harbor Freight for an impact driver and lug wrenches
This is the first channel that does real world testing!
They're definitely improving the quality of tools that they produce. My issue is that their ecosystem of tools has DOZENS of batteries and required chargers. I can't use my impact wrench battery in my trimmer or my leaf blower.
Bauer has a trimmer and leaf blower. Hercules has a leaf blower. Wouldn't be surprised if they released a trimmer come spring. They also have little dust busters, vacuums, USB chargers, and lights.
They have been making a effort to grow both Hercules and Bauer to mirror the competitions lineup.
You can't use a Milwaukee battery on a Dewalt tool either, so why is that even an issue? Harbor Freight sells multiple different brands of tools and battery ecosystems, just like Home Depot and Lowes. You don't buy an Atlas leaf blower and expect a Hercules battery to work on it. You buy an Atlas leaf blower and use Atlas batteries with it. Not sure how that's hard to understand. Just because a battery came from Harbor Freight doesn't mean it will work with all the different brand tools they sell there.
*ATTENTION!:*
*DO NOT THROW AWAY A "LOOSE" SOCKET*
*WHACK IT WITH SLEDGEHAMMER,*
*OR INSERT AN EXTENSION, SQUEEZE SOCKET IN VICE, LEAVE IN 12 HOURS*
Never had a problem with Hercules or Bauer gear.....stay away from the Chicago Electric line though if you want something that will last. Actually bought the replacement warranty on a Hercules grinder with the intention of running it into the ground and replacing it but it never stopped working.
I appreciate the video, I'm new to powered tools and I was told it would be highly recommended if I'm going to work on some suspension components on my vehicle and I've been trying to look on videos on more information on them.
For cars I recommend you use the Milwaukee impact wrench 1/2 mid torque
Did he just wasted a good 6x6?
Those hurcules high torque impact seems very good but it's a bit too long on the rear end. Very impressive with the test. Thank you
I like my Dewalt tools but I'd buy one after watching this 👍
hey, any chance for us to work together? Install and review a 4K POE security camera system to your viewers.
I've been conflicted. I own a Makita ratchet and Hercules drill/impact drivers. Wanted the Makita impact but it's lower power, has the odd floating handle base and priced higher. I figured I might as well invest in Milwaukee since they have one of the highest torque and seem to be praised by everyone. But dang, Hercules! 5yr warranty and performs just about the same as the Milwaukee for way cheaper. Plus, I own batteries and their charger already. And they are having a parking lot sale right now. Gahh I'ma do it
If i was not already into another battery system i would have definitely bought some of these. If only they were a better price two years ago when i was looking to get started. Good review video though.
the quality wasnt really there yet 2 yrs ago either
think covid helped them focus on something
i jus bought and returned a whole milwaukee after watching reviews on hercules
I'm keeping my m12 fuel Milwaukee ratchets (I like that the batteries go up inside the grip,) but I'm selling everything else and buying all Hercules now. Already bought this Ultra impact. Charging the batteries right now.
Whaaaat?! Clint scrapes up a gemstone from the bottom of the barrel...🛢️
Real nice like👍🏻
The Hercules Grey Batteries are New Like the Grey Better then the blue nice testing Clint 🤘 @Tool Review Zone
If I had to find a complaint, it would be that Harbor Freight's power tools do not have an available hard case. I understand the company not including the case with the tool, but they could sell them as an optional accessory.
those holes are vent holes, in-case the battery blows up. not meant for water exactly.
Even their Bauer impacts are affordable and great, ive been using mine at work for 6 months now and it's like brand new
been using mine for 2 years. Works fine
Yinz beat them damn tools worse than the Stillers beat Carolina a couple weeks ago - and I only thought of that because they both have the same colors 😅
Hahaha, nice 😆👍
I would say that FOR THE MONEY the ultra torque is the best impact gun on the market rn. The 5 year warranty is the ace in the hole
I aint gonna lie that was painful to watch the drop test. Also shouldnt that older socket be under the lifetime warranty? I would try I think they just need a copy of the receipt.
As long as they can tell it's their brand then they just swap it out, on hand tools that is.
Hmmmmmmm. The socket warranty I didn't even think about! 👊👊
@@ToolReviewZone its real nice like!
It's a hand tool, they don't need a receipt. 🤘
I bought a Milwaukee Fuel impact driver and like it…but after seeing this, I may have considered HF.
I've asked this on a few channels, never got a definitive answer.
Why can't someone develop an actual digital torque impact "wrench" (driver)?
Factories use them all day. Make a User-friendly Consumer version!
Imagine a pistol driver/impact, with an LED display, set desired torque or angle, squeeze trigger, done? No arm movement. I've used pneumatic calibrated screw guns, for assembling product case halves together; it screws down to certain amount, so nothing gets cracked or screw bosses aren't stripped.
It's so stupid, using two tools to do one job. Imagine needing to use a "Left hand" AND a "Right hand" ratchet? Who would put up with _that_ nonsense?
Not a bad idea
There is no big demand for such wrench, since it would be in crazy high price if built torque sensor into the tool. Several years ago I saw a digital drill concept - xDrill from Robbox, now it disappeared from their website.
I'm happy to see Harbor Freight is slowly offering better stuff rather than being the cheap "I-need-one-quick" alternative. As for the 5Ah battery not being designed similar to the 8 and 12. That's because the 5Ah battery is the old design from when their Hercules tools came onto the market. They recently released within the last few days a new 4Ah battery that uses the same 21700 cells as the new 8Ah & 12Ah batteries.
I'm hoping they release a cordless miter saw for the Hercules line. They recently released a 7-1/4" cordless miter saw for the Bauer line, so I don't see why they wouldn't eventually offer a more premium version for Hercules. Now I'm curious to see if these new Extreme batteries would help out the recent brushless Hercules mid-torques that didn't do so well on the power claims. :)
Wish I still had all my tools, unfortunately my grandpa’s garage caught fire and all my tools,welder, power tools and everything was in it, sucks having to buy everything all over again😏
To really test the torque, you gotta be undoing engine crankshaft damper bolts. I know, who would borrow his/her car to do this... but there is no need to use a car, just emulate that kind of torque (a thick bolt with two nuts). A good amount of torque to test with those high torque impacts could be 300nm plus 180 degrees, idk what is the end torque for that, but is the one used in a damper bolt of a tdv6 range rover. If a high torque can undo that, then is definitely worth it. At least is the highest torque i have had to apply in an engine.
He was testing your hardware store grade5 bolts.let me test them on a rusty truck where it takes real power to get suspension bolts loose
You know...30 years ago I would've been naive if you told me there'd be tool snobs and popularity contests between which tools you have, I would've been surprised. But just like car culture, fashion world, wine, etc etc. there are also tool snobs
It's a good price.
I did not think it was at first. First thing I did was go back and see what I paid for my 899. It was only $194.00, and it was the top of the line DeWey.
But then those lightbulbs went off. "Wait a minute self, you handsome devil, WHEN did you buy your 899?" So I went back to check that. Oh yeah...2021...and inflation has been on speed 3 for the last couple of years. So I went back to dig some more.
"Self, you handsome devil, two years ago was two years ago. What is the top of the line TODAY, and what does it cost TODAY? That would be a more suitable comparison. I learned that the current top dog is the 900, and that it comes in at 300 bones, buck nekkid.
In other words, the tools here cost half...and they seem to be performing very well.
Good price for tool only, however you do have to factor in the cost of the battery or batteries, and the charger.
I'm impressed harbor Freight sent you tools to Test Clint I can't even get Tools For testing and they contact me all the time for advice on how to make there tools better but nope they never send me Tools.. I would love to see these go up against Ridgid in The Dome Of Gnomes Arena lol @Tool Review Zone
Your sockets are lifetime warrantied at harbor freight. All you have to do is bring the worn out sockets in and they'll exchange them for you.
The casing on mine got abused but HF lets u order parts for this and most everything else
They actually use Samsung cells in their batteries to and that's real nas like 👍
Definitely real nass like
Dewalt does too..and many others but thats good news !
I've use harbor freight tools for personal and professional use never noticed much difference from the name brand
It’s a shame I can’t say the same for their mid torque hercules that boasted 555 ftlbs of torque. It was only able to perform at around 300 ftlbs.
Bauer tools are pretty good at a good price
Nice 👍
Honestly 1.5 hours for a 12 on a non rapid is nuts . With 2100’s?? Cmon !
My wife and I have randomly whispered "harbor freight" into eachothers ears for literally 5 years or more. No idea how it started lol. Sometimes we just mouth it to eachother from across the room lol.
Complaining about a long charging time is not valid. On very fast chargers you get about 500 or so cycles. On a medium speed charger like this one you get about 600 cycles or about 20% more battery life. Even with the 5.0 battery by the time you run it down from full charge, you will not be able to lift the tool anymore your arm will be so tired. These impacts performed great so no complaints.
Good For Harbor Freight. Real Nass Like. 👊
Marshal 👊
@@ToolReviewZone Yeah big Daddy