MetalworkingFun Forum

Anyone have any experience with Harbor Freight electric die grinders?

Ed

No, but I bought a couple of air wrenches. They were so weak I could stop them with my fingers, took 'em back to HF. They were easy and pleasant about it.

No experience with the die grinders. But I do have half a dozen of the 4-1/2" angle grinders. (Saves changing wheels, flap disks, wire wheels etc.)

If/when they quit running, I can afford another $9.00 to replace it and save the old ones to scavenge parts from for when the next one quits.

That said, all of my die grinders are pneumatic because of the "need for speed". I've seen some of my former co-workers destroy way too many carbide burrs by running them too slow.

If I had an air compressor I'd definitely be looking at an air die grinder. I think I'll take a chance and pick up one of the Horrible Fright electric die grinders. I'll use one of the 20% off coupons to ease the pain.

Thanks for the comments.

Ed

I have one of the HF electric long neck die grinders #44141 and have been pleased with it, for the price. I prefer air die grinders and keep a dozen or so tooled up, but use the electric when air isn't available or when I don't want to start the air compressor for a quick job.

I also have at least a dozen of the 4-1/2" angle grinders #99223 that are built with a similar motor. What I have found with the HF handheld grinders is they are not all of the same quality. The cheapest in the line are junk and don't last very long. The ones I have had good luck with are the next level up that run about $20-$22 on sale.

I use to buy brand name grinders that cost $60 - $80 each. The HF are not the same quality but end up giving me more grind for the buck. I'm not indorsing HF. A lot of their stuff is pure junk, but I buy a lot from them when it is cost effective...

I like to have a dedicated grinder for each different type of wheel I use, so I can just grab it and go. Plus, besides the time involved in changing wheels, it also seems like once you take a wheel off, it is not exactly balanced when you put it back on...

I looked at a bunch of them and went for the bigger Dewalt one, made in china but has a good feel, lots of power decent collets. Haven't used it that much so no long term info.

The die grinder showed up today via the USPS. I'm tempted to take it apart and check the bearings since that seems to be the weak link in these import power tools.

Ed

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Well, this is not a good start.

It does run very smoothly with no unusual vibrations that make you wonder if it's going to explode in your hand.

Ed

[attachment=7016] [attachment=7017]

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That's what a few weeks at sea does for you :(

Shame they didn't grease it before packing

It appears to be mostly surface rust so I think I'll clean it up the best I can with a brass bristle brush and see how it looks. I just may order some replacement parts if they aren't too expensive just to have them around. Although they may also not survive the ocean voyage unscathed.

Ed