Harbor Freight aircraft tools

[[email protected]]

It was bound to happen sooner or later

Dog-leg Deburring Tool, $8, item# 98262-0AZH
4-piece countersink set, $15, item# 98263-0AZG
Microstop Countersink cage adapter, $15, item# 98264-0AZG
(The above items may be found on page 36 of Catalog 163-B)

Cleco Pliers, $4.50, item# 97346-1NYH
(see pg 21 of Catalog 663-B)

However... (you knew that was coming, right? :-)

When I tried to order the deburring tool Harbor Freight said it didn't
recognize the number. So I sent a message to their Customer Service
people to make sure they knew there was a market for virtually any
aircraft-related tools they might care to offer.

The squeaking wheel DOES get the grease... eventually. If enough of
you guys will follow suit we could probably get Harbor Freight to
offer virtually everything needed to fill an aviation metalsmith's
toolbox.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- I'm not a big fan of Harbor
Freight''s quality either. But in some cases Good Enough is all you
need. For example, I've found that a Chinese cleco costing a nickel
works just as well as one costing six-bits.

-R.S.Hoover

[jan olieslagers[_2_]]

schreef:

( ... )

> If enough of you guys will follow suit
> we could probably get Harbor Freight to offer virtually everything
> needed to fill an aviation metalsmith's toolbox.

Hm. Sounds tempting, good prices even in US$
and then even that US$ is cheap these days.
What's their closest outlet to Mechelen, Flanders, Belgium, Europe?
Or is there any indication of shipping cost across the pond?

[Copperhead144]

On Aug 6, 2:16*pm, " > wrote:
> It was bound to happen sooner or later
>
> Dog-leg Deburring Tool, $8, item# 98262-0AZH
> 4-piece countersink set, $15, item# 98263-0AZG
> Microstop Countersink cage adapter, $15, item# 98264-0AZG
> (The above items may be found on page 36 of Catalog 163-B)
>
> Cleco Pliers, $4.50, item# 97346-1NYH
> (see pg 21 of Catalog 663-B)
>
> However... (you knew that was coming, right? *:-)
>
> When I tried to order the deburring tool Harbor Freight said it didn't
> recognize the number. *So I sent a message to their Customer Service
> people to make sure they knew there was a market for virtually any
> aircraft-related tools they might care to offer.
>
> The squeaking wheel DOES get the grease... eventually. *If enough of
> you guys will follow suit we could probably get Harbor Freight to
> offer virtually everything needed to fill an aviation metalsmith's
> toolbox.
>
> Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- I'm not a big fan of Harbor
> Freight''s quality either. *But in *some cases Good Enough is all you
> need. *For example, I've found that a Chinese cleco costing a nickel
> works just as well as one costing six-bits.
>
> -R.S.Hoover

I couldn't agree with you more on the HF tool assessment Bob and I've
purchased more than a few tool's and such from HF for that very
reason. To my way of thinking if I've done my homework and know how
the tool should be made than I can make a selection and purchase that
leaves me with money for other materials. The more nickle's and dime's
I save equal's dollar's saved or better spent on other material's or
tool's. My drill press, clamps and many of my lathe tools have HF part
numbers.

Joe

[Stuart & Kathryn Fields]

"Copperhead144" > wrote in message
...
On Aug 6, 2:16 pm, " > wrote:
> It was bound to happen sooner or later
>
> Dog-leg Deburring Tool, $8, item# 98262-0AZH
> 4-piece countersink set, $15, item# 98263-0AZG
> Microstop Countersink cage adapter, $15, item# 98264-0AZG
> (The above items may be found on page 36 of Catalog 163-B)
>
> Cleco Pliers, $4.50, item# 97346-1NYH
> (see pg 21 of Catalog 663-B)
>
> However... (you knew that was coming, right? :-)
>
> When I tried to order the deburring tool Harbor Freight said it didn't
> recognize the number. So I sent a message to their Customer Service
> people to make sure they knew there was a market for virtually any
> aircraft-related tools they might care to offer.
>
> The squeaking wheel DOES get the grease... eventually. If enough of
> you guys will follow suit we could probably get Harbor Freight to
> offer virtually everything needed to fill an aviation metalsmith's
> toolbox.
>
> Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- I'm not a big fan of Harbor
> Freight''s quality either. But in some cases Good Enough is all you
> need. For example, I've found that a Chinese cleco costing a nickel
> works just as well as one costing six-bits.
>
> -R.S.Hoover

I couldn't agree with you more on the HF tool assessment Bob and I've
purchased more than a few tool's and such from HF for that very
reason. To my way of thinking if I've done my homework and know how
the tool should be made than I can make a selection and purchase that
leaves me with money for other materials. The more nickle's and dime's
I save equal's dollar's saved or better spent on other material's or
tool's. My drill press, clamps and many of my lathe tools have HF part
numbers.

Joe
I'll add my 2 cents worth. A friend re-built a 35' Jason sailboat right
along side my shop. He used HF drills and had a bunch of SS to drill,
mostly 1/8" and thicker.. Still has the same drill set. I would have bet
my butt that that set wouldn't last one day... Changed my opinion of HF
drill bits.

Stu

[Anthony W]

Stuart & Kathryn Fields wrote:

> Joe
> I'll add my 2 cents worth. A friend re-built a 35' Jason sailboat right
> along side my shop. He used HF drills and had a bunch of SS to drill,
> mostly 1/8" and thicker.. Still has the same drill set. I would have bet
> my butt that that set wouldn't last one day... Changed my opinion of HF
> drill bits.
>
> Stu

Anybody know where I can get a cheap rivet setting tool? The one I want
is $210 and I can't squeeze that out (sorry about the pun.)

The one I want it the TP-888-3 on this page.
http://www.rivetsinstock.com/rivet62.htm

Tony

[[email protected]]

On Aug 6, 2:21 pm, Anthony W > wrote:

> Anybody know where I can get a cheap rivet setting tool? The one I want
> is $210 and I can't squeeze that out (sorry about the pun.)
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------

If it's cheap, you don't want it. Call the guys at the Yardstore, see
if they'v got any used ones.

http://www.yardstore.com/

A good squeezer, a couple of heads and full range of sets makes up a
good part of your tool kit. If the only way to get one is to poke
your change in a sock until you can afford it, then do it.

-R.S.Hoover

[Anthony W]

wrote:
> On Aug 6, 2:21 pm, Anthony W > wrote:
>
>> Anybody know where I can get a cheap rivet setting tool? The one I want
>> is $210 and I can't squeeze that out (sorry about the pun.)
>> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> If it's cheap, you don't want it. Call the guys at the Yardstore, see
> if they'v got any used ones.
>
> http://www.yardstore.com/
>
> A good squeezer, a couple of heads and full range of sets makes up a
> good part of your tool kit. If the only way to get one is to poke
> your change in a sock until you can afford it, then do it.
>
> -R.S.Hoover


Thanx for the feedback. I've been having a hard time locating a rivet
squeezer. Not many places carry them. I plan to get one in the next
week or 2 but I wanted to make sure I was getting a good deal. None of
the places I usually shop for tools carry such an item...

Tony

[Bob Fry]

>>>>> "AW" == Anthony W <Anthony> writes:

AW> Thanx for the feedback. I've been having a hard time locating
AW> a rivet squeezer.

Stay away from Cal Aero Supply on eBay; they sell really old
stuff. Got a squeezer from them that needed significant overhaul and
sure didn't save money on that deal.

--
If I could be a bird, I'd be a Flying Purple People Eater because
then people would sing about me and I could fly down and eat them
because I hate that song.
- Jack Handey

[[email protected]]

Here's another.

On page 43 of catalog 163-B, Harbor Freight is offering a 3X riveting
hammer for $115. Item# 97857-0AZH

-Bob

[Anthony W]

wrote:
> Here's another.
>
> On page 43 of catalog 163-B, Harbor Freight is offering a 3X riveting
> hammer for $115. Item# 97857-0AZH
>
> -Bob

That must be a special item in your area. The HF site doesn't recognize
that number and when I search on "rivet" all I find is pop-rivet stuff.

I'm going to hold off a week or 2 but I'm almost certainly going to get
the one I posted the link to before.

Tony

[Charlie[_2_]]

wrote:
> It was bound to happen sooner or later
>
> Dog-leg Deburring Tool, $8, item# 98262-0AZH
> 4-piece countersink set, $15, item# 98263-0AZG
> Microstop Countersink cage adapter, $15, item# 98264-0AZG
> (The above items may be found on page 36 of Catalog 163-B)
>
> Cleco Pliers, $4.50, item# 97346-1NYH
> (see pg 21 of Catalog 663-B)
>
> However... (you knew that was coming, right? :-)
>
> When I tried to order the deburring tool Harbor Freight said it didn't
> recognize the number. So I sent a message to their Customer Service
> people to make sure they knew there was a market for virtually any
> aircraft-related tools they might care to offer.
>
> The squeaking wheel DOES get the grease... eventually. If enough of
> you guys will follow suit we could probably get Harbor Freight to
> offer virtually everything needed to fill an aviation metalsmith's
> toolbox.
>
> Yeah, I know what you're thinking -- I'm not a big fan of Harbor
> Freight''s quality either. But in some cases Good Enough is all you
> need. For example, I've found that a Chinese cleco costing a nickel
> works just as well as one costing six-bits.
>
> -R.S.Hoover
For me, the ultimate problem with HF is that they seldom have the stuff
they advertise. We have a local store (meaning about a 25 mile drive
each way) & the hit rate for sale items is about 1 in 10. A few months
ago, I decided a few months ago that I was fed up with driving for a
sale item only to not find it & I'd just order on line. They had a great
deal advertised on a 4" grinder/cutoff tool at about $9, plus the cutoff
wheels for it at a good price. I ordered the tool, the wheels, & enough
cheapo odds & ends to justify the $10 shipping cost. After a couple of
weeks I received the odds & ends, the wheels, & no tool ('deleted' on
the invoice) for the wheels. But they did include their latest catalog,
advertising the tool at that great price.

Charlie

[wright1902glider]

For me, the ultimate problem with HF is that they seldom have the
stuff
> they advertise. We have a local store (meaning about a 25 mile drive
> each way) & the hit rate for sale items is about 1 in 10.
>
> Charlie- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


I'm 1/2 way between 2 stores. My strategy is the same I used for toys
when I was a kid: circle all of the stuff in the catalog(s) that I
want. Develop budget limit for this trip. Find as many items on list
as possible. Consume remaining budget on c-clamps and specialty
pliers. A man can never have enough clamps or bent-end-long-reach-
needle-nose-internal-snap-ring pliers.

By the way, I highly recommend the 20ft. 1,000lb capacity yellow
ratchet tie-down straps. They are better than the ones at home cheap-o
and I got mine for $1.99 each. (I bought 1 to use and 3 spares.)

Harry

[Copperhead144]

On Aug 8, 10:34*am, wright1902glider > wrote:
> For me, the ultimate problem with HF is that they seldom have the
> stuff
>
> > they advertise. We have a local store (meaning about a 25 mile drive
> > each way) & the hit rate for sale items is about 1 in 10.
>
> > Charlie- Hide quoted text -
>
> > - Show quoted text -
>
> I'm 1/2 way between 2 stores. My strategy is the same I used for toys
> when I was a kid: circle all of the stuff in the catalog(s) that I
> want. Develop budget limit for this trip. Find as many items on list
> as possible. Consume remaining budget on c-clamps and specialty
> pliers. A man can never have enough clamps or bent-end-long-reach-
> needle-nose-internal-snap-ring pliers.
>
> By the way, I highly recommend the 20ft. 1,000lb capacity yellow
> ratchet tie-down straps. They are better than the ones at home cheap-o
> and I got mine for $1.99 each. (I bought 1 to use and 3 spares.)
>
> Harry

Harry,

You made me choke on my coffee laughing when I read this because its
the very same thing I do. We have one HF store in town bit other's
within an easy driving distance so I keep a copy of the catalog flyer
with me and when in the area stop by one of the stores to see if they
have the item I'm looking for in stock. I also set aside the money I
intend to spend on said tool and wait until I find it. Works fine and
I don't overspend.

Joe

[Andy Asberry[_2_]]

On Fri, 8 Aug 2008 08:34:53 -0700 (PDT), wright1902glider
> wrote:

>For me, the ultimate problem with HF is that they seldom have the
>stuff
>> they advertise. We have a local store (meaning about a 25 mile drive
>> each way) & the hit rate for sale items is about 1 in 10.
>>
>> Charlie- Hide quoted text -
>>
>> - Show quoted text -
>
>
>I'm 1/2 way between 2 stores. My strategy is the same I used for toys
>when I was a kid: circle all of the stuff in the catalog(s) that I
>want. Develop budget limit for this trip. Find as many items on list
>as possible. Consume remaining budget on c-clamps and specialty
>pliers. A man can never have enough clamps or bent-end-long-reach-
>needle-nose-internal-snap-ring pliers.
>
>By the way, I highly recommend the 20ft. 1,000lb capacity yellow
>ratchet tie-down straps. They are better than the ones at home cheap-o
>and I got mine for $1.99 each. (I bought 1 to use and 3 spares.)
>
>Harry

Don't leave them in the sun. I used a couple on a three week trip.
When I got home, I could pull them in two with my hands.

--Andy Asberry--
------Texas-----

[Stuart & Kathryn Fields]

"Andy Asberry" > wrote in message
...
> On Fri, 8 Aug 2008 08:34:53 -0700 (PDT), wright1902glider
> > wrote:
>
>>For me, the ultimate problem with HF is that they seldom have the
>>stuff
>>> they advertise. We have a local store (meaning about a 25 mile drive
>>> each way) & the hit rate for sale items is about 1 in 10.
>>>
>>> Charlie- Hide quoted text -
>>>
>>> - Show quoted text -
>>
>>
>>I'm 1/2 way between 2 stores. My strategy is the same I used for toys
>>when I was a kid: circle all of the stuff in the catalog(s) that I
>>want. Develop budget limit for this trip. Find as many items on list
>>as possible. Consume remaining budget on c-clamps and specialty
>>pliers. A man can never have enough clamps or bent-end-long-reach-
>>needle-nose-internal-snap-ring pliers.
>>
>>By the way, I highly recommend the 20ft. 1,000lb capacity yellow
>>ratchet tie-down straps. They are better than the ones at home cheap-o
>>and I got mine for $1.99 each. (I bought 1 to use and 3 spares.)
>>
>>Harry
>
> Don't leave them in the sun. I used a couple on a three week trip.
> When I got home, I could pull them in two with my hands.
>
> --Andy Asberry--
> ------Texas-----

Andy: remind me not to disagree with you. I've been using some of those
for several years and I can't bust them with my hands. Whatever is in your
diet let me know and maybe you should cut back a bit.
Stu

[Andy Asberry[_2_]]

On Fri, 8 Aug 2008 16:20:33 -0700, "Stuart & Kathryn Fields"
> wrote:

>
>"Andy Asberry" > wrote in message
...

>>
>> Don't leave them in the sun. I used a couple on a three week trip.
>> When I got home, I could pull them in two with my hands.
>>
>> --Andy Asberry--
>> ------Texas-----
>
>Andy: remind me not to disagree with you. I've been using some of those
>for several years and I can't bust them with my hands. Whatever is in your
>diet let me know and maybe you should cut back a bit.
>Stu
>
:)
No Herculean strength here. I will add to my statement. Mine are red
not yellow and they were exposed for the 3 weeks plus a week after
returning. I had simply looped it around the axle of my garden tractor
to pull it up to the trailer ramps. Almost turned to powder. Broke it
several more times just to see if the whole length was rotten.

--Andy Asberry--
------Texas-----

[Ernest Christley]

Andy Asberry wrote:

> No Herculean strength here. I will add to my statement. Mine are red
> not yellow and they were exposed for the 3 weeks plus a week after
> returning. I had simply looped it around the axle of my garden tractor
> to pull it up to the trailer ramps. Almost turned to powder. Broke it
> several more times just to see if the whole length was rotten.
>
> --Andy Asberry--
> ------Texas-----

Your airplane fabric will behave the same way if you don't get a good
coat of that aluminum powder paint on it. So would the same strap
bought of $10 at a big-box store.

Polyester just can't handle the sun.

[Stuart & Kathryn Fields]

"Ernest Christley" > wrote in message
...
> Andy Asberry wrote:
>
>> No Herculean strength here. I will add to my statement. Mine are red
>> not yellow and they were exposed for the 3 weeks plus a week after
>> returning. I had simply looped it around the axle of my garden tractor
>> to pull it up to the trailer ramps. Almost turned to powder. Broke it
>> several more times just to see if the whole length was rotten.
>>
>> --Andy Asberry--
>> ------Texas-----
>
> Your airplane fabric will behave the same way if you don't get a good coat
> of that aluminum powder paint on it. So would the same strap bought of
> $10 at a big-box store.
>
> Polyester just can't handle the sun.


Amen! We used some polyester rope on our catamaran. In the sun it didn't
last long enough to even talk about. Polyester rope must have been designed
for use in basements and long tunnels.

Stu

[Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe]

"Stuart & Kathryn Fields" > wrote in message
.. .
>
<...>
>
> Amen! We used some polyester rope on our catamaran. In the sun it didn't
> last long enough to even talk about. Polyester rope must have been
> designed for use in basements and long tunnels.
>


Sure it wasn't polypropolene? (spelling?)

Polyester should last for quiet a while Polypro turns to dust pretty fast.

--
Geoff
The Sea Hawk at Wow Way d0t Com
remove spaces and make the obvious substitutions to reply by mail
When immigration is outlawed, only outlaws will immigrate.

[Ernest Christley]

Bryan Martin wrote:
> Polypropylene rope is often simply called "poly rope" and sold as such,
> so some might think the "poly" is short for polyester. Polypropylene
> rope is cheap and light (it floats on water) but it doesn't tolerate
> direct sunlight for long.
>
>

Depending on how you define "for long", neither will polyester. Unless
specifically treated with UV blockers, three weeks is a long time for
polyester. If treated with the UV blockers, "long" may run into months
(maybe).