2025 : Tool Reviews you buy, rent or borrow?

[Crosley.In.AZ]

First bag change on the new Bauer shop vac.... Vac has a round inner filter and the bag attaches to the inlet plastic tube.  The bag had busted open in 3 small spots.  SO the drywall dust had spread ALL over the inner tub of the vacuum.

I guess lesson learned?  Change the inner bag sooner?  It was Not full by any means. Problaby not even half full , so I think my timing was close to change the bag?

The round inner filter cleaned out easily with a leaf blower.

 

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Yeah, I know about missing tools. Last Saturday, I bought a 1930's mantle clock that didn't run, unless I had it tilted (after some sleuthing on the 'net).  I have two of those little levels that will hang on a string or sit on a table, which would work great to see if the clock is level.  Can't find either one.  I've looked everywhere.

Phil: I started (tried to start) a habit a few years ago while working on something..  If I set a tool - part - what ever  down, I will stare at it for 2 or 3 seconds. LOL  Seems silly , but dammit I will remember that I sat it down there !

Over the years I've had a mindless habit to carry a part or tool with me to something else I need.  Set that item down. Grab what I came for, walk back to the project and leave the other item . Very frustrating since I know I do it !@

 

[Crosley.In.AZ]

This confirms why I prefer to Not buy anything from Harbor Freight with the brand name Pittsburgh on it.

Tape measure belt hook snapped apart today.  Tape still works fine

Guess I could buy a tape holder that attaches to my belt?  Seems like a PITA tho.?

 

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I see Harbor Freight is doing FLash Deals on wednesdays only  in february.  In store purchase only.

Does me no good since the HF store is 51 miles away.

 

[Crosley.In.AZ]

We are still busy on the house projects.

Bought the Harbor Freight drywall  texture spray gun.  Read many reviews on it.  Must admit several suggestions in the reviews were spot on.  Medium nozzle at 40 - 45 psi air.

I tested spray patterns on 2 sheets of wood paneling removed from the house... Then as I was close to proper settings.. I had a 2/3 sheet of sheet rock , I tested on that.  Received the wife approval on texture that is called "orange peel"  which matches the texture in this house.

You will notice a PVC fitting add-on , 45 degree angle fitting. This helps keep more mud mixture in the cup as I spray the ceilings.  This was suggested in the HF reviews too. 1 1/4 inch fitting size with short piece of pipe.

BTWay , I added the air shut off valve. Handy item

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Had to step up, buy new M18 Milwaukee batteries (2). My 4.0ah and 5.0 ah batteries are 6 yrs old.  The 4.0 is near junk. The 5.0 is nearly as weak. With the cost of shipping , a rebuild on the old batteries was within 30 dollars of the new 6.0ah High Output batteries I bought (2)..

With a rebuild of the old 4ah and 5ah units I would have 2 battery at 5.0ah power. The 6.0 batteries have the newer , larger 21700 cells in them.  Shipping costs would be near $55.00 . Lithium battery can not ship via air I was told

Everybody has the same price on these 6.0ah batteries. Home Depot to Northern Tools, ACME Tools, All the same price for 2 or more batteries.  Kinda seemed like price controls ?  Weird? Special sale ?

In photos , the 6.0ah battery is a bit larger and heavier

[Crosley.In.AZ]

I noticed the other day that Harbor Freight has aluminum jack stands. 3 ton rating.

These meet the ASME and PASE specs.  I am just not sure I would use an aluminum jack stand at all..  Specially from Harbor freight?

$50.00 for a pair plus the gov tax

[Crosley.In.AZ]

Bought this drywall tape tool. You run paper tape thru it and it applies mud compound to the tape.  I watched a few videos on this tool and since I struggle with applying the drywall tape to the seams and inside corners. I bought it.

A well spent $38.00 on it.  Its messy to use which the videos did show.  I am getting the hang of it and it makes it way easier and quicker for me.

2nd photo shows the room walls. Can not really see the tape I applied. But it went fairly quick for my first use of the new device.