Harbor Freight has been pumping out a lot of new tools – here’s a look at some of the most notable ones.
Table of Contents
- US General Series 3 Tool Storage
- Low Profile Jack
- Bauer 12″ Disc Sander
- US General Side Tray
- 6″ Hitch Vise
- Icon Dead Blow Hammers
- Icon Dead Blow Ball Pein Hammer
- Hercules 20V Impact Wrenches
- Hercules 20V Grinder
- Hercules 20V Compact Saw
- Hercules 20V 21700 4Ah Battery
- Bauer 20V 7-1/4″ Sliding Miter Saw
- Hercules 2-1/4 HP Router
- McGraw 29-Gal Oil-Lube Air Compressor
US General Series 3 Tool Storage
Harbor Freight teased about their new next-generation US General Series 3 tool storage lineup, which will include several sizes of roller cabinets, side lockers, a top hutch option, and what looks to be a top chest.
Features include “improved drawer layout,” “integrated power drawer,” and “much MUCH more.”
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ETA: Spring 2023.
Daytona 1.5 Ton Ultra-Low-Profile Racing Jack
The new Daytona 1.5 ton jack is quite specifically described as an ultra-low-profile lightweight high performance aluminum racing jack with Rapid Pump.
It has a minimum saddle height of 2-3/8″ for “lifting custom vehicles without damaging rocker panels.”
The Rapid pump tech allows users to “lift most loads to a service height in just 3 pumps.”
Additional features include a dual piston hydraulic system, universal joint release, extra-long 47-5/8″ two-piece knurled aluminum handle, and it weighs just 36 pounds.
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Price: $300
Bauer 12-inch Disc Sander
The new Bauer 12″ disc sander features a 1-1/4 HP direct-drive motor and reaches speeds up to 1725 RPM.
Features include a cast aluminum table that can tilt from 0 to 45°, a 2″ dust collection port, heavy-duty cast iron base to reduce vibration and improve stability, and aluminum disc guard.
It works with 12″ adhesive-backed abrasive discs.
Price: $200
US General Folding Side Tray for Tool Carts
There’s a new folding side shelf available in different colors – blue, green, orange, black – and it looks to be replacing a previous generation of the same product.
These are meant to be used with US General 5-drawer mechanics carts, or the US General full bank tool cart.
Harbor Freight has all of the old folding side shelfs on clearance.
I can’t tell the difference, other than the new one being $30 and the old one being on clearance for $20.
The old version is said to be compatible with the 5-drawer cart, and the new one seems to add full bank cart compatibility, so maybe that’s the difference.
Price: $30
Doyle 6-inch Hitch Vise
This new Doyle vise is designed to fit standard 2″ hitch receivers, or can optionally be bolted down via 2 slots.
It can fit flat stock up to 5-3/4″ wide, or round stock from 1/2″ to 3-1/2″ in diameter. The fixed jaw has a flat surface 2-1/2″ x 5-3/4″ and can serve as an anvil.
Construction: 60,000 PSI ductile iron
Price: $130
Icon Dead Blow Hammers
Harbor Freight has expanded their Icon line of premium mechanics hand tools with new dead blow hammers.
There are two sizes – 24oz and 48oz. The dead blow construction reduces rebound, and the polyurethane housing is non-sparking and resistant to most shop chemicals. The hammers also have wide flared handles and soft grips for reduced slipping.
Price: $30 for 24oz, $40 for 48oz
Icon Dead Blow Ball Pein Hammer
There will be a third dead blow – a 32oz ball pein hammer, with flat and rounded steel faces.
Price: $55
Hercules 20V Brushless High and Ultra Torque Impact Wrenches
Harbor Freight has been steadily expanding their Hercules 20V Max cordless power tool lineup, this time with high torque and Ultra-Torque 1/2″ drive impact wrenches.
The high torque model delivers up to 1200 ft-lbs of breakaway torque and 700 ft-lbs of fastening torque. The Ultra-Torque model pushes performance levels a bit higher, with up to 1400 ft-lbs of breakaway torque, and 900 ft-lbs of fastening torque.
Both impact wrenches feature 4-mode controls, with 3 speed ranges and an auto-fastening/loosening mode.
As Harbor Freight not-to-subtly advertises, these tools are now covered by a 5-year limited warranty, which is very nice to see.
Price: $180 for high-torque, $200 for Ultra-Torque
Hercules 20V Brushless Angle Grinder
There’s also a new Hercules 20V Max brushless 4-1/2″ / 5″ paddle switch grinder.
Price: $100
Hercules 20V Brushless Compact Reciprocating Saw
There’s also a new Hercules 20V Max brushless compact reciprocating saw, similar to other brands’ one-handed saws.
Features include a 7/8″ stroke, 3000 SFM, pivoting shoe, tool-less blade change, variable speed trigger, LED light, and electric brake.
Price: $90
Hercules 20V Compact 4Ah Battery
Harbor Freight added another new battery to their Hercules 20V Max cordless power tool system. It’s a compact 4Ah battery built with high performance 21700-sized Li-ion cells.
It’s worth pointing out that the battery has a 4-light fuel gauge.
This should be a nice complement to the recent Hercules Extreme Performance 8Ah and 12Ah batteries that Harbor Freight launched this past summer.
Lastly, the Hercules batteries have a new 3-year limited warranty.
Price: $65
Bauer 20V Cordless 7-1/4″ Sliding Miter Saw
There’s a new Bauer 20V Max cordless 7-1/4″ sliding miter saw, with brushless motor, 8-1/2″ crosscut capacity, and 3800 RPM motor.
Price: $200
Harbor Freight Hercules 2-1/4 HP Router
The new corded (AC) router features a 12A 2-1/4″ HP motor, variable speed dial, 10,000 to 25,000 RPM speed range, 1/4″ and 1/2″ collets, LED light, and integrated dust collection port.
Price: $130
McGraw 29-Gallon Vertical Air Compressor
The new McGraw 29-gallon vertical air compressor features a 1.8 HP oil-lubricated pump, 165 PSI max air tank, 75 dBA noise level, large 10″ flat-free tires, front-facing ball drain valve, and delivers up to 5.3 SCFM at 90 PSI.
Price: $550
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Derek
Thought you would have included the US General Series 3 toolboxes in this post.
That router seems intriguing for the price.
Stuart
They don’t have usable images, specs, pricing, or much of anything else.
But you’re right – thanks! There’s not much to say yet, but I added in what we know so far.
Derek
Yeah, it seems like a strange rollout. They said the drawers are deeper but is the box or did they just extend the drawer further back some?
MikeIt
Den of Tools has a video of the US General series 3 from SEMA saying the depth (front to back) is the same at 22 inches but that each drawer is taller and that’s what they meant by “deeper”. I wish someone at SEMA would take a tape measure to it and clear it up for everyone.
Derek
Seems a bit strange to go to the Series 3 branding for taller drawer sides. Guess they can use it as an excuse to increase price.
KMR
Ah… increased drawer height. Reducing the number of drawers (and slides) while also effectively increasing total storage volume. But that comes with a price increase.
Chris I
I’d like to know what you know that toolguyd doesn’t know.
They sure look like the setup over at StrictlyToolboxes.
Derek
Only what I saw on GarageJournal.
PW
I’m curious about that 12″ sander.
It replaces a similar “Central Machinery” branded 12″ sander that is now on clearance. The old CM sander was about 20lbs heavier (implying a lot more substance to the castings) and advertised a greater table tilt.
The new Bauer does advertise a higher amperage motor, so it’s possible it has a little more grunt.
Still, I’m unimpressed with this general trend of replacing older woodworking machines with more or less equivalent red colored models at a markup.
S
Harbor freight is definitely moving up-market.
Likely part of a grand scheme. Though now they’re starting to compete with all the ‘real’ players like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee.
The sawzall looks identical to the Milwaukee version, as does that grinder…
I suspect they’re working to carve out their niche just below the name brand stuff. Better tool quality, better margins, but sucks for consumers that don’t need/want prosumer or pro-grade tools/costs.
PW
I’m aware of their intent. The problem with this scheme is trusting that they actually have better quality. Where did the 20lbs of tool go? It probably means the Bauer is flimsier, has less vibration dampening, etc.
The Bauer also has a 90 day warranty, laughably short if you want to convince me it’s “better quality”.
Gene
I have the CM 12″ disc sander. I has been one of my most satisfying HF purchases. Great. machine. I bought mine when you could still use a 25% coupon. I paid 127 and some coins for mine. Glad I bought mine when I did
Adam
I saw the Bauer 12″ disc sander on display at a store a few days ago (“Coming Soon”) – not impressed at all. The sanding platen was visibly warped out of true and the quality of the aluminum table was rough and poorly machined. Also, this sander has the same problem as every other discount sander of this type: the table is small. Like pathetically small, maybe 15″x7″ thereabouts. The castings aren’t even thick enough to support tapping and mounting some auxiliary wings. There’s no reason they can’t make the stand a little taller and make the table a little longer and wider to actually accommodate the stock you’re working with.
Not going to sugar coat my disappointment about this, it sucks. Here I was hoping for a useful benchtop tool and this thing is not even an improvement over the old Central Machinery branded sander (unless you like the shiny red paint job).
SamR
I got the 1.5 Ton Ultra-Low-Profile Racing Jack with %15 off, which is fantastic!
The US General Folding Side Tray for Tool Carts is not new. It now comes in two different sizes. The cheaper one is smaller,, and it is for the 4 drawer tool cart.
The Doyle 6-inch Hitch Vise is adentical to Baileigh model: BV-6HV – 6″ Heavy Duty Hitch Vise for $163. I got mine from amazon under brand name: Forward 1705A for $119.
Chris I
How’d you get 15% off of a floor jack?!?
Chris
This weekend they have 10% off one item no exclusions. 15% for inside track
Jack D
I picked up the Hercules angle grinder over the summer, and have been pleased with the results to date. It’s the slide switch version, so I suspect the one listed here is the paddle switch version.
I was disappointed to see HF list the switch variant as a “new tool” when there is no other discernable difference, at least according the their listed specs. It’s hard to get excited about the line when your new tools aren’t really that new, especially since we’re still waiting for that multi tool we were promised earlier in the year.
That said, Harbor Freight has been upping their Hercules battery game for the line, implying newer and bigger tools down the pike, and they’re even running a special now, offering a free battery with the purchase of one of their 20V Hercules drivers. Here’s hoping that brings more exciting stuff in 2023…
G New
Harbor Freight also announced their Badlands Off Road Jack at Sema. Retail pricing of 299$. Can be found on their instagram page. It’s not on the website yet.
SamR
Yeah! Coming on December this year.
It looks fantastic and had ton of features. I cannot not find more information about the wheels and what they are made of?
Eric
The price on the Icon dead blow ball-peen seems a little crazy since you can get essentially the same thing, made in USA, from Tekton for about $2 more the last time I checked…
PW
That caught my eye too.
There are several brands (Capri, Gearwrench, Tekton) reselling what I have to assume are the same USA made Trusty Cool ball pein deadblows. If you shop around you can find a sale.
I guess the HF version has a nice looking over molding but the price…
John
US General boxes are very good quality, have several and no complaints.
Icon stuff is overpriced and I would never bother.
Hercules router looks to be a clone of the Bosch 1617. Just buy the Bosch, has two decades of reliability. Hercules tools won’t not exist in two decades.
Jim Felt
I’m not sure if I’m a tool brand snob or just can’t shake the HF rep of cheaply made and very short warranted clones.
Tarps, dolly’s and the occasional sacrificial tool is fine but anything more? I just can’t.
Andrew C
I used to think that way. Not so much anymore. They stand behind the tools better than other brands. Nice to be able to just bring it back to the store. The last power tool that broke on me was a higher grade dewalt jigsaw at 3 years and 1 month. If a tool doesn’t break in the first 90 days it might be good for 3 years easily so the warranty difference may not make much difference. On the other hand..If they start doing more of the 5 year warranty’s then other brands are going to be really challenged losing buyers like myself.
Andrew C
Heck home depot is going the opposite direction. Treating you like criminals. Walking you to the door to buy power tools and asking to see receipts in the parking lot (I don’t oblige them). If I want a power tool from there I let them take a lower profit shipping it to me now
John
My Home Depot where I have shopped for 20 plus years reached a million dollars in stolen product in a single year a few years back and it services very well off surrounding neighborhoods. So stores tightening up is warranted. Too many pieces of sh*t thieves these days.
G.V.
They walk you to checkout because of rampant theft, it’s a policy now, not a judge of your character. 1000’s of bad apples have spoiled it for everyone else, go complain to the thieves you crybaby.
Harry
That series 3 grey box shown at SEMA is box #1 and a preproduction model. It’s the only one in existence. The drawers are full extension but, are only like 19.5 inches from front to back. They have that plastic slide to open thing below each drawer handle. I asked the Harbor Freight booth peeps about the gaps between the side lockers and the hutch on both sides. His response was that they’re aware of it but, because the hangers for the side lockers rest on the edge of the box, they would have to change the locker attachment method to lose the gaps. Series 3 will eventually replace series 2 storage. The HF rep I spoke with estimated the complete grey series 3 as pictured to be south of $4K but, prices can change once it’s in full production. If you want to see what’s coming out in early 2023, watch Harbor Freight’s SEMA videos on you Tube. They have a large, made in the USA Pry bar that looks like a dominator clone, dead blow ball peen hammers in 16 & 24 ounces, and three position slip joint pliers, diagonal cutters, and long nose pliers that appear to be clones of a red & white truck brand along with other stuff. Harbor Freight is the brand that many people love to hate but, some of their offerings have greatly improved in quality. They also seem to be releasing new product at a steady pace which is something other companies aren’t doing. Their SEMA booth was probably better stocked than any actual Harbor Freight store I’ve ever seen and had heavy foot traffic from open to close.
SamR
I am fascinated with their business model, which seems to grow exponentially.
I guess the new phase for them is to make US made hand tools and more online sales.
Jeremy
Any word on a US General Series 3 Mechanics 5 drawer cart? Im looking to get a small roll cart and the 72in tool box but if both are coming in series 3 I’m going to wait to pull the trigger on the tool cart. I haven’t seen or heard anything about it in any of the SEMA coverage.
Stuart
Nothing yet.
Bort
They’re really dedicated to replacing older, cheaply priced, “good enough” tools with overpriced lower quality shiny red a blue tools. I really hate harbor freight now.
S
So you’re saying a snap-on deadblow works functionally better than a harbor freight deadblow?
MM
I can’t stand the Pittsburgh deadblows from HF. Everything about them is a poor experience starting when you first pick one up and feel some strange chemical residue all over your hands: is it mold release? is it something oozing out from the mystery polymer they’re molded out of? While you ponder that the strange chemical smell creeps in. Seriously, they smell terrible. Put one in your toolbox and the whole box reeks the next time you open it. The mystery polymer is slippery. If you’re sweaty or there’s oil, machining coolant, auto chemicals, etc, involved then you aren’t getting a good grip. And then there’s the durability: Assuming the steel inside part of the hammer has the head welded properly to the handle you’ve got about 6 months of use out of it before the mystery plastic starts to disintegrate like a too-old rubber band and it peels off the steel inner pieces in chunks. If you got the roughly 1-in-10 chance the head wasn’t welded right then you can enjoy it coming loose much earlier than that. Hopefully you won’t lose balance or bust your knuckles on an overstrike if and when that weld fails.
I’ll be the first to say that Snap-On deadblows are overpriced and you can get far better value for less money elsewhere but they don’t have those problems.
I can’t speak to the new Icon branded deadblows as I’ve never used one but they seem much nicer when handled in store. They don’t stink, the grip feels nice and they feel like good solid material. They aren’t cheap though!