A reader sent in an email about a new line of Harbor Freight 18V power tools, and although we make it a point to avoid Harbor Freight and their house brands, we took a look.
The new Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 18V cordless impact driver has a 1/4″ hex chuck, and 0-2395 RPM motor with 0-3000 BPM impact mechanism. It comes with a 1-hour “quick charger,” and the new 18V battery platform is “universal” in that it fits HF’s other 18V Chicago Electric tools.
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The torque rating was given as 282 inch-lbs CW and 298 inch-lbs CCW, for “heavy duty driving.” The rating has recently been changed to say 700 in-lbs.
Model number is 68853.
In comparison, Bosch’s 12V/10.8V PS41 impact driver, released about 2 years ago, delivers 930 in-lbs of maximum torque. The Bosch 12V driver kit is in a lower voltage class and costs 2.5x the price, but its >3x power advantage makes it a more useful tool.
The latest Dewalt brushless impact driver has a maximum torque rating of 1500 in-lbs, which is a little more than 5x that of the Harbor Freight model.
Could the torque rating be a typo or mistake? Yes, but it does not seem likely. We checked the torque rating for their new drill as well – 127 in-lbs, which is 20-25% that of current-generation pro-grade 18V drill drivers.
Harbor Freight and their Chicago Electric brand are not the only ones selling underpowered tools for cheap. For instance, Craftsman’s entry-level $50 18V drill is rated at 125 in-lbs. However, unlike DIY brands like Craftsman, Ryobi, and Black & Decker, Harbor Freight claims that their new tools will exceed the high expectations of even the most demanding professional cordless power tool user.
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Do you think it’s unfair for us to judge the tool based on specs alone? While we usually give power tools some wiggle room in comparing specs, 700 inch-lbs is just way below the norm for us to take the driver seriously. If anyone buys one for personal use, we’d be happy to have your feedback! We’d also like some feedback on the battery system if possible.
Dan Richards
Whenever I see subcontractors on TV shows using Harbor Freight tools, I think to myself, “Why did they hire a guy who doesn’t take his work seriously?”
Stuart
They might be paying for those placements. HF people wanted to talk to us about sending review samples, but fell silent after we disclosed our “honest review” policies. Later found out they tried to pay another site to post “sponsored reviews.” I’ve seen more than one fishy-sounding article that praises HF’s “competitive tools at more affordable prices” similar, and now know where those words came from.
But inept and crooked marketing is independent of tools. HF tools and products have their purposes, and some have earned decent reputations. I’ve seen Ryobi and Craftsman tools at some jobsites, but never Harbor Freight.
Dan Richards
Petersen (now Source Interlink) magazines – Hot Rod, Automobile, Car Craft, Four Wheeler, etc – are particularly guilty of publishing shill reviews in adspeak for HF products that are very obviously pay for play. Not limited to tools, I’ve seen it under winches too where they’ll claim the HF product is just as good as the real deal USA product it’s compared to.
Steve Mojer
40 yrs a carpenter and always bought the “best”. Done with that, now I find tools that work as they were meant to be used. Can’t even begin to guess how many expensive batteries I’ve purchased thru the years (nevermind the tools with built in batts). Just bought the HF set of drill and driver, because of the battery price!! Cordless tools will never match a Milwaukee hole shooter, or a 7″ makita which is why I have them. I could talk tools all day but, I’m trying these for now.
Scottthetec
“Why did they hire a guy who doesn’t take his work seriously?”
Dan – I think the same thing myself.
But get this.
I have seen a HF bridge tile saw at a work site for the company I used to work for. The company is a well known chain and they are known for their interior design. These stores build out cost is between 250k and 500k, with a turn round of 5 weeks or less. So, he’s really relying on this thing. I asked the subcontractor about the saw, I was curious as I have a sister-in-law and brother-in-law who do tile work. He told me, at the time – this was probably 7 or 8 years ago, that the saw was 6 years old and gets used 6 days a week by someone at his company. He said the only thing that’s been replaced are the water pump and the blades.
Granted that’s not a cordless tool. I wouldn’t even use their cordless tools for around the house.
Jon
“I’ve seen Ryobi and Craftsman tools at some jobsites, but never Harbor Freight.”
I realize this is an old post, but wanted to put my experience out there for others to read: I use Ryobi almost exclusively. I love Bosch and Milwaukee tools (Milwaukee and Ridgid are the same company and same factory as Ryobi, by the way), and have long planned on upgrading, but I was given an extensive set of Ryobi 18v power tools by my brother-in-law when he upgraded to Makita. He said he didn’t like these because the batteries don’t last. I bought new lithium batteries to replace the original nicads and they have been EXCELLENT. When work required I added the latest impact driver for just $65 (well, $85 or $90 with tax and 2 year replacement plan). Day in and day out they have worked marvelously well. I use the driver, the circular saw, and the reciprocating saw the most. I get looks from other guys on job sites, but never because my tools can’t keep up, just that they are surprised because “everybody knows” Ryobi isn’t “professional”. In fact all the guys I work with have compact DeWalts or Makitas, so my regular size Ryobi (more compact than the full size models from other brands but larger than their compact ones) puts out quite a bit more torque, so every now-and-then when their guns can’t drive something they now borrow mine. Seriously. The Ryobi, which was like 1/3 the price of theirs, does the job when DeWalt and Makita can’t. I looked up the numbers a while back. Seems like most were in the neighborhood of 1000-1200 inch-pounds, while my Ryobi does 1600. And no one has ever mistakenly walked off with one of my batteries or chargers or tools.
Again, I have been planning on upgrading but these things just don’t quit. I just picked up their cordless version of a rotozip last week for $35. It takes 1/4″ shank router bits. A cordless trim router for $35! I’m looking at their oscillating tool (“Job Plus”) next. I just wish they had a crown stapler instead of just the 18 gauge brad nailer in their cordless lineup. Awesome line and they all use the same batteries!
Harbor Freight has its place, but with few exceptions it isn’t in power tools. Many of their hand tools are very good. A couple of their miter saws are excellent. And I have a 2 HP router of theirs that is fantastic. They have a $10 metal cutting blade (stocked in stores) that fits my Ryobi circular saw perfectly and cuts at least as well as the special order only $30 Freud/Diablo blade.
When there is a reasonable made-in-the-USA option I go for that. But there basically aren’t any of those in the world of power tools, particularly not for a whole system. And many smaller tools are nearly impossible to find in town, so I find myself at HF every few months when I need something in a hurry and everything else I can find in town is coming from China anyway. Just check the reviews on their site for everything you consider. There are some absolute gems available, but there is a ton of crap as well. Fortunately others have gone before and tried it all.
Oh, another great use for HF tools: stuff for my son who is too young to be expected to take care of anything yet, but really wants to work with Dad. We’ll upgrade when he’s older. 🙂
Steve Mojer
Ryobi would be awesome if they’re batts lasted and they did’nt keep switching tools. All from experience.
Dave
Craigslist is loaded with HF tools and most common reason why selling it, “I just don’t need it anymore”. A couple of times I got excited over a cheap price only to find out it a HF tool. People are getting burned on their purchases after a couple of uses and want their money back.
Cameron
The picture and link in the article are for the new drill/driver, not the impact driver.
Cameron
Here’s the correct link:
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-volt-cordless-14-hex-impact-driver-68853.html
The manual for the drive states a max of 700 foot/lbs.
Stuart
700 in-lbs is still grossly underpowered for an 18V tool. Maybe the manual was printed first and then they discovered the torque rating was incorrect and updated it for the web description, who knows. Either way it’s still bottom-shelf as far as impact drivers go. A low torque rating is not necessarily bad by itself, but at the same time the manufacturer is claimming the tool can go head to head with more expensive tools.
Stuart
Thanks for the catch! I made the changes prior but forgot to put it through. It should look right now.
Fred
I saw the email a few days ago and ignored it. I was in HF last night, one of their guys was putting up new displays, and was using a Dewalt 18v NiCad drill to screw them down. They have a display cordless drill, and plenty in stock. I don’t know maybe he brought his own. I didn’t ask but I’m sure whatever the answer, it would have been amusing.
There are some things at HF that are decent, but their batteries are the weak point, or at least they were. Guy I know at work told me he got their $20 drill and it lasted a few charges before the battery died completely. I have avoided most of their electric tools, whether battery or 120v. The oscillator tools are great though and my bench grinder & bench sander haven’t failed me yet.
fred
For home use – maybe you can take a chance – but in a commercial setting why risk the downtime or worse. If you have ever seen a bench grinder accident caused by a bad wheel(I know that some wheels get abused and even a quality wheel needs to be treated and used correctly )shattering at high speed – you might think twice about thepotential risk of a low-priced grinder.
Patrick Lucado
Just to throw out a counterpoint…even a weaker cordless drill or driver is better than none at all! For several years when times were lean, I got by with a no-name 18v from the cheap tool store that didn’t even have a separate battery. It served me well. For what they are selling these new HF’s for, and especially the kit of several tools, it looks like a good value as a “starter” kit or maybe for a teenager getting started. But totally agree – they are not “pro” or even high-end homeowner class.
Stuart
Possibly, but there are much more reputable brands out there for not much more money – Black & Decker, Skil, Craftsman, Ryobi.
A simple 12V Black & Decker drill driver served me well for years. Even after I upgraded to an 18V Hitachi I used one of B&D’s 4V screwdrivers for driving in fasteners. That little guy was single-speed and with no clutch, but it served me darn well for years until I gave it away.
Tim
I won’t be trading in my m12 Milwaukee tools or my makits lot tools but believe it or not their products are getting better, and they (unlike a certain big box store that sells a certain name brand tool chest for ridiculous markups) appear to be taking feedback on, and improving their product line. I just bought one of their red 5 drawer service carts and love it. Figured it was a much more reasonable expense than a $1000 tool truck cart. Maybe they’ll eventually get it right, I mean there was a time when everyone thought ryobi tools were junk.
stephen
There seems to be a typo on the HF website. The webpage shows it with 289 in-lbs of torque, but the manual and box say it has 700 in-lbs of torque. I looked at it in store and saw the box listed the higher torque rating.
Link to the manual:
http://manuals.harborfreight.com/manuals/68000-68999/68853.pdf
I don’t know which is correct. An email to HF about it is probably warranted.
stephen
They fixed the typo on the HF website. The page for this impact now shows it with 700 in-lbs of torque.
I’m not saying that’s great, but the typo is fixed.
They sure didn’t do themselves any favors by launching this tool with a glaring error on the website that made it look very weak.
Stuart
Thanks for the note! I made a few corrections in the post to reflect the new rating.
Even so, 700 in-lbs of torque is still lower than what the first generation of Bosch/Milwaukwee/Makita 12V impact drivers could deliver.
David Howard
I have used tons of HF tools, and many name brands too. For this impact driver, it gets the job done for hobby woodworking just fine, and around the house chores. I have a dewalt too that recently came back from being out on loan. The job dictates the tool. Bigger jobs I bring the name brand, small stuff I use up the HF tool. For automotive work I would not suggest the HF tool, but for most woodworking outside of decks it does just fine. I have had great successes from HF, and some not so great experiences. I like that you get 90 days to take anything back, and they have yet to refuse a return of mine. My tablesaw is Jet, but my drill presses are HF. I think the key is to do your homework. Some HF items are GEMS at great prices, some items are to be avoided completely. You just need to read the reviews and see whether a cheap tool will perform the job at hand. If you don’t need the utmost performance from a tool, HF offers a lower end tool at a greatly reduced price. As for drills, I drill masonry with their 1/2″ low speed drill without any problems. If I used their cordless drill for this job, it would not have done as well. There is a place in the tool market for HF, you just need to know the job requirements and the performance from the tool you are getting to come out ahead.
Tom
Just bought this driver. Not expecting to use it continuously, just to speed up some body work. After reading the review decided to try it on lug nuts on a hyundai Sonata (torgued with an air wrench over 100 ft pds) The tool broke loose the lugs. Maybe it won’t hold up, but at $39 has plenty of power for what I need
Leo Petropoulos
Come on guys,
Since when has there been a law regarding the use of the word “Pro”.
It’s marketing and the all the big guys do it too including: Dewalt, Hilti, Milwaukee.
If they lied about the spec that’s one thing, but if the spec is accurate then I claim no fowl. Read the specs, compare prices and then make your decision. We are all big boys after all and we know what in-lb is!
BTW – ALMOST ALL POWER TOOLS are manufactured in CHINA now. Perhaps a few play with marketing and say “Made in the USA” but the reality is that even those are only assembled in the USA- the parts still come for overseas.
fifi waters
Harbor freight; its ok to go there, some stuff is junk yes and some stuff yes great.
Homeowners why not when you don’t need the best tool ever made. Dude its mostly made in china anyway. But hf quality control is poor to nothing. Still I own many tools made by them and they work fine. But I’m a homeowner not a pro.
devin
I have been using this impact driver for about 6 months now, on a frequent diy basis. I have used better brand ones and yes they do have more power, but for anyone on a budget, this tool is great, it has more torque than most drills (including good brands) and replacement batteries are cheap. It also comes with a hard sided case, just do yourself a favor and do buy quality impact bits, the one they supply will warp and become jammed in the chuck. Very well worth it if you ask me.
mc
Harbor freight this, hf that, man not of u never tried, they have some great impacts I got the 12v lithium driver 40bucks 90 day warranty, I replaced my rigid 14.4 this little driver does allllll car bolts, screws don’t believe the hype
allen
In my experience with harbor freight there are definitely some awesome deals on some awesome tools . For example their earthquake 3/8 or 1/2 impact pneumatic guns are kick ass and extremely durable and their 23 ga 1 inch micro pinner nail gun for 22 bucks is just friggin awesome , (I’m a finish carpenter and a self proclaimed mechanic) compared to the fancy brands that are 3 to 4 hundred percent more at least at times it’s almost stupid not to shop there especially for infrequent use tools , face it harbor freight is a goddam toy store and with the prices as low as they are I always find something cool or just priced ridiculously I just have to buy it !
Arron
I have this impact driver. I am a plumber. I have only used it to tighten hose clamps to a stand up hydrant . I am a little wearey about it now. If I put it to the test I hope it does well.
johnny concrete
My harbor freight cement mixer works great. I have mixed over 100 80# bags
over the last three years. Never a problem and it beats mixing by hand.
Clive
Just for some perspective. I got this on sale dirt cheap and finished my entire deck with it. I can throw it away and still be ahead of the game.
It is a great little tool.for house hold use , not everyone buys a tool to build a subdivision
You do t need a dewalt at 300 bucks to put a few screws in .
This is a great tool for the home mechanic too when you need to take the front end off a car.
Jonathon Dombrowski
I have one I was given to me by my neighbor as payment for help I did. It was practically brand new when he gave it to me and it’s was still a piece of shit even then. I used it once and the buried it under my work bench. Makes a good paper weight or door stop but not much else.