"Cheapo" Reciprocating Saw
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Tuned
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 317
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From: New Jersey
"Cheapo" Reciprocating Saw
Does anyone have the Harbor Freight Reciprocating saw that is always on sale for $19.99 ? For me it might be worth it because of the limited use it would get, but I need to know if it has a "quick release" or set screw blade locking system.
Thanks, Chet
Thanks, Chet
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,439
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From: Spokane WA
they have soft plastic gears in the gear case.
they will act OK with a fine tooth metal cutting blade and a light hand, but a course tooth blade will make the gears skip.
I think they have a set screw. Harbor freight has some good stuff but this isn't one of them. It will be less frustrating if you just throw a $20 bill out the window.
I'd really step up and get a $50 B&D or Craftman or one of the cheaper LD Makitas
they will act OK with a fine tooth metal cutting blade and a light hand, but a course tooth blade will make the gears skip.
I think they have a set screw. Harbor freight has some good stuff but this isn't one of them. It will be less frustrating if you just throw a $20 bill out the window.
I'd really step up and get a $50 B&D or Craftman or one of the cheaper LD Makitas
Last edited by oldhalftons; Aug 7, 2005 at 06:17 PM.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 13,589
Likes: 2
From: NW burbs of chicago
your def. better off with a used saw. i had the hf model, it burned up cutting 2x4's i bought a used dewalt off ebay gpt about 50 bucks, ive cut through railroad ties with a 10 inch blade.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 6,658
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From: "Islander"
Go with a used Milwaukee like their older short stroke verse the Super with 1 1/8" stroke. Check to see how loose the plunger is, if you get a tight one and not run it in dirt they will last years. Paid $65 for a good tight one at a flea market, going on the 4th major house remodel, moving walls, supports under house 4" x 6" beams. Can't say enough on Milwaukee products. Porter Cable "Tiger Saw" lasted one year and the plunger was sloppy.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
I have the B&D Firestorm, it's not bad. It has all metal gears, and it's a true variable speed. My only complaint is that when you bear down on it a bit too hard, the blade pops out due to the design of the release mechanism. I do use it just about daily, though, and has held up for several large jobs and lots of heavy use cutting metal up to 1/4" thick. I'd have to say that for less than $50, it's not a bad tool.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,654
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From: Bossier City, LA
Cheap and tools usually do not belong in the same sentence. Unless it's a one time thing. Recip saw quality brand name used is probably your best bet. In order of my opinion of quality, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Hitachi, Porter Cable, Ryobi.
Ryan
Ryan
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 3,705
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From: Wichita KS
I bought a craftsman a couple years ago (can't remember what i paid) and I use it at least once a week and it's still good and tight and never had a problem. I have owned a couple Milwaki (sp) and they were great. When it comes to power tools you usually can't get away with a cheepie.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 202
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From: southern Md
Dont overlook the used Porter cable...It is heavier than the Milwaukee has good torque and is very reliable. I have Milwaukee's and a Portercable and they each get chosen by the job...lots of overhead cutting or just a simple job I grab ole red any real heavy stuff the Porter gets the nod. Both are excellent saws as is the B&D series! Hope this helps BTW all my current saws have set screws the new mils have a quick release available.
Last edited by snyiper; Aug 9, 2005 at 07:55 AM.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Michigan
I have a 10 year old Milwaukee Super and have tortured it with ambitious home repair... second floor on home, and a cabin up North. Tough saw, very handy, would like to have quick release. I had the chance to use a Porta Cable once and I thought it was smoother cutting, but did seem as tough. Good Luck, The corded magnum holeshooter is a powerful wrist sprainer also. The new, big red, 28 volt Lithium stuff sounds cool also.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 992
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i got a 4.5 inch angle grinder from habor Freight. i got the extra warrenty for it and everything. I used it one time and it started to smokey after about 30 seconds of use. The smoke must have been toxic because it made me so sick. I took it back and got another and it lasted for about 2 weeks then the gears went apart on it.
So dont waste your time on their power tools. THEY DONT LAST. I buy the set of wrenchs and sockets the put on sale all of the time. I have been really happy with those.
-Brandon -
So dont waste your time on their power tools. THEY DONT LAST. I buy the set of wrenchs and sockets the put on sale all of the time. I have been really happy with those.
-Brandon -
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 82
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From: Michigan
Used or new, buy the good stuff. If you are nearing the classical years like I, so what, your kids or relatives will have something good to remember you by.
Last edited by rrzielin; Aug 9, 2005 at 12:10 PM. Reason: clarity
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
I bought a Sears/Craftsman 6.0 Amp saw with a two year warranty. It did not last the warranty period and was replaced. When the other new one failed the second time, out of warranty, cutting some 3/16 channel I ditched it.
I bought the $99 DeWalt model from Home Depot, basically on price though I like the "tool less" design very much. It holds the blades tight in many positions. My first choice would have been Milwaukee if I had the extra money at the time.
I bought the $99 DeWalt model from Home Depot, basically on price though I like the "tool less" design very much. It holds the blades tight in many positions. My first choice would have been Milwaukee if I had the extra money at the time.
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