Imagine accidentally selling an impact before its release date. Then imagine accidentally selling any impact before its release date to the Torque Test Channel 🤦🏻♂️😂😂
@@rogerstlaurent8704 Can't say we're always available to go pick up a tool right away that shows up on HF's website for a few hours. That's some 4D chess if so, and not sure how it benefits them for us to a review a tool while people still can't buy it as opposed to when its release where we'd probably be purchasing it anyways and then others could too.
I was researching to buy a impact wrench, was wondering about the harbor freight line 4 days ago and said "I know, I'll check out the torque test channel". While watching a few videos this one went live and was a couple minutes old when I saw it. Hmm... that looks exactly like what I'm looking for! I left for HF an hour later, walked in and saw the gen 1 on display. I then asked, "Hey, this is the old version, you got any of this new part number in stock?" Can't hurt to ask, right? The response... "Why, yes, the system says we have 6 in stock, they must not be out on the floor yet" Proceeded to get me one from the back and I bought it for $189. 😁 I'm a happy camper, so far no calls to return it either.
I caught that on the website, was going to pick it up, went back to the website to check if it was in stock the next day and said the page didn't exist.
When I first started as an auto tech "a few" years ago, Harbor Freight wad the place you went to get one-time use tools. You would never go there for tools you planned to use daily or even weekly. Now, between the truck brands getting worse and Harbor Freight getter better at their more premium brands, I could definitely see a new tech filling their tool box with Harbor Freight tools and not needing to replace them before the week was over .
I'm a mechanic as well. And every time I hand my coworker my Hercules Ultra torque to use because his $800 Snap-on wouldn't budge a bolt, I just have to smirk.
Even the pros nowadays use the US General carts on a daily basis, and US General carts and boxes are popping up in professional garages too. So no, its not just new techs using Harbor Freight stuff.
@@puckcat22679 my ryobi mid torque is better than most snap on battery impacts. Snap on makes garbage power tools. Great hand tools though. Just way too expensive.
@@Mr10Alpine I would chalk that up to the US dollar being in the toilet and wages being absolute garbage. In 1970 minimum wage earned 95 ounces of gold a year. One person working full time could support a family of four have one new car or a few used ones and still enough left to save for retirement and kids education: today 2 adults need to work 80 hours a week at 35% more than minimum wage to earn equal buying power since minimum wage now earns 14-17 ounces of gold depending where you live. Shops charging $125 an hour for labor but paying the gut wrenching $20-30 depending. It’s a fucking shit show.
Love the video, called my HarborFreight and gave them the part number, they said they did not have, but they went in back to check the truck and found six! Sold me one at 189$, but when they went to ring it up, it said to not sell and call customer service. Mngr nevertheless sold it to me and it charging now!!!!!
I'm more than happy using Hercules. I've been a carpenter and shade tree mechanic for 30 years (age 53 now) and aside from some Ridgid and Milwaukee drills had shy'd away from most battery tools altogether until everything switched from Ni-Cad to Li-Ion and even then I've waited the last 5 years to really start buying / investing again. And after looking at all the options I'm more than satisfied with Hercules (and some Bauers too). I'm not abusing tools 40+ hours a week but even if I did I don't think the Hercules would let you down. You can tell they are "in it to win it" with price, quality, and performance. With them being closely matched to the top tier, who can justify near double costs. I'll back the blue instead!
Having worked at an HFT before, pulling something like this is pretty easy. So long as you have a SKU number to look up, and we have it in our stockroom, we'll gladly sell it to you regardless of whether or not it's supposed to be sold or on any sort of planogram yet. If we have it, and you're in the know, it's yours.
Have purchased a bunch of herc tools and a bunch of various batteries. Used daily at a John Deer dealership. Love them. The ultra is a beast and always in my truck on road trips.
I've run the original ultra torque since it came out with the 4ah extreme batteries and I really have nothing bad to say about it except the trigger delay. If the new motor shortens the trigger delay that's all it needed
@@nomercyinc6783 that's a dumb thing to say. Plenty of people go to HF for professional tools. This Hercules will work just fine in just about any professional environment where none of the tools were even comparable to this one only a year ago and yet mechanics everywhere have been using them without an issue, PROFESSIONALLY. In fact, 90% of mechanics are still using impacts that they bought several YEARS ago.... PROFESSIONALLY!! Not every professional needs a $20,000 torque drive and not everyone needs a Milwaukee either.. but I'm sure you're the most qualified so called "professional" to spew your "professional" opinion about tools 🙄
Just seen some empty icon boxes in the mechanic shop trash bins where I work. No tools in the boxes. Its fleet vehicles they work on so I'd say not everything at HF is worthless. These guys seem to all have various ase certificates posted on the walls. Most say "master" on them.
awesome seeing budget brand compete and having some longevity in the market. mostly see these types of brand either come and go or change battery interchangeability within a year or 2
I am not from US (your brother from Across the pond 😀 in the UK), but man the Hercules line of tools just seems to get better and better in terms of performance and price too. Over $100 cheaper and batteries nearly half the price of the big boys with the same cells inside. Got to live to see that. If I was working for HF tool development I would focus on a mk2 mid torque like the Dewalt dcf891, and a compact like the Makita XWT14Z. That would be one heck of a tool line then. Great job TTC for bringing us the latest testing, new and up coming tools.
"I can show you my TARDIS, so long as you promise not to tell anyone..." _[I can appreciate that a Doctor Who reference might not be well received/understood here..._ 😅 _]_
The changes to the circuit could be pretty significant. If they swapped out the high power devices to something more efficient then the reduced heat and parasitic losses due to heat would translate into more power getting to the motor after a long period of use.
Thank you for the explanation of the graph at 6:15. I don't remember you explaining how to look at it before to see the difference an impact wrench makes in relation to how tight a nut or bolt is.
This is great. I'm really happy we invested in the Hercules line at work. I'll continue to buy milwaukee personally, but it's a lot easier to convince my boss to buy such a great tool at 200 bucks. Plus the warranty is phenomenal. Hercules continues to impress Even if it's behind yellow and red is still very strong and light years ahead of even a couple generations ago of Cordless impacts. Great find and thank you for showing us!
My opinion is much of the same as yours. If you want the best, I think milwaukee is the way to go. If you are a little bit more budget conscious, I honestly think the hercules line is so close at this point that for 99% of things you'd never think "man, wish this was an m18!"
@@andrewk8636 Last time they were on sale with the 'buy 2 4ah batteries, get a tool free,' you could just tack on 2 more of the 4ah batteries for $99, so $25 each, which is insanely cheap for batteries. Even the no name china brands are more expensive than that,. You can't even buy that number of generic 18650 cells for that price. The low price offsets the poorer performance quite a bit, depending on what you need it for of course. I bought a couple for a lawn edger and they do fine for that. I'm on 2 acres with quite a bit of driveway and sidewalk to edge and it'll usually do the whole thing on 1 battery.
WOW! I think this is actually my new favorite channel on TH-cam. I don't actually own a cordless socket impact driver, only several 1/4" hex impact drivers. But the format of these tests is really enthralling. This should replace watching basketball or baseball, because this channel is very educational. The best part about this channel (and Project Farm) is knowing that it is forcing manufacturers to have accountability; for the first time in history companies cannot get away with selling unworkable crap. FYI, I think Hercules might be the most reliable tool on the market right now, based on zero reports of random failures of their new cordless tools.
I had to get my hands on this one even though I have the first Ultra Torque too. Ummm DAMN this thing is much much better in my opinion. The trigger definitely is much smoother. Didn't expect that. And the motor revs sooo much smoother and effortless. This definitely is the motor that was supposed to be in there the first time.
Just bought Gen2 from HF + rapid charger w/fan + the 12ah EP Battery still signficantly cheaper when compared with other in this comparison. When I got to HF their last Gen2 was hidden lol, it was desintiny for me (I heard a worker saying "Is that the one we were looking for and couldnt find?") 😁
All the Hercules stuff is awesome. I’ve only had 1 Bauer tool that has lasted years- their big chipping hammer. When I build myself a custom router table I’m buying the Hercules! Can’t beat the price/quality
@@PeterHernandez-lg2eh Ryobi has so many tools! Caulk gun, chainsaw, air compressor, 1/4" impact, vacuum cleaner, sawzall, 120v inverter, dremel, skilsaw are the ones I use.
I have 3 impacts. My Ryobi has worked well for what I need it. Recently used my Ridgid to loosen a crank bolt as it was the only one that would fit in front of the radiator on my 4 Runner and it buzzed it right off. Have a Bosch in one of my cars, but with my experience with their tools lately, it will probably die with the first or second use. Might look into Hercules as the price seems pretty good for the torque.
One thing I'd like to see added to the lists and that spare parts availability, as some of these cheaper pieces of equipment, have very poor or even no support and parts are scarce at best and more often, non existent.
Harbor Freight actually has done a pretty good job in recent years supplying replacement parts. Very few people ever repair their tools anyways, if they use it past the warranty, aka it breaks in year 6 of ownership, they go and buy the new shiny thing that has even bigger and badder numbers.
They got em for sale still for $189.99 but now you get a free 20v 5amp battery for it (at least for my case at my local Harbor freight store) I just purchased a gen 2 yesterday and this is just perfect if your just looking for something to keep on hand for any repairs, this is my 4th Hercules product now since I recently needed a higher up then my compact 1/2in Hercules drill can't wait to see what its got in house
Yes. I tried it out and then returned it. I also love the size but not enough power. Currently using the High Torque with 8a battery for medium and heavy duty and their impact driver with 5a battery for light duty as well as some medium duty. It is surprisingly strong with a 1/2" impact hex adapter
Currently Harbor freight has it as a kit on sale for about $200 for Black Friday sale, with battery and charger included. This makes it about half the price of Milwaukee and DeWalt.
It was probably a "floor demonstration " model. They are built with larger motors. I bought a demonstration homedics e tee eyed back massager 25 years ago and it still runs perfectly. The store wanted it back but because of what i learned, i declared false advertising.
Cant beat 5yr warranty, got the medium impact for rotating my truck tires, $130 for all sale, i can see using it alot, breaks bolts lose easily, im getting older, got tired of dragging my airline all over for other impact. Adapted an old craftsman 1/2 in chuck to snap on it, makes a great drill also.
Pretty nice Harbor freight is staying decent to the pro along with the guy at home . I like a lot of their stuff, you just got to take a good look at their stuff if there isn't guys like you doing the heavy lifting . Thanks again . :)
$189 for tool + $129 for a 20V 12 Ah to get close to but still not better than a DCF900 for $299. Since I'm already in the dewalt battery echo system It's not worth it but still a nice tool.
Just bought one on Sunday the last day of the sale. I bought the tool only And when I tried to slide in the battery that was on my Hercules 20V drill driver and it required a lot of elbow grease to get it on or off. Took it back to the store and with great effort the manager was able to get the battery all the way forward. Then a floor guy brought over a battery from his Herculese Driver and it too was hard to slide on but IT DID WORK so I brought it home with me
That 'Ultra torque' Milwaukee-lookalike in blue is now 1400 ft-lbs sold in my recent local Harbor Freight trip. And the price is set at $175, as of this typing.
I just bought one of these like 3 days ago lol. I spent like an hour in the store checking the item numbers and couldn't find it. My local store still has 2 on the shelf and hasn't pulled them. So far mine has been great
Every battery tool I have is Hercules. I use them on the job daily. The batteries are great, and affordable. The hercules line of tools is as good as I have used!
My harbor freight had 2 of the gen 2 in-stock on the shelves, can't find them on there website but in stores, wonder if they let a shipment of them let go by accident, see how it does with there 8ah 21700 battery
I broke my brand new Milwaukee 1/2in impact in half... the top snapped at the handle right above the trigger... still waiting to know if they are going to warrantee it... I only got to use it twice... not another scratch on it
Since you've had some good results with Seesii impacts, how about testing their WH450 3/8" impact vs Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc? I tried to see if you've tested it, but couldn't find it.
I noticed you’re harbor freight settings are in Duluth!!! Im in your area! Maybe ill start asking the stores around the cities what they’ve got!!! Great stuff as always!
The Gen 1 is now only $99 on clearance I got mine on liquidation for about 50 brand new with the 5 year warranty which can get you an upgrade to the gen 2 if they have none available at your local HFT
@dustinryan9671 im loving the grease gun, been using it every 2 weeks to grease a semi sense i posted this comment 9 months ago, still doing good after probably 40 tubes of grease have been run through it
To put all these numbers in perspective. The hercules high torque impact which is the base model, has not failed me and even ended up breaking 2 impact rated sockets over almost a year of professional use.
@@aricampos3090 the ones I currently use are the standard 1/2 pittsburgh 6 point deep impact sockets and still going strong but the 2 sockets that broke were a sleeved thin walled pittsburgh lugnut socket set designed for aftermarket rims or supercar/sportcar rims, I ended up replacing the 19mm thin wall socket that broke with a matco one. I still have not had to use a thin wall 7/8 socket so far so that still hasn't been replaced after I beat on that thing doing a tire rotate on a rusty/dusty/musty truck with the lugnuts torqued to 456ft/lbs. But yeah its all about having the right tools for the job.
My only concern about HF tools that cost over $100 is that they change models and brand names so often that one has to wonder how long that 5 yr warranty is really good for. Meaning, what happens if this model is discontinued? Or worse, what happens if they change batteries? Remember the Earthquake electric ratchet?
@@GeorgeMalonedj I stand corrected then. I had no idea they did stuff like that. Good to know. It's a shame they don't advertise that level of service.
My buddy has the gen 1 and tried to remove a lug nut. 2 batteries later I brought out my Bauer and buzzed all 20 off in no time. Get a Bauer, better impact for half the price and its available at Harbor Freight.
Are we able to use a chrome socket on them without them getting stuck on gun ? With my Milwaukee I had to beat them off and get the ring repair kit. Some times, like on wheels with recessed lugs the thinner socket is needed. Using a short extension kept that from happening. My air impacts didn’t do that. Hate for a diy to have that problem.
That ryobi is currently on sale for $170 with a battery and charger and I think they have a new 12ah battery, would like to see how that works on the ryobi ht
As of Monday black Friday week, harbour freight is now listing 2 of their Hercules impacts as new tools. A 10v 3/8 drive now claiming higher working torque and break away than it's 172" sibling. Would love to know of the 3/8 lives up to the claims
well today I just picked up gen1 HF ultra torque for $72 ! (119 closeout - 40% off for insider, 30% everyone else). Looks almost identical on this vid to gen2 at $190 still. At that price I figured why not, given their mid size 1/2" are too weak to take my car lugnut (130lb) while their 1/4" super compact is amazing for it's size but working really hard for lugnuts. yeah it's overkill and heavy.... good thing it has auto mode. If I ever work on wheel bearing again, I know have the tool made for it :)
Since I haven't gotten around to buying the first Hercules High-Torque I'll probably pick up one of these revised models when they're "officially" released. I have one of the Hercules mid-torques you tested a while back and while it's not the strongest mid-torque you can buy it's been helpful for small jobs. So far I've been pleased with all of my Hercules stuff. :)
Actually, this is new territory for them... Usually, when they come out with something new in their higher end brands, they sit on it for a few years. The old Earthquake 1/2" cordless comes to mind. When it came out, it was really good at a really good price. 3 or 4 years later, the name brands were passing it in power and price. Also... I'm watching for them to update the brushless 3/8" impact. It's a little long in the tooth. I have one, and while it's good, there's better out there now. There's a lot of stuff a 3/8" should be able to do that it can't, and the 1/2" is so much heavier that I hate switching to it unless I have to.
One thing that would be really nice to see (maybe even a stats column of its own since it’s becoming a more common feature) is testing on the auto on/off modes. I suspect some are basically the same as self tapping mode from impact drivers, but others definitely have more tech behind them than that. I mean can we really trust using it to quickly drive in nuts and fasteners quickly and to torque, or just quickly but needs a torque wrench after to finish the job, or is it going to destroy our threads and our wallets
Next time you test 4 1/2 inch grinders, could you include the Metabo WP 11-125 Quick grinder? My employer uses those exclusively and I HATE them for a couple reasons, 1 is that they vibrate terribly under heavier load, the other is that they seem a little gutless being an 11 amp grinder. I decided to take my HF Chief 4 1/5 inch grinder to try which seems to be better in my experience despite having an adapter going from the 3/8 type H Milton fitting we use to the 1/4 on my grinder.
I'm wondering if this indicates anything about their pneumatic Ultra Torque version? Any info on that would be greatly appreciated since I have not, as of yet, jumped on to the "all electric" bandwagon. Thanks and I love the videos.
air will last WAY longer that this hercules dc stuff with a cheap controller that fails that runs the dc brushless motor, stick with pneumatic tools, many people will have rude awakening when corporate china tells harbor employees to ditch the "5 year warranty" deal eventually,its all a scam
HF has let me down so many times…. I’m rocking a M18 mid torque…. I wouldn’t be surprised if it died a few weeks of taking apart bolts on an extruder screen changer still hot.
One test I'd like to see is how well the batteries hold a charge. Maybe fully charge a 5Ah battery for each brand and let them sit on shelf for 6 months before doing a test w/o a recharge.
So are we reaching the point of diminishing returns? I got out of the game about ten years ago. At that point, electronics were junk. Okay for assembly but only kinda. I'm floored by the capability of all these newer cordless tools and even the cheap stuff seems like it's plenty serviceable for most weekenders. Love your channel. I wouldn't know anything had changed if not for you folks. Thanks.
Harbor Freight has really come to play in the past few years. 5 years ago, I wouldn't think of spending a dime on their power tools. Fast forward to today, and I'm heavily invested into their Bauer 20v power tool line for homeowner/DIY stuff. The power tools get lots of use and haven't let me down yet. You can even get Samsung 21700 cells in the Bauer 8AH batteries.
I just wish they kept to one line, Bauer or Hercules. I mean realistically, why do they have both lines other than to sell more batteries/chargers/tools. Unless they have all the same tools for both lines, but I don't think that's the case (could be wrong).
@@M.TTT. If you cant afford Snap On tools Bluepoint is another option its the same way with HF if you cant afford Hercules Tools Bauer tools is another great option Plus with HF if the tool breaks you can just go to the store for a new replacement .. Not like Snap On if the tool you are using breaks you would have to wait until the Mr Snap On trucks shows up again BTW Bauer is a Great tool for the semi pro or a DIYER at a good value
@@M.TTT. The Bauer line is more geared towards DIY'ers and non-professionals. It has lots of unique and specialty tools though as well. The Hercules line is their line of power tools aimed directly at professional tradesmen. They're made with stronger materials and higher quality parts. The Hercules stuff sticks more towards traditional power tools. Drills, impacts, saws, etc.
@Benefits ah okay, I didn't see a huge price difference between the two lines, but I'd have to look again. But then like you said they have some odd specialty tools for only Bauer, but I guess you could say Hercules is almost more mechanic minded and Bauer more contractor I suppose. Eh, hey they're both affordable, I'd go with Hercules just cause I like blue lol, I bought their heat gun and adapted a milwaukee battery to it
Hey, parkside which is a popular tool brand in Europe released a 150nm cordless drill that comes at less than 100 euro, I've heard bosch also has a 150nm, so I'd love if you can check the new high torque drills coming out. Maybe there are more idk
Great show. What, if any difference does extra resistance to the "recoil" make? I'm thinking does the larger battery add more resistance and hence more effective hits from the hammer? Keep up the good work.
I think the hammering happens so quickly that it doesn’t need much counter weight. That being said, you have all that weight on the other side of the hammer acting as counterweight with heavy battery almost a foot of the axis that multiplies the counter effect as well as human hand holding it. The hammer is not attached to the rest of the body and only has to have enough counter weight to overcome the spring. Now if the spring were not to fully reset by the time the next blow comes than the force would be transferred to the tool. The only force acting on the tool itself is the spring being reset and that is limited in time and power. That is the vibration you feel when operating the tool since it happens thousand times a minute. This is why, when you overpower a tool by providing more power be it battery or powerfully motor, you might feel the tool vibration increase while at the seams time there is a physical limitation as to how much any given hummer weight can do. You can bang against a really heavy object with a small hammer all you want be it 10 blow a min or 10,000 it won’t move. More power with same hummer/spring will only get you max performance that weight can provide, quicker. So if max work you can do wit a gun is 1000 lb foot but you are getting 700 in 15 sec than bigger battery or motor will maybe get you up to additional 300 in that 15 sec. Alternatively you can just operate that tool for more time till you get to that max 1000 figure. Not something you wanna do if your job requires you to do so many times a day. Most consider anything more then 5 sec excessive for repeating tasks. This is why I urge test channel to let the tool run till it can not reach higher number so we can know max potential for those one time jobs
Kinda out of your wheelhouse, but do ya'll know if those powered anode rods for water heaters actually work? At least as well as swapping the rod every year or three?
Great testing thanks. I own all the Ryobi impacts, and they are indeed, terrible. The 3/8 impact is completely useless. I have to use the 1/2 impact for everything, and even then I have to break things loose with a ratchet or wrench first more often than not. Very frustrating.
Imagine accidentally selling an impact before its release date. Then imagine accidentally selling any impact before its release date to the Torque Test Channel 🤦🏻♂️😂😂
Funk's taking over this channel if we get swept into an unmarked van.
@@TorqueTestChannelBoth of yall are fantastic, ill take either
Looks like HF might have done that on purpose good move HF
@@rogerstlaurent8704 Can't say we're always available to go pick up a tool right away that shows up on HF's website for a few hours. That's some 4D chess if so, and not sure how it benefits them for us to a review a tool while people still can't buy it as opposed to when its release where we'd probably be purchasing it anyways and then others could too.
I can imagine the beads of sweat on their foreheads ... Well boys, take a shower, you passed . lol
I was researching to buy a impact wrench, was wondering about the harbor freight line 4 days ago and said "I know, I'll check out the torque test channel". While watching a few videos this one went live and was a couple minutes old when I saw it. Hmm... that looks exactly like what I'm looking for! I left for HF an hour later, walked in and saw the gen 1 on display. I then asked, "Hey, this is the old version, you got any of this new part number in stock?" Can't hurt to ask, right? The response... "Why, yes, the system says we have 6 in stock, they must not be out on the floor yet" Proceeded to get me one from the back and I bought it for $189. 😁 I'm a happy camper, so far no calls to return it either.
Nice, but I think you meant impact wrench.....unless you're looking to sink screws all the way through drywall and the stud.
Was wondering if TTC saw that little hiccup on the HF site. Glad to see they're just as obsessed as I am.
TBH we just read comments from 1 or 2 of you guys pointing it out. You guys the real ones
I caught that on the website, was going to pick it up, went back to the website to check if it was in stock the next day and said the page didn't exist.
@@ryanjewell9832 yeah it was on the app and not the website but now it's gone completely. Was quite peculiar.
When I first started as an auto tech "a few" years ago, Harbor Freight wad the place you went to get one-time use tools. You would never go there for tools you planned to use daily or even weekly. Now, between the truck brands getting worse and Harbor Freight getter better at their more premium brands, I could definitely see a new tech filling their tool box with Harbor Freight tools and not needing to replace them before the week was over .
I'm a mechanic as well. And every time I hand my coworker my Hercules Ultra torque to use because his $800 Snap-on wouldn't budge a bolt, I just have to smirk.
Even the pros nowadays use the US General carts on a daily basis, and US General carts and boxes are popping up in professional garages too. So no, its not just new techs using Harbor Freight stuff.
@@Mr10Alpine Ohio Department Of Transportation stations are full of them
@@puckcat22679 my ryobi mid torque is better than most snap on battery impacts. Snap on makes garbage power tools. Great hand tools though. Just way too expensive.
@@Mr10Alpine I would chalk that up to the US dollar being in the toilet and wages being absolute garbage. In 1970 minimum wage earned 95 ounces of gold a year. One person working full time could support a family of four have one new car or a few used ones and still enough left to save for retirement and kids education: today 2 adults need to work 80 hours a week at 35% more than minimum wage to earn equal buying power since minimum wage now earns 14-17 ounces of gold depending where you live. Shops charging $125 an hour for labor but paying the gut wrenching $20-30 depending. It’s a fucking shit show.
Love the video, called my HarborFreight and gave them the part number, they said they did not have, but they went in back to check the truck and found six! Sold me one at 189$, but when they went to ring it up, it said to not sell and call customer service. Mngr nevertheless sold it to me and it charging now!!!!!
That curve explanation at 6:32 was awesome. I totally did not see the graph in those terms. Completely changed how I see it now.
Same. Game changer!
It’s been doing everything I’ve needed to and it’s been out performing our shop’s Milwaukee and Matco electric impact.
I'm more than happy using Hercules. I've been a carpenter and shade tree mechanic for 30 years (age 53 now) and aside from some Ridgid and Milwaukee drills had shy'd away from most battery tools altogether until everything switched from Ni-Cad to Li-Ion and even then I've waited the last 5 years to really start buying / investing again. And after looking at all the options I'm more than satisfied with Hercules (and some Bauers too). I'm not abusing tools 40+ hours a week but even if I did I don't think the Hercules would let you down. You can tell they are "in it to win it" with price, quality, and performance. With them being closely matched to the top tier, who can justify near double costs. I'll back the blue instead!
Having worked at an HFT before, pulling something like this is pretty easy. So long as you have a SKU number to look up, and we have it in our stockroom, we'll gladly sell it to you regardless of whether or not it's supposed to be sold or on any sort of planogram yet. If we have it, and you're in the know, it's yours.
Have purchased a bunch of herc tools and a bunch of various batteries. Used daily at a John Deer dealership. Love them. The ultra is a beast and always in my truck on road trips.
Some assistant to the assistant manager at the local Harbor Freight is probably feeling some heat right now 😂
We must protect her at all costs!
I've run the original ultra torque since it came out with the 4ah extreme batteries and I really have nothing bad to say about it except the trigger delay. If the new motor shortens the trigger delay that's all it needed
Trigger delay is unchanged, programming and trigger are the same. It's one of the worst in trigger delay sensitive stuff
thats cheap harbor freight items for you. nobody goes to harbor freight for professional tools
@@nomercyinc6783 that's a dumb thing to say. Plenty of people go to HF for professional tools. This Hercules will work just fine in just about any professional environment where none of the tools were even comparable to this one only a year ago and yet mechanics everywhere have been using them without an issue, PROFESSIONALLY. In fact, 90% of mechanics are still using impacts that they bought several YEARS ago.... PROFESSIONALLY!! Not every professional needs a $20,000 torque drive and not everyone needs a Milwaukee either.. but I'm sure you're the most qualified so called "professional" to spew your "professional" opinion about tools 🙄
Just seen some empty icon boxes in the mechanic shop trash bins where I work. No tools in the boxes. Its fleet vehicles they work on so I'd say not everything at HF is worthless. These guys seem to all have various ase certificates posted on the walls. Most say "master" on them.
@@nomercyinc6783just say u purchased a snap on impact for $1200 and this hercules makes more power. 🤣 jealousy is crazy
awesome seeing budget brand compete and having some longevity in the market. mostly see these types of brand either come and go or change battery interchangeability within a year or 2
I am not from US (your brother from Across the pond 😀 in the UK), but man the Hercules line of tools just seems to get better and better in terms of performance and price too. Over $100 cheaper and batteries nearly half the price of the big boys with the same cells inside. Got to live to see that.
If I was working for HF tool development I would focus on a mk2 mid torque like the Dewalt dcf891, and a compact like the Makita XWT14Z. That would be one heck of a tool line then.
Great job TTC for bringing us the latest testing, new and up coming tools.
It's cool to see so many good products out there in this category. Competition and independent testing FTW!!!
That’s impressive. You should brought them back the gen 1 when they wanted to look at it ( aka take it back).
"sir how did you put a years worth of use and abuse on this tool in 3 hours?" lol
@@TorqueTestChannel"Dude, you ever actually seen my channel? You're lucky it's still in one piece!"
@@TorqueTestChannel"Trade secrets my son."
@@TorqueTestChannel 'this is just what work looks like' would be a fun response
"I can show you my TARDIS, so long as you promise not to tell anyone..."
_[I can appreciate that a Doctor Who reference might not be well received/understood here..._ 😅 _]_
The changes to the circuit could be pretty significant. If they swapped out the high power devices to something more efficient then the reduced heat and parasitic losses due to heat would translate into more power getting to the motor after a long period of use.
Thank you for the explanation of the graph at 6:15. I don't remember you explaining how to look at it before to see the difference an impact wrench makes in relation to how tight a nut or bolt is.
This is great. I'm really happy we invested in the Hercules line at work. I'll continue to buy milwaukee personally, but it's a lot easier to convince my boss to buy such a great tool at 200 bucks. Plus the warranty is phenomenal.
Hercules continues to impress
Even if it's behind yellow and red is still very strong and light years ahead of even a couple generations ago of Cordless impacts.
Great find and thank you for showing us!
Exactly. Whatever is lacking in 'quality of life' stuff and such is made up for in sheer value.
Nobody will notice the slightly less
My opinion is much of the same as yours. If you want the best, I think milwaukee is the way to go. If you are a little bit more budget conscious, I honestly think the hercules line is so close at this point that for 99% of things you'd never think "man, wish this was an m18!"
While not always on sale, the ryobi high torque goes on sale for $160 with HP battery and charger. Not too bad either
Yeah, that's a steal
Soo does the dcf900 with 5ah for $199
Yeah if you can stomach using their terrible batteries lol
@@andrewk8636 Last time they were on sale with the 'buy 2 4ah batteries, get a tool free,' you could just tack on 2 more of the 4ah batteries for $99, so $25 each, which is insanely cheap for batteries. Even the no name china brands are more expensive than that,. You can't even buy that number of generic 18650 cells for that price. The low price offsets the poorer performance quite a bit, depending on what you need it for of course. I bought a couple for a lawn edger and they do fine for that. I'm on 2 acres with quite a bit of driveway and sidewalk to edge and it'll usually do the whole thing on 1 battery.
@@TorqueTestChannel Any chance of the Ryobi PSBIW25B getting tested?
WOW! I think this is actually my new favorite channel on TH-cam. I don't actually own a cordless socket impact driver, only several 1/4" hex impact drivers. But the format of these tests is really enthralling. This should replace watching basketball or baseball, because this channel is very educational. The best part about this channel (and Project Farm) is knowing that it is forcing manufacturers to have accountability; for the first time in history companies cannot get away with selling unworkable crap. FYI, I think Hercules might be the most reliable tool on the market right now, based on zero reports of random failures of their new cordless tools.
Watching is certainly more productive than sports
I had to get my hands on this one even though I have the first Ultra Torque too. Ummm DAMN this thing is much much better in my opinion. The trigger definitely is much smoother. Didn't expect that. And the motor revs sooo much smoother and effortless. This definitely is the motor that was supposed to be in there the first time.
Thanks for the input
@@alghuraba No problem. I look at it strictly from the customers standpoint. That's how I found this channel. #TTC
Just bought Gen2 from HF + rapid charger w/fan + the 12ah EP Battery still signficantly cheaper when compared with other in this comparison. When I got to HF their last Gen2 was hidden lol, it was desintiny for me (I heard a worker saying "Is that the one we were looking for and couldnt find?") 😁
I've been really impressed with the Hercules brushless offerings. HF actually has some compelling power tools now!
All the Hercules stuff is awesome. I’ve only had 1 Bauer tool that has lasted years- their big chipping hammer. When I build myself a custom router table I’m buying the Hercules! Can’t beat the price/quality
I wasted my money buying ryobi products because I have 4 20v batteries with a top line charger. No mas
@@PeterHernandez-lg2eh Ryobi has so many tools! Caulk gun, chainsaw, air compressor, 1/4" impact, vacuum cleaner, sawzall, 120v inverter, dremel, skilsaw are the ones I use.
@@kd5crw got glue gun, soldering iron, all sorts of wacky stuff.
They're also not all that cheap any more.
You’re awesome man, I was hoping you’d get your hands on one before it was removed completely
I have 3 impacts. My Ryobi has worked well for what I need it. Recently used my Ridgid to loosen a crank bolt as it was the only one that would fit in front of the radiator on my 4 Runner and it buzzed it right off. Have a Bosch in one of my cars, but with my experience with their tools lately, it will probably die with the first or second use. Might look into Hercules as the price seems pretty good for the torque.
You wont be sorry!!
One thing I'd like to see added to the lists and that spare parts availability, as some of these cheaper pieces of equipment, have very poor or even no support and parts are scarce at best and more often, non existent.
Harbor Freight actually has done a pretty good job in recent years supplying replacement parts. Very few people ever repair their tools anyways, if they use it past the warranty, aka it breaks in year 6 of ownership, they go and buy the new shiny thing that has even bigger and badder numbers.
@@pianomail HF has 5 years warranty? 🧐
@@MD-gk4uh the brushless Hercules stuff has a 5 year warranty now.
They got em for sale still for $189.99 but now you get a free 20v 5amp battery for it (at least for my case at my local Harbor freight store) I just purchased a gen 2 yesterday and this is just perfect if your just looking for something to keep on hand for any repairs, this is my 4th Hercules product now since I recently needed a higher up then my compact 1/2in Hercules drill can't wait to see what its got in house
Way to go HF! Thanks for the teardown and test TTC!
They need to drop a better mid torque impact. The current one is pretty wimpy.
Fully agreed
Yep. I love how compact it is but it lacks the power to be able to put any kind of adapter or extension on it.
Yes. I tried it out and then returned it. I also love the size but not enough power. Currently using the High Torque with 8a battery for medium and heavy duty and their impact driver with 5a battery for light duty as well as some medium duty. It is surprisingly strong with a 1/2" impact hex adapter
I've seen some adapters for Dewalt 20v or m18 to m12, and I'm curious how those work and if they'll fry tools.
Been looking at those too but also scared to burn something out
Currently Harbor freight has it as a kit on sale for about $200 for Black Friday sale, with battery and charger included. This makes it about half the price of Milwaukee and DeWalt.
Great video. At that price, I'm actually thinking of getting an impact wrench, even though I can't recall the last time I needed one.
It was probably a "floor demonstration " model. They are built with larger motors. I bought a demonstration homedics e tee eyed back massager 25 years ago and it still runs perfectly. The store wanted it back but because of what i learned, i declared false advertising.
Wow, thanks for checking it out!
Cant beat 5yr warranty, got the medium impact for rotating my truck tires, $130 for all sale, i can see using it alot, breaks bolts lose easily, im getting older, got tired of dragging my airline all over for other impact. Adapted an old craftsman 1/2 in chuck to snap on it, makes a great drill also.
Pretty nice Harbor freight is staying decent to the pro along with the guy at home . I like a lot of their stuff, you just got to take a good look at their stuff if there isn't guys like you doing the heavy lifting . Thanks again . :)
$189 for tool + $129 for a 20V 12 Ah to get close to but still not better than a DCF900 for $299. Since I'm already in the dewalt battery echo system It's not worth it but still a nice tool.
Just bought one on Sunday the last day of the sale. I bought the tool only And when I tried to slide in the battery that was on my Hercules 20V drill driver and it required a lot of elbow grease to get it on or off. Took it back to the store and with great effort the manager was able to get the battery all the way forward. Then a floor guy brought over a battery from his Herculese Driver and it too was hard to slide on but IT DID WORK so I brought it home with me
What about the Ridgid High Octane? I would love to see the comparison.
Could you guys test the hyper tough 3/8 impact wrench?
That 'Ultra torque' Milwaukee-lookalike in blue is now 1400 ft-lbs sold in my recent local Harbor Freight trip. And the price is set at $175, as of this typing.
I just bought one of these like 3 days ago lol. I spent like an hour in the store checking the item numbers and couldn't find it. My local store still has 2 on the shelf and hasn't pulled them. So far mine has been great
On the last test, the that hit 810, that curve was still increasing while all the others had flat lined! There was still more beans left in it!!
Every battery tool I have is Hercules. I use them on the job daily. The batteries are great, and affordable. The hercules line of tools is as good as I have used!
My harbor freight had 2 of the gen 2 in-stock on the shelves, can't find them on there website but in stores, wonder if they let a shipment of them let go by accident, see how it does with there 8ah 21700 battery
Idea for a test came to mind, what about the manual hand impacts? The kind you hit with a hammer? How much difference is there in those?
Probably none. I think they are all the same manufacturer. At the very least they all seem to use the same design.
I broke my brand new Milwaukee 1/2in impact in half... the top snapped at the handle right above the trigger... still waiting to know if they are going to warrantee it... I only got to use it twice... not another scratch on it
Since you've had some good results with Seesii impacts, how about testing their WH450 3/8" impact vs Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc? I tried to see if you've tested it, but couldn't find it.
I would love to see you guys test some more circ saws
On the farm when working on semi’s and heavy front loaders and Cat tractor’s usually the bolts or nuts break loose in under 3sec
That’s pretty good, especially considering the cost. But that initial torque ramp up seems pretty slow compared to others.
Well done HF. I like my DeWalt stuff, but that Hercules is a beast.
I noticed you’re harbor freight settings are in Duluth!!! Im in your area! Maybe ill start asking the stores around the cities what they’ve got!!!
Great stuff as always!
The Gen 1 is now only $99 on clearance I got mine on liquidation for about 50 brand new with the 5 year warranty which can get you an upgrade to the gen 2 if they have none available at your local HFT
i just bought some hercules tools using the charger battery and tool sale they had, im pretty impressed so far with them
Did the same, got the battery and charger for $99 and got the $135 Grease Gun for FREEEEEEEE!
@dustinryan9671 im loving the grease gun, been using it every 2 weeks to grease a semi sense i posted this comment 9 months ago, still doing good after probably 40 tubes of grease have been run through it
@@benjaminfifield8838 if I knew how much this grease gun would make life easy I would have bought it a long time ago!
I wish there was a way to run these hercules tools with an adapter for Makita batteries.
To put all these numbers in perspective. The hercules high torque impact which is the base model, has not failed me and even ended up breaking 2 impact rated sockets over almost a year of professional use.
what brand of sockets were you using?
@@aricampos3090 the ones I currently use are the standard 1/2 pittsburgh 6 point deep impact sockets and still going strong but the 2 sockets that broke were a sleeved thin walled pittsburgh lugnut socket set designed for aftermarket rims or supercar/sportcar rims, I ended up replacing the 19mm thin wall socket that broke with a matco one. I still have not had to use a thin wall 7/8 socket so far so that still hasn't been replaced after I beat on that thing doing a tire rotate on a rusty/dusty/musty truck with the lugnuts torqued to 456ft/lbs. But yeah its all about having the right tools for the job.
My only concern about HF tools that cost over $100 is that they change models and brand names so often that one has to wonder how long that 5 yr warranty is really good for. Meaning, what happens if this model is discontinued? Or worse, what happens if they change batteries? Remember the Earthquake electric ratchet?
If they treat it like their other "recall" items, they'll probably offer some kind of a cash value equivalent gift card.
@@fattygamer94 interesting. I wasn't aware of that policy. One could still be stuck with a munch of useless batteries and chargers though.
@@rickreed They swapped all my batteries, tools, chargers to the current Hercules and I also received an $80 gift card. No complaints
@@GeorgeMalonedj I stand corrected then. I had no idea they did stuff like that. Good to know. It's a shame they don't advertise that level of service.
Good to know about the swap
My buddy has the gen 1 and tried to remove a lug nut.
2 batteries later I brought out my Bauer and buzzed all 20 off in no time.
Get a Bauer, better impact for half the price and its available at Harbor Freight.
Are we able to use a chrome socket on them without them getting stuck on gun ? With my Milwaukee I had to beat them off and get the ring repair kit. Some times, like on wheels with recessed lugs the thinner socket is needed. Using a short extension kept that from happening. My air impacts didn’t do that.
Hate for a diy to have that problem.
Nice to see a manufacturer (retailer?) focused on value.
Always a good video…with good information. Live confidently and peacefully
That ryobi is currently on sale for $170 with a battery and charger and I think they have a new 12ah battery, would like to see how that works on the ryobi ht
As of Monday black Friday week, harbour freight is now listing 2 of their Hercules impacts as new tools. A 10v 3/8 drive now claiming higher working torque and break away than it's 172" sibling. Would love to know of the 3/8 lives up to the claims
Please test out pipe vise, at least the Amigo Slim L, they are game changing for mechanics.
They should make an impact that also pushes down on the socket as well as rotating. Like a hammer drill
well today I just picked up gen1 HF ultra torque for $72 ! (119 closeout - 40% off for insider, 30% everyone else). Looks almost identical on this vid to gen2 at $190 still. At that price I figured why not, given their mid size 1/2" are too weak to take my car lugnut (130lb) while their 1/4" super compact is amazing for it's size but working really hard for lugnuts. yeah it's overkill and heavy.... good thing it has auto mode. If I ever work on wheel bearing again, I know have the tool made for it :)
DCF961 is already out, would love to see how it compares to HF and Milwaukee
Since I haven't gotten around to buying the first Hercules High-Torque I'll probably pick up one of these revised models when they're "officially" released. I have one of the Hercules mid-torques you tested a while back and while it's not the strongest mid-torque you can buy it's been helpful for small jobs. So far I've been pleased with all of my Hercules stuff. :)
Man, the cycle of obsolescence with HF stuff is damn short.
With price not going up along with it, it's hard to complain about them improving products though.
Actually, this is new territory for them... Usually, when they come out with something new in their higher end brands, they sit on it for a few years. The old Earthquake 1/2" cordless comes to mind. When it came out, it was really good at a really good price. 3 or 4 years later, the name brands were passing it in power and price. Also... I'm watching for them to update the brushless 3/8" impact. It's a little long in the tooth. I have one, and while it's good, there's better out there now. There's a lot of stuff a 3/8" should be able to do that it can't, and the 1/2" is so much heavier that I hate switching to it unless I have to.
Correct me if I’m wrong but can you do a video showing the impact wobble(swivel) adapter and show the torque loss at different angles?
One thing that would be really nice to see (maybe even a stats column of its own since it’s becoming a more common feature) is testing on the auto on/off modes.
I suspect some are basically the same as self tapping mode from impact drivers, but others definitely have more tech behind them than that.
I mean can we really trust using it to quickly drive in nuts and fasteners quickly and to torque, or just quickly but needs a torque wrench after to finish the job, or is it going to destroy our threads and our wallets
Keep up the great work! Rankings purchased. 👍🏼
Can you do a torque test on the old 24v kobalt 600 inch pound impact wrench the first one
Next time you test 4 1/2 inch grinders, could you include the Metabo WP 11-125 Quick grinder?
My employer uses those exclusively and I HATE them for a couple reasons, 1 is that they vibrate terribly under heavier load, the other is that they seem a little gutless being an 11 amp grinder. I decided to take my HF Chief 4 1/5 inch grinder to try which seems to be better in my experience despite having an adapter going from the 3/8 type H Milton fitting we use to the 1/4 on my grinder.
I'm wondering if this indicates anything about their pneumatic Ultra Torque version? Any info on that would be greatly appreciated since I have not, as of yet, jumped on to the "all electric" bandwagon. Thanks and I love the videos.
Se the vid a few back with Thor in the thumbnail
air will last WAY longer that this hercules dc stuff with a cheap controller that fails that runs the dc brushless motor, stick with pneumatic tools, many people will have rude awakening when corporate china tells harbor employees to ditch the "5 year warranty" deal eventually,its all a scam
I'm wondering if soon we'll get a gen3. I want to buy one, but not if a new one comes out every year.
Can you please do an episode on most powerful 3/4 inch impact gun. Including air impacts
Still asking to see the Makita Lxt Subcompact drill, impact driver and 6.5 in saw tested
HF has let me down so many times…. I’m rocking a M18 mid torque…. I wouldn’t be surprised if it died a few weeks of taking apart bolts on an extruder screen changer still hot.
Wish you guys would test the Porter cable impact know sold by tractor supply
I’m Curious how the m12 drills and impacts compare to the m18 drills and impacts, you should test them
1:18 In my entire life I have never seen a Harbor Freight which looks like that.
My local store looks like a K-Mart in 1987 Beirut.
That was SEMA
@@TorqueTestChannel Never even heard of it. Saw the giant Harbor Freight logo. Thought it was a Harbor Freight.
One test I'd like to see is how well the batteries hold a charge. Maybe fully charge a 5Ah battery for each brand and let them sit on shelf for 6 months before doing a test w/o a recharge.
So are we reaching the point of diminishing returns?
I got out of the game about ten years ago. At that point, electronics were junk. Okay for assembly but only kinda.
I'm floored by the capability of all these newer cordless tools and even the cheap stuff seems like it's plenty serviceable for most weekenders.
Love your channel. I wouldn't know anything had changed if not for you folks. Thanks.
Harbor Freight has really come to play in the past few years. 5 years ago, I wouldn't think of spending a dime on their power tools. Fast forward to today, and I'm heavily invested into their Bauer 20v power tool line for homeowner/DIY stuff. The power tools get lots of use and haven't let me down yet. You can even get Samsung 21700 cells in the Bauer 8AH batteries.
I just wish they kept to one line, Bauer or Hercules. I mean realistically, why do they have both lines other than to sell more batteries/chargers/tools. Unless they have all the same tools for both lines, but I don't think that's the case (could be wrong).
@@M.TTT. If you cant afford Snap On tools Bluepoint is another option its the same way with HF if you cant afford Hercules Tools Bauer tools is another great option Plus with HF if the tool breaks you can just go to the store for a new replacement .. Not like Snap On if the tool you are using breaks you would have to wait until the Mr Snap On trucks shows up again BTW Bauer is a Great tool for the semi pro or a DIYER at a good value
@@M.TTT. The Bauer line is more geared towards DIY'ers and non-professionals. It has lots of unique and specialty tools though as well. The Hercules line is their line of power tools aimed directly at professional tradesmen. They're made with stronger materials and higher quality parts. The Hercules stuff sticks more towards traditional power tools. Drills, impacts, saws, etc.
@Benefits ah okay, I didn't see a huge price difference between the two lines, but I'd have to look again. But then like you said they have some odd specialty tools for only Bauer, but I guess you could say Hercules is almost more mechanic minded and Bauer more contractor I suppose. Eh, hey they're both affordable, I'd go with Hercules just cause I like blue lol, I bought their heat gun and adapted a milwaukee battery to it
Thank you give me good information I need one. I'm going to harbor freight tomorrow.
Hey, parkside which is a popular tool brand in Europe released a 150nm cordless drill that comes at less than 100 euro, I've heard bosch also has a 150nm, so I'd love if you can check the new high torque drills coming out. Maybe there are more idk
I got that HF gun yesterday for $159. I dig it so far.
Great show. What, if any difference does extra resistance to the "recoil" make? I'm thinking does the larger battery add more resistance and hence more effective hits from the hammer?
Keep up the good work.
I think the hammering happens so quickly that it doesn’t need much counter weight.
That being said, you have all that weight on the other side of the hammer acting as counterweight with heavy battery almost a foot of the axis that multiplies the counter effect as well as human hand holding it.
The hammer is not attached to the rest of the body and only has to have enough counter weight to overcome the spring.
Now if the spring were not to fully reset by the time the next blow comes than the force would be transferred to the tool. The only force acting on the tool itself is the spring being reset and that is limited in time and power. That is the vibration you feel when operating the tool since it happens thousand times a minute.
This is why, when you overpower a tool by providing more power be it battery or powerfully motor, you might feel the tool vibration increase while at the seams time there is a physical limitation as to how much any given hummer weight can do. You can bang against a really heavy object with a small hammer all you want be it 10 blow a min or 10,000 it won’t move.
More power with same hummer/spring will only get you max performance that weight can provide, quicker. So if max work you can do wit a gun is 1000 lb foot but you are getting 700 in 15 sec than bigger battery or motor will maybe get you up to additional 300 in that 15 sec. Alternatively you can just operate that tool for more time till you get to that max 1000 figure.
Not something you wanna do if your job requires you to do so many times a day. Most consider anything more then 5 sec excessive for repeating tasks.
This is why I urge test channel to let the tool run till it can not reach higher number so we can know max potential for those one time jobs
Kinda out of your wheelhouse, but do ya'll know if those powered anode rods for water heaters actually work? At least as well as swapping the rod every year or three?
Just bought the Gen 1 on clearance for $169. So far so good!
What about the Lowe's brand impact? Kobalt
I just talked my friend into getting the new m18 and it’s pretty awesome. Got it at Rural King even tho they said out of stock.
She a great impact wrench
@@Jamba_Samba it sure is
What happened to the harbor freight earthquake cordless 1/2 inch impact. I think it more than the DeWalt
Great testing thanks. I own all the Ryobi impacts, and they are indeed, terrible. The 3/8 impact is completely useless. I have to use the 1/2 impact for everything, and even then I have to break things loose with a ratchet or wrench first more often than not. Very frustrating.
just bought the gen 2 for $160 because of the parking lot sale
Great review. Thanks for posting!
Hercules has really stepped things up. Price and warranty are definitely a solid choice