Harbor Freight Auger - Review

We all know Harbor Freight tools. You win some, you loose some. I tested it so you didn't have to.
#HarborFreight #review #augerreview

[Mark-shki]

I bought one of these. I learned a couple of important lessons in using it. One is that it can be extremely dangerous if it does catch a root or a rock. The instructions say don't put downward pressure on the machine, use max throttle and let the machine do the work. That will work in hard, dry soil or clay, since it is taking small amounts of soil as it advances, it will bounce on the root or rock obstruction. BUT in soft or wet soil the auger is advancing too fast and will grab and lock on the obstruction and instantaneously rotate the machine 90 degrees in you hands and rip your shoulders apart. You need to go slow/part throttle in soft soil to not injure yourself. It's very dangerous in soft soil. The second thing I learned is that the machine needs to be started every couple of months and/or the 25-1 gas/oil mixture goes bad and needs to be replaced. The directions say to store it with fuel in it, and use fuel stabilizer. But that only holds for a few months. Then you have to start over. Another problem I encountered was the inability of the fuel tank pickup to suck gas. My machine had to be at least 3/4 full to keep running. Otherwise it would start and die. I don't know if this is a problem unique to my machine or a design issue. Another maintenance item for storing is to remove the spark plug, pour a small amount of oil into the cylinder and rotate the piston with the pull start to lubricate the cylinder prior to storage.

[earonspangler]

I used one of these augers to install over 5000 feet of fence. It ran like a champ. I had no issues in this hard red clay of Virginia.

[emmanuelmeyermeyer]

Great job! Thanks for the tip on the Allen bolts. That saves people a big headache when they drop into the hole.

[MThomasHoff]

Need one of these for an upcoming to see you have the 1/2 pint outside gotta learn!!!

[ZONIAN]

I'm hitting my weights again.
I want to look like you.
Get back in tough shape.
Nice video on the auger.
Blessings and safety to you and your family.

[janetmcmillan]

Why would you stand that thing up right beside the baby?

[Mike-vtis]

Been running a fencing company with a couple guys using these for 2 years they work great I got the extensions for them have to bend to far without it

[JM-syqv]

These things work pretty well even in non ideal soil. I have rocks and roots and it does get caught up but you can work it especially with a post hole digging bar to break things up. You definitely need to be feeling strong that day however.

[henryaustria]

Thank you buddy for telling us about the bolt that when it’s rattling keep loosing, just put a new one with self locking nut and bolt. I will buy one thank you.

[bullsprig]

Some of ya'll may differ, but I just bought one and used it in black gumbo Texas soil - and it worked just fine - I just wish maybe it came with an 8" diameter auger instead of 6". You can barely get any concrete or foam around the post with that narrow of a hole. I might try to wallow out the next ones and rock the machine back and forth to see if I can get a little more space in there.

[kolby]

Perfect Review i have to dig 22 holes for a fence also, sold i'm gonna go get one tomorrow,
thanks for the review

[tylerwerner]

Harbor Freight has the perfect tools for the "I need this tool 6 times a year max" situations.

I've had the $20 Chicago Electric Sawzall for like 8 years now and just cut up hot tub with it.

[MrTommy]

Here in Nevada our 'soil' is many times like concrete. Especially near the end of the year when there has been NO rain, or snow melting. Not sure I could use this here, though I'd love to. Great video though. Thanks for taking the time. Oh, and you're in much better shape than this 79 year old - HA.

[squidusn]

I manually dug four 18in deep holes that took me almost 1.5hrs, lol. Im gonna rent one of these for the next 10 holes I still need to dig and save my back and knees a little. Thanks for the vedio. Your baby is adorable!

[bobkoskovics]

Put some Loctite on them and I’ll stay in there forever or a little white paint enamel

[pcarp]

A pipe wrench works good for reverse, a little slow but better than nothing.

[mikewithers]

Great video Barry. Just wondering what kinda soil you have there? I'm trying to drill into sticky clay and rock. I looked at this tool last night

[harryhoesch]

Maybe some thread lock blue in the box build Allen bolts.

[jasonsmith]

Bro, I have one of these and you make it look easy- but with arms like yours, it probably is- not so much for this old man! Lol. I'm almost regretting buying mine though because the reviews on the 40v ryobi are impressive, and it has reverse!

[arrepuess]

I ported one of these motors and put it on a gas scooter. Bought a tunable carb that really made a difference in smoother performance. However it vibrates at higher rpms. Its not well balanced. Still a fun project.