Harbor Freight "Vac-n-Blo"?

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itskrees

New member
I was looking through Harbor Freights website and noticed that their selling a vacuum that has a similar description to the Metro Vac-n-Blo. Has anyone had experience with this? The price tag on it is definitely appealing considering the Metro vac-n-blow is +$100 more.



Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices



However, if the life on it is like their rotary, then i'd be better off just saving up for the Metro then.
 
My experiences with Harbor Freight are usually positive, with a caveat. If you plan on using any tool from them for an extended period of time, then I would suggest saving up for a known quality machine. If you are only going to use it occasionally, then their product are fine ( I have a cordless 4"buffer and a rotary from them and the have served me well, but I do not use them on every detail). The Metro is US made, uses quality components and will have along service life. Much better if you plan to use it frequently.
 
I have quite a few tools from Harbor Freight and have had very few problems with any of them. My tool box is like the who's who of quality tools with Snap-On, Mac, Matco and Craftsman from top to bottom. I know the importance and difference of quality tools. With that being said, I have NEVER been disappointed with Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh brand of impact sockets, hammers, pry bars and other non precision hand tools.

However, my experiences with electric and air operated tools from Harbor Freight has been a little different. They don't seem to be of good enough quality to even constitute the low price unless you are planning on using it for a job or two and anything beyond that is bonus. Like a finish nailer for instance. If I was doing some molding work in my house, I wouldn't think twice about paying $20 or so to buy a nailer to speed the job up and make it easier on me. For that investment, if it works after the job is done, its just a bonus. I wouldn't pay a ton of money for a tool like that because I will most likely never use it after the job was complete since home improvement and wood work is not in my skill set. For stuff like that, Harbor Freight is the place for me.

Now for something that I plan on using on a regular basis, I wouldn't waste the money. I'd just spend the extra cash on a quality machine, wait until I can afford the quality machine or live without it.
 
I've used both and the HF one has cheaper parts for sure. You first notice the switch looks and feel like garbage and then the motor is louder on the HF model. That was my experiences a few year ago anyway.
 
Danase - Besides the feel of cheap material and loud motor, how was the performance and lifespan of the vacuum? How often did you use it?
 
itskrees said:
Danase - Besides the feel of cheap material and loud motor, how was the performance and lifespan of the vacuum? How often did you use it?
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I did not own one. It was someone else I used to hang around with. Personally, I'd never use anything I bought at HF for daily use. I have a few HF products in my garage but I wouldn't buy from them any more. I have an impact gun that has been fine the 6 times I've used it but the screws / bolts holding the casing on come loose every time and I have to screw them back in. I have an angel grinder that is alright but I only use that a couple times a year as well. I also bought an air compressor and had to return it twice. It's usually more hassle than it's worth and you usually don't end up saving money.
 
I agree with Danase with regards to HF air compressors. They may be rated at a certain PSI but the usable PSI is much lower than a better quality compressor. Fine for light projects , a real pain for heavier duty applications. I used to buy products there alot, but lately have been focusing on US and Canadian made tools. (personal reasons) My big problem is that many tools at HF and other discount tool places clone propietary designs from Western companies and produce tools that look similiar but use inferior parts/processes. That is fine for very limited use, but will show its flaws in constant duty. I'd rather save up and buy a known quality product and have that product last for my kids and their kids. You get what you pay for.
 
I bought my Vac N Blo (Metro Brand) from Griots 7 years ago and it worked beautifully until the hose broke and the electrical cord plug broke. I sent it back to Griots and they sent me their latest model which IMHO is much nicer than the Metro. It addresses all the issues I had with the original version like the strap which always managed to undo itself at the wrong time. They also made a nice wall mount fixture for the vacuum and tools which is awesome at keeping everything within easy reach. Here's the link: Portable Vacuum And Blower - Power Tools - Tools - Griot's Garage
 
Thanks guys for all your input!



MBZ 500E - Thanks for showing me that Griot's Garage Vacuum! It looks perfect for what i'll be using it for, and if you say that it fixes all the "issues" that the Metro version might have, then i'll definitely be looking into that. One thing I did notice is that its in fact cheaper than the metro by about $30, any idea why?
 
My first experience with HF was a rotary. Lasted one day and returned it for a new one. The second never worked and still sits in my garage reminding me everyday of the fool I was to buy it. Don't get me wrong, they have plenty of stuff that I still buy there. They have 500w bulbs for my halo's at 99 cents. They don't last very long but for that price I can keep replacing them. Also, any tool that is not elecrict or have any kind of motor will work just fine and be well worth the savings. The last time I was in there they had refurbed shop vacs for pretty cheap.
 
itskrees said:
Thanks guys for all your input!



MBZ 500E - Thanks for showing me that Griot's Garage Vacuum! It looks perfect for what i'll be using it for, and if you say that it fixes all the "issues" that the Metro version might have, then i'll definitely be looking into that. One thing I did notice is that its in fact cheaper than the metro by about $30, any idea why?
Click to expand...



I have no idea why its cheaper, it surprised me too. It definitely has the same suction as the old one if not a little better. It seems to move more air than the old one. Paint is nicer and the attachments are the same.
 
I've used ShopVacs and Commercial vacuums with more Hp and I don't agree. This thing has some serious suction and as long as you don't need wet suction it is ideal for interior detailing.



Don't pass judgement on something you've never used before.
 
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