Vibratory tumblers from Harbour Freight.

[Tom W.]

Has anyone had one long enough to give a review? I'm looking at one, as my tumbler from Midway is old and probably on it's last legs. They seem to be bigger than the one that I have.

[Froogal]

Some folks have had good enough luck with items from Harbor Freight. I have NOT. I will not darken their doors.

[Omega]

I bought one, but have only used it a few times. It seems to be ok, didn't see any issues when I did use it.

[frodo]

i like to use ss pins I have not heard any bad reports on Harbour freight vibraters


https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3c380z

[RED BEAR]

I have one after a bit of work it works great. Had to replace the threaded rod with a 1/4 inch one ( hardware store couple bucks ) the original stripped and wore a bigger hole in the top. Took a faucet washer and glued it in hole in lid added a lock washer to top. Haven't had a problem since. Been using about a year and a half. Original problems may have been due to my over loading it. It warns against it but i figure if it fits then it ain't overloaded. I can guarantee i went over the weight limit and still do. also use it to polish my cast bullets and i know they are a lot more than 5 pounds. Like i say had to do a little fixing up but since it has held up to some pretty hard abuse.

[LUBEDUDE]

Most of the stuff I have bought at HF I go in with the attitude that what I am buying is disposable. If it doesn’t break during or after the first use then I’m ahead and may get to use it again. Though I have not been in my store for 5-6 yrs, I do admit that I have been suckered on a few items. So I find it best to shop elsewhere.

[Crusty Deary Ol'Coot]

Tom W.

I spend little time with Harbor Freight. However, I have a nephew that is in the business of repair and rebuilding of large over head lifting equipment etc. He uses that outfit as a source of disposable tools. Use it and use it hard, then take it back and exchange for a new one.

I have gone through at least 4 vibrating case cleaners and the weak point is always the motor! That has been 3 from Midway and the last from RCBS.

I finally bit the bullet and have now bought a Dillon, and YES!!!!!!!!! there is a difference and a major one at that.

This Dillon is so smooth and doesn't dance off the bench as did the RCBS. The motor is ball bearing.

Higher cost, but I clearly got what I paid for.

I get a bit torqued, with tools no matter how low the cost that don't last and believe me when I say that at least three of those vibrating case cleaners died waaaaaaay before a reasonable amount of use. The RCBS even at the higher price then Midway gave up way, way, way, way too soon. Of course after the warranty of a year or so. BAD motor! Again!!

I don't like junk and for that reason do not buy from Harbor Freight unless I intend to use it and discard, or in the case of my set of letter stamps will use them on soft lead alloy and infrequently.

Crusty Deary Ol'Coot

[Winger Ed.]

After using the same high end one for several years, I've never found myself saying,
"Gosh, I sure wish I'd gotten that el cheapo that may trash out after a few uses".

[chumly2071]

I have both the large and small HF vibratory tumblers. they have worked well for me.
I did have to use some edge trim (https://smile.amazon.com/Precision-Auto-Prime-Shell-Holders/dp/B000N8LMWY/ref=pd_bxgy_200_img_2/137-3942396-8300260?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000N8LMWY&pd_rd_r=c847bc53-8ac7-11e9-b96b-b7864d6bce3e&pd_rd_w=Kg4PG&pd_rd_wg=bQ3R1&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=CPDJYEFQKTN38RC5ZPFF&psc=1&refRID=CPDJYEFQKTN38RC5ZPFF) to replace the seal on the large one's bowl, as I added some mineral spirits to my walnut to help control dust/cleaning, and the original swelled and came off. Other than that, I am very pleased with their performance.

[BigAlofPa.]

Harbor freight electric ran items not last. I have 2 Franklin arsonal tumblers from Academy. I run them hard. Been very happy with them. They are less in price too. Ok they went up. I paid 39.99. But here is a link.
https://www.academy.com/shop/browse/outdoors/shooting/ammunition/reloading?facet=mfName_ntk_cs%3A%22Frankford+Arsen al%22

[retread]

Harbor freight electric ran items not last. I have 2 Franklin arsonal tumblers from Academy. I run them hard. Been very happy with them. They are less in price too. Ok they went up. I paid 39.99. But here is a link.
https://www.academy.com/shop/browse/outdoors/shooting/ammunition/reloading?facet=mfName_ntk_cs%3A%22Frankford+Arsen al%22

I bought an FA tumbler about 9 years ago. It has done well, with no problems. I wet tumble nowso it hasn't seen much use lately. Amazon has them for $41.24 and free shipping it you have prime or order over their minimun of $45 (I think it is). I thought I might offer mine for sale but the freight would be too high as it would be bulky.

[Bookworm]

I have a Harbor freight dry tumbler. I've been using it for 2 years, and I have no complaints.

[BigAlofPa.]

I had issues with the power tools. Sounds like the tumblers are good.

[RED BEAR]

I have a fa tumbler that lasted 2 months that's what the harbor freight replaced. Had a midway before that that lasted over 25 years ( best tumbler i ever saw ). I don't believe in pampering things they ether take the pace or get out the race. I am in no hurry to tumble brass i can load it up to the max and let it run a day or so. If it says they will do 300 or 600 cartridges well thats just a suggestion.

[Tom W.]

Roger that. My one from Midway is old and doesn't seem to have the"spunk" that it used to have. I've been lucky I guess, as the stuff I've gotten from HF is still in one piece. I don't buy the cheapest stuff that they sell, but do shop to see which is better. There is an academy sports close by to browse through but the employees, even the older men and women, ain't the sharpest tacks in the box. They do try though, which is more than I can say for Walmart personnel.

[onelight]

I am a big fan of cheap , but Bottom end Chinese any thing electric or that requires properly hardened parts is out for me. And I do buy some things from Harbor Freight. I have 2 wood working benches that were cheap and are worth what they cost.

[hendere]

My HF tumbler is five years old now. It needed a lock washer to keep from shaking the top loose. No other problems.

[megasupermagnum]

My golden rule with Harbor Freight is if it has complex moving parts, run away. After exchanging the third generator, and second air compressor in the same month, I said enough. I've been using their rock tumbler for about a year, and it seems to be a decent unit. It was also the cheapest one I could find by far. In the case of the vibratory tumbler, the cheapest I'm seeing from HF is $55. You can find dry tumblers for the same price from better brands. I ran my Cabelas brand one for years until I switched to the ultra sonic cleaner. If HF makes a wet tumbler, I don't see it.

[Omega]

My golden rule with Harbor Freight is if it has complex moving parts, run away. After exchanging the third generator, and second air compressor in the same month, I said enough. I've been using their rock tumbler for about a year, and it seems to be a decent unit. It was also the cheapest one I could find by far. In the case of the vibratory tumbler, the cheapest I'm seeing from HF is $55. You can find dry tumblers for the same price from better brands. I ran my Cabelas brand one for years until I switched to the ultra sonic cleaner. If HF makes a wet tumbler, I don't see it.Don't see it? How did you use the "rock" tumbler? I bought their double and replaced the drums with pvc ones, worked good the two times I used it, then found a F.A.R.T for cheap.

[6bg6ga]

I'll probably get in trouble for saying this but when you buy cheap generally you buy junk. I was on my second tumbler or maybe I should say I went thru my second tumbler when I purchased the largest Dillon tumbler they make. Sure, it was more money but years later its still running and I had been going thru a tumbler every two years. Bottom line here.....you get what you pay for. Now you can buy cheap and keep buying cheap or you can make a smart move and simply buy once and buy right.

[Thunder Stick]

I own the HF "Central Machinery" 5 LB model. Picked it up at an in store sale for 50% off. It was been running flawlessly for over five years. For polishing/cleaning media I use Zilla ground walnut reptile bedding from Petco. Just used it last weekend to clean .223 Rem brass.

/2 cents

[6bg6ga]

+ on the Lizard Litter for cleaning media.

Did some checking and I did have a Harbor Freight tumbler. It didn't last that long however. Just buy a Dillon and be done with it.

[RED BEAR]

Spending more on something is no guarantee of quality. I have learned that the hard way. I have really started to read the reviews on products starting with the worst first. Its not always an indication but if numerous people keep having the same problem you might want to look out. This is not always an indication because some companies don't put up all the negative comments. But it can give one an idea. I will admit i am cheap but don't mind spending the money if it makes sence. My midway tumbler was the best i have ever seen. It lasted a good 25 or so years and you can't imagine just how i abused that machine i put as much brass as i could get into it sometimes forgot it and left it running days at a time not usually more than a week. This was not an expensive tumbler by any stretch of the imagination.

[fgd135]

I use a Lyman 1200 auto-flo tumbler that is over 20 years old now, and still operates flawlessly. I don't care for that auto-flo feature, which drains the bowl much too slowly for me, so I just dump media thru a strainer.
A friend who quit reloading gave me his unused 5-lb vibratory HF tumbler, but it's still sitting in the box as a backup, just in case the old Lyman quits. I hope the HF one will work when it's needed.

[onelight]

Spending more on something is no guarantee of quality. I have learned that the hard way. I have really started to read the reviews on products starting with the worst first. Its not always an indication but if numerous people keep having the same problem you might want to look out. This is not always an indication because some companies don't put up all the negative comments. But it can give one an idea. I will admit i am cheap but don't mind spending the money if it makes sence. My midway tumbler was the best i have ever seen. It lasted a good 25 or so years and you can't imagine just how i abused that machine i put as much brass as i could get into it sometimes forgot it and left it running days at a time not usually more than a week. This was not an expensive tumbler by any stretch of the imagination.
Good post.
When I don’t know or get mixed answers from people I ask I look at reviews.

[TGM]

I have a Lyman Turbo 1200 that has seen over 30 years of use and is still going strong.

[robg]

I use a midway vibratory tumbler its lasted 10 years so I'm happy .

[megasupermagnum]

Don't see it? How did you use the "rock" tumbler? I bought their double and replaced the drums with pvc ones, worked good the two times I used it, then found a F.A.R.T for cheap.

I use the rock tumbler as-is, it is the double model, but I use it for shotgun shot mostly. For that purpose it works fine.

OK, now I see a $164 dry or wet tumbler on HF website, but no other wet tumbler. I assume the OP is looking at the cheaper dry tumbler.

[6bg6ga]

Spending more on something is no guarantee of quality. I have learned that the hard way. I have really started to read the reviews on products starting with the worst first. Its not always an indication but if numerous people keep having the same problem you might want to look out. This is not always an indication because some companies don't put up all the negative comments. But it can give one an idea. I will admit i am cheap but don't mind spending the money if it makes sence. My midway tumbler was the best i have ever seen. It lasted a good 25 or so years and you can't imagine just how i abused that machine i put as much brass as i could get into it sometimes forgot it and left it running days at a time not usually more than a week. This was not an expensive tumbler by any stretch of the imagination.

When your tumbler has given up mine will either still be working or will be repaired by Dillon. Sometimes that extra money buys you piece of mind. Take Dillons reloading equipment for example. Hey maybe thats an example of where spending more is no guarantee of quality. Maybe you should ask the people here on the forum what they think of their reloading presses.

[RED BEAR]

My midway tumbler lasted longer than i expected and midway would give me a new one if i paid to ship it to them ( it was recalled in the 90's but it worked so good i would not send it in. When it died i could have gotten another. I hope dillion pays to ship yours back as it ain't cheap. At what i spend on my tumblers i will die before i spend what a dillion cost and am never without one more than a day or so. I use a lee press that i bought back in early 80's and i defy anyone to show that they can load better ammo on a different press . Some may be faster some may have more leverage . But my lee single stage loads as good of ammo as any. In all honesty i would take another midway tumbler over any brand if they still made them. If you are happy with your dillion then thats great i am happy for you i don't have the money to waste. I really think this harbor freight will out last me.

[CrystalShip]

I found You have several Choices with harbor Freight Tumblers
First Choice :Buy 2 , So you can Throw them both out.
Second Choice : Buy 1 Then Don't Use It.
Third Choice : Don't Buy one @ all
Fourth Choice: spend the extra money and buy a better Brand

[RED BEAR]

Now thats pretty good. I like it. But i am very happy with my harbor freight tumbler i feel if i had put a simple lock washer on it from the start i wouldn't have had any problems. I am one that thinks that the 5 pound weight limit is just a suggestion. I tumble my cast bullets in it . I guarantee that a 4x4x3 box of cast bullets is over five pounds by a good bit.

[gunauthor]

I have owned a Thumler's tumbler for over 30 years and it is still going strong. I have had to replace the drive belt (less than 5 bucks) a few times. If it quits tomorrow, I have certainly gotten my money's worth. Don't go cheap, buy something substantial, you won't regret it.

[RED BEAR]

I am glad your is going strong but my cheap one lasted like that.

[skrapyard628]

I have been running a Frankford Arsenal unit to clean my brass for about 3years now with no problems. So no complaint there.

Previously I had a Lyman 1200 that I used for over 10yrs until I donated it to my dad to use when he started reloading.

I also have 2 of the harbor freight rock tumblers and one is actually used to tumble rocks. The other unit is a backup for when the first one fails. The one that gets run probably has about 100hrs of run time on it and the only issue I had was the rollers started squeaking and needed a little grease.

I dont tumble rocks very often so the harbor freight unit fit the bill for that application. I would not want to use one of the HF tumblers as my primary for tumbling my brass just because the brass tumbler gets a lot more hours of use and I wouldnt trust the HF unit.

Just stay away from a HF angle grinder (I believe it was a Chicago Electric brand). I forgot to bring my grinder to a job once and picked up a cheap one to use for the day at HF. After about an hour of use it burst into flames.

[Omega]

I have been running a Frankford Arsenal unit to clean my brass for about 3years now with no problems. So no complaint there.

Previously I had a Lyman 1200 that I used for over 10yrs until I donated it to my dad to use when he started reloading.

I also have 2 of the harbor freight rock tumblers and one is actually used to tumble rocks. The other unit is a backup for when the first one fails. The one that gets run probably has about 100hrs of run time on it and the only issue I had was the rollers started squeaking and needed a little grease.

I dont tumble rocks very often so the harbor freight unit fit the bill for that application. I would not want to use one of the HF tumblers as my primary for tumbling my brass just because the brass tumbler gets a lot more hours of use and I wouldnt trust the HF unit.

Just stay away from a HF angle grinder (I believe it was a Chicago Electric brand). I forgot to bring my grinder to a job once and picked up a cheap one to use for the day at HF. After about an hour of use it burst into flames.Ha, that was my very first electric purchase at HF. I needed to cut a chain at my hunting property, didn't want to drag my generator and my truck won't run my Dewalt. That little angle grinder is now my go to, even at the house, and it's almost 7 years old. Granted, I don't run it like my Dewalt since the motor doesn't have the torque, but it is great for small jobs.

[RED BEAR]

I feel that its possible to get a very bad or a very good one no matter what the brand is so i say again spending more is no guarantee of getting a good one. In some cases the components are the same made in same plant.