HF going after the 3401

**Gridlink** · 05-25-2023, 04:29 PM

I bought of these last week but have not had a chance to use it yet. I did swap the stock 6in backing plate for the Flex mini backing plate and it fits perfectly.

The tool feels solid and isn't noticeably louder than my Rupes Duetto or Adam's 3in mini polisher.

**John U** · 05-25-2023, 04:39 PM

Interesting video on a follow up from Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight called me after my last video! Here is what we talked about... - YouTube

**PaulMys** · 05-25-2023, 04:45 PM

Originally Posted by John U

Interesting video on a follow up from Harbor Freight.

Harbor Freight called me after my last video! Here is what we talked about... - YouTube

I like DIY with Dave. Cool cat, and deadly honest.

**Daviddear30** · 05-25-2023, 06:27 PM

I have the hercules. Love it.
Sold my flex a while back for $300
Picked this up for 120

Feels the exact same except for the speed switch

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

**Sizzle Chest** · 05-25-2023, 06:33 PM

I'll be picking up one or two of these soon!

**PaulMys** · 05-25-2023, 06:44 PM

Originally Posted by Daviddear30

I have the hercules. Love it.
Sold my flex a while back for $300
Picked this up for 120

Feels the exact same except for the speed switch

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

I have yet to buy a Hercules tool, but many, many tool guys I trust on YT and other forums rave about them.

Not to start any kind of war here, but I believe that FLEX has become like Snap-On. Just adding to their prices based on their names.

$550 for a polisher? Come on, dude. You can buy a gasoline-powered Honda or Toro push-mower for that price.

Snap-on? I just read their latest flyer. A 14-piece 3/8"-drive Torx socket set is $425. (Not a typo).

10-piece Flank Drive wrench set (10mm-19mm) $735. (Again, not a typo.)

Both companies are top-notch, but are starting to price themselves out of business (sales).

**Daviddear30** · 05-25-2023, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by PaulMys

I have yet to buy a Hercules tool, but many, many tool guys I trust on YT and other forums rave about them.

Not to start any kind of war here, but I believe that FLEX has become like Snap-On. Just adding to their prices based on their names.

$550 for a polisher? Come on, dude. You can buy a gasoline-powered Honda or Toro push-mower for that price.

Snap-on? I just read their latest flyer. A 14-piece 3/8"-drive Torx socket set is $425. (Not a typo).

10-piece Flank Drive wrench set (10mm-19mm) $735. (Again, not a typo.)

Both companies are top-notch, but are starting to price themselves out of business (sales).

Wow!!! Those prices are absurd

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

**noorth** · 05-25-2023, 09:48 PM

You should look up proto tools! Some of the prices are insane just like you listed Paul with snap-on.

Must be for guys at formula one or something haha

**VISITOR** · 05-25-2023, 10:21 PM

for anyone wanting to get into a forced rotation polisher or need to replace their 3401 this is a solid deal/choice. eventually, i can see these going up to $149.99 and still sell at that price, so i wouldn't wait too long to purchase one if you're on the fence. there are price points, budgets, and usage factors for everyone. you don't need to buy a $400+ polisher if you are only going to use it a few times a year. spend the extra money on pads and a 4 3/8 flex backing plate so you can use both 6.5" and 5.5" pads. your paint doesn't know what polisher touches it and if you get the desired results then that's all that matters (don't let anyone tell you different). buying a more expensive polisher doesn't guarantee that it won't break down any quicker than one that's less expensive. if i didn't already own a 3401 i would be on this in a heartbeat. i'm not saying not to purchase a more expensive name brand polisher if you like it and it fits your criteria, but there are other options. the funny thing is the original hf da that first came out was used by many and i heard less issues/problems (if any at all) with that compared to other name brand polishers. garry dean used one (heavily) for over 3 years everyday in his detailing business (he had many other polishers but favored this one) and it never missed a beat. it broke at some point when he dropped it off an RV which is to be expected, can't really do much for that (he ended up buying another one). buy what you like, be happy with it, and don't worry about what other's say. they aren't you, and you aren't them...

some people may not like the gentleman below, but that's not the point...

this video is over 7 years old..

this one over 8+ years old...

**DUBL0WS6** · 05-25-2023, 11:05 PM

I know that Snap On used to use USA manufacturers for a lot of their products. I think they are getting some stuff from China and Taiwan now.

I think it depends on how often you use a tool. For an average homeowner who uses something a couple times a month the tool truck stuff is a waste of money. Take Dewalt vs Hercules, the real savings is in the battery cost. I have some older Bauer stuff and it was OK. The brushless Hercules is a step up. I think the Hercules is more closely comparable to Ridgid.