Harbor Freight’s Bauer brand has been adding many corded tools alongside their 20v cordless offerings. The latest additions are the 5” random orbit sander, the ¼ sheet finishing sander, corded impact wrench and a 1,600 watt heat gun. These tools appear to be marketed towards homeowners and weekend warriors.
The impact wrench gets a serious boost in torque from 230 ft lbs on the Chicago Electric model to 350 ft lbs and a ½” drive hog ring anvil so it uses any ½” drive impact sockets, the heat gun has 2 power settings and a variable heat dial on the back for a wider range of applications, and both the sanders have nice rubberised switches for protection against dust ingress and dust collection bags for a cleaner workpiece.
My thoughts: As I’ve said in several of my other articles about new Harbor Freight releases, I’m glad to see improvements to corded tools as well as cordless tools. These new bauer tools appear to be a nice step up in terms of specs and build quality. While I haven’t used them I did check them out in the store and they are noticeably better in ergonomics and construction than the previous Chicago Electric offerings. The plastic looks and feels smoother and they have a nice rubber overmold for comfort during extended use. The least appealing part would have to be the very short 90 day warranty. I’ll also note that the prices listed are without any coupon, so expect some good deals to be had when using coupons. Other than that these should be a great fit for any homeowner/DIYer looking for affordable corded options.
½” drive corded 8.5 amp impact wrench
- High power 8.5 amp motor delivers 1050 ft lbs. bolt breakaway torque
- 1/2 in. anvil with heavy duty hog ring for secure socket retention
- All-metal gear construction for longer life and durability
- Rugged rubber nose with lightweight high impact housing
- Easy one-handed forward/reverse switch
- Rubberized grip for added comfort and reduced fatigue
- Amps: 8.5
- Voltage: 120v AC
- Max torque: 350 foot pounds
- Max bolt breakaway torque: 1050 foot pounds
- Housing material: rubber nose cover, high impact housing
- Max speed: 2,600 RPM
- Drive size: ½”
- Height: 8 ½”
- Length: 12 ⅛”
- Width: 3 ¼”
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
- Price at the time of writing: $119.99
12 amp 1,600 watt 1,00 degree heat gun
- Dual mode heat control with variable heat settings makes it easy to adjust this heat gun to your work
- An integrated backrest lets you use the heat gun in the upright position, hands-free
- Cool-down mode extends the life of the heating elements
- Ergonomic design with comfortable base
- Amperage: 12 amps
- Voltage: 120v AC
- Temperature: 1,000 degrees F
- Height: 11”
- Length: 10”
- Width: 6”
- Weight: not listed
- Accessories included: rubber coated stand
- Price at the time of writing: $34.99
2.2 amp ¼ sheet heavy duty palm finishing sander
- Powerful orbital action for fast swirl-free paint stripping, prepping and finishing
- 15000 OPM for fast stock removal
- 1-3/8 in. dust chute with bag
- Spring clamps for quick sheet changes
- Uses 1/4 standard sanding sheet
- Vacuum holes to reduce sanding dust
- Amperage: 2.2 amps
- Voltage: 120v AC
- Max speed: 15,000 OPM (oscillations per minute)
- Sanding pad dimensions: 4 ½” x 4 ⅛”
- Accessories included: dust collection bag
- Price at the time of writing: $24.99
2.8 amp 5” random orbit palm sander
- Random orbital action with 3/32” orbit for super smooth swirl-free finish
- Powerful 2.8 amp fan-cooled motor with sealed bearings for long life
- Comfortable rubber palm grip
- Variable 6 speed control
- Amperage: 2.8 amps
- Voltage: 120v AC
- Max speed: 13,000 OPM (orbits per minute)
- Number of holes: 8
- Sanding pad dimensions: 5”
- Height: 6”
- Length: 9”
- Width: 4 ¾”
- Weight: 3.39 pounds
- Accessories included: dust collection bag
- Price at the time of writing: $34.99
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Any guesses as to the OEM is for the Bauer tools?
I suspect a Chinese company named LUtool is the OEM, as they claim to be a manufacturer of tools for other brands. I’m not very familiar with their corded tools but they have some offerings that are exactly like the Chicago electric and Bauer tools.
Gotcha – any guess if the Stanley B & D uses them as an OEM or contract manufacturing since (a lot) of the new Bauer tools look like DW or PC?
I doubt they are contracting with B&D as it would make no sense to sell to a competitor however I do think Harbor Freight is designing the new tools to be look a likes to sell better.