Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher Modifications

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Published 2011-02-05

The inexpensive Harbor Freight Tubing Notcher can be a useful tool for the fabricator that doesn't want to spend a lot of money on a high end tool. This is a perfect alternative for someone who doesn't do enough tubing work to justify the more expensive notchers. With a little time and some simple modification, this tool is perfectly capable of producing top quality notches in most tubing materials.

All Comments (21)

@Sunrayman123 1 year ago

Your presentation and descriptive vocabulary was SPOT ON. No more or less was required to exactly describe your modifications. You're a pro who makes it all so easy to understand.
@danmoreton1788 6 years ago

Your video shows "we" can always bump up the performance of our lesser tools with a bit of work. Thanks for the demo!
@dieseldaddy4205 7 years ago

Thank you for educating the masses. What it showed me is that YOU ARE A REAL OLD SCHOOL MECHANIC,,,and not today's parts changers. It is obvious that you can OBSERVE AND OVERCOME the dilemmas we older guys have been faced with for years in actually FIXING AN EVIDENT PROBLEM. Thank you again for posting a video showing how a REAL MECHANIC handles everyday issues. Looking forward to more!!!
@matthewgray1990 3 months ago

Dang 13 years ago and I just bought what looks like the same exact one yesterday 😂👍🏻
@CraigLumpyLemke 5 years ago

Screws vs Bolts - Actually, yours are Machine Screws. Screws thread into a threaded frame, part, machine etc. Bolts thread into a nut. You were correcter than you thunked. Thanks - Lumpy
@1musicsearcher 8 years ago

I have the same HF notcher and made the spacer using thick and thin washers. Nice video. Thanks.
@tbirdracefan 8 years ago

I don't work with round tubing often but this simple cheap tool looks to be perfect for me. Thanks for the tips!
@joelouis6106 3 years ago

Thanks Jim , you have touched some important points that the weekend warrior would have over looked....
@BrilliantDesignOnline 12 years ago

I purchased the HFT notcher a couple years ago which I have never used. I am preparing to do a job for aircraft tubing so I really appreciate the tips, especially the center trueing and lubrication ideas. Great vid-You are a good teacher. -Christian
@ljohnson820 21 days ago

Technically they are hex head cap screws, so you are correct calling them screws. Screw is the angular movement around a cylinder. Ships move by rotating a screw(propeller). Bolt is a cylinder shaped object, rifle bolt, door bolt, bolt of fabric, etc. Screw is the function, bolt is the shape.
@simpleinseattle 13 years ago

Great video! I really appreciate people like you who take the time to share your knowledge and opinions with others. Cheers!
@TheWoodWerker 10 years ago

U Rock Jim! Gonna pic one up soon! Thanks for sharing with Us!........ Gus
@jdwisdom9433 9 years ago

A good video. Concise, direct, informative.
@eldigitom9680 5 years ago

thx for reviewing, up till now hadn't even considered HF
@facesmasher4216 5 years ago

thanks Jim for the great review i just got me one of these and i thought about its modification to address its weakessness your video tackled really good 💪
@eln74 7 years ago

Mr. Jarvey you just helped me decide on buying this notcher from HF, also very well mado video and explanation of details, tnx bro for sharing it with the world!!!
@evtribon9155 11 years ago

Something I have noticed about "Chinese" hacksaw blades & hole saws is that they are tempered differently from most American products. Meaning they are less flexible and therefore are more brittle. The ones I use seem to stay sharper longer if you just slow down the feed rate and keep the lube flowing. Mine hold up to American brands if I use a lighter touch on the feed rate.
@tylermccall2484 11 months ago

Thank your for your time making the video. Very helpful.
@MarshWildman 8 years ago

Thanks for showing us how to make it more accurate.
@bravecat100 12 years ago

They have hole saws with a drill bit in the center. They're great for notching in low quantities on the cheap. Remember to drill pilot holes on both sides first.