Harbor Freight Bauer 3/8" VSR Compact Angle Drill Review & Teardown

The trigger is too big and obtuse and the chuck is very low quality and they charge more for this then the older warrior unit but it is built a better with all helical gears and 6 ball bearings and an overrated variable speed trigger that might not actually burn out in 10 nano seconds.
A little weak with a 3.5a Motor and 1300Rpm gearing.
Harbor Freight 57148, 1997E-B

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

The DeWalt right angle attachment is great. Doesn't last a long time with heavy use but its relatively cheap.

[@shadow7796]

I bought one of those a few years ago, and they are very handy when you need something like that. I'm actually getting ready to carefully attempt to take it apart so I can clean and lube it good while it'sstill in good shape. I don't believe it comes with much, if any lube in it. But I need to get some more Super lube first.

[@Utuber-x44]

That's what I use too. Cheaper than those multi head drill/driver kits

[@michaellindsay8934]

If I needed one, I would probably get that one, but it would seldom get used. Just a DIY guy. Thanks Catus

[@CatusMaximus]

I'm glad you found the video helpful!

[@shadow7796]

It's a little better quality than I expected on the inside.

[@gregharbison6220]

The cord should exit the bottom it would fit in more confined spaces nice review sir. Hi Tiny!

[@CatusMaximus]

I see your point, having the cord on the bottom would definitely make it more versatile.

[@littlejack59]

They maybe shouldve made the spring for the trigger be stronger so bumping or normally holding the drill wont be enough to overcome the sring, requring a very concience squeeze.

[@cbmech2563]

I have a nieko right angle air drill that is much smaller and has good power that I used with a shortened 3/8s bit to get at broken pto shaft bolts on a Massey tractor engine. It barely fit

[@CatusMaximus]

That's a really tough spot to get into!

[@cbmech2563]

@CatusMaximus yeah it is. I cut the bit down that they was about 1/2 inch sticking out of the chuck and reground the cutting edges and I had about a 1/4 inch to spare. On my first deployment a machinists mate taught me how to hand grind a drill bit.

[@littlejack59]

Its a very interesting tool. But i think is perfer a compact drill with a quality right angle adapter.

[@shadow7796]

The Dewalt is pretty decent.

[@sukimawson8880]

20 bucks is a pretty good score. I have the Milwaukee one, generation before the current one (which I think you also reviewed a while back), but have never used it. I heard it's good for cabinet installing or something. Some of the reviews on the Bauer power tools (like the Super Hole Hawg knock=off you mentioned) don't have the best reviews and I think you're probably better off just looking for a good, used, name-brand tool with a proven track record. It would probably be cheaper, anyway, and finding parts would likely be easier.

[@littlejack59]

You'll be able to find parts but they are stupid expensive. I believe it was funk fpv that needed a new trigger for his power ratchet, and the dam thing was $40+ for part that cost a couple of cents. You can find Makita and Bosch parts more easily because they often sell parts, and they are a more worldwide brand with more consistent skews, so more third parties make parts for them.

[@CatusMaximus]

You’re right, sometimes it’s worth it to invest in a good used tool.

[@jakejake708]

20 bucks is worth it. I couldn't pay 60 plus tho

[@wmlaveck]

Here is what I don't like about HF. They have been moving more towards professional tools, you pay more for these but you still only get a 90 day warranty. If these tools are as good as claimed, give a better warranty.

[@CatusMaximus]

That’s a valid point, the warranty should definitely reflect the quality of the tools.

[@btrswt35]

Why do I think someone was enjoying a adult beverage?

[@justinoff1]

That thing is hideous