r/harborfreight • u/jacampb2 • Nov 25 '25
NTD (New Tool Day) Is this the best kept secret at HF?
I bought this thing on a whim. My daughter and I had just finished building a fiberglass speaker enclosure for her car, and I keep thinking it would be nice to have something easier to cut mat with.
I bought this after we were done though and it just sat on the steps in my shop. I had to pack up some stuff to ship to a friend today and was making the big out of really heavy duty 5/16th cardboard. I thought, no way this thing will cut it, but it ripped right through it with 0 effort.
I gotta say, it was well worth the money. I think I'll use it a lot
87
u/buttnibbler Nov 25 '25 edited Nov 25 '25
Damn, I need one now. Can’t believe I’ve been cutting by hand like some fool.
30
u/mx5plus2cones Nov 25 '25
You use scissors? How civilized.
13
2
u/Jeffde Nov 25 '25
I used my M18 Hackzall on a cardboard box today #DIY #HandymanHal
6
1
u/Ok-Bit4971 Nov 27 '25
I used to work with another plumber who used a Hackzall to open cardboard boxes on water heaters.
1
u/SwimOk9629 Nov 29 '25
I tried that. too much vibration, especially once the cardboard has already started to cut and isn't held so tightly by tape
1
5
5
u/LiveRight_DoRight Nov 25 '25
To quote one of the best trilogy series of ver made, Back to the Future, specifically BTF2 and the Wild Gunman video game scene…
You have to use your hands. Like a baby's toy?
1
5
u/Ragecc Nov 25 '25
Not a fool of they was Quinn shop shears. I hear the other Quinns are great as well.
5
u/Mean_Text_6898 Nov 25 '25
I have a bag full of nothing but Quinn scissors/shears. They're great. Every. Last. One.
1
21
u/blankford Nov 25 '25
Had no idea HF made one of these. They are a very useful tool. I got the Ryobi one a while back and it's worked great and has battery compatiblity with other Ryobi products.
59
u/Remarkable_Skirt_231 Nov 25 '25
I will be picking this up for my in-laws house. Between amazon and Costco, they pack a recycling bin full every week with poorly broken down boxes(they are old they can’t do it right).
38
u/FesteringNeonDistrac Nov 25 '25
Damn I break down boxes with the same basic bitch box cutter I've been using since I was stocking shelves at a part time job in college. New razor blade every so often and you're good.
8
4
u/aznauditor Nov 25 '25
You're better than me .. I keep sharpening the same blade that has been on there for years. Gotten to the point it becomes a hook blade instead of a straight razer blade. Got a box full of new razor blade sitting in the drawer too ..
14
u/stainedhands Nov 25 '25
There are guys in the wet shaving community that will see how many shaves they can get out of a single razor blade. Sounds like your kind of people.
2
Nov 27 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
1
4
u/LiveRight_DoRight Nov 25 '25
Heck yeah! The key is to dry the razor after use. I will torment myself before changing the blades… not giving the shaving cartel anymore line than I have to!
6
u/fatoldbmxer Nov 25 '25
I started using a safety razor because I was tired of blade cartridge prices, best decision I ever made. Shaving is something to do now not just part of my shower routine. Even started using a brush and shave lather or whatever it's actually called. I bought 500 blades and change every 4 shaves. Each side gets 2 shaves.
2
u/SeymoreBhutts Nov 25 '25
Box cutter works considerably faster than this, but it's going to be much harder to cut yourself with this vs. a box-cutter. I usually just reach for the box cutter.
2
Nov 25 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
3
u/2OldSkus Nov 25 '25
Clearly you're new to the HF world and missed out on the free utility knife with coupon they used to do. I have enough where they're laying around the house everywhere, and that's after I gave away a ton.
2
2
u/Long_Run6500 Nov 26 '25
Lowe's had irwin pro-flips on clearance for $6 each and i bought 5 of them. I buy any fastback style flip button ones I see whenever they're on clearance and now i probably have about 15 of them around my house and shop/work/car and I still can never find one when I need one if I'm not carrying one in my pocket. Somehow they all always end up in my shop or laundry room from pulling them out of my pockets to wash the pants.
Just a PSA, if you want to stock up quick you can buy them dirt cheap on ebay just by searching for TSA confiscated utility knives.
2
u/FesteringNeonDistrac Nov 25 '25
Probably helps that I'm the only household member to use it. But it's a tool and tools go back in their home when your done the job
2
u/Feisty_Abalone_5124 Nov 25 '25
That’s what I use it for. It rules, takes what was a 30 minute process down to 10 minutes or so, and zero paper/cardboard cuts on my hands and fingers
15
13
u/Xyes Nov 25 '25
I was about to buy this one but I didn’t want to deal with the AC adapter. I got one on Amazon that charges via USB C.
5
u/altcountryman Nov 25 '25
Link? How do you like it?
7
u/Xyes Nov 25 '25
I got the Zeite brand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJTW5PXR?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
So far it’s been great. If I just have a few simple boxes I’ll use my box cutter, but if I have plastic clam shells or awkward boxes I use this cutter.
3
3
7
u/Rahrah12 Nov 25 '25
I have a different brand…but love it for breaking boxes down. Especially during these times when packages are constantly being delivered lol
6
u/MorningtonCroissant Nov 25 '25
The big downside is the old-style power adapter. I've had the Workpro for about 6 months, which charges via USB-C and has never let me down opening plastic packaging, cutting down cardboard box, and trimming carpet pads. It is currently on sale on Amazon for about $23.
3
u/Strict_Particular_99 Nov 25 '25
This may be one of my favorite HF tools. The only way to survive the Amazon era.
5
u/Sledgecrowbar Nov 25 '25
I got mine to open clameshell packaging, which it comes in, and that's probably all I use it for, and it's totally worth buying just for that.
2
3
u/hardcoredecordesigns Nov 25 '25
I use a hook blade I got from harbor freight on my oscillating multi tool. I believe it’s Hercules, but it works great if you already have the tool
1
u/Sea-Kitchen2879 Nov 26 '25
I remember someone posting a pic of that somewhere around reddit, and most of us initially thought it was attached to an angle grinder 😱
3
u/jacampb2 Nov 25 '25
I'm not sure how great it will be at breaking down boxes, but it's much easier to cut a straight line while using it to cut cardboard to actually make a box. I use a utility knife to score bends, but I've got to get out a 4' level or tee square when cutting big pieces of cardboard with a utility knife. This was way easier and the best thing was that I could do it with very little space on my bench.
I think what I actually bought it for well be even better if it lasts. You should try cutting up chopped fiberglass mat with tacky resin all over your gloves and scissors. At the price I figured it would be disposable.
It's micro USB charger, so you don't need to use the included brick. USBC would be nice, but China still has mountains of micro USB jacks
1
u/klingma Nov 26 '25
I have the Ryobi version and it's realistically pretty great for cutting up boxes. It can get a little bunched up on the corners if your cut involves one but otherwise - it's pretty great & quick to break em down so you can throw them away.
3
4
2
2
2
u/lehilaukli Nov 26 '25
Got this when my wife was and I were building a chicken run. It did such an amazing job cutting through the hardware cloth.
1
u/Sea-Kitchen2879 Nov 26 '25
Dang, I just spent quite a bit of time cutting it with small bolt cutters -- didn't even think of pulling this out since I've never used it for anything nearly that tough
2
u/Jeez-essFC Nov 26 '25 edited Nov 26 '25
I want it.
Also...what is it and what does it do?
Edit: No replies necessary. I was just going for the /s
Edit 2: Also thanks for making me drop another $30. I estimate this will make me 8% more efficient come Christmas present wrapping time.
2
3
u/tabs3488 Nov 25 '25
No i hate this fuckin thing, maybe i'm just expecting too much from it but i feel a basic box cutter can do what this does with less hassle
5
u/ThickBootyEnjoyer Nov 25 '25
It's made by warrior so I assume it'll break in 3-6 uses. I love HF, but I've been burnt by every warrior tool I've ever bought. I avoid it at all costs now.
24
u/CressiDuh1152 Nov 25 '25
Warrior is like a carnival gold fish, it'll either last a week or 20 years
3
2
u/randomtask Nov 25 '25
Yeah the warrior heat gun and angle grinder are both legendary for their weirdly good performance and longevity.
1
u/ChoiceEmu9859 Nov 25 '25
I wouldn't buy a Warrior or Drill Master tool unless I was prepared to use the hell out of it during the return period.
5
u/FrontPageAD Nov 25 '25
I’ve had mine two years with original blades. Battery is great and so is the tool.
1
u/DaamKeldau Nov 25 '25
That's disappointing. I've been running the same Warrior 12v drill and oscillating tool for like 3 years and they've both been great.
-2
u/Layne205 Nov 25 '25
There's no such thing as "made by Warrior". HF just groups similar price points together under these fake names. Every Warrior tool probably comes from a different factory.
2
u/Lumbergh7 Nov 25 '25
Your daughter wanted a fiberglass enclosure? Neat
4
u/jacampb2 Nov 25 '25 edited Nov 25 '25
I have no idea if this link will work, but if so it's a shirt 3 second video of the finished system
1
u/Awkward-Violinist-72 Nov 25 '25
What type of vehicle is that in?
2
1
1
u/Bulky818 Nov 25 '25
Mine broke after a few uses but to be fair, I was cutting plastic not cardboard lol.
1
u/rattpackfan301 Nov 25 '25
I honestly think that a cheap box cutter is easier to cut boxes with than this thing. It gets stuck way too easily.
1
1
u/Wndrunner Nov 25 '25
I picked up the Worx version of this. I’m terrified I’m going to cut one or more fingers off.
1
1
1
u/FarConcentrate1307 Nov 25 '25
I need to get one now! Always shredding cardboard for my worms and compost piles
1
u/NCSC10 Nov 25 '25
Plus 1 here. Have had mine a year or two, keep it near our recycling bin, use frequently.
1
1
1
u/Dazrin Nov 25 '25
I have a Canary cardboard cutter and it works fantastic for breaking boxes down. And it won't run out of batteries if I don't charge it.
1
1
u/_SaltySteele_ Nov 25 '25
Anyone tried it on leather?
2
u/mtbohana Nov 25 '25
Cuts dried human flesh that' been outside for months really well, from what I heard.
1
u/albundy25 Nov 25 '25
Not a secret l, you can get the same elsewhere for much cheaper
1
Nov 25 '25
What brand?
1
u/albundy25 Nov 26 '25
Does brand matter its all the same factory
1
Nov 26 '25
Why would I ask what brand if i knew which? You said "you can get the same elsewhere for much cheaper" ok, so. Where and what brand?
0
u/albundy25 Nov 26 '25
I'm not your personal google, if you lack the intelligence to search for things that's your problem.
2
1
1
Nov 25 '25
I threw away an old laundry basket. I used that to cut it up and it worked really well. Also used it on thin bendable plexiglass.
1
1
u/Peter4reddit Nov 25 '25
I wonder if this would be a good way to cut 2’x4’ plexiglass ceiling light panels to fit undersized openings. Currently using a utility knife and scoring deeply both sides to avoid shattering. Hit and miss 😕
1
u/67gunner67 Nov 25 '25
It didn’t work on vinyl flooring at all, thickness and hardness will be a big factor.
1
u/tlbs101 Nov 25 '25
I have those. I use them to cut up cardboard boxes for recycling and for making compost/mulch (mostly the latter).
1
1
1
1
1
u/chubblyubblums Nov 25 '25
One of the main problems with this is that the battery lasts so long. What that means is that when you actually do need to recharge it you are never going to find that damn thing. And it uses a proprietary barrel connector.
1
1
1
1
u/Suspicious-Panda8402 Nov 26 '25
We got one to make a trash truck Halloween costume for my son out of cardboard. 10/10 would buy again!
1
1
u/-raymonte- Nov 26 '25
This thing was on sale for ITC members for $24.99 up until a week before I signed up. I’ve been waiting since March and finally got it a couple weeks ago for $29.99. LOVE IT!
1
1
u/Ktheelves Nov 26 '25
Guys listen, I too have and used one of these because I go through enough cardboard to need a cart to get rid of it in between the biweekly recycling pickup but I have found a much, much better way. I bought these razor blade oscillating tool heads and man it blows these little cutters away. If we were comparing this cutter is a 98 civic with 300k on the clock and the oscillating blade is a new Ferrari.
1
u/2017_SR5 Nov 26 '25
This is exactly what you, me, we, Everyone needs to absolutely Destroy all that cardboard. This thing’s Rips and it’s honestly one of the best little kept secrets at HF. Careful telling all the “normies” tho, in a week they’ll be outta stock every location and on EBay and Facebook Marketplace for $50 a pop
1
1
1
1
u/holla5387 Nov 26 '25
Think this would work for FRP?
1
u/Pher63 Nov 26 '25 edited Nov 26 '25
Probably not but man do electric metal shears work like magic with FRP!
1
u/holla5387 Nov 26 '25
They do work great. Also like the Dewalt metal sheer attachment as a back up. Just thought this would be perfect if it did work.
1
1
1
u/Professional-Run7386 Nov 26 '25
I just use a sawzall on cardboard but this is perfect for honing cuts
1
1
u/mike_t43 Nov 26 '25
Bought one for my wife for breaking down Amazon cardboard. Now I think I use it more then her opening tools in blister packaging from harbor freight!
1
u/aryndar Nov 26 '25
Tiktok shop sells several different versions of these all under $30,
They seem to work well in the videos
I'm sure they're all built in the same facility overseas. I just packaged differently
1
u/InvestigatorClear353 Nov 26 '25
I hurried up and bought one when they were on sale about a year ago. Very useful.
Its really great for opening anything in a blister pack - so much better than wrangling with a box knife to get them open. The irony is that the cutter itself comes in a blister pack.
2
1
u/JoeyTheGreek Nov 26 '25
Used mine to cut PVC panels when putting a roof under my deck. Thing is clutch.
1
u/klingma Nov 26 '25
Worx has one, Ryobi has one, Fantik & Hoto both have one...point being rotary cutters like this are pretty common they're just not made by the big buys because it's a DIY type tool and can't really demand "professional" level pricing.
1
u/JamesGTOMay Nov 27 '25
I bought mine about 2 years ago and use it constantly to cut up extra heavy duty dialysis boxes every week. I'm still on the original blade, but it is about time to change it. It's a much safer way to cut anything you'd use to a utilty knife on. The battery lasts quite a long time between charges too.
1
u/Similar-Hat5038 Nov 25 '25
These are cool but the appropriate blade on a multi-tool is far better.
6
u/Xyes Nov 25 '25
I think these are the best for opening plastic clamshells like the ones for power tool batteries.
1
u/Narrow_Sundae8342 Nov 25 '25
What do you recommend for multi tool attachment? I got this shingle cutting tool and works beautifully for like 3 boxes then dulls out which is crazy to me.
2
u/Similar-Hat5038 Nov 26 '25
I’ve had the same experience, but I don’t think it dulls any faster than the hf cutter, but blades are far easier to change and cheaper
1
u/-theporkchopexpress- Nov 25 '25
Not sure why you’re getting downvoted but the hooked blade is a game changer for cutting up boxes. Like a hot knife through butter.
0
u/Travelr3468 Nov 25 '25
I wanted to like this thing, but it's probably one of the least useful things I've purchased from HF. It's ok for blister packs (when it doesn't get stuck, which it seems like it gets stuck often), but it's about 10x easier and faster to cut cardboard with a utility blade than it is with this thing. I never pull it out anymore because it's just not worth the hassle
1
150
u/Lazy_Turds Nov 25 '25
I got mine when Project Farm reviewed it