Today I look at the new Dinking DK2300i-M inverter generator. After a quick unboxing, I head straight into sound testing, and electrical load testing, and I finish up with a parallel test with a Harbor Freight Predator 1600/2000 generator. This new inverter generator from Dinking Power Machinery is smaller, lighter, cheaper, AND it makes more power than the comparable Harbor Freight Predator inverter generator. This little generator would be perfect for use with smaller RV’s and/or campers… or even while tent camping in a campground. It might be a bit small to be considered “backup power” or a “backup generator”, or for use as full time power in an off grid living situation, but it might be a good supplemental power supply to a full solar system on cloudy days. It could be very useful in multiple emergency situations. It’s always handy to have a compact generator available at all times…. you never know what can happen.
If you’re not familiar with Dinking, that’s okay… they’ve been around for over a decade making many other Inverter Generators under different brand names, and private label for retail stores. Some of the other generator brands they have been manufacturing are names like “Genmax” “Duromax” “Maxpeedingrods” and I also highly suspect they are the manufacturer for many of the Harbor freight Predator line of generators. I can’t prove that with 100% certainty, but a lot of the Dinking produced generators have many of the exact same components and features as the Harbor Freight Predators. If Dinking does NOT make the Predator, I would be VERY surprised, and I would wonder how a different manufacturer has access to many of the identical components that are used by Dinking. This little inverter generator is very impressive for it’s size. It runs very quiet, it’s easy to start, it makes VERY “CLEAN” electricity and best of all, it’s cheaper than the comparable competition. What’s not to like? If you’re in the market for a new inverter generator in this size category, be sure to look at this new Dinking DK2300i-M inverter generator. It’s hard to beat.
In this video I show how I reinforced the Harbor Freight COVERPRO portable garage tent to make it stronger and handle more snow load. I also show the parts and pieces that I used to complete the project. The video is full of build tips, add- ons, improvements, structural reinforcements, modifications, ideas, and suggestions to make these temporary storage buildings last longer and stand up to stronger winds and heavier snow loads. Will this tent make it 6 months in a northern winter? We’re going to find out soon enough!
I take a look at the all new Harbor Freight Braun 3 in 1 quick connect LED light kit, item number 56200. This light was brand new for Harbor Freight in November 2019. It is very similar to the older Braun folding slim bar from last year but this new model is brighter and includes 2 other light attachments, along with a detachable magnetic hook for hanging the light, and a carrying case. check out the video below for more info.
The New Harbor Freight BRAUN 3 in 1 LED light kit.
YouTube video down below.
PROS:
Brightness. Just like the folding slim bar from last year, this new folding bar is VERY bright. This light will easily illuminate any tight work space with more than enough light to get the job done.
New attachments. This new BRAUN 3 in 1 model comes with a hook attachment that also includes additional magnets. The new attachment allows for even more mounting or hanging options so you can get the light pointing in just the right direction.
New light tip: The new folding slim bar has a loop on the tip of the light bar, which the old model did not have, which makes it much easier to hang this light under a hood, or in a wheel well. (for example)
Flexible shaft. The flexible shaft light is a great attachment for getting light into extremely tight places or into a cylinder of an engine for inspection. Its this attachment that makes this new product worth having in your tool box.
Removable battery. I am very happy that BRAUN and Harbor Freight decided to keep the removable 18650 battery, like the original light from last year had also. A lot of guys have purchased 18650 battery chargers with additional batteries from Amazon or eBay, and keep extra batteries charged so when their light goes dead, they’re not stuck waiting for a light to recharge. They simply swap out the battery for one that is fully charged and they’re back up and running within a minute or two. It’s great for guys who need a light for an entire 8-10 hour shift. Many of the other brands on the market who manufacturer similar lights do not have removable batteries.
Fairly well made. The overall light and it’s attachments seem to be fairly well made. The majority of the light base (handle) feels like it’s made from aluminum, along with the green quick disconnect collar. The attachments seem to mostly be made from sturdy plastic.
CONS:
Flashlight attachment. The standard flashlight attachment is nothing spectacular. Sure, it does the job of a standard flashlight but it’s not exceptionally bright, and it’s not the main reason for buying this kit in the first place. Not to mention, almost everyone already owns a standard flashlight anyway.
Storage Case. The storage case that comes with this light kit makes me scratch my head. The light and it’s attachments are NOT in the case when you you purchase the kit and it’s a bit of a puzzle trying to figure out the best way to fit all the pieces into the case. There are many small elastic straps and Velcro loops that are apparently designed to hold all the bits and pieces individually but yet nothing seems to fit particularly great. The storage case would be much better if it was just a zippered pouch….. no Velcro elastic holding straps, no mesh netting sewn into each side…. Just a small bag with a zipper is all you really need.
Over complicated, and basically unusable BRAUN 3 in 1 storage case.
Retail price. The original retail price when I purchased this light was $59.99, which is about 1.5 times the price of the original slim bar light from a year earlier. However, I don’t know anyone who has paid full price for their light because you can usually find coupons that make the price on the original light either $24.99, $19.99, and sometimes as low as $18.99…… So asking $59.99 for this new light kit is a bit of a stretch. However, as I write this review for Garage Topic I see the retail price today is listed at $49.99 on the Harbor Freight website, and I have heard of coupons for this light making it as low as $39.99.
Conclusion:
The light and it’s attachments are very nice. They work great and are very handy while working on cars, trucks, heavy equipment, etc. I have also found these folding LED slim lights (new style, or last years model) are excellent for camping. The magnets will hold the lights to my truck door, tailgate, bed side, or easy-up tent supports, etc. I won’t go camping without my harbor freight LED folding lights. At full asking retail price, it’s not that great of a deal. I recommend waiting until you find a decent coupon and buy this light kit at the discounted rate. The standard flashlight attachment is basically an after thought. Sure, it’s usable, but it’s not why anyone buys this LED light kit. If you need a folding slim light, or flexible shaft light, this is a great product when purchased with a coupon….. just leave the standard flashlight attachment inside the confusing storage case in the bottom drawer of your tool box, and then you will love this new BRAUN LED light kit. lol
Thanks for stopping by Garage Topic.
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