Harbor Freight

[reelynew]

I don't get to Harbor Freight often (distance problems  ), but I'm hoping to swing by one this week.

I've actually had really good luck with their ratcheting clamps. And Fred recommended their dual-flex ratchet for those "why did they put that bolt THERE?" tight spaces.

Anyone picked up a new hand tool lately that ended up being a surprisingly great find?

[jtwill98]

Let us know if HF has one of these Extension-Wrench-15in-3-8in-Adapter-SAE-Non-Swivel-Leveraging-Ratchet

[Bill B]

I've been using their basic mig welder the last couple weeks and if i do my part it will stick metal together.  My sons welds look 100% better than mine, of course he took a semester of welding class 

[happyhooker]

I was super happy when HF opened a place fairly close by me.  Now, a couple years later, I almost never go in the place.  They do have some things I would buy if I needed them, and in the back of my mind, I register "go to HF if you need ____".  Have also been disappointed with some cheap stuff (flashlight batteries; digital multi-tester) I bought or got solely because it didn't cost much.

Frank

[foakes]

I have decided to get one of these rolling 5 drawer service cart/toolboxes from Harbor Freight.

It would be good to have a box just dedicated to service on equipment and vehicles that is full of the tools and products needed.  So I can just roll it out of the shop and either under the carport, or on the concrete pad if a good day.

Never would have thought of this before.  However, I personally know 5 master mechanics that have sold their Snap-On & MAC boxes, and replaced them with US Generals from Harbor Freight.

They claim that the USG boxes are the same quality, or in some cases better than the SO or MAC's —- at less than 15% of the price.

Even then, I found that hard to believe, having  grown up around the other brands.  So I checked it out at Harbor Freight a month ago.

It is the real deal.

This cart weighs 144 lbs, has a lot of features, is well engineered, and ball bearing drawers that can each hold 700 lbs.

It is $279, which I believe is a good value.  However, I am waiting for a 25% to 30% coupon to get it down around $200.

Haven't decided which color yet.  I already have green, red, and yellow large boxes.  Comes in 9 colors.

Best, Fred

[Keta]

My "work tools" were Snap On and Proto but at my age if a tool only lasts 5-10 years I am happy.  Some things at  HF are "lacking" in quality  but some are OK or better.  I replaced my 70 year old  10hp compressor pump with one I got from HF and it was well built.  Our HF is close so long drive.

I've been using their basic mig welder the last couple weeks and if i do my part it will stick metal together.  My sons welds look 100% better than mine, of course he took a semester of welding class 

If you have anything that needs a real welder or non ferris material  bring it when you come up.   Between my machines and my friends machine shop machines a former unlimited certified welder will stick it together for free.  I am set up for MIG and TIG and Bill has higher amp MIG and SMAW....well he has my TIG welder in his shop too.

[jgp12000]

Fred,I have a black 5 drawer in my shop,largest red general in the house garage.As we all know they fill up quick more room for more tools...

I highly recommend the magnetic paper towel holder & fold down shelf in matching colors.

[Gfish]

Electronic stuff from H. F. doesn't seem to be of good/lasting quality. Other stuff seems to be middle of the road and well priced.

[Maxed Out]

 I bought a bandsaw from HF about 10 years ago $149, and it is still going strong. I prefer buying USA made stuff, but made in USA isnt the same higher quality nowadays, like it was when I was a kid

[foakes]

I bought a bandsaw from HF about 10 years ago $149, and it is still going strong. I prefer buying USA made stuff, but made in USA isnt the same higher quality nowadays, like it was when I was a kid

For those of you that might be wondering —- something weird (good) has been going on with Harbor Freight over the last 3 years.

They have brands that are extremely tough and professional —- as well as the typical crap stuff we were used to seeing at their stores.

Their online approach is smooth, informative, and consistently operating well.

I used to only buy from them when I needed a special tool that I might only use one or two times —- cheap and easy...

Many professionals are getting over the stigma of not using Snap-On, MAC, Proto, and other super expensive brands —-

Surprisingly, some of the HF brands such as Hurricane, Icon, Pittsburg, Hercules, and a few others —- are both a great lifetime tool, as well as a solid and good value, financially.

If we pay attention to the details and actual ratings on some of the tools —- we will find some true good values and bargains —- mixed in with the other crappy products.

Just need to sort out the differences.

Best, Fred

[MarkT]

Can't beat a HF floor jack! Snap-On sued them for stealing their design and lost... both made in the same factory in China! Icon has some good stuff... knock offs of Snap-On and Knipex. Some of the Quinn's are good too.

[Benni3]

You got to buy something there,,,,but don't get there batteries it kill 2 flashlights with acid,,,,,

[foakes]

You got to buy something there,,,,but don't get there batteries it kill 2 flashlights with acid,,,,,

Good tip, Benni —-

I use decent flashlights, and have many.

No flashlight manufacturer will honor their lifetime warranty if off brand batteries are used.  Because they leak and ruin your devices.

I stick with Duracell, or Energizers —- I just buy them at Costco, in large batches —- then stick them in the "Battery Buddy".

Best, Fred

[Benni3]

You got to buy something there,,,,but don't get there batteries it kill 2 flashlights with acid,,,,,

Good tip, Benni —-

I use decent flashlights, and have many.

No flashlight manufacturer will honor their lifetime warranty if off brand batteries are used.  Because they leak and ruin your devices.

I stick with Duracell, or Energizers —- I just buy them at Costco, in large batches —- then stick them in the "Battery Buddy".

Best, Fred

Duracell is the best,,, but because of price I'm trying amazon brand,,,it has a 5year shelf life,,,on sale $21 for 24 D pack,,,but ? Let's see how they hold up,,,,,

[Swami805]

My wife bought a giant supply of those Amazon batteries, they haven't leaked but they don't last like Duracell. She bought one of the assortment packages, we've gone thru  the all the small ones and are stuck with a bunch of the odd ball ones I doubt we'll ever use. They aren't great but not horrible