Harbor Freight tools that DON'T suck

[Chippertheripper]

maybe a scooter variator too.

[stoinkythepig]

I'm really happy with my 44" tool boxes, air stapler, wheel chock, and 1/2" telescopic ratchet.

[jeantarrou]

I'm really happy with my... air stapler, wheel chock...

+1 on both of those.

[wiggeywackyo]

It's amazing in a day and age where everyone complains about jobs leaving, that we're all still willing to shop at Harbor Freight and Walmart.

[tomk1960]

i've heard they scratch the shit out of everything, but mojo blocks/bars work well to bring it up to something decent, never used one myself tho:

Apache Tomcat/6.0.24 - Error report

edit: looking closer at the mojo bar i'd probably buy a nomar bar.

I have this tire changer with the Mojo blocks and NoMar bar. It works well and fast. I've mounted tires on multiple wheels that I've powder coated and there wasn't a mark left on any of them. The long red bar that comes with the HF changer will definitely scratch up your wheels, so make the investment and get the NoMar bar. Well worth the money and it paid for itself pretty quickly.

[stoinkythepig]

It's amazing in a day and age where everyone complains about jobs leaving, that we're all still willing to shop at Harbor Freight and Walmart.

Not everyone is complaining, most are adapting and evolving. I always encourage people to learn valuable skills that cannot be off-shored or outsourced, and that advice has worked very well for those that heeded it. Some of the young folks that heeded my career advice have become: a land surveyor, a mechanic, a dental hygienist, teachers, a chef, a plumber, and a college professor. No one in America should want a factory job making stuff like Harbor Freight sells, that would be a terrible career choice, even if the economy was booming.

[Falko]

I'm not sure how many of these tools can be bought that are made in America. I know Lenox is one of the last American blade companies, and you are hit or miss on which ones are made where. Most of the hand tools are overseas, is Craftsman still US?

I bought a set of punches at HF the other day, was in a bind. Trashed one of the little ones quickly, bent and sheared off the tip. Chipped the pointy end on the bigger flat blade whacking a rusty bolt. And I'm just a little guy with a little hammer. Thinking a larger person with a mini-sledge would destroy this set quickly. So my advice, but good safety glasses with this set, you should wear them.

[number9]

It's amazing in a day and age where everyone complains about jobs leaving, that we're all still willing to shop at Harbor Freight and Walmart.

Have you met the average voter?

I'm not sure how many of these tools can be bought that are made in America. I know Lenox is one of the last American blade companies, and you are hit or miss on which ones are made where. Most of the hand tools are overseas, is Craftsman still US?

I believe Craftsman tools have been made in Taiwan for many years now. To be fair, there are only a handful of actual tool manufacturers, so the same company may very well make (for example) Craftsman and Snap-On in the same facility.

[MFChop]

I believe Craftsman tools have been made in Taiwan for many years now. To be fair, there are only a handful of actual tool manufacturers, so the same company may very well make (for example) Craftsman and Snap-On in the same facility.

True however tolerances / quality control, materials, .... ect can vary

Myself personally only have three things from HF the tool cart for the track, an air hose, and those plastic socket trays.

I use my tools a lot and I have a buy once cry once mentality so I tend to avoid HF. It helps that I have a cousin who can grab me snap on / matco tools for decent cash deals though

[number9]

True however tolerances, quality control, materials, ect can vary...

Myself personally only have three things from HF the tool cart for the track, an air hose, and those plastic socket trays.

I use my tools a lot and I have a buy once cry once mentality

Oh, sure, I agree that there is a difference in quality between tool brand. What I was trying to point out was, the tool-manufacturing industry is very consolidated to the point where many brands are made in the same place by the same people -- just to different specifications.

[MFChop]

Agreed

[ZX-12R]

Their 1/2" Earthquake XT pneumatic impact wrench is a great performer and huge value at only $149 before coupons. I haven't had any issues with it using 1/4" fittings but it comes alive with 3/8" fittings and 1/2" hose. It likes a lot of air.

1/2 in. Composite Xtreme Torque Air Impact Wrench

[csmutty]

Their 1/2" Earthquake XT pneumatic impact wrench is a great performer and huge value at only $149 before coupons. I haven't had any issues with it using 1/4" fittings but it comes alive with 3/8" fittings and 1/2" hose. It likes a lot of air.

1/2 in. Composite Xtreme Torque Air Impact Wrench

I got the same one for Christmas. It's powerful. It does like air, but no more than the POS Craftsman one I was using before this.

I'm also rocking the impact extensions, which seem to be holding up great for the price.

4 Pc 1/2 in. Drive Impact Socket Extension Set

I've had this for the last 4? or so years at work, still works great. Only thing that doesn't work anymore is the pistons to open the tool box lid. You have to assist with your hand to get it to lift up, but it will stay up once it's there.

30 in. 5 Drawer Glossy Red Tool Cart

I also have had this welding helmet for 3 or 4 years now. Works great every time.

Auto Darkening Welding Helmet with Blue Flame Design

[carsick]

You have to assist with your hand to get it up, but it will stay up once it's there.

You seem so young to have such a challenge.

[loudbeard]

You seem so young to have such a challenge.

You win the internet today

[Tekime]

I tool shop exclusively and unapologetically at HF. It's so damn cheap, 9 minutes away on I-95 and never really had anything fail. But I don't depend on my tools to make a living, I think they're fine for most regular humans.

Also it's so weird how just when you think it's their last Big Blowout Sale they miraculously have another one the next weekend.

That said, they have the most weak ass batteries money can buy. I mean, they're basically free, but I don't even think it's worth it.

I've been hankering for a welder for quite some time and might buy their cheap $90 unit. Just to learn on and do some basic stuff. Anyone try it?

[stoinkythepig]

Totally forgot about the excellent performance of my HF auto-darkening welding helmet. I love that thing.

My HF tire changer works well too. I have used it to change well over 200 tires (52 on one motorcycle alone) over the last 17 years. I'd estimate that between my two trailers and my friend's trailers I've changed more than 60 trailer tires. I also maintain five 4-wheeled street vehicles (three of which have a full set of winter tires and full set of summer tires) for my wife and I, and our two young adult children, so the savings of dealing with tire changing at home is tremendous. Great workout too...

[jeantarrou]

My HF tire changer works well too. I have used it to change well over 200 tires

I absolutely have to start doing this...

I tool shop exclusively and unapologetically at HF. It's so damn cheap, 9 minutes away on I-95 and never really had anything fail. But I don't depend on my tools to make a living, I think they're fine for most regular humans.

.

I hear what you're saying, but imo the tolerances of their wrenches and sockets is poor enough for me to usually stay away. I'm finding that too often the metal used to make many of the bolts on bikes is crappy and an ill fitting tool (made with equally cheap metal) will round them off too easily...

[nhbubba]

I don't have any problems with the HF socket sets I have. Most of my normal sized stuff (6-19mm) is not HF. But my large 1/2" drive set (20-32mm) set is and has been fantastic.

[TheIglu]

I've been hankering for a welder for quite some time and might buy their cheap $90 unit. Just to learn on and do some basic stuff. Anyone try it?

Give you mine for $50. It works, but not quite at the level I need a welder for. I've probably got 20 minutes total on the thing.

[jeantarrou]

I don't have any problems with the HF socket sets I have. Most of my normal sized stuff (6-19mm) is not HF. But my large 1/2" drive set (20-32mm) set is and has been fantastic.

Hmmm, maybe the 1/2 drive stuff is better made, the 3/8 drive set I got my brother was really crappy. And the wrenches, yikes!!!

[stoinkythepig]

The quality of their sockets (that are not sold in those cheap sets that include crappy ratchets) has improved dramatically compared to what they used to sell.

[jeantarrou]

The quality of their sockets (that are not sold in those cheap sets that include crappy ratchets) has improved dramatically compared to what they used to sell.

Well that's some good info!

[loudbeard]

I've been hankering for a welder for quite some time and might buy their cheap $90 unit. Just to learn on and do some basic stuff. Anyone try it?

I haven't used their cheapo welder but I had work purchase their "expensive" MIG welder ($259.) For the down and dirty it does a good job. I've only used it as a flux core welder so far so I can't comment on how well the shielding system works. I've tried my best to break it (dramatically exceeding the duty cycle) and it keeps on going. It doesn't do very well with thin gauge metal, so you know the current control is a bit shoddy. Also, the welding gun is fairly chintzy. With the $99 unit, you will be limited to 3/16" thick stock and I expect it does even worse than mine on the thin stuff.

[Kurlon]

Avoid their vibratory parts tumbler, it is not built to run for very long. I'll be shopping Cabellas for my next one.