My Harbor Freight Investment

[Hiball]

Your taking it a little to literally and missing the point.. doesnt have to be a wrench, socket or ratchet it could be anything. When that rusted bolt you are trying to get off is a little bit rounded and the HF wrench rounds it more and won't get it off and the snap on would have.. same goes for sockets. Or when the open end spreads and you spend half the day at the ER. I have snap on at work and craftsman/HF at home.. When I get home from work I notice the difference immediatly and I really appreciate my snap on tools. They get the job done at home but try using them professionally working flat rate and youll find out real quick it aint gonna cut it. When you use tools 50+hrs a week professionally trying to beat book times you WILL notice the difference and understand. The regular weekend warrior doesn't need snap on.. Mechanics aren't stupid like the general public thinks we are if we could make our living with 3k in HF tools instead of 30k in snap on, we definetly would.

Sounds like to me People need to toughen up, When i go to work i like having a brand new Evolution locomotive engine with A/C and plush seats but there are times when my employer packs me into a 1975 Sd-60 with No Ac, Toadstool seats (The most uncomfortable seat around). If the engines are in tip top shape HP is HP regardless of the extras. I do believe that in the near future you will see more and more Mechanics using HF tools. This country is in the pisser and people are gonna learn how to adapt and get the job done. If they dont they will fail and there are plenty of Craiglist/ebay ads to document this in the Auto industry.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

The tools this guy has is perfect for what he is doing in his garage, but try working flat rate in a shop with this stuff and the jobs are going to be a lot harder and take longer.

So your saying that a Snap-On 9/16 wrench will remove a 9/16 nut quicker and easier than a Pittsburg 9/16 wrench?

 

[djb2]

There certainly seems to be big changes going on at H-F.

It's not yet clear if they are for the better or worse.

There are the widespread reports of the founder's son spending huge amounts of company money on land and art, while kicking the founder out of his own office. Headquarters is being moved, and morale is very low.

From the customer and product side, the company has changed to heavily promote deep discount sales and coupons. It's best to wait for something to go on sale. They are compensating by raising the list price on many items dramatically. That $20 torque wrench that is always on sale for $10 or $12? It's now $35 on sale (at least for now) for $10.

Another big change is the product mix. They seem to be dropping many of the lowest priced, lowest quality items. The new products are sometimes impressively good, including some very nice ratchets. Will this work for them? Going from $3 mediocre ratchets to $10-$20 nice ratchets should reduce lifetime warranty returns, but is it hitting their target market.

Not all of the new products are winners. That $7-on-sale wrench set has beautiful chrome over crappy made-in-India steel. Amusingly, the made-in-China products improved just as they are switching to made in India.

 

[strnjss]

Well, since this has turned into some kind of weird tool snob type thing, I'll chime in haha.

I own some cheap tools, and some expensive Blue Point (Taiwan Snap-On) tools.

I'm not a pro who uses tools every single day all day, but I use them enough to gauge their performance.

My cheap tools have been great. The ratchets are noisier, and have more resistance, but they have always done their job.

My Blue Point socket set is really nice, the ratchet is quiet, and there are just smooth tiny clicks I barely feel, but it does no better of a job than my cheapo $20 set. It's just a little nicer to use.

The BP set cost me almost $300. The Snap On equivalent would have cost me several THOUSAND! BP tools are just as good if not better than modern SO tools. In fact I've heard my BP ratchet is exactly the same as the older (nicer) style SO ratchets.

On my last project, I had my expensive Blue Point set with me, and ended up needing a 5.5mm socket. Out of all those damn expensive sockets in my whole set, there was no 5.5mm's!

I had to break out the trusty old $20 Durabuilt Target set, which sure enough had everything I needed.

The breaker bar in my Blue Point set seems exactly the same as my Harbor Freight breaker bar. In fact, if they were the same size, I might just mix them up!

Now I guess if you are a mechanic or someone who uses tools all day long every day, it might be worth it to invest in the super expensive tools. I mean heck, they're comfortable, and they have guys in trucks that come to you!

When mechanics buy tools, they are doing it for $90+ per hour just in labor. The tools pay for themselves. They don't have to lose time when their tools break going to the store, they just have them replaced when the truck shows up.

But most cheap tools will work just the same as the Snap On stuff. Snap On stuff breaks all the time too you know!

I think a lot of the Snap On fanboyism **** stems from the fact that the people who own them are trying really really hard to feel good about spending that kind of money on tools. Yes the tools are nice, but you're also paying for the name Snap On, and all kinds of other company **** they pass down to you in tool form. When you buy a $100 Ratchet, it probably costs them like $10 to make. It's everything else that costs you.

 

[Bull]

I think that what we don't want here is an SO/HF debate. This thread should really be about John, his box, and his tools. I looked to see if I had the option as a mod to "split" the thread, and put these most recent posts in a new thread. I do not seem to have that ability, though I have seen it elsewhere.

So, let's refocus, while I decide how to clean this up.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Sounds like to me People need to toughen up, When i go to work i like having a brand new Evolution locomotive engine with A/C and plush seats but there are times when my employer packs me into a 1975 Sd-60 with No Ac, Toadstool seats (The most uncomfortable seat around). If the engines are in tip top shape HP is HP regardless of the extras. I do believe that in the near future you will see more and more Mechanics using HF tools. This country is in the pisser and people are gonna learn how to adapt and get the job done. If they dont they will fail and there are plenty of Craiglist/ebay ads to document this in the Auto industry.

CSX horns are retarded and loud

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Now I guess if you are a mechanic or someone who uses tools all day long every day, it might be worth it to invest in the super expensive tools. I mean heck, they're comfortable, and they have guys in trucks that come to you!

When mechanics buy tools, they are doing it for $90+ per hour just in labor. The tools pay for themselves. They don't have to lose time when their tools break going to the store, they just have them replaced when the truck shows up.

I remember back when I used Mac and SK, it sucked when one of my tools broke, I had to wait until Tuesday to get them warrantied. At least with HF they are 4 miles done the road. Image having to go a week without your impact gun, then when the tool truck guy get's there he argues with you over the warranty.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

and yes , the pay gets worse while snappy prices go higher

 

[Indy_500]

Is there a 60 gallon US General air compressor in your future?

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I have read through many of these boards and perhaps this is not the best thread for this. I am not a professional mechanic, I am a DIY'er with most of my mechanics tools being craftsman which I picked up off of craigslist. This guy has a very nice tool setup and I see the picky truck people love insulting or what not. Even 1 guy said that real mechanics don't buy on craigslist because they are too busy working on cars. I understand he is a mechanic and not a money manager. But for 90% of the tools 1 needs HF or CMAN will do great, and are cheap to buy. This guy has ~3200 in tools, the same mechanic with snap on, is what ~30k in tools. Yeah, in 20 years when this guy wants to retire, he can maybe sell his tools for 1500 (todays dollars), the snapon guy, maybe 8k. So the real net difference in cost is ~20.3k, not adding in all the interest the snap on charges. Now add that to a mutual fund and at the end of 20yrs, you will have a mid 6 figure retirement, why because the real mechanic decided to be a real mechanic and not play keeping up with the jones in the tool department. Yeah, there are some tools that definitely need name brand. In my box, I have a Tektronix dual channel 400 MHz, portable scope and a solus scanner, and for my precision instruments I have Wiha and Excelta, I even have tweezers that are 40 bucks a pair. I buy quality when it counts, and I almost always try to buy used. I also have HF struff. I am sure that the truck guys will flame on about this and that, but show me bottom dollar why. Thats what it comes down to. Oh and if you want to say that the cheap HF and CMAN will break, well cool, we can go buy 3 complete sets of tools off of Ebay or craigslist and still come in at more than 1/2 of what you paid.

I am not sure if there will be a stock market in 5 years

 

[Hiball]

CSX horns are retarded and loud

All engines are all the same across the model/year spectrum as they are either built by GE or EMD. The newer engines definitely have a different tune, but are still LOUD...

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Is there a 60 gallon US General air compressor in your future?

Maybe, maybe not, like I said in the video, I may take this job at the dealership. But, I would try their 60gal if I had room for it.

 

[SocketDeviler]

Nice videos, John. Thanks!

 

[coastierider]

Are both sides of your box the same part? did you just reverse the door?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Are both sides of your box the same part? did you just reverse the door?

I had to flip the door.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I went on a few small shopping sprees at HF, here are a few new tools.



I know I promised someone a video of my cart, and I apologize for not posting one yet. I have been busy, but I will post one soon, with the new items also.

 

[Bull]

I have been wondering where you were!

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I have been here most every day, popping in and out on my ppc when I have a few spare minutes, even posted a few responses. I love this site, I'm always lurking around.

 

[Danglerb]

That 3/4 Earthquake looks like a monster.

 

[mrholeshot]

Good to see you back!

 

[eyeboltman]

Nice box H F price $3,115.89 Snap on price $ 69,289.24 Great set up, For a low price . Mine box looks the same !!! HA HA HA!!!!! thanks eyeboltman

 

[cherokee140]

I just picked up one of their boxes yesterday. I looked everywhere at everything. craftsman and I think I will call them crapsman where just horrid. Lows and Home Depot where nice, but some had spot welds coming loose on the drawers....pass. Pro tool boxes in my area are going for $2000+ used...sorry not gonna pay that. The more I looked at the HF box the better it looked...so that is what I went for.

 

[Theloniousmonk]

This is a very impressive setup, nearly "complete" tool collection... well done to the thread originator. I made a mistake of getting a waterloo box a few years back, thinking it was US made, only to find out it wasn't... I paid a premium when I didn't need to. The General boxes are very well made, imo, and do the job. Great value. If everything in the originator's collection serves him well, then I see no problem here. It is an impressive collection, I envy it.

 

[dualsub2006]

I service commercial irrigation systems. Pumps, valves and back flows. I always used "disposable" tools for this. Dirt, mud, water and the like. I started buying HF stuff about a year ago and now that's all I buy for work.

I get my job done just as fast as I did with the mix of Craftsman and Mac tools that I used to use. I haven't yet destroyed a fastener. I've yet to break a tool, and between breaker bars and hammers that surprises me.

My hat is off to the OP here. The tool snobs will always look down their nose at anyone that has tools that are inferior in their opinion. I like the Mac tools that I own but they are no more effective for me than my Pittsburgh stuff is.

 

[mrholeshot]

The HF US general boxes are great especially for the money. Built better than Craftsman until you get into the Montesuma built pro series. Some of the ratchets (pittsburg pro) are well built tools. There is some junk out at HF as well. You just have to shop carefully and you can come out great. I just sold a set of the HF boxes and recouped about 3/4 of my money. Thats better than Ive ever done on a set of Tool truck boxes even trading them back into the same dealer I bought them from.

 

[Wanna Ride]

I just picked up one of their boxes yesterday. I looked everywhere at everything. craftsman and I think I will call them crapsman where just horrid. Lows and Home Depot where nice, but some had spot welds coming loose on the drawers....pass. Pro tool boxes in my area are going for $2000+ used...sorry not gonna pay that. The more I looked at the HF box the better it looked...so that is what I went for.

I hear ya' loud and clear. I've owned several different boxes over the years. Snap-On, Craftsman, Kennedy, etc. I've never really wore any of them out, but sold them all, for one reason or another. And to be honest, I made out ok on all of them except the Snap-On... I lost my a$$ on that one, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do(main reasion I can't stand divorce lawyers, but that's another story).

Every time I went in to HF, I checked their boxes out, and in all honesty... they're really built well for the money. Better than the Craftsman boxes. Just as good, if not better than the Kennedy boxes I had. Maybe not as good as the Snap-On, but a helluva lot less expensive. I can buy SEVERAL of the complete HF set-ups I have, for less than half of what I spent o nthe Snap-On boxes I had back i nthe 80's.

Their boxes are double-walled, heavy mill paint(not the prettiest with the crinkle-finish, but it's durable), heavy casters, gas struts on the hood, roller slides, barrel locks... I'm very happy with mine. I've got about $1100 in the complete set-up, and would have had a lot less in it if I'd known about the available 20% coupons back then. But regardless... the price I paid was still a good value.

 

[Indy_500]

So i take it you got a compressor MNJ?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

So i take it you got a compressor MNJ?

Unfortunately, no. Still no room, but am using a borrowed 20gal for now.

 

[Tatsuya]

You get that dealership job?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

You get that dealership job?

No, I didn't. I had obligations to my current customers and told them I could start in three weeks, at first they agreed, but then asked me to start in 5 days. I couldn't...

Now I am looking at renting shops or warehouses, but county zoning is making it difficult. The only places I can find are surrounded by other repair shops.

I'm optimistic, something will come along that works for me.

 

[Indy_500]

I just got this baby tonight my first one the 1/2" impact thats like the under $20 one just blew out air when i got it, my compact one that you have, ran awesome for a month, then the trigger stuck but it still worked. Now i'm onto this one and i bought the 2 yr warranty i figured for $40 its a pretty good deal since it is SUPER POWERFUL and i'm guaranteed for 2 years.

 

[Racr350]

hows that 3/4" earthquake feel/sound hammering away?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I just got this baby tonight my first one the 1/2" impact thats like the under $20 one just blew out air when i got it, my compact one that you have, ran awesome for a month, then the trigger stuck but it still worked. Now i'm onto this one and i bought the 2 yr warranty i figured for $40 its a pretty good deal since it is SUPER POWERFUL and i'm guaranteed for 2 years.

Good deal, I have not even put an air chuck to the "little" 1/2 impact yet. I'll have to play with it tomorrow.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

hows that 3/4" earthquake feel/sound hammering away?

Have not used it yet, by that I mean I have not needed to use it yet. Did I immediately hook an air chuck up to it as soon as I got it? Hell yes, lol, it is beefy.

 

[mkdive]

subscribed

 

[mrholeshot]

No, I didn't. I had obligations to my current customers and told them I could start in three weeks, at first they agreed, but then asked me to start in 5 days. I couldn't...

Now I am looking at renting shops or warehouses, but county zoning is making it difficult. The only places I can find are surrounded by other repair shops.

I'm optimistic, something will come along that works for me.

John, When I finally got tired of dealership BS I bought a 1200 dollar Chevy Suburban and loaded it down with tools and a gas powered compressor. I went to used car lots, friends, and referals and did on site repairs. I did that for 6 months until I found a building I could afford and then installed one lift and worked the mobile end of the business and used the small shop for repairs where I needed the lift. Within a year I moved into a small 3 bay shop and hired someone to run the mobile end of it while I worked in the shop. within two years I was in a nice 6000 square foot shop that was once a Marine dealership. The rest is history. I made decent money doing onsite repairs. I also advertized in the phone book for 24 hour roadside and lockout service. I made more money between 7pm and 4am doing simple things like lock outs and flat repairs that all during the day. I use to keep a big row of spare tires taken for salvage yards and chances are I had one to fit the vehicle I was going to so when their tire was missing I could make them a decent deal on one. I was paying 5 dollars each
from a salvage yard for nice spares. I sold them for 50 dollars beside the road plus the 75 dollar after hours service call. On Friday and Sat night I stayed busy doing lockouts. Take Baby steps and keep your overhead low.

 

[Wanna Ride]

John, When I finally got tired of dealership BS I bought a 1200 dollar Chevy Suburban and loaded it down with tools and a gas powered compressor. I went to used car lots, friends, and referals and did on site repairs. I did that for 6 months until I found a building I could afford and then installed one lift and worked the mobile end of the business and used the small shop for repairs where I needed the lift. Within a year I moved into a small 3 bay shop and hired someone to run the mobile end of it while I worked in the shop. within two years I was in a nice 6000 square foot shop that was once a Marine dealership. The rest is history. I made decent money doing onsite repairs. I also advertized in the phone book for 24 hour roadside and lockout service. I made more money between 7pm and 4am doing simple things like lock outs and flat repairs that all during the day. I use to keep a big row of spare tires taken for salvage yards and chances are I had one to fit the vehicle I was going to so when their tire was missing I could make them a decent deal on one. I was paying 5 dollars each
from a salvage yard for nice spares. I sold them for 50 dollars beside the road plus the 75 dollar after hours service call. On Friday and Sat night I stayed busy doing lockouts. Take Baby steps and keep your overhead low.

Excellent success story, and good for you!

 

[johnnybentwrench]

I Think that is quite a selection of tools for around 3000-4000. I gotta finally admit it " I shop at harbor freight sometimes" It is becoming impossible to stay away from TAIWAN and cheaper imports for certain things I am not willing to spend the high $$$ for
I used to be an absolute tool snob. I admit it HF is OK

 

[mrholeshot]

Excellent success story, and good for you!

Well I wouldn't say total success. My Health insurance had a 1,000,000 limit. My medical bills went past 3,500,000. No matter how hard you work you can lose it all quickly. I never got rich at it but I didn't miss any meals either. I live a very humble lifestyle now.

 

[Coach James]

$1,000,000 over the life of the policy or did you have a catastrophic accident?

I like your mobile repair story. Shows what initiative and drive can do.

Coach