mge_1
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Wowzers!!!
My Harbor Freight Investment
- Thread starter MechanicNamedJohn
- Start date
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I saw the digital battery analyzer in one pic up there. How do you like it? What was the cost? I saw it a HF the other day and it did not have a price. I was going to look it up at hf.com but forgotuntil now. So if you have used it yet what do you think of it?
montopolis90
Member
To original author of this thread I am about to start auto tech school ,they don't offer student discounts so I was thinking abou this set what do you think thanks http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
I would definitely buy that if I were starting out. If you decide you don't want to do that for a living, your not out a lot of money.
I'm sure there's going to be a lot more tools you will need but this set is a good start.
yjWrangler
Well-known member
The Craftsman set would probably be better to get.
Agreed, not that quality is much different but much better resell value.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-255-...1&blockType=G1&sid=I0084400010000100383&aff=Y
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00935283000P?mv=rr
concealer404
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Slap a 20% off coupon on that set and you're out $150. I've bought a couple of the Craftsman sets in the past (308 piece and i think the 255), and if i were to do it all again, i think i might actually go with the HF.
I wouldn't worry about resale so much when you're just buying an assload of tools for peanuts.
montopolis90
Member
Thanks guys hf 301 pc set it is.any advice on how to organize it in a 22 inch portable metal toolbox ?
RangerDaleXp
Well-known member
I looked at it and would add a better set of standard and metric wrenches to the set. Not enough sizes for what you will need. As for organizing it, I would get a portable Tool box that has draws till you expand into your first roll away. That is what I did 30 years ago
.Something like this. Mine was gray
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I looked at it and would add a better set of standard and metric wrenches to the set. Not enough sizes for what you will need. As for organizing it, I would get a portable Tool box that has draws till you expand into your first roll away. That is what I did 30 years ago
Something like this. Mine was gray
I'm just starting out and that's what I have right now. That cman box, which I got used for $15. It has the essentials. I keep the combo wrenches in 2 rolls in the bottom, and my sockets are in a separate plastic case that they came in as I couldn't see them organizing well in there.
montopolis90
Member
My dad has a old husky 26 inch 3 drawer box with a top lid I think its a top piece to a cabinet that should work right?
RangerDaleXp
Well-known member
Remember, A 26 inch roll away box is going to be way to heavy to transport around when it gets full of tools. I tried that after the smaller box was filled up and always needed extra help to get it to some of the classes I was going to then. It was not practical.....
montopolis90
Member
Its just a top 3 drawer with grab handle on each side not a whole cab
I definitely like this thread... And remember it from a few years ago when it was first posted.
Demonstrates a great example mechanic investing wisely. If it was $50K-$75K in Snap-On hand tools instead of ~$4K of HF hand tools, perhaps John wouldn't have his own great big new shop!
It drives me crazy to see young mechanics with huge debt to the tool trucks, especially under the guise of 'investing in your career'.
And the big question for 'MechanicNamedJohn':
So after a few years of presumably hard use, which (if any) of the HF hand tools in your box were not up to the job for a pro mechanic?
Demonstrates a great example mechanic investing wisely. If it was $50K-$75K in Snap-On hand tools instead of ~$4K of HF hand tools, perhaps John wouldn't have his own great big new shop!
It drives me crazy to see young mechanics with huge debt to the tool trucks, especially under the guise of 'investing in your career'.
And the big question for 'MechanicNamedJohn':
So after a few years of presumably hard use, which (if any) of the HF hand tools in your box were not up to the job for a pro mechanic?
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RangerDaleXp
Well-known member
Sorry, I meant the top box only but since it is a three drawer that is a little lighter then the 4 drawer I tried to do that with back then.....
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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Mac Tools truck stopped by today. It was like relapsing on drugs... I think I am getting a toolbox combo.
mixxmstrmike
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Look for a better drug, preferrably one named Lista!
Saw your video of your new shop. All the best for your continued success!
-Mike
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greasemonkey44
Well-known member
lol yeah; they tease you in with that lil bit of the good stuff
then before you know it you have tons of goodies in your box and a snapon man is on a first name basis with you
beelsr
Well-known member
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
Are we going to get some poses of your girlfriend like she did on the HF tool chest on the new tool storage combo?
On a more serious note, I'm surprised you're not looking more at gently used tool storage. There's not shame in the HF stuff that you've got now, but in fairness HF's size offerings are fairly limited. Once you get past a certain amount of stuff you have to add multiple units as they just don't make much bigger. The tool trucks have a definite advantage with bigger tool storage in my opinion because they seem to have far more options. However even though prices aren't as good as some here would like them to be on used stuff you can still get some really great deals on gently used tool storage. You have enough space at your new shop that I'd imagine you can be fairly flexible, as opposed to someone who is working at a dealership who needs a tool storage unit which will hold X amount of tools but not take up any more than Y amount of space. Your thrift has served you well up to this point, I'd at least see if you can get a good deal on something lightly used before buying something super expensive off the tool truck. Then in a couple of years when your success has grown to the point that you're lighting your Cuban cigars with dollar bills, then you can spring for the new, super shiny, custom colored combo of your choosing.
Or you could just do what I do most of the time and get what you want because life is short. Either way best wishes on getting the new space up to speed.
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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Just want to say thank you to everyone for your comments, questions, and well wishes...
With that being said, I think it's time to let this thread go,we had a good run. What I mean is, the tools or "investment" has served it's purpose. It's time to replace them.
The new shop is moving forward, and expanding in size. But, I withheld some information (you know, I always have surprises.) I am moving out of general repair, and gearing more toward performance. In fact if business keeps moving forward like it is, I will get another shop for general repair and hire someone to run it.
With the new clientele and increase funds I decided to "up" the image of the shop. I feel the new clientele is much aware of tool brands, and I do not need customers walking away because of a name on a box. I also would like to upgrade for myself. A part of me has always missed the "truck brand" tools. I can afford them now and I feel I earned it, and it's time I treat myself. Not to sound too cocky, but to most, I did the impossible, and I deserve to have the high end tools once again.
It's time to say goodbye to HF, I will keep some of my HF tools; the rest I will let the interns use. Yes, that's right I have interns, who will hopefully turn into apprentices.
I will start a new thread in the near future, and I will post pics the of projects we have going on. Currently we are restoring a 72 Challenger (kind of, it is getting a late model Hemi.) And, of course I will update my Formula thread soon.
Best wishes and thank you all again.
M.N.J.
With that being said, I think it's time to let this thread go,we had a good run. What I mean is, the tools or "investment" has served it's purpose. It's time to replace them.
The new shop is moving forward, and expanding in size. But, I withheld some information (you know, I always have surprises.) I am moving out of general repair, and gearing more toward performance. In fact if business keeps moving forward like it is, I will get another shop for general repair and hire someone to run it.
With the new clientele and increase funds I decided to "up" the image of the shop. I feel the new clientele is much aware of tool brands, and I do not need customers walking away because of a name on a box. I also would like to upgrade for myself. A part of me has always missed the "truck brand" tools. I can afford them now and I feel I earned it, and it's time I treat myself. Not to sound too cocky, but to most, I did the impossible, and I deserve to have the high end tools once again.
It's time to say goodbye to HF, I will keep some of my HF tools; the rest I will let the interns use. Yes, that's right I have interns, who will hopefully turn into apprentices.
I will start a new thread in the near future, and I will post pics the of projects we have going on. Currently we are restoring a 72 Challenger (kind of, it is getting a late model Hemi.) And, of course I will update my Formula thread soon.
Best wishes and thank you all again.
M.N.J.
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countryroad82
Well-known member
Congratulations John!! I'm glad that things worked out for the better for you, when I saw that you were havaing to move out of your old shop I truely hated to hear it, but I'm glad you got a great location!! On another note I'm glad to see you are expanding your business. I wish you the best of luck!!
Lt CHEG
Well-known member
I think you've done a good job. You saved money using satisfactory tools while you were working your way up. You saved a bunch of money using tools that got the job done even if they weren't the fastest or fanciest. Now that you've established yourself you absolutely deserve to use what you feel will work the best for you. There's no shame in wanting the shinier tools if you can afford them. Heck, I'm just a shadetree guy, by all accounts there's no reason for me to use truck brand tools. But I can afford to have a bunch of truck brand stuff, I enjoy their quality and features and when I can justify their cost I go ahead and spring for the higher end stuff. You've done a good job, and if you can afford it you deserve to buy and use the stuff that makes you happy. Congrats again on the new shop and good luck. Please don't be a stranger.
I think that's cool. I don't know of any shops doing that where I'm at.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
Try hanging around some shops offering to sweep floors, clean parts, wash cars and run errands (for free). That how it starts.
lowheat
Well-known member
I'm happy that you are moving upward and onward but a little sad that the flow of HF info will slow. I really like HF and just found this forum!
Congrats
Congrats
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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Farewell video to the US General box, and overall review of HF tools.
I liked the video. Didn't watch it all (44 mins? lol), but thought it was a much more balanced, honest, informed, whatever you want to say review than in the past. Not that I would criticize anyone starting out that buys "discount" tools, but it's nice to see you calling a spade a spade where appropriate.
wornoutoldman
Well-known member
I watched the whole thing...
Enjoy your new Mac!
Enjoy your new Mac!
Great video and a great end to this story... thanks for taking all of us along with you on this journey. I'm looking forward to your future videos and to watching you continue to build your business.
Your observations on the hit or miss (mostly hit though) of Harbor Freight tools has been invaluable. It's amazing how many of the service tools appear to be strangely similar to other more respected brands... same case, same (or almost same) design... usually with a different color for the case or housing. Great to hear how they've held up too.
I've always liked the Mac boxes as well... like you said, they just look nicer. Can't wait to see what color combo you pick out (Yellow was always my fav).
In your video, you mention that the ball joint service kit isn't very good... or at least can't hold up to impact tools... and the 90 day warranty is certainly ****. What do you plan on replacing them with?
Your observations on the hit or miss (mostly hit though) of Harbor Freight tools has been invaluable. It's amazing how many of the service tools appear to be strangely similar to other more respected brands... same case, same (or almost same) design... usually with a different color for the case or housing. Great to hear how they've held up too.
I've always liked the Mac boxes as well... like you said, they just look nicer. Can't wait to see what color combo you pick out (Yellow was always my fav).
In your video, you mention that the ball joint service kit isn't very good... or at least can't hold up to impact tools... and the 90 day warranty is certainly ****. What do you plan on replacing them with?
RangerDaleXp
Well-known member
I have been following this thread since its beginning. I have enjoyed all the information while following all your post and last night I tried to watch your video, but due to bandwidth problems, I ended up loading it to RealPlayer and just finished watching the video just a few minutes ago.
One thing that came to mind was about the toolbox. It looks like new and you never mentioned anything wrong with it. There is an old saying, why fix something if it ain't broke. It just seems to make more sense to me to put the money to better use. I think you mentioned that the new box was going to cost $17,000 and that they were going to give you $10,000 for the US General toolbox. So you will be paying $7000 for a shinier toolbox with a Matco label that will do nothing more but be shiny. Wouldn't it be a better choice to keep your old box and purchase a car lift or two for your shop and maybe add a glass bead cabinet and also maybe upgrade some of your tools that you are not pleased with? That way you are doing something better with the money to improve your production and make things a lot easier for you.
Anyways, that is my thoughts and since you moved in your new really nice shop and per your video of your new shop, it seems there is a lack of some important equipment like lifts and so on.
Anyways, I'm not trying to criticize what you are doing, but just trying to give some input from what I have seen. Like you had said in your video, the choice is yours. I just thought I would add some insight to your thinking which may or may not change your decision.
One thing that came to mind was about the toolbox. It looks like new and you never mentioned anything wrong with it. There is an old saying, why fix something if it ain't broke. It just seems to make more sense to me to put the money to better use. I think you mentioned that the new box was going to cost $17,000 and that they were going to give you $10,000 for the US General toolbox. So you will be paying $7000 for a shinier toolbox with a Matco label that will do nothing more but be shiny. Wouldn't it be a better choice to keep your old box and purchase a car lift or two for your shop and maybe add a glass bead cabinet and also maybe upgrade some of your tools that you are not pleased with? That way you are doing something better with the money to improve your production and make things a lot easier for you.
Anyways, that is my thoughts and since you moved in your new really nice shop and per your video of your new shop, it seems there is a lack of some important equipment like lifts and so on.
Anyways, I'm not trying to criticize what you are doing, but just trying to give some input from what I have seen. Like you had said in your video, the choice is yours. I just thought I would add some insight to your thinking which may or may not change your decision.
biscuit141
Well-known member
Wait, is this correct?
How are they giving you $10,000 for your HF box? Is it full of your tools? Doesn't your rep know what they cost originally? That seems very generous.
How are they giving you $10,000 for your HF box? Is it full of your tools? Doesn't your rep know what they cost originally? That seems very generous.
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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I have lifts, they are not installed yet, gotta cut the floors. I have equipment in the back. It's a Mac box not Matco.
Yes, $10,000 trade in for the Macsimizer ($27,000 retail, $17000 after trade) The Tech series is $14,000 with $4,000 trade in value. The trade in is a trick, the boxes are marked up so high, you think you're getting a deal but you're not. Anyway I decided on the triple bank Tech series for $10000 with top box and 2 lockers, plus I get to keep my HF box now. I saw him today and I told him I wanted to keep my box and still get trade in price, he quickly agreed.
Yes, $10,000 trade in for the Macsimizer ($27,000 retail, $17000 after trade) The Tech series is $14,000 with $4,000 trade in value. The trade in is a trick, the boxes are marked up so high, you think you're getting a deal but you're not. Anyway I decided on the triple bank Tech series for $10000 with top box and 2 lockers, plus I get to keep my HF box now. I saw him today and I told him I wanted to keep my box and still get trade in price, he quickly agreed.
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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No, sorry. I got it at AutoZone, under $50 I think.
RangerDaleXp
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Well, I guess being able to keep your old box is very good. Sorry I made the mistake between mac and matco but I just did not think getting rid of perfectly good boxes made any sense. Bang for buck, I would have no problem going from my wore out CM boxes to what you have. What I have is over 30 years old and the other which was a gift and of the cheaper version is falling apart. I just cant see buying over priced tool truck prices on tool boxes when something like the US General boxes have received such good reviews......
OP
MechanicNamedJohn
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I agree, the US General box is a good box, and mine is just they way I bought it. I just want a Mac box. It's like I said... some guys own Vettes and some guys own Hyundais, they both get you from point A to point B. I am only purchasing this box because I want one, and I want to "up" the image of myself and shop to potential clientele based on the direction the shop is headed.
I'm a mechanic for a John Deere dealership here in Iowa and a very large majority of my tools when I started were HF. Probably about 80% My setup was nowhere near as extensive as the OP. Just have to say for less than 5k you have a large box loaded to the gills. Thats a pretty boss way to start out and more kids should look into it coming out of trade schools. Great thread!