Help... I hate harbor frieght

[exoticwelding]

I work for a small electrical contractor, I am an electrician but have been given the role of ordering and running the shop. In the past most of our non electrical tools (Jacks, socket sets, grinder, electric impacts and even the shop mounted air reels) have been purchased at harbor freight. Some of the stuff, for example hard rubber wheels for a generator, has been great. However much of the items have a short life span and perform less than desired.

1. Is there still a good quality, mid price store to buy from? It seems that Sears Craftsman has become imported lower quality tools and tractor supply, Home Depot, etc. bottle jacks seem to be the same as Harbor Freight bottle jacks with a different sticker.

2. Do I need to spend the time researching the bigger price items along with several vendors before making a purchase? I have considered buying everything from Grainger they seem to have quality items but there prices also seem to be significantly higher than shopping the same item online.

Just looking for your Positive input on the situation, times have defiantly changed with everything being imported and the new world of ordering everything online for 1/2 price.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

First; Welcome to the Forum..... It would help to know your location... Around here, I would head for Acme Tools....

 

[bcradio]

I work for a small electrical contractor, I am an electrician but have been given the role of ordering and running the shop. In the past most of our non electrical tools (Jacks, socket sets, grinder, electric impacts and even the shop mounted air reels) have been purchased at harbor freight. Some of the stuff, for example hard rubber wheels for a generator, has been great. However much of the items have a short life span and perform less than desired.

1. Is there still a good quality, mid price store to buy from? It seems that Sears Craftsman has become imported lower quality tools and tractor supply, Home Depot, etc. bottle jacks seem to be the same as Harbor Freight bottle jacks with a different sticker.

2. Do I need to spend the time researching the bigger price items along with several vendors before making a purchase? I have considered buying everything from Grainger they seem to have quality items but there prices also seem to be significantly higher than shopping the same item online.

Just looking for your Positive input on the situation, times have defiantly changed with everything being imported and the new world of ordering everything online for 1/2 price.

Huh?

If you are a professional using these tools daily, then you should be buying name brand electric power tools and NOT HF stuff. However, I'd like to see some pictures of the hand tools from HF that you have broken (i.e. sockets/ratchets/impact sockets) because these can work just fine in a pro environment. Also, if you are using chrome sockets on an impact and then blaming Harbor Freight then shame on you.

 

[Piece-it Pete]

Can't help with your specific situation but have been in purchasing. I'd say for large purchases you should always shop around.

Unless you get huge kickbacks

Pete

 

[wafrederick]

The impact sockets,you want the Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight.They are made out of the chrome moly steel looking for cr-mo on the socket.

 

[rsanter]

I have noticed that more and more the stuff being made is low quality or high quality. not much in between

bob

 

[OutsideMachinist]

http://www.zoro.com/ -owned by grainger. doesnt have grainger's full line up but often has the exact same thing as grainger for half as much. They have tools and industrial supplies, consumeables etc.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#

theres others as well.

Dont know what region you are in but there may be local companies as well.

 

[jkwilson]

To make money, it is false economy to shop by price first on tools. Buy professional quality tools from the source that has the best combination of price and service.

 

[MotoDave]

To make money, it is false economy to shop by price first on tools. Buy professional quality tools from the source that has the best combination of price and service.

TRUTH! If you're wasting work time dealing with a cheap broken tool, that tool is not longer cheap!

Look for a local industrial supply store. There's one here in town that sells pro quality power tools and hand tools, I love dealing with them. Prices are fair, yes I can usually find it cheaper online but they will also deal with repairs or exchanges for me, which is worth it.

 

[zkling]

Depending on the volume quantity, I think an online account may be your best bet. Or even just an online order of SK, Proto, Wright or the like quality, but not truck brand.

 

[Sebastien]

I think Grainger prices are lower if you have a professionnal account with them.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I think Grainger prices are lower if you have a professionnal account with them.

Oh, Grainger has a MAJOR sliding scale for retal prices depending upon your account and how much you buy.
Same with MSC.
Same with McMaster Carr.

And the same with Snap-on Industrial or drivers who service industrial/mfg. clients.

To the OP, unless you are doing hella low end "turn and burn" work, HF is not for you.

YOu have to move up to real suppliers. And HF, Sears, Lowes and Home Depot are NOT normally a good solution unless in a pinch. Especially if buying regularly or in bulk.
Lots-o-options out there.

 

[Fretters]

I have noticed that more and more the stuff being made is low quality or high quality. not much in between

bob

Probably due to there being two defined markets, in general terms. People who want things cheap, (the majority, it appears), and people who'll pay extra for quality.

 

[gearhead1]

I'm not trying to bring up the Craftsman discussion again per se, but this is exactly why people are frustrated with the decision to go overseas, the middle quality is no longer an option.

 

[exoticwelding]

Huh?

If you are a professional using these tools daily, then you should be buying name brand electric power tools and NOT HF stuff. However, I'd like to see some pictures of the hand tools from HF that you have broken (i.e. sockets/ratchets/impact sockets) because these can work just fine in a pro environment. Also, if you are using chrome sockets on an impact and then blaming Harbor Freight then shame on you.

Drills, impacts, sawzalls and the electrical specific tools we only buy name brand stuff.(Dewalt, Hiliti, Milwaukee, Klien, Greenlee, Ridgid, etc.) Its stuff like a 3 1/2" grinder and 1/2 drive 110V AC impact guns that are being bought at HF that seem to be a problem. These items only get used a couple time a year. (When a tire on a trailer blows out the impact gets plugged to the trucks inverter and grinders are handy ever so often but rarely used) Even 1/2 drive socket sets.

There is usually a few sockets lost when the ratchet gears strip, the grinders work ok till the lock to get the disk off breaks, then the grinder is worthless because you can't change the disk. The real problem is this stuff craps out when your in a bind!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I knew the answer, I just needed to hear it said out loud. There is no longer middle quality tools for rarely used, but needed service truck tools.

I guess the best solution is to find the sites like zoro.com and buy the name brand stuff!!

 

[exoticwelding]

And BTW we are located in North East Texas.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Zoro or a local industrial supply house would be your best bet.

 

[volleyball]

Order spares from online shops and have them ready to go. Or buy 4-5 of the HF stuff, it will still be cheaper than buying 1 expensive brand.
And who is using the stuff? I've seen lots of expensive tools tossed around like it was from the $1 bin.

 

[Karl_B]

Just a thought, but you should be no more than a couple of hours from Trident Industrial Supply. I'm all for supporting our Texas businesses.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Tyler?

 

[Wamsutta]

2. Do I need to spend the time researching the bigger price items along with several vendors before making a purchase?

Yes, you need to diversify your sources by purchasing from a variety of suppliers.

 

[GuyllFyre]

Some tools HF are pretty darned good!
Others are just junk.
Depending on the amount of usage and dependability needs, finding that "middle quality" can be hard but it's still possible.

HF has actually stepped up their game quite a bit since Sears dropped off. For my basic extensions, sockets, and such, the Pittsburgh Pro line is cheaper than Sears and I haven't had to replace one yet, unlike the last two breaker bars, an allen socket, and a jackknife set of Torx wrenches that I had to replace from Sears.
Sears also no longer sells lifetime measuring tapes and gives you a store credit when you bring one in.
Sears no longer sells certain screwdrivers that I use on a regular basis, so no more replacements for them.

You have to really look online and scope things out.

As a huge DIY guy, my lineup of tools varies greatly.
Electric impact - Milwaukee
Jigsaw - Hitachi (previous was Bosch before)
7-1/4" circular saw - Milwaukee
1/2" corded drill - Milwaukee
12" chop/miter saw - Rigid
Recip saw - Milwaukee Super Sawzall
7" grinder - Sears
Palm sander - Milwaukee
Table saw - 1960's era Sears
Compressor - 1978 Montgomery Ward and a newer Porter Cable pancake
Nail guns - mostly Porter Cable except for the HF 3-in-1 framing nailer
20 ton press - HF
Floor jack - Sears (Should have bought the higher rated HF)
Die grinder - $13 kit from HF
Heat gun - HF, two settings, hot and hotter. I don't need anything fancy for the few minutes I'm going to use it.
Biscuit joiner (small sizes) - Ryobi, it's loud and harsh but gets the job done
Arrow T55 staple gun (why buy anything else?)
Arrow electric brad nailer for tiny brads. Not the best but better than most I've tried.

OK, so I won't go any further because then I'd have to list everything but you get the idea, I expect a certain performance out of my tools and I buy the brand and quality appropriate while trying to get the best price.

Also, if you're out in East Bumble and it's critical for your job, there's no reason why you shouldn't have a good tool and two cheap HF backups. Tell your guys to remember to oil thier air tools! I've seen the best tools die a quick and painful death due to lack of a few drops of oil.

 

[bushmechanic]

Drills, impacts, sawzalls and the electrical specific tools we only buy name brand stuff.(Dewalt, Hiliti, Milwaukee, Klien, Greenlee, Ridgid, etc.) Its stuff like a 3 1/2" grinder and 1/2 drive 110V AC impact guns that are being bought at HF that seem to be a problem. These items only get used a couple time a year. (When a tire on a trailer blows out the impact gets plugged to the trucks inverter and grinders are handy ever so often but rarely used) Even 1/2 drive socket sets.

There is usually a few sockets lost when the ratchet gears strip, the grinders work ok till the lock to get the disk off breaks, then the grinder is worthless because you can't change the disk. The real problem is this stuff craps out when your in a bind!

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I knew the answer, I just needed to hear it said out loud. There is no longer middle quality tools for rarely used, but needed service truck tools.

I guess the best solution is to find the sites like zoro.com and buy the name brand stuff!!

If you can't support a traditional vendor of quality tools for reasons beyond your control, you can at least support the manufacturer.

Buy them however you can, even if it's on Amazon, Overstock, Ebay, or "deal of the day" sites. Dig up coupon codes, and find sales and closeouts.

No matter how you buy a quality tool, it's one more tool made by a proper manufacturer that was sold, and they'll make another to replace it.

In the process, you'll end up with high quality tools that will serve you for years.

Obviously, you want to buy from enthusiastic vendors whenever possible, but if you've been given a budget by someone else, it's not your fault if you've got to shop around.

Do whatever you have to do.

 

[NathanB]

Just a thought, but you should be no more than a couple of hours from Trident Industrial Supply. I'm all for supporting our Texas businesses.

I second this, they maybe able to beat zoros pricing as well when they dont on the website.