Harbor Freight all-stars

[panknuckshovel]

The pine tree air fresheners are a good deal and don't smell like the store.

 

[Virgil Cain]

The cokes out of the machine seem to taste the same, the tab usually breaks while you are trying to open it though.

We get it. You don't like Harbor Freight. Stop being an ***.

 

[warmpancakes]

We get it. You don't like Harbor Freight. Stop being an ***.

Yea, if the trees stay in the store long enough they acquire the smell

 

[Zeke]

12 and 20T bottle jacks. I've had the 20T since HF first opened and it's done a lot of work. Used it in conjunction with 2 12T units to level a house.

HF is being undermined by places that have the same stuff for less. I can go to about 3 all within a mile of each other. Flea sellers are in there buying by the van load. Sometimes a name brand tool truck comes in but I suspect they use their private vehicle more often.

I know, that's not the topic of the thread but winners are winners and this seems to be about winners that are cheap. There are winners at even cheaper prices compared to even using the HF coupons. What kills the deal for a lot of folks is shipping. You have to be able to go get the stuff. HF $6.99 shipping isn't too bad.

 

[wild cowboy]

here is the best automotive mechanics tool I bought at Harbor freight this year, and I didn't see it mentioned yet:

www.harborfreight.com/radiator-hose-pinch-off-pliers-99704.html

sku # 99704

 

[rtole]

The magnetic trays are a miserable fail. I have 3. I figured how could they mess up mag trays? Terrible magnet. I have a performance tool branded one that holds at least 4 times as much. They are the same size. I just could not believe it.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for putting this together OP. Very cool idea, especially with the voting.

I'll add my +1 to:
Magnetic parts trays
blue mechanics gloves
1000lb engine stand
black tool cart (if it's the 4 drawer)

And a -1 to:
3/4" ball joint separator - Mine stripped its threads out on first use, which was on the tiny ball joints from my Thunderbird.

Since starting the current job, there have been some HF gems I've found out about, and used the hell out of on a daily basis.

2-in-1 Adjustable Wrench
8" long and can expand to 1-5/8" (markings only go to 1-1/2"). Invaluable if you work on heavy equipment hydraulics (big fittings and tight spaces).
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-1-wide-mouth-adjustable-wrench-67128.html

6 Piece SAE Jumbo Angle Wrench Set
Another tool that's awesome for hydraulic work. Makes me wish I had bought these over my Northern Tool Jumbo Combos years ago.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-jumbo-angle-wrench-set-34842.html

28 Piece Transfer Punch Set
Never even knew these existed, but have used them almost daily at work, and have held up great.
http://www.harborfreight.com/28-piece-transfer-punch-set-3577.html

5 in. High Speed Air Sander
Will remove a lot of material (and metal) scary fast.
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-high-speed-air-sander-68739.html

1/2 in. Quick Release Impact Extension Bar
Works great when using a socket in a space where if it flies off, you're going to be spending some time with a magnet to retrieve it. I bought one of these the day after that happened.
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-quick-release-impact-extension-bar-98208.html

 

[wild cowboy]

extendable ratchet - $14.99 - 98802
indexable ratchet - $13.99 - 96092
3/8" green flex - $17.99 - 96782

3/8" composite - $9.99 - 66313
1/4" composite - $8.99 - 66312
1/2" composite - $10.99 - 66314
3/8" composite long - $13.99 - 62318

3/8" double flex ratchet - $13.99 - 96369

 

[ShaneMSnyder]

I really like these:

Black 4 drawer cart
Red 5 drawer cart
4.5 inch grinder
7 inch grinder
Pittsburg Pro 5 piece flex ratcheting wrenches
Nitril gloves
Magnetic tool box accessories

 

[JLenegan]

1/2" Earthquake impacts
Torque wrenches
$9.99 4.5" grinders, lol (good for **** work)
Impact sockets

 

[maddawg1952]

I'm somewhat of a tool snob. YET I really like my HF motorcycle lift table, and the 1/2" drive impact sockets I threw in my work truck . Go figure! Nitrile gloves too . Next purchase just might be an Earthquake impact gun when my CP dies.

 

[CoryZ]

Heat guns. I use mine about 20min / week still going strong.
Magnetic parts trays (free w. coupon). Do the job fine for my needs.
6" digital calipers.
3 ton low profile steel jack
jack stands
torque wrenches
breaker bars
impact sockets

 

[PatStroud]

The cokes out of the machine seem to taste the same, the tab usually breaks while you are trying to open it though.

Agree ..... plus they leak about as bad as an old HD ......

 

[Syberia]

I'm about to use my 8 gal oiled compressor and 21 degree framing nailer again to build a pig pen. They haven't let me down yet.

Sent from my Tricorder using Tapatalk

 

[youwish2bme]

I agree, life saver when i was replacing the power steering system in my c3 corvette.

Same here... the Power Steering Control Valve and the pitman arm do not allow for the use of anything but this tool if you don't want to tear something up.. I do a lot of work on 63-67 Corvettes and since the frame is the same from 63-82 I bought a couple of them and gave them to my friends that also have old Corvettes...

HitcH

 

[vartz04]

18 gauge Brad nailer has been awesome. I gave probably around 1000 brads through it and not one jam yet.

 

[chrisexv6]

US General 3/4 in. Ball Joint Separator #99859 = Harbor freight all star. tools works flawlessly on stuck ball joints, very very high quality tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html

I second this. After wailing away for what felt like hours on one of the balljoints on my Frontier I figured HF had to have something. Picked this puppy up and it was like angels were singing behind me when the joint popped off.

I actually thought the tool broke, I wasnt expecting the joints to pop off that easy compared to all the hammering I had done (hit the control arm right near the ball joint, they say...the vibrations will pop it loose, they say....)

 

[Crackerballer]

Can't believe no one has mentioned the new socket trays. They are great.

SAE 68100
Metric 68102

Loving this thread. Going to force me to spend some money tomorrow. The new pro composite ratchet is a must have for me now.

 

[sac02]

OP updated through post #99.

4.5" angle grinder was granted all-star status.

Magnetic parts trays have many positive mentions, but also dissenting opinions which are keeping them out of the All-Star list (per my highly advanced - and highly confidential - grading criteria...)

 

[sac02]

I added links to most of the All-Stars.

The one I wasn't sure of was the "Pro" screwdrivers.

Is that referring to the 33pc set with cushion handles:
(61255) http://www.harborfreight.com/comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-33-pc-61255.html

or the 8pc acetate handles?
(61412, 60809) http://www.harborfreight.com/acetate-handle-screwdriver-set-8-pc-60809.html

Both are listed as Pittsburgh Professional, which ones were you guys voting for?

 

[wild cowboy]

I added links to most of the All-Stars.

Nice!

 

[wild cowboy]

The one I wasn't sure of was the "Pro" screwdrivers.

Is that referring to the 33pc set with cushion handles:
(61255) http://www.harborfreight.com/comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-33-pc-61255.html

or the 8pc acetate handles?
(61412, 60809) http://www.harborfreight.com/acetate-handle-screwdriver-set-8-pc-60809.html

Both are listed as Pittsburgh Professional, which ones were you guys voting for?

The first one

 

[sac02]

The first one

Updated as such.

 

[Myth]

This one!
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

 

[chrisexv6]

Updated as such.

Easiest way to tell is walk into your local HF right now and note the one that has about 15 peg locations but there are none to buy. Thats the "all star"

I actually wanted to pick up a set but none to be found at my local store.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I added links to most of the All-Stars.

The one I wasn't sure of was the "Pro" screwdrivers.

Is that referring to the 33pc set with cushion handles:
(61255) http://www.harborfreight.com/comfort-grip-screwdriver-set-33-pc-61255.html

or the 8pc acetate handles?
(61412, 60809) http://www.harborfreight.com/acetate-handle-screwdriver-set-8-pc-60809.html

Both are listed as Pittsburgh Professional, which ones were you guys voting for?

Neither.

I still rock some Pitt, pro in the older skool orange and green soft grip handles that are now the red and blue softgrip handles.

These:
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

Limited size offerings but good stuff.

Thus why outside of those, quality falls off.
Again, it's HF, and all QC ,sourcing and consistanty factors quarter to quarter are in motion at all times.


It's like a Liquidator store. Don't get too attached to anything because it may change or be gone at any moment.

 

[wild cowboy]

my bad, the correct link is the one myth and jjjrmx5 listed

 

[sac02]

OK, I think I fixed the screwdriver link. Let me know if anything else is incorrect, I'll fix it in the morning, it's past my bedtime...

 

[AndrewV]

The 3/8 air ratchet is great.
And yeah, the nitrile gloves.

 

[tavernaut]

The Legendary Purple HVLP Gun? (47016)

And I'll +1 the dead blow hammers, 20T Shop Press, short bar clamps, and the (corded) oscillating multi-tool.

 

[bubinga]

The HF mobile base should be an all star. Item # 95288
http://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-mobile-base-95288.html

 

[RivennHewn]

here is the best automotive mechanics tool I bought at Harbor freight this year, and I didn't see it mentioned yet:

www.harborfreight.com/radiator-hose-pinch-off-pliers-99704.html

sku # 99704

I have two of these I use as welding clamps.

Love them!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Anyone going serious landscaping in a area with clay soil or lots of roots (I have both) should have one of these Its called a mattock

Of course it is as sharp as a brick, but it will still work pretty well because of its mass.

 

[erty67]

Neither.

I still rock some Pitt, pro in the older skool orange and green soft grip handles that are now the red and blue softgrip handles.

These:
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

Limited size offerings but good stuff.

Thus why outside of those, quality falls off.
Again, it's HF, and all QC ,sourcing and consistanty factors quarter to quarter are in motion at all times.


It's like a Liquidator store. Don't get too attached to anything because it may change or be gone at any moment.

My green/orange handles are typically my go to screwdriver.

 

[espyking83]

Does anyone have any experience with their powder coat sprayer/paint?

 

[bubinga]

anyone know if the 25 foot welding hose is any good?
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-x-25-ft-grade-r-type-vd-twin-welding-hose-60686.html

 

[trentonmakes]

Does anyone have any experience with their powder coat sprayer/paint?

My buddy has been using their sprayer and powders in a large toaster oven with very good results
He was worried about the reviews, but after a couple practice runs worked out the kinks fairly easy

Here's his review on it:

http://hardcorepontiacs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12005

Harbor Freight Powder Coating Gun

 

[jim faston]

I have two of these I use as welding clamps.

Love them!

Agreed--these are handy for all sorts of uses. Unlike the picture on the HD website the ones I have are all riveted.

 

[Zeroek]

I love the Orange Dead blow hammers. And I always buy my nitrile gloves from there.

 

[Outlawmws]

If you are going through all this effort, I'd suggest adding the COO as well.