My Harbor Freight Investment

[Mr.Nutcase]

I have no problem with mine.

What sizes do they range in?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

John, Please tell us more about your shop. Do you specialize in any particular type of repair? Where are you located? What changes have you seen in the auto repair industry during your career?

Thanks

First off I'm not going to put all my info on the net; nothing personal. Also, I'm in my 30's, so not much has changed. I started working at a Chevy dealership as an oil changer when I was 18 "I wanted to learn how to work on cars, mainly my Nova." Long story short, I really wanted to learn so I moved up quickly. I actually loved it. I later worked for a machine shop building engines, and moved up to lead builder/manager. Got burn out, politics "not getting in to that, too long of a story." So, I gave it up, sold all my tools.

I just got back into it, and I did not want to buy from the trucks, too expensive for me now. I work at home out of my garage "which is a very small 1 car." How I manage to work in it is beyond me, but I do it. People say to me all time how crazy it is that I do what I do in it. Anyway, I pay taxes, and my customers get invoices.

I plan on building a larger garage, or renting a shop. I just want to keep the overhead low, so my customers still get the same rate.

It's been awhile since I've been in a dealership atmosphere, but when I started the LS-1 just came out, and it's variants are still being put into new cars, so I assume not much has changed.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

What sizes do they range in?

I assume you're asking about the ones that go up 29mm/1inch; with a few missing sizes in between?

But I've had no problems with any of the wrenches, mine go up to 38mm, 1 5/8 inch.

 

[RustFarmer]

I assumed you were older. You seem like the entrepreneurial type. Best of luck to you as you grow your business.

 

[Teken]

- The tool chest is stout . . .

- Tools on a HF budget to get you A-B = Outstanding . . .

 

[alex71]

It's a shame... I wanted to buy his Waterproof 3 pin trailer light pigtails
$1 each

http://asmc.net/

Oh but wait, it says made in Taiwan on the package. He's talk about how people should only buy from the US, and what it's doing to the country. Yet he sells Items made in Taiwan.

Yes, a good bit of the stuff I have is imported. But remember, its surplus. the damage is done, the stuff is already imported.

Personally, I buy U.S. made whenever I have a choice, in anything. Sadly, in more and more items every day, I no longer have that choice. For example, I wanted a new pair of sneakers the other day. Went to the big chain sporting goods store--they must have had 100 different kinds, probably more. I bought the -one- that was made in U.S.A.

My apologies to everyone for coming off so harshly.

 

[Tom2]

If I were wrenching more for a living, I would probably go Craftsman as a happy medium. The snobs think it's junk, but it will get the job done with no real surprising "wow this is ****!" you get sometimes with HF tools. Plus the warranty is a little easier. The HF warranty is only limited lifetime. Craftsman is forever on most items. Many HF wrenches fit way too sloppy for my liking. No experience with much of the other hand tools.

The price difference isn't a whole lot either if you get the right sale and buy the biggest set you can up front.

As far as boxes go, I totally agree with the US General box. Can't beat it for the price. Nothing comes close. Haven't heard a bad thing about it.

You did fine. Don't let any tool snobs hold you down. A day may come where you slowly want to upgrade your tool set. But atleast you can do it at a pace where you're not making payments on tools. That's just crazy IMO. I'll never get the Snap-on obsession. I know they're great tools, but making payments on them for years and years? No way. If you're super duper rich. Go for it..but most mechanics aren't.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

If I were wrenching more for a living, I would probably go Craftsman as a happy medium. The snobs think it's junk, but it will get the job done with no real surprising "wow this is ****!" you get sometimes with HF tools. Plus the warranty is a little easier. The HF warranty is only limited lifetime. Craftsman is forever on most items.

A lot of HF items have a lifetime warranty. Plus they have a no hassle return/exchange/warranty program. Even if your warranty is up they will exchange it "and if they don't there are loopholes you can do."

When I was an oil changer, I did the "Craftsman Thing," anyway, a 3/8 ratchet from the kit keep slipping "only used for a few weeks." Went to Sears after work to warranty it, and they said "No." Because I used it for professional use "had uniform on." I thought it didn't matter? So I went back the next day in plain clothes.

I'm not saying HF has better tools than CM; just my experience with HF is better.

 

[JohnFreeman]

It's hard to get my mind around the words "Harbor Freight" and "Investment" in the same sentence...

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I assumed you were older. You seem like the entrepreneurial type. Best of luck to you as you grow your business.

- The tool chest is stout . . .

- Tools on a HF budget to get you A-B = Outstanding . . .

Thanks guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[Wrenchette]

That is just awesome. Kudos to you for your efforts to do things that not everyone would do (as shown by the dislike of Harbor Freight tools) and showing that it can be done.

But how do you keep them soooo clean?

 

[mojo_13]

I applaud you. It's great to see someone using HF tools on a daily basis and not bashing them. I am a DIY'r that doesn't really need tools but likes to have them and I will be building my set with Cman and HF and others but its nice to see it doesn't take $40,000 to get the job done. If someone wants SO thats great but no one should put someone else down because they buy HF. It's the man behind the tools not the tools behind the man.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

That is just awesome. Kudos to you for your efforts to do things that not everyone would do (as shown by the dislike of Harbor Freight tools) and showing that it can be done.

But how do you keep them soooo clean?

I just take of them, I clean them after every use "sometimes during." I don't drag them on the floor or use them as hammers "unless they are a hammer. LOL"

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I will have to disagree with you on that. If I pulled in a shop and saw nothing but cheap chineese tools that tells me everything I need to know about the mechanic. I am then promply pulling back out and going to a professional shop. Cheap junk tools are made for a home mechanic that uses a wrench maybe once a year not a mechanic that earns a living with them. I have seen plenty of good bolts and nut stripped because of cheap tools, I have seen screws rounded out because of cheap screwdrivers. And I have seen inaccurate readings on gauges of test equipment.

If they saw me pushing that box across the hanger they wouldn't let me get close to an airplane.

Personally I would be embarrassed to show off a bunch of chinese tools.

I have tools that are 30 to 40 years old and still work like new and I am sure they will keep going long after I am dead.

I had a friend last year that was trying to fix his car and had a harbor freight code reader that was giving him a certain code and after he spent a couple hundred bucks trying to fix his problem I brought my Snap-on MT2500 to work and ran it and came up with a different code that nothing to do with what his HF unit was reading. He replaced his EGR valve and all was good.

Don't get me wrong just because I am not onboard with owning chinese tools doesn't mean there isn't millions of chinese reading this right now and praising you spending your US dollars on there product to help their country after all the chinese needs jobs too.

On the possitive side that box with all those tools does look impressive from a distance.

That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. You should post up in the "Judging a Mechanic by His Tools" thread.

Thanks for the input though "I'm being serious." I'll take any criticism, or helpful info anyone has to offer; my feelings won't be hurt. I just hate being called a liar, thats the one thing that bothers me. Call me ugly, call me a ****** mechanic, etc.

The point I made in another thread is that 90% of auto customers have no clue who Snap On, Mac, Matco, etc are. And, if you do own all the high end tools then why the hell are you taking your vehicle in for service anyway, fix it yourself.

Customers don't care about tools, just appearance and organization.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I applaud you. It's great to see someone using HF tools on a daily basis and not bashing them. I am a DIY'r that doesn't really need tools but likes to have them and I will be building my set with Cman and HF and others but its nice to see it doesn't take $40,000 to get the job done. If someone wants SO thats great but no one should put someone else down because they buy HF. It's the man behind the tools not the tools behind the man.

Well said. And, thank you.

Another thing... No way in hell am I sayin' HF's tools are better than the SO, Mac, Matco tools. Thats just stupid. Nor do I think the HF boxes are better "I miss my Macsimizer." I just think HF is a good deal, and their tools are a **** ton better than they were 10 years ago. If I had all the $$$ of course I would have all the high end tools, but I don't.

 

[Scout Driver]

That US General roller cabinet looks impressive with the double side lockers. Don't let the Harbor Freight naysayers get you down. That's a heckuva set-up you have. Its obvious you take a lot of pride in it just by seeing the organization and the operating room cleanliness.

Scott

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Whatever... We all know you are saying that your HF scanner is better than the Snap ON Mt2500. I mean seriously who wouldnt think that a $100 scanner is better than a $4000?

LOL... My scanner is an Innova though, didn't get it at HF. Maybe I'll sell it and upgrade to the CenTech? LOL

 

[eljefino]

I'd consider HF an investment, I've bought their stuff even a couple years back on crazy sales that have not come close to repeating. The tire changer (I got flamed for a youtube video of it in action) I got for $40 has never been $40 again and I've mounted probably 40-50 new used tires on beater cars I've flipped as well as my own fleet.

I'm one of those twits who'll let a few catalogs pile up, prices good three months or so, then I order from the front and back page super deals of each one until I hit $50 or so and the shipping (based on price) starts going up from $8.99.

When China lets their currency slip compared to the dollar, the party's over or the stuff will be getting (even) less well made.

 

[caper]

LOL... My scanner is an Innova though, didn't get it at HF. Maybe I'll sell it and upgrade to the CenTech? LOL

Actually if you step up to an Autoenginuity setup you will have pretty good diagnostic capability for pretty cheap.It's not OEM quality but for the price it's pretty damn good.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Actually if you step up to an Autoenginuity setup you will have pretty good diagnostic capability for pretty cheap.It's not OEM quality but for the price it's pretty damn good.

I'll look in it. Thanks. I am planning on selling mine, I want ABS, OBD1, and OBD2 all in one.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Nice set up you got there John.
I bet you don't owe your soul to the tool truck man do you? (same as me)

I've got some HF specialty tools, CMAN wrenches, etc. About the only hand tools from the truck are SO dual 80's and MATCO 88.

Snappy guy only sees me once a year when I need to update my Modis but that is slowly being phased out by myself since I have gone to autoenginuity scanner software.

I don't like debt; makes me not sleep so well at night.

 

[Bull]

I will have to disagree with you on that. If I pulled in a shop and saw nothing but cheap chineese tools that tells me everything I need to know about the mechanic. I am then promply pulling back out and going to a professional shop. Cheap junk tools are made for a home mechanic that uses a wrench maybe once a year not a mechanic that earns a living with them.

I've been into cars and tools since I was a kid. When I have taken my cars to mechanics over the years, from local independent shops to dealerships, I have never once scrutinized what tools and boxes the mechanics are using. I don't give a ****. I brought my car there to be FIXED, and if it comes out FIXED, then they could use Playskool tools for all I care.

Do you think a 30 year old starting a business from scratch should invest 40K in tools right off the bat?

This part always gets me, too. Truck brand tools put you into serious debt before you even get started! That does not seem to be the wisest way to plan your future. Trolling Craigslist, one can see what these indebted mechanics have to do to try and move their stuff if the economy tanks and they lose their jobs. It's like paying $50k for a wedding and starting your life as a couple up to your eyeballs in red ink.

I'd consider HF an investment

I agree. It's clear they he's investing in himself, not his tools per se. The tools are letting him earn a living with very low overhead that he can take advantage of to pass the savings on to his customers, who will want to return in the future. If he's making $1k for two days of work, then his plan seems pretty good. My Master's degree cost me $30k and I don't make anywhere near $1k for two days of teaching

Also, this thread rules and I hope MechanicNamedJohn will be sticking with us

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Also, this thread rules and I hope MechanicNamedJohn will be sticking with us

For sure, I love this site. And, thanks for the support.

 

[Hiball]

Also, this thread rules and I hope MechanicNamedJohn will be sticking with us

+1 I have no plans of going to HF and buying a complete set of there tools but i do have interest in how they hold up on everyday usage. I have the luxury of piecing my tools together 1 day at a time as i have a good core of tools already.

 

[autoace]

I have read through the whole thread, Bull must have cleaned up alot of the HF haters..............

I have alot of HF stuff, and alot of tool truck stuff, and alot of GearWrench then the inevitable specialty tools.

It looks like he has a good collection started for alot of things. The things HF does not sell, that may be needed, are real long extensions, some particular specialty bits, a higher powered scanner with good datastream, ABS, SRS, and HVAC coverage for most models. Stuff like that. Launch 431X is good.

I started out in a small garage years ago, had the big business, and now went back to a small setup with fairly low overhead. At the big shop I spent most of my time NOT working on car due to all the other work. I started out with next to nothing, and had to buy HF engine cranes, presses,tools etc.................They still work today with few exceptions.

I was more disappointed with the high end stuff I replaced the HF type stuff with, alot of times it was not what it was cracked up to be, some of it was, but alot wasn't.

I couldn't imagine ONLY having HF tools, but you can rely on alot of their stuff pretty heavily. A more experienced mechanic won't break much for tools. I rarely break anything because I use the right size/type tool for the job. As time goes on, some tool wants, not necessarily needs will come through for most people. I'm nuts for GearWrench ratcheting wrenches, they make my job easier.

If I had no tools today and had 3K to spend..............HF would get my money before Sears these days. More bang for the buck, and just return the duds............I have noticed that HF tools are usually great from day one, but if there is a problem it is usually immediately. get a good one, all set, get a dud, take it back.

John, no I didn't believe the cam seals thing to the tee, I can appreciate your thrifty tool sense, the upkeep and cleanliness of your shop stuff, and the low overhead idea.

I made a "smoke and mirrors of tools thread" and was flamed at the time, but I was always an advocate of don't waste money on bling tools, just because.

I'm sorry I called you a liar, in the other thread...............this does not mean I believe it................I still have our wager. Based on the things I am learning about you in more threads, I'm basically on your team. I could have disagreed as I do, more politely.

Good HF thread, and good self esteem for posting it proudly. I need to make peace with Photobucket so I can post some real pics. Alot would be surprised at how much a HF type tool can do, or what they can be made into. I have alot of welded, modified HF tools used as specific make tools. Cheap enough on sale to use as base stock and bending etc.....

 

[mikevango]

For sure, I love this site. And, thanks for the support.

i agree with bull. wether we like your tools or not you are a good sport.
but i think with your $4000 you should of shopped around and found some better quality tools used. your toolbox is cool i have one too (just the roll cab), but no way in hell i'm going to load it up with hf tools. to each is own.

 

[jabberwoki]

I know this should go in the "Let's See Your Toolbox" thread, but thats not what I want to share.

Someone asked me how much money do I have invested in tools. Honestly I had no clue. I save all my receipts, from HF, and auto parts stores. Anyway, I tallied up my HF receipts; the total was $3115.89.

I can't believe that's it. That total also includes items not pictured below such as; a 2 ton engine hoist, load leveler, engine stand, engine support bar, trans jack adapter, parts washer, grease gun, HF membership, and boxes of Black latex gloves.

Toolbox is also included in the price; just want to make that clear.

A few items not factored in price; not purchased at HF. Scanner, multimeter, injector pulse tester, battery charger, A/C UV leak detection kit, and 1 triple square bit. However I think all the HF items not pictured cost around the same amount.

Now, I did buy most all items on sale and 20% off. FYI, you don't need a coupon to get 20% in the stores, just ask, they will give it to you.

Sorry for the poor pics, taken with my HTC Touch. And sorry for the random order they show up.

Long ago, I purchased most all my tools from Mac & SK, I had a semi loaded Macsimizer, more than half of my paycheck went to the tool trucks. I have more tools now than I did back then. All for way less than the cost of the old Mac box.

My HF tools have already paid for themselves more than 10 fold.

hOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR TOOL BOX I`M THINKING ABOUT BUYING ONE?

 

[autoace]

I've been into cars and tools since I was a kid. When I have taken my cars to mechanics over the years, from local independent shops to dealerships, I have never once scrutinized what tools and boxes the mechanics are using. I don't give a ****. I brought my car there to be FIXED, and if it comes out FIXED, then they could use Playskool tools for all I care.



This part always gets me, too. Truck brand tools put you into serious debt before you even get started! That does not seem to be the wisest way to plan your future. Trolling Craigslist, one can see what these indebted mechanics have to do to try and move their stuff if the economy tanks and they lose their jobs. It's like paying $50k for a wedding and starting your life as a couple up to your eyeballs in red ink.



I agree. It's clear they he's investing in himself, not his tools per se. The tools are letting him earn a living with very low overhead that he can take advantage of to pass the savings on to his customers, who will want to return in the future. If he's making $1k for two days of work, then his plan seems pretty good. My Master's degree cost me $30k and I don't make anywhere near $1k for two days of teaching

Also, this thread rules and I hope MechanicNamedJohn will be sticking with us

People should be more concerned that a mechanic follows proper procedure, and has care of work performed more than what brand of tool is used.

The only time I disagree is with torque wrenches for engine assembly. I have put together many a SBC with a HF type torque wrench with no problems, but I prefer Precision Instruments, or something similar for "big deal", torque specs. Otheriwse ability is 100% more important that brand.

99.9% of my customers don't know Jake from Jack about tools, they watch how I treat their car, and them. A clean shop is important.

I never bought the Snap-on "image" to the customer thing.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I have read through the whole thread, Bull must have cleaned up alot of the HF haters..............

I have alot of HF stuff, and alot of tool truck stuff, and alot of GearWrench then the inevitable specialty tools.

It looks like he has a good collection started for alot of things. The things HF does not sell, that may be needed, are real long extensions, some particular specialty bits, a higher powered scanner with good datastream, ABS, SRS, and HVAC coverage for most models. Stuff like that. Launch 431X is good.

I started out in a small garage years ago, had the big business, and now went back to a small setup with fairly low overhead. At the big shop I spent most of my time NOT working on car due to all the other work. I started out with next to nothing, and had to buy HF engine cranes, presses,tools etc.................They still work today with few exceptions.

I was more disappointed with the high end stuff I replaced the HF type stuff with, alot of times it was not what it was cracked up to be, some of it was, but alot wasn't.

I couldn't imagine ONLY having HF tools, but you can rely on alot of their stuff pretty heavily. A more experienced mechanic won't break much for tools. I rarely break anything because I use the right size/type tool for the job. As time goes on, some tool wants, not necessarily needs will come through for most people. I'm nuts for GearWrench ratcheting wrenches, they make my job easier.

If I had no tools today and had 3K to spend..............HF would get my money before Sears these days. More bang for the buck, and just return the duds............I have noticed that HF tools are usually great from day one, but if there is a problem it is usually immediately. get a good one, all set, get a dud, take it back.

John, no I didn't believe the cam seals thing to the tee, I can appreciate your thrifty tool sense, the upkeep and cleanliness of your shop stuff, and the low overhead idea.

I made a "smoke and mirrors of tools thread" and was flamed at the time, but I was always an advocate of don't waste money on bling tools, just because.

I'm sorry I called you a liar, in the other thread...............this does not mean I believe it................I still have our wager. Based on the things I am learning about you in more threads, I'm basically on your team. I could have disagreed as I do, more politely.

Good HF thread, and good self esteem for posting it proudly. I need to make peace with Photobucket so I can post some real pics. Alot would be surprised at how much a HF type tool can do, or what they can be made into. I have alot of welded, modified HF tools used as specific make tools. Cheap enough on sale to use as base stock and bending etc.....

It's cool man, and thanks. Guess what I just picked today? I talked to my customer with the Volvo; told him the story. He has no problem letting me boring the car for a few days. Anyway, I've got to put a 4.6L in a F150 tomorrow, then I'll make time for the video. I asked my brother to come by and film it, should be up Wednesday or Thursday.

My collection is gonna look nicer with some Cornwell tools in it... LOL. Honestly I don't care if you send them or not; it's more of a pride thing now.

 

[autoace]

i agree with bull. wether we like your tools or not you are a good sport.
but i think with your $4000 you should of shopped around and found some better quality tools used. your toolbox is cool i have one too (just the roll cab), but no way in hell i'm going to load it up with hf tools. to each is own.

When someone wants to MAKE MONEY with their tools, why spend alot of time and effort on used, no warranty stuff, when you want to goto work. I have said it here 100 time in the past. There are tool USERS..............and collectors. I am a user, most buy used guys are mostly sellers, collectors, polishers. I buy something and use it, I have alot of work to do. No time to fart around on Craig's list etc....

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

hOW DO YOU LIKE YOUR TOOL BOX I`M THINKING ABOUT BUYING ONE?

It's a good box for the buck. I've posted replies in your thread, and when you asked in the "HF Pass/Fail" thread. Let us know what the manager says tomorrow.

 

[autoace]

It's cool man, and thanks. Guess what I just picked today? I talked to my customer with the Volvo; told him the story. He has no problem letting me boring the car for a few days. Anyway, I've got to put a 4.6L in a F150 tomorrow, then I'll make time for the video. I asked my brother to come by and film it, should be up Wednesday or Thursday.

My collection is gonna look nicer with some Cornwell tools in it... LOL. Honestly I don't care if you send them or not; it's more of a pride thing now.

I have some cams here................I have tried the way you explained in the past. The correct cam seal has never fit over the thrust part of the cam. It would ruin the seal with a pound of lube on it. It is only a few millimeters, but it didn't work. I did not force it and cross my finger, too afraid it would leak................the Volvo specialty tool was one of the worth every penny tools. I do cam seals with every 120K timing belt job and it has paid for itself 100X over. There are some cases where improvision does not seem worth it. If you start getting alot of Volvos you will buy one for sure. ZDMAK.com has good prices on specialty stuff.

 

[toymn6366]

I have a truck mechanic that uses what ever tool he needs to get job done be it hf or snap on.You could give him a 9/16-1/2 comb wrench and a butter knife and he could come out of junk yard with a mack motor he is that good of a mechanic.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I have some cams here................I have tried the way you explained in the past. The correct cam seal has never fit over the thrust part of the cam. It would ruin the seal with a pound of lube on it. It is only a few millimeters, but it didn't work. I did not force it and cross my finger, too afraid it would leak................the Volvo specialty tool was one of the worth every penny tools. I do cam seals with every 120K timing belt job and it has paid for itself 100X over. There are some cases where improvision does not seem worth it. If you start getting alot of Volvos you will buy one for sure. ZDMAK.com has good prices on specialty stuff.

I would get the tool, if I was doing them every day. But I was rebuilding the engine, and the cams were out. I'm no Volvo pro, maybe the cams are redesigned for later models. I'm telling you the seal goes over the lobes with ease, it's OD is larger than the lobes.

I wasn't really trying to bash specialty tools, as I was trying to bash SuperTech who fugg'ed it up. He has the SO box, specialty tools, and no clue how to use them.


Oh and anyone wondering what we're talking about go here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67588

And, here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67709

 

[autoace]

I would get the tool, if I was doing them every day. But I was rebuilding the engine, and the cams were out. I'm no Volvo pro, maybe the cams are redesigned for later models. I'm telling you the seal goes over the lobes with ease, it's OD is larger than the lobes.

I wasn't really trying to bash specialty tools, as I was trying to bash SuperTech who fugg'ed it up. He has the SO box, specialty tools, and no clue how to use them.


Oh and anyone wondering what we're talking about go here.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67588

And, here.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67709

I got that part, I was messing with one today, I could get it over the lobes, I could not get it over the thrust boss no matter what. I had a Volvo seal no way, too rigid. I also had an Elring, with a screwdriver, and a prayer maybe, it was a little distorted. I had a R spec cam also, wouldn't go over the lobes of that one, but that is the exception, bigger lobes.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I have plenty of unused Cornwell tools, so no big deal, they would just think they moved to a different neighborhood LOL..........

Look back at the thread, ........................the no leak part is the real part I don't believe.......you can force anything,LOL maybe you were lucky. I never take those valve covers/cam cases off unless I have to. The bolts pull the aluminum thread real easy on the 5cyl. I looked at your pic, the seals would go all the way to the end, then..............a prayer, small screwdriver, and cross finger. That is where I stopped years ago, it wouldn't go over, and I bought the tool after putting it back together with the old seals.

This is no ******* match in my book, if you are Houdini, you can have the tools, no problem. I was apologizing for the way I disagreed. I was hammered when I was a new member, and I didn't like it, so..............I could have ask how! instead. Convince me, and I'll corrupt your collection with Cornwell tools, that could cost you some money if you like them, on future purchases, maybe if you get used to the nice handles. I like HF tools aok, but some Cornwell tools etc............are real nice.

Do you think the tools will be scared? Most all HF tools, it's gotta be like moving into the ghetto for your Cornwells.

The car doesn't leak. Guess I got really lucky? I'll still make the video, kinda curious if it will leak afterwards? If it does, I'll buy the tools, found them in Google search new for under $200.00.

 

[Bull]

Two mechanics having a spirited debate, people taking videos, Cornwell tools on the line...why oh why can I only vote to give this thread five stars once only?

 

[srmofo]

You say the precision instruments work fine, but have you actually checked the calibration on anything? I picked up one of their fuel pressure testers to keep around the house when I poking around in a neighbors car and the damn thing wasnt even close to right. 20 something psi low when I checked it the next day against my gauge at work. And I say "something" because it wasnt even consistent. Ive seen cars not start when they are 10 psi low so that level of inaccuracy is not acceptable to me.

I also saw a coworker attempt to use the bolt puller set and it ripped the threads right out of the thing, and another coworker break the arms off their pitman arm tool on the first use.

Im sorry man, but those tools dont look like they're used professional day in and day out, chinese or not. Tools wear out, sockets become bell shaped, the square drive ends become rounded especially when used with an impact. And the fact that everything is spotless. I wear gloves at work also, **** gets on your gloves, then **** gets on your tools. I dont care how much you clean them, grease and crud doesnt come off those soft handles or the plastic cases, you cant polish scratches out of every wrench and socket you own. Seriously your chisels look like they have never touched another piece of steel let alone been hammered on. Gasoline eats styrofoam so you night want to find another way to store that fuel pressure tester once it has been used. Tools get worn, not just dirty and those tools are not worn. Im flying the BS flag that you wrench daily, all day long. Assuming you are the guy that said you use "ONLY" HF tools in that other thread and that you wrench professionally 40+ hours a week.

That said, If your just working out of your garage and the tools are making you money then good for you, Im glad it works for you. I cant do that, I dont have the time to waste. Time is money and it pisses me off when a tool fails prematurely.

What was the point of this thread again, its been so cleaned out, nothing makes sense.

 

[W_KY]

I think its a heck of a setup you've got there with the box. I've got a mix of HF, craftsman, Blackhawk, Stanley, and Gearwrench. My plan is to replace things/move things to my backup set here and there as I can afford it. In my opinion, the tool in no way makes the mechanic. If you can get the job done without tearing something up, I don't care what you use.

 

[Bull]

Im sorry man, but those tools dont look like they're used professional day in and day out, chinese or not. Tools wear out, sockets become bell shaped, the square drive ends become rounded especially when used with an impact. And the fact that everything is spotless. [etc. etc.]

What was the point of this thread again, its been so cleaned out, nothing makes sense.

1. I believe HF will replace any broken or worn tool with zero questions asked. So if he is OCD about clean/perfect looking tools, he might very well just replace them when they start to wear or look dirty. The manager at the local HF must love him and want to keep him happy, if he's buying so much stuff there.

2. The thread has not been "so cleaned out." Early on, I deleted one major bash and then a bunch of replies that quoted that bash. That's it. This is essentially the whole thread.