My Harbor Freight Investment

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Exchanging because they are dirty! When I used my new Cornwell, impact, 3/8 drive, swivel the other day, I wore some of the black oxide off it, do you think that would fall under warranty, I don't..........tools get used and get marks no matter how well we take care of them. I don't understand that type of stuff

How is you cam video coming?, I'm about to find an old engine to get a cam and seal and make my own. I don't have any 2.9 cams, just the different 5cyl variants.

I like new, clean tools, also, but.....................they get marked up, what you gonna do.

I broke my HF pilot bearing puller the other day, I threw it out, no HF stores within 300 miles of here. It served well for 8 years, I'll just buy another one. I would have to mail it back for warranty, we need a HF store in this part of Maine.

Video will be soon, don't worry. That's awesome if you make a video too.

I don't know man; I'm obsessed with clean, at least it carries over into my work. If I rebuild an engine, or do an intake, head, etc gaskets; I always clean parts, and try to get them at like new condition. Customers love it.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

John, how have those HF torque wrenches worked for you? One of my co-workers wants to get his BIL a torque wrench. He didn't really like my suggestions and said he was looking at ones from HF.

Coach

They work for me, I've done plenty of rebuilds and heads gaskets will no issues. Not sure how accurate they are "HF claims 4% + or -."

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I picked up something new today at HF. Don't really have the room, but I couldn't pass it up. Check it out.

Best part is this.

It's not a blemished cart either; perfect condition. Brand new in the box.

Now I gotta go clean that garage.

 

[Bull]

Wow! That's a lot of HF orange (or red, can't tell) equipment in the area behind that cart. You've got it packed in like sardines there!

I don't see any insulation in the walls. Are you in a warmer part of the country? Or, what do you do in the winter?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Wow! That's a lot of HF orange (or red, can't tell) equipment in the area behind that cart. You've got it packed in like sardines there!

I don't see any insulation in the walls. Are you in a warmer part of the country? Or, what do you do in the winter?

I freeze my *** off in the winter, and sweat like pig in the summer. I can not wait to demo that thing an build a 3car.

 

[Bull]

I freeze my *** off in the winter, and sweat like pig in the summer. I can not wait to demo that thing an build a 3car.

Ahh yes, I forgot that's why you came here in the first place, to research building your garage!

 

[dieseldodge01]

That is a nice looking cart and for $96 can't really beat the price. Maybe I will get one to roll my ratchet collection around in. I have been looking for more storage as my collection as expanded since I joined this board. Not a big fan of red though, I am a crinkle brown man myself.

 

[Stick Figure]

I don't care what brand tools they are the socket display in the top of the box looks great. I sold off my top box recently (to get another bottom box) but i was going to add some tool clips to hold some of my speaders and extensions. May be a good way to get some more space as your collection grows. As far as the tool collection, i look forward to hearing some more reviews. I've got quite a few pieces from HF as well as a lot of other brands, and have to say the newer stuff is getting to be pretty impressive.

 

[autoace]

Video will be soon, don't worry. That's awesome if you make a video too.

I don't know man; I'm obsessed with clean, at least it carries over into my work. If I rebuild an engine, or do an intake, head, etc gaskets; I always clean parts, and try to get them at like new condition. Customers love it.

I kinda have the OCD thing too, but I made peace with scratches on tools, and just clean them up a bit.

I clean everything good, and alot of times use new hardware, follow torque specs. etc............My customers that know enough to appreciate it, love it.

If you need temporary garage space quick, the clear span instant shelters work pretty good. For a couple of grand, you can get a building big enough to keep you out of the rain, and they get warm in the winter on sunny days. After you build your garage, they are still good for storage of boats, project cars, odds and ends.................It may get you to be able to do more work, and save for the garage easier.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I kinda have the OCD thing too, but I made peace with scratches on tools, and just clean them up a bit.

I clean everything good, and alot of times use new hardware, follow torque specs. etc............My customers that know enough to appreciate it, love it.

If you need temporary garage space quick, the clear span instant shelters work pretty good. For a couple of grand, you can get a building big enough to keep you out of the rain, and they get warm in the winter on sunny days. After you build your garage, they are still good for storage of boats, project cars, odds and ends.................It may get you to be able to do more work, and save for the garage easier.

Thanks, I'll look into those shelters. Side-note: I wouldn't mind getting a look at your box and contents. Did you post any pics; if so got a link?

 

[autoace]

Thanks, I'll look into those shelters. Side-note: I wouldn't mind getting a look at your box and contents. Did you post any pics; if so got a link?

I'm camera lazy! There are some members that have been to my place, like Walrus.

I need to learn how to use photobucket, the few pics I have downloaded to this site ****, and the format is problematic,

I am not PC savy, LOL, I yell for my wife alot when the computer screws up, sad but true. I hate video games, and all that, so.................

I will get some pics on here the next few weeks, they are long overdue! Business, kids, etc............and it always gets pushed off.

I have alot of HF stuff also, mega GearWrench, alot of Cornwell, used to have some Hazet tools, etc...............I like ANY quality tool, regardless of brand.

Those Clear spans are not bad, I don't have room in my 1200 square foot, medium size garage to work on my cars. I have a 1985 Regal T-type, and an old Camaro. My customers' cars are always in my shop, I need a decent shelter, to let my projects sit as I rebuild the cars. I have garage addition plans in the future, but don't have enough money to do them yet. I may be getting a clear span for my personal stuff.

 

[kythri]

Nice price on the cart, how'd you snake it for that cheap? The 580lb 4-drawer black one is on sale for the weekend for $100 online or in store (with coupon or online-price-match), but the red hefty one you got is like $190!

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Nice price on the cart, how'd you snake it for that cheap? The 580lb 4-drawer black one is on sale for the weekend for $100 online or in store (with coupon or online-price-match), but the red hefty one you got is like $190!

HF online fugged up the price; think they forgot the 1. lol. Saved screen shot, printed it out, & went to the store. They would not accept 20% off, which is bs, but who cares. Still one hell of a deal.

 

[Shadowdog500]

How big is your current shop? You seem to have allot of stuff in there. Lets see some pictures.

Hw do you like the engine stand? What is the biggest engine you've had on it so far?

Chris

 

[lipadj46]

Hey John have you used HF air conditioning system vacuum pumps? If so how do they work?

 

[brian90505]

Im your polar opposite. Not a single hf tool (except for a furniture blanket that I won in a car night raffle). I wonder how much all that would cost off the tool truck. Congrats on your savings and I hope they serve you well.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Hey John have you used HF air conditioning system vacuum pumps? If so how do they work?

I have the 2stage 3cfm, works well, no issues to date. But, I've only used it less than a dozen times.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

How big is your current shop? You seem to have allot of stuff in there. Lets see some pictures.

Hw do you like the engine stand? What is the biggest engine you've had on it so far?

Chris

The stand is fine, I like the fact that the legs fold, saves room "which I do not have a lot of." I'd have to say the Ford 4.6L SOHC, is the heaviest engine I've had on it.

 

[firebert]

haha, sweet setup. you sir are my hero!

 

[walrus]

we need a HF store in this part of Maine.

I can't believe we don't, is there one in Maine?, I don't think so?

 

[Bull]

I can't believe we don't, is there one in Maine?, I don't think so?

According to their website's store finder, you do not. Seems that the closest one to you would be in Massachusetts. Bummer.

 

[mrholeshot]

We have 5 HF stores in a 50 kile radius. The closest one being about 12 miles away. It is a new store and super clean but the manager is a ****. The best store it the one at the dist center in Dillion SC (about 50 miles away) those guys will bend over backwards and cut you a deal on the spot. They do a killer business right on I-95

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Mine local HF is 4 miles away, and another about 30 miles away.

 

[Indy_500]

i got one about 10 miles away, 1 about 35, and 1 about 75. I heard the one that's 35 miles away (green bay wisconsin) is HUGE! I've only been to the one 10 miles away (appleton) and the one 75 (rothschild/wausau)

 

[bmxr4life87]

what is the part number for the screw driver bit sockets? i could only find the 1/2 drive ones on the HF site

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

what is the part number for the screw driver bit sockets? i could only find the 1/2 drive ones on the HF site

91310 is the part# you are looking for.

 

[cowboy73]

That is a pretty impressive collection. Have you purchased any air tools from HF? I only see the impact sockets. Did you buy everything in the store or did you have some of it shipped? Damn you John, I have an uncontrollable urge to buy a bunch of stuff now!!!

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

That is a pretty impressive collection. Have you purchased any air tools from HF? I only see the impact sockets. Did you buy everything in the store or did you have some of it shipped? Damn you John, I have an uncontrollable urge to buy a bunch of stuff now!!!

No air tools "no room for a compressor." I have the corded impact from HF for now. I don't plan on getting a compressor or air tools, until a new garage is built, or if I rent shop/bay.

Buy them then, it's not gonna break the bank. LOL

 

[tpolley]

looks like i have some competition. accually i think i just got my **** handed to me. i have the 301 piece set, the long and short wrenches, and a complete set of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sae, and metric, deep and shallow impact sockets, tee handle allen wrenches. it's all in a craftsman 2 tier box. i have craftsman pro-screw drivers. i don't have any test equipment tho. i'll post pics tonight.

Edit: after looking at the pictures of your tool box, admiring and looking again i realise i need to upgrade to a larger tool box. i was looking for some sort of cabinet for my power tools (cordless and corded) and i think the best solution is to sell my craftsman box and buy a us general cab with a side locker.

Edit Edit: do they make a locking canopy for that 13 drawer chest so that one can use the chest as a work station then close and lock the front not in use? would it be possible to buy one from another manufacturer that would fit the general tool chest?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

looks like i have some competition. accually i think i just got my **** handed to me. i have the 301 piece set, the long and short wrenches, and a complete set of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 sae, and metric, deep and shallow impact sockets, tee handle allen wrenches. it's all in a craftsman 2 tier box. i have craftsman pro-screw drivers. i don't have any test equipment tho. i'll post pics tonight.

Edit: after looking at the pictures of your tool box, admiring and looking again i realise i need to upgrade to a larger tool box. i was looking for some sort of cabinet for my power tools (cordless and corded) and i think the best solution is to sell my craftsman box and buy a us general cab with a side locker.

Edit Edit: do they make a locking canopy for that 13 drawer chest so that one can use the chest as a work station then close and lock the front not in use? would it be possible to buy one from another manufacturer that would fit the general tool chest?

For the price; the US General boxes can't be beat. Is this want you want; the small locker?http://www.harborfreight.com/2-shelf-end-cabinet-for-roller-tool-chest-67436.html

 

[tpolley]

my ideal setup would be as follows. substitute the $1,500 craftsman 56 inch canopy for a 45 inch canopy that would fit atop the us general roller cabinet with the side locker on one side.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

my ideal setup would be as follows. substitute the $1,500 craftsman 56 inch canopy for a 45 inch canopy that would fit atop the us general roller cabinet with the side locker on one side.

You don't want a top chest then, you want a canopy. You might want to browse strictlytoolboxes.com, maybe you can find a matching set.

 

[tpolley]

quote from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Parcel_Service#Vehicles

"When using non-proprietary trucks, such as Ford E-Series vans, Dodge Caravans, or Dodge Sprinters, UPS will often remove the vehicle badging as to not provide free advertising to the manufacturer."

Suggestion: Unless you are sponsored by HF, why not replace the US General tags on the toolbox with the name of your business? Might make a difference if any of your potential customers are "Narrow-Minded" like some of us in Chicago and the rest of the Rust-Belt are.

uhm... tell that to all the knuckleheads that install window stickers for every performance part they install on their vehicle. i don't think K&N is in the business of compensating people for putting stickers in thier windows but i see it all the time. i've never gotten a check from columbia for wearing their branded shoes. i make it a point to not buy clothes with big-*** logos. i don't give out free advertising. i'm not a flipping billboard. i peeled the "ron olsen ford" sticker off my ranger the day i bought it. the only sticker you'll find on any of my vehicles is an NRA sticker.

 

[Coach James]

"the only sticker you'll find on any of my vehicles is an NRA sticker."

!!!

Coach

 

[mrholeshot]

"the only sticker you'll find on any of my vehicles is an NRA sticker."

!!!

Coach

Mine have NHRA stickers, lol

 

[Shadowdog500]

uhm... tell that to all the knuckleheads that install window stickers for every performance part they install on their vehicle. i don't think K&N is in the business of compensating people for putting stickers in thier windows but i see it all the time.

When I was playing with drag cars I used to joke about the people who littered their car with stickers, that they must have thought each stickler took a tenth off their ET.

I bet they were trying to look like a pro who only put the sticker on their car from a sponsor who provides money or parts, fuel etc. If they win a major race with the sponsors sticker on the car, I understand they can get additional money.

Chris

 

[wafrederick]

I get catalogs from Harbor freight in the mail.Nearest store in my area in Michigan is Grand Rapids,Mi.I have not had any problems with their tools so far.I have one complaint,most of their wrench and socket sets do not have an 18mm or 15mm in them.I have a 1/2 drive deepwell impact socket set that has an 18mm in it,my brother lost this socket anfd I had to replace it with a K Line 18mm socket.

 

[mrholeshot]

When I was playing with drag cars I used to joke about the people who littered their car with stickers, that they must have thought each stickler took a tenth off their ET.

I bet they were trying to look like a pro who only put the sticker on their car from a sponsor who provides money or parts, fuel etc. If they win a major race with the sponsors sticker on the car, I understand they can get additional money.

Chris

I run contingency stickers on my car. If I win an IHRA event with my parts stickers on the car I get extra money or parts from those companies. The ones that don't pony up their stickers come off. No worries as I haven't won an IHRA event in several years.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

When I was playing with drag cars I used to joke about the people who littered their car with stickers, that they must have thought each stickler took a tenth off their ET.

I bet they were trying to look like a pro who only put the sticker on their car from a sponsor who provides money or parts, fuel etc. If they win a major race with the sponsors sticker on the car, I understand they can get additional money.

Chris

Chris,

If the race is a division race the "stickers" can add up to more money if the racer gets into the semi finals and up. The Contingency program pays the racers a certain amount if the use the product and have the stickers on both side of the car. Some of the guys you might see with all the contingency stickers probably race at division events not just at the local track. Others might be posers, but in sportsman classes they do pay contingency money.

sorry holeshot didn't see that you had addressed this. Here is the link for NHRA program and pay out.

http://www.nhra.net/2010/sportsman/Summit_contingency.pdf

 

[welderwink]

Im going on a mini HF shopping spree tomorrow, and I was just inspired by this thread.