Cutting HF some slack

[WhiffySpark]

Am I the only one that won't buy anything from hf that is supposed to support a car or have electricity run through it?

 

[Hiball]

Am I the only one that won't buy anything from hf that is supposed to support a car or have electricity run through it?

Probably.

 

[Fender1325]

supporting me or a car I shop elsewhere, electricity - hit and miss.

 

[pi_guy]

HF never fails to amaze me. Now I built a wire & shrink wrap dispenser/holder out of PVC and wanted to mount it on a movers dolly. So visited HF bought one with 20% discount. Bring it home and put dispenser on it, no problem there. But the wonderful HF moving dolly only goes in some directions. Not even consistent in the directions it will go.

 

[goforride57]

Cutting Harbor Freight some slack? Google chinese cancer hotels. Might put a different perspective on your very proud purchases.

Trying to find products not made in China is hard thing to do these days, no matter how hard you look for an alternative. But to be proud about it? Doesn't make much sense to me.

I guess if it's a money thing, and you're trying to save more money this year and spend less, then Kudos to you. Just try to refrain from crashing threads with coupon links and HF propaganda when it's not warranted and I would be grateful.

 

[davethorik]

I just got back from Harbor Freight but I feel dirty now.

That's because HF smells dirty...it's that Chinese plastic they use to make the deadblow hammers. Smells like mothballs. Lol

 

[PureLeaf]

Am I the only one that won't buy anything from hf that is supposed to support a car or have electricity run through it?

I feel the same way. I'm actually from the same town as HF's headquarters here in Cali. Have a good friend that worked for them, and she told me they'd take everyone around to the R&D lab once in a while, and she said the failures of some of their electrical stuff were catastrophic. Always told me to never buy any of the electrical stuff.

 

[99LeCouch]

There are some good DIY-grade tools to be had there. And some tools that can withstand light professional use. For my DIY needs, quite a bit of my tools come from HF. For the few times a month I use them and the generally typical use they they get, they do the job pretty well.

And, as another poster stated, if I'm going to be buying Chinese tools anyhow, might as well not pay inflated prices for them.

 

[kctyphoon]

Personally I think it's time a few people in here climb down off their high horse.

 

[kctyphoon]

That's because HF smells dirty...it's that Chinese plastic they use to make the deadblow hammers. Smells like mothballs. Lol

You should take a walk though HD and stiff some of the Dewalt and Milwaukee tool boxes..

 

[theoldwizard1]

... they have figured out that they can create a New color scheme, bring excitement to the marketplace and resell a new Jack more often.

new lipstick on the pig !

 

[PJNJ]

I feel the same way. I'm actually from the same town as HF's headquarters here in Cali. Have a good friend that worked for them, and she told me they'd take everyone around to the R&D lab once in a while, and she said the failures of some of their electrical stuff were catastrophic. Always told me to never buy any of the electrical stuff.

I can't bring myself to buy any electrical tools from HF though I have more than a few of their other tools such as the 20 ton press, impact sockets, breaker bar, Earthquake ratchet, etc. What I have has worked and was a good value. I buy them only after looking at ratings and reviews.

As for smaller hand tools, I have no need to buy cheap from HF. I've bought very good pliers, vice grips, needle nose, etc. along with ratchets and wrenches at flea markets and garage sales for cheap to very cheap prices.

For example I bought a pair of virtually unused pliers at a yard sale a few years ago for about a buck. They were older chromed Craftsman with black plastic dipped handles - tough, work great and no signs of corrosion after sitting in my toolbox in the unheated garage for a few years. I doubt I would ever say that about HF pliers. About 3/4 (maybe more) of my pliers are older, used USA made. I have a number of old ball pein hammers ranging from small to large that I either got for free (family member wanted to throw out since they were rusty and dirty) or cheap. I have no worries using them.

OP - You're probably right about the lack of difference between current HF and Husky, Kobalt, and Cman. And you're smart to save money buying what are probably often the same tools at HF. But I think it's better to save even more money buying quality used tools.

 

[pepgj]

One thing I think is cool about HF is the availability of cheap, fairly crude, items for beginning fabricators (shop presses are a good example). The price jump to good is quite a lot.

It strikes me as totally reasonable to argue about whether a HF jack stand is absolutely unsafe or not worth it compared to a Hein Werner or whatever. The posts that I wish people would quit making involve questions on shop equipment that always go:

Q. What kind of cheap drill press should I buy if I only want a new one. There aren't any on craigslist.
A1. HF are good enough.
A2. Check out the Porter Cable Chinesium one at HD
A3. GET ONE ON CRAIGSLIST, YOU CAN BUY A GOOD USA ONE FOR 10 CENTS!
A4. There aren't any on Craigslist here, I've looked for a year.
A5. BUT BUY ONE ON CRAIGSLIST. I PAID A DOLLAR BUYING ONE FROM MY BROTHER IN LAW.

 

[fordgasm]

I'm all for American tools but people saying they wont buy tools not USA then having 3 TVs made in China, a Ford from Mexico made with "global components", and pretty much 90% of other stuff in their house from China blows my mind.

 

[TerryH]

That's because HF smells dirty...it's that Chinese plastic they use to make the deadblow hammers. Smells like mothballs. Lol

No, I smell just fine. It's all about the feeling.

 

[dmw16]

HF has its place, at least in my opinion. Things I use a lot I won't buy from there, but one-time (or limited use) items I'll at least consider it. Especially if there is no made in America option within a close price point.

My garage floor jack is an AC Hydrauilc and it's awesome, but it wasn't cheap. I know it's not made in the US, but it's made in a first world country. But I have HF jacks I take to the track because stuff often wanders off or is borrowed and not returned. But I certainly won't go under my car when it's up on a HF jack...not that I ever do, but I do think my AC jack would keep the car up.

Someone once said "if your life or your livelihood depends on it, don't buy it from HF." I think that's spot on.

 

[stikman56]

I'm all for American tools but people saying they wont buy tools not USA then having 3 TVs made in China, a Ford from Mexico made with "global components", and pretty much 90% of other stuff in their house from China blows my mind.

My thoughts as well.

 

[Fender1325]

Cutting Harbor Freight some slack? Google chinese cancer hotels. Might put a different perspective on your very proud purchases.

Trying to find products not made in China is hard thing to do these days, no matter how hard you look for an alternative. But to be proud about it? Doesn't make much sense to me.

I guess if it's a money thing, and you're trying to save more money this year and spend less, then Kudos to you. Just try to refrain from crashing threads with coupon links and HF propaganda when it's not warranted and I would be grateful.

Proud isn't the word I'd use. Maybe calling a duck a duck. Enjoy your makita, milwaukee, irwin, stanley ETC ETC ETC ETC brand of tool while you're up on your high horse, but DO remember they're ALL MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And who said I'm crashing threads with coupon links and HF propaganda?

 

[Fender1325]

By the way, Hilti, SNAP ON, Metabo all have tool plants in China as well.

 

[Fender1325]

What I AM proud of is spreading the message we should all be giving tool companies. You want to make your stuff in China? Thats fine. We're not going to pay you American prices then!!!

Look at the drill/driver sets with 2 batteries and a charger. Now up to $400! I mean what are they smoking?! I'm pretty damn sure the wages haven't increased to match the cost of this stuff.

I'm done ranting but I'm glad I ruffled a few feathers with this, including my own. We need to be aware of our money, and our tools. And we also don't need garage queens who get into spending and bragging competitions. Be proud of your work and what you build. Thats what it ultimately comes down to.

Im just saying I've been pretty underwhelmed by the name brand hand tools at the big box stores considering the premium price. I've bought many when I need it then and there and thats the closest store. The garage sale, craigslist thing finding lightly used old american tools is a fun sounding idea but it never works that way when you need to get something done right then.

 

[WhiffySpark]

By the way, Hilti, SNAP ON, Metabo all have tool plants in China as well.

Ok, there's something called quality control which HF seriously lacks. I have no issue buying China, but I'm not buying China junk.

I'll buy craftsmen over HF any day. I'll be snapon over craftsmen any day as well. I could care less what country it comes from. As long as it's QUALITY. Horror freight doesn't have quality.

 

[Schurkey]

If you're gonna buy Chinese junk to begin with, you might as well but it direct from the Chinese junk store, aka HF.

Opposite of my plan. I'm buying stuff I'll pass down to my son instead of ****.

Very little else needs to be said in this thread.

 

[goforride57]

Proud isn't the word I'd use. Maybe calling a duck a duck. Enjoy your makita, milwaukee, irwin, stanley ETC ETC ETC ETC brand of tool while you're up on your high horse, but DO remember they're ALL MADE IN CHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And who said I'm crashing threads with coupon links and HF propaganda?

No sir. You are on the high horse. I do not own any Stanley Irwin or makita either. Sure have and will continue to enjoy my Milwaukee Sawzall.

I actually don't need to run to the Internet to justify my tool purchases. Enjoy your tools. You are one proud, but insecure man.

 

[Fender1325]

This has nothing to do with justification, or insecurities. Merely a wake up call to anyone who is overspending by buying most the hand tools at the big box store.

For some reason you dont understand the thread. You just want to say I'm overly proud for buying chinese tools.

You do realize, that Home Depot and Lowes are capitalizing on the fact that Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt meant high quality american tools in the very recent past. They are largely made in China now, and the prices have all but increased. I for one, wont support that.

 

[AA/FC]

This has nothing to do with justification, or insecurities. Merely a wake up call to anyone who is overspending by buying most the hand tools at the big box store.

For some reason you dont understand the thread. You just want to say I'm overly proud for buying chinese tools.

You do realize, that Home Depot and Lowes are capitalizing on the fact that Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt meant high quality american tools in the very recent past. They are largely made in China now, and the prices have all but increased. I for one, wont support that.

Do you really think that a cordless drill (for example) from HF is equal quality to a Dewalt or Milwaukee of the same voltage?

 

[dwysywd]

My cousin is a real estate developer for HF and his thoughts are, HF knows what they buy and if you are concerned about the quality, buy the insurance. That's why they offer it. And then if the cost of the item plus the insurance still makes a great deal (my litmus test is 50% less) then buy it. At least you have 2 years of piece of mind. I've purchased lots of things. I buy my hard tools there sometimes, but usually it's my resource for projects and single purpose tools.


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[aaronrkelly]

Its really simple.....lets all just break it down to FACTS:

Some HF stuff is good

Some HF stuff is bad

.......so HF is hit or miss

Do research, buy according to YOUR use and YOUR budget.

For instance - the HF 5 drawer cart. It gets consistent good reviews, its not Snap On....but its not Snap On priced either.

It works for ME.....its priced right for ME......and *I* bought it. *Im* happy with it.

Will I hand it down to my son - probably unless I run clear the **** over it on accident - its well made and should last, its a simple product.

......dont like it, dont buy it.

I DO agree with the OP......all this rebranded **** made in China hiding behind other names - sickens me. Its all smoke and mirrors by companies that wanna make money on a name.

I have a John Deere mower, a Ford Explorer and I try to buy American.....but sometimes I dont.....and I dont feel bad.

 

[justanengineer]

Meh. My resolution is to not buy anymore Chinese **** for the garage, I've been mainly buying consumables like chip brushes and gloves from them but occasionally the odd tool to modify or for a one-off job. Realistically, I dont need shiny new, 10 year old stuff works great for me on the occasion I need more tools and cant find something cool and vintage.

Personally, I'm not sure why anybody would admit that HF was their primary source of tools on a tool forum anymore. 15 years ago when they still sold some decent items cheap I could understand it but today's stuff is garbage and the prices have gotten crazy high the past decade.

 

[ssentt]

Maybe we need a new thread called "Garage Journal Tested Tough" all brands apply.

 

[PJNJ]

This has nothing to do with justification, or insecurities. Merely a wake up call to anyone who is overspending by buying most the hand tools at the big box store.

For some reason you dont understand the thread. You just want to say I'm overly proud for buying chinese tools.

You do realize, that Home Depot and Lowes are capitalizing on the fact that Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt meant high quality american tools in the very recent past. They are largely made in China now, and the prices have all but increased. I for one, wont support that.

Your original post had some validity but I can't agree with the premise that one Chinese made tool is the same as another. Any manufacturer, in whatever country that they are located, has the capability to make high quality tools. You can have high quality USA made tools and crappy ones too. The same goes for Chinese, German, Italian, British, etc. tools. I can't agree that the quality of HF's much lower price power tools is the same as Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. The HF power tools may get the job done and last long enough to justify their purchase but that doesn't mean they are the same or better quality.

The concept of trusted brand names comes to mind. If I see Milwaukee on a power tool, I can usually trust it to be a good tool. I don't get that same warm, fuzzy feeling with Chicago Electric.

 

[Fender1325]

Do you really think that a cordless drill (for example) from HF is equal quality to a Dewalt or Milwaukee of the same voltage?

No I do not. Im mainly talking about hand tools, not so much power tools. Dewalt does operate a plant in Charlotte NC near me. Even though its "global" materials I think thats about as good as one can do these days.

 

[ibedayank]

That's because HF smells dirty...it's that Chinese plastic they use to make the deadblow hammers. Smells like mothballs. Lol

now just how did you manage to get your head between the Moth's legs and why would you do it???

 

[goforride57]

This has nothing to do with justification, or insecurities. Merely a wake up call to anyone who is overspending by buying most the hand tools at the big box store.

For some reason you dont understand the thread. You just want to say I'm overly proud for buying chinese tools.

You do realize, that Home Depot and Lowes are capitalizing on the fact that Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt meant high quality american tools in the very recent past. They are largely made in China now, and the prices have all but increased. I for one, wont support that.

So...your point is saving money or trolling? You're just generalizing all major brands and its kind of a silly discussion you started. I buy Rigid cordless tools because they have a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Milwaukee cordless tools? A friend of mines house burnt on 12/23 and the fire inspector couldn't tell if it was the dryer or the Milwaukee cordless drill above the dryer that started the fire. So no, I don't have an addiction for Milwaukee. The sole Milwaukee tool I own says assembled in the USA with global components. At the end of the day, it is what it is.

I know when I go to Walmart, it's mostly made in China ****. I don't need to justify to anyone but myself. Proud? No. Do I have to? Well it just is what it just is.

So, I still don't know what your point is. Are you in the construction trade? Do you depend on these tools to put food on the table? Or are you just young and starting out? What have you purchased so far in this point in your life to decide to switch to Harbor Freight? I would like more information.

 

[ibedayank]

and all the bitching and the great and all powerfull Snap-on even has a factory in..... wait for it........................................ CHINA!!!!!

 

[Fender1325]

Your original post had some validity but I can't agree with the premise that one Chinese made tool is the same as another. Any manufacturer, in whatever country that they are located, has the capability to make high quality tools. You can have high quality USA made tools and crappy ones too. The same goes for Chinese, German, Italian, British, etc. tools. I can't agree that the quality of HF's much lower price power tools is the same as Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. The HF power tools may get the job done and last long enough to justify their purchase but that doesn't mean they are the same or better quality.

The concept of trusted brand names comes to mind. If I see Milwaukee on a power tool, I can usually trust it to be a good tool. I don't get that same warm, fuzzy feeling with Chicago Electric.

I understand and agree with you.....I certainly am not going to buy a drill or driver from HF anytime soon. But my aim is to awaken us to use more careful judgement before pulling trigger on purchasing basic hand tools with the warm fuzzy name brand on them. For all I know they're coming out of the same warehouse as the HF ones, for 5 times the price. It pisses me off to see Milwaukee and Dewalt put their name on all these tools for all the brand "fanboys" and they blindly buy them because the name. HF will give some of these things a run for their money. Thats all I'm saying.

Somehow these guys are able to move all production to China, pay lesser wages, pay lesser rent, lesser taxes, and yet guys like you and me are paying the same price here in America when they were American made....some cost even more now. What the hell!

 

[iScream]

I'm doing almost the opposite. I'm going to try to avoid Chinese tools of any brand as much as possible going forward. It's really not about quality or value though. It's just about not sending my money to that country.

I don't have a whole lot of Chinese tools right now. Mainly my HF tool carts, and a wooden workbench.

I know the HF ratchets, impact sockets and a few other things are probably just as good as the Gearwrench stuff I've been buying but at least my money isn't going to China.

 

[iScream]

Or it could be the OP is a hobby type that has an average income, and would rather spend his money for food for his family rather than brag about how he just spent $100 on a SO ratchet.
Everyone makes choices based on his situation. Can't criticize until you have walked a mile in his shoes.

Are you just trying to be a troll? It doesn't have to be one extreme or the other. There are plenty of brands at plenty of price and quality points between HF and Snap-on.

 

[Zeke]

I think I know where Fender1325 is going with this: you can go to many stores and buy pretty much what HF has for more money. They don't have a 20% off coupon constantly running either.

But here's my local experience. I can buy imported stuff even cheaper than what HF charges for items including the coupon. IOW, HF has to pay for the massive advertising somehow and they really aren't that cheap anymore.

Used to be a 3 ton steel jack at Sears was well over a 100 bucks while the HR one was about $70, give or take. Sears has them for less now and some prices for other things are competitive with the discounters.

Now everyone doesn't live within a feasible driving distance from a HF or other discounter. So they order online.

The bottom line is, and I look at it this way: the products are coming in as imports, mostly from China but not all. If you pay anymore than the lowest price you are simply paying profit to the retailer. And while that might support an American job that otherwise wouldn't exist, there are 10 jobs that will and do exist no matter what you pay. That would be transportation and handling. No matter what the destination is, it has to be moved, stocked and then pulled and stocked on the shelves (or shipped) when sold.

Let's face fact, there is not enough production other than food and a few things that we make here to satisfy the demand. We let it go to imports to fill the need. Who are you gonna blame for that? If you are addressing every one of the quarter million GJ members (and other rah, rah USA forums), you're still missing more than 300 million people in the US of which a significant % are active consumers.

Oh, and IBTL.

 

[Fender1325]

So...your point is saving money or trolling? You're just generalizing all major brands and its kind of a silly discussion you started. I buy Rigid cordless tools because they have a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Milwaukee cordless tools? A friend of mines house burnt on 12/23 and the fire inspector couldn't tell if it was the dryer or the Milwaukee cordless drill above the dryer that started the fire. So no, I don't have an addiction for Milwaukee. The sole Milwaukee tool I own says assembled in the USA with global components. At the end of the day, it is what it is.

I know when I go to Walmart, it's mostly made in China ****. I don't need to justify to anyone but myself. Proud? No. Do I have to? Well it just is what it just is.

So, I still don't know what your point is. Are you in the construction trade? Do you depend on these tools to put food on the table? Or are you just young and starting out? What have you purchased so far in this point in your life to decide to switch to Harbor Freight? I would like more information.

Damnit man.

How many times do I have to say it.....I think you're the one trolling.

My point is that a lot of guys are buying hand tools from home depot and lowes with brands we've known and trusted over the years. (insert list of familiar brands). These brands have largely all shipped jobs and production to China. The prices have stayed the same or gone up from when they were trustworthy quality american tools. The quality is EH. Some have maintained themselves ok, while others have gone down. My point is we, as the users and purchasers of these tools should be outraged. My point is to say ya know what? I'm going to cut HF some more slack, and start buying more from them when I need what I consider consumables that get lost or beat on. Razor knives, clamps, gloves, eye protection, squares, tape measures, all kinds of stuff short of main power tools. HF is very competive when it comes to a lot of these things and they cost half or less. Why am I going to pay a premium for a name brand that has skimped on quality, and is no longer made here? We are all being hoodwinked. The brands we were raised with are pinching pennies more than ever in history and somehow we're fine with spending $50 bucks and coming out with basically a couple sheets of sand paper. Tradesmen are being F'd squarely in the *** by these big name brand companies.

I'm a painter by trade, but a through and through DIY around the house.

How ******* blind do you have to be to see your wallet has not fattened up, the tools you use have cheapened on quality and gone up in price - coming from China. Yes this goes into a whole territory of what our government has allowed to happen which I'm not trying to get into.

The "brand name" addiction threads here make me sick. These brands dont give a **** about you!!!!!!!!!! They want more of your money!!!!!!!

 

[pepgj]

Are you just trying to be a troll? It doesn't have to be one extreme or the other. There are plenty of brands at plenty of price and quality points between HF and Snap-on.

I can't see bothering with HF handtools, on eBay at least, name brand ones just aren't that expensive, but it would be interesting to have a better idea of the continuum between HF and real-deal industrial US quality products for sheet metal bending, lathes, drill presses, hoists, etc.
(obviously, this is for a non-production environment, ie. hobbyist).

With most of that clunky steel shop stuff mostly made in China anymore, you'd almost have to have a HF and Brand X sitting next to each other to see if the 2x price increase is worth it.