Fine HF tools I am thinking about buying

[Danglerb]

A few things caught my eye during my last coupon and return run to Harbor Freight, and just now online (print the online page and most local stores honor the online price).

3 pc "hanson" style socket trays for $4.99.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=95595

3 pc flex head stubby ratchet set for $6.49.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46742

Composite stuff (PVC?), these are new and not on sale yet, but VERY light with very nice feel to them, light with micro texture.

Finger ratchet $4.99 (waiting for a sale on set of 3)
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96216

Heavy duty Composite ratchet 3/8", about $9 in the store, waiting on a sale.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94586

 

[NOMAD]

you'll regret the stubby, flex head ratchets at any price.
I have them, the head is always bending back when I don't want it to. THe heads are pretty large and it must use like 12 tooth gears.

Meh, never use them after trying three times or so. Got them for like $4

I do like their toolbox liners when they are on sale.
Finger ratchet looks cool.

 

[russlaferrera]

you'll regret the stubby, flex head ratchets at any price.
I have them, the head is always bending back when I don't want it to. THe heads are pretty large and it must use like 12 tooth gears.

Meh, never use them after trying three times or so. Got them for like $4

I do like their toolbox liners when they are on sale.
Finger ratchet looks cool.

Danglerb, Maybe you should get these tools for your "loaner toolbox" as everyone hates them.

 

[wilbilt]

Damn...he's got it bad.

Danglerb, there are support groups available. The only other alternative is to move farther away from the HF store.

The nearest to me is about 45 miles. I only succumb to a fix about once a year.

Best of luck!

 

[-lecroix-]

The only thing listed in your choices that are worth the asking price are the socket organizers ... they rest are pretty much items that should be left on the pegs at the store. Seriously.

 

[wythors]

The only thing listed in your choices that are worth the asking price are the socket organizers ... they rest are pretty much items that should be left on the pegs at the store. Seriously.

The whole store should be left on the peg.

Just say "NO" to Harbor Freight.

 

[Danglerb]

Damn...he's got it bad.

Was that ever in question?

Besides, these are items I am thinking about, not buying, except those trays, and maybe the composite ratchets once they go on sale for half price.

AND

I do take stuff back if it doesn't work out for me.

 

[wilbilt]

AND

I do take stuff back if it doesn't work out for me.

Just an excuse to get back in the store...

 

[Danglerb]

Its the damn coupons in my email, so many $$$ off, a picture, and not a clue what it does sometimes.

What really has me going to HF though, is that MANY stores sell the same exact stuff for twice as much. I'll buy some tool I need someplace else, and then there it is at HF, same thing for less. If you can't trust anybody, might as well not spend the money.

 

[wilbilt]

I know...there is a TSC store only 15 miles or so away. They sell much of the same product as HF under different brands. Clarke, Farmhand, etc.

Much higher prices, though.

 

[ImportTuner]

I know...there is a TSC store only 15 miles or so away. They sell much of the same product as HF under different brands. Clarke, Farmhand, etc.

Much higher prices, though.

Much higher quality also ....

 

[-lecroix-]

Much higher quality also ....

No, most times it's the same exact tool. Seriously.

 

[ImportTuner]

No, most times it's the same exact tool. Seriously.

You got to quit fooling your self that it is the same; them Chinese stuff are imitations of better quality stuff ....

 

[Danglerb]

You got to quit fooling your self that it is the same; them Chinese stuff are imitations of better quality stuff ....

No them better quality stuff are store branded same as everybody else cheap Chinese stuff. I stood in the HF holding my Husky stamped folding box cutter next to theirs, and it was the SAME, not a copy, not close, it was the same thing.

What I think happens is some big chain store orders 2 million of something, the factory tools up, and as soon as production meets the demand of the main client, unbranded stuff is for sale to anybody.

I freely concede that many times the items will only LOOK like the same, the POS Neiko copy of the Rotator Ratchet is proof enough to me of that, but even if an item is technically different, who cares unless something obvious to me in use of the item?

 

[Detroit Diesel Man]

It should be a Federal offense to put the words "fine tools" and Harbor Freight in the same sentence.



DDM

 

[MAD]

While I guess I agree with the idea that if you are going to buy cheap stuff you may as well get it cheap. My experience though has been that the cheap generic tools from HF are often a degree or three crappier than the similar imported tools found in other retail stores. Not always, but often enough for me to get the feeling that buying anything from them is a total crapshoot (pun intended).

 

[NOMAD]

They are great for hammers, gloves, crowbars.
They are not great for wrenches, ratchets or complex items.

I, like you, was enticed by the shiny parts, color photos and low prices. Thoughts of loading my toolbox for $20 and then laughing arrogantly at the "fools" who spent hundreds filled my head. I bought a sack full of tools.

Then I started using the tools "for real". After breaking, bending and rounding some tools, I've realized I do not have the time, patience, nor money to keep buying cheap crappy tools.

 

[wilbilt]

No them better quality stuff are store branded same as everybody else cheap Chinese stuff. I stood in the HF holding my Husky stamped folding box cutter next to theirs, and it was the SAME, not a copy, not close, it was the same thing.

Yes indeed. And my Craftsman folding utility knife is the same as my Husky. I have a "Sheffield" one as well. It's the same.

The TSC mini lathe, folding engine hoist, box and pan brake, drill press, etc., etc., are all identical to the HF units. The downside to this downside is that they charge a few bucks more for them than HF.

 

[-lecroix-]

You got to quit fooling your self that it is the same; them Chinese stuff are imitations of better quality stuff ....

Kiddo, you are fooling no one but your damn self if you think cheap **** that comes from Tractor Supply is any better quality than the same cheap **** that comes from Harbor Freight.

 

[wilbilt]

Coming Soon!
Cummins Harbor Tractor Freight Supply.
Look for the Grand Opening near you!

 

[sethbriancollins]

All their tools are great for the occasional use, however if you need to use it everyday, buy somthing better. my friend got a nice workbench with tools for the cost of just the workbech elsewhere. he occasionally has to do some home handyman work. why should he buy a snapon wrench set?

it is a fact that some of the tools they sell are the exact ones as other stores sell for more. the clarke compact metal bender is identical to the hf one. probably made in the same factory.

i'm a professional metal worker and i had 2 HF 4" angle grinders i went through in as many weeks. i bought a dewalt one that has lasted for 3 years. But, the HF band saw i bought is a workhorse and is pretty well made.
Usually their tools need a bit of tuning or minor modifications, (like my bandsaw) but for the money, i think they can be worth it.

my usa made tools include a welder, plasmacutter, socket set and many others, but my ratchet spanners are from HF and i have had them for 6 years now withour a problem. i have worked them pretty hard too. i tore down and rebuilt a 41 chevy with their sockets before i upgraded. i think i broke 2 over the years.

i thin most importantly, you have to to know your own needs because not everyone is the same.

 

[wilbilt]

i'm a professional metal worker and i had 2 HF 4" angle grinders i went through in as many weeks. .

That's not too bad...I went through 2 of them in less than 2 hours.

 

[-lecroix-]

I can say the same for a DeWalt withit lasting less than a half a day ... but I have 3 HF 4 1/2" grinders that have been going for over 2 years.

Go figure.

 

[markl]

I bought 2 4 1/2" angle grinders on sale from HF. Both almost 2 yrs old, still going althought my Makita is 15 yrs old and still going strong. Will the HF grinders last that long, I doubt it but time will tell.

 

[Jononon]

The rest are pretty much items that should be left on the pegs at the store. Seriously.

I'm going to regret asking this, I know - how do you get a finger ratchet wrong ? Surely it either works when you click it round in the shop, and is likely to continue to, or it doesn't ?

 

[Chris Adams]

I'm going to regret asking this, I know - how do you get a finger ratchet wrong ? Surely it either works when you click it round in the shop, and is likely to continue to, or it doesn't ?

You are missing the point.
It's about feelings, not about tools.

Seriously, I've bought gear wrenches, sockets, hammers, deadblow hammers, etc. from Harbor and they were as good as or better than the stuff Sears, etc. sells. Other stuff they have is junky.
If you can't tell the difference you shouldn't be using tools anyway.

The guys that only buy Snap-On have a point.
If you use it ten hours a day, if it's a business expense, or most importantly, if your livelihood depends on the respect of other guys who only buy Snap-On, etc. then you darn well buy Snap-On.


But let’s face it, for 95% of the guys that buy tools, the tool sits 99.99% of the time and since he isn't making a living with it, he can take the time to NOT break it.

Guys on the line burn through tools the same way a truck driver burns through tires.

So their attitude is ‘Get the best, dang the cost and replace as often as needed’.
Down time is lost money.
For the guys working in their garage HF means getting it or doing without.
Rich guys have rows of Snap-On tools, most of which have never been used on a bolt.
Working stiffs better NEED it before springing that kind of money.
HF makes even a working guy be able to afford a drill press, a set of tools, etc. and not have to go in debt to get it.

I wish they had been around when I was first starting out. I did without hundreds of tools because I didn’t have the bucks. Now anyone with a job can have workable tools.

 

[jimvannoy]

I have 2 of the HF 4 1/2 grinders, a 7" grinder, and just bought a 7" variable speed buffer. They are all the orange HF power tools. Been using the grinders almost daily for several years with no problems at all. I think their orange power tools are good. It's the blue ones that ****. I also have several of their air tools and have had no problems in several years of almost daily use.

 

[wrenchr]

They have good tool box liner's, and they are just as good as sears...lol

 

[Deafautotech]

You are missing the point.
It's about feelings, not about tools.



The guys that only buy Snap-On have a point.
If you use it ten hours a day, if it's a business expense, or most importantly, if your livelihood depends on the respect of other guys who only buy Snap-On, etc. then you darn well buy Snap-On.

Guys on the line burn through tools the same way a truck driver burns through tires.

i am agree with you. i am use the tools and wear the tools more as i did the hard work and sometime it will went break itself... i did cracked the pawls of two 1/4dr snap on ratchets which i just bought two months ago and it is rebuilt by now... i am really tough on my tools than other techs in my work... i had buy the best tool that i can afford. i had no debts on all three tool trucks!!

 

[kartracer55]

The only things I have from HF are as follows.

Safety wire pliers-10$, didnt have the extra 70$ for good ones
Hand held infrared thermometer- 15$. Works fairly well, use it as a ballpark

 

[epmills]

You can't go wrong with the self adjusting wire strippers that go on sale for .99 cents though, they actually work (and better yet, Matco sells the EXACT same one for 25 bucks!)

 

[wilbilt]

I wish they had been around when I was first starting out. I did without hundreds of tools because I didn’t have the bucks. Now anyone with a job can have workable tools.

They were around (as Harbor Freight Salvage Co. - mail order only - ) when I first started wrenching for a living about 1981 or so.

I ordered a bunch of stuff from them to get started...impact sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. The tools were a lot worse than they are now, but they put food on the table and bought diapers. They also caused endless frustration and a couple of ER visits.

I replaced them as I could with more durable and usable tools. Today, I can look through my boxes and honestly say that not a single one of those tools survived 20 years on the line.

 

[Deafautotech]

They were around (as Harbor Freight Salvage Co. - mail order only - ) when I first started wrenching for a living about 1981 or so.

I ordered a bunch of stuff from them to get started...impact sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. The tools were a lot worse than they are now, but they put food on the table and bought diapers. They also caused endless frustration and a couple of ER visits.

I replaced them as I could with more durable and usable tools. Today, I can look through my boxes and honestly say that not a single one of those tools survived 20 years on the line.

wow. it is tough. i can't image what will i do in my living as professional automotive technician. i am still single and investment my money in my pockets much i can and i only buy the tools that i need it to do works.

 

[Uncle Buck]

In the last couple of years my stand against HF tools has grown a bit weaker. I say this because I have had great success with a handfull of items (of which the thumbwheel ratchets were one) a few others were the extra extra long needle nose pliers, and some real oddball items that I would never ever have bought in the quality name brands like the S shaped wrenches, and the sets of obstruction wrenches. I have had great results with every one of these items however I will never be 100% comfortable buying stuff there. I spent way too many years buying nothing but the best tools I could afford whether new or used to ever be totally at ease making purchases there. Some items I will never ever try anything such as taps/dies, drill bits, saw blades files, sandpaper and the like, nothing electrical ie. wire, fuses, electrical stuff that can cause fires. Fortunately for me the only things I have taken a chance on are not part of what I consider core elements of my tool set but rather tools that may never be put to use, or if they are will have little in the way of demands or frequency of use placed on them. So these days I am describing tools that I would never plan on buying if I did not consider HF. So for me I am at peace with a few select purchases.

 

[Danglerb]

I picked up a Cornell long handle flex head 3/8" ratchet driver at the swapmeet today, you would have thought it was on fire how fast I put it down when the lady said $40. Sure looked nice though.

I like having some nice tools, but just getting what I need is more than I want to spend even at HF and the swapmeet for most. Beyond normal tools, many things I want to do require special tools from Porsche, and those are pricey.

 

[SteveL]

Stuff I have from HF that has worked well:

*HVLP spary gun *lots of woodworking crowd love this gun for spraying clear poly finish*
*6" bench grinder that is set up with a 3M Scotch brite wheel and a felt wheel. Very smooth.
*Bearing seperator/wheel puller
*dead blow hammer
*Pittsburg ratcheting combo wrenches
*Nitrile gloves
*spring clamps
*HSS wood lathe tool set
*1/4" metal lathe bits
*10ga pnuematic nail gun
*1/4" pnuematic crown staple gun
* 1/2" metric deep well impact sockets

I'm sure there are others that I have forgotten and yes, I have returned a bunch of things that ended up junk. But if you are carefull, there are a lot of things that are a fraction of the cost of a name brand item that work quite well for a hobbiest. If I used my tools to make a living I would probably buy better quality in the first place.

 

[Chris Adams]

They were around (as Harbor Freight Salvage Co. - mail order only - ) when I first started wrenching for a living about 1981 or so.

I ordered a bunch of stuff from them to get started...impact sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. The tools were a lot worse than they are now, but they put food on the table and bought diapers. They also caused endless frustration and a couple of ER visits.

I replaced them as I could with more durable and usable tools. Today, I can look through my boxes and honestly say that not a single one of those tools survived 20 years on the line.

Dang you make me feel old... My time on the line was 69-71 Service writer 71-74, owned a shop 74-79. By 81 I had given up using tools, mechanical work, etc.
Didn't start playing with tools again till after I retired in 91.
You better believe there were NO low price tools in 1969.
Wrenches, ratchets, etc. were either real good and real expensive or real bad and still pretty expensive.
I’ve had some TAT tools, Westline, etc. from that era and Lordy, they were terrible.

The India made drop cast wrenches from the low 70’s were just terrible.
Lousy castings, not the right size, etc.
Ratchets that came apart on first use.
But they were not low priced. They cost more than HF tools, and that’s without inflation.
They seemed cheap by comparison.

The stuff you get at HF is head and shoulders above them.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

I find it humorous that my HF puts the only USA made tools behind glass and key - Channel-lock products! and the prices are no better than anywhere else.

What is a good deal is the Goodyear USA made Rubber air hoses.

Try a scavenger hunt thing. Go into harbor freight and try to find anything made in the USA!

I thought the 1/2 drive extensions were a good deal up until 2 months ago when I broke the tip off and it lodged itself in a Flywheel bolt

-BWP

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

I was up at the closet HF to me this weekend with my dad. We bought some stuff, a ratchet and some extensions, and a set of socket adapters. I was looking to buy some long pattern metric wrenches, since the only places I've found decent ones are sears (SK) or tool trucks. The wrenches looked decent, and I was ready to buy them, until I looked at the box end. It seemed to me that the 12 points did not protrude as far out from the box as on other brands, and that they were rounder. I figured they would result in lots of rounded nuts, so I passed them up. Anyone run into that problem?

 

[gotmud13613]

I got the composite ratchet in the 1/4 drive, 3 months so far so good, seems like a decent little unit, now i am thinking about getting the 3/8 version. Not that i really need it but if it's like the 1/4" it should be good. Only thing i don't like was the black & blue color ( to dark ) so i dipped about an 1 1/2 in yellow plasti-dip.