General Opinons - Harbor Freight, etc

[lcw731]

Just curous, what are people general opinions of the tools sold by Harbor Freight and to a lesser extend Northern Tool and one I have run across lately Thetoolwarehouse.net? Harbor freight has some good prices on lots of things, but I cant help but think if the price sis too good the tool maybe lesser quality. I have bought a couple things, mostly items that I wont use often but will handy to have if I need them or tools that don't see a lot of "heavy" use. Am I just being "snooty" of is there some validity to my thought process?

Along those lines any recommendations for reliable brands to begin building (and in some cases upgrading ) my tool collection?

 

[Techie1961]

In Canada we have Princess Auto which I think is about the same as Harbor Freight. The prices are cheap because they use 3rd world labor to manufacture the tools. Substandard materials as well. They are a lot better than they used to be but you do get what you pay for.

I always try to buy stuff that is built in North America. Not easy but I believe in keeping your money where your neighbors are. You know the old saying "out of work, hungry, keep buying imports". Just old fashioned I guess.

 

[Ign]

Alright, another one of these threads! Get ready for 10 pages of Ford vs Chevy, Miller vs Lincoln and liberal vs conservative!

 

[CORTEZSS69]

 

[jim1987]

Look up the screen name "mechanicnamedjohn" to form your own opinion. There'll be a lot of haters that may answer.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I only have HF nearby. I own all the boxes they make except the 72". I have a bunch of their impact sockets that are used regularly. Some of the things I don't use all too often I get there as well. Just be realistic with your expectations. Know what you want, compare the quality then make your decision. HF has come a long way just like some of the trucks have went down in quality a lot. I have noticed lots of the rebranded truck stuff is on par with HF.

I have a box in my truck I work out of when on the rd or don't have time to run home. I filled it with HF stuff in case someone ever stole it. It's been a few months now and I can't complain about anything I have been using from ratchets and sockets to screw drivers, pliers, and wrenches.

 

[Westly]

The HF stuff I've used has been great.

Two or three decades ago the tools available in the U.S. that were not U.S. made were guaranteed to be shabby - something like today's "flea market" tier of tools.

But in the present day there are still two main tiers from what I see - not U.S. vs foreign, but U.S. AND foreign, vs a flea market tier. In other words, tools that come from major chains, regardless of country of origin, are as good as the U.S. tools of yesteryear.

If everything I had was from HF, I wouldn't feel bad. And I would feel like I had spent my money wisely.

 

[Major Ramifications]

In case you haven't figured it out, this has been discussed on here ad nauseam. Do some searching when you have some time.

 

[jjjrmx5]

As for hand tools, air tools and power tools, HF is very "hit or miss."

Some tiems are a very good deal given the price and durability. Others are not.

You also have to be careful as HF seems to change supplers/mfgs a lot more now than in times past, meaning what used to be acceptable quality is no longer the case.

HF has their place, but it's like tool store "Whack-A-Mole" in that items will suddenly disappear for good, disapper and then be restocked but with a different mfgr supplying it, or just be totally replaced with a different design where quality is really unknown.

I see it happen once if not more a year in my local stores on the items I always keep an eye on and monitor.

The tool carts and roll cabs seemed to have been the most consistant and quality/cost ROI item that I see.

 

[Askme42]

I basically buy tool storage and rarely needed items from there. I bought a heat gun for $10 to demold my truck. Figured if it demolded one truck awesome $10 well spent. I've done 3 trucks with it and its still going strong. Bought a grinder thinking I would rarely use it. Burned it up within a year and realized I will be using it much more than anticipated so I bought a metabo.

It's hit and miss u just don't know. Just because my heat gun has worked well doesn't mean the reviews I read that said wouldn't even turn on were false.

 

[cburnscrx]

In case you haven't figured it out, this has been discussed on here ad nauseam. Do some searching when you have some time.

^^^THIS^^^

Probably one of the most discussed topics on GJ.

There's some good stuff there, there's some terrible stuff there, and there's the up for debate depending on the environment you're using it in. Pro vs. Semi Pro vs. DIY.

I think it's pretty universally agreed the Earthquake impacts are good, and the snap ring pliers are terrible. Somewhere in between is everything else...

Additionally there's an entire pass/fail HF thread as well as a coupon thread.

 

[skruft]

I buy very little from HF because many of their early products were junk. Quality was completely spotty. They were a little like Grizzly once was, with no quality control. I did recently buy a hose reel and some gloves because they had good reviews.

 

[PDXCummins]

Seems to me that the stuff at HF which is worth purchasing is pretty unanimous on GJ. For example, the service carts, the 44" and larger roll aways, Earthquake impacts, etc. Everyone agrees on certain things at HF being worth the money while most of the other stuff it varies from person to person.

 

[NHBandit]

First impression was "here we go again" but I'm not one of those "do a search" types since the search funtion is pretty frustrating at times. Short anwser and my opinion and only my opinion... HF & Northern Tool are a good source of cheap tools for the home hobby type guys. They are better than they used to be for the most part and they are kicking Craftsman's *** in the mid range tool war. Truck brands will likely still be the choice of professionals who make a living with their tools for the short term future. Guys will pop in and say yeah but.. "the Chinese stuff has the same warranty now". Pros don't care. They want tools that don't break, period. Having to take time to bring stuff back to the store & exchange it is not productive when you need it to work every day.

 

[volleyball]

I am not snobbish. I've broken most brands of tools.

 

[Thephranc]

HF has levels of quality. If the tools are made in India and you get 24 wrenches for $8 you aren't getting good quality. How ever the Taiwan made wrenches that are thrice the price are also much better quality.

 

[Sheriff Roscoe]

I feel dirty stepping into HF. Quality or not (more often not), the thought of forcing American companies to compete with ultracheap labor or ultimately die nauseates me. I will pay more to support our quality of life. The only way American companies can compete is to cut costs. That means if Americans aren't willing to accept significantly less wages, companies will look elsewhere...which they have.

 

[volleyball]

Foreign competition means a better american product. Maybe not today but we'll get around to it or go out of business.
Foreign companies use to make just junk. They wanted to expand and upped their quality. They didn't want to go out of business. We need to do the same.
I've got no problem with buying HF. If I felt dirty, why would I still go?

 

[Zeke]

This whole debate is stale. Look, most of the stuff sold at hardware stores and box stores is made overseas these days. Plumbing, electrical, etc., not just tools. Cutting to the chase and buying this stuff 'factory direct' is nothing new.

 

[Super Sport]

Foreign competition means a better american product.

On an even playing field, this would hold true. However, the field isn't even. American companies have to pay far more for safety and regulations, as well as labor. Manufacturing in developing countries is much, much cheaper.

Sure, American companies can still produce here, pay the higher costs, and sell a better product at a higher price. This would work great if Americans would be willing to pay for those higher costs. Truth is, we won't. We want cheap **** and if it is lower quality we really don't care.

I buy some stuff at HF, and I can't say they're any worse than any other retailer. I realize, however, that buying USA-made goods supports better jobs, safer work conditions, and a cleaner environment. I'm willing to pay more for all of that, and I think more Americans should as well. I enjoy a higher standard of living, and would like to see this country maintain it.

Sorry to derail this thread further...

 

[zkling]

As for hand tools, air tools and power tools, HF is very "hit or miss."

Some items are a very good deal given the price and durability. Others are not.

^ This is about all one can say in general for the store. Like all brands it has specific items that are jems and and others that are well, not. Alot of their stuff appeals to someone that won't use the tool numerous times or depend on it and at the price of some items basically makes it disposable.

In case you haven't figured it out, this has been discussed on here ad nauseam. Do some searching when you have some time.

Woa, hold on you say there is a search function on this forum? Really where? I've never heard of this so called "search" function you so speak of sir. It is one of those mythical things?

 

[MDI09]

I really like the composite ratchets, especially in the cold. Good ten dollar purchase.

$7.00 shipping somehow makes it feel cleaner. I have only been inside an actual store twice and it did feel/smell weird. It's 250 miles to the closest one from here. The only thing that has failed on me was a $40 dollar three gallon air compressor, It was a present so, oh well. Its a good place to buy a set of wrenches to put in every vehicle.

As far as supporting American jobs. I have worked in America my whole life and I have seen a lot of two people doing a one person job.

 

[djb2]

Sure, American companies can still produce here, pay the higher costs, and sell a better product at a higher price. This would work great if Americans would be willing to pay for those higher costs. Truth is, we won't. We want cheap **** and if it is lower quality we really don't care.

I don't believe that storyline.

My impression is that retailers have much more control than consumers. They set what is available to buy. When Lowes drops the traditional U.S. products and switches entirely to Southwire branded electrical tools, they kept the premium price. They clearly aren't seeing that professionals are demanding only cheap tools. They are seeing that customers are willing to pay generously for tools, and want an even bigger piece of that pie.

But back to the topic: Harbor Freight has dramatically improved the quality of some hand tools in the past few years. This was part of the strategy change with the management change a few years ago.

A good example is the 9 piece wobble extension set. The set from five years ago had an unrefined shape and dull plating. The current set has beautiful polished chrome, knurling and a smooth contour on the wobble end.

The new ratchet line is extensive, and has been very well received here.

The $10 torque wrenches are still solid tools, pretty much unchanged for at least the past decade.

Mallets and deadblow hammers still feel cheap. That said, the old one here hasn't split despite the abuse that deadblows are subject to.

 

[warweapon762]

Alot of stuff has improved drastically in the past few years, I definitely agree on that. The impact tools, ALOT of wrenches and socket sets have drastically improved quality-wise.

Honestly, I think all my impact sockets are from HF, mainly because I have yet to see one of those self destruct.

I usually check the reviews, especially on the automotive stuff. But in general I've had a pretty good experience with their products.

 

[wafrederick]

I have one air tool from Harbor Freight,a Central Pneumatic Earthquake 1/4 air ratchet I bought 3 years ago.Have not had a problem with it yet and been a great 1/4 air ratchet for me.I thought it finally quit on me one day and was a quick easy fix.I did not have the lever to tighten in all the way.

 

[Raptor2k10]

Harbor freight puts out some decent tools. I have good luck with their air tools. Never tried a nail gun though... Just impacts, grinders, cut offs, ect...

It helps to look at the reviews online. I always look at the dates on the reviews to see if the tool had improved over time or if it's just getting worse. Also look at the low ratings... Most of the time you can tell if the guy has any idea of what he is doing first place.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Revere Cycles]

I don't believe that storyline.

My impression is that retailers have much more control than consumers. They set what is available to buy. When Lowes drops the traditional U.S. products and switches entirely to Southwire branded electrical tools, they kept the premium price. They clearly aren't seeing that professionals are demanding only cheap tools. They are seeing that customers are willing to pay generously for tools, and want an even bigger piece of that pie.

My local Lowes was blowing out all the Knipex "junk" for 75% off retail as they restocked with the new Southwire stuff. Since I am on a tight budget, I bought every last Knipex tool they had. I intend to replace the Knipex tools with Southwire "when" they break.

 

[2oolhound]

On an even playing field, this would hold true. However, the field isn't even. American companies have to pay far more for safety and regulations, as well as labor. Manufacturing in developing countries is much, much cheaper.

I buy some stuff at HF, and I can't say they're any worse than any other retailer. I realize, however, that buying USA-made goods supports better jobs, safer work conditions, and a cleaner environment. I'm willing to pay more for all of that, and I think more Americans should as well. I enjoy a higher standard of living, and would like to see this country maintain it.

+1 (but for Canada). Check the headlines:

http://www.wnd.com/2013/08/will-chicago-follow-detroit-into-bankruptcy/

http://www.newsmax.com/US/cities-bankruptcy-after-detroit/2013/08/06/id/519081

What's it gonna take before people realize it's not just the lions share of factory and assembly line jobs they want, the chinese central government is buying all the publicly traded shares in our natural resources, the base of the country's net worth.

Its a good place to buy a set of wrenches to put in every vehicle.

You could print this slogan on a wall plaque and give it to your kids. I wonder what they'd think of it in 20 years. It reminds me of the time I asked a friend how the food was at a new restaurant. "It's good, there's lots" was the reply.

As far as supporting American jobs. I have worked in America my whole life and I have seen a lot of two people doing a one person job.

Do we have to pave the way for 1 person doing 2 people's jobs? Get ready it's coming.

They have some decent tools for sure. Next time you're in those places take a good look at the discount table. There is usually some discounted kits with one piece missing because the guy who 1st bought it had that piece fail so he returned the kit and now the whole kit minus the failed piece is being sold at a special. This is often with taps and dies and bushing drivers but there is a real variety of failed tools you can scout out there.

I try to by North American made tools or "used" before supporting the offshore concern. I'm near the bottom of the food chain so I have bought offshore on occasion. I've been buying canadian tire and princess auto since the 60's but I've slowed down a lot on my purchasing there due to afore mentioned reasons.I have nothing against the individual citizens in china or 3rd world countries and would like to see them have better lives but it needs to be a slow transition not a hostile takeover like we're seeing now.

We all think "I'm just 1 person, what can I do" and give in to the temptation to glut out and buy lots but guys like Super Sport;3783131 and

I always try to buy stuff that is built in North America. Not easy but I believe in keeping your money where your neighbors are. You know the old saying "out of work, hungry, keep buying imports". Just old fashioned I guess.

who seem to get it and stand up and say the buck stops here or should we say "MY BUCK STOPS HERE". They get my respect.

 

[Lhorn]

I think a lot of the discussion on here is good. There are certain items I would definitely consider based on nearly universal positive reviews on here. Without this site, I wouldn't even consider the place because so much of the stuff I've bought there just underperforms, even at it's really low price. When I was on school I bought most of my stuff there (because I had no money) and I think it's pretty telling that almost none of it is still used because most anything I've replaced it with is far and away better or the HF item just doesn't work.

There's a lot they sell that can get the job done, but I make enough money now that I buy stuff that I feel will hold up for the long haul. The thrill of trading in a POS tool for a new one when the original breaks is lost on me. The time I spent driving to the store I could have bought a good tool to start with and saved myself the aggravation.
Certain items are gems. I get all my welding clamps there for instance. Other than this I think it's fine if you are broke and it's HF or nothing, but other than that, looking around for sales will get you better stuff for not much more money.

I will also say that I I have developed an aversion to buying stuff that is bottom drawer. That doesn't mean I'm a snob. Most of my stuff is middle of the road. I just appreciate decent quality and there's a lot out there that doesn't cost much more than HF if you look.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Just curous, what are people general opinions of the tools sold by Harbor Freight and to a lesser extend Northern Tool and one I have run across lately Thetoolwarehouse.net? Harbor freight has some good prices on lots of things, but I cant help but think if the price sis too good the tool maybe lesser quality. I have bought a couple things, mostly items that I wont use often but will handy to have if I need them or tools that don't see a lot of "heavy" use. Am I just being "snooty" of is there some validity to my thought process?

Along those lines any recommendations for reliable brands to begin building (and in some cases upgrading ) my tool collection?

I don't know about "collections" but if money is tight pittsburgh pro (taiwan) is probably the place to start for you. Lots of good stuff they offer.

Ideally the place to start is craftsman, or it was when it was a bit better quality wise. Now the lower end craftsman stuff isn't too hot. The husky holiday sets aren't bad for incidentals (hex and the like) I use those. If I need something or feel I will need it, I don't really care who's making it or where it's coming from. I'll look at it and make a determination as to quality. Even though the fit & finish on some of the pittsburgh pro stuff isn't too hot it does hold up.

 

[dsimatt]

My opinon on the HF type brand of tools is that they have their place, i even own some of their tools. I feel that if you are going to be using tools a bunch then you owe it to yourself to have your ''core'' tools that are your everyday ones be as good of quality that you can afford and the occasional ones you can get away with going cheaper.

I wrench for a living so my main core of tools are the more expensive tool brands but why i finally decide to buy 3/4 drive sockets and extra large wrenches i'll be going to northern tools and getting both sets for the same that a couple wrenches from snap on would cost but i don't need them everyday so i'm fine with that.

 

[carterbeauford]

I feel dirty stepping into HF.

I think less of people I see stepping into HF. been in there twice in the last year, looking for a level and a crowbar, left without buying anything. not sure why I keep going in there when I'm on the road, must be boredom. I won't use "Pittsburgh" tools in my tractor restoration shop, maybe it's my close proximity to the real Pittsburgh that's actually in the US that offends me.

 

[Revere Cycles]

I think less of people I see stepping into HF. been in there twice in the last year, looking for a level and a crowbar, left without buying anything. not sure why I keep going in there when I'm on the road, must be boredom. I won't use "Pittsburgh" tools in my tractor restoration shop, maybe it's my close proximity to the real Pittsburgh that's actually in the US that offends me.

Like you, I don't really like shopping at HF. I've gone there a few times recently, usually to get things like Goop (Made in USA) or Accu-Link belts (Made in Italy). Truthfully, I find most of their tools to be far beneath the quality of what I already own, or can source easily on the second hand market.

However, there was a time last year where I was pretty broke; I just started a new job and I was swamped with bills. My car needed some work done ASAP and I couldn't easily borrow what I needed from a friend. After checking Craigslist and not finding anything, I reluctantly went to HF. I bought some jack stands and a 3 ton floor jack. Those tools got me out of a bind and saved me some big money when I really needed the help. I've since purchased a new car, and haven't really had much of a use for those, but I am sure glad I have them.

As a matter of fact, earlier today, as I drove into the loading dock of my building, a buddy of mine asked if he could borrow the jack and stands to do some brake work on his car. I felt pretty good that I could pass those tools along to him so he could get out of a similar spot.

But as far as thinking less about HF shoppers, I don't make any judgements. It's not about the tool, it is about how you use it. I must point out, the staff at both of my local HFs are far nicer than what I regularly encounter at Lowe's or Home Depot.

 

[ibedayank]

Look up the screen name "mechanicnamedjohn" to form your own opinion. There'll be a lot of haters that may answer.

you better look again as his current tools are NOT hf