Harbor freight must haves?

[joshmodelskidoo]

1/2in breker bar http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-60819.html

center punch http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html

heat gun- cupons all over the place for $8 http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

multi meter always cupons on these and usually free http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

i hear the dead blow hammers are great http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=dead+blow+hammer

1/2in drive impact sockets http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=impact+sockets

1/4in torque wrench http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-drive-click-type-torque-wrench-2696.html

LOVE the step drill bits http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-69087.html

led flashlight- great little light i got free with a cupon, theres also a 2 pack http://www.harborfreight.com/3-12-9-led-mini-flashlight-69111.html

i have a jack that they dont carry anymore. just be carefull what you buy. they didnt get the nick name harbor fright for nothing or other nick names for that matter. i hear ther red tool cart and tool boxes are great. i have checked them out and i do like them.

 

[03protege]

Going there for a few hours to look at stuff? Save yourself the toxic fume headache and browse online till you know what you want.

 

[oilfieldtrash4]

My favorite tool store. Some of the stuff is just plain crazy in terms of value for the money. Some is just junk.
Impact sockets, earthquake impact , pole saw, ratchets, us general box, deadblow hammers, softface hammers come to mind as good values.

 

[TwoInch]

MUST HAVE

• Shop towels. Ever since I was a little kid the sign of a "real mechanic" was a red shop towel hanging from his back pocket !
• Made in the US rubber air hose

unfortunately, they do not sell the goodyear air hoses any longer.

 

[jd_1138]

As others have said, the 25" breaker bar is a no-brainer for each of your cars. The microfiber clothes are good for TV screens, glasses, etc.. Rechargeable batteries are a good deal that will keep you saving money.

The power tools (corded and cordless) are not as good as Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc, but are so cheap you may as well grab one to throw in your travel tool box or in your trunk. I've used my $17 Harbor Freight cordless drill on many, many projects -- usually when I am at someone's house. "Oh I have a drill in my trunk, let me go grab it."

Grab some of the freebie screwdrivers. I keep a set in the side pocket on each of our cars. I use them a lot.

This set seems alright. A big upgrade over the freebie/cheap set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html

 

[cburnscrx]

Obviously not truck quality, but if they are sizes you rarely use, HF has sockets that will work for cheap. I have a set of the Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 shallow sockets that I have for my truck box . I have used them to help people out that are broke down, things like changing alternator, etc. I use them at the junk yard, sometimes with a big breaker bar. So far, they have performed. If it something you are going to use everyday, I would definitely get something better.

Actually I some Pittsburgh Pro sockets, and they have held up quite well, and I couldn't ask for anything more from them. I have mostly Craftsman USA sockets, but have no problem recommending the Pittsburgh Pro's. I think that's the key..."Pro". They're made in Taiwan vs. China. Take a look, so far extremely pleased!

 

[bcradio]

1/2" drive extendable ratchet: http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-extendable-ratchet-98831.html

and 3/8" x 1/4" extendable ratchet: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-1-4-quarter-inch-dual-drive-extendable-ratchet-98802.html

I do not like that 1/2" extendable ratchet. It has skipped teeth on me a number of times. I also avoid pretty much all consumables from there except maybe drill bits.

The rest of the suggestions are pretty spot on though.

 

[RatchetMan]

Magnetic parts tray

This. Plus, pick up a mini pick set. They are cheap and work just as well as the $45 Snapon sets. In my opinion, they are a consumable that lives a rough life so don't spend truck prices on them.

 

[Scout Driver]

Dead-blow hammers. 1/2" and 3/8" breaker bars. A box or two of rubber gloves. Their 6" digital caliper is handy and inexpensive with a coupon. The 10" tires with wheels are a good buy too. Just make sure to look them over. Some have bearings that don't turn like they should.

Scott

 

[PugetDude]

Febreze.

 

[ijroorda]

I do not like that 1/2" extendable ratchet. It has skipped teeth on me a number of times.

Take it back and get it replaced under warranty. Between me, my family and my friends we have several of these that have been used and abused and never had a problem; maybe you got a bad one. I never use a breaker bar shorter than my 24" these days; this ratchet has replaced the 12" and 18" ones.

 

[GoodLife99]

I own this ratchet. I love it. Very handy you can extend it to get more torque.
97% of 44 respondents would recommend this to a friend.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-extendable-ratchet-98831.html?hftref=cj

 

[Brownsfan]

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-head-flex-ratchet-wrench-67994.html

X2. this and its non flex little brother. The only 2 HF tools I own

 

[jhall0712]

I just picked up the 25" breaker bar last week for $9. Awesome deal. I like their 'mechanix' knock off gloves too. I have several pairs around the garage.

I picked up a whole bunch of clamps for $2 a piece. I don't expect them to hold up but if they get me through a couple projects I will be happy.

 

[fourtythree]

The hf sockets are fine. Obviosly they're not snap on but they work and I've yet to see one break. They're taiwan made and not the chinese garbage everyone seems to think they are.

Some of the electric tools are ****, but some are surprisingly good. The DA polisher comes to mind. I actually prefer it to its PC counterpart. Just read reviews and know what to look for before you go to the store.

 

[TreePointer]

Impact Resistant Safety Glasses do the job they're designed for at a much better price than the same design at other stores. I grab a couple pair every time I'm in HF.

http://www.harborfreight.com/impact-resistant-safety-glasses-94357.html

 

[ATC]

really the stuff to load up there are yer garage consumables like zip ties, gloves, cut off wheels and the like.

I'd have to disagree with you there. The consumables at HF are complete junk. About 3 out of 10 zip ties come out of the bag with a broken locking tab...the others are brittle and snap within a few months of service. Cutoff wheels barely last through 5-6 cuts. Hose clamps are like butter and strip out easily. Their gloves are OK for light steel fab work.

just stay away from the hand tools like wrenches, ratchets &sockets.

Quite the opposite, but the general consensus is that the ratchets and sockets are a great bargain as long as you stay with the PRO line that are made in Taiwan. I have a couple ratchets, and some of their impact sockets/extensions/and adapters and love them.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I'd have to disagree with you there. The consumables at HF are complete junk. About 3 out of 10 zip ties come out of the bag with a broken locking tab...the others are brittle and snap within a few months of service. Cutoff wheels barely last through 5-6 cuts. Hose clamps are like butter and strip out easily. Their gloves are OK for light steel fab work. [\QUOTE]

I've gone through hundreds and hundreds of their zip ties in projects and not had any fail in the manner you describe. Could have been a bad batch you got, or your use of them may exceeded their capacity.

Cutoff wheels also hold up well in my experience.

Hoseclamps- I'm finding it hard to find *any* hoseclamps that actually hold up these days unless I go to a real auto parts store or Grainger.

Gloves- Got plenty of those. Too many, likely.

 

[thesilverone]

chinese rubber fumes

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

chinese rubber fumes

Hopefully I can leave those in the store. YUCK

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you find the HF gloves are cutting easily, just skip them entirely and order a box of kleenguards from zoro tools. Much better durability in my experience.

http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-head-flex-ratchet-wrench-67994.html

Awesome tool right there. Lowest profile head I've ever seen on a 3/8" and 1/4" ratchet, and extra long for more torque. Mine has withstood over 100 ft-lbs regularly without complaint.
3/8" drive head thickness:
http://shadowflareindustries.com/images/tools/thinpittratchet3.JPG

Not flex, but . . . 2 is good; 4 is better? http://www.ebay.com/itm/360766757647

 

[neel2008]

If you find the HF gloves are cutting easily, just skip them entirely and order a box of kleenguards from zoro tools. Much better durability in my experience.




Not flex, but . . . 2 is good; 4 is better? http://www.ebay.com/itm/360766757647

one of the main reasons people like that dual flex head ratchet is it is very low profile, having two on one end defeats that purpose....

 

[gobeer net]

I've broken every zip tie I've ever bought from Harbor Freight. If its even a slightly chilly (<=45F) I can bend them in half and often break them. I consider them worthless.

I have blown through two sets of 1/2" HF impact sockets, cracked all the useful sizes in very short order. That was a few years ago, so they could be different now.

I'm not confident in their plyers, they are always the last to get picked out of the drawer.

I like my HF:
Toolbox
Screwdrivers (much prefered over entry level craftsman)
Multimeter (its my glovebox "high end testlight", in every vehicle)
Large alum floor jack (died after 7 years, replaced by Craftsman)
Drawer liners
tarps for occasional uses
Furniture dollies (used the casters for a jet ski stand)
Large crecent wrench
Pittsburgh Pro HD flexy ratchet (took out the middle link to make a shorty flexy ratchet)

 

[ex-x-fire]

I use these a lot.
The long double ended ratchet & the drain/fill socket set.

 

[diggerrick]

I do not like that 1/2" extendable ratchet. It has skipped teeth on me a number of times. I also avoid pretty much all consumables from there except maybe drill bits.

The rest of the suggestions are pretty spot on though.

I've never had a hint of that problem, and I love the 72t. I used to have that problem with my Craftsman from the '90's until I lubed it though.

 

[NUTTSGT]

When they go on sale, the bench brush for less than $2 isn't a bad deal. While the brush isn't super fine, it does ok.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-inch-bench-brush-1072.html

Mover dollies; wait till they are sale for 8-9 bucks. They are great to store engine blocks on and a wide array of other uses.

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

 

[tenchu]

Micro flush cutters, these are GREAT for cutting zip ties where appearance is important, or cutting zip ties off in tight spaces. I've probably cut 10,000 zip ties with these, worth every penny.
http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-flush-cutter-90708.html

56" roller cabinet - I've had this for a few years now, was used daily when I was working in the dealership, now that i'm out of the automotive industry its just my home box, but I would buy another in a heart beat
http://www.harborfreight.com/56-inch-11-drawer-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html

42" roller cabinet - Not as nice as the 56" but great bang for your buck, this was my home box before the 56" came home
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-44-13-drawer-gloss-red-industrial-uality-68784.html

5-drawer tool cart - Pain to install, but surely worth the $500+ in savings over buying a truck cart of equal quality.
http://www.harborfreight.com/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html

1/4", 3/8", & 1/2" swivel head ratchets. I bought a 1/2" one a couple years ago to try and keep as a spare, since then it, and the 1/4" & 3/8" that have joined it have replaced my Snap-On ratchets at work, and the Snap-Ons have moved home where I will not lose them.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html

"professional" 301pc tool set - I bought this one day because I had a coupon for something just barely over $100 and I couldn't resist, great set to have for backup, trunk box, junk yard box, etc. Tools aren't the HIGHEST quality, but for occasional use, they're great, and if you lose one, no sweat. Note: The included ratchets however, are junk.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

Angle die grinder - I bought this a few years back for $9.99 w/ a coupon thinking i'd get a couple months out of it, its still going strong, probably the best deal at HF if you ask me
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-angle-die-grinder-32046.html

Powder coating system - I bought this to learn how to powder coat, and have since done a few high traffic car parts that turned out with a great strong finish. I cannot comment on the HF powder though as I purchased mine from another source
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-30-psi-powder-coating-system-94244.html

3pc line clamp set - Great for blocking off coolant/oil/etc hoses when removing/replacing parts on cars. These are a GREAT deal
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-line-clamp-set-97578.html

I've also had good luck with:

-"PRO" line of sockets (the cheap porous cast impact sockets are a NO GO)

-Swivel head ratcheting wrenches

-Composite ratchets

-Snappy replica 1/4" ratchet

-Allen sockets (normal length non-ball end)

 

[tedsters]

i like HF have one 4 miles from me now the thing i hate is they will have 4 ads out all with different prices and different coupons a torque wrench might be regular price in one for $34.99 and $16.99 in another and $9.99 in one with a super coupon so you got look the ads over are sunday paper usually has one and i am on there mailing list also

 

[genevabuck]

I am pretty much a tool truck snob. That being said, I think that HF has about 10 or 12 good products. The Pittsburgh Pro dual flex head 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet is by far the best product that I have bought from them though. I have never seen anything on any truck that compares.

 

[ER70S-2]

The circular saw blade sharpener makes a pretty awesome tungsten sharpener. I removed the guard from the wheel and mounted the motor vertically to my welding cart. I love it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-volt-circular-saw-blade-sharpener-96687.html

 

[Theruse]

44" tool chest
tool chest dividers
magnetic paper towel holder
magnetic nitrile glove holder
magnetic rattle can/ screwdriver holder
40" under hood LED bar light
aluminum racing jack
low profile creeper
mover dollies
swivel casters
9 1/2 inch magnetic tray with hood
18' or 24" breaker bar
Earthquake impact wrench
orange dead blow hammer

 

[HanShotFirst]

For a home guy, I'd highly recommend their ratchets, and their sockets are damn good too.

The 4 & 5 drawer service carts are a steal.
I like their socket organizers.

Magnetic parts trays, can never have too many of those. I have found the little 1" belt sander to be extremely useful. And the heat gun is very good.

When you catch them on sale the torque wrenches are a very good deal.

If you do any precision work like machine work, here are a few things I like:

dial calipers when they're on sale.
Dial indicators, I have about a half dozen and they are accurate (at least my Starrets say so)
Magnetic bases for dial indicators
I have an old set of Starrett parallel bars but everyone tells me the HF ones are a great deal.

The cheap angle grinders are great for casual occasional use. I caught them on sale for like 11.00 and I bought two, one for cutoff wheels one for a wire wheel.

 

[Brownsfan]

I am pretty much a tool truck snob. That being said, I think that HF has about 10 or 12 good products. The Pittsburgh Pro dual flex head 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet is by far the best product that I have bought from them though. I have never seen anything on any truck that compares.

I have to agree. This thing is great.

 

[mingus2112]

When you catch them on sale the torque wrenches are a very good deal.

More like a steal. I forget what kind of crazy sale they had going on, but I got 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches last year for under $30 - TOTAL. ($9 and change each!) They're just as accurate as my craftsman (not that the craftsman is a gem, but it was over $50 on sale) 3/8 that I picked up several years ago. Not so say they're perfect, but I don't think you'd find something better under $100. For <$30 for the set, it was a no brainer for me. I use the 1/2" all the time.

-J

 

[wafrederick]

Automotive specialty tools,I have the oil pressure sending unit and oxygen sensor socket set and is a pretty good set.Comes with 3 diesel injector sockets I will never use also.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

<snip>


just stay away from the hand tools like wrenches, ratchets &sockets.
<snip>

Um, with all due respect, the new ratchets are among the best available at any price--and they are around $10 each. The Pittsburgh PRO sockets are GREAT--and well regarded everywhere (even here!). I haven't bought any of their wrenches, so I can't comment on them, but would try the PRO line if they have them.

 

[rockinacummins]

I am pretty much a tool truck snob. That being said, I think that HF has about 10 or 12 good products. The Pittsburgh Pro dual flex head 1/4 and 3/8 ratchet is by far the best product that I have bought from them though. I have never seen anything on any truck that compares.

I've eyeballed that one a few times... Where are you guys finding a good use for it? Is it because of the thin profile or the long reach or having two drive sizes in one tool?

 

[CD1]

Um, with all due respect, the new ratchets are among the best available at any price--and they are around $10 each. The Pittsburgh PRO sockets are GREAT--and well regarded everywhere (even here!). I haven't bought any of their wrenches, so I can't comment on them, but would try the PRO line if they have them.

Agreed, the new Pittsburgh Pro ratchets are very nice. Purchased when on sale at 50% and using a 20% discount coupon is a good deal.

 

[TreePointer]

I've eyeballed that one a few times... Where are you guys finding a good use for it? Is it because of the thin profile or the long reach or having two drive sizes in one tool?

I bought mine before I had any thin profile or flex ratchets, and used it for both of those reasons when the occasion arose. I've since acquired a few more thin profile and flex ratchets, but I got along fine with this HF tool for those purposes. I still find myself using it when tooling around some farm tractor engines that are long and deep and partially tucked behind front end loader arms. It's reach is perfect for some of those bolts.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I've eyeballed that one a few times... Where are you guys finding a good use for it? Is it because of the thin profile or the long reach or having two drive sizes in one tool?

For me it's because of the thin profile and looong reach. Perfect for timing belt changes in cramped Japanese cars. Used it on my 2001 Civic. Long reach made it super easy to get deep in there. Thin beam came in handy when I had to ratchet back towards the front of the car. I can't remember what got in the way, but a normal flex head ratchet would've been much more difficult to swing back and forth. The HF flex head was thin enough to easily get through the tight spaces.