I'm Done With Harbor Freight

[tV8bird]

Just got a downright NASTY reply from Harbor Freight's customer service in my email inbox.

Pretty disappointed. I complained about the 68882 Pole Saw that I purchased new five years ago (as a gift for my father who passed before using it), and I opened it two or three years ago--brand new but out-of-warranty.

(To clarify, my father prevented me from discovering that this was a lemon until after the 90-day warranty period. Regardless, the number of problems I have had should have at least gotten me an apology.)

EVERY time I use this thing, it has some internal failure. So I have fixed it repeatedly, until yesterday when I emailed WHILE repairing it because I'm frustrated that I spend more time repairing the tool than using it. I think I have a right to be disappointed. Warranty period or otherwise.

So, that's it. I'm off Harbor Freight for good.

Anyone have any good experiences with any OTHER electric pole saws for under $100?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Let's see the email.

 

[PugetDude]

The saw is five years old, It's been out of warranty for 4-3/4 years.
I think your expectations are a bit high on this one.
But I suppose they could have offered you a fistful of 20% off coupons and a free multimeter to keep you as a loyal customer.

 

[Robbie B]

Just got a downright NASTY reply from Harbor Freight's customer service in my email inbox.

Pretty disappointed. I complained about the 68882 Pole Saw that I purchased new five years ago (as a gift for my father who passed before using it), and I opened it two or three years ago--brand new but out-of-warranty.

(To clarify, my father prevented me from discovering that this was a lemon until after the 90-day warranty period. Regardless, the number of problems I have had should have at least gotten me an apology.)

EVERY time I use this thing, it has some internal failure. So I have fixed it repeatedly, until yesterday when I emailed WHILE repairing it because I'm frustrated that I spend more time repairing the tool than using it. I think I have a right to be disappointed. Warranty period or otherwise.

So, that's it. I'm off Harbor Freight for good.

Anyone have any good experiences with any OTHER electric pole saws for under $100?

 

[neophyte]

I know Harbor Freight has gotten a good reputation on a number of tools etc. over the past decade or so,
But it’s still Harbor Freight.
They’re literally the company that recalled jack stands, and then replaced those recalled jack stands with new jack stands that were then recalled.
While I have no objection buying certain products from Harbor Freight, I usually regard the products as a gamble on whether the tool will be useful and functional, or whether the product might fail, but accept the risk due to the comparatively low cost.
If you purchased an item years ago, actually getting a warrantee can be hit or miss no matter the company, especially if the item is out of warrantee.
So you tried and it didn’t work out.

 

[tV8bird]

Let's see the email.

Haha, I figured someone would ask, and that didn't take long. I was tempted to do this, but I really don't want to get too caught up in hate stuff. I just want to know about other info on other pole saws at this point. There's so many out there. I use mine once or twice a summer. I don't need heavy duty, but I need something that can work two hours or so a year without costing me an additional two hours or more in repairs each time.

Suggestions?

 

[B_Bimmer]

I've spent way too much at harbor fright that I regret, but despite that you're the type of customer that makes me wonder how any company stays in business. A five year old discount product is not the kind of thing a reasonable person expects great support on.

 

[tV8bird]

I know Harbor Freight has gotten a good reputation on a number of tools etc. over the past decade or so,
But it’s still Harbor Freight.
They’re literally the company that recalled jack stands, and then replaced those recalled jack stands with new jack stands that were then recalled.
While I have no objection buying certain products from Harbor Freight, I usually regard the products as a gamble on whether the tool will be useful and functional, or whether the product might fail, but accept the risk due to the comparatively low cost.
If you purchased an item years ago, actually getting a warrantee can be hit or miss no matter the company, especially if the item is out of warrantee.
So you tried and it didn’t work out.

No argument. But I think I have less than ten hours on the tool, regardless of age. And the first time out the guide bar FELL off. (Nut inside the housing is not CAPTIVE. It's glued in. And the glue just let go.)

Every experience has been like that.

So if I decide to admit I'm partially to blame for making the purchase in the first place, can we skip to the part where people make helpful suggestions?

 

[tV8bird]

So, I think the message is that we don't hold manufacturers accountable and we shouldn't expect quality or assistance.

Fine.

Any helpful suggestions on choosing a replacement tool?

 

[WVBrady]

I used my HF saw several times. Eventually, the black piece that tightens the extension split. I used it a few times after that with it all the way in.

I replaced it with a 20v DeWalt and am quite satisfied with it. It will last about one hour with trimming dead limbs and brush. The cost was under $200.

 

[Ton ton]

Stihl.

 

[neophyte]

So, I think the message is that we don't hold manufacturers accountable and we shouldn't expect quality or assistance.

Fine.

Any helpful suggestions on choosing a replacement tool?

Any manufacturer can make tools that are **** on occasion.
Back when Milwaukee tools were mostly US made, the Milwaukee cordless tools came with batteries that were made in Mexico.
The Mexican batteries weren’t great, and then the batteries had to be recalled due to a design flaw that could cause the batteries to explode.
Later, Milwaukee switched to Japanese made batteries, probably made by Panasonic, and while the battery cells tended to be excellent, the cells weren’t always welded properly.
Dewalt meanwhile had an issue with their biscuit joiners at one point were a batch had improperly machined fences.


If you want a replacement pole saw, Stihl, Milwaukee, and Ryobi all manufacture pole saws.
The Ryobi seems to be somewhat close in price to the Harbor Freight one, but that’s probably just for the bare tool.
I’m not sure that the Ryobi still comes with a satisfaction guarantee like they used to though.
Alternaively, would a non-powered pole saw work?

 

[Bogie1632]

Borrowed a 10ft Worx power cord pole saw a couple time this summer. Worked well' plenty of power for branch trimming. For $90 I may be getting one for around the house on our small lot so I dont have to keep borrowing each year.

If you need a longer one I think you'll have a tough time finding one at $100. Dewalt has a nice 15ft 20V model for around $150. Would have borrowed that but it was in use elsewhere both times I needed a saw.

Good luck.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Skin]

So, I think the message is that we don't hold manufacturers accountable and we shouldn't expect quality or assistance.

Fine.

Any helpful suggestions on choosing a replacement tool?

Not when you knowingly went to the junkiest place on the planet for a power tool then want to hold them accountable 5 years later.

For under $70 no, you shouldnt of had any expectations of "quality". Buy cheap get cheap.

 

[ddawg16]

Hmmm.......15 posts and the majority are negative.

So...you only come here to ***** about stuff?

 

[ChevyEFI]

There's a nice excerpt about tool selection in the beginning pages of an automotive repair manual series commonly sold at parts stores.

Basically, if you're not going to use it much, try going cheap.
If it craps out, upgrade.

It's only 2 steps. Try and follow along.

 

[driftpin]

My ECHO split-boom has an available chainsaw piece. I don't have it, I have the line trimmer, an extension, a hedge trimmer, an edger, and a circular saw blade, all attachments. I say the head unit is 10 years old. It gets a spark plug, an air filter, and a gas filter occasionally.

 

[gentzel]

Haha, I figured someone would ask, and that didn't take long. I was tempted to do this, but I really don't want to get too caught up in hate stuff.

Too late. If you'd just posted asking for recommendations on low-end pole saws, with a comment like "For personal reasons, please leave HF out of the discussion", you'd likely have gotten useful feedback.

But you chose "HF *****" for your opener and should have expected some blow-back.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Haha, I figured someone would ask, and that didn't take long. I was tempted to do this, but I really don't want to get too caught up in hate stuff. I just want to know about other info on other pole saws at this point. There's so many out there. I use mine once or twice a summer. I don't need heavy duty, but I need something that can work two hours or so a year without costing me an additional two hours or more in repairs each time.

Suggestions?

Yep, I figured as much. So let me get this straight, you make a big deal about a NASTY email from Harbor Freight, but when asked to provide the proof, or at least what you say is the proof, you "don't want to get caught up in hate stuff."

Sure, buddy.

 

[PugetDude]

I have a Stihl Combi system with a pole saw attachment, and a carbon fiber extension pole. It works great, but it was more than $70. Highly recommend this system. In addition to the pole saw, the hedge trimmer, blower, and weedwacker have all given me good service for the past 10 years. Starts easily, runs smoothly. Never been in for service.

Write this one off; you gave it away as a gift anyway. HF owes you nothing, which is exactly what they offered. Also, I'd like to hear more about your "repairs", don't know many HF service technicians.

 

[CmpAnaheim]

Keep your days tool or you will regret it but by anything but harbor freight accept their tool boxes, gloves, and icon tools.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ton ton]

I have a Stihl Combi system with a pole saw attachment, and a carbon fiber extension pole. It works great, but it was more than $70. Highly recommend this system. In addition to the pole saw, the hedge trimmer, blower, and weedwacker have all given me good service for the past 10 years. Starts easily, runs smoothly. Never been in for service.

Write this one off; you gave it away as a gift anyway. HF owes you nothing, which is exactly what they offered. Also, I'd like to hear more about your "repairs", don't know many HF service technicians.

Yes me too. How do you fix HF tools

 

[jd_1138]

First rule in customer service is to not make the customer feel like dog s--t for having bought your product, so they should've apologized for the inconvenience at least. And perhaps send you a $20 HF gift card or something.

I just bought my first welder -- Titanium 125 DC unit from HF. Whopping $230 for the machine with all the required pieces -- auto-darkening helmet, extra spool of wire, set of brushes, gloves. My neighbor is a pro welder at work but doesn't have one at his house (he just moved here and is outfitting his garage).

I brought the welding kit over there so he could fix his trailer and some other items. I told him to keep it over there, and I will just grab it when I need it next month. He said he has Miller machines at work, but is impressed with this little HF welder. So HF does make some decent items for people who are home/DIYers. I'm not sure how long it'd last in a pro environment though?

 

[LB-1911]

Anyone have any good experiences with any OTHER electric pole saws for under $100?

Triple your budget and go manual -

Silky


Happy Shopping

 

[b-boy]

No argument. But I think I have less than ten hours on the tool, regardless of age. And the first time out the guide bar FELL off. (Nut inside the housing is not CAPTIVE. It's glued in. And the glue just let go.)

Every experience has been like that.

So if I decide to admit I'm partially to blame for making the purchase in the first place, can we skip to the part where people make helpful suggestions?

If you got 10 hours on a HF tool, you're way ahead of the game.

I had their higher-end hammer drill fail after less than 30 seconds. There was a puff of smoke and the smell of burnt plastic. That was all.

I only buy HF for something I'll use once. Even then it's a gamble.

PS - Only exception I've seen is their step bits. They're a pretty good deal, and they last.

 

[karoc]

When I buy from HF I don't have the anticipation of that tool lasting long time so that I won't be disappointed when they fail. But some of their products are pretty dang good,and buying from them was only way that fit my low budget(cheap) So I guess its a give/take,roll dice,scratch ticket loss,etc. Throw the pole saw away,buy a good one and with your use schedule it should last life time.
Still waiting on US General Upper Cabinet 42" go on sale while I am still ageing

 

[dnschmidt]

My landscaper has an Echo pole saw, or at least that's who I think makes it. Why would I ever need one? I'm sure Eric Smidt is trembling in his boots about losing you as a customer.

https://www.google.com/search?q=own...ECAUQCA&biw=1536&bih=775#imgrc=G3uUd3MsWTukGM

 

[Dumber than lumber]

Just got a downright NASTY reply from Harbor Freight's customer service in my email inbox.

Pretty disappointed. I complained about the 68882 Pole Saw that I purchased new five years ago (as a gift for my father who passed before using it), and I opened it two or three years ago--brand new but out-of-warranty.

EVERY time I use this thing, it has some internal failure. So I have fixed it repeatedly, until yesterday when I emailed WHILE repairing it because I'm frustrated that I spend more time repairing the tool than using it. I think I have a right to be disappointed. Warranty period or otherwise.

So, that's it. I'm off Harbor Freight for good.

Anyone have any good experiences with any OTHER electric pole saws for under $100?

Don’t blame HF for the rudeness of an employee. You going to bang the employee’s wife now?
BTW : sorry about your Dad.

 

[bdbecker]

Triple your budget and go manual -

Silky


Happy Shopping

I bet those are nice. For us peasants, I'd suggest a more affordable option. US made as well. Looks like HD has free home delivery if you don't have Amazon Prime.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Jameson...w-with-3-Fiberglass-Poles-LS-6PKG-6/202536694

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0077S1ASO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dave*99]

Stihl Combi system. More than $100 for sure. Works 100% of the time.

 

[dogdog]

So, I think the message is that we don't hold manufacturers accountable and we shouldn't expect quality or assistance.

Fine.

Any helpful suggestions on choosing a replacement tool?

I don't think your rage is reasonable on this one here, I would love to see the email too and just from the Customer service POV if they are being professional or not. BTW no manufacture will warranty anything that old , regardless of usage or not.

I have to deal with them recently on the 2 gallon sprayer and they have been professional, although I am irate about their CS phone have no answer, and the return for defective pumps & sprayers is out right Horrible ******. even if you bought it right there opened the box, it's non-returnable at the store...anymore. Took two days for CS to respond and issue me my refund. Still waiting for my credit card to show. But I only bought it a week ago.

 

[dogdog]

First rule in customer service is to not make the customer feel like dog s--t for having bought your product, so they should've apologized for the inconvenience at least. And perhaps send you a $20 HF gift card or something.

I just bought my first welder -- Titanium 125 DC unit from HF. Whopping $230 for the machine with all the required pieces -- auto-darkening helmet, extra spool of wire, set of brushes, gloves. My neighbor is a pro welder at work but doesn't have one at his house (he just moved here and is outfitting his garage).

I brought the welding kit over there so he could fix his trailer and some other items. I told him to keep it over there, and I will just grab it when I need it next month. He said he has Miller machines at work, but is impressed with this little HF welder. So HF does make some decent items for people who are home/DIYers. I'm not sure how long it'd last in a pro environment though?

First rule dealing with people regardless if they are right or wrong, customer or customer service, is first offer a reasonable respect for the other person on the other end. Acting like the world revolve around you gets you no where though, people are less likely to bent the rules for you... and of cause they have their hands tie sometimes, as in not everyone have that gift card budget. Oh yea talking about CS.... FU Channel Lock with your FAKE lifetime warranty ....

 

[BFBOB]

Stihl.

Ummm...
I'm a big Stihl fan - currently have 4 saws and a trimmer.

BUT even my Stihl pole saw (4cycle gas) had to go to the shop for a new carburetor after only 2 years of light use. Mech said it was my fault for not draining the gas and running it dry after EACH AND EVERY use. What a PITA, but I guess he was right. Five more years, it hasn't glitched again.

And the moral of this story is: Nothing's Perfect.

(but some things are closer than others)

 

[JRC3]

Well, it said right on the box the confidence HF had in the product before you even bought it.

We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 90 days from the date of purchase.

That's a pretty good indicator of what to expect.

If it were me I'd probably go buy a Ryobi for $100 and get a 3 year warranty.

 

[M635_Guy]

No argument. But I think I have less than ten hours on the tool, regardless of age. And the first time out the guide bar FELL off. (Nut inside the housing is not CAPTIVE. It's glued in. And the glue just let go.)

Every experience has been like that.

So if I decide to admit I'm partially to blame for making the purchase in the first place, can we skip to the part where people make helpful suggestions?

They have no way to know, and it's been...

five

years...


I think your expectations of them are way beyond reasonable. Sounds like you got a lemon, which is uncool, but that's why you don't let things sit in the box without trying them out.

That one is mentioned pretty regularly in the "Pass/Fail" thread as a "Pass". I don't think your frustration is entirely justified, but I get why you don't want to walk through the door (it's a "you" thing, not a "them" thing, but whatever)

 

[MrSurly]

There's a nice excerpt about tool selection in the beginning pages of an automotive repair manual series commonly sold at parts stores.

Basically, if you're not going to use it much, try going cheap.
If it craps out, upgrade.

It's only 2 steps. Try and follow along.

THE Number ONE best reply.

I upvote this.

 

[vavet]

Don't buy a Poulan Pro. A pole saw was my one and only foray (well twice if you count Lowe's exchanged it for me once and then I returned the second unit for a refund). I owned each saw for about 24 hours, took both of them to a repair shop for adjustments, and talked to the tech support line for each of them before finally telling them to shove it when they told me I was pulling the cord incorrectly.

 

[zendriver]

Never a cringy moment, reading yet another “I’m done with........” rant. I see them on Facebook and they always come back. [emoji4]

I have that pole saw wow I didn’t realize they were selling them for almost $80 (I think I paid $49 for mine thanks, you know who)

. Worked awesome for the 15 minutes I used it.
It’s set unused now for probably over six years, but I know now if I try it and it doesn’t work that I can’t return it to the store.


Most people that buy stuff from Harbor freight usually know ilthey are indeed “making a deal with the devil” Trading a low price with quality that can be all over the place, from death on the 91st day to lasting forever.

If it doesn’t last forever, you pitch it in the trash and move on with life.





Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[MrSurly]

Just got a downright NASTY reply from Harbor Freight's customer service in my email inbox.
Pretty disappointed.

I'm last in line to defend HF, but you've just launched an ad hominum attack on the outfit and their people without providing the proof for us that they were "nasty".

I complained about the 68882 Pole Saw that I purchased new five years ago

THIS is where my gut said that I should stop reading.

(as a gift for my father who passed before using it), and I opened it two or three years ago--brand new but out-of-warranty.

You seem to imply that it's 'effectively new' because Dad never used it.... but YOU have been using it for THREE YEARS(?)

So now, having napalmed HF with your opening salvo, you'll just pretend that we should all ignore your flamethrowing, we should align with you in your denigration of your target...AND we should all move on to your selected new topic: Where can you buy a high-quality product for cheap-*** money...
(and just ignore that fire you started)

Anyone have any good experiences with any OTHER electric pole saws for under $100?

 

[JRC3]

Not sure why but this 30+ year old bit by Louie Anderson pops into my head about his mom driving around and buying junk at garage sales. She wants to buy an old toaster for a quarter...Louie says, "You don't even know if it works." Her reply, "Well, the cord's worth a quarter."

Does that HF saw even have a cord, or just some recessed prongs?