LeeG
Well-known member
The Bremen welding clamp/vise grip type pliers are almost identical to Milwaukee and half the price. I have a bunch of each.
I've never walked into a Harbor Freight store....
- Thread starter wolverinehusky
- Start date
The half inch Pittsburg breaker bar is wall reviewed and is a beast. Bought
several to keep in the cars and truck along with the right sized socket in case of a flat tire. Beats the dinky lug nut wrench that come with the vehicles. Like others have said, corded or battery tools are suspect. The little always free flashlights are great for the price.
several to keep in the cars and truck along with the right sized socket in case of a flat tire. Beats the dinky lug nut wrench that come with the vehicles. Like others have said, corded or battery tools are suspect. The little always free flashlights are great for the price.
PhantomEB
Well-known member
I never been but I hope to change that if I get back to work soon and the border opens up. I need to do a road trip into Montana for the DYI bumpers for my weekend truck.
I so want to see these US General toolboxes!
I so want to see these US General toolboxes!
OP
wolverinehusky
Well-known member
Update:
This light is awesome for the price. Super strong magnet and bright. Lighting in my garage is meh and already used this for a simple job. Highly recommend:
This light is awesome for the price. Super strong magnet and bright. Lighting in my garage is meh and already used this for a simple job. Highly recommend:
Didn’t they have that digital caliper in a plastic case?
The magnetic parts trays are great.... I have several stuck around the garage. They have a magnetic glove box holder that’s pretty useful. I got their mag paper towel holder but haven’t opened the box yet, but their blue roll of paper shop towels on sale are still cheaper at Costco. Their hardware is kinda OK but I’m not going to use it on anything important. The plastic scraper sets not bad. I have a couple of their really long pliers that are OK based on cost and that I got to pick through a bunch of them to find ones that were aligned decently enough. They have this little flashlight, 500 lumens, three Batteries, for like $9 or so on sale. Very bright, on/off no strobe ****... just don’t drop it!
The magnetic parts trays are great.... I have several stuck around the garage. They have a magnetic glove box holder that’s pretty useful. I got their mag paper towel holder but haven’t opened the box yet, but their blue roll of paper shop towels on sale are still cheaper at Costco. Their hardware is kinda OK but I’m not going to use it on anything important. The plastic scraper sets not bad. I have a couple of their really long pliers that are OK based on cost and that I got to pick through a bunch of them to find ones that were aligned decently enough. They have this little flashlight, 500 lumens, three Batteries, for like $9 or so on sale. Very bright, on/off no strobe ****... just don’t drop it!
driftpin
Well-known member
It sounds like your trip was a positive experience. Your preparation was good, targeting things you wanted to buy, or to check-out, and with some info on what specific things others found lacking in durability. "Don't buy anything you can hold in your hand," probably is about as-useful advice as a couple of posts I saw here, which painted with a very-wide brush, about 'what not-to buy.'
I have one of the old, Chicago Electric 4-1/2" side grinders w/an orange plastic case. It's I'm guessing, close-to 20 years-old. I've used it mostly for cutting steel during its time in my collection. The HFT grinding discs, abrasive wheels, and flap-discs are usually what I've used with it. Rarely have I had any issues with the cutting/sanding/grinding disposables. For-sure the price is right.
'Avoid all corded tools," if you do, your positive experiences will never occur. I haven't bought any HFT cordless tools, so I have no experience there. My corded HFT multi-tool has done great service for me, if I'm going to be using it continuously, for hours, I wear heavy split-leather work gloves, which provide a bit of insulation from the vibration. I haven't had an experience where it's gotten to-be too-hot to hold, bare-handed.
Another tool that has done well for me is an SDS-Max corded demo hammer-drill. It paid for itself the first job I used it on, demo'ing two bathrooms down to the CBS walls or stud walls, and to the floor joists. I've used the carbide-tipped HFT SDS-Max drills, and the variety pack of chisels of 4 profiles. When I needed a replacement for one of the wide spade demo bits, while working on the second bathroom demo, I bought a Bosch, which cost almost half of the cost of the HFT demo hammer drill. It's still in the original packaging, because the HFT replacement I also bought is still working.
Those are the corded HFT purchases I've worked-with the most. I've also used a HFT sandblasting kit, and a soda blaster, which works very-well for cleaning chrome parts on the motorcycles I have as hobby projects, and also cleaning die-cast parts on the same. I have a pair of HFT water pump pliers that appear to-be the equal of my Craftsman pair of the same tool I've used for 40+ years.
Since I've already got SK, Wright, and vintage Craftsman hand tools, bought new,I haven't had much need to purchase things like socket sets, ratchets wrenches, screwdrivers, and the like. I have bought HFT open-end crows-foot wrenches and flare-nut crows-foot wrenches just to try them out. The few times I've used them, they have worked well.
I suspect the real test of the worth of HFT for you will-be, "if and when do you return, to purchase more useful tools, and what your experiences are." If you buy something and it just sits, never being used, you won't be able to tell us what happened when you put it to use. My contention is that when you need something, HFT will-be on your list of possible sources for fulfilling your tool needs.
I have one of the old, Chicago Electric 4-1/2" side grinders w/an orange plastic case. It's I'm guessing, close-to 20 years-old. I've used it mostly for cutting steel during its time in my collection. The HFT grinding discs, abrasive wheels, and flap-discs are usually what I've used with it. Rarely have I had any issues with the cutting/sanding/grinding disposables. For-sure the price is right.
'Avoid all corded tools," if you do, your positive experiences will never occur. I haven't bought any HFT cordless tools, so I have no experience there. My corded HFT multi-tool has done great service for me, if I'm going to be using it continuously, for hours, I wear heavy split-leather work gloves, which provide a bit of insulation from the vibration. I haven't had an experience where it's gotten to-be too-hot to hold, bare-handed.
Another tool that has done well for me is an SDS-Max corded demo hammer-drill. It paid for itself the first job I used it on, demo'ing two bathrooms down to the CBS walls or stud walls, and to the floor joists. I've used the carbide-tipped HFT SDS-Max drills, and the variety pack of chisels of 4 profiles. When I needed a replacement for one of the wide spade demo bits, while working on the second bathroom demo, I bought a Bosch, which cost almost half of the cost of the HFT demo hammer drill. It's still in the original packaging, because the HFT replacement I also bought is still working.
Those are the corded HFT purchases I've worked-with the most. I've also used a HFT sandblasting kit, and a soda blaster, which works very-well for cleaning chrome parts on the motorcycles I have as hobby projects, and also cleaning die-cast parts on the same. I have a pair of HFT water pump pliers that appear to-be the equal of my Craftsman pair of the same tool I've used for 40+ years.
Since I've already got SK, Wright, and vintage Craftsman hand tools, bought new,I haven't had much need to purchase things like socket sets, ratchets wrenches, screwdrivers, and the like. I have bought HFT open-end crows-foot wrenches and flare-nut crows-foot wrenches just to try them out. The few times I've used them, they have worked well.
I suspect the real test of the worth of HFT for you will-be, "if and when do you return, to purchase more useful tools, and what your experiences are." If you buy something and it just sits, never being used, you won't be able to tell us what happened when you put it to use. My contention is that when you need something, HFT will-be on your list of possible sources for fulfilling your tool needs.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I have about a dozen flashlights. The grandkids love them !
In the past couple of years, they have tried to go "upscale". Their "top of the line" tools are approaching Snap-on price range.
Last time I stopped in, I wanted to buy some pliers for a friend who had nothing. They were 4 different grades of pliers. The cheap ones, I would not touch. The most expensive ones are not really worth the extra cost.
I did buy their "top of the line" heat gun, but only because I ahd a good coupon. I have used it a couple of times. It works and does not feel like it will fall apart in your hand.
Their Predator line of small engine can't be beat for the price. Some of the external parts are junk (bracket, rewind, fuel tank), but you can usually find generic replacements on eBay cheap.
Their Predator line of generators is pretty good. A fraction of the price of Honda, maybe a bit louder, but I have not heard of any failures.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Bought one ! Worth the price !!
MikeF2316
Well-known member
I rode this bus almost exactly 5 years ago. I can't believe it's been that long!
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294521
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294521
seber
Well-known member
Stopped in today at two of them as I had to drive to Houston. I only stopped because I wanted to try the nitrile gloves everyone seems to like. Both stores were totally out of all nitrile gloves.
Where else are you going to get a cement mixer for $160, a digital caliper for $8, or an adjustable wrench big enough to dismantle a bridge for $30? I love the place, although its golden age was a few years ago before the 20% off coupons were so restrictive and you could get a pile of free **** with every purchase. If it wasn't for HF my workshop wouldn't be nearly as capable as it is.
Semi-hole mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2017
- Messages
- 1,017
I just bought a set of 3, long reach hose pliers to pull spark plug wires off my 93 f150. They were $14.99 and I used a 20% off coupon. Also bought a cheap grinder that I used to cut a couple of super rusted bolts off. Wouldn't want to use it for extended length of time but it was cheap and I don't have a real need for a grinder. Also bought an 8 gallon compressor to replace my 20 gallon that was my dad's after it finally died ( it was pushing 50 years old). So far it has inflated some bike tires, a tire on the f150 and run my impact to remove spare and replace said tire after repair.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Parrothead
Well-known member
Yep! They’re one of the hidden gems. They’re at least 1/2 the price of the Milwaukee and honestly as good as the USA made Peterson’s I own (about 12 in various sizes). Even at a higher price they’re a good value. Made in Taiwan.
Parrothead
Well-known member
We’ve met him. Here’s THE guy. I was wondering if we’d ever find that mythical creature, and here he is!
All good, just having fun.
Semi-hole mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2017
- Messages
- 1,017
Forgot to mention that I also ordered a 212cc Predator engine for a longtail mud motor for my jon boat.Got it on sale for $94. Runs great and starts on the first pull.
Honda guy
Well-known member
I salute you! I used to think that Walmart was indispensable. Since January, with a little effort, I've been able to do 99% of my shopping somewhere else.
I do love Harbor Freight though.
