I've never walked into a Harbor Freight store....

[wolverinehusky]

So.....I've never set foot into a Harbor Freight store.....

.....and that's about to change this weekend.

Yes, crazy. 48 years old and for whatever reason have never walked into a harbor freight store. Not a conscience "harbor freight *****" reason - it just happened. I have a nice indy hardware store that is nearly walking distance to my house (McClendon's in Renton, WA), a close by Lowes and Home Depot, and I make regular Costco runs. I'm not even sure I've seen a Harbor Freight store, but after a Google search there are three of them within 50 miles of the house.

So I'm going to Harbor Freight this weekend, mainly due to curiosity. In prep I've been doing my research - YouTube videos and forums. 90% of the videos and forum posts are basically an exercise in cultural warfare - "Harbor Freight *****!" by one side and "People are stupid to pay more" on the other side. Sprinkle in some anti-China sentiment and reading Harbor Freight posts is akin to reading the most heated political forum. Ughh.

So instead of sifting through thousands of harbor freight forum posts, just gonna ask a few simple questions that are tailored toward what I need and my tool acquisition approach to date. So first, about me so people can effectively answer my questions:

- Not a pro. DIY guy who works on his Harley and Ram 2500 Cummins from time to time. Warranty expired on my Harley a few months ago so 90% of my focus has been on acquiring tools to help me service the bike myself (18 touring model).

- If a "10" is a professional mechanic who owns every snap-on tool in existence, and a 1 is a soccer mom in a Manhattan apartment with servants and who doesn't even know what a ratchet is, I'd probably be a 6.

- I have some major gaps in my tool collection. No impact sockets whatsoever. Heck I think I have maybe 2 1/4 drive swivels sockets. My hammer collection is sad. Don't even own a breaker bar.

I do have some above average to nice stuff (that I regularly use)/ 1/4 MAC pearhead ratchet, Snap On soft handle ratcheting screwdriver, CDI 1/4 electronic torque, Makita rotary hammer, Bosch impact batter tools, various Dewalt, Snap on picks and seal removers. . My yard equipment is in a sad condition and probably need to start over. Weed wacker is dead.

- I regularly use my hand tools (90% of which are craftsman and Kobalt with the other 10% being Klein, Snap On and Mac).

Ok, after the long winded summation, the questions. Looking for answers based on the above:

1. What are the good buys?

2. What to avoid at all costs?

3. Is their lifetime warranty on stuff legit?

4. Is the "IKON" stuff quality or just cheap rebrands?

5. Seems like HF does a lot of coupons and flash sales? Where is the best place to get the coupons?

6. Do the people who work there know their stuff in general?

7. Any major difference in prices, customer service or whatever between buying their stuff online or going to the physical store.

8. Is anything there american made? Anything??

9. Do they have some member program that that gives decent benefits? Should I sign up for email alerts with them?

Apologize for long winded posted, but seeking solid answers and hoping the thread doesn't turn into a fanbois debate.

Thanks in advance.

 

[lardy1]

Wait......I thought Pittsburgh Pro was the good stuff.

 

[PelicanPines]

Sniff what you buy... thank me later.

 

[Ton ton]

Oh nevermind, don't go to Harbor Freight.

 

[Ton ton]

Lardy 1 got me that time.

 

[Ton ton]

I do like the Pittsburgh Pro claw hammers.

 

[dagofast]

1, The short list for good stuff at HF? Their Pittsburg impact sockets, Pittsburg composite ratchets, their motorcycle lift is awesome, the big 60 gallon compressors are bulletproof, the US General tool cart and boxes can't be beat. There is much more, but that's the short list.

2, Read the reviews on their website and that is a pretty good indicator if it should be avoided.

3, Yes it is. Just save your receipt. Better yet, give them your cell number at the register and it will remain in their system. It can also email you a copy of the receipt.

4, Icon is good quality but you will pay a premium price. Usually Pittsburg, Pittsburg Pro or Quinn are plenty good enough and carry the same lifetime warranty. If paying a bunch of money for a tool is your goal, find a tool truck and go crazy.

5, Go to the HF website and sign up for their coupons. Or go to http://www.hfcoupondb.com and http://www.hfqpdb.com/harborfreightcoupons to search for current coupons. You can use these on your phone at the register.

6, Most do and are very helpful. Some don't. Welcome to earth.

7, The local store will match any price you find online, take proof. It depends where you live, I'm lucky to have a newly built HF store a little over a mile from my house. You have to drive 50 miles during a pandemic so online is more convenient but you will pay for freight. There may be items that are only available online, depending on a stores size.

8, Yes, yes there is. But the majority is not.

9, They offer their "Inside Track" club. Some think it is worth it, some don't. I'm in that latter camp.

 

[racinfarmer]

5 drawer service cart is what I think is the best thing I have bought from there.

 

[LXCam]

Ya do know curiosity killed the cat right?

 

[wolverinehusky]

1, The short list for good stuff at HF? Their Pittsburg impact sockets, Pittsburg composite ratchets, their motorcycle lift is awesome, the big 60 gallon compressors are bulletproof, the US General tool cart and boxes can't be beat. There is much more, but that's the short list.

2, Read the reviews on their website and that is a pretty good indicator if it should be avoided.

3, Yes it is. Just save your receipt. Better yet, give them your cell number at the register and it will remain in their system. It can also email you a copy of the receipt.

4, Icon is good quality but you will pay a premium price. Usually Pittsburg, Pittsburg Pro or Quinn are plenty good enough and carry the same lifetime warranty. If paying a bunch of money for a tool is your goal, find a tool truck and go crazy.

5, Go to the HF website and sign up for their coupons. Or go to http://www.hfcoupondb.com and http://www.hfqpdb.com/harborfreightcoupons to search for current coupons. You can use these on your phone at the register.

6, Most do and are very helpful. Some don't. Welcome to earth.

7, The local store will match any price you find online, take proof. It depends where you live, I'm lucky to have a newly built HF store a little over a mile from my house. You have to drive 50 miles during a pandemic so online is more convenient but you will pay for freight. There may be items that are only available online, depending on a stores size.

8, Yes, yes there is. But the majority is not.

9, They offer their "Inside Track" club. Some think it is worth it, some don't. I'm in that latter camp.

Extremely helpful. Thanks! (and thanks to others)

 

[kody1234]

I know a lot of pro mechanics who use there tools.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm waiting for them to get the 30" wheeled magnets in stock. I called my local store about a week ago and the answer was no.

 

[zendriver]

Never set foot in the store without coupons for free stuff.

Their impact sockets are just fine.

They "beat" Snap On!

Go there there and look around. Either you'll like it or you won't.

Buy some things and come back here to either praise, or ***** about them.

 

[BrandoJames]

Answers to your HF questions:

1. Good buys--(a) Daytona floor jack (b) U.S. General tool cabinets (c) Doyle pliers.
2. Avoid the Pittsburgh jack stands, which are currently being recalled.
3. I've never returned anything there, but my purchases have been limited.
4. Avoid Icon hand tools. Check the "Truck Tool Equivalents" thread on this board.
5. Just hit their website for coupons, they'll also e-mail them to you.
6. Employee knowledge is hit & miss, like any other national chain.
7. If you're buying DIY tools online, go Amazon--Tekton
8. If you want U.S.A. made tools, I'd recommend Williams or Klein--still affordable.
9. Get on HF's e-mail list, particularly if you need a floor jack or tool cabinet. You can save a lot of money that way.

Hope that helps.

 

[Ton ton]

There is an ancient thread on Garage journal about a mechanic that bought all his tools @ Harbor Freight. This was pre- ICON days.

 

[EZ_Garage]

These are just my opinions based on owning a lot of various HF tools over the past 20+ years.

1. What are the good buys?

• US General Tool Storage
• Many Pittsburgh Pro Hand Tools: Specifically the ratchets and Screwdrivers
• Many of the pneumatic tools: Specifically the Earthquake Impact Wrenches and HVLP spray guns
• Utility trailers
• Consumables: acid brushes, super glue, nitrile gloves, etc.

2. What to avoid at all costs?

• Corded tools both stationary and portable
• Battery powered tools

3. Is their lifetime warranty on stuff legit?
On hand tools the lifetime warranty is super easy. Walk in with broken tool ...walk out with new tool.

4. Is the "IKON" stuff quality or just cheap rebrands?
I have not purchased any Icon stuff. I have quite a bit of Pittsburgh Pro stuff. If I want better quality than PP, I usually start looking at other brands, Tekton, Gear Wrench, etc.

5. Seems like HF does a lot of coupons and flash sales? Where is the best place to get the coupons?
HFQDB

6. Do the people who work there know their stuff in general?
No

7. Any major difference in prices, customer service or whatever between buying their stuff online or going to the physical store.
Almost always shop in store.

8. Is anything there american made? Anything??

9. Do they have some member program that that gives decent benefits? Should I sign up for email alerts with them?
Yes, they have a club... not a fan. Yes, sign-up for emails.

 

[Mike in Ohio]

So far my earthquake impact has been very good. Mostly I use it on old farm equipment.

 

[wolverinehusky]

These are just my opinions based on owning a lot of various HF tools over the past 20+ years.

1. What are the good buys?

• US General Tool Storage
• Many Pittsburgh Pro Hand Tools: Specifically the ratchets and Screwdrivers
• Many of the pneumatic tools: Specifically the Earthquake Impact Wrenches and HVLP spray guns
• Utility trailers
• Consumables: acid brushes, super glue, nitrile gloves, etc.

2. What to avoid at all costs?

• Corded tools both stationary and portable
• Battery powered tools

3. Is their lifetime warranty on stuff legit?
On hand tools the lifetime warranty is super easy. Walk in with broken tool ...walk out with new tool.

4. Is the "IKON" stuff quality or just cheap rebrands?
I have not purchased any Icon stuff. I have quite a bit of Pittsburgh Pro stuff. If I want better quality than PP, I usually start looking at other brands, Tekton, Gear Wrench, etc.

5. Seems like HF does a lot of coupons and flash sales? Where is the best place to get the coupons?
HFQDB

6. Do the people who work there know their stuff in general?
No

7. Any major difference in prices, customer service or whatever between buying their stuff online or going to the physical store.
Almost always shop in store.

8. Is anything there american made? Anything??

9. Do they have some member program that that gives decent benefits? Should I sign up for email alerts with them?
Yes, they have a club... not a fan. Yes, sign-up for emails.

You rock. Thanks.

 

[finn]

We’ Getting a local HF too... ok it’s not too local at 120 miles, but that’s closer than ten now current one which is about 240 miles away.

The new one is in the Menards parking lot.

I used to shop there when we lived near Chicago, and in Florida, but tapered off because
of poor quality experiences. Similarly, there are several HF stores near our Tucson house, so I tried them again, and had the same spotty quality experience, so I quit going again.

I have sworn off HF more times than someone in rehab has sworn off booze or drugs.

To be fair, I have several HF products that have given me good service. The frustration of having a tool that doesn’t work as intended, or fails outright overshadows the good experience.

I have discussed this with my wife, and asked her to practice intervention if, or when, I show weakness and venture to the new store when it opens this fall.

If you have a good local tool store, send your business their way just as you have in the past, unless you are really budget restrained. The overall quality level of their ten percentile tool is equal to or better than HF’s ninetieth percentile tool, and, for most people, your tool budget is way down the list of where money is spent, overall.

 

[strength_and_power]

I’d probably avoid their power tools, corded and cordless. Lots of items are on display, you sound experienced enough to know what a cheap tool feels like. Think about how often you will use a tool and what a similar name brand costs and you can figure out which is the best way to go.


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[PugetDude]

Pittsburgh Pro is as good as anything you're going to buy at a big box store. Sockets, extensions, wrenches, etc. I own primarily vintage Craftsman, but have bought and used a few of the newer Pittsburgh Pro tools recently and I have to say I'm favorably impressed-very good value for $$.
Their fine-tooth composite ratchets are really nice. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another set.
I've had mixed results with their zip-ties and heat-shrink tubing; seems to vary year to year.
The 5- Drawer Service cart is a rockstar.
The mid-range corded 4.5" angle grinders are hard to beat and you don't have to feel guilty about abusing them- same with the OMT.
I've had good results with their Warrior brand power screwdriver bits.
Drill bits are OK for the price, but don't expect great life out of them. I buy them for sizes under 1/4", toss them when they're dull.
Don't know anything about their cordless tools- except for the Braun Cordless stick light- which has been GREAT! (and a gift from my GJSS)
Hard to beat HF on casters.
Avoid the Storehouse fasteners, sandpaper, rubber items.

 

[zendriver]

2. What to avoid at all costs?
Corded tools both stationary and portable
Battery powered tools

Nonsense.

No problems with the Earthquake ratchet and I've beat the **** out of the Hercules multi-tool, still works great.

Even the $17 CE 3" cutoff tool, get the job done in small cutting jobs.

Wife used the $35 cordless Warrior drill. Works like a $35 cordless drill every time.

 

[PugetDude]

2. What to avoid at all costs?

Corded tools both stationary and portable

I have a 10" HF Sliding Table Tile saw I bought 15+ years ago. I have used it on half a dozen remodels- still going strong. I've loaned it out dozens of times hoping someone will keep it, but it keeps coming back. It's cut miles of porcelain, travertine, ceramic, brick and concrete.

Same for a $15 Orange 4.5" grinder. It's noisy, the gear train sounds like an airplane crash (never changed or added gear lube), but I have not ben able to kill it for almost 20 years- and I have tried. I've dropped it off ladders, cut concrete, steel, dirt, used it outdoors in the rain, sanded wood beams, cut tile, block and cast iron, ground on steel buried in rocks, mud, and dust, thrown it in the back of the truck for weeks, left it outside. etc. I've treated it worse than a red-headed stepchild it's entire life and it still works. The cord is held together with liquid electrical tape, but it's outlasted it's Porter Cable and Craftsman brethren.

 

[dagofast]

I've had decent enough luck with their corded tools. I bought a 4.5" angle grinder there 20+ years ago and it is still running. I've since bought more at the still low, low price of $9.99 because I'm too lazy to swap between flap discs, cutoff and grinding wheels. I also have a $24 oscillating tool that's been to hell and back that still runs even though the case has been so hot its warped a bit and the on/off switch slider is as tight as a Scotsman. I also have a little 1" wide belt sander that I've used the heck out of and it owes me nothing at this point.

When I was out of town I bought one of their cordless drills for $16 bucks and used it to help my dad build his deck. It survived that job easily and I used it for about 5 more years until the battery was dying and I gave it away. I've since moved on to Ryobi cordless stuff but I hear their Bauer stuff is decent. Too late for me to change, I'm committed to Ryobi's One+ platform now.

I have bought crappy zip ties there. And a big tube full of plastic clamps that worked fine on a project, but a year later were crumbling in the heat of my Arizona garage. Maybe I've just been lucky but mostly HF's goods have been satisfactory to excellent for me.

 

[ecotec]

You asked if anything at HF is made in USA...

There are some random made in USA items. Some solvents and lubricants, the Funnel Tray, the Chief die grinder mandrels. There are probably other things.

 

[lolaetype]

1. What are the good buys?

Their US General tool storage chests are good. I've got some of their combo wrenches and sockets, they are as good as Craftsman IMO. I've never had either fail in home use. I keep trying, but haven't managed to kill their belt sander, the 120V angle grinder is solid, I like their aluminum floor jack.


2. What to avoid at all costs?

Their sandpaper is rubbish. The low cost 120 v power drills and jig saws I've bought seem to strip gears at the drop of a hat.



3. Is their lifetime warranty on stuff legit?

I broke their manual tire changer. They didn't bat an eye giving me a refund.




4. Is the "IKON" stuff quality or just cheap rebrands?

Beats me, no experience with it.

5. Seems like HF does a lot of coupons and flash sales? Where is the best place to get the coupons?

They can sign you up for sales brochures to be mailed to you and sent via internet when you buy something. You can also do that on line.


6. Do the people who work there know their stuff in general?

That's going to vary store to store and worker to worker. I've always found the employees willing to help, but I've not tested their product knowledge.


7. Any major difference in prices, customer service or whatever between buying their stuff online or going to the physical store.

Beats me. I buy in person.

8. Is anything there american made? Anything??

Maybe some of the workers.

9. Do they have some member program that that gives decent benefits? Should I sign up for email alerts with them?

They have a membership program, I now nothing about it.


A

Edit: Other things I've bought there that I'd recommend:

The 12 ton hydraulic press.
The AC gauge set.
The seal and race installation tools.
Torque wrenches and 24" 1/2" breaker bar.

 

[lolaetype]

Never set foot in the store without coupons for free stuff.

The best I can tell the free flashlight, microfiber towel, blue tarp, etc coupons are a thing of the past. Every coupon nestled next to the 20% off coupon I'm seeing now wants you to pay $0.79 for what used to be free. Glad I've got a lifetime supply of multimeters and flashlights.

 

[Bogie1632]

For your reading pleasure....

Harbor Freight Pass/Fail thread.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27192

V/R
Bogie

 

[nadogail]

I have had pretty good results with what I have purchased from Harbor Freight, the reason I don't go there more often is that I have accumulated almost every thing I want to work with.

Their good stuff is generally adequate for my home use, but I would avoid buying all my power tools from them.

IMHO, the Made in Taiwan stuff is generally better that the Made in China stuff; but maybe it's because again IMHO, a lot of stuff is built to a price rather than to a quality.

Those who choose by price alone often find the quality they sought was not offered at the price they chose to pay.

 

[wolverinehusky]

Ok, just got back. Had the garageforum app on my phone and was literally checking the replies while walking down the aisles lol.

Spent about 15 minutes on the HF website. Cut and pasted some of coupons for interesting items. 4 Harbor Freight stores within 15 miles of me, so I just decided to hit the closest one; 4.5 miles away in the Georgetown neighborhood, an industrial area of Seattle. Jumped in the Ram 2500 and headed off (forgot my Sig 365 XL though damn).

Store and neighborhood seemed decent enough. Wasn't very big though. Maybe 12 aisles.

First looked the the toolboxes. Honestly, I was much more impressed than I thought I would be. I recently picked up 72" Husky toolbox, and I got a little heartburn looking at the Ikon and US General as they seemed to be a step-above in some respects to my new Husky. Solid gauge steel, nice casters and drawer rails. Downside is the drawer liners looked and felt super cheap, and no soft closing drawers. If I decide to upgrade or get another toolbox I will seriously look at what HF has to offer. Lesson learned.

Walked down every aisle with iPhone in tow and garage journal and my coupons on the ready. Picked up some pliers based on a post in this thread. Wasn't gonna break the bank though - first time shopper. Stuff I really wouldn't care about if they crapped out. Did look at the impact sockets a little bit, but passed. Reigned in my impulse buying dude whispering in my ear.

People who worked there were young and didn't seem super knowledgeable (though helpful in telling me where stuff was at). Unlike my local indy store, where everyone is a seasoned contractor or mechanic, this places was staffed by kids. No biggie. Customer base was diverse, from young kids working on Honda civics to seasoned vets (based on casual observation).

Checked out and guy tried to sell me on extended warranties (for a $5 item wut?). He asked a few times and I finally said, "bruh, no warranties on anything thanks."

Checked out spending $82, a little less than the snap-on ratcheting screwdriver I picked up last week. Not bad.

And the phat lewt:

I wouldn't ditch my indy for this store, but I will check the other stores in the area to see if they have a better selection and staffing. So many close by me so doesn't hurt.

Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm going to be the guy ahead of you in the checkout line that tries your patience.

 

[Jagmandave]

I'm on record as being an HF fan, but I do temper my enthusiasm with the comment that you do have to be a little bit careful what you buy, some stuff is dimestore grade not hardware store grade.

I've found my more recent (last few years) HF store employees to be considerably more informed and helpful than in the past, but I usually know what I'm after so all I need is help finding it.

The 20% off coupon can be found on your phone and they will always take it - but it only applies to the most expensive item in your basket. You can't stack coupons tho.....

I still have my die grinder and air drill that I bought 30+ years ago - still work just fine and I have used the hell out of them.

Remember the jackstand recall is only for one supplier of the 6 ton stands, all the others are just fine, including the 6 ton stands made by other suppliers that look the same and are painted the same color in the store.

I think the inside track club only benefits regular buyers who are in there a lot, for the occasional buyer like me, just watching the coupons is plenty. If you give them your mailing address they'll send you catalogs of coupons pretty regularly.......

 

[M635_Guy]

1. What are the good buys?

As others have said, the Pittsburgh impact sockets and most Pittsburgh hand-tools in general are pretty decent, though Tekton is worth considering against any of them.

The Daytona jacks are excellent.

The US General tool chests and carts are great. I didn't have room for a bigger chest and couldn't stack either, so I went with a chest and a 5-drawer cart. So glad i did.

Things like tarps/moving blankets/dollies/etc. are good and good value.

2. What to avoid at all costs?

Consumables - drill bits, grinding discs, etc.

I personally wouldn't invest in their impacts and other electrical tools. Battery selection is limited and frankly I don't trust them to stay in the business.

3. Is their lifetime warranty on stuff legit?

It is. Make sure you use your phone # when you check out. I'd still put pix of your receipts in a "HF" folder in the cloud somewhere. But everything I've heard is a no-fuss reaction to warranty.

4. Is the "IKON" stuff quality or just cheap rebrands?

It's "Icon" and for the most parts it's very good quality rebrands.

I'm a huge fan of the Icon swivel head ratchets - I have the 1/4" and 3/8" and guessing both would be good for a bike, esp. the 1/4". Their pear-heads are very nice - Tekton is as good and less $$, even with a coupon. They had some issues with their flex-head ratcheting wrenches (which I understand are fixed), but the rest are nice. I wound up going Tekton there though.

5. Seems like HF does a lot of coupons and flash sales? Where is the best place to get the coupons?

Here: http://www.hfqpdb.com/

6. Do the people who work there know their stuff in general?

They know where stuff is and how to run the store. I'm not sure I'd count on them for much beyond that. It varies in my experience, but generally I'm there for specific things.

7. Any major difference in prices, customer service or whatever between buying their stuff online or going to the physical store.

The main reason to go to the store is some coupons are limited to one item (e.g. the current 20% off Icon is 1 item only online, but unlimited items in-store).

8. Is anything there american made? Anything??

A few things. They have a fair bit of Taiwan and a lot of MiC.

9. Do they have some member program that that gives decent benefits? Should I sign up for email alerts with them?

They do have a membership thing, but I think you have to be purchasing tools pretty regularly to make it worth it.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Personally I like HF. The level of quality now is pretty darn good for most things, especially when you factor in price. A lot of the entry-level products are cheap for a reason, so when you see Good/Better/Best you have to do a price/value calculation. Want a cheapo grinder for a couple easy projects and don't want to invest? They've got that. ...but don't expect a $15 grinder to last for years, etc. There are far fewer duds/mistakes than there were years ago.

Tekton has a lot of very good products too when it comes to hand-tools, more flexibility about buying singes, great customer service/warranty and gives you a 10% credit toward the next purchase (which, of course, is dangerous).

 

[recountryman]

I usually don't shop there but when I got in a tough spot on a Sunday drove 45 mins to one and bought think it was about 300 dollars worth of all different type of pullers and a slide hammer kit during a rear end build on a XJ. I have used half the pullers about 12 times since then on various projects with no issues think the brand was US general but I could be wrong. I also have a 3/4 drive, 1/2 drive and a 3/8 Pittsburgh Pro torque wrenches I also check the calibration prior to usage and so far no issues there either well except for the 1/2 drive one once in a while will be around 2 lbs off but does not bother me as I can bring it to work and calibrate as needed.

I also have the oscillating tool and have used the **** out of it cutting door frames,nails and a few studs with and it still going.

Oh and I just got the little gravity fed sandblaster and modified it but have not used it yet...shoot guess I shop there at least online more than I thought...

 

[timewarp]

I’ve never been to the Georgetown store, but there is a store over on East Valley Highway just south of IKEA that is a fairly large store but always seems to be a little messy. There is a large one that always seems to be very clean and well stocked on Hwy99 and S320th in Federal Way, it’s the nicest one I’ve ever been to. Just a couple more options for you.


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[wolverinehusky]

I’ve never been to the Georgetown store, but there is a store over on East Valley Highway just south of IKEA that is a fairly large store but always seems to be a little messy. There is a large one that always seems to be very clean and well stocked on Hwy99 and S320th in Federal Way, it’s the nicest one I’ve ever been to. Just a couple more options for you.


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Thanks brother. I’ll check both of them out as they are not far. Though federal way typically a little sketchy lol but good to hear the HF is ok.


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[Ton ton]

How was the smell, wolverine husky?

 

[crguy]

Never felt the need to set foot in HF and hope I never have to. Also never been in a Walmart.

 

[JerryC]

In addition what others have said, I like their variety-packs of small stuff like cotter pins, o-rings, etc. If I see one on sale that I don't have I grab it.
There's many, many times those variety packs have saved me a trip to the store hunting for the right sized something or other.

I've had a Predator generator for several years, starts on the first pull 99% of the time. One day it was below freezing and it took three pulls.

For me, I had an epiphany at the local Sears years ago of "If i'm going to buy cheap Chinese tools, I might as well look at Harbor freight". Since then the only thing I bought at Sears was a "Craftsman" bottle opener.

 

[Honda guy]

There is an ancient thread on Garage journal about a mechanic that bought all his tools @ Harbor Freight. This was pre- ICON days.

His user name was MechanicNamedJohn . Here's a link to the thread. I thought it was really interesting.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850