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Menards and HF

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djcslice

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Not a HF exclusive. NothernTool and a bunch of other retailers stock that same set.
 
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Alchymist

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Got the HF set some time ago, seems like it was $7 something. Used it a number of times, worked OK. Just like all torx/square/phillips bits, I consider them all expendable.
 
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apickle

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I have that set, and I've been slowly replacing all the bits that break/strip/turn to butter with bits that aren't terrible. I should probably just buy the Titan set at this point

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ryan20021982

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Also have this set, got it just to use 1 of the small tamper proof torx bits that would have been almost the same price to order just that one.
 
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pauls_workshop

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Ashamsi said:
Looks like Menards is selling HF stuff cheaper than what HF charges for them.
100 Piece security bit set.

HF Cost $9.00
Menards Cost $4.99

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...00-piece-security-bit-set/p-1444421220605.htm

http://www.harborfreight.com/100-pc-security-bit-set-with-case-68457.html
Click to expand...

Alot of the Menards cheapest brand, "ToolShop" are exact same as HF but cheaper when they go on sale, sometimes FREE after rebate! A few of the "Performax" middle brand is also same as some of the better quality HF tools, but you have to investigate each one of interest. Many of the cheapo China made things are sold at multiple places under rebadged names. - Paul
 
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sk farmer

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either set is a bargain when you need them.i have had one of them for years. got it at a local hardware store under some other brand. do you wail on them with a cordless impact ? hell no. are they top notch? hell no. are you likely to have the right size on sunday when you live 15 miles from the nearest store? damn straight you will. i have ruined a couple with my cordless impact but that was my fault and i replaced them with better at the next opportunity.

there are also bits in there that are next to impossible to find when you need them and the case is of reasonable quality. used with care it is a reasonably good set for those oddball jobs. is my 100$ plus chapman set better? absolutely, but it cost over 20 times as much and does not have nearly as many pieces or as much variety. the naysayers are just being silly. put it in your inventory and when you need just that one bit you did not have before you can pat yourself on the back. hell, 5 bucks is less that a beer in most places.
 
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Hiball

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Ashamsi said:
Looks like Menards is selling HF stuff cheaper than what HF charges for them.
100 Piece security bit set.

HF Cost $9.00
Menards Cost $4.99

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-...00-piece-security-bit-set/p-1444421220605.htm

http://www.harborfreight.com/100-pc-security-bit-set-with-case-68457.html
Click to expand...

Well it's not like there are HF factories turning out exclusive merchandise, the manufacturer doesnt care who's name is on the label as long as the check doesn't bounce. It's not a slam on HF, it's just how it is the tool world, it's expensive to be exclusive and requires a lot of startup and a solid sales plan/history.
 
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djcslice

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sk farmer said:
either set is a bargain when you need them.i have had one of them for years. got it at a local hardware store under some other brand. do you wail on them with a cordless impact ? hell no. are they top notch? hell no. are you likely to have the right size on sunday when you live 15 miles from the nearest store? damn straight you will. i have ruined a couple with my cordless impact but that was my fault and i replaced them with better at the next opportunity.

there are also bits in there that are next to impossible to find when you need them and the case is of reasonable quality. used with care it is a reasonably good set for those oddball jobs. is my 100$ plus chapman set better? absolutely, but it cost over 20 times as much and does not have nearly as many pieces or as much variety. the naysayers are just being silly. put it in your inventory and when you need just that one bit you did not have before you can pat yourself on the back. hell, 5 bucks is less that a beer in most places.
Click to expand...

I agree. I need tamper proof torx bits about once very 50 blue moons and dont need them to stand up to high torque. These worked well for my needs and were a bargain at the $7 I paid for them. I would have bought a $50 wiha set but it didnt seem logical for my needs.
 
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rjvjeepster

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It definitely seems like Menards is going after the HF market a bit, more so than Home Depot.

Seems like they're using the Toolshop and Performax brands to counter the cheap HF stuff, Crescent brand to counter Pittsburgh Pro, Duralast etc and then it seems like they're phasing out Masterforce and making way for Gearwrench as the premium brand.
 
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Mechanical Noise

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Menards also sells many of the same hardware assortments as HF at about the HF sale price.

I have the HF security bit set and I have no expectation that it's up to everyday use. If one of those oddball bits ever gets me out of a jam, it's well worth it's price.
 
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pauls_workshop

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rjvjeepster said:
It definitely seems like Menards is going after the HF market a bit, more so than Home Depot.

Seems like they're using the Toolshop and Performax brands to counter the cheap HF stuff, Crescent brand to counter Pittsburgh Pro, Duralast etc and then it seems like they're phasing out Masterforce and making way for Gearwrench as the premium brand.
Click to expand...

The other thing is sometimes the Menard's version is a much better deal than the HF version. For instance, they used to sell a Performax Oscillating Multi Tool variable speed same as HF's but the Menards kit had like 40 extra bits and attachments with it than the HF for less price than the HF at 25% off. So before buying something at HF that is one of thier better grade tools, check out Menards first. - Paul
 
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winlinmac

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If only Menards extended their operation to the Northeast :D

pauls_workshop said:
The other thing is sometimes the Menard's version is a much better deal than the HF version. For instance, they used to sell a Performax Oscillating Multi Tool variable speed same as HF's but the Menards kit had like 40 extra bits and attachments with it than the HF for less price than the HF at 25% off. So before buying something at HF that is one of thier better grade tools, check out Menards first. - Paul
Click to expand...
 
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Cold N Dusty

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Have 2 of those sets bought them for the allen head bits. Use them exclusively in a cordless drill and havent had any problems. I do set the clutch appropriately for the application. I just dont see the point in paying 10x more for something that lasts only 2 or 3 times as long. Also if I drop a bit in a dark corner or it rolls down a floor drain no tears are shed. I believe in and own high quality stuff but view these as a consumable. You cant even get a slice of pizza and a soda for $5, how can you say these are overpriced?
 
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pauls_workshop

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winlinmac said:
If only Menards extended their operation to the Northeast :D
Click to expand...

Yeah, I really think Menards should think about being National, but their profits are based on being Mid West centered and then sprawling out just a bit from there. It could happen in 20 years on though. Menards is just soooo much better than Lowes or HD where I am at it is not even funny. Menards gets 85% of my trips, HD 10%, Lowes only 5%. - Paul
 
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zendriver

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gdocktor3 said:
And 4.99 is still over paying.
Click to expand...



Why?

Are you speaking from experience with the specific set? Just curious.

Personally I've not used a security bit, but it would seem they would not really be used in applications that are overly tight, or have been rusted for 25 years.



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rjvjeepster

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We have 2 Menards and one HD here in my area. No Lowes for an hour.

Kind of need both. HD has a better garden center and better power tools, Menards just has Bosch and Masterforce. Nothing else. But Menards has a way better hand tool selection and lumbar selection.
 
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