My Harbor Freight Investment

[BackTracker]

Don't feel all alone, Davi - Shaun and I can't go the a HF store either.

Spoken for truth. I believe we are stuck in the third world. No harbor freight or Olive Garden. Heck we don't even have Ikea...I had to resort to making my own furniture.

 

[socalbodydude]

My opinion on harbor freight is this....

Some of the tools are great quality and very much worth buying (especially to save money) but alot of their tools aren't worth the wastage of materials used to make them.

Looking at the prices, many of their tools are similarly priced to craftsman and other brands. Their electric tools aren't much cheaper (if at all) than other, better tools. In those cases I don't see why anyone would choose harbor freight.

Lastly, There's nothing worse than having a HF tool **** out on you in the middle of a job, and this has happened to me ALOT. More times than I can count.

 

[sberry]

lol, my friend also busted some hf impact sockets.

I have a handful of busted USA sockets too. I bought one set from HF or somewhere similar that was junk, not all that big a deal, replaced broken pieces with ones from my jobber. Have another half a dozen impact sets on my service truck that have worked just fine. If I had to start over for some reason today,,, at 50,,, say fire, etc I would consider doing just what John did especially for an initial set, could get a guy back on his feet again at an affordable price. Something I wouldn't have considered 30 yrs ago.
I use more and more of this type of hand tool all the time, not so much pliers (limited but useful life expectancy) but end wrenches and impact sockets, hard to beat a tool that cost a dollar and works so well for so long. Really almost disposable prices, many pay their way with single use, after that they earn multiples vs making the first payment.
I have the battery tester, Chicago something,,, real gem and considering a battery cost a hundred bucks these days the 50$ tool seems like a bargain. The ability to have hand tools everywhere saves huge in labor, a guy would probably get real pissy about tossing 3,4 500$ hand full of tools in a tractor to truck tray, at 30 for the convenience its about a no brainer and pays in a hurry.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Video update

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[blue dog]

Good luck John.
How about pulling cars in at an 45 degree angle against the wall, it will be easier to get them in and out as well as giving you more space in the center. This may give you the room to do the same on the opposite wall. Just a thought, but it is hard to say with out seeing in person. You realize you sad **** around 1,000 times in your video. [ just saying ] And for gods sake, clean up that big work bench on the left, how do you find anything ? that would drive me crazy.
Anyway, i wish you the best as i have always enjoyed the way you handled yourself in this thread.
I do believe you should be the poster child for Harbor freight, i mean , come on, who else has all HF tools? No one.

 

[ndoran]

cool, good luk with the shop. No one can say you are not using the tools now

 

[pipsters]

Video update

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Holy ****, you have been busy. It's funny, the money you saved by buying HF stuff you can go and open your own place, while guys that bought Snap-On stuff or equivalent have to work to pay the tool man (or even if they pay cash, they no longer have any cash to open up a shop).

Here I always feel lower class because I don't own sockets that cost $15 a pop, you are a true inspiration for us lowly cheapo's! I have bought stuff at HF and to be honest I haven't ever had any issues with their stuff. Now I try and buy US Craftsman but that is as expensive as I go, and to be honest the HF tools I have handled feel better quality than them anyway (ie chroming etc). If I wasn't a union guy I would be buying HF (I shopped there a LOT until recently).

I'd wish you luck but you seem to be able to create your own!

 

[smallcarguy]

Yeah, real good thread John. I think you are a perfect example of someone doing what they have to do to get where they want to be. I dont own or buy many HF tools I have a few, but next time I'm thinking about one, I plan to ask you if you have it and get your opinion...
Keep up the good work.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Good to see you are into a decent size shop and some work is coming in.

BTW, still looking for some more pics of that hot GF of yours....

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

gotta love low cost commercial property

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

Holy ****, you have been busy. It's funny, the money you saved by buying HF stuff you can go and open your own place, while guys that bought Snap-On stuff or equivalent have to work to pay the tool man (or even if they pay cash, they no longer have any cash to open up a shop).

Here I always feel lower class because I don't own sockets that cost $15 a pop, you are a true inspiration for us lowly cheapo's! I have bought stuff at HF and to be honest I haven't ever had any issues with their stuff. Now I try and buy US Craftsman but that is as expensive as I go, and to be honest the HF tools I have handled feel better quality than them anyway (ie chroming etc). If I wasn't a union guy I would be buying HF (I shopped there a LOT until recently).

I'd wish you luck but you seem to be able to create your own!

how much do you think it costs actually open a shop ?

 

[neonnblack]

OMG. Your helper is Spidergears and i ******* know it!

Nice video and shop btw.

 

[blue dog]

OMG. Your helper is Spidergears and i ******* know it!

Nice video and shop btw.

I new that spidergearsman was a closet HF man, among other things, finally the truth comes out.

 

[neonnblack]

Glad that mystery is over.

 

[Nick_Escalante]

hey john,

thx for the great threads / videos. Your HF-investment thread is what sold me on buying the tool-box setup and I'm going to use your idea of replacing the handle on the cabinet with one of the big handles from the boxes.

I was thinking about puting the small handle that came with the side cabinet on the top chest, to help opening it. Has anyone done this?

 

[ibedayank]

John

i did watch the latest vid and will say this...
not everyone is out to insult you or put you down.
I for one may have more space then you do but I have less tools and less of a budget to buy more tools. that being said i still get the work done I am asked to do by the Boss and my own work done with the pathitic amount of tools i do have. Stop and think of where you started and what you now have that Sir speak volumes to the rest of us of what is possible. Job very well done and I hope that you make the shop even better and keep posting about it.

Another
John

 

[archirelic]

Thanks for taking the time to post an update John.

 

[MartyO]

Hey John, I see that you have the HF service wrenches.

They look spotless (I understand your OCD), do you use them?

If so, how have they held up and how do you like them?

We thought about buying a set for a work truck "just to have" but before I do I sure would like to hear your opinion on them.

Thanks.

 

[MartyO]

Just watched the video.

Kind of stands its head the HF bashing.

You are using imported stuff to make good old US greenbacks. WAY TO GO.

And, coming from a guy that says **** a lot, let me say you say **** a lot!!

Where in Jersey are you?

 

[ibedayank]

John
being you have these have you used them yet and what is your honest opinion of them?
http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...e-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

Got quoted over $300 at a local shop for changing a $30 set of pads rotors mic out at passable

 

[slipjointed]

I stated in one of my videos how great they are. I have had zero issues with them.

I know this is a pretty old post RE: your experience with the tap and die sets, but I have to ask, what have you used them for primarily?

I'm a machinist as part of my trade, and generally cheaper taps do fine for chasing pre-existing threads and tapping holes through metal thinner than the diameter of the tap you're using on it, but really fall apart (sometimes literally) when tapping deep blind holes, or tapping harder materials such as stainless.

In fact, in many of the tighter situations, you can tell the difference between a $10 USA tap, and a $30 USA tap.

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of picking up a couple of these sets to cannibalize for my portable beater toolkit, but I don't want to if they aren't suited for my needs.

 

[WR250F]

I just read this whole thread

Good on the OP for getting a shop and succeeding in his chosen profession.

Even better for doing it with HF tools. Just goes to show there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Best of luck with it and I hope you continue to do well. Your new shop has some serious potential. Keep us updated on your progress if you have the time.

Great vids and excellent pics.

This whole thread reminds me of a friend of mine that drives a beat up 68 Plymouth Belvedere.

The body is rough, the interior is one Recaro seat with a full harness, a roll bar and a couple of amps feeding some Jensen coaxials (remember those ?).

He runs a 440 magnum with a cross ram setup piped to a couple of bottles in the trunk.

Lots of folks laugh at his beat up old hoopy of a ride, but when it comes right down to having the horsepower where it counts, he has more than enough to give just about anyone a look at his tail lights anytime he wants. He's saved money on cosmetics and keeping up with the Jones' with all the new cars etc. and spent the money elsewhere in life.

Folks generally chuckle when they take a first glance at the car, but he's always willing to show up at the local drag strip if someone wants to run for a few bucks. He runs in the high 10's.

He's not out to impress anyone, just doing things his way and not worrying about anyone else.

 

[slipjointed]

I just read this whole thread

Good on the OP for getting a shop and succeeding in his chosen profession.

Even better for doing it with HF tools. Just goes to show there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Best of luck with it and I hope you continue to do well. Your new shop has some serious potential. Keep us updated on your progress if you have the time.

Great vids and excellent pics.

This whole thread reminds me of a friend of mine that drives a beat up 68 Plymouth Belvedere.

The body is rough, the interior is one Recaro seat with a full harness, a roll bar and a couple of amps feeding some Jensen coaxials (remember those ?).

He runs a 440 magnum with a cross ram setup piped to a couple of bottles in the trunk.

Lots of folks laugh at his beat up old hoopy of a ride, but when it comes right down to having the horsepower where it counts, he has more than enough to give just about anyone a look at his tail lights anytime he wants. He's saved money on cosmetics and keeping up with the Jones' with all the new cars etc. and spent the money elsewhere in life.

Folks generally chuckle when they take a first glance at the car, but he's always willing to show up at the local drag strip if someone wants to run for a few bucks. He runs in the high 10's.

He's not out to impress anyone, just doing things his way and not worrying about anyone else.

I agree... and doing things the right way instead of going $30k into debt on tools before you've even earned a cent turning wrenches, will likely put him into a position to buy all of those fancy expensive tools later- even if he never actually needs them.

 

[north]

Congrats on your new space and your success. Loved the video of your new garage and looking forward to the toolbox tour.

 

[jeffk14]

Good stuff John. Congrats on the new shop. I enjoyed watching your videos and although my collection is probably only about 35-40% HF, I share your economy-minded philosophy when it comes to selecting tools and equipment.

Out of curiosity, what was wrong with the engine in that 2007 Freestyle? That car seems kinda new to be needing a motor.

Hey, if you get a chance, I'd sure like to see a detailed video/writeup on that latest generation smoke machine that you put together.

 

[pipsters]

how much do you think it costs actually open a shop ?

At last tally he was what, around $3500 in tools from HF? Had he bought from Snap-On I would harbor a guess of what, $40k-$50k for the same stuff? A pretty big difference.

 

[greybeard]

At last tally he was what, around $3500 in tools from HF? Had he bought from Snap-On I would harbor a guess of what, $40k-$50k for the same stuff? A pretty big difference.

Wonder what it would have cost if he had bought Craftsman?

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

At last tally he was what, around $3500 in tools from HF? Had he bought from Snap-On I would harbor a guess of what, $40k-$50k for the same stuff? A pretty big difference.

Not like you buy tools all at once , it's a progression ..a shop that size around here is about 5 grand a month

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Good luck John.
How about pulling cars in at an 45 degree angle against the wall, it will be easier to get them in and out as well as giving you more space in the center. This may give you the room to do the same on the opposite wall. Just a thought, but it is hard to say with out seeing in person. You realize you sad **** around 1,000 times in your video. [ just saying ] And for gods sake, clean up that big work bench on the left, how do you find anything ? that would drive me crazy.
Anyway, i wish you the best as i have always enjoyed the way you handled yourself in this thread.
I do believe you should be the poster child for Harbor freight, i mean , come on, who else has all HF tools? No one.

I like the 45 degree idea, and I will try that, thank you.

Good to see you are into a decent size shop and some work is coming in.

BTW, still looking for some more pics of that hot GF of yours....

I know, I know, I am almost a year late on pics. I was talking to her about it, and after I clean the shop, and get some time, new pics will be on their way.

Hey John, I see that you have the HF service wrenches.

They look spotless (I understand your OCD), do you use them?

If so, how have they held up and how do you like them?

We thought about buying a set for a work truck "just to have" but before I do I sure would like to hear your opinion on them.

Thanks.

I use them most everyday, I have no complaints; have not rounded a bolt/nut, slipped, or broke.

Just watched the video.

Kind of stands its head the HF bashing.

You are using imported stuff to make good old US greenbacks. WAY TO GO.

And, coming from a guy that says **** a lot, let me say you say **** a lot!!

Where in Jersey are you?

South NJ, Atlantic County.

John
being you have these have you used them yet and what is your honest opinion of them?
http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...e-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

Got quoted over $300 at a local shop for changing a $30 set of pads rotors mic out at passable

Great tool, works flawlessly. Doubt it could ever break, since you only have to spin a piston in.

I know this is a pretty old post RE: your experience with the tap and die sets, but I have to ask, what have you used them for primarily?

I'm a machinist as part of my trade, and generally cheaper taps do fine for chasing pre-existing threads and tapping holes through metal thinner than the diameter of the tap you're using on it, but really fall apart (sometimes literally) when tapping deep blind holes, or tapping harder materials such as stainless.

In fact, in many of the tighter situations, you can tell the difference between a $10 USA tap, and a $30 USA tap.

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of picking up a couple of these sets to cannibalize for my portable beater toolkit, but I don't want to if they aren't suited for my needs.

I have no issues with them, they have performed well for me. I mainly use them on aluminum, but I have also inserted quite a few heli-coils in cast iron. However, I don't know how they would hold up in your environment (using them all the time?) They are so cheap, it may be worth the try?

Good stuff John. Congrats on the new shop. I enjoyed watching your videos and although my collection is probably only about 35-40% HF, I share your economy-minded philosophy when it comes to selecting tools and equipment.

Out of curiosity, what was wrong with the engine in that 2007 Freestyle? That car seems kinda new to be needing a motor.

Hey, if you get a chance, I'd sure like to see a detailed video/writeup on that latest generation smoke machine that you put together.

The Freestyle jumped time, I don't really like using salvage yard engines, but it was cheaper for the customer vs replacing the timing components, and a few valves. I do get to keep the engine, so one day I will rebuild it and hopefully sell it.



Also, thank you to everyone else for posting your congrats, positive comments, etc.

 

[MartyO]

John:

I like Atlantic County -- I am a transplanted Yankee.

Do you have plans to install a lift or two in there?

 

[ibedayank]

John:

I like Atlantic County -- I am a transplanted Yankee.

Do you have plans to install a lift or two in there?

Just gotta love them southern bells....
EXminnisnowdian here

 

[mikeceli]

Condradulations on the new, big shop!

After decades of "2-man" brake bleeding, I got a "Motive" brand, pressure brake bleeder. Works great, saves man hours! I recommend you consider one.

IMO, once you get a lift, you'l want a second one.

 

[MartyO]

Just gotta love them southern bells....
EXminnisnowdian here

Tru dat, but I imported the love of my life from Jersey!

 

[ibedayank]

John
Picked up the set today
pads well be done saturday as its SWMBO's day off
Thanks

 

[Davi]

I'm thinking about saving up for a large order and getting it delivered to England, I cant find a shop that competes with any of the prices or wide product range.

 

[Viz]

John, just curious as to why you selected the 42" bottom cabinet and not the larger 56" one. I know there is no top chest for the 56", (nor any other accessories) but the 42" chest would still stack on top of it.

Viz

 

[SuperSocket]

John, just curious as to why you selected the 42" bottom cabinet and not the larger 56" one. I know there is no top chest for the 56", (nor any other accessories) but the 42" chest would still stack on top of it.

Viz

It wouldn't look right at all with the paint color differences, texture, the depth of the bottom cabinet... would look out of place.... and the wider cabinet is twice the price.

 

[Viz]

Yep, I see your point.

Wish they made a top chest for the 56" cabinet.

Viz

 

[mgold]

Right!

Some of the tools are great quality and very much worth buying (especially to save money) but alot of their tools aren't worth the wastage of materials used to make them.

Looking at the prices, many of their tools are similarly priced to craftsman and other brands. Their electric tools aren't much cheaper (if at all) than other, better tools. In those cases I don't see why anyone would choose harbor freight.

I totally agree! I think HF is great and for a lot of odds & ends. Like magnetic parts trays, etc. I couldn't imagine buying all my tools there. I hate when something breaks just when you need it.

 

[kippieland]

There are some good websites dedicated to what to buy at HF and not to. The general rule from these sites is if you need to protect your life don't buy it there. Tools are rated fine. Also, I had a lawn mower caught fire because of some Harbor Freight fuses didn't blow...all the plastic melted as well as all the wiring but the metal in the fuse never seperated. I don't like to buy from there but if I need a tool that I will hardly use and can't afford the other brands, then I will buy it there. Only tools though.
Here is the website I mentioned:
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/0...guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal