New product ideas for Harbor Freight?

[vavet]

What products do you think HF should carry that they don't?
What could they use their purchasing power to buy and resell cheaper than current vendors?

I'm thinking automotive fluids and chemicals. Motor oil, antifreeze, washer fluid, brake fluid, Dexron ATF - basic staple fluids like that. They could tailor their selection to have more agricultural or industrial use fluids for areas where those would be used. Is there enough margin from current suppliers to make this work? Would they have to sell filters to make this an attractive option for you? If you still have to stop at the autoparts store or walmart to get your filters, would you buy the oil at HF?

3D printers - I'm surprised they're not in this market already. To the best of my knowledge, there are no B&M retail outlets where I can go to buy a 3D printer or supplies in my fairly decent sized city of Richmond, VA. You could argue that it's too specialized, but welding is pretty specialized too and they sell a metric buttload of welders and get good reviews on them too. I think most of them come from China anyway so I bet they could get a rebranded version pretty easily.

Workwear - safety shoes/boots, coveralls - this seems like the heart of their market - clothing goods that can made very cheaply in Asian countries and imported en masse with a huge percentage markup.

Beer - I think they could sell Harbor Freight branded beer. Some people would buy it somewhat ironically, but I think it would sell, especially if it was decent beer at a decent price. Even Trader Joe's managed to pull off their own 2 buck chuck. This might invite too much regulatory licensing to make financial sense, but it would be kinda fun.

 

[hoffman912]

Fender protectors
alignment tools
White versions of their US General tool boxes (to match the cart)
Headlight aiming tool
plating kits
Paint booths
tool/machine rental (ie like you would get do at home depot with a floor polisher, ground compactor etc).
floor epoxy kits

 

[sberry]

I dont think they should do that. Its hard to sell oil below a certain point, cant buy it any cheaper. Sears was everything for every one, look how that turned out. It would be a mess if they went down that road. They do what they do so well that it would dilute it and take the focus from their expertise. There are already other vendors selling that stuff as cheap as it can be sold.

 

[dnschmidt]

Agreed. The concept of HF becoming Tractor Supply doesn't appeal to me. However, one tool I would like them to make, that I've been begging Milwaukee to make, is a battery powered belt file like Matco and I-R produce. This is one of the best bodyshop and welding finishing tools available as it is a precision grinder. Ideal for removing spot welds and trimming mig welds.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Hammer handles that aren't made fore Andre the Giant

 

[username2]

Maybe some more hand boxes. Cantilever, 2-3 drawer, machinist, maybe a $20 KR65.

One that makes sense to me given their clientele and strong suit of cheap-stuff-made-from-metal I'd say a small line of weight lifting equipment. Squat rack, bench, olympic weight set.

 

[will335i]

3D printers - I'm surprised they're not in this market already. To the best of my knowledge, there are no B&M retail outlets where I can go to buy a 3D printer or supplies in my fairly decent sized city of Richmond, VA. You could argue that it's too specialized, but welding is pretty specialized too and they sell a metric buttload of welders and get good reviews on them too. I think most of them come from China anyway so I bet they could get a rebranded version pretty easily.

Look to see if you have a MicroCenter near by. They sell Creality printers along with some others plus a good selection of filament. I don't think their prices are great on the printers themselves but you can at least see them in person and usually that are printing something as well.

 

[tez929rr]

A Harbor Freight oil change thread would open up a black hole.

 

[JRC3]

I'm thinking automotive fluids and chemicals. Motor oil, antifreeze, washer fluid, brake fluid, Dexron ATF - basic staple fluids like that.

They have some things like brake cleaner, WD-40, Liquid Wrench brand silicone and penetrating oils...But I can go right accross the road and get it at Menards for half and even less than what HF sells it for.

Around here one HF is right across from Menards and another is in the same parking lot as a Rural King. No way I'd give HF more money for what I can buy elsewhere.

HF already has motor oil 5.99qt for Penzoil and STP Small Engine 4-Stroke...Penzoil is 3.99 at Menards and also RK.

8oz Stabil at HF is 7.99, at Menards 3.97.

No thank you.

 

[PugetDude]

Subscribed for amusement.
(You know this one is going to go off the rails.)

 

[JRC3]

I got a new product idea for HF...Jackstands that don't crush people.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I got a new product idea for HF...Jackstands that don't crush people.

How are they supposed to sell more product if they don't wear out and need replacing?

 

[username2]

I got a new product idea for HF...Jackstands that don't crush people.

Seriously. I'd like to see them make a good quality pin-style jackstand.

I don't think I could stand to buy a Chinesium ratchet-style one. Too much respect for gravity.

 

[Kscardsfan]

Seriously. I'd like to see them make a good quality pin-style jackstand.

I don't think I could stand to buy a Chinesium ratchet-style one. Too much respect for gravity.

As I recall, the welds on the stands were the weak point, not the teeth. But I didn't own any and didn't pay good attention to the recall notices. I know the last time I was in my local HF they still didn't have any jack stands on display.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I mean they do sell oil and fluids but it’s a very limited selection. I was at Harbor Freight the other day and someone had called wanting to buy an alternator for their car LOL. The manager was like we don’t sell parts and I think the customer on the other end was shocked. Then they asked about Seafoam and he said we don’t have that either.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[username2]

As I recall, the welds on the stands were the weak point, not the teeth. But I didn't own any and didn't pay good attention to the recall notices. I know the last time I was in my local HF they still didn't have any jack stands on display.

That seems right.

https://imgur.com/a/XjXnDD2

although the superstitious part of my brain never liked ratcheting in this use. Admittedly I own a pair of Hein-Werners, which don't have particularly purty joinery.

I'm not familiar with assembly line practice on this larger, more industrial stuff, so I'm not certain what to blame (poor welding practice? probably. poor steel in the stand itself? poor welder setup?). I would think that at this point you wouldn't use a human to weld these anyway, although perhaps robots still cost too much if you are trying to produce the absolute lowest cost of goods.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Dead blow ballpien hammer. I don’t believe i would buy hf food or beverages. I would have considered there earthquake line if they actually had a selection of tools. Maybe some tap sockets to

 

[strutaeng]

That seems right.

https://imgur.com/a/XjXnDD2

although the superstitious part of my brain never liked ratcheting in this use. Admittedly I own a pair of Hein-Werners, which don't have particularly purty joinery.

I'm not familiar with assembly line practice on this larger, more industrial stuff, so I'm not certain what to blame (poor welding practice? probably. poor steel in the stand itself? poor welder setup?). I would think that at this point you wouldn't use a human to weld these anyway, although perhaps robots still cost too much if you are trying to produce the absolute lowest cost of goods.

WTF!?!?!

Probably was made with a 120V HF welder, LOL. Maybe it's a fake weld, you know, like the fake eggs from China?

 

[username2]

I don’t believe i would buy hf food or beverages.

Only if you like the smell of bug spray.

I like the idea. 'Stank' brand cola.

 

[ZRX61]

tool/machine rental (ie like you would get do at home depot with a floor polisher, ground compactor etc).

Unlikely, I doubt they have a single employee who could keep any of those machines running.

 

[unslow1]

Seriously. I'd like to see them make a good quality pin-style jackstand.

I don't think I could stand to buy a Chinesium ratchet-style one. Too much respect for gravity.

It's really a personal preference. I recently gave away my last pin stands. They really annoy me and I prefer the ratchet style greatly. I even sold my Pro Lift ones. Now I have 10 ratchet stands in various sizes.

 

[ssdave]

....

 

[bwringer]

My main wish actually got fulfilled recently.

They started selling higher-end "Chief" air hammers, along the lines of the "Earthqualke XT" air impacts. Reviews are good, and one day I may crawl out from under some horrible filthy job if my IR hammer fails to do the job and go buy one. Until then, I'll let them use their shelf space for storage...

 

[JRC3]

They should do free popcorn like RK. Nothing draws in cheap people like free popcorn. My dad goes to RK like once a week just because of that. Here's a nickel's worth popcorn, come buy our ****. LOL

 

[BD1]

I got a new product idea for HF...Jackstands that don't crush people.

I'm sure you are referring to the recall on millions of those China Jack stands. Both 3 and 6 ton are on recall.
No matter how old or condition, they will give in store credit or less if you want cash.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[lolaetype]

After the jack stand fiasco I'm almost afraid to mention this.

I'm surprised they don't offer a two post lift.

They do offer a scissors lift.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6000-...TGk4fWneoy3uHu4zmdhY1EhFI4_iFiO8aAuoJEALw_wcB

 

[bwringer]

HF's 20 ton hydraulic press I think is an unmitigated success. Lots of folks, me included, would not otherwise have access to this incredibly useful tool.

Sooooo.... why the HELL don't they sell press accessory kits, blocks, etc.?

They do sell some low-rent bearing separators, and I've (ab)used their bearing race drivers in the press a time or three.

Most of us are out here abusing sockets, hunks of pipe, old bearing housings, and all kinds of assorted bits and pieces of scrap. I guess we'd still need to do that, but a kit of various accessories would really help keep things a little safer.



I'd also like to see a decent usable midline brake line flaring tool kit. The one they sell now is a barely workable and very fragile generic pile o' junk; same **** you can get anywhere. Seems like there's room for something between that and dropping $200 with Eastwood.

 

[lilredex]

Maybe some more hand boxes. Cantilever, 2-3 drawer, machinist, maybe a $20 KR65.

One that makes sense to me given their clientele and strong suit of cheap-stuff-made-from-metal I'd say a small line of weight lifting equipment. Squat rack, bench, olympic weight set.

I asked Beach about that, but they shut down before I got a reply.

 

[username2]

It's really a personal preference. I recently gave away my last pin stands. They really annoy me and I prefer the ratchet style greatly. I even sold my Pro Lift ones. Now I have 10 ratchet stands in various sizes.

I admit that in my case it's just pure superstition. I should probably buy a pair of those forklift pin-style stands if I could find some with the right height range.

I'm a scaredy cat under a car and would probably stuff a piano under there if it would fit. One of these days I'll stop by one of the local lumber mills and see if I can buy a big ol' beam cut-off and stick a handle on it for last ditch gravity defense purposes.

 

[BonzoHansen]

anything in the ACME catalog. Anvils, Bird Seed, Matches, Street Cleaners Wagon, Rocket-Powered Roller Skates, Detonators and so forth.

Because that is what i think of every time I am there.

 

[justanengineer]

It would be nice if they started carrying real machinery and tooling again ala Northern rather than selling toys and every variation of wrench and socket to hobbyists. HF today is about as interesting to shop in as Sears, it used to be interesting.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[GTO_442]

Stainless steel worktops to fit their US General boxes.

 

[jeepnut24]

An actual tube bender Mandrel style, simple and should be cheap enough to make.

Actual proper size lathes and an end mill

Anvils

Belt Grinder

 

[Showkey]

Work wear and beer ............that smells like HF ? Umm, don’t think so.....

 

[spike99250]

Agreed. The concept of HF becoming Tractor Supply doesn't appeal to me. However, one tool I would like them to make, that I've been begging Milwaukee to make, is a battery powered belt file like Matco and I-R produce. This is one of the best bodyshop and welding finishing tools available as it is a precision grinder. Ideal for removing spot welds and trimming mig welds.

Ryobi has one out now, if you have their batteries

 

[PugetDude]

Ryobi has one out now, if you have their batteries

Out of Stock.

 

[Sasquatch912]

Move production to Taiwan if they aren't going to move to the Americas

 

[Stuey]

USA-made hand tools.

Seriously. If brands could make 'em cheap for Sears and Craftsman a few years ago, why not HF stores now?

 

[nieuport17]

Single line of cordless power tools that use the same battery.

Too many for a small store.

 

[stev0n]

Agreed. The concept of HF becoming Tractor Supply doesn't appeal to me. However, one tool I would like them to make, that I've been begging Milwaukee to make, is a battery powered belt file like Matco and I-R produce. This is one of the best bodyshop and welding finishing tools available as it is a precision grinder. Ideal for removing spot welds and trimming mig welds.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Belt-Sande...561719?hash=item3fe6873ab7:g:RagAAOSwqotfK0b2

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274409456284