School me on Harbor Freight

[2CRUZ]

Hey Fellas
I need some help. I have never bought any thing from Habor freight before and I would like to buy one of a 20 ton shop press. I don't live any where near a store so I guess I'll have to buy it on line and have it shiped to me. How do I go about using the coupons to get the best price I can. I would app. any help you could give me.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Falcon67]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Get on the mailing list, buy a couple of different car magazines (Hot Rod, Car Craft, PopRod, etc) then compare any flyers with "Super Coupons" vs finding a 20% or 25% off coupon in a car magazine and deducting that from the web site price. Usually the 20% coupon is cheaper. You cannot "stack" coupons, either in the store or online. Read the fine print first to be sure you can even use a 20%/25% coupon on a press as there are several restrictions.

Example from my Blast Cabinet - "Super Coupon" price was $179.95. Web price was $209. 25% coupon + web (also in store) price = $156.75

 

[billspit]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

They usually put the press in sale for around $149. Last time I think it was $156. I think it is worth the price. It went to look at one in the store and they are smaller than I thought. I would have one if I had the room.

 

[ibedayank]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

if you order on this sunday only there is a 25% coupon


make sure there is NO lift gate charge

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Qty PRICE BREAKDOWN
Shop Press, 20 Ton
Shop Press, 20 Ton
Central Hydraulics
Item #:32879

An additional lift-gate charge may apply.

Remove

Price:
$199.99
Quantity:
1
Subtotal
$199.9

 

[ScottsGT]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Don't pay the liftgate fee. Just open the box and remove the pieces one at a time.

 

[jaker10]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

I bought one a couple of weeks ago. Was priced at $199.00 I had a 25% off coupon and with tax it was $161.00.

 

[henry29]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Where are you in So. Ill?
There's a harbor freight in Evansville In.

 

[D45]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Make sure you find and buy the new press, that has the steel plates and not the cast plates

The cast will break and explode under pressure

The newer presses are all grey, the old versions are orange

Otherwise, buy aftermarket press plates that are solid steel

 

[IlliniBone]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Hey Fellas
I need some help. I have never bought any thing from Habor freight before and I would like to buy one of a 20 ton shop press. I don't live any where near a store so I guess I'll have to buy it on line and have it shiped to me. How do I go about using the coupons to get the best price I can. I would app. any help you could give me.
Thanks
Mike

Where in southern Illinois do you live? Between St. Louis, Paducah and Evansville there should be a store within no more than 2 hours from you.

 

[mrpizza]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

The employees at the Paducah store are disgruntled and not nice to deal with.

 

[sz0k30]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

First and very important - buy the newer gray model #60603. Just bought one and in my opinion, much better than the older orange model.

Second, the shipping cost to your door may surprise you. It may be worth while to drive to a store.

 

[2CRUZ]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

First and very important - buy the newer gray model #60603. Just bought one and in my opinion, much better than the older orange model.

Second, the shipping cost to your door may surprise you. It may be worth while to drive to a store.

Yes I was looking and I think the shipping coast is $90.00. I think there is one over close to St. Louis wich is about 80 miles. I go over there once in a while to shop. What do I do just take a cupon with me to the store? If it is advertised on sale can I then use like a 25% off cupon on top of that sale? What is the best way to do it?

 

[Sneeze357]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

The employees at the Paducah store are disgruntled and not nice to deal with.

That goes for pretty much every Harbor Freight. Wouldn't you be disgruntled if you had to smell that smell all day for minimum wage?

 

[Just Primer]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

The smell of off gassing nylon plastic.

And led based paint.

 

[beltfeed]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

If it plugs into an outlet don't buy it. If it has a gas engine on it don't buy it. If it's something you have to depend for security or rescue don't buy it. If you have to use it more then ten times don't buy it. If it has more then ten parts don't buy it. Remember it's all imported trash but sometimes it fits the bill.

 

[BD1]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

I got a HF sale paper that has the 20 ton press on sale for $169. 99 item number listed is 32879/60603 . The sale starts April 29th to May 12. You should be able to use the 25% off coupon which brings it down to $ 128.00.
As long as the sale price is NOT A COUPON the 25% off should work . I never had a problem. You could call them first and ask. Make multiple calls, sometimes you get different answers. When you get the ''YES'' get the persons name or check with manager. Take some FREE coupons too and a friend with to buy more.
If you PM me I'll send you coupons and the sale paper. I could not find it online. You could call HF and ask them about the sale paper and 20 ton press sale price to confirm .

 

[Haveblue]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

HF is a combination of "trash and hidden treasures." I cant comment about the press, but I can tell you I wont buy anything from HF online. My theory is if you want to get the best from HF go to the store and touch what you are looking for. If it feels right buy that exact tool you are looking at. I read HF also had some issues with accounts being hacked.. but that may be resolved by now. The HF pass fail thread is a great read! Lots of great advice on this forum!

 

[D rock]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

The HF cutoff tool is SOLID!!!

I'll put it next to my Porter Cable cutoff. The only problem is the HF blades are not compatible w/ anything else.

Some stuff from HF is cool...but some other stuff just BLOWS!!!

 

[Haveblue]

BTW, If you have a good compressor, get a couple of HF die grinders..they go on sale for ten bucks..keep em oil and greased, and they will pay for themselves pretty damn quick!

 

[Tbirdtc]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Out of curiosity what do u plan to use a press for? I think I'll start a thread I see a lot of I'm gona buy a press.. I think a lot of people think it is gonna make life easy press in control arm bushings bearings ect
Not so easy peizy often u need a Oxy acetylene torch too
That said I use a hammer and torch and a ball joint press much more often
The real important thing is if u are not afraid of it and have lots of adaptors arbor plates and scrap steel they are useless or extru dangerous !!!
I see somone said the older plates can explode I have seen parts fly out and break a block wall

 

[owenst7]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Out of curiosity what do u plan to use a press for? I think I'll start a thread I see a lot of I'm gona buy a press.. I think a lot of people think it is gonna make life easy press in control arm bushings bearings ect
Not so easy peizy often u need a Oxy acetylene torch too
That said I use a hammer and torch and a ball joint press much more often
The real important thing is if u are not afraid of it and have lots of adaptors arbor plates and scrap steel they are useless or extru dangerous !!!
I see somone said the older plates can explode I have seen parts fly out and break a block wall

Huh?

You use the coupons just like any online retailer. Just enter the coupon code during checkout.

 

[jmlcolorado]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Out of curiosity, what do you plan to use a press for? I think I'll start a thread. I see a lot of "I'm gona buy a press". I think a lot of people think it is gonna make life easy , press in control arm bushings, bearings ect.
Not so easy peizy. Often you need a Oxy/acetylene torch too.
That said, I use a hammer, torch and a ball joint press much more often.
The real important thing is, if you are not afraid of it, and have lots of adaptors, arbor plates and scrap steel, they are useless or extra dangerous !!!
I see somone said the older plates can explode. I have seen parts fly out and break a block wall!

Huh?

Fixed it

 

[2CRUZ]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

Out of curiosity what do u plan to use a press for? I think I'll start a thread I see a lot of I'm gona buy a press.. I think a lot of people think it is gonna make life easy press in control arm bushings bearings ect
Not so easy peizy often u need a Oxy acetylene torch too
That said I use a hammer and torch and a ball joint press much more often
The real important thing is if u are not afraid of it and have lots of adaptors arbor plates and scrap steel they are useless or extru dangerous !!!
I see somone said the older plates can explode I have seen parts fly out and break a block wall

I don't need one I just want one. I want to get a Swag press brake to bend metal. I'm at the age that I don't need tools but I want them because it makes me feel more secure knowing that if somthing brakes I can fix it. Also isn't it true, "The one who dies with the most toys wins"?

 

[drmarkr]

"Never buy anything that turns over 800 RPM's at Harbor Freight....."

Otherwise, grab a grocery cart as you go in. You'll need it.......

 

[BellyUpFish]

"Never buy anything that turns over 800 RPM's at Harbor Freight....."

...

That's probably pretty good advice, but I do have several grinders and a few air tools I can't complain about..

 

[fwerring]

I've had the older orange press for a couple years, no issues.

Used it to press bearings, bushings, straighten up some bars on a hay baler...it's one of those things that you wonder if you really need it, then after you buy it, you wonder how you got along without it.

Was unaware of the cast plate issue, guess I'll wait on mine to break.



Fred

 

[gte718p]

"Never buy anything that turns over 800 RPM's at Harbor Freight....."

Otherwise, grab a grocery cart as you go in. You'll need it.......

The metal cutting circular saw spins at more then 800 rim and plugs in. It is incredibly useful for 60 odd dollars.

orange press is decent, Grey press is pretty good. Search around for the common mods. Press plates have been mentioned. Upgrading to air over hydraulic jack is a huge time saver.


For the plates don't wait on them to fail. When they do fail it is spectacular. I got lucky and it just scared the poop out of me. It did a lot of damage, but fortunately not to me. There is a thread over on pirate 4x4 where a plate explosion put a guy in the hospital and nearly cost him an eye.

 

[sz0k30]

When I bought my #60603 I had a coupon for $149.99. Some guys say their store accepts multiple coupons. My store would not accept any other coupons with the "Super Sale" coupon.

 

[sz0k30]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

I don't need one I just want one. I want to get a Swag press brake to bend metal. I'm at the age that I don't need tools but I want them because it makes me feel more secure knowing that if somthing brakes I can fix it. Also isn't it true, "The one who dies with the most toys wins"?

That's why I bought mine.

 

[strtcar]

I've been there 4x in the last few weeks. I got electric 3" cut off wheel, works good, much quieter than firing up the compressor. I also have the 4.5" grinder, works well. I just went and got a bunch of sanding disks for the 4.5" grinder, $4 is better than the $10 Menards wants for them.

 

[BD1]

I agree with all, GOOD and bad. I made a brake for my 20 ton press and the thing has been worth the $150.00 bucks. Bought the 16 ton pipe bender from a guy for $50.00 and he never used it. Made many 3/4 pipe handles , bird feeder holders, and a back rack for my Polaris. Their metal cutting saw as mention that I bought is still going. I didn't want to spend big bucks on a real one for only a dozen cuts. It paid for it self many times. It should have died by now. I bought the 1'' belt sander for small stuff and for $30.00 you can't beat it. It's used more then I thought it would be. I like the ''trash and hidden treasures'' statement.

 

[Jon Jacobs]

I bought a H.F 60 gallon compressor. Im pretty sure it has square valves. Their return policy is excellent. I was give a store credit when I returned it. I eventually bought an old Brunner which is tolerable. I buy lots of wheels and axels from there and for intermediate usage you cant beat their prices. If I was a professional I would stick to name brand stuff ie Snap-on etc. Used stuff is usually not a bad way to go providing you can still get consumables for it, seals etc. I would buy an older one and get my usage out of it. Paint it up nice and sell it for a small profit. Just a thought.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

If it plugs into an outlet don't buy it. If it has a gas engine on it don't buy it. If it's something you have to depend for security or rescue don't buy it. If you have to use it more then ten times don't buy it. If it has more then ten parts don't buy it. Remember it's all imported trash but sometimes it fits the bill.

And if you have nothing useful to say, then don't post it.

You don't like HF. That's fine. Others do like the chain. Your comments don't help and make you look more like a troll than a contributing member of GJ.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I bought the press a year ago, still orange paint at that time. It is my second with the first one I had to sell when I moved- mind you, I took it to a swap meet and sold it for what I paid for it. Not bad at all!

I made brake for it to do some metal bending, more because it was fun to do. I love fabricating tools and jigs. I don't know that I'll use this much, but it stores nicely next to the air compressor for when I do. I consider it a shop tool worth having around.

 

[steel 35]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

I don't need one I just want one. I want to get a Swag press brake to bend metal. I'm at the age that I don't need tools but I want them because it makes me feel more secure knowing that if somthing brakes I can fix it. Also isn't it true, "The one who dies with the most toys wins"?

I have been wanting these as well; you did not mention the Air/Hyd Jack #95553 thats on sale until 4/30 with a coupon. You would then have just what I want, there is a thread about a part that is not welded on square. Take the drive open the box before you leave, I am sure you would come out better then shipping

 

[Matt The Hammer]

HF is addicting. Once you start...

 

[Mr.N]

Re: School ms on Harbor Freight

I got a HF sale paper that has the 20 ton press on sale for $169. 99 item number listed is 32879/60603 . The sale starts April 29th to May 12. You should be able to use the 25% off coupon which brings it down to $ 128.00.

I've been on the fence to replace me 12 ton... where did you find this coupon?



.

 

[TheOtherChris]

I bought an orange one about 8 years ago. Yes, I had to weld shims in to keep it square while sliding down but other than that, I am VERY happy with it.

I made brake for it to do some metal bending, more because it was fun to do...

Oh, I think we need a pic of that. I have been considering one as well.

 

[ScottsGT]

Orange press owner here too. No problems on my end, and I've put some real pressure on it.
Tool boxes, impact sockets, air tools, packing blankets, welding carts and air hose whips. All good to go in my book. I did have the cheap heat gun go **** up after a few uses. Lost the low temp setting.
I need a good biscuit joiner, but can't bring myself to trying their cheap $50 Chicago Electric. Going with Porter Cable on this one.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Hey Fellas
I need some help. I have never bought any thing from Habor freight before and I would like to buy one of a 20 ton shop press. I don't live any where near a store so I guess I'll have to buy it on line and have it shiped to me. How do I go about using the coupons to get the best price I can. I would app. any help you could give me.
Thanks
Mike

The shipping will probably be insane. I think it would be freight due to weight and size which means...yeah insane shipping.

Generally speaking the best coupon you can get is 30% off but usually the regular price goes up on the higher end stuff when they issue it. 20% off coupon can be found regularly so wait until it goes on sale (not a coupon sale). My recommendation.