Sorry for HF Rant

[zktk01]

I ranted about HF couple of months ago, I went back today to give another try.
I bought a pair of the Bremen Locking pliers, They seem to be better than the current Irwin Vise Grips and cheaper.
The Bremen from HF are made in Taiwan. I would definitely give them a pass.
I probably will buy more unless Irwin brings Vise Grips back to USA.

 

[Jimthediyguy]

I ranted about HF couple of months ago, I went back today to give another try.

I bought a pair of the Bremen Locking pliers, They seem to be better than the current Irwin Vise Grips and cheaper.

The Bremen from HF are made in Taiwan. I would definitely give them a pass.

I probably will buy more unless Irwin brings Vise Grips back to USA.

I saw those the other day while there for some red shop towels. Was wondering if they were any good. I’ve still got Irwin vise grips; probably 7-8 of them in various sizes. You’ve just talked me into buying some. Let you know how it works out.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[jd_1138]

Yeah some of the HF stuff is gutter rubbish, but a lot of it is decent. Not pro quality but ok for the suburban Ward Cleaver types to tune up the mower with.

 

[Gmonkee]

90% of the tool users in the world are Harry Homehandyman. HF knows that and caters to the masses.

The money is in the masses more than the professional tool user. Vegas odds work well.

 

[blackwire]

There are a surprising amount of professionals that have at least one HF tool in their toolbox.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

You have to have the right expectations when you go to HF. I've purchased quite a bit there , the one tool i think was a waste of money was a ratcheting breaker bar.

I always see contractors there when I go. They probably feel their crew will loose the tools before they break.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

worry cut and paste error

 

[Engine]

I bought a pair of the Bremen 11 in. C-Clamp Locking Pliers about a week ago. They are noticeably thicker steel and seem to have better fit and finish than the older ones.
I was using the earlier version HF pliers when welding, and they were ok for that. I think these will be better.
These pliers also have a 1/4" square drive hole in the adjusting screw so you can use a ratchet to tighten it down more. The old ones didn't have that. Seem pretty good for the price.

 

[zendriver]

Damn!

I recently busted my HF budget, with a new genny (w/wheel kit), but now I'm starting to get "Bremen envy", so I best head to the store, coupons in hand.

 

[bczygan]

I'm waiting on the new rechargeable LED work light that uses the Astro as a comp. There's a $20 coupon out and no stock yet.

Bill

 

[Pitalplace]

Was in Grand Island, NE the last couple days celebrating our 45th. I spied a new Harbor Freight so when she wanted to go to the mall I checked it out. It's been maybe 20yrs since I have been in one. I was actually impressed in some of the tools and prices. It was pretty noisy with all the tools yelling at me but I made it out spending only $53. I got a new pair of mig gloves, which are much better than just regular leather gloves and way better than the heavy welding gloves I have. A few other items and I had to make myself leave.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I'm bout to run there tomorrow to see if the LED work lights are on stock

 

[theoldwizard1]

On a whim, 10 years ago, I bought a couple of the giant C-clamp style HF locking pliers. They have worked fine for the few things I have used them on, The adjusting screw was hard to turn from the first day. I finely took out my tap and die set and ran the screw and the handle through the appropriate tap and die a couple of time. A drop of oil and it made an AMAZING difference !

 

[kythri]

I'm waiting on the new rechargeable LED work light that uses the Astro as a comp. There's a $20 coupon out and no stock yet.

Bill

Got a link? Not seeing any being compared to Astro...

Thanks!

 

[C.L S2000]

I thought that HF light looked familiar, its a copy of the older 31SL Astro light that is not on side by side comparison coupon because it looks identical lol.

http://www.astrotools.com/catalog/category/view/s/lighting/id/43/

 

[MattVette89]

Got a link? Not seeing any being compared to Astro...

Thanks!

I had to look for myself. I think this is it:

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-lumen-slim-bar-folding-led-worklight-63958.html

 

[MattVette89]

I thought that HF light looked familiar, its a copy of the older 31SL Astro light that is not on side by side comparison coupon because it looks identical lol.

http://www.astrotools.com/catalog/category/view/s/lighting/id/43/

Astro version:

HF version:

 

[Skeptic68W]

No worries, we all get frustrated with various brands now and again. I did the same thing with Craftsman over on the ToolGuyd comments section not that long ago.

 

[KMdef9]

I'm waiting on the new rechargeable LED work light that uses the Astro as a comp. There's a $20 coupon out and no stock yet.

Bill

pic or link to coupon, can't find it on HFTCD.