"The Harbor Freight Addiction Thread..."

[Al Borland]

My name is Al.
I am an addict.
I can't get enough Harbor Freight.
I haven't been to a Harbor Freight for three days now, and it's a struggle.
I lie awake at night, thinking of that SMELL.
You know the one, burnt rubber and B.O.
I miss the place, but with your support, and the grace of God, I will overcome it.
One day at a time.


(Be careful what you wish for.)

 

[bobcatdan]

Some day you will find a snap on truck and be cured of that terrible addiction.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I do want to go in there and see the new Taiwan made pliers

 

[Nocuffs]

Harbor Frieght needs a “wish book” like the old Sears style. I would circle everything I need and leave it on the coffe table for Santa to Find.

 

[ocloc24]

Oh god.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Harbor Frieght needs a “wish book” like the old Sears style. I would circle everything I need and leave it on the coffe table for Santa to Find.

They don't send you 2-3 a week in the mail?

 

[firworks]

I do want to go in there and see the new Taiwan made pliers

They're reasonably nice. If I needed any I would have bought one. I was just in there checking out the new tool brands today, but my store had mostly not stocked everything yet. Lots of boxes of tools unshelved. I did get to also see the off-brand Pelican cases and they were pretty nice too. Probably a good compromise of price/performance vs. being stupid overkill.

 

[d.mcfarland]

They're reasonably nice. If I needed any I would have bought one. I was just in there checking out the new tool brands today, but my store had mostly not stocked everything yet. Lots of boxes of tools unshelved. I did get to also see the off-brand Pelican cases and they were pretty nice too. Probably a good compromise of price/performance vs. being stupid overkill.

What was pricing like for the pliers?

 

[kctyphoon]

Told ya someone would have an unoriginal idea..

 

[firworks]

What was pricing like for the pliers?

Cable Cutters were 19$ (most expensive of the Doyle). Long nose pliers were Linesman pliers 16$. 12$ (cheapest of the Doyle). A little on the high side but also reasonably nice. Since my store is in the middle of the turnover the old pairs are right beside them on the shelf so you can feel how crappy the ones they are replacing were.

If I didn't already have a set of Knipex linesmans I might have grabbed them.

 

[Fender1325]

It finally happened...

 

[James-W]

Some of the stuff at Harbor Freight is really good. I don't get the hostility by some of the members here.

 

[PugetDude]

My name is Al.
I am an addict.
I can't get enough Harbor Freight.
I haven't been to a Harbor Freight for three days now, and it's a struggle.
I lie awake at night, thinking of that SMELL.
You know the one, burnt rubber and B.O.
I miss the place, but with your support, and the grace of God, I will overcome it.
One day at a time.


(Be careful what you wish for.)

Some day you will find a snap on truck and be cured of that terrible addiction.

Right.
Like moving from weed to crack cocaine...

 

[ChrisLS8]

I got a pair of the 6" vise grips, I can tell right away they are much better than my Chinese Irwin's, when I'm at the shop tomorrow I can compare em to my US Peterson's

 

[jd_1138]

Cable Cutters were 19$ (most expensive of the Doyle). Long nose pliers were Linesman pliers 16$. 12$ (cheapest of the Doyle). A little on the high side but also reasonably nice. Since my store is in the middle of the turnover the old pairs are right beside them on the shelf so you can feel how crappy the ones they are replacing were.

If I didn't already have a set of Knipex linesmans I might have grabbed them.

I bought a pair of the old style red handled side cutters last week. They were on clearance for 2.97. I wonder if the new ones are a lot better? They didn't have any of the new style.

 

[Snakebyt]

Been using my HF pro extended length 3/8 flexhead ratchet the last couple weeks as my main ratchet, so far really impressed, no problems at all, need to get the regular length soon. Cant beat it for less that $20

 

[HanShotFirst]

I did get to also see the off-brand Pelican cases and they were pretty nice too. Probably a good compromise of price/performance vs. being stupid overkill.

Oh WOW!!! I need to see those. I hope they have one that's large enough to be an improvised pannier for a small ADV bike. My daughter's XT225 could use some hard bags or her daily commute ride. Sounds like it's time to go to the "Man Mall"

 

[HanShotFirst]

I love Harbor Freight because it's a real tool store with a wide selection of tools that covers a wide selection of industrial uses.

Just up the road from where I live is a large distribution warehouse for MSC. Think you could walk in there and see a set of screwdrivers you've been thinking about? Think they have any retail outlet at all?

I live in a SMALL TOWN, and I can walk into a place and walk out with a 115pc cobalt drill set complete with drill index...can you do that at Home Depot or Lowes? And while I've heard people whine about them, I'm a machinist and mine are every bit as good as my Hanson's that cost 5x more. Use them, sharpen them; repeat.

I can walk in and walk out with a Fuel Injector Pressure Test Kit...they have those sitting on the shelf at your local AutoZone?

Does ANY big box store have a motorcycle lift IN STOCK?


In an age where the quality of most items found in big box stores is in decline, Harbor Freight's quality is improving every day. HF's sockets are absolutely every bit as good as Gearwrench; I think the chrome plating is even better. They are TOUGH sockets, and I honestly believe the HF Taiwan sockets are so good, you really have to buy US made sockets to get any better.

The quality of their ratchets is bordering on obscene. It's astounding you can pay under $30 and walk away with a ratchet that good. And although there are some Taiwanese ratchets that are better, they are more expensive; some considerably more expensive.

We all read with great interest "MechanicNamedJohn's " riveting thread about using nothing but HF tools to run his one man auto-shop; proving that while they're not necessarily preferred, they are up to the task all the way up to, and including professional mechanics duties.

We know that some of their tools are superior. We know that some tools are ****, some just very inconsistent, and some things are just not worth your time.

10 years ago, I don't think there were very many professional mechanics with even a few HF tools in their box. These days you'd have a hard time finding someone with absolutely none in his box.

I'm so glad I live in a town with a Harbor Freight. Now I know I won't have to panic because I find myself in a situation where I don't have the right tool.

My favorites.
Sockets - They are very good. Sure, most of my sockets are SK, but my portable kit has mostly HF & old US Craftsman sockets.
My beater screwdrivers are 20 year old HF and they're still holding up very well. They're only used when it's time to abuse...jobs where there's no way in hell I'm going to trash my Wera screwdrivers.
Socket extensions - I have a ton now thanks for HF.
My 3 ton floor jack...been serving me well for nearly a decade, no hint of a problem.
Jack stands are almost 30 years old, still perfect.

I'm a bonified fan.

 

[shawndp]

It all started for me over 5 years ago...I was driving down a street in Michigan and saw the place. I had heard stories about it but none first-hand; it was always a friend of a friend who had visited. When you walk in, the first thing you remember is the smell - I used to live in Nova Scotia, so I am fairly versed in what a Harbour smells like. There were bright lights and many tools - tools for fixing cars, not just contractor tools with automotive being an afterthought!!! I had never seen such a wonderous place - I left with a $20 set of Pittsburgh impact 1/2" drives. Over the years I went back for more - the sockets, some wrenches, breaker bars, ratchets, grinders. As suggested, I consulted Snap-On for a solution to my HF addiction - it helps but doesn't fully cure you. The SO truck doesn't have that "just shipped from Taiwan" smell. I've driven 200 miles round trip across an international border just to go to the Harbor. I've gotten through a few years of my job using Pittsburgh Pro stuff with very adequate results and will always have a place for them in my box and (US General) cart.


The best part of this all, is they are actually trying to up the quality of their stuff at a time when most brands are cutting costs. I mean their flex head 3/8 comfort grip ratchet can and does play alongside my Matco Eighty8 all day. The extensions work just fine and the Pittsburgh impacts have survived many boisterous tire seasons. They may not make everything as good, but in general, I am quite a big fan!

 

[kctyphoon]

I have to got a HF anyway to pick up another 1/2" extending ratchet.. I won't be surprised if I leave with their new pair of diagonals.. why not add another set to the collection so at least I can kinda compare them to all my others.. if they are as good as a pair of channellocks, which shouldn't be hard, then they are onto something..

Just looking at pictures, it looks like they copied Kliens pliers identically, but just reversed the layout.. the way things have been going so far, HF might soon be a real competitor to these companies that sell items at very high margins simply because of the name attached to it.. I'll assume a "pro grade" set of screwdrivers are coming. Even the cheap pro set they have now is good.

 

[guitarbutt]

Some of the stuff at Harbor Freight is really good. I don't get the hostility by some of the members here.

Ignorance, elitism, and bad with money. Just my guesses.


Harbor Freight addiction is more of a "tool collecting hobby"

 

[M1Firehawk]

I for one, welcome our harbor freight overlord's!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

[Brownsfan]

I have to got a HF anyway to pick up another 1/2" extending ratchet.. I won't be surprised if I leave with their new pair of diagonals.. why not add another set to the collection so at least I can kinda compare them to all my others.. if they are as good as a pair of channellocks, which shouldn't be hard, then they are onto something..

Just looking at pictures, it looks like they copied Kliens pliers identically, but just reversed the layout.. the way things have been going so far, HF might soon be a real competitor to these companies that sell items at very high margins simply because of the name attached to it.. I'll assume a "pro grade" set of screwdrivers are coming. Even the cheap pro set they have now is good.

They need a good set of pro grade screwdrivers and slip joints. The prices are still less than the China made Milwaukee pliers at HD. Way cheaper than southwire tools at Lowe's.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I have to got a HF anyway to pick up another 1/2" extending ratchet.. I won't be surprised if I leave with their new pair of diagonals.. why not add another set to the collection so at least I can kinda compare them to all my others.. if they are as good as a pair of channellocks, which shouldn't be hard, then they are onto something..

Just looking at pictures, it looks like they copied Kliens pliers identically, but just reversed the layout.. the way things have been going so far, HF might soon be a real competitor to these companies that sell items at very high margins simply because of the name attached to it.. I'll assume a "pro grade" set of screwdrivers are coming. Even the cheap pro set they have now is good.

Just saw their reversible snap ring pliers, made in Taiwan, and outside of the switch it's identical to my Channellocks

 

[Bigbandguy]

I bought the HF minilathe, bandsaw and 26 gallon air compressor when there was no store in Atlanta.. some 15 years ago. All three plus a 1/2 inch drill are still working perfectly. My uses are fairly infrequent and most of what I buy from them works fine for my purposes. Failures : 1 heat gun. Its replacement, also from HF is working fine. Thanks to HF I now have (and could afford) an impact wrench, two air ratchets, and several different nailers. My uses are so infrequent that expensive gear would be impractical.

 

[Fender1325]

The one thing that's especially great about HF is that it exposes you to a lot of tools you might not otherwise see or consider buying. The quality levels are good enough that they are good for repeated, occasional use. If you end up using said tool a lot, then you can upgrade to another brand. But I have the horizontal band saw, the English wheel, the 44 tool chest, the 26 gallon compressor, electric shears, various air tools. A lot of the prices on those tools from higher brands are prohibitive to even considering buying them, considering you're not sure how much you'll use them. HF makes it possible.

The main thing I didn't like of HF was the welder. I returned and upgraded to Hobart and have been very glad I did.

 

[lightning02]

anyone have pictures of these new Taiwan made pliers???

 

[jd_1138]

anyone have pictures of these new Taiwan made pliers???

Doyle pliers

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=doyle+plier

Bremen

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...re,f,EAFeatured+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=bremen

 

[AP514]

Some of the stuff at Harbor Freight is really good. I don't get the hostility by some of the members here.

Because it does not say " SNAP-ON "(Now-made in China ) on the tool

 

[Jtels85]

I’m not a Snap-On guy. I’m a Craftsman “USA” guy. I’ve always thought of Harbor Freight as good place to go for Zip Ties and gardening gloves.

Are the tools REALLY that great? I mean, Craftsman here at garagejournal is equal to the word “****”, so it can’t be any worse, right? Those red/black handle Pittsburgh pro ratchets look pretty sweet. The sockets look meh to me as I see that **** floating around with the other rusty sockets in a wooden box at my father-in-law’s pawn shop. They have this stigma about them. If you can convince me otherwise, maybe I’ll go spend some money there.

How’s their wrenches? My Dad has a set. Made In India I believe. That appeals to me about as much as a date with Rachel Maddow... ****. Bleh.

 

[ChrisLS8]

They have their gems, the wrenches are blah. The Taiwan ratchets and ratchet wrenches are great. The sockets are just as good as anything you'll need and the impact sockets are highly regarded as being tough as nails. The new Hercules and Bauer lines are getting good reviews as well.

The toolboxes are loved here as well

but they still have alot of stuff to avoid

 

[monomach]

I do want to go in there and see the new Taiwan made pliers

I just took a look at them last night. Not too shabby. The fit and finish were just as nice as you could want. The head is enclosed in plastic, so I couldn't play with them too much.

I wanted to buy a pair of needlenose to test them out, but it's hard to justify when I already have like 8 pairs of German and US brands between the work office, work truck, and home.

 

[monomach]

I got a pair of the 6" vise grips, I can tell right away they are much better than my Chinese Irwin's, when I'm at the shop tomorrow I can compare em to my US Peterson's

Looking forward to your comparison. With the way things have gone with Harbor Freight's "Pro" Taiwan stuff, they could be made in the same factory as my really nice Blackhawk vise grips.

How’s their wrenches? My Dad has a set. Made In India I believe. That appeals to me about as much as a date with Rachel Maddow... ****. Bleh.

One of the guys at work bought a set for laughs. Under moderate stress, it didn't bend...it snapped. So, yeah, they must be made of some crappy brittle steel.

 

[ChrisLS8]

For the grip pliers I will probably give my Chinese Irwin's to a friend. The Bremen ones are much nicer and after tossing a bunch of different bolts in the big vice and yanking on em the 10" held up great.

As far as the Doyle's I'm partial to Channellock so I'll stick with them cause the price point isn't too far off

 

[Ktmrider83]

Whatever you do don't download the app. haha, you will get notifications in the middle of the night.

Speaking of Harbor Freight, I think I need another pair of .99 sunglasses and a free magnetic tray.

 

[Coach James]

Looking forward to your comparison. With the way things have gone with Harbor Freight's "Pro" Taiwan stuff, they could be made in the same factory as my really nice Blackhawk vise grips.



One of the guys at work bought a set for laughs. Under moderate stress, it didn't bend...it snapped. So, yeah, they must be made of some crappy brittle steel.

Which wrenches? I have metric and SAE sets of the long pattern combos, have used them for suspension work, pounded on them with a rubber mallet and they are still fine.

Coach

 

[zendriver]

"The Harbor Freight Addiction Thread..."

I don't (like to)think I'm addicted to Harbor freight tools, just more of a victim of my upbringing.

My dad was in mechanic owning a service station, and was a farmer, but honestly, he probably had the worst selection of the tools of anybody in history and was a total cheapskate.

The only way he would've ever own snap on tools, as with someone had traded him some for tank of gasoline, or he had bought a box load in the auction for three dollars.

It was always aggravating, to try to work on something with no tools. I decided as an adult that I'm going to have all the tools that I need to get the job done, but I also have that cheapskate gene built into me.

So now days, I have a garage full of tools, but I find paying $150-$300 for a small set of wrenches, just intolerable.

With Harbor freight, I get exactly what I want out of life.



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[uroford]

Luckily in the Detroit area we have always had these guys, you could get the cheapest Chinese to Starrett and SK. Channellock is about the same price as HF.

http://www.kittstools.com/channellock.html

 

[cheechi]

Re: "The Harbor Freight Addiction Thread..."

It was always aggravating, to try to work on something with no tools. I decided as an adult that I'm going to have all the tools that I need to get the job done, but I also have that cheapskate gene built into me.

My problem is pretty much as you describe but contributed from both parents. Mom is cheap and cuts every corner possible, dad had the snap on driver's dream. He would buy one really nice tool instead of a set of things needed to do a job. Who has a million slotted drivers but only one P2?

They opened up a new HF near my parents house, and since I've moved there are now 3 that are near places I sometimes go.

So basically at this point what's come from HF
90% of my impacts
2/3 of my air tools (including 80% of my nail guns)
about half my hammers
1/5 of my ratchets
all my 'traditional' tool storage (ie not my file cabinets, map cabinet, or shop made items)

It is what it is. 20-30 years ago this would be a list of stuff I'd have got from Sears. If HF had made only one brand name, they'd be the new Craftsman.

 

[zendriver]

"The Harbor Freight Addiction Thread..."

My problem is pretty much as you describe but contributed from both parents. Mom is cheap and cuts every corner possible, dad had the snap on driver's dream. He would buy one really nice tool instead of a set of things needed to do a job. Who has a million slotted drivers but only one P2?



They opened up a new HF near my parents house, and since I've moved there are now 3 that are near places I sometimes go.



So basically at this point what's come from HF

90% of my impacts

2/3 of my air tools (including 80% of my nail guns)

about half my hammers

1/5 of my ratchets

all my 'traditional' tool storage (ie not my file cabinets, map cabinet, or shop made items)



It is what it is. 20-30 years ago this would be a list of stuff I'd have got from Sears. If HF had made only one brand name, they'd be the new Craftsman.

In reality, even though the prices were always dirt cheap, 20 to 30 years ago, the quality of Chinese tools were not "all that".

The quality since then, has improved considerably, which made it a game changer, at least for me. Personally, I wouldn't (and don't) own one Harbor freight tool that I don't believe Will get the job done every time.

Well, maybe the chainsaw power sharpener!


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