US General Series 2 - beats Blue Point

[Hiball]

And I love the politely condensing comments that always seem come from the same people solely to exclude themselves into belonging to part of a more mature, "better than you" audience, but still can't stop themselves from posting just to remind the peasants of their level of self image. I wonder which posts are worse??

(Deleted, Not worth it.. Happy Easter All)


Oh... I see you edited again, Yeah... For 20th time probably, that's not my advertising, I live in Mo, HPS is in KS. Silly bunny rabbits..

 

[Hiball]

Something I just thought about, For you guys who work together in shops where it's inevitable that different mechanics will use various brands. Do you guys sit around arguing all day about how this guy drank the koolaid or this guy is a cheap azz? Or is this behavior elusive to Internet forums?

I can't say I've ever seen type of behavior in person, I have a buddy who you would think was sponsored by Genius tools and I've never been in his shop where someone questioned his consumer prowlness simply be the tools in his shop.

 

[firworks]

Something I just thought about, For you guys who work together in shops where it's inevitable that different mechanics will use various brands. Do you guys sit around arguing all day about how this guy drank the koolaid or this guy is a cheap azz? Or is this behavior elusive to Internet forums?

I can't say I've ever seen type of behavior in person, I have a buddy who you would think was sponsored by Genius tools and I've never been in his shop where someone questioned his consumer prowlness simply be the tools in his shop.

I don't work with tool people so not specifically but I see the behavior every day. Which truck, which car brand, which sports team, which cell phone, which grocery store, which diet... I think it's just how humans are.

 

[Hiball]

I don't work with tool people so not specifically but I see the behavior every day. Which truck, which car brand, which sports team, which cell phone, which grocery store, which diet... I think it's just how humans are.

Undoubtably you will always have the typical "Chevy versus Ford" debates, Yeah I get that. My Grandpa was a Ford guy, his brother a die hard Chevy fan, it was comical growing up. I can't say over seen discussions that border on some of the behavior that is passed around here in regards "HF versus SO". I suspect you don't see it because it that behavior is easier to convey over a keyboard versus in person, With that said... I've been to some Cubs vs Cards games that have gotten out of hand at one point or another... Lol

 

[Mikeske]

Actually when I worked in the shops I never paid much attention to what other techs were using for tool storage. I worked in shops for over ten years as a vehicle mechanic and over 30 some years as a aircraft mechanic and sure I got ribbed a lot about my battered old Waterloo toolbox but inside it everything was in foam shadowed and I could get any tool in a instant to complete my work. I just never took the time to see oh that dude/dudet has a truck brand and I am jealous.

I am now retired and have no need for the truck brands and I still get out to see buddies that both work on planes and cars and they for the most part have just about every brand out there. I think that with the internet and seeing videos a young person starting out should just buy the good tools and the cheapest decent quality tool storage box and go to work.

For tool carts like the BP vs HF I would say to always go for the cheapest and then later if a good deal comes down the pike for a better brand and it is a killer deal to get the better one. The most I see wrong with the Harbor Freight tool cart is the casters but they still should last several years before you have to do anything with them. If you do not like the plastic latch thing they are pop riveted into the inside of the drawer. a number 20 drill and less then five minutes and the plastic latch is gone.

 

[intillzah]

I'm still trying to figure out why so many "grown people" are making such a huge ordeal out of this video. Opinions and advertising. That's what it boils down to. Needs and what you are comfortable with. My money, your money. It's that simple

This..

In the end, it's your money. Spend it on what you want, can afford, and what trips your trigger.

Like a old friend of mine used to say when we asked him about what he spent his money on:

"My d**k, my soap, I can scrub as hard as I want.."

 

[BMack37]

I assume you've never seen his other vids. He does very in depth reviews on everything. His subscription numbers have exploded in the last year or two because of that I assume. He's also a member on here. His method has always been to explain the features and show what each product offers, not slam one to endorse another.. if he's making enough money doing it to drive a $65,000 truck and buy a small building to do more reviews, then good for him. Better than laying on your back killing yourself for a living. Stop hating.

If he's validating claims that HF makes when he compares the same products they do in their advertising, that's hardly being a shill.. it would be something else all together if he was lying. Consumers being educated on MASSIVE markup based solely on a name is hardly a bad education to have while people blindly throw money at products thinking that price gets them something. Where are snap on's demos, or the YouTube reviews showing their sockets and wrenches removing bolts that their competitors can't? Those videos don't exist do they?

I have seen his other videos where he explains how to change a battery and how triggers on drills work. Are you his brother or is it a man crush or something? You really seem to take it personal when someone posts that they don't like him.

 

[kctyphoon]

LMAO
No - no man crush here.. but I think people need to stop hating on someone that has found some success in doing something they like. If he's getting paid - good for him. Is he a shill? Not In my eyes... If he's driving a newer f350 powestroke and bought a building with a 3 bay garage from doing tool reviews - good for him.. stop being jealous and stop hating on the guy. Nobody is forcing you to buy anything, and so far like many others in here, i like his videos and think they are fair and very well produced. Are they a bit too "in depth" sometimes - yes - buts those parts are easily skipped over by someone like me, where somebody that's looking to buy their first tools leave his videos with no questions left unanswered. God forbid someobody build something for themselves without being stoned because guys like you feel his loyalty should lie more with a bunch of.people that will ultimately critiize anything he does over companies willing to pay him for something he does well.

Some people just can't stand to see other people find success, and think everyone should somehow be in debt and owe something to people they don't even know. I'm sorry if I don't share that sense of entitlement, and like seeing other people succeed. If you think his channel and others are not living up to your vision of what a tool review channel should be, nobody is stopping you from buying a camera and a laptop and making your own.

 

[AA/FC]

He does very in depth reviews on everything. His subscription numbers have exploded in the last year or two.....

This HF vs SO tool cart video is the only video he's put on youtube in roughly 3 months. Things can't be that great in YouTube tool review land..... unless someone suddenly pays you to make a video for them??? I don't know any successful YouTube creator who takes 3 months off between videos.


.

 

[BMack37]

LMAO
No - no man crush here.. but I think people need to stop hating on someone that has found some success in doing something they like.

So we literally can't criticize him at all or we're jealous haters? Cry me a river.

If he's getting paid - good for him. Is he a shill? Not In my eyes... If he's driving a newer f350 powestroke and bought a building with a 3 bay garage from doing tool reviews - good for him.. stop being jealous and stop hating on the guy.

No one in this thread brought up anything he's bought with his paid-for reviews, hard to see a lot of jealously when you're the only person stalking the guy posting about his truck and property.

Nobody is forcing you to buy anything, and so far like many others in here, i like his videos and think they are fair and very well produced. Are they a bit too "in depth" sometimes - yes - buts those parts are easily skipped over by someone like me, where somebody that's looking to buy their first tools leave his videos with no questions left unanswered.

The mark of a good Reviewer is having to skip over parts in the review, obviously, sorry I saw that as a negative.

God forbid someobody build something for themselves without being stoned because guys like you feel his loyalty should lie more with a bunch of.people that will ultimately critiize anything he does over companies willing to pay him for something he does well.

No one here cares what he's built for himself with the dime of companies willing to pay for shill reviews. Several people have called it out as being an infomercial, not a single one has attacked anything other than the actual "review."

Some people just can't stand to see other people find success, and think everyone should somehow be in debt and owe something to people they don't even know. I'm sorry if I don't share that sense of entitlement, and like seeing other people succeed.

Hope you didn't sprain your ankle jumping to those conclusions.

If you think his channel and others are not living up to your vision of what a tool review channel should be, nobody is stopping you from buying a camera and a laptop and making your own.

Cool.

 

[kythri]

Honestly, all this bitching about RTR seems to be from hacks who don't like the message, so they attack the messenger.

Does anyone have ANY evidence whatsoever that RTR is being paid for his reviews? Or is this more blindless fellation of that AvE ***** who made such a claim in one of his idiotic videos?

"Herp derp! AvE said RTR doesn't chooch! He's so hilarious! I wish I could make up baby-talk words too!"

On a side note, I've found footage that shows AvE's face:

 

[Buckgnarly]

The guy has not posted on here in years, I would hardly call him a member here.

I do like his videos, but this one?....Come on, using some stock footage of a broken Dewalt impact anvil to criticize a shelf that is not permanently attached is a sign of honest reviewing? A shelf drops your impact and the anvil shatters....

He should stick to simple reviews and not this stupid X vs. Y tool show downs used in advertising.

 

[yamaha0343]

I can't fault the guy for wanting to get paid, but it's not too hard to surmise that several of his videos are HF Infomercials. As a Youtube reviewer that's probably where the money is anyway, not even counting the free stuff. Not a terrible gig actually. Make a channel, get popular, then sell out and let the checks roll in.

But while that's great for him, that does make him a paid shill. And that at least to me devalues the rest of his videos. But not as much as the annoying intro music.

If that makes me a hater, I'd like a tall glass of haterade please.

 

[Tallpilot]

I really wanted to like the us general cart and it performed adequately for its price, but the drawers and slides were just ******* wrecked after 9 months of use in a pro environment. I upgraded to a krsc46 promptly and there is no comparison at all. I have every drawer absolutely stuffed and the drawers and casters roll as smoothly as an empty box. It's built like a top of the line toolbox, but it has all of the portability of a utility cart.

Respectfully, do you believe the made in Iowa KRSC46 has anything in common with these two made in China tool carts we are discussing? You are absolutely correct that it is night and day different and the price reflects it. Our complaint is that the Blue Point isn't close to that level of quality and the list price is insane.

 

[M6erfan]

I look forward to any HF thread! Makes a dull day entertaining

 

[Tallpilot]

If you pay attention, it's almost always the same people getting upset whenever SO or HF is brought up within the same thread. It's always been that way around here, Certain members dislike all that is Import, others dislike made in the USA, some despise HF and others anything Tool truck related. IMO if you can't have a open mindset toward other people views or needs, your credibility is ****. It's somewhat comical watching these members try and justify there opinion as fact simply by attrition, being the top poster in a particular thread or the last response prior to the thread being locked doesn't mean your stance has been validated.

I don't think anyone despises made in USA or everything tool truck. The point of this forum is to answer questions. For instance: Is the BJP1 enough better than the Astro or OTC equivalent to be worth list price? It actually is if you do ball joints every day. Also, if you happen to see one at a pawn shop for $300 jump all over it even if you only do ball joints once every 5 years. Is the MAC thread restorer worth $130 when you can get it straight from the OEM for $40? Not even a little bit and you are suffering from several cognitive disabilities if you think otherwise.

The video was probably made for compensation but it answered the question: is the cart worth the extra money. No, it is at best worth $400 hand delivered and assembled. Don't shoot the messenger.

 

[Hiball]

I don't think anyone despises made in USA or everything tool truck. The point of this forum is to answer questions. For instance: Is the BJP1 enough better than the Astro or OTC equivalent to be worth list price? It actually is if you do ball joints every day. Also, if you happen to see one at a pawn shop for $300 jump all over it even if you only do ball joints once every 5 years. Is the MAC thread restorer worth $130 when you can get it straight from the OEM for $40? Not even a little bit and you are suffering from several cognitive disabilities if you think otherwise.

The video was probably made for compensation but it answered the question: is the cart worth the extra money. No, it is at best worth $400 hand delivered and assembled. Don't shoot the messenger.

My response was no where intended for RTR or his review in general, so I’m not shooting any messengers, In regards to the carts in question I’ve already voiced my personal opinion. IMO most people realize that paying extra for a rebranded tool isn’t the best idea, but sometimes the warranty can and is worth the premium on specific tools. My point is, just because it’s not your cup of tea, doesn’t mean someone is suffering from a disability. Weird...

In regards to members who despise tool trucks, USA or imports 100%.... Absolutely, they still run rampant and have since I’ve been here, generally it’s just a matter of time before they take there message too far and get laid off. It’s Obviously Ok to have civil discussions about brands in a general tool discussion forum, to bash someone because of the brand in there toolbox to the point where you feel the need to claim they are irresponsible with money or suffer from a disability just because there opinion differs is asinine.

 

[kctyphoon]

So we literally can't criticize him at all or we're jealous haters? Cry me a river.


No one in this thread brought up anything he's bought with his paid-for reviews, hard to see a lot of jealously when you're the only person stalking the guy posting about his truck and property.


The mark of a good Reviewer is having to skip over parts in the review, obviously, sorry I saw that as a negative.


No one here cares what he's built for himself with the dime of companies willing to pay for shill reviews. Several people have called it out as being an infomercial, not a single one has attacked anything other than the actual "review."



Hope you didn't sprain your ankle jumping to those conclusions.



Cool.

I literally read about 6 words of this.. lol.. better luck next time maybe.

 

[kctyphoon]

So question - if getting paid to do favorable or honest products reviews is being a paid shill, then what's a mechanic that constantly overcharges customers going by "what the book says" instead of being honest and saying it took half the time? So one guys a shill and the others a good businessman??? Well that certainly seems fair to me..

The whole POINT of starting YouTube channels is the hope that it will become profitable. I'm sorry but, was that a national secret I just exposed??

The REAL question is this - was that an accurate review of both products... were there features of the blue point deliberately omitted that would sway things the other way? If the answer to the second question is yes, then so far the experts are remaining silent.

Need a seal kit?? i am currently taking orders.....

 

[Strouty]

Reality TV series, "As the GJ Disagrees". Too many reruns, I guess maybe it is time to change the channel?

KC, I think as the OP, you knew what you were starting the second you posted the title of the thread.

As for me chiming in, well, both of those carts are bottom of the barrel as far as I am concerned.

 

[kctyphoon]

Hey man, sometimes the truth hurts.. still doesn't mean it's not true.. if it saves someone money that's all that matters.

 

[Specs]

The whole POINT of starting YouTube channels is the hope that it will become profitable. I'm sorry but, was that a national secret I just exposed??

Need a seal kit?? i am currently taking orders.....

Apparently :duck and cover:

I wanna throw Viper and Excel boxes into the royal rumble too, and Homak as a late entry LOL! Seems like buying the US Gen is an inflammable suggestion, especially based on the “Review”.

Lest we forget Snap-On lost the litigation that HF was sniping for their product lines and lost quite horrobly cause they couldn’t even prove the jack was a stolen design even with the HF ad in hand...

I honestly didn’t like the Review because cause Harbor Freight Took it under its arm and ran with it like a Fat kid Hoggin the Doublestuff Oreo pack and going after just Snap-On, I mean blue point is weaksauce. Call out Mac, Waterloo, Matco, and do an extensive tool cart Review.

The Hammyness of the comparison is for people who have never owned tool storage before and want them to feel confident buying better for the lower price. I still want the bigger boxes, feels like a better score than a 5 drawer push cart, And no upgrades needed. Thats just me. Or getting a middle chest and put it on my current single drawer cart i have... who knows.

 

[plinker]

Some make youtube videos for the fun of it, making money would be a side effect. Whether or not HF is compensating the guy for using his material is not any my concern, if he is satisfied with free advertisement from them using his video(s), more power to him.

I dont really have any interest in seeing youtube reviews for the most part anyway, especially for Snap-on vs. Harbor freight. I'll just pose a question on this site if I want to get an opinion on something. Others may find them useful, just not for me.

For the record I wouldnt buy either cart, two reasons,
#1; not making a three hour round trip to HF.
#2; not spending the money on Snap-on (unless it's a really good deal, to which I'd have better luck finding a vein of unobtainium ore around here).

 

[kctyphoon]

In other news - the HF 4 drawer cart has a new model coming out too.. I left my name and number telling them I wanna buy the floor model of the original when they get told to sell it off.. and I saw the new HF US General side lockers today.. deeper, but only 16" wide compared to the 18" of the old. and they eliminated a drawer on the bottom and gave you an extra adjustable shelf. I'm glad I nabbed another old one.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

So question - if getting paid to do favorable or honest products reviews is being a paid shill, then what's a mechanic that constantly overcharges customers going by "what the book says" instead of being honest and saying it took half the time? So one guys a shill and the others a good businessman??? Well that certainly seems fair to me..

And when it takes twice as long, the customer is cool paying double? Troll harder my man.



Getting paid to do a review that promotes anything is a grey area. Basic info, sure. Compare/contrast can get sticky quickly. I like some of the guys videos, some are meh.

 

[WittHay]

Specs, you the nail on the head. Its not Real Tool Review. Its Harbor Freight Support channel. The sole purpose of the video was for RTR to receive compensation from HF.

RTR is for people who have never been on a tool truck and probably never will. It makes them feel good when they purchase a product with a 90 day warranty, that their HF tool is just as good as the much higher priced one. Even though they had no intention of buying a Snap-on product is beside the point.

It all part of that HF marketing BS. According to them there are only 2 choices for tools in America, HF or the most expensive tool as compared in their advertising. RTR just reinforces this nonsense with his HF vs Snap-on videos

 

[Tallpilot]

I saw the new HF US General side lockers today.. deeper, but only 16" wide compared to the 18" of the old. and they eliminated a drawer on the bottom and gave you an extra adjustable shelf. I'm glad I nabbed another old one.

It is an interesting albeit incomprehensible strategy. They made the main box better (probably had to because of the tariffs) but made the accessories worse. Is that just to preserve margin?

 

[kctyphoon]

And when it takes twice as long, the customer is cool paying double? Troll harder my man.

Yea cause that ALWAYS happens.. on every job too...

Off topic - (just for this post) - number 1 best all time convo I've had with a (Nissan) dealership for a repair.

Dealer - "sir, the reason your driver's window won't go up is because you have dark tint on the glass"

Me- "that's amazing - then why do the other 3 Windows still work?"

Dealer - "well we'll have to look and get back to you on that"

Me- "ok, so your telling me if you peel off the tint, the car will know, and the window will magically work again"

Dealer - "we'll get back to you when the manager arrives"

Me - "ok- let me know how you guys make out over there"

-end of rant-

 

[Specs]

You gotta avoid that Heavy weight filamented Tint.... you may need to add air to the front left tire to offset the tint... hows your MPGs?

 

[Yarpo]

I literally read about 6 words of this.. lol.. better luck next time maybe.

If you're not going to read peoples replies and/or rebuttals you probably shouldn't engage in forum arguments/conversations, lol.

Don't be a child

 

[kctyphoon]

If you're not going to read peoples replies and/or rebuttals you probably shouldn't engage in forum arguments/conversations, lol.

Don't be a child

When someone's post uses "do you have a man crush" as a last defense(lmao) to make a point - I reserve the right to ignore anything else they type - .. and I'm the child ?? Lol. Please, no liberal name calling here. if you can make a solid point then you shouldn't need to resort to this... is everyone THAT bothered by the fact that a HF cart just body slammed a snap on product again?

 

[WittHay]

I think a real tool review should compare a few different carts that would be used in a working shop not just the standard HF vs. Snap-on.

Here are 6 carts from the lowest to highest price all made in China in the 30" to 32" range HF 189.99, ATD 422.85, Homak 479.99, Extreme 631.75, Matco 674.95, Blue-Point 799.95

Various shipping or pickup costs, initial purchase quality (how many times you have to return it to get a good one), ease of return or warranty, ease of assembly, color choice, metal thickness, drawer layout, drawer capacity, drawer catches, caster durability, accessories available (can holders, shelves, bumpers, etc), parts availability, warranty period, trade in value

That is about 14 different variables there. Pick whats important to you. For example: If you want a green or yellow cart, fully assembled delivered to your shop, there is probably just one choice for that

 

[Yarpo]

When someone's post uses "do you have a man crush" as a last defense(lmao) to make a point - I reserve the right to ignore anything else they type - .. and I'm the child ?? Lol. Please, no liberal name calling here. if you can make a solid point then you shouldn't need to resort to this... is everyone THAT bothered by the fact that a HF cart just body slammed a snap on product again?

No, I actually defended the cart and would buy the HF cart over the bluepoint every time at those prices, I've just seen you do this to someone else before so its the only reason I mentioned it. Carry on

 

[kctyphoon]

These are some tool carts with bolted construction that are comparable to the HF. Homak fron Napa and Extreme both have 5 year warranty's. The ATD has a 1 year warranty. HF has a 90 day warranty

Here's a thread started back in 2012 from people that actually own the HF carts.. don't believe there's much talk about warranty issues, but you can check 6 years of history if ya feel the need. US General replacement parts are easily obtained if need be.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137365

 

[AA/FC]

The whole POINT of starting YouTube channels is the hope that it will become profitable. I'm sorry but, was that a national secret I just exposed??

That is NOT the whole point. Very few YouTube channels are profitable in comparison to the overall number of YouTube channels in existence today. Some people create YouTube channels to host their videos that they want to share online with friends, family, co-workers, etc, etc. How would you explain the millions of YouTube channels that existed long before monetization was ever thought of on YouTube? I know for a fact that I have videos on YouTube that were uploaded long before advertising was ever a part of that website. Just sayin...

 

[BMack37]

If you're not going to read peoples replies and/or rebuttals you probably shouldn't engage in forum arguments/conversations, lol.

Don't be a child

Exactly, the guy whined like a baby when I said his favorite YT-er was doing an infomercial, then rambled on with non-sense...then I respond and he takes his ball and runs home.

When someone's post uses "do you have a man crush" as a last defense(lmao) to make a point - I reserve the right to ignore anything else they type - .. and I'm the child ?? Lol. Please, no liberal name calling here. if you can make a solid point then you shouldn't need to resort to this... is everyone THAT bothered by the fact that a HF cart just body slammed a snap on product again?

You literally respond and attack to EVERY criticism of the video and defend RTR like you're his mother. If that isn't a man crush, I don't know what else is. You're probably right, I guess we're all just jealous of a 40 year old vblogger on the internet that doesn't know the difference between a safe and a fire safe.

Nice try with the liberal shot but who's the baby that can't take criticism? Go eat some tide pods.

 

[kctyphoon]

List price for a replacement blue point lid - $120
List price for the entire HF cart $149 - but this is the model that always had $99 coupons..


Husky price $198

 

[Hiball]

Nice try with the liberal shot but who's the baby that can't take criticism? Go eat some tide pods.

Lol @ Tide Pods, Good stuff.

 

[Tallpilot]

Yea cause that ALWAYS happens.. on every job too...

Off topic - (just for this post) - number 1 best all time convo I've had with a (Nissan) dealership for a repair.

Dealer - "sir, the reason your driver's window won't go up is because you have dark tint on the glass"

Me- "that's amazing - then why do the other 3 Windows still work?"

Dealer - "well we'll have to look and get back to you on that"

Me- "ok, so your telling me if you peel off the tint, the car will know, and the window will magically work again"

Dealer - "we'll get back to you when the manager arrives"

Me - "ok- let me know how you guys make out over there"

-end of rant-

Be careful; you are going to upset the flat rate mechanics. Mechanic compensation is a topic for another thread but that type of ******** is why I do all my own work now.

 

[Tallpilot]

By the way while we are all attacking each other for sport. Would someone please figure out how to purchase the new style lid so those of use with the old cart can purchase it?