Why I buy from Harbor Freight - No bashing!

[LEVE]

To answer the OP question, I buy HF tools because:

• They are available,
• They are reasonably priced,
• The quality, for my use, is acceptable,
• I can warranty the tool easily,
• I like the 25% off coupons and use them religiously.

Over the last 10 years my hand tools have been migrating from 30 year old Craftsman to HF. I haven't noticed a huge difference in quality or performance. I do notice a difference in such goods as electrical drills and saws. The HF quality isn't as good as the old Craftsman or even old B&D, but it's still acceptable for the price. I'll continue to buy their tools, as needed if the price is (IMHO) fair. As an example I purchased their Multifunction Tool a couple of years ago. It's been outstanding. I would buy another if I needed to in a heartbeat.

 

[tdkkart]

No, I don't know. But I know a company paying it's employees twice minimum wage or more is trying a hell of a lot harder to give its employees a quality of life than one paying half that.

Saying that American companies are trying to give their employees a better way of life is about the most F^&king hilarious thing I've heard in a LONG time.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

If HF didn't exist I would have spent around 10k on tool boxes. Thanks HF.

HF gives people a chance to buy tools. Not everyone can afford snap on. Not everyone needs SO either. I think the concept is great. I enjoy going there and looking around. At least at HF I can buy whatever I want. When I walk on the SO truck I can't just start buying stuff. So what if my HF stuff breaks, I can bring it back for a new item. You just need to be smart about what you buy. The quality has been steadily improving as well.

When I spend my money I am not so concerned about paying someone else's mortgage as I am about not spending too much of my money. I distribute somewhat evenly, but in the end its my money and I want the best item for the best price.

 

[LEVE]

Saying that American companies are trying to give their employees a better way of life is about the most F^&king hilarious thing I've heard in a LONG time.

A lot of kids in school, unskilled and skilled adults need to read this and take it's lesson to heart:

Bill Gates: People Don't Realize How Many Jobs Will Soon Be Replaced By Software Bots

Things, they are a changin'...

Look at the changes in the automobile industry in the last decade. It's only going to get worse (depending on your way of looking at it.).

 

[cburnscrx]

Would you prefer no jobs? Think about all the people in shipping and receiving, managers, assistant managers, corporate, etc... Those people don't make minimum wage and likely have families. The ones with minimum wage have those jobs for a reason. Either a stepping stone or it's where they belong

Those people CHOOSE to work there

Seems a little harsh to me.

Seems 100% spot on to me.

 

[cburnscrx]

As a professional mechanic for 30 years, I have tools from almost every tool company under the sun, and sure, some HF stuff is junk, but some of it there isn't enough difference from the tool trucks to even discuss - and overpaying by 2000% on many things really pisses me off.

So I love HF overall, and imports are not necessarily a bad thing, the day an American car company can compete reliability-wise and quality-wise with the likes of Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Acura, Infiniti, Mazda, Subaru or Scion, y'all let me know! (because for the last 35 years, they haven't even been in the ballpark!)

Thank you for posting that, especially with your background!

 

[cburnscrx]

Most of it can be blamed to greedy stockholders screaming for record proffits. Made in America with care and quality means dogshit in this day and age

As a stockholder (not of HF or Sears), I do want record profits coming back to MY pocket. I am an American last I checked. If that means outsourcing, so be it. I've experienced more industry than most, as I've worked in a hardware factory, food production facility, warehouse, manufacturing, retail, office management, ect. Do you know what has worked out best for me? Investing and real estate. Work smarter, not harder. The guy with the high school diploma going to work in the local factory...those days are over. Adapt or die.

 

[Hiball]

Why does the membership here feel the need to repeatedly defend the validity of there purchases? I just don't get it.. Jealously? Do you Lack of confidence in your tool choice and need repeated reassurance? Pot stirring?

 

[bczygan]

Why does the membership here feel the need to repeatedly defend the validity of there purchases? I just don't get it.. Jealously? Do you Lack of confidence in your tool choice and need repeated reassurance? Pot stirring?

We're bored.....and our mothers won't let us go outside to play.

 

[Sleipnir]

Its normal for buyers wanting confirmation that they were wise with their money

 

[Hiball]

Its normal for buyers wanting confirmation that they were wise with their money

Stick around.. You figure out there is nothing normal about the repeated back and forth between brand X and Y and more importantly the debate that constantly brews between why X is better than Y.

 

[sberry]

They employ about 11,000 people IN the USA

May not be high paying manufacturing jobs, but it certainly is better than nothing

That should be good enough reason not to rag on HF. Some products ****, some are great. We should care about jobs. Not just the jobs they create directly, but for people like me who couldn't stay afloat without some of the good tools they offer

Snap-On, just for reference because they are probably the most well known for US made tools, employ about 11,500 Worldwide

More fathers can help their sons replace those brakes or finish that garage because of HF

I agree,,, Walmart too to some extent. Some of it is junk but they sell a lot of good affordable stuff, can even force competition with brands. The generic hand can opener can be had for 2$ in a plain package. Its the best and same as the top model at 4x the price.

As a company Snap is doing exactly as it should but the real boon has been to consumers as was stated, no longer is all the cheap junk, its often the same blank from which the mid line is re labled from.

The real tool bargains are not the discount on the hi end or even on mid level unless they are on super sale but the fact that one could get 18 hi end brutal tough end wrenches for 15 dollars. Same today. Sears might not be spectacular but for 99$ x 220 set they are all but giving it away, today sub HF pricing of 10 yrs ago, even they raise prices now and then.

Top end depreciates 50 cents on the dollar overnight and seen HF wrenches at an auction stuck on number 9 wire with the common sizes missing, arc struck and beat to hell by teenage Amish stove builders for 10 yrs bring more than new.

The bargain in this period isn't a 200$ discount on a 18 pc set set from 700 but that you can walk in and buy 24/7 for not much more than a 20$, chrome good enough Stevie Wonder wouldnt know the difference but own it outright for decades of service as well as a good short warranty, for burgers for 2 at a fast food.

If I am out to make a dollar tomorrow, need a socket to make a dollar last place I am looking is to flag down a truck when there is an option to do it with a resource at disposable cost.

 

[cburnscrx]

Stick around.. You figure out there is nothing normal about the repeated back and forth between brand X and Y and more importantly the debate that constantly brews between why X is better than Y.

Sometimes I feel like I am watching tennis here...

 

[sberry]

Don't got to worry about lost or stolen, sold, gave away, all replaceable for 99$ that works almost as good for 99% of the work.

 

[oldtools]

11000 minimum wage jobs. Thanks Harbor Freight.

Better than 11000 welfare recipients. Without any skilled, these kids will either find minimum wage work at HF or elsewhere (like MccDonald). I would rather have these kids working and contributing to society than wasting their time on facebook or committing crime.

 

[warmpancakes]

Better than 11000 welfare recipients. Without any skilled, these kids will either find minimum wage work at HF or elsewhere (like MccDonald). I would rather have these kids working and contributing to society than wasting their time on facebook or committing crime.

Most of them still get welfare as they have 3-4 baby daddies who dont pay, at least the HF around here

 

[dankicksass]

Minimum wage jobs don't keep people off welfare.

 

[nahuebsch82]

I have no idea what a Snap-On employee in Taiwan makes, but I know the ones in this country aren't making $7 an hour like most of HF's are.

But hey, the have managers and corporate people that make enough to eat on

Dude seriously? Don't knock the "budget" tool company paying min wage to its bottom end employees, if they paid their employees what snap-on paid its equivalent employees their products would be more expensive. Its like saying McDonald's vs premium steak house, they are what they are. Additionally a job is a job, I personally am happy those employees are working and not living off us.

 

[tdkkart]

Lets not forget all the techs who after paying their SO driver take home less than minimum wage. SO does as much as anyone to contribute to the poor financial health of techs all over the world.

 

[Hiball]

Lets not forget all the techs who after paying their SO driver take home less than minimum wage. SO does as much as anyone to contribute to the poor financial health of techs all over the world.

And so does fast food, $1.50 candy bars and soda pop, lottery tickets, credit cards and the list goes on and on. Here's a idea... How about as consumers we start taking responsibility for our own actions versus blaming other parties. What a joke...

 

[oldtools]

Minimum wage jobs don't keep people off welfare.

I would rather supplement their income than paying them to sit at home doing nothing. Either way, we are paying for it. If the company pay a higher wage, then they charge a higher price. Again, the consumer pay for the employee income. If people want a higher wage, then they need to acquire desirable skill. Company cannot survive paying employee good wage for low skill work.

 

[texasfiremedic]

Thread has been officially hijacked.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Why does the membership here feel the need to repeatedly defend the validity of there purchases? I just don't get it.. Jealously? Do you Lack of confidence in your tool choice and need repeated reassurance? Pot stirring? [/QUOTE]

More like pot smoking!

Buy whatever tool you like and enjoy those tools. Easy right?

 

[Tellingthem]

I have no problems with Harbor Freight. I've bought stuff from there before. The gloves and moving blankets are still a steal in my eyes. I also try to buy American made products as well. Tools, clothing, food, whatever. To me it's about a balance. We do live in a Global Society and we want other countries to buy our products and they want us to buy theirs. But when the balance gets skewed too far in one direction that's when problems develop.

I decided on my own that I bought too many imports and not enough domestic products so I changed my spending habits. I'm not saying there was anything wrong about their products just that I wanted to put more of my money back into the communities here. It doesn't have to be an either or...it can be both.

So if Harbor Freight can make a buck doing what they do. Good for them. That is the American way. If they didn't provide what the people want they would go out of business. It's up to us to decide what our priorities are. And I do not begrudge anyone whose priorities differ from me.

 

[Nephronracing]

I have no problem with HF or any retailer like them. There is a demand for low cost tools and they are filling that need. Capitalism, baby!

I personally own one HF tool. Inner Tie Rod Tool Set. I'd love to have the SO version but still can't justify even ebay pricing. I've used it once and it worked. I've even thought about picking up one of their tool carts. Don't know if I'll ever actually go get one but I'm happy to have a choice.

 

[d4dawg]

Harbor Freight employs 11,000 people whom they pay minimum or near minimum wage to stock and ring up cheap *** tools manufactured by some Chinaman making $ 0.50 a day who could give a flying **** less about the quality of the product he's putting out.

Given HF's business model is to source and sell low quality tools. And let's just say they source tools from US factories only. Then take into account the wage level and cost of living differences, etc. I doubt the above quoted statement changes at all. Replace "chinaman" with "murican", $.50 with $50. Everything else remains true, including the "give a flying ****" part.

 

[Dr.JohnnyFever]

I don't have a Made-In-USA obsession - I have a quality obsession.

That usually means USA, Germany, Switzerland. Sometimes Japan and Taiwan.

If some Chinese brand starts cranking out hand tools that are better quality than Wright, Proto, Williams, Wiha, Wera, Knipex, Bondhus, Felo, etc - then I will probably start buying them.

I have bought exactly 1 item from HF in the last 10 years; a concrete ******** for a one time job.

People have advised me to look at their impact wrenches. I may do that someday, but most items there usually don't have the quality I am looking for.

I also find their use of the names Central Pneumatic and Chicago Electric to be somewhat loathsome.

 

[cburnscrx]

I'll try to get this back on course...

I buy (some) Harbor Freight tools because they're a good value and I can walk in and pick them up off the shelf for not much money out the door for the same or better quality than I would get elsewhere. Additionally it allows me to have a junkyard box, travel box, and my home workshop as well. Oh, sure I could spend half a year chasing around auctions, swap meets, pawn shops, ect looking for that one smoking deal on a ratchet, but why? I can walk in the door, pick up a 72 tooth composite ratchet for $6.75 and be on my way. It fills a need. I mean getting a poly/nylon trim and molding removal set for $5.75, how can you beat that?

In the end, they're the best value for many things and it helps my bottom line to spend less and get more.

 

[cburnscrx]

I have no problem with HF or any retailer like them. There is a demand for low cost tools and they are filling that need. Capitalism, baby!

...Don't know if I'll ever actually go get one but I'm happy to have a choice.

This!

 

[chipper]

Where else can you buy a paint brush for a dime and get a free screwdriver set.....I think if HF wasn't around there would be another company doing g exactly the same thing..nobody makes you shop there and I'll agree most of the stuff is junk minus a few gems..but I will live by you get what you pay for

 

[sberry]

If the HF stuff were half the cost we would still be making these points, at 10% its a no brainer that the customer is getting a bargain in most cases from HF and some of it super. Unlike Sears and the ratchet I believe the 1 item that was true junk, an old set of pieced together deep 1/2 impact sockets were junk, I think they rid it in the lineup.

 

[Conductor562]

Awful lot of love for Harbor Freight around here these days

Tonight I'll go home and hug my big box of Proto tools a little tighter.

Look, I understand not everyone can afford/justify pro grade tools. I also understand that the HF's of the world serve a purpose. I occasionally shop there for certain items. I have a few HF items (Blast cabinet, Floor jack, etc.) because use in my home shop doesn't justify a $5,000 industrial cabinet or a $700 Hein Werner.

HF gives the consumer a low end option. I'm not so unreasonable that I believe everyone should buy high end everything, but it strikes me as hilarious that there's so much love for HF for selling **** and so much hate for Sears for trying to compete. Start a thread about anything Craftsman and it gets so nasty so quick you abandon your own thread. We tout HF for peddling **** and ***** about not having affordable American made options in the same sentence when in reality it's because of HF and **** box retailers like them that there aren't any affordable American options.

 

[Steinmetz]

SO...
11,500 EMPLOYEES... according to this, lets not forget to add in 3,292 US Franchisee's and 340 Canadian..
http://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/snapontools/282805-0.html#

Franchisees? In that case, there's probably about 3,292 U.S. and 340 Canadian citizens making less than minimum wage.

 

[sberry]

I bought a lisle cam brg tool, 50 more for USA at the local store. They had ATD and its good too but I gave up a third more than I had to be USA. The ATD is branded like Napa and they source for good working stuff. I never bought anything that didn't work better than I thought it would.
Some pieces are stars. The load tester, some things one needs to consider the fittings like a cyl drop tool. It cost way more to make it unless you got free parts and time.

but it strikes me as hilarious that there's so much love for HF for selling **** and so much hate for Sears for trying to compete.

I don't hate them for competing, I think its great for the buyer but dumb,,, ok stupid for them as a company to comp[ete and try to lowball HF and Walmart. In the same token I got no love for the truck due to the price but I think they should keep the same business model they have.

Sears should have went to great length to protect and strengthened the brand, shooting for under SK as the place to be. Kobalt has been getting the action Sears should have tried at all cost to hold. Same for Menards, have some USA hardline at Sears old prices, they sell a few.

 

[Steinmetz]

I agree,,, Walmart too to some extent. Some of it is junk but they sell a lot of good affordable stuff, can even force competition with brands. The generic hand can opener can be had for 2$ in a plain package. Its the best and same as the top model at 4x the price.

As a company Snap is doing exactly as it should but the real boon has been to consumers as was stated, no longer is all the cheap junk, its often the same blank from which the mid line is re labled from.

The real tool bargains are not the discount on the hi end or even on mid level unless they are on super sale but the fact that one could get 18 hi end brutal tough end wrenches for 15 dollars. Same today. Sears might not be spectacular but for 99$ x 220 set they are all but giving it away, today sub HF pricing of 10 yrs ago, even they raise prices now and then.

Top end depreciates 50 cents on the dollar overnight and seen HF wrenches at an auction stuck on number 9 wire with the common sizes missing, arc struck and beat to hell by teenage Amish stove builders for 10 yrs bring more than new.

The bargain in this period isn't a 200$ discount on a 18 pc set set from 700 but that you can walk in and buy 24/7 for not much more than a 20$, chrome good enough Stevie Wonder wouldnt know the difference but own it outright for decades of service as well as a good short warranty, for burgers for 2 at a fast food.

If I am out to make a dollar tomorrow, need a socket to make a dollar last place I am looking is to flag down a truck when there is an option to do it with a resource at disposable cost.

Absolutely correct. The only real value in tools is their utility; e.g., the ability to use them and create wealth, or even just a living. Otherwise, they are just overpriced pieces of jewelry in an expensive and slavishly-waxed box.

 

[Coach James]

......I have bought exactly 1 item from HF in the last 10 years; a concrete ******** for a one time job......

If it was made of concrete, I'm not surprised it was only used once. Damn that had to hurt!

Coach

 

[sberry]

If a guy sprayed the HF cherry picker any other color could pass it off as any brand he wanted. I had thought about it for trade shows.

 

[quattroJoe]

HF gives the consumer a low end option. I'm not so unreasonable that I believe everyone should buy high end everything, but it strikes me as hilarious that there's so much love for HF for selling **** and so much hate for Sears for trying to compete. Start a thread about anything Craftsman and it gets so nasty so quick you abandon your own thread. We tout HF for peddling **** and ***** about not having affordable American made options in the same sentence when in reality it's because of HF and **** box retailers like them that there aren't any affordable American options.

Amen brother!

 

[sberry]

Absolutely correct. The only real value in tools is their utility; e.g., the ability to use them and create wealth, or even just a living. Otherwise, they are just overpriced pieces of jewelry in an expensive and slavishly-waxed box.

Right, the tool doesn't know the difference. That is worth repeating in a general sense especially as the bottom has grown. When we get a value, what should I do question the answer in todays worlds is that one should explore the cheap end. No longer does one need state of the art or super long duty cycle cept some real pro users in specific areas usually involving highly paid labor etc.
I feel better today using the 40$ oscilating tool vs some gut wrenching 400$ decision I might have made at one time to buy the best etc.
The trick is to find the baseline tool before it goes to branding, the ATD adjustable wrench set can be had on sale for 20$, inked ATD China which wears off, about the best of its type I have ever used with a minor improvement worthy of note.

It would be cheaper for the tech to stay home a day than to invest in some of the tools they do,, ha

 

[BDT/NWMN]

WHY I BUY FROM HARBOR FREIGHT


For Me:
They do have select items that meet my standards for some of my Intended uses.

HF is a low cost, cut rate place.. I do not expect top quality stuff for a dime on the dollar cost. I do not owe them any loyalty...They will not do a buy online and ship to store. This is not convenient for me.

They are not the only dime store in the area: NAPA, Sears, Home Depot, Lowes, Menards, Ace, WalMart, O'Reileys, Northern Tool are a few that can be added to the list. Lots of dime store tools to choose from.....

If I determine a lower cost tool would be acceptable for a certain job; I MAY evaluate the offerings from all of the above stores, Harbor Freight included.... That is why I shop at Harbor Freight.

When after premium tools; I choose from a list of places that sell my favored USA made tools. Is this acceptable ????