Why I buy from Harbor Freight - No bashing!

[Engine]

^^^ Wow! That sounds like a dream job to me.

Actually, my view is that we live in a culture today that values temporary, disposable, and inexpensive products over those that are relatively costly, precisely made, and durable. We have embraced a "throw-away" mentality that allows retailers like HF to thrive and grow.

Gone are the days of my grandfather, who "invested" in tools and surely expected the shovels, drills, and tractors to provide valuable service for years if not decades. When a machine or tool broke down, it was repaired. When a new tool was purchased, it was because the old one was worn out beyond repair or only when the new one could justify itself in terms of practical use. In our time it is just the opposite. Today many tools are designed to be cheap to produce and to be lightly used by the home "fixer-upper" guys.

This is not to say that there is no market for high-end tools. There obviously is a (relatively) small number of professional mechanics and other maintenance technicians who make their livings in their chosen trades and hold to the tried and true, old-school values like "buy the best you can afford" and "take care of your tools and your tools will take care of you." However, in terms of sheer numbers, the DIY crowd is where the real profit is in terms of tool product retailing. Thus the growth in the lower priced offerings and the demise of the higher quality ones.

I've been around long enough to see the American manufacturing base shrink to a small fraction of what it used to be. There is no sense crying about it. Man, she's gone and she ain't comin' back. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is. I don't want to start digging about for reasons because that's a slippery slope that will soon drag government policies into the mix. After that it will be politics. Then what's next, religion?

The bottom line is that I buy HF tools for occasional or light-duty work; when I don't really need much from the tools, or if I expect that I'll really abuse them. For tools that I expect to use a lot or want to hang onto for the long haul, I try to get the best quality I can afford. I can't think of any other way to put it.

 

[Adam.C]

Just my 2 cents- if you have a strong opinion on global trade, you don't understand it. The Chinese are still using what we in the West define as slave labor. Factory managers lie about their safety and environmental certs. The central govt illegally sets their currency to maintain a trade advantage with the US. Social and human rights issues still run rampant. There is plenty of justification to isolate China economically.

On the other hand, China is changing, becoming more westernized and capitalistic. Isolationist hard line policies by the West have hampered reforms in China in the past, and have largely been abandoned by the US. Many large US companies who manufacture in China are demanding fair pay and treatment for workers. In some respects, patronizing these businesses aids in reforms. HFG may well be one, I don't know.

Patronizing Chinese manufacturing probably does harm US manufacturing and likely costs US jobs. But in the same breath, China imports everything from food to airplanes from the US.

I'd like to tell you I'm comfortable buying Chinese goods, because over the long haul, it will help the West and China. But I'm not. Anyone who says they feel they are doing the right thing by buying Chinese products, clearly are misinformed. Choosing Chinese over US made goods is very complicated and there is no clear right answer.

P.S. I'm not sure I'm exactly bolstering US jobs by purchasing Snap On tools on ebay. I can say from personal experience, the high cost of SO second hand, has caused me to buy off the truck more. Truck deals are often within 20% of ebay prices, so in those cases I opt for new.

 

[wvrailroader]

And just in case anyone missed it, the Proto RHFT rats that are re-branded Facoms are the stoutest RHFT rats on the market. Italian or not, they are awesome rats. A hair on the thick side, but awesome nonetheless.

I have several of those Proto RHFT ratchets and I consider them to be some of the best I have ever seen.

 

[arms1970]

There is a fellow on here that was able to build a business for himself, simply because he saved money on getting Harbor Freight tools, and then upgraded as he could. Not everyone can afford the tool truck, and not every tool truck driver is worth a damn. I've been trying to buy a set of ratchets from almighty SO for months, but I can't get the damned tool schmuck (and that's what a great percentage are) to return calls or emails. So, with that said, he lost out.

It wasn't as if I wanted him to make a special trip for a pocket screwdriver -- I wanted to plunk down a couple of hundred dollars. Oh well. It would seem that the high and mighty truck brands don't give a flying rats *** about the little man.. unless it's licensing the Snappy name to bunch of horseshit stocking stuffer "in-name-only" junk products to squeeze out a few more nickels.

I like the quality, but the culture ***** ***.

Why didn't you just buy online?

 

[arms1970]

The list of justifications for doing business at HF is ever expanding. People's need to explain themselves constantly is telling.

If you want to buy disposable import tools, knock yourself out. You don't need to explain it or justify it to everyone all the time.

Like I said, if you want knuckle busters, then go buy them. The whole snap on/tool truck/harbor freight will never come to an end. There will be a nuclear holocaust and this subject will still be brought up.

 

[cburnscrx]

Actually, my view is that we live in a culture today that values temporary, disposable, and inexpensive products over those that are relatively costly, precisely made, and durable. We have embraced a "throw-away" mentality that allows retailers like HF to thrive and grow.

I think technology has played a huge part in this as well. Where's the rotary phone these days and the 3 prong connector that were around for decades? Do people even have home phones anymore? Things progress rather quickly, and changes in technology are instantaneous. Just look at smart phones, tablets, computers and cars. Does anybody remember a calculator used to cost $100? Now I can pick one up from the dollar store. Almost all cars can go 100k, and good cars last 200k without much difficulty.

Gone are the days of my grandfather, who "invested" in tools and surely expected the shovels, drills, and tractors to provide valuable service for years if not decades. When a machine or tool broke down, it was repaired. When a new tool was purchased, it was because the old one was worn out beyond repair or only when the new one could justify itself in terms of practical use. In our time it is just the opposite. Today many tools are designed to be cheap to produce and to be lightly used by the home "fixer-upper" guys.

Gone are the days of the person who needs a tool to last decades, like shovels, drills, and tractors. Being realistic I would venture to say all of my shovels and my corded drill will be around decades later if I wanted them to be, but I probably don't.

I have a drill my grandfather used, it's a Pall and it still works. Needs a new switch as it's intermittent but it still works. Easy enough to fix if I so desired. However, I never use it and it's on a shelf. It's 1 speed, only uses a 3/8 keyed chuck, and made of metal...man is that thing heavy. I'd rather use my variable speed 1/2 Chinese made DeWalt which is much lighter, easier to control and has just as much, if not more power. So did that drill my grandfather bought really need to last 100 years? It's obsolete by most (non collectors or tool junkies) peoples standards.

Same with my grandfathers garden tractor. I'd much rather have a new one than his old one that was hard to start, hard to keep running, burns oil ,ect. Did that really need to last a lifetime, or did technology pass it by? They now have automatic transmissions and power steering in garden tractors, vs. shifting and cranking the wheel hard to make sharp turns.

Additionally I have my grandfathers shovels too. While I'll never throw them away, I bought a new one last year from Lowes. It has a step on the back of the blade to give you more area to put your foot. It's nice, and my feet don't ache at the end of the day. My wife liked it so much we bought another and now grandpa's shovel sits in the corner, likely never to be used much again.

This is not to say that there is no market for high-end tools. There obviously is a (relatively) small number of professional mechanics and other maintenance technicians who make their livings in their chosen trades and hold to the tried and true, old-school values like "buy the best you can afford" and "take care of your tools and your tools will take care of you." However, in terms of sheer numbers, the DIY crowd is where the real profit is in terms of tool product retailing. Thus the growth in the lower priced offerings and the demise of the higher quality ones.

I've been around long enough to see the American manufacturing base shrink to a small fraction of what it used to be. There is no sense crying about it. Man, she's gone and she ain't comin' back. Unfortunately, that's just the way it is. I don't want to start digging about for reasons because that's a slippery slope that will soon drag government policies into the mix. After that it will be politics. Then what's next, religion?

The bottom line is that I buy HF tools for occasional or light-duty work; when I don't really need much from the tools, or if I expect that I'll really abuse them. For tools that I expect to use a lot or want to hang onto for the long haul, I try to get the best quality I can afford. I can't think of any other way to put it.

And I think the DIY crowd dictates where the money has gone and what is considered a quality tool. For the average Joe installing tile, just how many times in his lifetime is he going to install tile? 3 kitchens worth if he's ambitious? Never before have more people been able to do more to their homes. Just look at plumbing. PVC and PEX! Some glue and a crimper. It's amazing! Heck, they even have flexible gas line now (don't get me started on the safety of that!).

I called one plumbing company and wanted them to install and sweat some copper..."well, we have 1 guy who does that, but we just replace it with Pex as a rule". This was a company!

I too have been around long enough to watch the manufacturing base dwindle, but I've seen towns destroyed by it, and towns who came back stronger than ever. Pittsburgh recovered quite nicely, even winning the most livable city a few years back. Youngstown...not so much as it's a shell of it's former self. The grandfather I referenced earlier worked in one of those steel mills, and died early because of it. He got emphysema from the job, and while he did get a settlement, that doesn't' ever replace years of your life. Things weren't always rosier. I do think it was interesting that he was such a proponent of getting an education and staying out of the factories and having a better life. While he was not a fan of overseas manufacturing (former military), he didn't want his kids or grandkids going into that life either.

The point of all this? We have it better now than ever before, as things are easier, more affordable and more available than at any point in our history. Times they are a changin'

 

[monomach]

Guys don't buy that Chinese made stuff. I want you yo set and yhink about something before you buy anything that is not clearly marked U.S.A do you realize that all Chinese industry is wholly owned by the Chinese military? You see nothing is free or even cheap in life. Every time you buy a tool from the Chinese who hate you btw. That dollar is going into an army that is set to kill you and your family.

It's called the 50 year plan. Look it up

Much better for use all if you who can't afford American made metals to hit cregslist ebay and your local flemarkets and yard sales. Also if you don't know this people trade ussed tools back to the trucks all the time. But please stop buying from the Chinese military.

The Chinese do not hate us. Your average Chinese guy probably doesn't care about us one way or the other until he sees some crazy person on garage journal come just short of calling him the Great Yellow Devil.

Remember, your medication only works if you take it EVERY DAY.

 

[ZRX61]

11000 minimum wage jobs. Thanks Harbor Freight.

Friend of mine makes a pretty good wage flying their Gulfstream V

 

[mowersplus84]

Over the years i have bought quite a few things from hf and there are only a handful of products i would use in the professional field . the vast majority of my hf stuff is for home use . How ever Hf does contain all the resources needed to become a power player in professional grade hand tools.

 

[Cato]

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

Hey, good for you!

You would be a bad business man and a bad employer if you mismanaged your tool budget by buying over priced Snap On online or some other high priced alternative.

It helps no one if you go out of business; and the American tool manufactures do not need charity. Hand outs just makes things worse.

If they want your money they can produce a low cost budget line of basic, acceptable quality.

And like you mentioned, passing on mechanical skills and traditions to our sons is very important.

 

[PugetDude]

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

Sure got sucked into that class warfare vortex, didn't you?

Get back to us after you've built a successful business that employs 11,000+ people here in America.

Or, just continue to work for wages and complain about it to anyone and everyone who will listen.

The great thing about America is you have choices; shopping or not shopping at HF are just two of them.

 

[Conductor562]

Sure got sucked into that class warfare vortex, didn't you?

Sucked in? Hell, I willingly jumped in

Get back to us after you've built a successful business that employs 11,000+ people here in America.

Not sure how my lack of control of an 11,000 man business disqualifies me from having an opinion, but whatever. I'd rather run a company that employed 3 people at a good wage than one the employed 11,000 at the poverty line.

Or, just continue to work for wages and complain about it to anyone and everyone who will listen.

I wouldn't call it complaining. It's more disgust. But yes, I think it's a pretty damn sad state of affairs when one of the richest companies in the free world has a program to help it's employees secure government assistance as opposed to paying them a living wage. Encouraging them to feed off assistance from a busted system while benefits for veterans and retirees are cut and we stand poised to bequeath our children this broken mess of a Government. To me that's worth climbing upon the soap box for. My opinion is no better than yours, but it's every bit as good.

The great thing about America is you have choices; shopping or not shopping at HF are just two of them.

I'll not argue with that. It's your right to buy ****** tools if you want to. God speed

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Damn Conductor....I like your words.

 

[McFarmer]

I've never seen a HF. 'Course I'm out here in the sticks, and I have never talked to a tool truck guy. They could both fall off the planet and it would take a while for me to notice.

I have built a pretty good set of tools I need on the farm by keeping my eyes open and shopping places like Epstein's on the Internet.

There is a lot of middle ground between the two.

Having said that, I will not by China products if I have any kind of choice. They will own us someday. Our trade with them is unsustainable. ABC (Anywhere But China)

 

[gungatim]

One thing people don't understand is that HF is the new Craftsman. 20 yrs. ago, the avg. mechanic, DIY guy that didn't buy from the tool truck went to Sears. HF just beat them at their own game, the lower priced intermediate tool market. HF went overseas first. It took Sears too long to do the same, thus where they are now. Today, HF tools are equal or better than Craftsman back in the day. I own a miriad of Craftsman from many different era's, and can honestly say they are no better than HF (talking hand tools here).

If the consumer cared more about made in USA than price, HF wouldn't be where they are today.

 

[Dust Devil]

Does it make me a bad person if I put my Snap-on stuff in a HF box??

 

[warmpancakes]

Irony defined, theres a Harbor Freight in Westland Michigan the buckle of the UAW member blue collar auto worker community, its always packed, if you walk the lot you will see tons of Ford cars and trucks with the "buy american" bumper sticker

 

[kythri]

Irony defined, theres a Harbor Freight in Westland Michigan the buckle of the UAW member blue collar auto worker community, its always packed, if you walk the lot you will see tons of Ford cars and trucks with the "buy american" bumper sticker

Those UAW members might be able to afford domestic tools if they weren't being swindled by their unions...

 

[MJO]

* Some of the comments here seem to be directed towards me only, so I'll address them here

I own a small shop in a town of about 900 people. We do not have tool trucks, they will not come out here. I don't have the volume of work to justify searching them out or them coming here. My boxes are filled with Matco, Armstrong, Sunex, Grey Pneumatic, Gearwrench, HF and bit of Craftsman. When the Matco guy used to come out here years ago, I spent LOADS on the truck. He went out of business. HF has filled the gap, as there is one about 25 minutes away. Our Sears is a nightmare and the Ace around here are priced twice that of Sears
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

You should close your shop and go work for Harbor Freight.

More fathers can show their sons how to fill out welfare applications because of HF and those that support them.

 

[-Brent-]

Hypothetically, let's pretend that HF had their tools made in the US and they still could be as inexpensive as they are, how many more people than 11k would be working? That's kinda the point of guys that prefer to buy US made tools.

As I get older, I see/understand things more globally. I want as many products (not just tools) produced in the US because there's obviously a benefit to it. It's not as easy as discussion makes it sound. And, at the price point of HF, it's not feasible.

I won't be a hypocrite, I have items from HF in my toolbox. Not a lot but a few here and there. As well, I've put together starter tool bags for folks from HF items. They are what they are and they're not what they're not. It's as simple as that.

Now, to the folks saying that big bad HF isn't paying folks a living wage. That's silly. I don't see people being forced to don the blue T-shirt. If you want larger wages put in the effort to get a better paying job. HF shouldn't be paying these folks more to do what they do.

 

[-Brent-]

More fathers can show their sons how to fill out welfare applications because of HF and those that support them.

HF doesn't deserve the lion's share of blame. When Stanley left New Britain, CT, to go over seas I watched the city change, drastically. From water quality, scholarships, charitable givings, being a major contributor to things all over the city AND of course all of the locals that had jobs - it all changed. All sorts of businesses closed in direct correlation to them leaving.

Why did they leave? There isn't one answer other than money. Taxes, fees, fines, unions, insurance, regulations, etc., they all impact the bottom line.

Yes, we consumers are partially to blame but it's a MUCH larger conversation than saying, you shop at HF - you are contributing to the welfare state.

 

[woody 73]

I am not a business person, I can only make a lot of guesses such as taxes, EPA rules,
overtime, 401 plans, health insurance, plus other costs drive these big boys overseas; Not even sure about shareholders screaming the place down to make more $.

But I can tell you this from just what I can see with my own eyes. On any given day at any hour when I go into Sears they are dead; On the other hand walk into a HF store they are full of people buying their products.

I don't think they are driven by coo like we are on the GJ, but more what I call "Bang for your Buck" type of thinking.

I hate to see any kind of job loss from any industry, I don't have any answers, I only hope one day things can pick up for everyone.

 

[Westly]

If you want to be puritanical, buying used is even worse because it doesn't create manufacturing anywhere. So if you aren't going to buy HF for that reason don't buy used either...

 

[Dave Schaaf]

Sure HF sells some junk. But most of what they sell is fine quality by me and yes I am a professional technician. Where else can you walk in and get a complete set of 1/4" sockets, a ratchet, 2 extensions and a wobbly, in a sweet little case for $18. And this stuff IS NOT junk. -- Snappy would easily want ten times that much!

If HF or HF on-line doesn't have it, I'll search the internet. I recently picked up a nice ultra violet flash light for A/C leak testing, via Amazon. It was $9. I showed it to the Mac man and asked if he had anything similar. Not in stock, but he could order it. For $95!

Buying stuff of decent quality as inexpensively as possible is all about self preservation for me. The auto repair industry has found a hundred different ways to cheat us techs. You can buy a tool box from Snappy for $5,000 or you can buy a used Mac box and fill it with HF tools for $5K.

 

[Davefr]

If you want to be puritanical, buying used is even worse because it doesn't create manufacturing anywhere. So if you aren't going to buy HF for that reason don't buy used either...

Actually it does. The seller of the used tools is getting incremental $'s in their pocket that can be spread around towards other goods, services, investments, etc.

If the seller of the used tools uses the proceeds to upgrade to new US brands then the sale of the used tool is probably more beneficial then if the buyer simply bought a new Chinese tool vs. the used one.

Most active commerce is actual pretty good.

 

[Westly]

I said buying used didn't create any manufacturing, not that the seller didn't make any money. I wouldn't require the seller to do anything specifically with the money from the used tool, unless you've got a plan...

 

[ffjosh]

I didn't read the entire thread but some of you do realize that snap on gets tool parts from china and taiwan as well?

 

[Farmall450]

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!)

Show me a HD imported work truck why don't you?

 

[Davefr]

I said buying used didn't create any manufacturing, not that the seller didn't make any money. I wouldn't require the seller to do anything specifically with the money from the used tool, unless you've got a plan...

Unless the seller of used tools buries the proceeds of the sale in a coffee can in his back yard, then anything he does with it will indirectly contribute to "some manufacturing somewhere".

 

[skruft]

I have bought one superb tool, a drill press, from HF, and one OK one, a hose reel.

 

[-Brent-]

Show me a HD imported work truck why don't you?

Here's one. Although it is a van, I know several commercial outfits that have gone from trucks to Sprinters. They've got more room than utility beds, better mileage, as well as being fairly reliable.

Pickups are a different thing... however we both know they're filled with global parts.

I think the last fully American manufactured vehicle was the AM General M998 Humvee. I'm not sure if the Humvee's replacement will be fully US produced. If so, 55,000 vehicles at 250k a pop is near 14 billion dollars. That'd be nice support to our economy if all its components were US made.

 

[kythri]

Unless the seller of used tools buries the proceeds of the sale in a coffee can in his back yard, then anything he does with it will indirectly contribute to "some manufacturing somewhere".

If you're going to stretch it that thin, then the same applies to buying stuff at HF, since they're paying wages to someone who will spend that money to indirectly contribute to "some manufacturing somewhere".

Can you recommend a good pair of hip waders? Something is getting deep, and it stinks.

 

[sberry]

I hear what you're saying. If harbor freight has 11000 employees selling the tools and 100% of the tools were manufactured in the us. That's just logically more jobs. People here would be manufacturing, selling, and using the tools.

No they wouldn't due to the fact the stuff would cost a lot more.

 

[kenburkholz]

I, more than anything, worry about the loss of manufacturing in the U.S. and the U. K. Does anybody remember hearing about W.W.ll? What would we do, if the **** hit the fan now? I am sure that China would drop what they are doing and run to our defense, NOT!!!! Ken.

 

[Hiball]

 

[neophyte]

If you want to be puritanical, buying used is even worse because it doesn't create manufacturing anywhere. So if you aren't going to buy HF for that reason don't buy used either...

When I buy a used tool it usually requires maintenance of one sort or another.

With wrenches and some other hand tools I usually wipe them down to remove dirt, grime and grease, since I'm not usually using the tools to work on greasy stuff. Cleaning the tools uses solvents, most of which are produced or processed in the USA.

If the tool is rusty I usually de-rust it with vinegar or Evapo-Rust, and both of those are also usually USA made.

I then put Boeshield T9 on the tools to help with rust protection. The Boeshield is also a USA product.

If I buy power tools I also may have to take them apart to overhaul the tool, which requires replacement parts, or I take them to a tool repair place that earns money for their labor. I may also need accessories that didn't come with the tool which will also put money into the economy.

Buying a used tool also gives the original purchaser a partial refund on their initial purchase, which may make it more likely the person will buy a new tool again since he doesn't wind up with a complete loss after he's finished using the tool.

Some manufacturers like Armstrong have sold off discontinued inventory to surplus and closeout places like Cripe. While this doesn't significantly benefit Armstrong it does allow them to regain some profit from items that otherwise may have had to be scrapped. If the brand isn't being killed off, the closeout items can act as advertising for the brand in the future. Due to the cost I wouldn't likely have purchased Armstrong items because I wasn't familiar with the brand, and the cost was high. The closeout items introduced me to the tools, and I've purchased new items from the same brands. The same goes for Facom back when SK dumped their stock.

 

[wildbill23c]

* Some of the comments here seem to be directed towards me only, so I'll address them here

I own a small shop in a town of about 900 people. We do not have tool trucks, they will not come out here. I don't have the volume of work to justify searching them out or them coming here. My boxes are filled with Matco, Armstrong, Sunex, Grey Pneumatic, Gearwrench, HF and bit of Craftsman. When the Matco guy used to come out here years ago, I spent LOADS on the truck. He went out of business. HF has filled the gap, as there is one about 25 minutes away. Our Sears is a nightmare and the Ace around here are priced twice that of Sears
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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

Thanks for your post. I'll just say this. I'm on a very low income less than $1000 a month most times, and absolutely no assistance or handouts. When I need a tool I check HF before any other place. Why? Because other places charge ridiculous amounts of money for the same garbage Chinese tools, why pay triple or more the price for the same tool.

Yes, I have a few brand name tools, that were yard-sale finds. However, many of my tools are HF, or otherwise cheaper tools, and if I have to let someone borrow a tool, guess what they get that HF tool, I don't loan out my good stuff. Bob "borrows" my screwdriver set, never brings it back...ok I can replace that cheap *** HF screwdriver set with another set from HF for $7. Same set that says Craftsman, Snap-On, etc. would cost $50 or more. Yep, I'll buy the HF **** so its called.

Sorry but I don't buy into brand name stuff anymore all the **** that's made in the US...Sure explain how since we don't have any steel mills here anymore, everything has to be made overseas then imported. Most of which is all US patent designs but being made overseas because its a lot cheaper, however, is the price lower...hell no. You buy a Socket that says Craftsman on it for $10 that was made in Hong Kong, go to HF and buy the same socket still made in Hong Kong for $2. Gee lets see, I'm not going to pay 5x more for the same tool LOL.

Ok, some of the stuff at HF makes you wonder, but so far I've done pretty well with my purchases, I always search around for product reviews, and word of mouth before I buy anything major. I've bought many hundreds of dollars worth of HF stuff, and I've had 2 failures, both were cheap junk to begin with, on sale closeout stuff. A belt sander, and a drill bit sharpener. Neither lasted past its first use. I've got a few other higher priced HF tools and they've been serving me well for over 8 years now. My latest purchase being the 12" Double bevel sliding compound miter saw, which cut all of my flooring and baseboard for my living room and hallway last week, did an excellent job right out of the box. My similar 10" model is still going strong after 8 years. Somtimes it doesn't pay to purchase the yellow, blue, green, pink, brown, brand stuff and pay a ridiculous amount of money for the same foreign made product made in the exact same factory next to the HF item. Seriously these overseas factories make many brands of tools, depends on the month what brand they are making. A company my mom used to work for made several items for all sorts of different companies. All the items used the exact same materials, everything was exactly the same, other than the brand label. One week they were making stuff for Cabelas that had a Cabelas logo, the following week they were making the same exact item for Bass Pro Shop. These tool companies are exactly the same way. Only differences are slightly different colors, and slightly different sizes oftentimes. Been there and seen it. Its pretty funny to watch that $600 Dewalt saw come down the same assembly line that the day before was making a $150 Chicago Electric Saw .

I try to buy older used US made tools before I shop for new stuff. Problem is every time I need a tool, I can never find a used one. Then a week or 2 later I find used ones ugg LOL.

 

[kythri]

Too bad his policies made it toxic for business.

 

[Conductor562]

Some threads are better off dead.



It's about time to

 

[oldjamesy]

More people buying new at HF means fewer people chasing used USA made .

Fine by Me .