Your Favorite HF Tool

[chrisnazzy]

I know, I had to go back for a second box for me to use... [emoji38]_hitti[emoji38]_hitti

This is so true at my house also. My wife and daughters use them all the time. I've had to get a 2nd box to keep it in my toolbox in addition to the one that is in my gloves dispenser.

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[6PTsocket]

To be fair Bill, if they started offering franchises you could just about open one up without making a stock order. [emoji38]

If they had franchises, the contract would probably expire in 90 days. LOL!!

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[Tallpilot]

This is turning into more of a pass thread than a favorite but picking a favorite tool is like picking a favorite child.

I like my tool cabinets and service carts, the nitrile gloves, long flex head ratchets including the extra long low profile double ended one, my low profile 3 ton jack and crossbeam, and 20 ton shop press. I am considering the Hercules angle grinder next.

 

[6PTsocket]

Just about everything HF has is stocked in their stores (but they may be out of some things,of course)

I have not found that to be the case and stock varies from store to store. If it is a big item it is best to call ahead and check.

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[Tallpilot]

HF doesn't make a 18x16mm double box end though.....:sad.

This is the primary reason I haven't bought any wrenches besides the obstruction wrench set. Skipping sizes from 8-19 is rediculous. I understand skipping sizes larger than this for economical reasons but not including common sizes is rediculous. No 12mm in the plain metric combination wrench set?? Of course Astro did the same damn thing with their Flank bite kit. Shame on them. I have SAE stuff but I don't want to buy anymore. Metric sets should be complete on their own.

 

[619DioFan]

I think it is this one:
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-flexible-ratchet-96369.html

Would this be the same as the long flex 3/8 they have or would this still fit an alternate use for some Reason? Thanks

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The one I mentioned is the one linked by BCRADIO sorry but I don't know how to post pics nor links. anyway it has a double flex handle which allows you to get into really hard spots. I have seen some guys buy two and add a section of one to the other making it a three flex handle and add the left over piece to the other head making a stubby flex.

 

[619DioFan]

4 drawer cart (work) and 5 drawer cart (home)
Flex-head ratcheting wrench sets
All different sizes of bar clamps for woodworking
$15 oscillating multi-tool
Impact sockets and 1/2" extendable ratchet

My latest favorite HF tool is the tone and probe kit for wire tracing. I kept eyeing the Fluke kit for $70 at Home Depot but decided to try the HF kit for $20 instead. It's already paid for itself in the week I've had it.

I bought the HF cable tracker and wasn't that happy with it so then bought the Fluke from HD as well. very happy with that one.

 

[joe--h]

Just ordered one of these
6.5 HP (212cc) OHV Horizontal Shaft Gas Engine EPA
Item #69730
Discount
-$20.00
(26035958)
$99.99
Tax and delivered $113
Joe H

 

[boothguy]

The red 5-drawer tool cart is an all-star on this site and I couldn't agree more. The website shows five different SKUs and this might be the current number: https://www.harborfreight.com/tool-storage/tool-carts/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html

I modified mine and it works great as a tool caddy rolling under my mid-rise lift.

The other item I really like are the brush assortments: #93610. Great for use in the parts washer and at $1.99 I throw away the stainless and brass-bristle brushes and just keep the plastic bristle one.

 

[mfewtrail]

Instead of favorite, I'll go with most used: https://www.harborfreight.com/32-piece-screwdriver-set-90764.html

I grab those red handled screwdrivers more often than I do my various USA made ones at home. I like the rubber grip on them. Had those at least 7-8 years+ and the tips look great with tons of use on them. The precision drivers should probably be tossed in the trash on the other hand. The t-handle is passable as well as the magnetic pickup tool. The magnet will break though under any sort of regular use because it's thin. I imagine the circuit tester was junk as well. I modified mine to make an ultra stubby small flat head screwdriver for some application a long time ago.

 

[Moose97]

9 piece wobble socket extension set

pro flex head ratchets 1/2, 3/8, 1/4

Quick release swivel head ratchets 1/2, 3/8, 1/4

blue nitrile gloves 5mil and 7mil

24" heavy duty cable ties

heat gun

26 gal 150 psi oil less air compressor - (This because my brother-in-law bought it and it broke. He gave it to me. I replaced the $10.00 switch and it works like a champ! The absolute best $10.00 compressor on the planet!)

 

[nh_yota]

All of the HF stores near me are at least 45 minutes away in any direction so I don't go there very often. I'm surprised one hasn't opened closer to where I live (Portsmouth NH) because we are one of the retail hubs of northern New England, and the trucks going up to the HF stores in Maine need to drive right through Portsmouth on I-95 to make their deliveries.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I bought the HF cable tracker and wasn't that happy with it so then bought the Fluke from HD as well. very happy with that one.

What issues did you have with the HF tracer? I've used mine on some auto wiring and tracing some Romex in a relative's house behind drywall. Seems to work alright. It's been working well enough that I'm considering getting the Fluke and bringing the HF to work.

 

[Texsun]

These two:

 

[speed bump]

I can't think of anything that is a favorite. I would probably buy the floor jacks again and I use the **** out of the cheap purple HVLPs but in general Harbor Freight is like a cheap ******. It does the job but it isn't something to brag about or get attached to.

 

[Mr_B]

^ lol, never gonna walk out of HF feeling same again .
My favourites are pittsburgh pro flexi long soft grip ratchets cr-mo impact sockets and the 72" and 44" toolboxes and side cabinets, total bargains in right scenarios and better quality than would expect for dollar spent .
the dirty hf ****** could cost you in ways you never thought of so control your urges and choose and use wisely ...

 

[Codejack]

Harbor Freight is like a cheap ******. It does the job but it isn't something to brag about or get attached to.

That's why I like them...

I mean "it!" The store! Of course, I was talking about the store!

 

[APS2000]

that's why i like them...

I mean "it!" the store! Of course, i was talking about the store!

lol!!!

 

[phule]

All of the HF stores near me are at least 45 minutes away in any direction so I don't go there very often. I'm surprised one hasn't opened closer to where I live (Portsmouth NH) because we are one of the retail hubs of northern New England, and the trucks going up to the HF stores in Maine need to drive right through Portsmouth on I-95 to make their deliveries.

Thats the truth! I think it would be huge if they put one in newington/portsmouth area! I rarely go to the salem or portland store because of distance.

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[jonesg]

This thing is the single greatest tool in HF in my opinion.
https://m.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html

Agreed, the low profile made it possible for me to finally remove the turbo in a very tight location against the firewall in my volvo.

Fought it for 3 days with a regular ratchet, took 2 seconds with the HF low profile flex dble ended version. Just a very nicely designed tool.

 

[DFB]

Thats the truth! I think it would be huge if they put one in newington/portsmouth area! I rarely go to the salem or portland store because of distance.

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I know just what your saying it is a 100 mi round trip to nearest HF store from where I am in VT close to the Mass border

And this store only opened just over a year ago before that it was another 100mi.


I have pity for those guys that live 100 mi further north from me.

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

The 3 ton low profile jack

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[derosa]

I just put down 4 new floors and their oscillating multi tool cut the trim at all openings to perfection. I'd previously bought it to trim a tile and then remove the old grout so the spot could be painted and it did a fine job there as well. Very noisy but works great.

Outside that the 7mil nitrile gloves.

 

[ex-x-fire]

These push pin pliers are great.

 

[jonesg]

I know just what your saying it is a 100 mi round trip to nearest HF store from where I am in VT close to the Mass border

And this store only opened just over a year ago before that it was another 100mi.


I have pity for those guys that live 100 mi further north from me.

I'm moving up near Mt Katahdin northern Maine , thats why they have mail order. THere is a HF in Bangor and a Home depot in Houlton I guess.
Amazon is another good option for mail order cheap tools.

 

[619DioFan]

What issues did you have with the HF tracer? I've used mine on some auto wiring and tracing some Romex in a relative's house behind drywall. Seems to work alright. It's been working well enough that I'm considering getting the Fluke and bringing the HF to work.

Just seemed like the signal wasn't that strong. I still kept it though. the fluke has a much better signal IMO.

 

[619DioFan]

Agreed, the low profile made it possible for me to finally remove the turbo in a very tight location against the firewall in my volvo.

Fought it for 3 days with a regular ratchet, took 2 seconds with the HF low profile flex dble ended version. Just a very nicely designed tool.

Forgot about that one. I have that one and the short non flex version. absolutely problem solvers. wish they made the short one in a double flex head as well.

 

[anndel]

I know just what your saying it is a 100 mi round trip to nearest HF store from where I am in VT close to the Mass border

And this store only opened just over a year ago before that it was another 100mi.


I have pity for those guys that live 100 mi further north from me.

At least you have one nearest you. I flew 4,600 miles from Honolulu to Brunswick, Georgia and went to one near my hotel.

 

[DFB]

At least you have one nearest you. I flew 4,600 miles from Honolulu to Brunswick, Georgia and went to one near my hotel.

Wow now THAT'S a vacation!

 

[Locker537]

My favs:

- 44 inch US General Pro toolchest
- 3/8 long flex head ratchet

 

[Ign]

At least you have one nearest you. I flew 4,600 miles from Honolulu to Brunswick, Georgia and went to one near my hotel.

And then did TSA even let you bring the stuff home? Or did you ship it USPS?

My nearest HF is an hour but I rarely go that way. Sometimes I just pay their flat $6.99 to have it shipped to me, but they use FedEx and it may be more to HI? If they used USPS Priority you'd be stylin'......

 

[PugetDude]

I know just what your saying it is a 100 mi round trip to nearest HF store from where I am in VT close to the Mass border

And this store only opened just over a year ago before that it was another 100mi.


I have pity for those guys that live 100 mi further north from me.

100+ mile round trip for me to the nearest HF, too.
It's probably for the best....

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Another vote for the thin-head flex head ratchet. Thinest one I have come across by far. It saved me many hours and a lot of money when I repaired the ABS on my Audi.

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html

Don't forget if you text tools6 to 222377 you get 1 text a week giving you coupons and freebies.

 

[poriggity]

3/8 In. Drive Composite Quick-Release Ratchet Item #66313.

I have given away all my craftsman ratchets and sold 1 older snap on that I no longer use. This composite thing has taken a beating, looks like hell but works flawlessly.

Those ratchets look nice.. I am compiling a list of HF stuff I will need for my garage once the house closes escrow.. I think I will be purchasing the 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive ratchets...

 

[anndel]

And then did TSA even let you bring the stuff home? Or did you ship it USPS?

My nearest HF is an hour but I rarely go that way. Sometimes I just pay their flat $6.99 to have it shipped to me, but they use FedEx and it may be more to HI? If they used USPS Priority you'd be stylin'......

I bought the 1/2" 25in breaker bar, the cable locator and got some free LED lights. except for the cable locator, I stuffed them in my checked in baggage and they arrived back home ok. I put the cable locator in my carry on and TSA didn't question me. I'm a TSA PreCheck passenger so that helped a bit.

HF does use USPS either 1st class PP or 4th class PP with 4th class the cheapest. But all of the above I bought would have costed $23 with 4th class PP according to their shipping quote.

 

[Radix2]

Here is a cheap one that saved my bacon recently - this is about the shortest reach socket system you can have and when things are boxed in it is a nice option to try.

My example was a Mazda EGR valve - not enough side clearance at the bolt to use a wrench, stuff about 1" away made it too close for a socket.... this set lets you fit in. Also you can just put the sockets on the nut and use a 18mm wrench on the outside of the sockets as another way to snake in.

Not to mention its intended use on long studs where deep sockets wont work.

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-pc-sae-metric-go-thru-socket-set-62327.html

 

[M_George]

100+ mile round trip for me to the nearest HF, too.
It's probably for the best....

Your right, they put one in three miles from me... Just can't keep out of the place...

 

[openwheelracing88]

Here is a cheap one that saved my bacon recently - this is about the shortest reach socket system you can have and when things are boxed in it is a nice option to try.

My example was a Mazda EGR valve - not enough side clearance at the bolt to use a wrench, stuff about 1" away made it too close for a socket.... this set lets you fit in. Also you can just put the sockets on the nut and use a 18mm wrench on the outside of the sockets as another way to snake in.

Not to mention its intended use on long studs where deep sockets wont work.

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-pc-sae-metric-go-thru-socket-set-62327.html

Pass thru socket set. I believe this is similar to Kobalt Xtreme Access that was on clearance couple years ago. However, that was SAE/Metric universal. This Harbor Freight set gives you separate SAE and Metric sockets. Good quality tool made in Taiwan.

 

[poriggity]

This thing is the single greatest tool in HF in my opinion.
https://m.harborfreight.com/14-in-38-in-drive-long-reach-dual-flex-head-ratchet-67994.html

Added this to my list of stuff to buy once escrow closes.. That looks amazing.

 

[Banjorear]

Their tire irons. Used them a lot this month and the extra length works really well.