Harbor Freight, Love or Hate?

[Stainless]

Caveat Emptor!
I buy a few things there because they are so ridiculously inexpensive, especially with the 25% off coupon that they honor even on sale items.
So far I've purchased their Gantry and trolleys, an engine crane and 2 engine stands, no complaints whatsoever.
I know what lousy tools feel like and how they perform, so I would never purchase hand tools, electric tools, air tools and such.
Anyway, the purpose of this thread is to hear what you would purchase there or if you won't even set foot in HF.


CH3NO2

[Napanutt]

It's a pretty cool guy type of store but their shit is pretty cheap/inferior. Made in China definitely has a place there.

[ChumpChange]

I've been in there once and loved it. Plenty of people in my family are getting electric fly swatters for $1.99 for Christmas. :D

[Stainless]

It's a pretty cool guy type of store but their shit is pretty cheap/inferior. Made in China definitely has a place there.

Yea, the smell of Chinese cardboard is repulsive to say the least!


CH3NO2

[WESTERNAERO]

I've been in there once and loved it. Plenty of people in my family are getting electric fly swatters for $1.99 for Christmas. :D

Those are so much fun when you're drunk.

[28eliminator]

Definitely has it's place... I've bought a few tools from them, ones
I rarely use..


Sent from somewhere on the water

[Stainless]

i've been in there once and loved it. Plenty of people in my family are getting electric fly swatters for $1.99 for christmas. :d

:D


ch3no2

[Stainless]

Definitely has it's place... I've bought a few tools from them, ones
I rarely use..


Sent from somewhere on the water

I had a painter tell me it was cheaper to buy the paint sprayers and throw away after use rather than clean a premium one.


CH3NO2

[bb88]

For specialty tools you need once every 2-5 years, it can't be beat.

[Paul65K]

I've bought some things there for the river house.......small tools that I might use once every couple of years.

I wouldn't think even think about buying anything there if I had to use them to make a living or if I didn't already have a nice version of it in my primary tool box.

I would pass on;

Air compressors
Generators
Power Tools


I would consider them for;

Air tool Connectors
Air hoses
Casters
Misc. Shit



I did buy a small Tool cart with 5 drawers that I use around the garage when I'm working on my cars.......it has a big open area on top and I keep most of the everyday tools there that I use when working on cars....I paid $99 on sale and while I did have to spend a couple of hours putting it together and adjusting the alignment, It does works pretty good and was about 80% less than a comparable "Name Brand" version of the same toolbox. The weird thing is that it's full of some pretty nice tools......like my Snap-On ratchets and wrenches :D

[Stainless]

I'm about the same Paul, no generators, compressors, power tools. ;)


CH3NO2

[Hye power]

Hell yes, a machete for only 5 dollars.

[WMC]

I have bought from there



sent from WMC's phone

[Menace Marine]

Great place for organizational stuff. I have several parts bins from there for storing all the random electrical connectors and terminals. $1.99 for 100 razor blades can't be beat either.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[wannabe]

I love the place. I bought a few sets of their polished wrenches for the proving grounds to see how quickly they would break, to prove the difference for from good tools. They are still working there every day without one mishap. That has been three years. (guess that backfired)
I also won the best appearing car award at an NHRA national event with one of their HVLP paint guns. I also purchased one of their roll-around 399$ tool boxes for the proving grounds, and it has lasted way longer than it every should.
Flat out, I love the place. But at the end of the day, you need to know the limitations of some of the stuff they sell.

[thatguy]

I got a hoist from them about 6-7 years ago like this one.
Collapsible and rotating wheels all around. (Will roll sideways)

Think I paid around just over $200. Still one of the best deals I've ever got on any equipment.
I use it a lot, and it works great.

Most of their shit is straight junk, but you can do some treasure hunting in the store...

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s170/thomasljr/0003956412429_P321146_500X500.jpg

[SJP]

I go there for certain things. In my work shop we have a little compressor that works well. Tools and box that I have for my guys to use and they work great when tools get misplaced or left in the field we just replace them. I have a welder 110/220 mig unit. I put gas on it and a HF welding cart. Hooked to 220 power it works fine. It is 1/5 the cost of my Miller 211.

[K-034]

I bought a hole knock out set there didin't even make it through one hole and cross threaded. Then I couldn't get it out

[SBS933]

Bought a Tile Cutting saw that would cut up to 17" tiles. It lasted all the way through the job. Still working, best $300.00 I ever spent. I've never been back since.

[Icecreaman]

HF is a casino for tools. Sometimes you win and get a good buy, but mostly you just give your money to the house. I have a friend who calls it Harbor Rentals. He goes there, gets what he needs to do a job, puts it on a CC and then returns it all when he's done for a refund.:no: I give him shit about that place all the time. I think it's like a disease for some.

[glamis0812]

There tool boxes are way better then anything you can get at sears, home depot, lowes.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[rivergames]

The engine hoist, belt sanders, and other misc items have rebuilt 5 boats so far and still running strong

I did blow up a $60 chop saw from there a few weeks ago. In the chop saws defense, It lasted for 4 years and was trying to cut through 3" steel bar.

I'm probably going to be picking up a gantry from there real soon

[Stainless]

The engine hoist, belt sanders, and other misc items have rebuilt 5 boats so far and still running strong

I did blow up a $60 chop saw from there a few weeks ago. In the chop saws defense, It lasted for 4 years and was trying to cut through 3" steel bar.

I'm probably going to be picking up a gantry from there real soon

I have a Gantry from HB, added two trolleys to it also.
It is not wide enough to straddle a boat with 8' beam, I knew that going in though and plan to purchase a longer I-beam.


CH3NO2

[rivergames]

I have a Gantry from HB, added two trolleys to it also.
It is not wide enough to straddle a boat with 8' beam, I knew that going in though and plan to purchase a longer I-beam.


CH3NO2

A member on RDP added a thick plate to each side and attached the stock Ibeam to the plate. Was able to get 108" opening and said it works great for pullin a motor.

[Stainless]

A member on RDP added a thick plate to each side and attached the stock Ibeam to the plate. Was able to get 108" opening and said it works great for pullin a motor.

Like a triangular gusset and plate welded on the inside of the vertical members? That would work too. It might restrict the trolley's travel all the way to out side if needed. I will look at this idea too, might be easier. Thanks!


CH3NO2

[rivergames]

Like a triangular gusset and plate welded on the inside of the vertical members? That would work too. It might restrict the trolley's travel all the way to out side if needed. I will look at this idea too, might be easier. Thanks!


CH3NO2

It wouldn't restrict it any more than the current width.

I would do that just so I can slide my Schiada trailer in there since the guides are welded onto the trailer and stick out farther than the fenders. I figure I need 104" to get my boat in. So 108" leaves me with a few inches on each side.

I would weld the plate on top and then gusset the plate to the post just so I don't pucker up when I need to lift a boat off the trailer

[rivergames]

How would one get a 25% off coupon on the gantry?

[Stainless]

How would one get a 25% off coupon on the gantry?

I find them in print mags and junk mail all the time. If you can't find one let me know, I have extra I can mail to you. I assume they would be good at any HB.


CH3NO2

[Brian]

If you guys need HF coupons, please take them from the magazine I work for. Here is a link to the digital version, it should take you right to the HF ad. http://76.164.129.182/PROMEDIA/FSC_1213/index.html#?page=48

[Stainless]

If you guys need HF coupons, please take them from the magazine I work for. Here is a link to the digital version, it should take you right to the HF ad. http://76.164.129.182/PROMEDIA/FSC_1213/index.html#?page=48

Thanks, I was going to scan and post one.


CH3NO2

[niceguyeddie]

For specialty tools you need once every 2-5 years, it can't be beat.

I agree. I like they're aluminum floor jacks for a once in awhile brake job or to throw in the truck when pulling a trailer. They have good deals on extension cords, work gloves, garden hoses, jack stands and other misc stuff. I've always been little skeptical of their power tools. I have a grinder, sander, air compressor and a few other things that all still work great, but I only use them once in a blue moon.

[78Southwind]

Here you go if you can't print from the Magazine.

28471

[Ziggy]

Unless you're a pro contractor most all of their tools work perfectly fine. Shit, I've had a 4" grinder I use the shit out of for 10 years.....damn $14.99 investment.:D
I had even purchased certain automotive shop equipment for the dealership that outlived the biz.
.
All the freebie coupons have out outfitted a basic tool kit for me. Screwdrivers, tape measures, gloves, multi-meters, open end wrenches, etc........:)
I love the store and find some items you can't find easily elsewhere for cheap.

From my POS T-mobile thingie

[nowski]

A couple of years ago I went to the Harbor Freight in Montclair . Standing in front of me were 3 mechanics that worked at the local Mercedes Dealer up the street. Alarming to me they were buying there tools there. The clerk at the cash register asked the guys if they found everything they needed and they said yes. I told the clerk and the 3 mechanics the real question that should have been asked is why are you buying your tools here? I think the 3 mechanics were embarrassed by my question. I told them that the next time you want to buy tools here save yourself some embarrassment by leaving your fancy work shirts at work or in your car. I walked away in disbelief shaking my head...

[ptc]

I buy all my throw away tools there.... the stuff I use once or twice for single job and bill it to the job as a cost of doing business. Its cheaper than trying to buy a $1000 tool from Snap on (or comparable) and then selling it for 60% off..... that bites!!!

[gn7]

They are the perfect "loaner" tools. You never see them again, oh well. At least you don't have to get ugly with a friend for not returning them, and you get a really cheap lesson to NEVER EVER loan him anything of value.

[The Doctor]

Snap-On snobs need not enter! I went there today and spent another $200. on Christmas gifts. I now have multiple giant boxes full of tools from Craftsman, Husky, and Harbor Freight cheapos. I can't remember ever breaking a single tool. I haven't invested hundreds in one of their compressors because I need tried and true quality so I spend more but hand tools are great. A wise man will pick and choose based upon the need and frequency of use. A master-mechanic who works day-in and day-out with his hand tools might not find them as valuable as the more expensive "name brands" but that's not my daily job. As Buzzz "Wannabe" said, I've seen him do things with their HVLP spray guns that more than amaze me.

http://www.wannaberacing.com/cowanwin.JPG

[Bean]

Yea, the smell of Chinese cardboard is repulsive to say the least!


CH3NO2

Worse than Mexican gas?

[ChumpChange]

If you guys need HF coupons, please take them from the magazine I work for. Here is a link to the digital version, it should take you right to the HF ad. http://76.164.129.182/PROMEDIA/FSC_1213/index.html#?page=48

What's the newest link? Getting some starter tools for kiddos today and I remembered this link.

[Nordic Bear]

I bought both my buffers there and they work great... the bigger one has a digital speed control for something like $45... and the smaller dual action polisher was,,, $65???... takes about a month to get the ungodly pollution smell out of them though...

[Ziggy]

What's the newest link? Getting some starter tools for kiddos today and I remembered this link.
you can just google Harbor frieght tool coupons or print the one someone scanned here if you need.
mail flyers usually come in the pennysaver bundle. I think even the BoatUS magazine has the coupons in them.

Sent by tapatalk with good intentions

[ChumpChange]

Got the google ones. Wasn't sure if there was a code that showed his magazine where it helped in keeping HF advertising. There's now coupon apps too! Just scan your phone as you go through the line! Paper is dead......well let's hope not as I just financed a printing company! lol

[Brian]

Use this coupon to help me out if you guys are going shopping. http://edition.4hop.com/PROMEDIA/FSC_0714/index.html#?page=68

Feel free to browse the rest of the magazine too!!

[rschap1]

Have an assortment of their $hi+.
Some good some bad.
I have been getting their 12 volt marine/utility pumps to squirt lake water down a pool slide I have mounted on top of a floating raft.
Good thing they have warranty or I buy the extra. Usually last a month or so.
Go through a couple each summer.
I still have yet to find another 12 volt pump I can use for less than 5 times the cost though.
I got a big hammer drill that seemed to good to be true a while ago.
Used it for the first time a few weeks ago.
Probably work for concrete OK, but for steel the variable speed was just too f'd up.
Either no torque or too fast were the speeds :(
What do I expect for $20-$25 or something.
Junk but cheap like most $hi+ there.

[SBS933]

If you buy from that Shit Hole you'll never get hired to do shit for me.

[ChumpChange]

If you buy from that Shit Hole you'll never get hired to do shit for me.

Okay. I'll take you off my resume distribution list.

[Stainless]

How many of these freebies do you have? Can't beat them for free, especially the light. Has a magnet and hook on the back.
48117


CH3NO2

[ChumpChange]

How many of these freebies do you have? Can't beat them for free, especially the light. Has a magnet and hook on the back.
48117


CH3NO2

lol. Quite a few. Was just looking at my stash yesterday.

[Ziggy]

My freebie list:
I have at least 6 multimeters, 20 LED flashlights, 3 of those blue led lights(pictured above), 8 tape measures, 8+ sets of screwdrivers, 3 magnetic screw holder dishes, Scissors galore, couple headlamp flashlights, numerous tarps and nylon ropes.
Most of the tools I've purchased there have worked well beyond life expectancy. A 4"grinder I got there is at least 10 yrs old and still goings strong.
The tools would not last that long for a professional using it all day but for the weekender/shadetree mechanic they'll do the job many times over.

[Stainless]

My freebie list:
I have at least 6 multimeters, 20 LED flashlights, 3 of those blue led lights(pictured above), 8 tape measures, 8+ sets of screwdrivers, 3 magnetic screw holder dishes, Scissors galore, couple headlamp flashlights, numerous tarps and nylon ropes.
Most of the tools I've purchased there have worked well beyond life expectancy. A 4"grinder I got there is at least 10 yrs old and still goings strong.
The tools would not last that long for a professional using it all day but for the weekender/shadetree mechanic they'll do the job many times over.

^^^^ Winning 😀


CH3NO2