Harbor Freight, Love or Hate?

[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...

[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.

[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

[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.
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...

[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.



CH3NO2