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Harbor Freight Tools

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by greynolds2012, Dec 23, 2015.

  1. Dec 23, 2015 at 9:21 PM
    #1
    greynolds2012

    greynolds2012 [OP] New Member

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    Just curious how everyone feels about Harbor Freight Tools? I have purchased a few things from there befor and so far it has been decent stuff no complaints yet. I just can't justify paying that much money for a drill (DeWalt) that you will only use every now and then. We bought almost $600 dollars worth of DeWalt tools for the shop at the company I work for and the dang things didn't make it a month.
     
  2. Dec 23, 2015 at 9:42 PM
    #2
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    The tools are definitely low end China built tools. The prices are low for a reason.

    I buy items there that I know I will only be using for a certain fix/build and won't need it again for a while or items that are not for heavy use.

    There are some items that are beneficial to buy there because of the price and others that you should spend the money for a home depo or lowes brand tool.

    Examples:

    Need a specific size drill bit or hole saw for a project. Buy from harbor freight to save money knowing that you most likely won't be able to use it again.

    Drill: don't buy harbor freight. It won't last.

    Winch: surprisingly their Badland brand winch faired well in testing. And it's one of the cheapest on the market.

    Spring compressor: cheap so it's worth it for something you will use 1-3 times (or a few more depending on vehicle use) in the time you have the truck. Only worth it if you have a low Heath insurance deductible though. They aren't the strongest so they are risky.

    Rulers, t squares, levlels, or related items are ok and will last if you are easy on them. Commercially they won't last long with millwrights that are hard on tools.
     
    Norfolk757 and bulldog93 like this.
  3. Dec 23, 2015 at 9:44 PM
    #3
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Accuracy items won't be 100% accurate. If the job calls for things to have tight tolerances then buy quality not harbor freight.
     
    bulldog93 likes this.
  4. Dec 23, 2015 at 9:45 PM
    #4
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    Heavy use items look up consumer reports or reviews to find the best brand for the job. Not harbor freight.
     
  5. Dec 23, 2015 at 9:53 PM
    #5
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    The biggest plus about harbor freight is that every time you need something there you can always find a 20% off coupon and a coupon for a free item.

    The free led flash lights have decent light.

    The free screwdrivers are good to keep in the truck for random times you need them when not at home.

    The free tape measure is a good backup tape measure when you can't find your good one and need a quick dimension.

    The free portable work light is awesome. Plenty of light and magnet to mount on any metal is perfect. Hard to find the free coupon for this though.

    The free scissors are not the best. But ok for backup.
     
    bulldog93 and NewImprovedRon like this.
  6. Dec 23, 2015 at 10:13 PM
    #6
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    I havent had any bad experiences with their stuff. I know it's cheap, and I typically buy things that I will only need to use a few times, but I find myself using them more than expected and they have held up.

    My favorite is their oil extraction unit. Makes quick work of changing the oil in my boat, hook it up to a compressor, put the probe down the dipstick hole, let her drain. .. No manual pump nonsense.

    I also buy their nitrile gloves for dirty work. They hold up great, I keep a few different thicknesses in the garage.

    For accuracy items like a Torque wrench, I go with better brand stuff to be sure.
     
  7. Dec 23, 2015 at 10:24 PM
    #7
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    Pros. Cheap and sometimes hard to find items.
    Cons: Typically low quality items.

    As with anything else it's buyer beware. I don't go there for every-day tools, but for that one tool that I need that one time they're fine.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  8. Dec 24, 2015 at 3:03 AM
    #8
    AMRE2ME2

    AMRE2ME2 New Member

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    Yea, stuff like nitrile gloves are ok to buy there but anything with a motor, spend a bit more and get something that will last. Who only uses a drill a few times?? Really?
     
  9. Dec 24, 2015 at 4:26 PM
    #9
    Nit2wn

    Nit2wn New Member

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    Honestly, they have the best toolboxes for the money. I tried all of the box store ones before I bought their 56''. They also have some pretty good socket holders too.
     
    WaterWolfHunter likes this.
  10. Dec 24, 2015 at 5:50 PM
    #10
    flynbyu2

    flynbyu2 I'm your huckleberry...

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    My future son-in-law has ZERO tools. I just bought him a 3/8" drive socket set that has both SAE and metric sockets including the ratchet for $4.99

    Tough to beat that.
     
    WaterWolfHunter likes this.
  11. Dec 24, 2015 at 6:19 PM
    #11
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    FTFY
     
    flynbyu2[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Dec 24, 2015 at 7:06 PM
    #12
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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  13. Dec 25, 2015 at 5:50 AM
    #13
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    They should last a lifetime. :rofl:
     
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  14. Dec 26, 2015 at 2:53 AM
    #14
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    I've broken their socket (it sheared clear off). Obviously, their is not of the highest quality, but they are good buy. I would not use them in a situation where seriously consequence could result. I would not use their jack stands, winches, tow straps, etc. I would not mind using their wrench set. If anything breaks, I could just get another set for cheap. No harm done.
     
  15. Dec 26, 2015 at 11:44 AM
    #15
    Fitz19d

    Fitz19d New Member

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    A few things like their bigger/pricier drill press and circular saw I've heard actually do pretty well for home use. IE more than just a couple use, but less than being tossed in a truck taken to different jobsites and used heavy.

    Usually if you go look in person, it's easier to get a guess for what's not worth the raw materials it's made out of and which might function ok. Can get more life out of some things actually maintaining it. (Vs my dads ancient compressor that keeps running despite never getting a check up.)
     
  16. Dec 26, 2015 at 8:34 PM
    #16
    Virgils12

    Virgils12 New Member

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    Camburg Fox factory 2.5" lift Xd monsters with 295/70/18 nitto terra graplerrs Corsa cat back Weather tech liners Wet okole covers
    I have one of there 3500# winches on my sxs and it has been better so far than the warn I replaced it with. If i ever decide on a front bumper I will probably put one of there winches on my truck. The badlands winches are worth more than they cost in my experience with them.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  17. Jul 25, 2023 at 9:48 AM
    #17
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Anyone see their protig is on clearance? If you’re an ITC member you can get it for 40% off or $360+tax. Not sure if it’s worth the money
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  18. Jul 25, 2023 at 9:57 AM
    #18
    Pillslinger

    Pillslinger New Member

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    The other benefit of HF is the return policy. If you live close and keep your receipts you can break/wear out a HF tool and exchange it for a new one.
     
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  19. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM
    #19
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    Dumb (not electrical) tools have been OK, anything that uses ANY kind of electricity, NO! As an example, in 2006 when I moved to Az, my 80 series Land Cruiser sat& drained the battery, I got a solar trickle charger from HF, it MELTED in the sun as did 3 replacements. I threw it away & gave up the sub 20 bux.

    As far as DeWalt, I have a ton of their 20V tools, no issues. WTF did your shop do to them & didn't they get a replacement under warranty?
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2023
  20. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM
    #20
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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  21. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:02 AM
    #21
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    lol, missed the useby date....

    Im reviving this thread terminator.jpg
     
  22. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:36 AM
    #22
    dittothat

    dittothat New Member

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    Temu will eventually take the Harbor out to sea..

    But I’ll keep it alive on Tundras.com for now
     
  23. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:37 AM
    #23
    NewImprovedRon

    NewImprovedRon New Old Guy

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    I got a 750 lb. lift for my lawn tractor from HF. Need it to remove/replace blades, etc. Does a great job.
     
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  24. Jul 25, 2023 at 10:58 AM
    #24
    reywcms

    reywcms New Member

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    Too many mods to come
    The icon tool line is definitely higher quality. I’ve seen tests of the torque wrenches and they’re more accurate than the big names. I own a few and very nice pieces
     
  25. Jul 25, 2023 at 11:20 AM
    #25
    Shamrock92

    Shamrock92 New Member

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    It’s tool specific for me.

    hand tools - for the price most are good deals. Why pay more for Craftsman crap for example when Pittsburgh stuff is comparable and cheaper.

    Power tools - eh, get what you pay for overall. They offer many good/better/best - buy what you need and budget allows for. No need to spend $$ for a use it once a year tool.

    Toolboxes - stuff is good. Again - average person - the middle of the road stuff is good enough to last you. True pros - step up to nicer Icon boxes - it is worth it when you move your box around regularly or need additional storage versus buying 2 or 3 smaller ones.
     
    2mchfun likes this.
  26. Jul 25, 2023 at 11:27 AM
    #26
    Txexplorer23

    Txexplorer23 New Member

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    People keep mentioning low quality but their icon lines are comparable to what the Mac and Matco trucks sells. Matco barely makes any of their tools anymore and macs not much better, so a lot of the time their tools come out of the same places. Look up the Daytona Jack vs snap on, same stuff. For something that’s local to most people and good warranty it’s hard to beat.
     
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  27. Jul 25, 2023 at 12:03 PM
    #27
    2mchfun

    2mchfun Yeah it'll pull it, just don't expect to stop!

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    Stayed out of their store for around 6-8 weeks recently and they e mailed me a Manager's 25%off ANY purchase. Not like the BS coupons that don't cover the big ticket items. I probably could have and should have sold it, but no I got suckered in and we both scored. Anyone else get these special offers? I think I saw the same or something similar happen to @texasrho83. Y or N?
     
    Last edited: Jul 25, 2023
  28. Jul 25, 2023 at 12:47 PM
    #28
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    It's happened to several of us in here, me included. I'm trying to hold out for a couple more weeks so I get another one :p
     
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  29. Jul 25, 2023 at 1:18 PM
    #29
    shawn474

    shawn474 Lego connoisseur

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    I have used harbor freight for many hand tools (torque wrenches, impact bits, drill bits, etc…..) and NEVER has an issue with any of them. I have bought an electric hammer drill, an electric planer and a jig saw…..stuff I don’t use that often and haven’t had an issue. For drills and battery powered tools I have stayed with ryobi as I already am battery committed to them. Not sure I would want to change considering the reliability of it. And the Bauer stuff is pretty expensive actually
     
  30. Jul 26, 2023 at 7:40 AM
    #30
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    Sequoia LED Headlights! D.T. L.T. headers, dual exh., BDX, S&B intake, 2018 seat skins.
    I have a Daytona 3 ton & a transmission jack and the Badlands jack, all quality pieces. I have had engine hoists & stands, all fine. As long as there is no electricity involved, I have had no issues.
     

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