Harbor Freight Sale Through May 26

[arcas]

Stopped by Harbor Freight yesterday and found their big tool sale is in progress. There is a special 32-page flyer for this (not the regular flyer they put out periodically) but unfortunately I don't have a scanner. Not sure if these prices are available online or if they're B&M-only. Anyway, here are some of the items that stood out:

• 6" Digital Caliper (Lot #47257): $19.99 (regular $39.99)

• 5-speed benchtop drill press (Lot #38119/44506): $39.99 (regular $79.99)

• 1/4" Trim Router (Lot #44914/41386): $19.99 (regular $39.99)

• 4" Angle Grinder (Lot #42203): $15.97 (regular $27.99). This is a good deal. It's loud and vibrates alot but it does what it's supposed to do. At this price, buy a few. Keep a couple in the truck and a couple in the garage.

• 50' 12 gauge extension cord (Lot #41444): $12.97 (regular $18.99)

• 18" Bolt Cutter (Lot #41148): $5.97 (regular $9.99). This guy supposedly opens 3/8". I have one. Don't think I'd use it to cut anything bigger than 1/4" and preferably smaller than that. 18" doesn't give you alot of leverage. At $6, though, it's a good buy.

• 166' Measuring Tape (Lot #36820): $6.49 (regular $12.99)

• 3 Piece Aviation Tin Snip Set (Lot #37325): $4.99 (regular $9.99)

• 1/2" Pipe Clamp (Lot #37056): $2.99 (regular $5.99). These are pretty useful. If you're not familiar with a pipe clamp, you supply your own pipe so you can make the jaws as wide as you need. Pipe clamps are alot cheaper than dedicated clamps especially if you need a big one. Useful for building speakers!

• 4 Piece Steel Pry Bar Set (Lot #7929): $4.99 (regular $9.99)

• 3" Air High Speed Cutter (Lot #47077): $9.99 (regular 19.99)

• 10-pack 1/2" by 520" Teflon Threadseal Tape (Lot #1123): $0.99 (regular $3.99) limit 3

 

[Fritzo]

166' Measuring Tape (Lot #36820): $6.49 (regular $12.99)

Yeah...that might be long enough

 

[dealeo]

I guess we all know by now that most of Harbor Freight's stuff is not quality or heavy duty, but is good if you do not expect more of an inexpensive tool than you pay for. There is a place and use for goods like these.

I bought the 6" Digital Caliper (Lot #47257): $19.99 (regular $39.99) and am very happy with it. It even comes with an extra battery. If I remember right, it is a General brand. A real bargain for general use - but this is not a Starrett!

 

[thinlizzie]

Yeah their stuff isn't Snap-On or even Craftsman but the price is right. Like a bad movie going in if your expectations match you won't be dissapointed.

I have bought stuff from them before (most recently a miter stand, big with wheels and extensions) and usually that stuff is decent, but some of it is garbage.

Manage your expectations.

 

[Lark888]

I purchased auto-darkening welder's shield from Harbor recently. It was Western Safety (China, of course) that is ANSI certified and works very well. Cost almost half the price for a similar one at Lowes. I'm probably going to get a second one for my son. Also picked up air tool fittings and some pipe wrenches that are fine quality for the occasional use. However, I've only looked at their electrical tools and wouldn't buy them myself unless I expected to use once.

Harbor Freight can be a good buy but you need to look carefully (and manage expectations as noted above)

 

[SpaceHulk]

I'm always leary of buying stuff at Harbor Frieght. It feels like I'm buying tools out of the back of a White van.

 

[kof]

Harbor Freight is like WalMart, I've bought several things from them and got a much higher quality for my dollar than one would expect. Examples - a rotary tool set for $10, great to throw in my van for that rare need to cut a nut. A shingle remover for $10, could not find one in my area for less than $40. A set of deep socket wrenches, again to throw in the van.
Now I have to go browse through their catalog.
/edit - see here to see an example of their low quality on some items - it's a product recall.

 

[arcas]

I agree. It comes down to what you're looking for and how often you intend to use it. For instance, I personally wouldn't trust HF's 3HP Plunge Router. It might work very well but a failure could be very dangerous at 10,000 RPM. Similarly, I can't believe the HF sliding compound miter saw is very precise since I felt quite a bit of 'play' in the arm.

Other things I have no problem buying. The 4" angle grinder IMO works as well as a DeWalt or Milwaukee that might cost upwards of $100. All tools break down sooner or later. For $100, you could buy one Milwaukee and when it goes tits-up, you're stuck until it gets back from the service center. With the HF, you just reach a little further into your toolbox and pull out another (since for $100, you could buy 6).

HF's biscuit joiner is tempting since I'd never use one enough to justify paying $150 for a Bosch. Has anybody here used the HF one?

One more example then I'll quit: I needed a cable-puller to help straighten a birch tree that had been bent in a winter ice storm. Pretty much a one-time deal as I can't think of any other need for it. I was just going to rent one but the rental shops wanted between $8 and $10 and I knew I could buy one from HF for $14. Wound up going with HF, straightened the tree and now I have a cable puller in the tool box in case I ever need it again. Don't think I'd use it to wench a car or anything but if I need to pull a fence, I'm sure it'll do the job.

 

[AFSOC_Commando]

But you also need to be aware of the LIFETIME WARRANTY on many of their hand tools, I have taken back two IMPACT Socket SETS that I broke a socket in!

The manager at my Harbor Freight is awesome on returns, They also price match their on-line site at the store.

All of my air tools are from there, My sandblast Cabinet, Parts washer, Engine Lift, Tranny Jack, Engine Stand, and 2 welders

I buy Craftsman for my everyday use handtools but everything else other than electric I go to Harbor Freight, I have had great luck and once you get on their mailing list (E-mail and Snail) you get coupons and flyers every few days that add to more savings...

Also keep an eye out in the store, they carry many name brand products at great prices, I saw a Homelite (?? SP) Gas blower/Vacuum for $80!!!
Dewalt and more are there....

Laters,
Gotta go finish porting my race engine with my Harbor Freight Air Die mini-Grinder ($14 with bits)

 

[Evadman]

4 1/2" Angle Grinder $9.99
12v Drill w/ Keyless Chuck $14.99
12v Drill with Keyed Chuck $12.99
9.6v Drill w/Keyless Chuck $9.99
9.6v battery for above drill $3.99
Decent Looking DVOM (Volt-ohm Meter) $2.99
Leather Punch $2.99
Air Powered Die Grinder Kit $8.99
Slide Caliper $1.50
5- piece ABS spring clamk set $1
Lazer Level $10

 

[Spawndude]

If you made a living using these types of tools, I agree get one of the brand names.

But, for the average home workshop they can't be beat.