(NECRO ALERT)How about a Harbor Freight tool thread?

[Imported]

This is relevant: http://jalopnik.com/5959822/i-love-you-harbor-freight-but-you-smell-like-plastic-hell

I have a few HF items that have worked great. Their racing jack, 1/2" click-type torque wrench, and various impact parts.

 

[phucheneh]

Harbor Freight's tools are so cheap, they've changed the whole dynamic of tool ownership. In the old days, if you needed a tool you didn't have, you'd call a friend and say something like, "Hey man, can I borrow your impact wrench?" And he'd say, "Asshole, you still have my impact wrench from the last time you borrowed it." Now, you'd just go to Harbor Freight and buy six or seven impact wrenches, then go home and build an impact-wrench-powered go-kart.

Heh.

I also identify with the random giant tool thing. Sadly, I don't know if they still make Thor's channel locks. Those amuse me.

I used to use those to to compress caliper pistons on some trucks. The funny design blocked normal tools- basically made like a four piston caliper, but only one side had pistons. And they were stout- no compressing them by prying against an old pad. So we all had these giant like $12 channel locks that you used with two hands. From a distance it looked like you were using lock cutters on something in the wheel well. Or preparing to eat a Zoidberg-sized lobster.

Also, RE: torque wrenches. 1/4" wrenches just suck in general. It seems like you really have to fork out some cash for something accurate. Otherwise, the work is so delicate that it's just not usually a good idea to use a torque wrench...you're basically just giving yourself a bigger lever to break stuff with. And I definitely wouldn't want a click-type. Easier to control yourself when you can see the torque building on a dial. Even a simple beam wrench would be preferable.

But mostly, you just need to get used to how tight things should be based on how big the bolt is and where it's located. Save the torque wrench for head bolts, mains/rods, and lugnuts.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

I got this tool chest for my father over the summer. IMO it's very well made for the price. http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-26-8-drawer-with-8-drawer-top-chest-67831.html

The angle grinder that I got there also seems decent for the price but I haven't used it that much.

For the bad:

I agree with others stay away from any consumables or drill bits. I also got one or those ratcheting clamps there and it's complete crap compared to the Craftsman ones.

 

[phucheneh]

Oh, here's a good one: tool carts.

A basic one-drawer cart off the tool truck is like 2-300 bucks.

I bought mine at Harbor Freight for like....$40? To compliment my $4000 tool box.

Sure, it has its issues. The casters on the bottom are pretty bad. They spin totally free when checked by hand. Yet when you push the cart, they generate a curious racket that sounds something like dragging a washing machine across a gravel driveway covered in old silverware.

But hey, you know what it's great for? Throwing piles of shit on and not caring about.

 

[Perknose]

a.k.a. discuss Chinese crap that's actually pretty damned good for the money.

Friend said he was gifted a new, uber cheap emergency gas generator -- something around 5,000kw IIRC -- that he'll use in the next Global Warming Weather Event to at least power his fridge.

He said it was considerably less than $200, again IIRC, but he also said he was reasonably impressed with its build quality. I remain skeptical, but there you go.

 

[Doppel]

I bought these screwdrivers to use at work and they are garbage.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece-double-grip-screwdriver-set-9577.html

Loosening some tight screws and instead of turning the screw the metal part of the driver was spinning inside the plastic handle.

I've never heard of such a thing. You have to absolutely must be trying to make crap products if you cannot even get a screwdriver right.

 

[the DRIZZLE]

These are GARBAGE:
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-ratchet-bar-clamp-spreader-46806.html

Those are the clamps I was talking about. They are complete crap.

 

[brainhulk]

their $8 torque wrenches are crap

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

You'd have to be a fool to use an $8 torque wrench on your $5000 motor. I can understand a 1/2 on lug nuts as you should have a decent idea of how tight they should be anyways. But torquing down vital engine components with a $8 torque wrench is nuts.

 

[sontakke]

If you can find $8 Taiwanese torque wrench, try it first. I have 3/8 and 1/4 and both work fine but I made sure that they actually work by comparing against each other. I also compared 3/8 to known good bathroom digital scale contraption.

the trouble with HF anything is that they change their supplier often. so even if you got a good item, few months down the road, next guy buying the same would get something substantially inferior.

 

[Stifko]

Submersible water pump: used for draining hot tub, works fine

I have sump pump from Harbor Freight too. it has a float switch and works fine. I paid only $69 for it and the ones at HomeDepot were a lot more expensive. I am very happy with it and it moves 3300 gallons an hour flawlessly.

 

[phucheneh]

Speaking of pumps...I've used their like $5-10 hand pumps to fill manual transmissions. They did have one that threaded right onto a quart bottle, and basically worked like a handsoap dispenser. You had to jerk the thing off for a while to get the trans filled, but it was a good alternative to trying to cram a bottle up above the fill plug and squeeze the fluid in.

I may pick one of these up next summer, since I don't see an A/C machine being affordable any time soon (already have quality manifold guages, can taps and whatnot...just need a pump for evac'ing).
http://www.harborfreight.com/25-cfm-vacuum-pump-98076.html

 

[wirednuts]

it really depends what you buy. most of their stuff is absolute garbage, and im being nice.

but i do like their air tool section, and also some things in their electrical isle like splitters and connectors. heatshrink tubing too.

if youre doing a project that requires some weird stuff, HF can be a lifesaver. but if you want real tools that will do the job right and more then one time- buy name brand.

 

[JoeyP]

Speaking of pumps...I've used their like $5-10 hand pumps to fill manual transmissions. They did have one that threaded right onto a quart bottle, and basically worked like a handsoap dispenser. You had to jerk the thing off for a while to get the trans filled, but it was a good alternative to trying to cram a bottle up above the fill plug and squeeze the fluid in.

I end up looking at a potential task involving engine fluids, and ask myself how much I'd pay to get the fluid moved/drained cleanly and quickly. This is after several jobs where I'd spend a half hour trying to do it, only to make a huge mess on me and the floor. Classics are differentials, transfer cases, coolant overflow tanks...

Most times, a hand pump or suck pump is perfect, and will run maybe $15 or so. Sometimes they can even be reused. Well worth it IMHO. In fact, sometimes I'll wander thru HF and find something I didn't know existed, which can solve problems I sometimes face.

 

[Eos]

Just bought http://www.harborfreight.com/racing-jack-with-rapid-pump-compact-15-ton-aluminum-69252.html yesterday for rotating tires and taking it on trips to "throw iron", as we say out West. Ask why if you're really interested. It works well so far. I bled it as instructed by the manual.

I've got a few large gauge extension cords I bought at HF. I like those.

These http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-bar-clamp-96210.html have been perfect in almost all situations.

I generally buy from HF when the use interval is low and the price difference elsewhere is enormous.

 

[phucheneh]

Here's an awesome one I forgot...these are older than most things in my box and still work great. 100% better than stupid band wrenches. I would recommend anyone who ever does oil changes buy these. Many tools will do some vehicles, this is one of the few that does most. Claw-type wrenches (adjustable cup used with a ratchet) are also nice, but that I would NOT buy from HF.

http://www.harborfreight.com/locking-oil-filter-wrench-66568.html

 

[Eos]

Here's an awesome one I forgot...these are older than most things in my box and still work great. 100% better than stupid band wrenches. I would recommend anyone who ever does oil changes buy these. Many tools will do some vehicles, this is one of the few that does most. Claw-type wrenches (adjustable cup used with a ratchet) are also nice, but that I would NOT buy from HF.

http://www.harborfreight.com/locking-oil-filter-wrench-66568.html

Cartridge style filters make great use of a product like this:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015PK3AG

 

[steelodon]

Yeah, I was wondering about the quality of their rotary tools and drills.

 

[shortylickens]

I dont even think its good for the money.
Would rather have Stanley junk from Walmart.

 

[MasterAndCommander]

Harbor Freight Reviews: http://hfreviews.com/

 

[truthfultool]

My harbor freight buys and passes.
Buys
Pittsburgh pro ratchets
Pittsburgh pro ratchet wrenches
Pittsburgh pro chrome moly sockets
Jack stands
Blue metal wood clamps
Chicago Electric impact wrenches and grinders.
Magnetic trays
The black and yellow plastic tool boxes, ive loaded them with around 50 lbs of tools.
Pittsburgh pro breaker bars
The 4 ft workbench is awesome for the price. I wouldn't use it for heavy duty use but i have my miter saw on it and i do wood working on it.
Titanium nitrade drill bits
Etc...

Don't buys/passes
Any drill bit drivers
Cheap drill bits
Magnetic tip screw drivers
The cheap metal socket holders
Cheap sockets (they're all cheap in price, stick with Pittsburgh Pro, don't buy Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh wrenches made in china or india (once again, stick with taiwan made Pittsburgh pro)
Locking needle nose pliers. (Cheap version, haven't tried the Pittsburgh pro ones)
The cheap/free multimeter (stock up on them while you have the free gift coupons because they come in handy but break easily)
Screws and bolts
Cheap dust masks
Vises
Drill master reciprocating saw
Antishock rip hammer (magnetic nail holder on the head doesn't work at all)
Lights
Pittsburgh ratchets
Wobbly socket extensions (the quarter inch ones are extremely weat but the 3/8 and 1/2 inch hold up)
Oil pans (get the pricier square one) etc.

Bottom line is at Hf you get what you pay for, kinda... the cheapest stuff is the crapiest stuff you can buy. Their more expensive stuff is high quality but still a fraction of the cost of the competitors. I recommend shelling out the dough at HF unless you want really high quality tools. And I'm not talking Snap on. I'm talking SK, Proto, Greenfield, etc.. Anyways this is quite a bit of my experiences with HF. Hope this helps....

 

[MongGrel]

My harbor freight buys and passes.
Buys
Pittsburgh pro ratchets
Pittsburgh pro ratchet wrenches
Pittsburgh pro chrome moly sockets
Jack stands
Blue metal wood clamps
Chicago Electric impact wrenches and grinders.
Magnetic trays
The black and yellow plastic tool boxes, ive loaded them with around 50 lbs of tools.
Pittsburgh pro breaker bars
The 4 ft workbench is awesome for the price. I wouldn't use it for heavy duty use but i have my miter saw on it and i do wood working on it.
Titanium nitrade drill bits
Etc...

Don't buys/passes
Any drill bit drivers
Cheap drill bits
Magnetic tip screw drivers
The cheap metal socket holders
Cheap sockets (they're all cheap in price, stick with Pittsburgh Pro, don't buy Pittsburgh)
Pittsburgh wrenches made in china or india (once again, stick with taiwan made Pittsburgh pro)
Locking needle nose pliers. (Cheap version, haven't tried the Pittsburgh pro ones)
The cheap/free multimeter (stock up on them while you have the free gift coupons because they come in handy but break easily)
Screws and bolts
Cheap dust masks
Vises
Drill master reciprocating saw
Antishock rip hammer (magnetic nail holder on the head doesn't work at all)
Lights
Pittsburgh ratchets
Wobbly socket extensions (the quarter inch ones are extremely weat but the 3/8 and 1/2 inch hold up)
Oil pans (get the pricier square one) etc.

Bottom line is at Hf you get what you pay for, kinda... the cheapest stuff is the crapiest stuff you can buy. Their more expensive stuff is high quality but still a fraction of the cost of the competitors. I recommend shelling out the dough at HF unless you want really high quality tools. And I'm not talking Snap on. I'm talking SK, Proto, Greenfield, etc.. Anyways this is quite a bit of my experiences with HF. Hope this helps....

The vast majority of Harbor Freight stuff is junk.

You can catch a few things that are worth buying there now and again.

It's not bad if you're replacing tool bits or some end mills on a daily basis, they mostly seem to thrive on keeping some production tools a lot.

They aren't horrible, I guess, you have to use them to buy what you are looking for and filter through it to not buy cheap crap.

But I guess just another first poster necro to begin with.

 

[lxskllr]

I use their jump boxes to power my gear at work. Lasts >.5 year of daily use, and will start a car; $40. I avoid buying Chinese, but the "American brands" are just that; an American logo on Chinese manufacture, so I might as well save money, and buy from an honest source.

 

[JulesMaximus]

This is the only thing I bought from there that I didn't end up returning or throwing in the trash.

 

[Brian Stirling]

Here's some more of there stuff...


http://hooniverse.com/2012/09/24/truth-in-advertising-hazard-fraught-tools/



Brian