There are some great tools at Harbor Freight… if you know where to look! To help Harbor Freight shoppers get the most for the money we assembled this HUMONGOUS list of those Chinese gems and stinkers from the tool store we all love to hate! To find these tools I looked in forums where metal workers, woodworkers, farmers, gardeners and mechanics discussed the quality of items that they’ve bought from Harbor Freight. I read well over 1000 individual forum posts to harvest out the good enough, the bad and the abysmal tools and materials from Harbor Freight.
Update: additions to the list from June, 2009.
Do you have a favorite tool from Harbor Freight? Is there a tool or product you think STINKS? Tell everyone in the comments!
Even though there are more than 150 tools in the “good enough” section below you have to remember – BUYER BEWARE! You always get what you pay for, especially at Harbor Freight.
Hey… Got Harbor Freight Buying Guide?
Sections of this article:
1) Developing Your Harbor Freight Shopper Philosophy
2) Top Ten Things NOT to Buy at Harbor Freight (Humor)
3) Derogatory yet Slightly Loving Harbor Freight Nicknames
4) My Harbor Freight Prediction: Prices Way Up Soon… End of the HF?
5) The List: Good Enough, the Bad, and the Abysmal
6) Harbor Freight Tips and Tidbits
7) Harbor Freight Resources Used in this Article
1) Developing Your Harbor Freight Shopper Philosophy
I did an article on woodworking with pallets. Salvaging pallet wood takes patience and diligence and yields small slats best suited for small projects. You have to have the “pallet mentality”. Shopping at Harbor Freight requires a certain mentality too. It definitely helps if you’re the type who enjoys fixing/tinkering with your tools. Also, familiarize yourself with The Harbor Freight Return Policy.
To best capture the spirit of shopping at Harbor Freight I thought I’d offer some quotes I found while scrounging around through over 1000 individual forum posts (not threads…). If you’ve never shopped at Harbor Freight these will prepare you with the proper philosophy. If you have, you’ll probably start nodding your head. As always, I’m quoting the collected opinions of others so your mileage may vary.
“‘if your life or income depends on it, don’t buy it ay harbor freight’.”
I read these sentiments over and over. That said, there are lots of pros who buy stuff at Harbor Freight, especially consumables like gloves and blades… and for cheap tools they can lend out at jobsites with no expectation of return.
“if I use the tool enough to wear it out or break it, I use it enough to buy a better brand as a replacement.”
Some people use HF purchases to help them decide whether it makes sense to invest more money in a higher quality tool. If they use it enough to break it, then go for it. If not, then they saved the cost of the more expensive name brand. This can be pricey, but… if you buy TOO MUCH tool then you’ve wasted money also.
“tools require the usual harbor freight break in”
You will find yourself having to repair/replace/rebuild Harbor Freight tools right out of the box. For regular HF customers this is standard operating procedure. HF has an excellent return policy though, with very few to no questions asked. Also they have a life time trade in policy on hand tools.
“Overall, I try and stick to things without moving parts”
For folks who concentrate on the consumables this was a common sentiment.
“If you need a CHEAP tool that you will only use once or twice then go to Harbor Freight.”
Why pay for more tool than you really need?
And for every guy who swears against buying anything from Harbor Freight with a battery there’s at least one of these: “I really like their 14 volt series of cordless tools. It seems like the best price/performance ratio. Anytime I buy one I buy at least one extra battery. They’re cheap enough that I keep one drill with a drill bit in a keyed chuck and another with a screwdriver bit in a keyless chuck. That really speeds up assembly.”
2) Top Ten Things NOT to Buy at Harbor Freight (Humor)
I can’t resist things lists like this. This one comes from DetroitTom in Tractorbynet forum…
10 Things I Wouldn’t Buy from Harbor Freight:
1) Parachutes
2) Fire Extinguishers
3) Pacemakers
4) Vaccines
5) Birth control devices
6) Elevators
7) Bullet proof vests
8) Trigger locks
9) Pitons (I didn’t know what this was either…)
10) Scuba Gear
3) Derogatory yet Slightly Loving Harbor Freight Nicknames
Unfortunately I can only remember/find one: “horror freight.” I know there was another one I saw out there… I think it was “hardly freight…” Update… here are some nicknames from the comments on this article and in recent forum threads:
Harbor Fright Bottom of the Harbor Freight Harbor Hate The Chinese Cheesecake Factory For their inexpensive, thrice-yearly-use Chinese air tools, we call them, “INGERSOLL-CHAN.” I thought that I would tell you what my wife calls HF; we speak Russian at home, and she calls it vonuchka, or “little stinker.” She hates that HF smell of uncured rubber. “Harbor Sheight” (…Shite) China Fright
4) My Harbor Freight Prediction: Prices Way Up Soon… End of the HF?
I know Grizzly’s prices are going up due to the price of iron and, I assume, shipping. Grizzly’s made overseas, as are most (all?) of the tools sold at Harbor Freight. Because of rising material and shipping costs, HF may have to raise it’s prices, or even shut its doors. They may have been a little to aggressive with building their business model around unsustainable advantages! I’d love to hear input or insight into my armchair economist opinions ;)
Containership Preparing Harbor Freight for Your Next Shopping Spree…
5) The List: Good Enough, the Bad, and the Abysmal
Here goes, the feature attraction. I went through and identified all the good, bad and abysmal tools as described by woodworkers, metal workers, mechanics, farmers, DIYers, gardeners and even pond tenders. Keep in mind that an abysmal band saw for a woodworker may just be a good band saw for a farmer. When possible I included the item number. When I couldn’t find it or there were multiple variations of a tool I just left the tool as described in the forum I found it.
Good (Enough) Tools From Harbor Freight
These are tools and other items that got at least one favorable mention. I broke the multiple mention tools out for you and put them on top – I’m assuming these will give you the most “miles per gallon.” Also, before you dig in, a quote regarding “consumables,” from someone who I believe works with metal: “All of their consumables such as cotter pins, grease fittings, roll pins, O-rings, Internal and External lock clips, 12″ sanding disks, 12″ cutting wheels, 3″, 4″, 4-1/2″ grinding wheels are OK too.”
The guys at WoodworersZone compiled a list from WoodNet called “Harbor Freight Gems.” I not only copied their list for this post (in addition to many other sources of course), but borrowed their format of #item number followed by the name of the tool. I put any relevant quotes in parenthesis.
HF Clamps (on most of my HF clamps I’ve got more than my money’s worth.): 26
#36649 16 Piece 1/2″ SAE Deep Wall Impact Socket Set: 10
#37052 Pack of 100 X-Large Nitrile Gloves: 8
#95578 4-1/2″ ANGLE GRINDER (i buy from harbor freight a angle grinder for $17.00 works great): 6
#47257 Harbor Freight 6″ Digital Caliper: 6
#93440 18 Volt 3/8″ Drill with Keyless Chuck: 5
#4095 Harbor Freight VARIABLE SPEED RECIPROCATING SAW: 4
#46092 ADJUSTABLE SHADE AUTO-DARKENING WELDING HELMET: 4
the welding magnets : 4 (mentioned several times, did not specify type…)
Every compressor I’ve purchased from HF has worked like a champ.: 4
#38142 Heavy Duty 16 Speed Bench Drill Press: 4
#38160 Oscillating Spindle Sander: 4
#32208 14″ 4 Speed Woodworking Bandsaw: 4
#41983 3-in-1, 1″ SDS Rotary Hammer: 3
#54878 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder: 3
#93762 4″x6″ horizontal/vertical metal-cutting Band Saw: 3 (Harbor Freight metal bandsaw review – great review, will help you get started if you decide on the band saw)
#46320 50 Ft. Auto Rewind Hose Reel with 3/8″ Hose: 3
#97572 1/2″ Crown Air Stapler: 3
#97869 2 HP INDUSTRIAL 5 MICRON DUST COLLECTOR (A true bargin): 3
#36697 FEATHER BOARD WITH ANGLE FINDER: 3
#41796 1LB. Dead Blow Hammer: 3
#00623 1″ Travel Machinist’s Dial Indicator: 3
#4312 1/2” TITANIUM IMPACT WRENCH: 3
#46309 18 Gauge 3/8″ to 2″ Air Brad Nailer: 3
-18 ga nailer. People really rip on this one. It was jamming on me for a while. I kept trying to oil up the hammer, but it would jam again. I finally removed the entire piston assembly (allen bolts through the exhaust vent cap) and oiled it up well and it’s worked great ever since. $15 nailer!!!
#91039 3000 Lb. Capacity Lightweight Aluminum Racing Jack: 3
#41150 36” Bolt Cutters (their huge cheap bolt cutter worked fine): 2
#45276 14″ x 40″ Lathe with 6″ Sander (I bought the HF wood lathe. It’s definately nothing like what “Norm” has, but I have no plans to replace it in the near future.): 2
#34542 PORTABLE TIRE CHANGER: 2
#3418 10/2/55 BATTERY CHARGER/ENGINE STARTER: 2
#621 SPRING LOADED CENTER PUNCH: 2
#44094 Benchtop Bar and Rod Bender: 2
#47840 PORTABLE VARIABLE SPEED BANDSAW: 2
#30289 6″ Industrial Rabbeting Jointer (I took a chance on a 6″ jointer (Not the base model) and so far it has worked like a champ.): 2
#47569 4-1/2” GRINDING AND CUTTING WHEEL ASSORTMENT FOR METAL AND MASONRY, 10 PACK: 2
#03629 7 Piece Forstner Bit Set (Good starter set): 2
#93656 1/2″ TO 1″, 23 GAUGE AIR PIN NAILER: 2
#93179 9″ HEAVY DUTY ANGLE GRINDER: 2
#05645 Multipositional Magnetic Base with Fine Adjustment: 2
#34214 DIAL GAUGE ANGLE FINDER: 2
#44566 Stacked Dado Set: 2 (A good first set)
#35837 29 Piece Brad Point Wood Drill Bit Set: 2
#36221 9″ Drill Press Locking Clamp: 2
#37861 10 Piece T-Handle Hex Key Set: 2
#90007 3 Piece SAE Ratcheting Wrench Set: 2
#90008 3 Piece Metric Ratcheting Wrench Set: 2
#42305 9 Piece Metric Wrench Set: 2
#00659 Magnetic Parts Holder: 2
#42288 Magnetic Pick-Up Tool: 2
#93762 HORIZONTAL/VERTICAL METAL CUTTING BANDSAW: 2
#37793 2-1/2 HP Plunge Router: 2
Other “Good” Tools (Note some of these are on the Bad list too…)
#93212 7″x10″ metal-cutting mini-lathe
#91129 Harbor Freight 500 AMP CARBON PILE LOAD TESTER (This battery tester got a decent recommendation in the Rigid Forum.)
#97418 Garden Wagon (nice wire mesh garden wagon at Harbor Freight for a really good price. I’ve been happy with it.)
#94076 12V ROTARY TOOL SET WITH 30 ACCESSORIES (for the accessories, found for $7)
#96957 6″ STAINLESS STEEL NEEDLE NOSE PLIERS
#97337 2″ x 20 Ft. Heavy Duty Tow and Recovery Strap (used my HF tow strap to tow a UPS truck out of a ditch by my house, no problems)
#1753 10″ Straight Jaw Locking Pliers
Harbor Freight 2.5 HP, 8 GALLON, 120 PSI AIR COMPRESSOR (”I bought one like that last year on sale for $99 and it was the best $99 I ever spent. It is used almost daily to air up tires and works great with my nailer and sprayer.”)
REAR AXLE BEARING PULLER SET (Threads on slide approximately 50+% depth of attaching axle/ bearing accessories and stripped after moderate usage. Recommend rethreading and using graded nut.)
#94081 Harbor Freight INDUSTRIAL POCKET BLOW GUN
#47779 Harbor Freight WALL-MOUNT HANG-ALL
#43468 Harbor Freight 12″ Direct Drive Bench Top Disc Sander
#95385 2.5 Horsepower 10″ Industrial Tile/Brick Saw
#95129 4 Lb. Sledge Hammer with Hickory Handle
#93253 MAGNESIUM COIL ROOFING NAILER
#43048 HEAVY DUTY UTILITY KNIFE
#95028 3″ Composite Air Cut-Off Tool
#91907 1-1/4 CUBIC FT. MINI CEMENT MIXER
#47872 16 Oz. Claw Hammer with Fiberglass Handle
#93458 3/16″ AIR HYDRAULIC RIVETER
#94355 2 HP, 8 GALLON, 125 PSI OILLESS AIR COMPRESSOR
#4095 VARIABLE SPEED RECIPROCATING SAW
#3994 21 Piece SAE 3/4″ Heavy Duty Socket Set
#93784 50 Amp 6V/12V Battery Load Tester
#41577 Two Piece Foldable Saw Horse Set
#90899 7 Function Digital Multitester
#93983 NON-CONTACT POCKET THERMOMETER
#2623 1/2″ EARTHQUAKE IMPACT WRENCH
#47257 6″ Digital Caliper (A true bargin)
#43430 High Volume Low Pressure Gravity Feed Spray Gun
#30224 HEAVY DUTY AIR PAINT SPRAY GUN
#00113 HIGH SPEED AIR BODY SAW (cut up a whole pickup with this little gem)
#35570 MORTISING MACHINE (Put XY vise on it and its just a piece of cake to use)
#32222 3-1/4” ELECTRIC PLANER (used it for several doors now, works fine)
#44914 1/4″ Trim Router (Base isn’t much but works fine. similar to Ryobi, lots cheaper)
#02957 3/4” INDUSTRIAL ROTARY HAMMER (These things are cool!! lots better than a hammer and chisle)
#44768 1.5 WATT SOLAR BATTERY CHARGER (use them to keep the batteries in the lawn mowers up, over the winter)
#04486 2″ Mini Lathe Chuck with MT-2 Shank
#03577 28 Piece Transfer Punch Set
#1210 45 PC. THREADED INSERT RIVETER KIT (last seen for $13.99)
#5889 29 Piece Titanium Nitride Drill Bit Set (I think their twist drills are a great deal when they’re on sale for $10 for a full set of fractional sizes)
#92956 – 3/8″ Close Quarter Drill
#04182 – 2″ Industrial Grade Chip Brushes
#42428 SPLIT LEATHER WORK GLOVES
#45690 230 Volt Spot Welder (you gotta be FAST on the trigger, or you’ll blow a hole)
#96997 Compact Air Needle Scaler
#94098 3/8″ to 2″ Ratcheting Pipe Threader Set
#92148 Harbor Freight 18 Gauge Sheet Metal Shears (”I found these metal shears to work good. I only needed them for one project.”)
#07535 1/4″ Air Hose Swivel Connector with Regulator
#37862 10 Piece Color Coded T-Handle Metric Hex Key Set
#1903 7 Piece, 3/8″ Shank, 1/4″ to 1″ Titanium Nitride Coated Forstner Bit Set
#41338 36 Piece 1/2″ Horsehair Bristle Acid Shop Brushes
#46086 Adjustable Roller Stand
#46752 Pack of 10 Medium Grade Aluminum Oxide Sanding Sponges
#91525 3/8″ x 25 Ft. PVC Air Hose
#94024 4 Piece Solid Brass Quick Coupler Set
#39721 1/4″ Socket Rail (all sizes of rails)
#96035 2.5 Horsepower Industrial Breaker Hammer Kit
#93085 Utility Blades, 10 Pack
#65330 20 Ton Air/Hydraulic Shop Press with Oil Filter Crusher
#93983 Non-Contact Pocket Thermometer
#92623 7″ Variable Speed Polisher/Sander
#97759 Wheel Hub/Stud Resurfacing Kit
#66098 1600 Watt Heavy Duty Dual Temperature Heat Gun
#43468 12″ Direct Drive Bench Top Disc Sander
I bought some ratcheting wrenches a few years ago that I’ll put up against anything out there.
US General tool boxes and chests
#90154 1195 Lb. Capacity 48″ x 96″ Heavy Duty Foldable Utility Trailer
#95189 5.5 HP, 2400 Watts Max/2200 Watts Rated Generator Set
#65324 2″ 235 GPM Dirty Water Pump
#42202 Abrasive Blast Cabinet (with mods and fixes)
#65685 600 Lb. Capacity Appliance Hand Truck
#33795 2 Ton Air One-End Frame Lift
#1694 8 Piece Heavy Duty Screwdriver Set
#95987 Blind Hole Bearing Puller
#95121 2 Piece Valve Lapper Tool
#42292 Automatic Battery Float Charger
#45338 1/2″ Variable Speed Reversible Hammer Drill
Bad Tools That Don’t Suck Bad Enough to Not Get Them
These are the tools that suck but still work well enough to justify the purchase (there will be some people who’d suggest that all the tools in the “Good” category would actually fit here). They are bad tools, but if you know what to expect then they’re ok. One guy called this category “tolerable.”
-long locking welding pliers
-chainsaw sharpener
-bar clamps and c-clamps
-HF log splitter
-Drill Bits are pretty bad.
-12 speed 10″ bench top drill press for $89
-8 Piece Silver and Deming Drill Bit Set
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=527
-The cheap (especially on sale) HF blades do not last as long as “BRAND” blades but are the best price/performance ratio by quite a margin. Changing blades is trivial and quick so if I use 5 HF blades instead of 2-3 DeWalt blades I am way ahead on $.
-the Harbor freight roller stands
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=46086
8″ 3/4hp (yeah right) grinder
3 piece ‘large’ locking C-clamp set
8 ton comealong
-If you want a cheep 18 gauge nail gun for a weekend woodworker, buy HF and tweak it to work well …
-Pittsburgh wrenches: Wouldnt recommend. Just junk wrenches you dont mind abusing. Chrome on your arms if you wrench too hard. Good warranty though.
-Hand operated well pump
-HF biscuit joiner
-stationary power tools
Abysmal/Broken-In-The-Box/Don’t Bother
Steer clear of these… though it became clear to me that one man’s broken is another man’s good. To give you a sense of abysmal, read this: Harbor Freight 18-Gauge Brad Nailer/Stapler. It’s a review by Tom Hintz. I’ve read lots of his reviews – they have great pictures and he works hard to be fair and scientific. To my knowledge this is the only tool he destroyed with a 10 pound sledge hammer after completing his review.
-260fp impact wrench
-3″ red vice
-My small drill press broke the top gear spindle. I used liquid steel to fix it.
-Some of the small sanders don’t hold the sand paper.
-The sand paper does not have the grit glued on at all. (+1)
-3 ton hydraulic floor jack – leaks, sucks (…also on do-buy list)
-thumb ratchets
-battery charger
-Do NOT however buy the bi-metal hole saw bits
-Garden Tractor Cart/Trailer
-don’t recommend the cement hammer bits
-One was the flatbar (16″ prybar) that bent
anything with an integrated blade
anything with rechargeable batteries
any of their 2% duty cycle welders
any of their pot-metal vises
-I’ve had bought for me a lot of items in the hand tool category like end wrenches, ratchets and such. Those all fall in the total failure group.
-But I will only give my Worst HF purchase…. that 50$ CRAP chop saw! It’s like trying to cut a knife with butter. (…with a good blade this saw gets high marks)
-the mini die grinder (also showed up in the “Good” list above…)
-carving knives
-Chicago Electric close quarters drill #92956
-the plastic wire ties.
-NEVER buy the bunjee (tie-down) cords!!
-The 4″ jointer (65673-1VGA) is useless, mainly because of the poor quality fence.
-Nitrile Gloves: NOT “I’m not a chemist but sodium hydroxide,(paint remover) ate through HF Blue Nitrile gloves.”
-bench drill press (…often recommended)
-3/8″ Corded drill.
-I got a small benchtop blasting cabinet. I HATE IT!!
-black bar w/ orange grip bar clamps. (clamps are #1 recommended item at HF… beware though :)
6) Harbor Freight Tips and Tidbits
These little bits and pieces needed to get out there, but they didn’t have theme that suggested a solid category. So they’re here.
In-store no-hassle replacement policy:
“One tip is that Harbor Freight offers an in-store no-hassle replacement policy for a few bucks. I use it when I know I’m going to be using a product hard. For example, I bought a clear water pump (less than $40) and even with the proper pre-filter, the motor seized after three months. I walked in with the pump and the guarantee, showed the melted motor fan, picked up a replacement and walked out. It was that simple. The new one has worked fine.”
Company Reviews for Harbor Freight Tools from Employees Here’s a peek at what the managers have to deal with.
Harbor Freight at Wikipedia:
“Harbor Freight Tools is a retail tool and hardware company that started in 1968, primarily selling through its mail order catalog, which still exists today. The Camarillo, California-based company offers more than 7,000 varieties of tools on its web site, mail order catalog, and retail stores. Harbor Freight Tools has over 314 retail store locations nationwide.”
7) Harbor Freight Resources Used in this Article
Here are my sources.
Harbor Freight Tools that don’t suck (Best overall thread on finding good values at HF… this is from a Farmers’ forum.)
Sunday trials and tribulations at Harbor Freight.
Mark the time please, I am done with single use cheap tools
Harbor Freight
Anyone shop at Harbor Freight Tools?
Harbor Freight roller stand
HF Drill Press Table
Harbor Freight Tools…good or bad?
Harbor Freight Sewing Machine Any Good?
Harbor Freight: Good Prices, POOR Inventory Control, Ok Products (a really good epinions review)
The scoop on ‘Harbor Freight (HarborFreight.com)’ (a review of the harbor freight green house from Dave’s Garden)
Harbor Freight vs. Beverly for a throatless shear
Harbor Freight Angle Grinders
HF tools that don’t suck
HF tools that suck
Review: Harbor Freight Folding Shop Crane
Harbor Freight Digital Caliper Review
Harbor Freight 7×10 Mini Lathe
Band Saw Review – Harbor Freight/Central Machinery
Harbor Freight Portable Air Compressor Review
Harbor Freight 1/2″ Bandfile Belt Sander
Harbor Freight Log Splitter Review
Harbor Freight vs Costco Portable 12v Air Compressor – In Depth Review w/ Pictures
Harbor Freight 3×21″ belt sander (short review)
Harbor Freight Plate Joiner
More Harbor Freight Sucks…. (fish pond enthusiasts having problems with Harbor Freight)
06/05/09 Resource Update:
And Yet Another HF Gem
Another Harbor Freight Gem?
HF Oscillating Spindle Sander & Biscuit Joiner….GemS??
Your favorite Harbor Freight (HF) Bargain?
Email to a friend
By toolcrib | RSS | permalink | trackback
toolcrib Says:
August 7th, 2008 at 11:59 am
my Grandfather just sent me an email… “garrett that’s a great review. i just cancelled my order for birth control pills”
He’s 92 and an incredible project supervisor.
Todd Bordner Says:
August 13th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
I can not agree with the consensus of this blog. I have seen $300 PC routers burn up in a dozen cabinet doors and a Harbor Freight 3hp plunge router finish the job and I still use it today. Harbor Freight sells industrial throw away tools…. or tools that are made to do a job and then be junked, not repaired, not partsed out or fixed. If you want tools to last for more than 100 hours in your lifetime, then Put your money where your tool is and buy a good named tool!!!
Central Purchasing (the main purchaser for Harbor freight, Grizzly, Northern industrial, ect, ect.)
selects tools that would be used in a factory condition where the tool pays for itself in one job. Not that the tool lasts for more than that job. If you want a cheep 18 gauge nail gun for a weekend woodworker, buy HF and tweak it to work well … (I have done this with my HF air nailers and they work fine for friends that want to borrow my tools…. that way the Senco and Bostich guns stay in the shop!!) I worked for an industrial production work shop…. Building woodworking items that make the home owner blush with envy, but even there I used HF tools because of theft in the shop …. (Dewalt 12v drills seem to grow legs) so I bought a pair of 19.4 v HF drills and I have used them for the last 3 years. (Not bad at $38.00 a piece).
It all boils down to the Realization that if you compare apples to oranges, there’s always gona’ be that guy that complains about both of them and buys a peach.
Scott Van Says:
August 14th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I bought a benchtop drill press years ago from HF when I was young & not too bright. I couldn’t figure out why I was having trouble drilling to a specific depth until I noticed that the Chinese engineer who designed the depth gauge divided an inch with 8 equally spaced marks, thus creating an inch with ninths not eighths!
jerry gira Says:
August 16th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
On the $40 chop saw, I tend to disagree. If you use the crappy blades (the real problem), yes, it takes forever and a day to cut through a brick paver. I solved the problem by scoring a 14″ diamond blade on ebay. Paid $60 for a $350 blade. The difference is night and day. I’ve built 3 walkways, 5 retaining walls, and currently am doing a flagstone path with this “crappy” saw. It just won’t die! It’s been left out in the rain, hosed off to remove the tons of brick dust, and used for hours and hours for the past 3 years. Again, the secret is in the blade, not the unit that turns it.
R Richard Poitras Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 7:02 am
I’ve bought some bar clamps from HF and they work pretty good but the carving knives are junk not worth rating. Since I’ve bought from HF, now I’m being bombarded with catalogs, 39 of them since January. I sent them an email but they still keep coming. I guess if you sell junk you have to send alot of catalogs just to stay in the game. Seems like they spend more money on catalogs than they make selling junk.
toolcrib Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 7:59 am
@Todd: great quote here “if you compare apples to oranges, there’s always gona’ be that guy that complains about both of them and buys a peach.”
I’ll include your experience with the router in our next newsletter. I have to say that it’s a shock to hear a HF router outperformed a PC, especially the $300 model.
@Scott Van: great story! That’s hilarious and a perfect example of a quirky HF purchase ;)
@jerry gira: Thanks for this note – I will include it in the next newsletter as a reminder to folks. I can’t believe what a beating you gave that chop saw and it kept cutting.
@Poitras: good warning. I guess I need to write an article about top 10 ways to use HF catalogs in your workshop.
Thanks for your comments so far – this is great stuff and should help future HF shoppers make smarter purchases and have better expectations.
Brian Says:
August 18th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
And talk about lousy customer service. I’ve tried since February to get them to send me a missing part from a new item — no response.
But I decided to give them one more chance to do the right thing. This time with an unopened pathway solar light I purchased a while back, that has a bad switch. Nope — they’d rather save a few bucks instead of keeping a long term, blogging customer.
I wonder if the Chinese, who are good long-term business people, is familiar with HF’s performance, or lack thereof.
Jairo Says:
August 25th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
I shop at HF only for sales. I mostly buy consumeables such as their .99 cent leather gloves, nitrile gloves, box cutting blades etc.
However I have also purchased these items:
20-ton hydraulic press:Have used it to replace the rear axle shaft bearings on my 65 CJ5, and press in new studs into the front and rear hubs of the samve vehicle. Also replaced the front bearings on my wife’s 02 Corolla. Not to mention all the use that it sees from my friends, neighbors and relatives. True gem.
Impact Sockets: Always using these to remove wheels for rotation or brake work on our three vehicles. Have yet to break a socket.
Noncontact thermometer: As accurate as the $80 craftsman counterpart.
Welding Magnets: Have three of these. Great holding power. Great price.
Pittsburgh wrenches: Wouldnt recommend. Just junk wrenches you dont mind abusing. Chrome on your arms if you wrench too hard. Good warranty though. On second set of pittsburgh wrenches. For the home/weekend wrencher I recommend Craftsman/Husky. They both come out of the same factory.
Sta-lube fluid pump: A must for those differentials, transfercases, or gearboxes where you cant tip a gear oil bottle.
9 LED Flashlight: Not bad for a 5 dollar throw-in-your truck light. One wrap electrical tape around the battery pod seated it better to stop the flickering. Works great now. Very bright.
Hand operated well pump: Old pot metal junk. Does work. Just dont overtighten. Looks good in the garden. Broke the first one. Returned no questions asked.
That about summarizes my HF experience. They have a good return policy. Enjoyed the blog. I bookmarked it.
toolcrib Says:
August 27th, 2008 at 7:10 am
@Brian – I hear their customer service is good in the store. Your comment is the first I remember of them being bad through email.
@Jairo – thanks for adding your gems to the list! That will be a big help to future readers… I’ll make a mention of your finds in our newsletter.
G
cc Says:
August 28th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
…. are you kidding I can get tools that I can’t even begin to justify. I bought 5 $10 angle grinders and have a different blade or brush on each one for less than the price of a name brand grinder. What a luxury .
TONY BRUNS Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
The power tools labeled Chicago Electric that Harbor freight sells, is China import. The company in Chicago area called Chicago Electric has nothing to do with these tools. It is not in the tool business.
They get many calls (1 from me) complaing about the tools and looking for parts and replacements.
yoyo Says:
August 29th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
blades and bits are the big harbor freight secret…I can’t tell you how many harbor freight drills, staplers, and that kind of stuff I have broken or burned up over the years. I thought they were all “one use tools” but then my buddy asked me if I was using there bits, blades, etc…of course I was! Why wouldn’t I? I paid 9.99 for the drill, why pay for bits? He was right. I have put almost every tool to the test, 18v cordless drill with high end bits…use the hell out of the thing. 10inch compound miter saw with a 70$ carbon blade from lowes, use the hell out of the thing…do the math though, the money I’ve invested in the tool and better bits/blades, I’m still way ahead of the game for say a dewalt…
Apple design Kitchens & Granite Says:
August 30th, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Had two framing nailer out for repair so purchased hf nailer to our surprise still work well
18 volt cordless drill out lasred dewalts
have purchased pure junk but was returnable
Nicole Says:
September 20th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I’ll agree that there are things I don’t buy there. But with consumables and with some handtools and things like clamps, squares, and various cutters, how could you go wrong? LOVE this place. Seriously.
ray burge Says:
October 8th, 2008 at 8:38 am
My wife used to work at the dreaded HF. and I saw her end of the customer service nightmare. and her biggest complaint was that people would buy a very low end power tool and expect it to last like a high end one. wich is fine if you buy the replacement plan….. but if you dont buy the plan on the 33rd day the tool will die. thats just HF Karma. Then when HF wont replace it people get attitudes…
oh and by the way it was a sad day in my shop when my wife stopped working there she had a 20% discount on all items….
Think Racing Says:
November 11th, 2008 at 10:49 am
The aluminum racing jack is great. The jack stands, both steel and aluminum are great. They have great deals on tarps, as well as things like grinding wheels, anvils and hammers.
I have only had to return a large air compressor (went with a Craftsman) and exchanged a metal cutoff saw.
They also have great engine hoists, stands and other large items.
Hands down, Harbor Freight is the best when you figure out the items to get and not to get.
Great article.
Jeff Says:
November 19th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
I bought an 18in belt sander 5yrs ago, it works great, I only use it once a week or so as a hobby wood worker. I bought a 3/8 close quarter drill that could not drill 4 hole through 3/4 plywood before it started grinding and not drilling using a paddle bit. I have also bought a digital protractor that works pretty good for a crown molding project. Their sawzall blades suck, I will stick with Lenox. Their 1/16 and 3/32 8016 welding rod works well on 3/16 plate.
Grant Says:
December 1st, 2008 at 10:26 pm
How about:
–Harbor Fright
–Bottom of the Harbor Freight
–Harbor Hate
–The Chinese Cheesecake Factory
UncleBuck Says:
December 4th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
For their inexpensive, thrice-yearly-use Chinese air tools, we call them, “INGERSOLL-CHAN.”
Ron Says:
December 13th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
bought a plasma cutter,returned every one 7 times and they gave me a new one every time,finally the last one they upgraded it and said there was a problem with the original model,haven’t had a problem since,for what I do restoring old cars and a hobby wood shop I don’t have a problem,heck took a tire inflator/gage with no reciept and they gave me a new one,I call em throw away tools
chad Says:
December 31st, 2008 at 5:24 pm
i am a manager at harbor freight. i think what needs to be remembered is that you can get great tools if you know what to look for. but all to often we get people who want to buy a air tool and dont even own a air compressor. we as a company will do everything possible to satisfy a customer, but some people have un real expectations of what they should get. should a customer get a new water pump after they burned theirs out dry runnning it for a yr, and not getting a replacement plan. no
david Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 5:11 am
I thought that I would tell you what my wife calls HF; we speak Russian at home, and she calls it vonuchka, or “little stinker.” She hates that HF smell of uncured rubber.
toolcrib Says:
January 9th, 2009 at 9:46 am
we’re getting quite a nice list of harbor freight nicknames… I’ve been mentioning them in our newsletter as they come in:
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/12/23/the-toolcribcom-email-newsletter-archive/
Chad I’d like to invite you to do a follow up response to this article if you want!
G
Toolingguy Says:
January 13th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I have bought and used harbor freight tools for years and have really used the heck out of them. I have NEVER had ANY problems. The price is fantastic and the quality is great.
The next time I need a tool I’ll look at harbor freight first.
Tom Says:
January 18th, 2009 at 10:43 am
An employee at HF told me that their stuff is made with pride in Chicago or Pittsburgh. It may be made of imported materials though. I doubt that is true.
Terry Carsten Says:
January 19th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
I recently put a fancy paint job on a golfcart and bought a Chicago Electric 7″ variable speed polisher to buff the clear coat finish. I paid more for the clear coat hardner than I did the polisher. While polishing, I accidently pressed the spindle lock button while it was running. It sheared all the teeth off the drive gear. IT WAS MY FAULT! I sent a check for $4 for a new gear following warrantee instructions. They sent me a new gear from China in 2 weeks… it had the rest of the tool wrapped around the gear. I destroyed the tool due to carelessness and they sent me a new one for $4. I love this place.
Russ Wooten Says:
January 21st, 2009 at 11:09 am
Purchased a Chicago Electric close quarters drill #92956. Used exactly FOUR times. On fourth usage all the gears stripped out of the angle head. Contacted Harbor freight. Was told I have an excellent door stop now. WAS a very happy Harbor Freight customer. Now will shop elsewhere.
Russ Wooten Says:
January 21st, 2009 at 11:17 am
Purchased a Chicago Electric close quarters drill. Used exactly FOUR times (about 10-15 holes, two in metal, a few in wood and the last four in cracks in concrete). On the last usage all the gears stripped out of the angle head. Contacted Harbor Freight, was told I now have an excellent door stop (glad they think so, not really heavy enough).
Was a very satisfied Harbor Freight customer. Now will definitely buy my apples, er oranges, uh peaches elsewhere.
Tom Says:
January 24th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
I was looking for a medium sized compressor. I read reviews on sears.com about their products and many people have failures even after occasional use. For the sears price it should be lifetime replacement. HF is less than half for a stronger unit.
One product had about 100 reviews with 1/2 of them unsatisfactory. Sears practically tells them to take a hike after 90 days, maybe even sooner. I was also looking at their torque wrenches, and there are so many unhappy customers. The wrenches practically become unusable due to the something with the dial mechanism. Sears wont touch them after a year, and 90 day return policy. I read (from a few places) that HF torque wrenches dial in better than Snap ons.
I also own many HF socket sets, and I am not easy on them at all. I bought a HF extend able 1/2 ratchet and bounced on it with all my weight at the end. It works fine. If it breaks..lifetime no questions asked refund on hand tools. I also have their breaker bar which I lent to a pro mechanic neighbor after his snap on one broke and he waited a few days for a replacement. He was amazed at it and bought two of them. He said the two cost MUCH less than the snap on tool. And the quality is similar or better.
The HF compressor i want is less than 1/2 price of sears with discount and sale, around $110, claims 5.7CFM @ 90PSI, 10 gal tank. There is a one year warranty that my credit card can double. They also offer a cheap replacement plan. How can I go wrong with something like this for occasional use?
Tom Says:
January 26th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Two other tools saved me bundle. Had chronic brake shudder, bought
a dial indicator
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=93051&CategoryName=&SubCategoryName=
and
wheel stud kit (i showed it to a shop when I asked for an estimate and he said tool trucks sell a similar set for over $100, he said he is going to buy one at the nearby HF store)
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItemList.do?search.keyword=wheel stud kit&submit=find it
A wheel stud cleaner kit, which is round abrasives on a shank that fits over your studs. The hub looked like new metal after this with a few swirl scratches. You could feel hard rust with your fingernail before.
Around under $40 for both with my 20% coupon.
I was able to clean off all the rust on my hub, and index the rotor for almost zero runout. Before cleaning it moved .009. Then I coated contact surfaces with a thin layer of antisieze. Even if I were to throw this out (the dial indicator with clamp looks like it could easily be $200 with the wood case) I am ahead of the game. I can’t see doing a brake job now without these tools, unless you like ruining good rotors. I feel slight shudder on my other car, so its gonna get used again.
Shops quoted me a few hundred for hub replacement or hours of labor to fix this.
Larry Green Says:
January 26th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
I do love a bargain and I know when I buy at HF I am buying things made in China. That said, two things I will never buy (again) at HF are the plastic wire ties. When you cinch them up the locking piece snaps off. I went through 20 of them to get one to work. And worst of all NEVER buy the bunjee (tie-down) cords!! I bought a bag of them and to tie down an appliance in the back of my pickup. without even pulling the cord close to its limit, the cheap metal clamp on one end snapped and the cord popped back and hit me in the face. Had I not been wearing glasses, it would have put my eye out. The Bunjee’s are junk and a vary DANGEROUS ITEM!! Otherwise most other stuff is tollerable.
Ronald Bishop Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I have bought quite a few tools from HF with no regrets.
The first time I recieved a wood Router by freight from California it had a broken plastic knob so I called them.I told them that I also owned another , larger router from them and I needed a set of brushes for it. A short time later I had my parts, at no cost to me.
I used and abused the 3hp router another year and the bearing froze up,{it was table mounted}so I replaced it with a Porter Cable.The PC was doing the same job and lasted less than a year.{Cost me half of what I paid for the HF router to have the PC rebuilt.}
The 3hp HF router was still in my junk pile so before I was going to throw it away I took it apart and found that the top bearing was bad. Just eyeballing the bearing it looked about the same size as Volvo pilot bearing on the transmission input shaft. It fit like it was made for it so I went to a bearing house and bought two bearings for it[SKS}Cost-app. $15.00. Right now today it is still mounted in my table, the PC is still in it's case. It must be at least 10 years old.
About 5 years ago I bought a 10 inch table saw,cast iron top,cast iron trunions, motor to match.Problem, I couldn't line up or square the saw to the table. I ended up dismantling it, cleaned up the castings with a grinder,maybe a 2 hour job and all is fine, beats having to haul it back for exchange.I also found a small amount of end play in the arbor, so again I replaced the bearings in the pillow blocks,less than $25.00.
Then there was the heat gun[s].They must have replaced it 4 or 5 times at no cost to me.
There are certain items I won’t buy from them and I know when I do buy from them there may be some short comings,but just for a little effort I have a saw that is worth 3 or 4 times what I paid for it, the router still humms along. I have 2 miter saws from them also, no compaints.When the bearing get a little sloppy I will replace the bearings and brushes and move on.
Bill Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Never heard of ToolCrib.com. Obviously, an envious competitor. I’m managing with my Harbor Freight Inventory. Lots of things that I could not otherwise afford at all.
Thanks, Harbor Freight
Tom Says:
January 28th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Seems in some cases were are employees of HF doing their final QA.
Edward Shihadeh Says:
January 31st, 2009 at 10:30 am
#43468 Harbor Freight 12″ Direct Drive Bench Top Disc Sander
Bought it about 10 years ago for my business. Works great; still does.
Switch died a while ago, so I now use a foot switch instead.
Highly recommend this tool. But wait for the $99 sale
Edward Shihadeh Says:
January 31st, 2009 at 10:31 am
Every compressor I’ve purchased from HF has worked like a champ.
Edward Shihadeh Says:
January 31st, 2009 at 10:35 am
The 4″ jointer (65673-1VGA) is useless, mainly because of the poor quality fence.
Had an almost-true piece of wood that I tried to get perfectly square. I ended up with some weird looking polygon instead.
I returned the tool.
Vince Says:
February 1st, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Nitrile Gloves: NOT
I’m not a chemist but sodium hydroxide,(paint remover) ate through HF Blue Nitrile gloves. The box I paid twice as much for at Big Box didn’t have the problem. Alas “you get what you pay for” rings true for this product. Also FYI don’t try to use the claw to pull a nail on that yellow handled framing hammer. The fiberglass handle pulled apart. Never seen anything like it. It was under $5.00 but it’s in a landfill now.
Paul S Says:
February 3rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I purchased a chainsaw sharpner on Nov 15th,2008 and returned the first as it was used in a new box. I got a replacement and opened it there. When I got home and tried to assemble the sharpner it was missing a part. I called and they said they would send me a replacement part. December 1st came and i called and they said part was backorder to dec12th. Called again on December 22nd and they told me part was still backordered till Jan 20th,2009. As of today I still have not used this item and have not reeieved repalcement part! I even tried to rebutt payment via credit card in Decemebr and they told me 30 days had passed and nothing could be done! I will never buy another thing from Harbor Freight and have a $40 chainsaw sharpner that was never used missing a part!! What kind of customer service is that????
yes Says:
February 7th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I think Harbor Freight supplies Home Depot with their rejects.
Daniel Says:
February 8th, 2009 at 1:34 am
I love Harbor Freight stuff. Of course, certain things I won’t buy, but so much I will, and do! I bought some ratcheting wrenches a few years ago that I’ll put up against anything out there. I’ve wailed on them with deal blows, put a jack under them for those seized-on bolts, whatever, and never had them jump a tooth. My HF jack has lasted 3 years, meanwhile my Craftsman jack lasted a moth, maybe, then returned for an exchange which then lasts 2 months, pure junk. The HF one is super light and kicks butt. I let my stepdad borrow my HF 3/8″ drill for a job and he loved it. Told me if I’m ever there and they’re on sale to buy two of them. Shopping at HF can save a person a ton of money on quality tools, if you know what to get and what to avoid.
Daniel Says:
February 8th, 2009 at 2:53 am
Oh I forgot to mention, the US General tool boxes and chests I’ve seen are as good as ANYTHING I’ve seen or used for a whole lot less money. If I had to room, I wouldn’t hesitate to get the whole shebang. Good gauge steel, buttery smooth drawer rollers, and great wrinkle finish. Just thinking about it tempts me to go to the garage and MAKE room to fit one.
T.D. Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I Work for Harbor Freight in a specific department and just to be competely honest there are somethings that i would not buy, but quality of some of the items they sell are pretty good. I can’t speak for all of the products because there are reocurring issues with a few of the items like the product manuals not being clear enough BUT the Tech Department can usually help you out with most of the problems i’ve seen in this site. Most of the pneumatic tools like the nail/staple guns have to be oiled twice as much as say one from Bosh, the compressors usually have eather a valve plate? reed valve or a compacitor go bad and cause most of the problems with them. For the most part I’ll agree with the people on the site here there are some good things and some bad things. Like every other company you get some items that are worth it and some that are not. And for everyone that thinks that grizzly might be better, there not. There shipping costs are usually more and if you look at the product manuals from both Harbor Freight and Grizzly the part numbers in the manual are exactly the same. The items all come from over seas.
BrianC Says:
February 13th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Very entertaining thread! I have been a HF customer for years. A few (less than $5) items and one drill chuck have been disappointing. The good news is that the $159 compressor, the $199 4×8 folding trailer (which has saved “hauling” damage to my $30K Honda Pilot – well worth it), and the $399 generator have been great. Several of their sump pumps (5) saved my home from being flooded during Ivan & Katrina years ago. Just used the generator yesterday during a 15 hour power outage.
Robert Johnson Says:
February 17th, 2009 at 11:13 pm
I own a lot of HF tools. Have been pretty satisfied with most. I have a HF impact wrench that is probably 20 years old, still works good. I have a HF 5.5 HP water pump that is hooked to a 30 gallon gas tank. I have run it 24/7 for 3 summers irrigating my 20 acres from a lake. Change the oil once a week and never add any. Hard to beat for 130 bucks.
toolcrib Says:
February 19th, 2009 at 8:35 am
this thread at WoodNet discusses the HF Toggle Clamp and calls it a gem… so long as you modify it slightly of course ;)
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=4164319&page=1&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1
I will be going back through these comments soon and moving the good/bad/ugly recommendations into the main article. Thanks for all who have added their 2 cents (it goes pretty far at HF ;).
G
chad Says:
February 21st, 2009 at 6:06 pm
it seems that many people have had bad customer service. but in retail that is true everywhere. take cookware for example, you can buy a teflon set at walmart and the nonstick surface comes off in three uses. or you can go to bed bath and beyond a buy a set that will last forever. if a customer has a bad experience at a fast food resturant do you stop eating at taco bell? no you deal with the manager, get a im sorry and grow up. the tools for the most part are very good. vtwin a motorcycle mag dig a article on a sandblast cabinet we sell that is 199.99 on sale. thats 300 dollars cheaper then a competitors, and they found that even with a low tech gun the cabinet rocked. people need to remember that one bad visit is not the end of the world. maybe the employee was dealing with a rude customer (russ). id deal with a bad employee for $300 savings.
toolcrib Says:
February 26th, 2009 at 7:46 am
Two more discussions of Harbor Freight Gems from WoodNet – I will add them to the list soon.
Another Harbor Freight Gem?
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=4164031&page=4&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=
HF Oscillating Spindle Sander & Biscuit Joiner….GemS??
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=4171021&page=6&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=
viktor Says:
March 7th, 2009 at 2:13 am
hi guyz…
i just worked in a machineshop… and i saw there a brand new lathe… the lathe has TUV reihland crtificate (the german qualification” and after a little exam, i just find out this machine was “brand new” in the former east block in 1986 !!!! oops… so guyz bfore start to write in this blog, just look around, what country and what they produce… everyone knows the mercedes a good car…. but it doesn’t mean the ford or chevy would be just second…
same way what the harborfreight sell, sometime you can see in the sears…. for a lot more…
basically a handtoll never can perform like a stationary… also what’s important the price… if you were on a job and you need a drill you might pay easyer 30-50 bux like 300 for a dewalt…
and also i have mini mill and lathe… they’re not worse like wellnamed brand… what i payfor, i get… harborfreight, just like wal-mart.. for ANYONE… you can buy close for 15 and you can buy similar for 150!!! in a brand store… just one common thing, both has mark in their neck… made in china… geee
JonSE of Arizona Says:
March 12th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I buy selectively from Harbor Freight. I have a parts cleaning tank which is good enough for the purpose and it was cheap. The same for a sand blasting cabinet, although the light had to be rebuilt right out of the box, and the gloves and nozzles are el cheapos. Replacing those things, however, gives me a cabinet which will last me for the rest of my life with my limited use, and at a very affordable price. I also have a heavy-duty bench-top drill press from HF. It was much cheaper from them than buying the obviously same equipment I have compared it to in the big retail outlets. Their much higher-priced models wee identical in every detail other than the stick-on brand labels. I also have a small compressor from HF which I keep in the garage for airing tires. It has served that purpose very well and was inexpensive. It has cast iron cylinders and compresses air. For my shop I have a 60 gallon Campbell Hausfeld. I would have bought similar from HF, but found a better deal on the CH factory rebuild. The 2-ton lift and appliance truck from HF have done the job for me. I also have a 3/4 hp buffer which seems to be fine. A small belt sander however was crap, but then so are most of the smaller ones sold elsewhere. To date, whenever I have had any problem with breakage or malfunction with newly delivered equipment, HF has responded very quickly with replacement parts. I have found consumables such as sand cloth, blades, punches, and the like to be of poor quality, so I buy such stuff elsewhere. HF is what it is, but can provide carefully selected items at a very reasonable cost.
Aaron Says:
March 12th, 2009 at 7:03 pm
I recently purchased a one ton engine lift,took me two weeks to receive it thru FED EX it was dropped off while i was not home and the bottom of the box was tore open,parts were missing, the hyd cylinder,handle and the side braces it looked like it was already assembled at one point and it was scratched all to hellsent twoo emails with no response then finally after one week called then and all the people sounded indian and could barely understand them finally got one that said they received the emails and i would have to wait two weeks for the shipping labels to return this junk,all i wanted was the missing parts i could paint it no big deal, and he said “how do we know the parts were missing?” box it up and send it back.they wanted me to wait two weeks to recieve the shipping labels two weeks for them to get it back from the time i shipped it and two more weeks for me to get the new one thats not right at all.When i order something i usually need it now not in two months then the guy acted like he didnt believe me that really done it Iwill never do bussiness with HF ever again they burned me good so i wont be going back my over all experience with them SUCKED
Jumba Says:
March 15th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
The NiMh batteries are abysmal from my experience. Some I bought were dead out of the package and wouldn’t recharge. Others last only a short while even in a transistor radio where alkalines last quite a long time. They are no bargain.
Aaron Says:
March 16th, 2009 at 7:06 pm
This is a continuance from my above horror story. i shipped out the boxes(2) and they recieved them wed. the 11th they told me i would have my money back in 48-72 hrs no biggie right? WRONG.Here it is monday the 16th 5 days have gone by so, i call them up and ask about my money.Fedx gave me the tracking #s and done a signature drop off.The man i talked to said well when we recieve the boxes we will issue a refund.i told him that i already tracked the packages and they were signed for on delivery.he argued the fact that they havent recieved both of them yet so i argued back and he finally checked and said they made a mistake sorry for the inconvenience.WTF? Thats some good people there
toolcrib Says:
March 17th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
BT3central has a great discussion going on good HF buys.
Your favorite Harbor Freight (HF) Bargain?
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=22267
I’ll have to be careful when adding their suggestions as they also mention this particular article ;)
Bill Penberthy Says:
March 19th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I have bought hundreds of dollars of HF goods. The only item I didn’t like was a bench drill press. I took it back, upgraded to a floor model that was on sale and received a full credit with no questions. I have never had a problem with a tool. My use is around the house and yard. Some items get heavy use and others get light use. What I like is that I can afford tools from them taht I could not afford if I had to stick with name brands. By the way, I never buy anything that is not on sale.
HarryK Says:
March 29th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I’ve purchased lotsa stuff from HF and it ranges from very marginal to adequate. I also go to yard sales/swapmeets and buy used good stuff. With care, I get better stuff cheaper. But…I needed a tile saw now, and I needed a miter saw now, and HF was there. Their screwdriver set (on sale 7.99) is pretty good, and if any are lost, no biggie. Their miter saw is OK if you set the angle with a framing square. (the angle scale is off by around 3/4 degree) The $40 4-inch tile saw gets the job done, but I don’t wanna make a living with one. Use it once a year or so. Benchtop disk/belt sander (cheaper/smaller one) sands things flat. BTW-if you are a cheap tool afficianado, use Black and Decker. It’s as good as HF and they’re always trying new products for the nonpro. Some are downright creative. (e.g.-the Navigator)
Jim Says:
March 31st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I bought the “Blind Hole Bearing Puller” for the bearings on my motorcycles. Im always sceptical about what I buy there as you made clear. The puller has worked over and over again. Outstanding for the sale price of $29.99.
I finished my basement using their automated screw gun. Yes it was the cheapest drill made, but it did the job. my only issue was the phillips bits. They stripped easily and HF doesnt sell the replacments. I was able to rig some 6″ bits from home depot.
Yes you need to be careful what you buy there but most of the bad is very obvious.
Ive never had a problem with returning anything.
FYI, Im a 15 year machinist and Ive spent the last 4 running an automotive shop.
Leroy Hoov Says:
April 1st, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I agree 100%
My favorite nickname is ‘Harbor Sheight’ which is to say ’shite’ – the british word for shoe gravy.
FuzzAz Says:
April 15th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
HF has been hit or miss for me as I imagine it has been for everyone. I am a lesser experienced mechanic. All of my daily use tools are snap-on or matco such as 1/2″ impact, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers etc. But I dont make as much money as the more experienced guys and I cant afford to buy every tool I need from Snap-on. The tools I buy from HF are those I see myself suing only once every blue moon. Though I know HF tools wont last me nearly as long, I can justify them because I know they will pay for themselves quickly (often on one job), and maybe pave the way to buy some better tools down the road. I have learned with HF tools that pretty much anything that can go wrong will, so I avoid anything with internal moving parts or where precision in materials is critical, or if it just looks cheep.
Scott Smith Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 9:48 am
I’ve purchased loads of tools from HF over the years. Know what you are buying. The customer service has been wonderful at my local store. Buying mail order is risky, you can’t see the product before you buy, and who knows what kind of service you’ll get on the phone. I’ve found parts easy and cheap to order. I’ve also ordered parts for tools I don’t own, sound silly? How about high torque DC gearmotors (complete with clutch)for my robotics projects for $15? Just look up the cordless dril parts list online and order a replacement motor and gearbox. I have my own machine shop and now have 3 times as many tools as I could afford by buying brand names. And I love the HF power knee on my mill :-)
Jon Says:
April 22nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
LOVE the article! I’ve spent the last few days making a list of tools I want to buy to set up a new shop. My list has 3 columns: Ideal, Passable, and Bootstrap. Your list saved me a lot by helping me move some items up from “bootstrap” to “passable”. :)
Personally I love my Harbor Freight hand tools. Wrenches, sockets, ratchets, torque wrenches, screwdrivers, pry bars, hammers, etc. I love that I can get 3 or 4 sets of sockets & bits for the price of one set at Sears, Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.
A few more specific ones I’ve loved:
Valve lapper tools. Just wooden sticks with rubber suction cups on the ends. (Just like the big brand ones.) I think I paid $1.50? They work GREAT.
Valve spring compressor. The jaws are offset just right for the springs in my motorcycles, and they hold well once you get used to how to use them. (I haven’t used any other varieties, so I can’t compare. Maybe all are awkward to learn?) I think they were 1/4 the cost of the Sears set.
3/4 HP grinder. Love this thing. I want to upgrade because I usually use it for buffing and I need longer spindles so I can have better angles for my workpieces. I bought it 6 years ago and it has seen heavy use and it’s still running strong. And the color scheme looks like Dewalt!
18 ga nailer. People really rip on this one. It was jamming on me for a while. I kept trying to oil up the hammer, but it would jam again. I finally removed the entire piston assembly (allen bolts through the exhaust vent cap) and oiled it up well and it’s worked great ever since. $15 nailer!!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE the 12v float charger! It goes on sale very month or two for $4? $5? (Normally $8 or $10.) It works just as well as the $50 Battery Tender or $30 Battery Tender Jr. I wish they had 6v float chargers for some of my other batteries!
I like my compression tester, but I wish I had known when I bought it (the $6 one) that they have a set with more adapters (I had to make one for my Honda motorcycles out of an old spark plug) and with integrated leakdown tester for like $15? $20?
Love the shop rags, microfiber towels, gloves, and similar consumables.
Hated:
3/8″ Corded drill. Don’t know the model number. My dad bought it when he absolutely needed a drill and his was out on loan. He gave it to me afterward. It’s a corded drill yet it can’t turn standard wood screws into 2×4s without a LARGE pilot hole. I’ve seen 12v cordless drills that were WAY more powerful.
MANY sanding items I’ve purchased at Harbor Freight have been nearly useless. I bought a 3″ sanding pad with the strangest thread pattern I’d ever seen for a power tool. Turns out it fits their 8″ grinder shaft. Why would I want to mount a tiny 3″ flat sanding disc (with velcro back) on a 30,000 rpm 8″ grinder?!?! I actually found the pad helpful in certain situations where it made sense to hand-hold it, like a sanding block. I liked it enough that way (and it was way cheap) that I went back for more sanding discs. “Sorry, we don’t sell 3″ sanding discs.” WHAT?! Same goes for the 1″ surface reconditioning kit. It’s almos impossible to find 1″ surface reconditioning discs. However, the arbor takes the 2″, 3″, and 4″ discs (the thick fiber ones, just like 3M Roloc pads), and the smaller arbor backing makes the pad more flexible than using a “proper” size arbor. Very useful.
Most of the sandpaper at HF sucks. The grit is accurate by count (I assume) but the grains are not sharp. High quality (Norton et al) sand paper has very sharp grit with few surfaces. HF sand paper seems to have round grit.
I got a small benchtop blasting cabinet. I HATE IT!! it didn’t have any internal lighting, but I rigged up a Home Depot clearance special fluorescent unit that worked well. But the slope on the bottom isn’t steep enough so the grit (regardless of grade, type, or humidity) always piles up around the edges. I actually mounted a HF air hammer to the chassis to vibrate it enough to actually feed the media. But that doesn’t solve the fact that the doors don’t seal!! A small benchtop blast cabinet really doesn’t need two doors. I permanently sealed one, and added 1″ THICK WEATHERSTRIPPING to the seal area on the other door. IT STILL DOESN’T SEAL! The whole point of a blast cabinet is to keep the media in one place so it doesn’t make a mess and it automatically recycles, yet this cabinet does neither! It blasts well, it just doesn’t handle the media well. When I have more place I will likely happily replace it with a larger HF blast cabinet with bigger, steeper-sloped hopper, built-in lighting, and top loading door with good seals.
I bought some of the black bar w/ orange grip bar clamps. They worked well until I actually had to squeeze hard. I think I had 4 or 6 of them. All of them broke at the same spot: The part where the trigger grip meets the brace. Why do they make these out of such cheap plastic? Even within the realm of plastic they could make them much stronger for just pennies more each. Even for throwaway tools I won’t be buying any more of these.
Love/Hate: “1/2″ air filter/regulator (the orange canister type which also lubricates if you fill the second canister with air tool oil). The main inlet/outlet ports are 1/2″, yet the connections between the filter, regulator, and lubricator modules are only 3/8″! What’s the point of a 1/2″ airline if you have 3/8″ restrictions at two points in the line?!?! However, it was cheap and it really removes a lot of moisture and crap from the line. I use mine without the lubricator because I just want clean, dry air.
12v winch. Don’t remember the model, it was under $100. The mounting plate was engineered backward. We were able to fabricate to make it work, but it would have been nice if it worked out of the box. It pulls dead motorcycles up a ramp and into a truck just fine, though I wish it went at least 2x as fast. (Not nearly strong enough to pull a car or the truck itself onto a road or something, but a great value and plenty of power for our use.)
That’s probably enough for now. :)
Thanks again!
ozboy Says:
May 12th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Someone gave me a HF 18V cordless drill with an extra battery. I ‘ve had the thing for about 15 years, dropped it once badly, repaired it with superglue. It finally gave up when the motor torqued out inside the drill. I used it alot and was generally satisfied.I bought a new brand name drill to replace it though. Generally I have found that it does not pay to buy anything electrical at HF. Mostly I buy consumables, or the odd specialty tool that will not see a lot of use. It seems to be the luck of the draw as to whether or not the tool will last. So you pay your money and take your chances, remembering that you get what you pay for. The outlet here has good customer service and has never failed to replace a failed tool.
Thanks for a good article.
Buzz Says:
June 1st, 2009 at 10:35 pm
American (Usually Chinese anymore)is rarely better being it’s all made in the same sweatshop. Why complain abot HF when you can get screwed equally by “American” crap.
Kurt Says:
June 5th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I buy a lot of Harbor Freight stuff, for two different uses. At work, my guys tend to abuse tools, and the HF lasts as long as anything else. Their air tools are OK, just don’t buy the very cheapest. The mini die grinders tend to have a problem with their triggers after a while, but the air drills are pretty nice.
They have made great strides in the quality of their sockets, and the color coding feature is quite nice.
At home, I use HF tools for my hobbies when I won’t use the tool enough to warrant a better quality replacement. The air ratchet saved me a lot of time when working on my storage shed, and is holding up nicely. The bench top cut off tool was useless out of the box, it needed
to have major modifications to the hinge and bushings to cut at 90 degrees – should have opened it up and looked at it before driving home (80 miles in my case, I live in the boondocks).
The brad nailer was pretty bad out of the box, but I worked on the safety interlock and it now works very well.
One surprise was the 10.8 volt drill driver. This is truly a fine tool. Solid out of the box, and I was not prepared for how good the battery is performing. Kudo’s to whoever designed this tool.
If you are reading this, you are doing exactly what you should in preparation for a trip to HF. That, and use common sense – open up the box and inspect the components before you leave the store.
John Aspinall Says:
June 10th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Plenty good enough: the cheap digital calipers, as several folks have mentioned. They require a little care to get a repeatable reading, and they eat batteries, but they are well worth the price.
Avoid, Danger, Flee: the 4-jaw woodworking lathe chuck 31223. The hex-headed screws that move each jaw have so much slop that they are driven off-center by the force of tightening that jaw. Result – you can’t get the wrench back in to loosen the same screw.
Mike D on Long Island Says:
June 11th, 2009 at 12:09 am
I have been a customer of HF tools for almost 20 years.
I own a lot of tools and in many cases duplicates of tools.
Like anything else the quality and value of HF tools DEPENDS on a lot of things!
Some stuff is pure crap but in most cases you can get a tool for a good price that is good enough to get the job done. Many tools I bought and did not have a need for them for years but was damn happy to have the tool when I needed it.
The list of tools that are good to a great value (for the money) far outweigh the stinkers.
You need to use a little common sense and you need to and compare and think about how and what your needs (or needs for the tool are).
One thing that has paid for itself 50 x over for me has been the cheep 4’x8’ trailer.
It’s capacity is only 900 Lbs. I have hauled more stuff on that trailer.
It is cheap ((only paid $200 for it 5 yrs ago). I finally broke it a few weeks ago,
I had it overloaded with almost 3000 lbs on it ( do not overload the trailer like this it is stupid and dangerous) and a guy cut me off and I buckled the frame. I did not want to wait for repair parts so I used my HF $110 stick welder to fix it.
I have mixed Yards and yards of cement with the $199 cement mixer ( yes it is cheap with plastic gears and it has broken from time to time). Most tools cannot take the abuse a commercial grade equivalent name brand tool can. In many cases the HF tool will cost you the same or less than a 24 rental of the name brand tool, then you own the HF tool.
It is not as good as the name brand but for a tool that you may only use once or twice?????
Bottom line on HF tools is “ It Depends on the tool” and what you need it for, how many times you will use it, what your budget is, convenience of having it and not having to leave home to rent it or buy one that is not on sale the day you need it etc.etc…….
One last comment on convenience of owning and having the tool you need on hand at the time you need it: How many times did you get stuck on a job on Sunday a holiday or at night when all the stores are closed (even if you have the money to buy the name brand tool at that moment of need)?
That cheap HF sump pump that you bought for an emergency (at 1/3 the cost of a similar unit at Home Depot) that keeps your basement from flooding at 2 am on a Sunday night during a storm may be great. On the other hand, if the pump is used every day to keep you basement from flooding, you may want to buy a more expensive higher quality part?
I guess it DEPENDS?
Jason Says:
June 12th, 2009 at 2:10 am
Always lucked out with my purchases at HF. Until…Bought 1 1/2″ 2.5HP clear water pump. Clerk asked would you like the extended service plan for 40 bucks, I said no, if it breaks, I’ll eat it… filled the tank with fuel, case with oil, turned on the gas, and Oh, whats this, gas spewing from the carb. I had to set the float and finally got it running. It blows oil everywhere, and the low oil switch kept killing the engine,even though it was full of oil. I finally bypassed it, and 30 hours of great operation , the ignition coil failed. I’m waiting for my replacement part to arrive from China. When it runs, it pumps water well, when it’s not it makes a great boat anchor.
toolcrib Says:
June 12th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Here’s a good thread I’ll be adding at the next update:
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread…
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27192
thanks to the guys there for a link to this guide… that’s how I found you!
-Garrett
anonymous Says:
June 13th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Id like to first say I own an entire shop filled with tools bought at harbor freight. I have had a few break but that’s why you take advantage of the no questions asked replacement plan and don’t be cheap and then cry when a tool breaks. Many of the name brand products have given out on me faster than tools that I have bought at hft. Whoever decided to post this site is very misguided and uninformed. Reading 1000 reviews which may be biased gives you no insight on the quality of a tool. Only a working professional or adimant hobbiest or do it yourselfer would have the knowledge and know how to rate a tool. Likewise you do get what you pay for. Another thing I would like to add is almost any tool can be braoken with a 10lb sledge. And to close it out the production of harbor freight tools are outsourced to many different countries besides china and last but not least id like to point out that few products are made in america anymore and even though that stamp on the box says made in the usa I can gaurantee that some part of whatever tool your buying was not fabricated in the usa but bought from some country like china. So a note to the writer go buy yourself some tools and get to work
toolcrib Says:
June 17th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
This is a note from KnotScott he sent me in an email…
“I love the Harbor Fright guide! I’m a cautious fan of HF…love the value of the Pittsburg bar clamps in the $2-$6 range, I find the HF mortiser to be worth the $100 asking price if you don’t do a lot of them, and have found the 13″ DP to be on the impressive side…way surprised by that one!”
-Thanks Scott!
Check out Scott’s ToolCrib.com articles:
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2009/06/07/knotscotts-top-7-forum-threads-maloofs-passing-common-woodworking-errors-planers-and-more/
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2009/06/17/knotscotts-wide-world-of-woodworking-saw-stop-blades-hot-router-deals-classic-table-saw-debate-and-more/
Shakeel Says:
June 18th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
love Harbor Freight stuff until now, I bought one stapler second day it stop working. I went and bought another power stapler. After finishing two room insulation, stapler stop working. I took both tools to the store and asked replacement. Manager refused to return without the receipt. I asked to through is garbage and the mangers said we have to pay for the garbage so take it home. I was buying other items also I left everything on counter and I said forget it. I walk out the store went to Menards and bought tools what I needed. Same night I received a phone call from local police department that the manager files a complaint against me and it is a battery charges. COP was not telling me that what I did. After 5 days I received a call from police that Harbor Freight drop the changes but they asked me not to come to the store any more. If they see me again they will call police. I asked Harbor Freight to see Surveillance Video to see I did nothing wrong, but guess what they don’t have Surveillance Video at their store. Harbor Freight Corporate office refused to take any action but they offer me full refund for the detective product.
Lesson learn: Pay more and go to better store Home Depot, Lowes or Menards or if you can’t afford the buy online. Thanks for reading.
Myles m Says:
June 20th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
I have purchased many many items from HF over the years. First of all, you are going to get bad reviews from someone regardless of the company you’re dealing with. I have had both good and bad experiences with HF. First of all, I have had good experiences with about 85% of my purchases. I have had a 4.5″ angle grinder for like 5 years now. I bought it for less then 10 bucks and it has spent 60% of its time out in the sun. It has been rained on maybe 4 or 5 times. I have used it for concrete and metal projects. It still works today and I can’t understand why? Still had great power, but the switch is probably going to go here someday soon. I purchased a backup about 6 months ago. I could not find the used and abused one, so I opened the unopened box and assembled the new one. I turned it on and crack. The plastic red fanblade broke into 3 pieces. Within the first 10 seconds! What a contrast right? I took the broken pieces out and put it back together. It works fine, but heats up within about 5 minutes of constant use. I purchase a $300 tile saw and it works like a charm! Good stuff! I purchase an DA Buffer, No issues! 3/8 1speed drill, worked fine till I tried mixing morter with it. When that died I went and bought a heavy duty variable speed drill with low gearing and this thing is a beast. I droped it it from about 5 feet on the concrete. The back part cracked a bit but nothing serious and still works perfectly. I have a feeling this thing will last forever. Its one of the few tools from HF that seems overbuilt. A Brand Name drill with these specs would be at 3-4 times what I paid. I have also purchased countless punches, chisels, pry bars, hammers, and screw drivers. I think you’re fine on the more basic electrical stuff. Avoid battery operated tools for now. I think for stuff you use once and a while, your good with HF. For ELECTRICAL (110 OR 220VOLT)tools that you use weekly or daily, you might want to go with a more well know brand. I would like to make a recommendation for these tool. I have purchase several hitachi tools from this website, and you really can’t beat them. The tools are reconditioned, but are in 100% like new position. Check it out! http://www.reconditionedsales.com/
Shakeel Says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Myles m,
As much as I understand if I go to any store their employees represent their company. And if they are treating customer bad then that company is bad no matter how good their products are.
Thanks for reading
toolcrib Says:
June 24th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Good HF thread with more suggestions of what’s good and bad:
http://www.electriciantalk.com/f14/harbor-freight-tools-7543/
Found this source from looking at our traffic logs – thanks for stopping by fellas, hope the guide helps you spend money wisely.
G
Ann aka 'catalog lady' Says:
June 25th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Look over what you’re buying and buy it on SaLe. When the ad says buy now and save, don’t, because it is regular price- trust me on this one they don’t call me the catalog lady at the local HFT for nothing.
I have a full set of air nailers and they usually work smooth as butter despite my compressor being a little undersized for the big framing nailers- I nail it in the rest of the way if needed. I love the 15ga finish nailer (red one) got their new orange one for 2nd nail size so I don’t have to go back and forth on an upcoming project, but the rubber cover has a tendency to come off.
Can you even find a coil siding nailer at Home Depot or Lowe’s? NOT! Roof ga. nails are NOT recommended for Hardie. I shopped the specials and got a HFT $10 7″ diamond blade to cut the Hardie (recommended Hitachi blade costs $80)& put in one of my cheap Ryobi circ. saws that was a HD Thanksgiving special. Of the framing nailers I have I like the 6 in 1 the best- use up all those leftover nails from other guns.
If you buy a rotary tool whether electric or manual feel the bearings for side to side play. Engage the switch and locks, see if it is engineered well or if it feels like junk Some models vary on the same type of tool, so look over the merchandise. Look at the castings for your hand tools are they crisp and square? -a good casting? Are pins off center? I do this no matter where I buy my tools. Sometimes picking the best one off the shelf suffices.
You know all those tools you can borrow from Autozone, etc? Same tools at HFT, but less$. I love their toolbags- the canvas riggers bags and ‘boat’ bags are great and cheap reg price 9.99 on sale often for 5.99 sold at upscale yuppie establishments for $60. I have given lots of those to friends for presents- barber, jewelers, upholsterers- pc techs. great bag. I also use toolpouches and kneepads in different configs when I gear up for metal detecting.
I guarantee that the same exact tools have different color paint or plastic and a different name sticker sold as house brands at other places. You can get crappy tools there just like anywhere else, but if you shop smart you will spend a whole lot less at HFT.
I have bought all those weird shaped wrenches C and S shape, etc and never regretted having the one wrench that made removing that impossible to reach bolt. Some of them are marginal, but who cares if it works in a pinch. I really like their stubbie wrench sets. Try the 2-line pricing gun for your next yard sale. I could go on and on. Bottom line is check out the tool itself and compare to what else will do the job and how much it costs for the same quality elsewhere. I used to buy Crapsman tools but they don’t honor the Craftsman warranty anymore so why bother? If you have a lot of projects coming up join the InsideTrack club and plan ahead- shop at the local HFT they honor the cat prices. In the same catalog you will find the same item for 2 or 3 different prices, so look them over and find the deals.
toolcrib Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 7:55 am
harbor freight is on twitter:
http://twitter.com/HarborFreight
no mention of the buying guide though, just sales they’re having ;P
G
Mike D on Long Island Says:
June 26th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
Re: the Post from Shakeel Says: from June 18th?
I think the Guy at that HF store must be a real TOOL himself!
Sorry just couldn’t resist that one:)!
It is a big company and they have a lot of people working for them. There tools are inexpensive and I am sure the average person who works for HF is not making a lot of money. I am sure dealing with the public day in and out, can some times make even a decent employee a be a dick if they are having a bad day. Lets face it we have all run into an idiot employee, it is a fact of life…..always has been always will.
Let me say this about HF. I have been buying from them for over 20 yrs now.
I have a lot of their stuff. Like anything else, you have to shop the sales and there are many variables that make a tool good or bad value. Most of the stuff I have bought has been good to great for the price. I have so many tools that I would not have bought had I bought only the name brand stuff. A few tools (very few) of the HF tools turned out to be worthless, It is like buying from the 99 cent or $1 stores. There are some great buys and you can really save money if you know how to shop. HF like the $1 store has some deals that can’t be beat , some products that are a one shot steal deal never to return ( and you wish you bought more) and some stuff that is just worthless……over all I have to say I love HF, but have never been in one of there stores yet.
The float charger ( if used the right way) is a great product and range in price from $14.99 to as low as $4.99 Note: the part is the same price dependson what catalog you are ordering from. The weak part is the transformer that plugs into the wall, I have destroyed at least 5 of them over the last 10 yrs. I use the big gator clips elsewhere when this happens. If you short the float charger it will burn out the transformer, if you run over the float charger it will also damage the unit…… I have at least 3 running 24/7 all year long.
Over all, if used properly they are great but not perfect.
The other charger p/n 93781 is pure junk I have bought two, both failed after less than 1 month ( sale price $9.99, cat price about $14.99 and internet price is $19.99).
The internal transformer is not strong enough and burns out, the internal cooling fan is marginal and the circuit board also burns up. I bought these units when they first came out, maybe they have started using better parts but the two I have are useless junk.
When they worked they were good but just don’t hold up.
I think it is good to get feedback from other people on products, remember we are more likely to write when we have a problem with a part then when it works and does what we expected it to do, so take this stuff with a grain of salt!
Mike on LI
Preston Woodruff Says:
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:48 am
HARBOR FREIGHT 2HP DUST COLLECTOR: The combination of a sale price and a 20% coupon (along with the local big box store’s refusal to discount a Delta machine) led me to bring home the HF 2hp Dust Collector (sku 97869). Brief review — works fine, but was a four-hour hassle to assemble.
If this had been my first stab at putting together a box full of metal nuts, bolts and odd-shaped metal gizmos from China, I might have given up, but I’ve been through this before. Odd syntax in the manual, blurry photos and diagrams — no problem, just ask yourself, ‘if I were a flanged tubular upright, where would I go?’ Problem-solving on your own is half the fun. I was puzzled by a baggie full of totally irrelevant bolts, washers and nuts until I realized they were for putting together the blower assembly, which was already in one piece. Also, the instructions tell you to fix everything to the base with hex bolts and nuts, when in fact the base is designed to take the bolts by themselves (I wouldn’t quite use the word ‘threaded,’ but it was close enough).
A little bending and prying was necessary to get everything to line up, but that’s not news to anybody who has opened a HF box of parts. The motor and fan unit are hefty and nicely finished, but once everything is together, the entire assembly seems a little lightweight.
The label on the box says the collector draws 1550 CFM, but the spec sheet inside doesn’t bring the subject up, so who knows? In any case, it sucks a lot of air. For my tiny, one-man basement shop it does the job, and at c. $150 it was a bargain.
toolcrib Says:
July 12th, 2009 at 10:50 am
forum thread discussing the guide:
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=46449
BT3 fellas please leave your favorites/stinkers in the comments or in that thread on your forum! I will check back when I do the next update :)
Roger Says:
August 21st, 2009 at 10:00 pm
Harbor Freight Jig Saw worked for maybe two hours and the motor burned out.
ßullet™ Says:
August 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
HF’s “Geartech” series of ratcheting box end combo wrenches are as good as any on the market. The swivel heads are thin yet strong and the finish is good, available in Satin / Matt / Mirror / Gold Plated / Black Chrome Finish…I like shiny stuff.:)
I have Gearwrench, MAC, Matco, SK and Strapon that are way more pricey that i seldom use,they can break too yanno, they just look nice in my box. lol
I agree with Preston on the float charger, i’ve had one in almost constant use for 2 years and it maintains a 12-volt acid test battery at 12.66 volts. The Earthquaker 1/2 inch drive impacts are tough, they take everyday abuse well if you keep um oiled, use dry air and inject a little impact grease in the cone bearings they will serve you well.The HF impact sockets that are made in Taiwan are the exact same sockets that are sold by Genius and Sunex..DUH!
I think a lot of the problems folks have with HF tools is their own fault. If all else fails, u might wanna read the freakin directions :)
I’m considering an HVLP paint gun purchase, has anyone tried these lil fellas yet?
Glenn Peisker Says:
August 30th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Besides poor manufacturing techniques a major failure for these rip-off tools as well as other Chinese products is material substitution. You can get great cost reduction from cheap labor and more from cheap materials. A reputable manufacturer spends money and time in R&D, material selection, product design and testing. A rip-off company knows nothing of the work that went into reaching that final product. They are visual copy-cats and really make their products attractively appearing. However, if it is metal make it out of the cheapest, closest-resembling, metal-like, material. The same is true for rubber, plastic etc. Don’t bother to develop and test materials for strength or wear and heat resistance or functioning well. That costs money. In my industry there were trade secrets that allowed our product to function. The rip-offs made their product out of non-functioning material and they would fail. They even colored their rip-off like ours. These were just components in a larger piece of equipment and users quickly learned that saving a little up front with rip-offs could have disastrous results.
Glenn Peisker Says:
August 30th, 2009 at 9:51 am
I am very cautious with what I get from HF. I did buy the HF Spot Welder, $140, knowing full well it was an experiment. Could I spot weld 16 gauge sheet metal in the projects I was doing rather than braze or arc. I had never spot welded before and this was part of my learning curve. The tool is laughable in how poorly it is designed and functions. I quickly learned that spot welding was a viable solution to my fabrication project and then spent the $550 for a Miller. With the HF I would wait ten seconds for the same weld that I get in one second with the Miller. The appearance of the welds is enough evidence of the quality of the Miller product. Oh, I still use the HF, but for decorative non-structural welds.
toolcrib Says:
August 30th, 2009 at 10:15 am
a new thread has started over at woodnet.net discussing HF tools:
http://www.forums.woodnet.net/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=4462382&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=
any suggestions/recommendations/incriminations will make it into the next update of our list here.
Mark Says:
September 6th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Today I bought what turned out to be a sad tool at HF. The 94100 3-in-1 riveter kit and a box of HF “nut rivets” 02872. This tool is supposed to rivet “nut rivets” with special threaded bits that come in the kit. Which means the tool has to pull with some force. In the store I’m thinking to myself “I’ll bet they just case hardened the metal bits, rather than fully hardened the metal, like the HF hole saw bolt that snapped off on me a year ago”. Sure enough. Bought it, tried it, and the case hardened 6-32 bit snapped right off before the nut rivet was even fully compressed on the metal sheet. Looking at the snapped-off metal tool bit you can clearly see that only the outside (the case) of the metal has been hardened. Then tried the 8-32 bit for laughs, thinking bigger must be stronger. It was – this one just bent such that I could not unscrew it from the nut rivet (had to turn the whole tool) – rather than snapping outright. SO… if you really need a tool like this find a real one with real hardened bits. I own a lot of HF tools that work reasonably well, and buy a lot of consumables from HF, but this one goes back. I would have to put this tool in the “abysmal” category since it broke the first use, and did it during the use so I couldn’t even get my first job done. And the problem is by design – case hardened bits. It isn’t going to get any better with swapping the tool for another try.
toolcrib Says:
September 28th, 2009 at 8:36 am
http://okcminis.com/showthread.php?t=1756
good discussion on some good and some bad tools – I will include it in the next update.
G
toolcrib Says:
October 2nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
good discussion started here – I will add any contributions the next time I update the guide:
http://techtalk.parts-express.com/showthread.php?t=213519
Junior Says:
October 10th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
If anybody’s in doubt about the power tools, go to a pawn shop, Home Depot, Lowe’s, etc., and look at the different NAME brands (Dewalt, Craftsman, Milwaukee, etc.) real good. Practically all are made in China. Then go to Harbor Freight and look at their power tools real good. The only difference I can tell is the color of the plastic case, and maybe the power switch in some cases. Like one of the previous comments said, they’re ALL made in the same place in China.
Susan Gogas Says:
October 14th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Purchased a T post puller and the metal fractured near the pivot point after about 10 uses. Since it was just over the 90 days they would not replace. Can only assume from this experience that their goods are far from the highest quality and I’m extremely hesitant to purchase from them again. Wish I had reviewed this website before I made the purchase.
Bigplanz Says:
October 26th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
I bought a 1/2 hammer drill, and it works. It drill holes in concrete for electrical boxes and shelf brackets in block walls. If I was drilling 100 holes a week, well, I’d get something different. 100 holes in my lifetime? Yeah, the $30 harbor freight hammer drill is the answer. I also bought a spiral saw for $14 to cut holes in drywall for light switches and electrical boxes. Guess what? It works fine for my limited purpose (renovating a room in the basement).
I bought a 5 inch bench vise for $35 (used a coupon, regular price $70). Hey, it weighs 40 pounds and is sturdy and strong. What’s not to like?
All in all, if you shop carefully, HF is a great place for the DIY who knows what he or she wants and waits for it to go on sale.
Tim Says:
November 1st, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I would love to hear something good or bad about this three stage trickle battery charger 99857
timotb@gmail.com