Comments on: Buyer Beware, A Harbor Freight Buying Guide: The Good Enough, The Bad and the Abysmal http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/ The #1 source for power tools, power tool reviews and power tool information. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:03:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.6 by: Jeff http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-49916 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:29:26 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-49916 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. 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.

]]> by: Think Racing http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-48263 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:49:43 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-48263 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. 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.

]]> by: ray burge http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-41562 Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:38:50 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-41562 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.... 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….

]]> by: Nicole http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-37551 Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:58:05 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-37551 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. 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.

]]> by: Apple design Kitchens & Granite http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33608 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:19:18 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33608 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 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

]]> by: yoyo http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33442 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:08:07 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33442 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... 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…

]]> by: TONY BRUNS http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33426 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:58:31 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33426 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. 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.

]]> by: cc http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33287 Fri, 29 Aug 2008 00:32:34 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33287 .... 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 . …. 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 .

]]> by: toolcrib http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33033 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:10:48 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-33033 @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 @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

]]> by: Jairo http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-32754 Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:52:52 +0000 http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal/#comment-32754 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. 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.

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