Harbor Freight tools thread.

“The owner got sick of being known as the junk tool company”…

Bad move. That’s their business model. That’s why I go there. So I can get stuff cheap because I really don’t need an expensive version of something I’m just gonna use a handful of times. And maybe even just once.

If they turn into Lowe’s or Home Depot I’ll just go to Lowe’s or Home Depot.

 

Totally agree. They fill a niche. They do have a few gems like some of their tool boxes but I would never buy any hand tools or anything that I plan to use long term there.

 

Well that explains snap on prices for HF quality. First impressions are everything and I think it’s too late in the game for that jump. I’ll buy selective but it’s no wonder the 20% coupons have gone by the wayside. They have to pay people to look at real designs now. From some tool perspectives, I’d take the cheap copy paste for a one time use tool over a snap on price for a tool I’d use once in my life.

 

I don’t know guys, even their top of the line Icon tools are a pretty far cry from Snap-on prices.





They also still have all their Pittsburgh stuff and let’s face it, if we’re going in for a one time use tool it’ll be these.

 

I like it man, looks like a good kit!

 

Been a while since popped in to the thread. Sorry if the question has been asked.

Is HF? done providing the 22HP Predator engines? All my stores are not selling them.

 

Yeah, but no more 20% off.

 

sure, they are cheaper than the alternative “real tools” but I would agree I’m going in for a one time use tool, not a $300 socket set. Also on a side note anybody that purchases the extended warranties needs their heads examined lol

 

That does suck, they have decent deals with the Inside Track membership but it's still just not same.

The Icon line has proven in reviews to be pretty robust so far (I don't own any). I can't speak personally to Professional use but for anything below that I bet they'll hold their own.
That Pittsburgh impact set is still half the price of one socket from Snap-on. As far as Harbor Freight shifting focus towards "higher end" stuff, that's true but, they are clearly still catering to those of us in the "I just need to use this once" crowd.

If someone never intends to buy any of the Icon tools then what does it really matter if they have that more expensive, albeit still cheapo, option?


I think I recall buying an extended warranty once, I don't remember what for though. Obviously it was not worth it I haven't since.

 

Damn a lot of haters here. Like it’s been mentioned, they still have their lower end tools, and I applaud them for building higher quality stuff, which is still reasonably priced. Hell their 2kW generator is half the price of the Honda and works just as well.

 

We're not haters. Almost none of us could survive in this hobby without Harbor Freight. But their main customer base has never gone to HF for a lifetime tool. $20 angle grinders are on my list of regular items for a reason lol

 

I have the Pittsburgh impact sockets. The box sucks, it broke. But I've been very happy with the sockets. 1 size of the socket I use every week changing the blades on my lawn mower for a few yrs now. Been very happy for the money I paid.

 

I usually buy the impact sockets, I have a set of those regular 3/8 rainbow ones but the impacts just hold up better. For little stuff like that, can't beat it.

 

If you guys don’t watch the Friendly Neighborhood Tool Bear you should, good info and funny!

https://youtu.be/XuXuPpaN14Q

 

Don’t know about you guys but I’ve been getting coupons in my email the last few days. Like 20% off all icon and 10% off all us general

 

I too did not realize they had in house engineering. Do you know what state their engineering office is in?

 

Has anyone tried this light? I like the high CRI. I like to get some feedback if you tried it.

 

That colormatch light looks like the Astro 50SL with different stickers

 

They have a three day sale, 30% off batteries too! Pretty sure this is the final day.
The Tool Bear did a video on that too I believe.

 

I've used the "rentals" from O'Reillys and Autozone over the years. They are not much better, and have had their share of abuse, so I'm ahead of you in the department.

However, maybe a placebo, but what I do is throw a ratchet strap through the spring and anchor it to something so if it lets loose I may live to tell others what happened.

I once saw a shop using a seat belt pretensioner for the same purpose They had a dedicated press for springs, but had added the seatbelt for a little extra insurance.