Harbor Freight tools thread.

It's definitely possible. I remember Ritter and his dad complaining about metal flake clogging HVLP guns back in the day now that you mention it.

 

That's the plan. Not my tacoma (at least not yet) but I'm doing my pickup in subaru desert khaki and then I have a 4runner that needs clear coat before I sell it.

 

Might have to get the 20-ton press.

 

Not sure what the discount\sale was at the time (January 2023) but I got one at $219

 

Went to get the press and ended up buying the Doyle vise instead. Will probably go back tomorrow to get the press.

 

Went back and picked up the press.

 

I was able to pick one up a couple years ago for $189 on sale. Have only used it for a few things, but am seriously considering the swag finger brake kit to make it more useable.

 

I picked it up for $225+tax figure I can sell it for $175. That swag finger brake kit looks pretty nice.

 

I paid $206 for a Snap On ratchet last week. Thought I would inform you peasants. Jk

 

Finger brake is nice, but crazy to me that it costs more than the press itself.

 

Hey now, I have been in this thread for a long time but you are correct. I want no part of HF but do like to stop by to be a jackass from time to time but in good fun. I do buy hammers and stuff for work from them and I must say the Icon brand is some good looking stuff but also has a very none HF price tag.

 

I buy off the Snap On truck just about every Wednesday, You can't Beat their Rachets. But ICON Sockets, Screw Drivers and Wrenches really aren't that bad.

 

Spoiler

I bought some CAT wrenches (just wrenches made by Snap On for Caterpillar) last summer for I think 230. Now I have these and my grandfathes old style Metric set. They're more of my work bench wrenchs then I have my cheap Home Depot wrenches for crawling around on the ground and getting scratched up.

 

The majority of my stuff is Carlyle but I do spend the $’s for Snap On for some stuff and my boxes are Snap On and Matco but I buy them all used.

 

I was surprised at the Icon prices last I was in HF. Stuff looks good but 60% of tool truck prices at least. Some stuff was maybe 70% of the name brand price. The boxes were legit but it will take some time for HF to change the face of the company to get the respect the tools deserve and command those prices.

It’s funny, as I was pulling my debit card out in the Snap On truck I was laughing and said “here, I’m an idiot but I’m also a brand whore”. My SO guy just laughed.

 

They always laugh, all the way to the fucking bank. As someone who once had a $30k debt to the Snap On man, I'll gladly spend half (or realistically 1/4) on shit. I'm a regular guy now and don't rely on my tools. Tekton, HF, Milwaukee, Knipex etc are fine by me...

 

I have seen guys do the same. We had a mechanic one time who got paid every two weeks and would sign one check over the the MAC guy a month. Literally half of his income went to the tool guy. I have a basic rule for tools, and that is if I don't have the cash to pay for it I don't buy it. No tools on credit. I don't judge the people who do as some just have to do that but yeah. Fuck that! My main brand is Carlyle stuff and I have been really happy with all that. Now they think they are Snap On because the prices are real close but I purchased most all of mine 5 years ago when the prices were much better.

I do not rely on my tools daily either anymore so I look at my tools as an investment and its more of an ego thing to be honest. Even the ratchet I bought last week will rarely get used if ever. I have 10 other ratchets I would reach for before that one. It will collect dust in the box and my wife or kids will sell it for $2 when I die! LOL...

 

My garage is more of a man cave hang out. Here are some of my boxes and my workbench.

 

The press made quick work out of the LBJ’s and bushings!