Harbor Freight tools thread.

After I bought this 100 piece security set with case, I don't know how I ever got by without it and IMHO it's worth twice the money, even without the super coupon or the 20% off. Here:

 

dam what?!

 

I would say HF tools for the weekend warrior is one thing, but if it's your livelihood using these tools that a whole different story. People that need a sawzall once in awhile for a home project, I would say they are fine.

 

When I bought my lift + jacks at Sears as a package deal, they were cheaper than buying all of them separately at HF believe it or not.

 

Because the truck would have flattened you.

 

Very true

 

I have not bought anything from HF that I would classify as heavy duty, rigorous use, etc, but with the exception of some drill bits that snapped pretty quickly, I have had pretty decent luck with their tools.

One of their most recent sales included some hand trucks, and I had to "test drive" about a dozen a or so of them before I found a pair that didn't have a warped axle/wheel system. The store manager was great about it and help me unwind a mile or so of that security cable to get the one I wanted.

I am an Inside Track member to get the free stuff plus the discount coupons. It's pretty much cheap stuff, but handy. Worth it, IMO.

Now for anything quality that I want to "last a lifetime", I buy Craftsman, and I buy Sears... For as long as they are still in business... But I understand the Craftsman brand, if sold, will be sold with the life guarantee intact.

 

Bought a torque wrench to change my spark plugs and it would never click when I was tightening down the spark plugs. That is very scary when you know it's an aluminum head on the Tacoma. I ended up gently snugging them in because I didn't have another torque wrench and I returned the wrench to HF. Don't buy anything that is critical from them. I have wrenches and a socket set that work fine.

 

I had a similiar experience with the dolly I bought. The sales associate showed me the display model, with about 3 on the floor and they were dinged up, so I asked if they had any in the back, which she was able to grab me one in nice condition. Always ask, because what you see on the floor isn't all they have.

 

I just changed my spark plugs for the first time and bought a HF torque wrench, just for that. I first tested at 15 ft/lbs on my wheel nuts and it worked, feeling the click, but when I went to torque the plugs, I just didn't trust the quality enough to risk stripped my aluminum head, so I just hand tightened them.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/smittybilt-tow-strap-9-99.462095/

 

heat gun didnt last long

 

I love that little heat gun, but haven't used it very long.

 

When I was replacing my water pump, these 7 piece Metric ratcheting combo. wrenches came in handy, while removing my fan in an enclose space and save time. Here:

 

Kinda amusing people talking about HF drill bits and fasteners being low quality.

No shit!

It's like trying to dry off after a shower with a dollar store napkin.

 

I bought several Air Tools about 25 years ago and I use them all the time, I have no idea if the new stuff would be as reliable. I also have a bunch of different stuff that I bought to use for shit jobs or light duty things.

 

I have a HF Chicago Electric electric impact that I have beat the shit out of for 12 yrs. Can't kill it.

 

I have the cordless impact wrench I paid under $100 for about a year ago. I've used it quite a bit so far, and no issues. This one here: I also bought their 1/2 torque wrench to replace my Craftsman that broke after 3 uses. The HF works great.

 

I'm just curious what your opinion of the corded VS cordless impact wrenches? Would the corded be more reliable and last longer, if you don't mind dragging a cord or having an outlet near?

 

For a cordless impact, I'd suggest going Ridgid. Yes, it costs a little more. However, if you register it, you get lifetime warranty on tool and battery.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18-...y7IpwbSDLw3Ioy3G04Y9QaAnp-8P8HAQ&gclsrc=aw.ds