Should you buy that tool from them or not?

[Sillyoldman]

The debates will never end, but maybe this will help.




http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08...d-the-abysmal/

[Lugnut64052]

I never thought there was such a thing as a cheap, no count zip-tie until I bought some at Harbor Freight. Man, they were worthless.

On the flip side, I've bought some hand tools (wrenches, sockets, etc) specifically for cutting up and making special tools out of. Works good for that.
Got some new creeper wheels there. Stuff like that. About 90% of their stuff is junk though.

[maddog1331]

I've only bought from Harbor Freight once, and won't again.

I ordered a 'stitch' welder attachment for my arc welder, along with rods that would work well with it, a welding blanket, a new welders hammer, etc. Everything came in EXCEPT the stitch welder. It said it was backordered, so I waited.....and waited....2 months went by if I recall correctly, I called them up, cancelled the order, and bought one elsewhere. Then after 2 more weeks I got something in the mail that said they no longer stocked the item (like I cared, I had already cancelled the order through them).

After making me wait that long, you would think they would at least send a "here is a 10% off coupon for your next purchase" or something. Not that I want or need anything free, but having to wait that long and such you would think they would try to at least say sorry.

I realize stuff like this can happen with any service, but if something doesn't come into stock within 2 weeks or up to a month IMO the company should cancel the order and apologize to the buyer.

[ERASER5]

I have mostly had good luck with HB. I had 1 back order that took 4 months, but it was an extending pack for the Ball joint press I bought. I didn't need the extra stuff then, but I knew I would later.

Since then, I found that there are 2 stores within an hour and a halve from me. That will cut down on the shipping costs.

[Longhorn Man]

when buying tools from them, ask yourslef, will this tool make me bleed when it fails? And continue from there.

[rambler]

I bought a cheap, (thought it was too good to be true) and it was. air gauge for my compressor, the one with the gauge attached to the hose.. it is so off calbration, it is pretty much useless.....

I bought some cheap tools there when mine were stolen a few years back, just to get me started.. the sockets were junk and wrenchs too light...

I dont know if I'll ever buy there again...

[bpmcgee]

I'll buy from there with the assumption that the tool will get thrown out after it's first use.

Sometimes, though, they don't even last THAT long.

B

[Sillyoldman]

And the air fittings? DON"T BUY THEM! I just got done throwing out all of my FM couplers. Every one of them leaked. Some of them would disconnect unexpectedly leaving me with dirty under britches or a hose snaking around in the air. I had to accept a gift card in trade for the broken creeper board that I returned. I'm not sure what to use it on? I'm convinced that if they sold bottled water it would still be a gamble.

[70rs/ss]

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

when buying tools from them, ask yourslef, will this tool make me bleed when it fails? And continue from there.

I just about P'd myself on this one!! I have never bought from them but have a buddy that does, he swears by them and he makes his living as a jack of all trades and uses them regularly?? I have thought about the ball joint tool, but I am for sure it "would make me bleed" so I havn't pulled the trigger as of yet!

[augie]

I use HF for the tools I am only going to use once or twice. And the stuff that you can't screw up. Never spend more than $20 there, if it's more than that then you probably should buy a "good" one somewhere else. I have a store nearby, it helps alot to see the "quality" of the tools before you buy. If I had to order from them online or mail I would be VERY disappointed. In fact I just wouldn't do it.
But if you need some neon green (harder to lose) tape measures or a couple of hammers for the weekend deck/fence project, they are great. The electrical fish tape I used once, awesome, the toilet snake used twice in 10 years no problems. A pack of 20 phillips head bits for the cordless drill? Check. The 100 utility blades and dispenser for $2? Hey I always have a blade around. Actual power/hand tools I'm gonna use on a frequent basis....ummm NO.

[leddzepp]

The 3/8" orange corded drill I bought there a few years ago for $12 still works till this day, and I beat the crap out of it. Must have been a fluke. The ball joint removal kit worked great when I put dropped spindles on my truck too. I wouldn't use their tools to make a living, but they will do in a pinch.

[MacAttack]

Harbor Freight: Tarps, Bungie Cords and perishable tools - like P.O.S. grinding wheels (where I’ve got a guard and a face mask) when I’m attacking rust.

Keep the rest. And this is with a store right on the way home from work.

Yes Johnny, you can go too cheap.

[glock35ipsc]

I have a 3/8" air drill and a pneumatic body saw that I've had since 1994. I used them both 5 days a week from 1994 till 2000. Still have them, and they still work great.

My vertical mill is also from HF. Among other things, I machined my 1911 pistol frame on it. Great shooting pistol!

I buy flap discs and electrical tape in bulk there. My IR 1/2" impact was bought at HF, as is my media blasting cabinet, and my stud welder (for pulling dings).

Engine stand, cherry picker, metal brake, English wheel....

I won't buy any hand tools with an electric motor, like a drill, grinder or chop saw.

For the most part, I am careful what I buy there, depending on it's use. But otherwise, I have a lot of great stuff from there.

[dieseldr4]

Originally Posted by 70rs/ss

I have thought about the ball joint tool, but I am for sure it "would make me bleed" so I havn't pulled the trigger as of yet!

ha ha ha!!!!!

[Shane]

I have the ball joint press and have used it with no ill side effects or mysterious bleeding.

[Putter]

We used the ball joint press at Ron's (cookout) to remove/install the new front end parts on his rolling chassis....and 5150 was the only one to even get dirty!!!!

[Longhorn Man]

I've gotten plenty of tools from there in all reality, and there air tools seem to be pretty decent. A palm sander that I used daily for a few years, a cut off wheel that has been kickin hard for 5 or 6 years now...quite a few decent items among the "high quality junk".
I totally agree that it is way better to look at it in your hand before buying. I stop in once a month or so, have one just down the street from jegs. (couple miles from the house)

[pritch]

Like some, I'll get some things there, things I'll only lightly use once in a while. I don't think I'd try to make a living with HF tools. My cousins' husband is manager of a HF, but it's 500 miles from where I live, so not worth the trip for the 'family discount'.

[thepawnshopman]

ITS CHINA MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THATS ALL I HAVE TO SAY. I did go in there to find a engine crate for my 350 first fire...Im almost glad that they didnt have any summit here I come. I did pick up some shop rags for 9.99 and wires grinder wheels....Hey I got to save some money...

[michael bustamante]

I work just down the street from there and It is always busy!!! The hydrolic stuff Ive had bad luck on trying to find replacement parts. a hand grinder for 15 bucks??? Ive had 3 of them. I figure for 15 dollars it does the job a couple of times and poops out . (and I was right) but Ive had my last one for 6 years now and use it 4-10 times monthly and its still kicking

[basemodel67]

The only thing I get from there is the black nitrile gloves. They seem to be OK.

[dammitmitchell]

i ONLY but the tools i plan on CUTTING WELDING TORCHING TO FIT my needs..
NEVER BUY A JAW PULLER
got hit in the face pulling timing gears.. seriously? daym...

[Shyguy]

I do buy stuff from HF from time to time, but only stuff I check out before I buy.

Wish one was a lot closer.

I have a friend that has a flea market that carries a lot of tools, I buy quite a bit from him.

Danny