First time Harbor Freight visit.

[bob caldwell]

Been using a 2500 lb remote winch that I use to load and unload scooter off truck....this will be year 3....stays exposed to the elements

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by B47

After being a life long Craftsman and Snap-On tool customer,I was bored the other day and decided to visit a HF store just for kicks.

I walked in the door and walked up and down each aisle looking like a kid in a candy store.

They have items I would have never thought of - a grommet repair kit for tarps to safety wire pliers and everything in between.

I talked to a few guys and came away agreeing with them when they said that most items were satisfactory for the average home mechanics,but most items were not suitable for contractors.

I brought a battery/alternator tester for $5.00.

What have your experiences with HF been?

I am hearing about a similar company called Northern Tools - anyone know about them?

It's an adult toy store! Even the DW like to go to HF!

That said, you are spot on about quality. This is not contractor or mechanic-grade stuff but for us RV'ers? Probably sufficient.

I bought a reciprocating saw from them to tear apart a old hot tub we wanted to haul away. Figured I would burn out the motor on THAT bear of a job! That was the it is now 2 years later and several other demo jobs and, with the exception of loosing a couple of cosmetic items, the saw runs just like day 1.

[gectisme]

I don't know how many years ago, maybe 10, I bought a 3/8 ratchet that allows the handle to extend another 4 or 5 inches to get more torque when needed. It was about $10 with no discounts. It looked like a decent quality tool upon inspection, so figured I would try it out and see how it does. Every now and then I was having to use a breaker bar and ratchet so this would save me from walking out to the car in the middle of a job to get the breaker bar since it was too big to fit in my "normal" tool box. I used that ratchet just about everyday until a couple of years ago when I changed jobs, it is still in good condition. Long story short, if you inspect it and it looks and feels like a POS don't buy it, if it looks good, you can get a good tool at a pretty steep discount. IMO, of course.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

1/2 " drive torque wrench I purchased from HF to use in fifth wheel for checking Torque on wheels and new Sidewinder hitch that has to be torque to 45 ft lb. Is dedicated to the RV. It is close enough to do the job. With a coupon it was $11.00

[Ford Idaho]

I have picked up a few things at HF and put them right back down.

I did like these enough to bring home.

Precision Screwdriver Set - 33 Piece

1/2" Torque Wrench

Solid Rubber Wheel Chock

[bobfa]

On two occasional I bought power tools. I also bought the extended warranty. Both items died within the year after just light use. They honored the warranty and returned my cash. I no longer will buy their power tools. To much hassle.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by DAISY BOYKIN

1/2 " drive torque wrench I purchased from HF to use in fifth wheel for checking Torque on wheels and new Sidewinder hitch that has to be torque to 45 ft lb. Is dedicated to the RV. It is close enough to do the job. With a coupon it was $11.00

I bought one of these, too.
I also bought a grease gun for my Lucas red grease.

[DAISY BOYKIN]

Hey I bought a grease gun also, XL rubber gloves for the RV sewer hose, Tye wraps, Volt meters to give to my RV friends when in need. Cheap tarps
for paint drops, and their special blue lights that are free with coupons.

[uhduh camping]

Four wheeler magazine did a test comparasion HF beat out several top major brands with their 1/2" drive ratchet.

[MacDR]

I've had no Issue's with HF.. Just enough quality for the projects I do...Most wrenches come in lBlack plastic boxes so I don't loose them as fast.. LOL

[Iwannacamp]

Harbor Freight is good on many things. I bought a 10" tile saw several years/tile jobs ago...I bought a good blade(elsewhere). I have had a couple sds+ rotary hammers(one stolen) well worth the money. I have a 12" compound slide miter saw... so far very good deal... on sale with 25% coupon and OTD like $160. Chinese at box store $400 and up.

I do not like the cordless tools i have purchased there

[Iwritecode]

I've gotten a number of things at HF over the years. The only problem I've had with anything was a cheap cordless drill that I got for like $20. It lasted about 3 years and then the batteries wouldn't hold a charge anymore. So I finally went out and got a name brand drill that I've been using ever since.

Got a reciprocating saw probably 5+ years ago that's still going strong. Lots of other odds and ends as well. More free flashlights and screwdriver sets than I can count.

I'm pretty sure the little 3 gal air compressor I use for winterizing came from HF as well. No problems with it either.

[B47]

I appreciate all the replies here. I guess I leaned two things:

1. Most items are,in most cases,satisfactory for the home mechanic,woodworker,RV owner etc.

2. Buy the HF warranty for electrical tools.

[Flybob]

I use HF for disposable stuff like foam brushes, cotton gloves, zip ties etc. I did buy their collapsible 20Ft flag pole which works well. You need to dry it well after rain as the locking discs tend to corrode making it hard to collapse. Also great for pneumatic tires for small items.

[madmaxmutt]

They usually have the best price in town of latex gloves for RV tank dumping.

No warranty required

[B47]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

They usually have the best price in town of latex gloves for RV tank dumping.

No warranty required

Another item at HF I never saw at any other place are disposable nitrile gloves.

[madmaxmutt]

Nitrile is what I really meant, but I couldn't remember the name.

Costco sells them, but not for the same price as HF.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[Wobbles]

Originally Posted by Iwritecode

The only problem I've had with anything was a cheap cordless drill that I got for like $20. It lasted about 3 years and then the batteries wouldn't hold a charge anymore.

I would never consider a cordless drill from HF. 3 years for $20 might get me to think about it...

I would not do it but that has me thinking about my $100 plus Dewalt that has a charger that will kill a $50 battery after a few times of not pulling it out, when charged. My own fault...

[tande]

Yup! .....there are times when I simply DON'T need a "Snap/On" to get the job done......

[Drivestregis]

GO GET THE DEALS OF THE YEAR.