Harbor Freight tools quality?

[jackmaster]

Totally depends on what you are buying.  Some stuff is pretty decent stuff for the price....other stuff is pretty much junk.  I bought a couple magnet strips and they are simply amazing.  Screwed them to my work benk and start hanging tools.   

they make a hoist that works great for hanging n the rafters to hoist up deer or elk, better than the old fashioned way any day..

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I bought a vice from them once.  The jaw snapped off trying to press a bearing into an a arm.  I have had luck with their hatchets, sockets for my impact gun, grinder wheels, etc.  If you need a cheap tool for a one time deal, they will work, if you want quality look elsewhere. 

[CP]

I've had no problems with my HF - woodchipper, air compressor, Predator engines, etc.   

[Special T]

I bought a vice from them once.  The jaw snapped off trying to press a bearing into an a arm.  I have had luck with their hatchets, sockets for my impact gun, grinder wheels, etc.  If you need a cheap tool for a one time deal, they will work, if you want quality look elsewhere.

I think this is how you have to look at many of thier tools. Of entertainment thier tools are close to the price of renting a Profesional grade one, so if they last longer than a rental your ahead.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

[NOCK NOCK]

Most have echoed my beliefs. I have a recently purchased air hose reel....so far so good. I have stayed away from all electric/battery/ major tools though. Throw away stuff like Chip brushes and one time use is all I buy there.

[JJB11B]

I've never heard of a crowbar breaking before, but my HF one snapped like a dry twig.

I bent one in a U trying to align a bolt hole on a lower control arm

[Sandberm]

I've had no problems with my HF - woodchipper, air compressor, Predator engines, etc.

My brother had a flywheel crack on a predator engine he bought. Sheared the flywheel key.

[shadowless_nite]

I used a mixed lot of tools at work as a mechanic, tools ranging from snap on to craftsman and all the way down to harbor freight. I've been shopping there since they only had the one central location in the portland area off interstate. Depending on what it is I will buy it there.  Their extendable ratchets are great for the cost especially the half inch one. I use the 3/8 version daily and has been going strong for years. It is the original first generation of them. Their sockets are just as good as everyone elses. Majority of the time when people break them they are using the wrong tool. But there shouldn't be much reason to break 1/4in drive socket unless your using the wrong tool  and with deep socket sets in 1/4in for less than $10, I can afford to use it for the 3-4 sockets I need regularly and if I loose one no biggie. I buy a new set and pull what's left for my junkyard tool box or garage box. One single snap on 1/4in drive deep socket cost more than the whole set from HF. Same idea goes for the other socket sets they have.

I've used a few air tools..... air sanders work decent, air cutoff wheel is also good.

As for electronic stuff...... I use the 4.5in grinder regularly for metal cutting and prep  and when not abused it lasts long and for $10 a pop when one does die it's no big deal. I also use their portaband and it works pretty good especially for the price. I've used their 1/2 drill for my tube notcher and that performed well with more than enough power to twist a wrist.

I stay away from anything there that uses batteries, and I use any "precision " measurement stuff there as a ball park number for the most part. Ratchet straps and tow straps have worked well for me. 

[bearpaw]

Harbor Freight is a great place to get items you won't use often but may need now and then! If I'm going to use something very often I buy better quality, but those Harbor freight visits always cost me something, I never get out of there with the wallet as thick as when I walked in! 

[CP]

I've had no problems with my HF - woodchipper, air compressor, Predator engines, etc.

My brother had a flywheel crack on a predator engine he bought. Sheared the flywheel key.

Did he have the right sized key??

I've got 3 and none of them have ever missed a beat.  I replaced the Briggs & S. on my wood splitter for less $$ than would taken to fix the old engine.   $99 for 6.5hp -  runs as well as my Honda, better than a Briggs

[Elkrunner]

Another thing that i have noticed.  If its a tool you are going to use all the time, i would spend the money on something more quality.  If you use is a few times a year then it fits the bill

[Alpine Mojo]

Their nick name isn't "China-Freight" for nothing. 

Most DeWalt power tools are made in China, and you might be surprised about several other  "American" brands too.  Very few products are still made exclusively in USA.

[follow maggie]

Most DeWalt power tools are made in China, and you might be surprised about several other  "American" brands too.  Very few products are still made exclusively in USA.
[/quote]

This is true of Milwaukee, also

[Ridgeratt]

I did a torque test this weekend on a 22 mm impact socket and was quite surprised.  Was putzing around the shed and saw a truck break down out on the road. While I was watching there were 3 people  a young girl and what appeared as a person in a wheel chair and another person. I watched and noticed that both of the young men were in wheel chairs. The girl was working on changing the flat. I went out to see if I could maybe help. She was struggling with a star wrench on a lug nut. I asked her what size she was working with told me a 22 mm. I went back to the shed and had a impact socket so I went back out with the breaker bar and a 3 foot cheater. Ended up antagonizing the lug nut for close to an hour before it broke and we were able to get them back on the road to go fix another flat at one of the young men's  Grandpa place.

I also figured they are one shot tools but I must say that may have me rethinking my views a bit. The socket did not deform or slip.