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Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: NOCK NOCK on June 20, 2016, 11:08:44 AM

Title: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 20, 2016, 11:08:44 AM: Especially power tools........Chicago electric, Central Pneumatic, etc.
Have you had good luck with them?

I have usually stayed away from purchasing them, and go with the "you get what you pay for" logic, but curious if I am wrong. :dunno: I did recently buy some drill bits, needed an odd size, they broke extremely easy.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Holg3107 on June 20, 2016, 11:13:17 AM: Completely hit and miss. Their airless paint sprayer is awesome! I have painted 5 houses and 3 fences with it. It costs the same amount as renting one for 2 days so its hard to beat. Their corded tools are fine for the price. Don't touch their cordless stuff with a 10' pole. Ive also had decent luck with their grinder cutting wheels, as well as oscillating tool blades. Drill bits are worth spending the extra money on DeWalt. Also their extension cords are garbage. Had solid luck with a corded drill as well as a corded sawzall.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Rider on June 20, 2016, 11:14:17 AM: No luck with them. I tend to stick to Craftsman and Kobalt for hand tools. Prefer Porter Cable for electrical tools.

The Harbor Freight stuff is cheaply made in China crap. Little, if any, quality and even less dependability. I do not trust them enough to use them on my motorcycle.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on June 20, 2016, 11:17:12 AM: I've had good luck with a tile saw and saw blades, also a sander - but these were for rough use expected to crap out eventually.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Jpmiller on June 20, 2016, 11:17:21 AM: I owned one harbor freight tool box and half the drawers wouldn't open because the slides were installed off square. I worked with a guy for a number of years who would only bug harbor freight because that's all he could afford and he broke and replaced his tools almost weekly.

I wouldn't get any of their stuff.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: quadrafire on June 20, 2016, 11:20:39 AM: My FIL just installed their 12000lb winch on his truck. We were pulling logs 18 in logs in 15 ft sections up hill. I was pretty impressed.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Special T on June 20, 2016, 11:31:21 AM: I've bought a winch hand tools and air powered grinder cut offwheel 1/2"air gun and air chisel. All have worked great for the price. I think Thier air stuff isn't as good or powerful as name brand stuff but for occasional use its not bad. Thier hose clamps suck and have heard to stay away from eletric tools.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Sakko300wsm on June 20, 2016, 11:34:03 AM: Guess it all depends what you're going to be doing with the tools- in my opinion it's all complete junk! But I also do aluminum fabrication and aluminum boat building - so I really like high quality tools that last
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: NRA4LIFE on June 20, 2016, 11:36:04 AM: I buy their tools if it's something I will only be using occasionally. I've had pretty good luck with most of their stuff, however some of it was pure garbage. I got one of their freeby sets of screwdrivers and proceeded to break all of them.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Curly on June 20, 2016, 11:41:10 AM: Their nick name isn't "China-Freight" for nothing. ;)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: BigGoonTuna on June 20, 2016, 11:50:09 AM: they used to have the best cheap screwdrivers, back when they sold the plain orange handled ones for a buck each. i have a little flux core wire feed welder and sawzall from there, both are 10+ years old and work fine.

i tend to buy tools there for a job, if they get broke they get replaced with real quality stuff.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: netcoyote on June 20, 2016, 11:51:39 AM: When I was 20, I bought good Craftsman tools and still have a lot of them. When I reached geezerdom, I realized even the cheaper tools are likely to outlast me, so I'm buying more HF these days. As others have said, some of their stuff is junk and others are good value. I bought a HF belt sander for a deck project a few years ago. Had to nurse it along at first until I tweeked a few design flaws and it lasted the whole project and is still usable. Not many would care to debug some of the power tools like I did though.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: SniperDanWA on June 20, 2016, 05:25:05 PM: Here's the way I do it. If I can't buy name brand new, I check pawn shops. If I can't get at a pawn and it's not going to be used daily, weekly or monthly, but irregularly I'll buy HF. I have a fair amount of one-time tools from them. If the break, so be it. I do buy the extended warranty, which is cheap insurance. I've returned very few tools. I've broken very few tools. I'm not afraid to use them nd use them hard either. I have air tools, electric, hand, etc. for a few bucks, I outfit many of the vehicles. Again, cheap insurance when needed. With 4 vehicles, 1 travel trailer and 1 utility trailer, I can leave the tools in the vehicle. If stole, so what.

That said, I love my Craftsman tools. I've had then for over 20 years and they have been replaced free when broken.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Stein on June 20, 2016, 05:43:02 PM: I have done pretty well, but I usually only buy stuff I will occasionally use. I have a bench top drill press I bought for $49 about 15 years ago and it works perfect. I just bought an air nailer and nails for 1/3 to 1/4 the cost somewhere else (find coupons and shop sales). The boards didn't seem to mind the nails or gun were cheap.

Stuff that breaks easily I avoid like c-clamps and wooden handle hammers.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: trophyelk6x6 on June 20, 2016, 05:49:43 PM: Hit and miss is very accurate, I still have a 8000 winch that works great, several Chicago air tools still working but air shearers broke a bolt/pin within 3 hrs use. They take this stuff back and offer cheap warranties so a non professional occasional use guy can get by. I have also bought a 20 dollar 18v drill driver and had it run for years but like most everything else the battery dies and quits charging and cost more than the drill.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: jrebel on June 20, 2016, 05:53:59 PM: 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. :tup:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: cooltimber on June 20, 2016, 06:10:05 PM: stay away from their 4 in grinders, even with a warranty. save the gas returning them. :twocents:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: jeffro on June 20, 2016, 06:17:37 PM: Most of the stuff I buy there is considered throw away or for one job and give away to one of my laborers.
The only things I've held onto are an engine hoist and a 10k floor jack
I won't trust my life or fingers to either, but neither has failed me in 10 years
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: heronblu on June 20, 2016, 06:20:18 PM: Absolute garbage. Tools should last more than a few years. I'm a general contractor and I don't go near that stuff. :twocents:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Old Man Yager on June 20, 2016, 08:34:42 PM: Hit and miss for me too. Like was already posted, if it's an odd ball tool you need for one time use, then buy it, but daily use go with s name brand. Not saying all thier stuff is bad, have had a few good items still in use.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: lokidog on June 20, 2016, 09:01:05 PM: I have a tile saw that has worked great for a long time, an oscillating multitool that still works after six years, a welder that seems to work fine for my needs, a four inch grinder that finally quit after about 4 years of occasional use (probably just need to stretch the brush springs or replace them), and probably a couple of others I am forgetting. I did buy a drill once that had a very short life.

As mentioned, the bar clamps suck, but other hand tools are great as well as saw blades and sand paper. I buy safety glasses and ear muffs, and have not bought a new tape measure for years, free is easy to replace. Latex gloves are nicely priced and hammers for $2.99 are hard to beat as well as good prices on Allen wrench sets and impact sockets. I've had good luck with air tools though a small compressor died after two years. I bought a cement mixer for 1/3 the price of Home Depot but have not used it yet.

For a daily use tool (saw, drill, sander) I would probably look elsewhere. I plan on buying a dust collection system one of these days when they are on sale.

I need to get to one soon and buy a new trailer jack. Trailer light kits have worked great as have small tires for a variety of projects.

:twocents:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: elksnout on June 20, 2016, 09:09:34 PM: Pass.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: JJB11B on June 20, 2016, 09:09:43 PM: Quote from: lokidog on June 20, 2016, 09:01:05 PM
I have a tile saw that has worked great for a long time, an oscillating multitool that still works after six years, a welder that seems to work fine for my needs, a four inch grinder that finally quit after about 4 years of occasional use (probably just need to stretch the brush springs or replace them), and probably a couple of others I am forgetting. I did buy a drill once that had a very short life.

As mentioned, the bar clamps suck, but other hand tools are great as well as saw blades and sand paper. I buy safety glasses and ear muffs, and have not bought a new tape measure for years, free is easy to replace. Latex gloves are nicely priced and hammers for $2.99 are hard to beat as well as good prices on Allen wrench sets and impact sockets. I've had good luck with air tools though a small compressor died after two years. I bought a cement mixer for 1/3 the price of Home Depot but have not used it yet.

For a daily use tool (saw, drill, sander) I would probably look elsewhere. I plan on buying a dust collection system one of these days when they are on sale.

I need to get to one soon and buy a new trailer jack. Trailer light kits have worked great as have small tires for a variety of projects.

:twocents:
aren't hammers supposed to be easy to beat? .....IDK something about beating and hammers and stuff
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: HntnFsh on June 20, 2016, 09:26:02 PM: Winches are a great deal for the $s. Look at the reviews online. Impact sockets are hard to beat. I know guys that make their living turning wrenches and the buy HF impacts over Snap-on, S,K etc. I have a floor jack that has treated me very well for a lot of years. Needle guns are pretty good.

What I'm saying is. Some stuff aint worth the $s. Other stuff is a great bargain. Just do your research before spendingthe money.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Bean Counter on June 20, 2016, 09:27:08 PM: *tag* 8)
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: bullfisher on June 20, 2016, 09:27:20 PM: Those little chinese kids can make some pretty good stuff now and then.
My shop burnt to the ground a few years ago and insurance only goes so far. So basically my tool and equipment stock ended up looking like a harbor freight comercial. I can tell you that some of thier stuff is total junk and some is the best bang for your buck. If its a precision tool or for everyday use, look elsewhere. If it has a motor or runs on electricity its a gamble and you should get the warranty (which is awesome btw). Their little honda knock off generator has been great to me and their 60gal shop compressor is top notch for sure! Hand tools are a no brainer.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Sandberm on June 21, 2016, 09:23:20 AM: The air compressors are garbage.

Didnt take long and the air started leaking back through the pump. The motor overheats and clicks breakers.

I bought the 5 for $6 ballpeen hammer set. Garbage
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Elkrunner on June 21, 2016, 09:29:56 AM: Quote from: NOCK NOCK on June 20, 2016, 11:08:44 AM
Especially power tools........Chicago electric, Central Pneumatic, etc.
Have you had good luck with them?

I have usually stayed away from purchasing them, and go with the "you get what you pay for" logic, but curious if I am wrong. :dunno: I did recently buy some drill bits, needed an odd size, they broke extremely easy.

I haven't had many issues. They do have a lifetime warranty on the chicago tools
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: PolarBear on June 21, 2016, 09:37:08 AM: Yeah, very hit and miss. I go there for stuff like storage bins, hole saws, o ring kits, misc screws and connectors, tape, throw away hand tools, tarps etc. I have a grinder on a stand from them and from day one the on/off switch sticks so I have to un plug it. I wouldn't buy any motorized tools there if they are critical to your job. :twocents:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: magnanimous_j on June 21, 2016, 09:50:32 AM: I've never heard of a crowbar breaking before, but my HF one snapped like a dry twig.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: jackmaster on June 21, 2016, 09:51:36 AM: Quote from: jrebel on June 20, 2016, 05:53:59 PM
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. :tup:
:yeah: 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..
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 21, 2016, 09:51:51 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: CP on June 21, 2016, 09:54:20 AM: I've had no problems with my HF - woodchipper, air compressor, Predator engines, etc.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Special T on June 21, 2016, 11:13:18 AM: Quote from: elkinrutdrivemenuts on June 21, 2016, 09:51:51 AM
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
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: NOCK NOCK on June 21, 2016, 12:29:02 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: JJB11B on June 21, 2016, 02:30:49 PM: Quote from: magnanimous_j on June 21, 2016, 09:50:32 AM
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
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Sandberm on June 21, 2016, 06:43:24 PM: Quote from: CP on June 21, 2016, 09:54:20 AM
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.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: shadowless_nite on June 22, 2016, 01:38:54 AM: 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.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: bearpaw on June 22, 2016, 06:18:16 AM: 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! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: CP on June 22, 2016, 06:35:06 AM: Quote from: Sandberm on June 21, 2016, 06:43:24 PM
Quote from: CP on June 21, 2016, 09:54:20 AM
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
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Elkrunner on June 22, 2016, 07:55:03 AM: 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
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Alpine Mojo on July 04, 2016, 03:26:12 AM: Quote from: Curly on June 20, 2016, 11:41:10 AM
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.
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: follow maggie on July 04, 2016, 03:33:00 PM: 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
Title: Re: Harbor Freight tools quality?
Post by: Ridgeratt on July 04, 2016, 04:43:40 PM: 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.