How are Harbor Freight tools?

Boston Man · 07-02-09, 05:55

I'm looking to buy some hand tools from Harbor Freight. Have any of you tried them?

-Deep impact sockets, $25 compared to Craftsman $89. Pittsburg brand.
-Finger ratchets

tom p. · 07-02-09, 07:25

BM, have you been to their store in Attleboro? If not, you'd be able to check things out 1st hand and judge if they'll meet your standards. I visited the store last week and was amazed how large it was. They've got a LOT of stuff.

Danase · 07-02-09, 07:42

It's hit or miss I think. I have a set of impact sockets I got from HF and they are fine for my occasional use. I think their hand tools might have a lifetime warranty too. Honestly, I just hate shopping at my local HF. The staff is usually rude and the people in there are usually scary and the products usually feel junkier than junk. LOL I do get my Goodyear rubber air hoses from them though. Pretty cheap and decent quality.

Boston Man · 07-02-09, 07:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom p.

BM, have you been to their store in Attleboro? If not, you'd be able to check things out 1st hand and judge if they'll meet your standards. I visited the store last week and was amazed how large it was. They've got a LOT of stuff.

Ive been to the one in worcester a couple of times. I'm interested in the quality of the impact sockets. Like will they break after a couple of uses?

Did you purchase anything when you went?

Boston Man · 07-02-09, 07:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danase

It's hit or miss I think. I have a set of impact sockets I got from HF and they are fine for my occasional use. I think their hand tools might have a lifetime warranty too. Honestly, I just hate shopping at my local HF. The staff is usually rude and the people in there are usually scary and the products usually feel junkier than junk. LOL I do get my Goodyear rubber air hoses from them though. Pretty cheap and decent quality.

Thanks. I'll look more into their warranty

OTG Signs · 07-02-09, 08:52

Discount price = discount product (typically). Tools ALWAYS follow this rule.

tom p. · 07-02-09, 09:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston Man

Did you purchase anything when you went?

I went there specifically for Aquapel. It appears they no longer sell it. I did buy some of those curved tire dressing applicators. They had a 3pk for $0.99.

I guess I'd consider buying there if it was going to be an odd-ball, single-use tool I was looking for. Frankly, cheapie tools scare me a bit...from a safety perspective. I guess I'd grab stuff at Sears Hdwe as I'm familiar with the level of quality you'll end up with.

I've been really down on Chinese-made stuff over the past 12 months or so. I've experienced some serious product dissatisfaction in a couple of cases, and am becoming a bit more discerning when making consumer purchases. China needs to work on getting their quality up. America's taste for their cheapie stuff is going to fade. It has for me.

I think it's worth looking at Harbor Freight and performing an inspection of what you're considering if you've got the time. I plan to return when I have a bit more time. There are plenty of things that caught my eye

barrym · 07-02-09, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by OTG Signs

Discount price = discount product (typically). Tools ALWAYS follow this rule.

I agree. You get what you pay for.

Usually it seems like a good deal, but you'll probably be disappointed in the long run.

Boston Man · 07-02-09, 09:16

I need these deep impact sockets for work, changing tires. I guess i'll just go with craftsman then. $89 is almost half my paycheck. Or i can wait until they have a sale. I also need 20mm+ wrenches

Thanks.

Heatgain · 07-02-09, 09:26

For occasional home use, HF is OK. For constant use, don't be disappointed when it fails after awhile.
For professional work, stick with professional, lifetime warranty tools. And pick those with comfort in mind too. Feel it in your hand, heft it, squeeze it, etc. Comfortable to use all day and warranteed? There's your professional tool choice.

jeteast99 · 07-02-09, 11:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston Man

I need these deep impact sockets for work, changing tires. I guess i'll just go with craftsman then. $89 is almost half my paycheck. Or i can wait until they have a sale. I also need 20mm+ wrenches

Thanks.

I use their deep impact sockets regularly for two years now and haven't experienced any problems. As a matter of fact none of their tools have failed me.

Boston Man · 07-02-09, 04:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heatgain

For occasional home use, HF is OK. For constant use, don't be disappointed when it fails after awhile.
For professional work, stick with professional, lifetime warranty tools. And pick those with comfort in mind too. Feel it in your hand, heft it, squeeze it, etc. Comfortable to use all day and warranteed? There's your professional tool choice.

I believe their impact sockets are considered hand tools (because it was in the handtools section on their website) so they come with lifetime warranty.