Harbor Freight: Pleasantly Surprised

I've had generally pretty good luck with HF. Some of the things I have bought there to get through a few specific projects where I would have been happy to get just that much life out of them have VASTLY surpassed what I imagined. And then . . . some things I have gotten what I pay for. Generally I gauge how rugged the need is and whether my life would be in danger if it failed--and then I determine whether to go HF or named brand, LOL. I'd say I'm at least 80% happy with what I have gotten from them over time. Has saved me a good deal of money over what I might have bought that would have been overkill in a lot of situations.

My all-time favorites I have gotten are the oscillating multi-tool and my little pancake compressor. I have 2 larger Craftsman compressors, but I don't always want to drag them around. Got the little compressor on sale and with a coupon. It's been awesome.

The variable-speed oscillating multi-tool has been epic. Bought it to grind out the grout on our first floor tile when we redid the floors. I would have been happy if it only lasted a few days. That as almost 4 years ago and I use this thing all the time. Neighbors borrow it constantly, too, and it's still going.


http://www.harborfreight.com/variabl...ool-61219.html

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DFBrews

Snap on is life

---

Yup.

http://rs1289.pbsrc.com/albums/b501/...7v.jpg~320x480

I wouldn't recommend it for the average at homer but it's been kind enough to me over the years throughout my career to want it for home use as well.

HF has a tool box stack I want that would fit perfectly in the space next to my reloading bench. Exactly the right size, and the quality seems good too.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

I've always wanted a really good tool box/chest but couldn't afford most of them. I need a big one to hold all my tools and crap. I bought a 72" rolling chest at HF. Wow! What a nice piece of equipment.

It's sturdy, well-built and the drawers are incredibly strong, they latch and they operate smoothly. It also came with rubber liners for all drawers and a labeling system that slides in the drawer handle so it's easy to see what's where. I got a 56" chest for the top (leaves me a little room to work at one end) and a cabinet to hang off the end. I'm really pleasantly surprised with the quality of this box.

I'm not generally a fan of HF unless I need some sort of "disposable" tools. But I'm glad I bought this tool cabinet.

---

I purchased this set on sale 10 years ago except that I got the set of drawers that hang off the side; it still works like new, and I never had a problem with any of the pieces. My only issue is that in 10 years my tools multiplied so I am out of room and need another one.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

I just read some of the specs...this thing will hold 4602 pounds of tools!

That means I need to go buy more tools. I don't have nearly that weight.

---

Pretty impressive, that will store a lot of tools.

My garage has been a mess for several years with tools piled up on work benches and in old tool boxes. I'd have to go buy new tools because I couldn't find what I had. Mrs. Hummer declared the garage a disgrace so a couple weeks ago I picked up this 6 ft., 12 drawer rolling workbench from Sam's Club for $430. Wow, what a difference it made in organizing my tools! Now I can go right to the drawer and find what I need. I have a lot of tools and was surprised this can hold most all my hand tools. Should have bought this years ago.


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psenp52p11.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Hummer

Pretty impressive, that will store a lot of tools.

My garage has been a mess for several years with tools piled up on work benches and in old tool boxes. I'd have to go buy new tools because I couldn't find what I had. Mrs. Hummer declared the garage a disgrace so a couple weeks ago I picked up this 6 ft., 12 drawer rolling workbench from Sam's Club for $430. Wow, what a difference it made in organizing my tools! Now I can go right to the drawer and find what I need. I have a lot of tools and was surprised this can hold most all my hand tools. Should have bought this years ago.


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psenp52p11.jpg

---

I have this one too and I'm pretty happy with it. I forgot all about the pegboard on the side until I saw this picture!

Damn...that's pretty nice.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by meatman

I have this one too and I'm pretty happy with it. I forgot all about the pegboard on the side until I saw this picture!

---

Yea, I'm using the pegboard sides for a power strip and smaller extension cords. Sam's online has an impressive array of tool organizers including stainless steel and diamond plate pegboards. I have about 15 of the 4x6 rolling wire racks for storage. Keeps stuff off the floor and moveable so I can keep the garage and winery clean. I've got too much stuff so my garage will never be so neat but this looks like a worthwhile goal....


http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psrv57stxn.jpg

Security is something to keep in mind for tool box purchases also. Some places you really want something pretty robust. Cost of tools and boxes pluss payments, is something a lot of customers don't realize is a fact of life for technicians.

One of the smartest technicians I've ever worked with had a great saying as far as tool boxes for techs goes. "The box won't make you money, but it will save you money"

He always said buy enough box to hold your tools, with a decent lock.

I'm not sure if HF is getting better or everyone else is slipping. I do know the finish and feel of Snap-on tools made lately don't match the 20 year old tools I have. I've been looking for a bigger box, and it is in the running. I have a 20 year old Craftsman roller that has twice as much steel in it as a similar sized current model. I haven't been in a Sears tool section in 3 years. And they put 20% off coupons in almost every magazine I get.