Harbor Freight... the good and the bad.

[dibo]

I'm sure most of us have a few Harbor Freight tools in our collection; some good, some bad. I wanted to start a thread where we can collectively post our experiences with Harbor tools... sometimes it's a-ok to skimp, others, not so much.

Anyway, here's my list (as far as I can remember)...

Also, a link to a printable 20% off coupon, good through the end of the year: http://dealspl.us/harborfreight-coupons/108017p

The good:

-4 1/2" angle grinder (on/off - not the paddle model) - worked it hard and never had an issue

-5" bench vise - works like it should

-Electric impact - plenty of torque and no signs of failure yet

-Ratcheting box-ends - super cheap, work great

-Auto-dimming welding helmet - not the best, but not bad for $40

-Tarps - the "expensive" ones are really nice

-Tool kits w/ case - pretty crappy tools, but sweet if you need a set for the trunk or junk yard trips

-Auto-tester - accurately displays engine RPMs and other useful auto features

-Auto trim tools - if nothing else, super rugged tire levers for your bike... good for getting tubeless tires on and off

-Pond pumps - work great for over 2 years

-Ball bearing tool boxes - seem to be as nice as the higher quality craftsman boxes

The bad:

-Shovels - broke 2 of the fiberglass shafts

-Die grinder - returned the first one due to electric smell, fried the second one shortly after getting it

-3 arm pullers - broke 2 trying to get a rear hub off... spend $80 on a good puller and had it off in 5 minutes

-Vise grips - not terrible, but not high end grips

[jakeb]

check garage journal for a 100 page HF pass/fail thread as well as every other tool discussion you could ever hope for.

[dibo]

Nice! Didn't know about them. Might as well delete the thread then ;-)

[02Les]

I like the way the angle grinders, sawsalls etc come with a spare set of brushes. These Chinese are clever.

Had the same shovel for 10 yrs now, had to replace the handle 3 times and once the shovel end. HeHe!

[SteveJ]

Had the same shovel for 10 yrs now, had to replace the handle 3 times and once the shovel end. HeHe!

Yeah.

Notice how every hardware store sells spare handles, but not spares for the business end?

Perhaps they should sell each shovel and include a spare handle.

[Frenchee]

I have placed my first order on harbor freight and in fact bought my first tools!

Bought the electric 240lb impact gun with a set of socket and extensions.

All three items had 5 star reviews all around.

Some people might say "its cheap". Yes in fact it was only 100 total but everyone posted a great review and Im only 18 and so excited to get my impact gun

Mwaha

Rusty and frozen nuts beware.

[Hammer03]

I have placed my first order on harbor freight and in fact bought my first tools!

Bought the electric 240lb impact gun with a set of socket and extensions.

All three items had 5 star reviews all around.

Some people might say "its cheap". Yes in fact it was only 100 total but everyone posted a great review and Im only 18 and so excited to get my impact gun

Mwaha

Rusty and frozen nuts beware.

Haha, good starting point! Just remember to wear eye protection when going nuts with the impact. Whatever you're torquing on (or the sockets) can splinter and go flying if it's really stuck. Just something to be aware of!