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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:14:19 AM EDT
[#1]
All of my business with them is done online. I have yet to be disappointed with the stuff I've purchased. If it's anything over $50 or so, I check the online reviews first. Anything under $50 is ranked as disposable junk. If it ends up being better in quality then expected, then that's just a bonus.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:17:17 AM EDT
[#2]
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:20:38 AM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:21:06 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. It's got a wide variety of cheap and inexpensive (not the same) tools. Their gas-powered generators get good reviews, and they offer a 1- or 2-year warranty on them: bring it in and they'll swap 'em out. But like I said, they apparently do have a bait-and-switch technique on some of their tools; in other words, what you get from the box is significantly lower quality than what you see on the display. Open the box and see what you're getting before you buy. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:22:34 AM EDT
[#5]
HF was a godsend during the AK building craze.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:23:42 AM EDT
[#6]
The only time I frequent Harbor Freight is when I need a tool that I know I'm going to destroy within it's first use and need a cheap tool I don't care about. Aside from that, Harbor Freight sucks.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:23:43 AM EDT
[#7]
Is it possible the model got an improvement
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:26:27 AM EDT
[#8]
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:27:42 AM EDT
[#9]
I'm at about 50/50 with them so far. Half turn out to be great deals that last forever. The other half last barely a season of moderate fabrication use.
Lasting stuff; CO2 tanks Welder cart Drill press Multiple vices Cold chisels Multiple bench grinders Angle grinders Non lasting stuff; Drill bits Electric drills Perishable cutting/finding wheels Presses of all sizes Tube notcher |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:28:42 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em. They back peddled that one. 
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:29:12 AM EDT
[#11]
Lots of the coupons have shorter time frames now.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:30:46 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lots of the coupons have shorter time frames now. Yeah, but tell me when you CAN NOT find a valid 20% off coupon.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:30:52 AM EDT
[#13]
My moron lamp came with bulbs, while the display had LEDs.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:32:11 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The only time I frequent Harbor Freight is when I need a tool that I know I'm going to destroy within it's first use and need a cheap tool I don't care about. Aside from that, Harbor Freight sucks. For the most part they do. But my FIL has started purchasing some items from HF for his farm needs. He is extremely frugal on his purchases and will not waste money on crap products. You have to be careful what you buy from HF. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:36:38 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
HF was a godsend during the AK building craze. Heck yea. A HF press and spot welder me and a buddy bought there did a lot of work in those days. He has the press and I have the spot welder and both still work perfectly and have been used for other non-gun projects as well. HF has a lot of decent stuff really. Stuff I've bought there that gets used a lot for gun cleaning are nitrile gloves, 1" chip brushes, 1/2" shop brushes, red shop towels,etc. Stuff like their small/medium ratcheting clamps, magnetic tool holders, tiny 3" bench grinder/polisher, transfer bar set, etc. have been used on various projects as well. People on this site like to put down anything that doesn't cost 4 times the price. Thing is I've seen some of the same power tools at various big name tool stores that are just re-branded and cost twice as much. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:40:45 AM EDT
[#16]
I don't buy power tools there aside from angle grinders and I have never been disappointed with my purchase. Picked up a set of metric and standard 1/2" impact sockets during their sidewalk sale a few weeks ago for set cheap. I think I paid like $40 for both sets and they are good products for my needs. Their ratchets are better than and store bought ratchets now a days, second only to tool truck purchases.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:43:21 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
For the most part they do. But my FIL has started purchasing some items from HF for his farm needs. He is extremely frugal on his purchases and will not waste money on crap products. You have to be careful what you buy from HF. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The only time I frequent Harbor Freight is when I need a tool that I know I'm going to destroy within it's first use and need a cheap tool I don't care about. Aside from that, Harbor Freight sucks. For the most part they do. But my FIL has started purchasing some items from HF for his farm needs. He is extremely frugal on his purchases and will not waste money on crap products. You have to be careful what you buy from HF. Yep. Here's one for the haters of everything. Yugo UF made with a "dark and dirty bore" parts kit that is accurate, 100% reliable and made with some HF tools. 
Let the GD raging haters begin. 
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:44:43 AM EDT
[#18]
I've been debating buying one of these table top belt sanders. There is currently a coupon which makes them $60.
http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:46:40 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They back peddled that one.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em. They back peddled that one.
I hadn't heard about the reversal. A quick Google search didn't turn up anything. Do you have any links where I can find more info? Thanks! |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:48:18 AM EDT
[#20]
Fortunately HF is too far away for me, won't go out of my way to go there. I have a Northern Tools just a few miles away and go there first if I need tools or anything
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:50:03 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been debating buying one of these table top belt sanders. There is currently a coupon which makes them $60. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html I have one that's been used quite a bit. Works great! |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:50:04 AM EDT
[#22]
Got a 10" tile saw from them about a month ago. Thing works like magic, a real great buy.
I was in Lowe's getting tile and spotted an almost identical saw for about twice the price. For the use I put on it, the better value for me is with HF. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:50:12 AM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. They sell tons of specialty tools and gadgets you can't find at any othe store aside from Northern Tool. Albeit they're Chinese copies of the real thing that costs 10 times more but it's better than nothing for the price. Example -- good luck trying to find a slide hammer blind hole bearing puller at Sears. For $40 to boot. That's a $300 tool if bought from a professional tool maker. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:51:59 AM EDT
[#24]
HF has come a long way. You just have to know what to buy and what not to buy. The reviews can help with that. When i was remodeling my house i picked up their airless paint sprayer for $175. Works every bit as good as the $500 name brand unit at Home Depot and uses standard size spray nozzels, hoses, etc... worth every penny and then some.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:52:36 AM EDT
[#25]
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:55:05 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Fortunately HF is too far away for me, won't go out of my way to go there. I have a Northern Tools just a few miles away and go there first if I need tools or anything We have both. Northern tool sells the exact same stuff. Probably comes off the same boat from the same factories. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:55:53 AM EDT
[#27]
Yes indeed. I would never use their tools.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:57:11 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can get a circular saw for 10 dollars. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. Tru dat. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:58:48 AM EDT
[#29]
There is good and bad there and it is usually pretty obvious which is which.
Drill bits and air compressor stuff has been junk across the board for me, no big surprise there. Ditto all hand tools A few winners are: Motorcycle lift Metal cutting circular saw - I bought this hoping it would just survive one job. It just takes a beating and asks for more. I have been very hard on this tool so if it dies, no complaints Expansion type HVLP spray gun set. Works like a champ. The detail gun is great for duracoat and the larger one works well for larger jobs. I've duracoated several guns to good effect and repainted a utility trailer last winter Nitrile gloves, extension cords etc. Electric impact wrench - I put this on a service truck at work and it has been absolutely abused. Still works like new even if the forward and reverse mechanism is a stupid design. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 7:59:59 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. It's a real simple concept. 
For example: I needed to remove a 125mm nut and the only thing my snap-on guy had was a $600 socket made for a tank. Harbour Freight to the rescue $40 for a giant ass adjustable wrench, worked like a charm. Got that sucker hanging on my wall as a conversation piece. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:00:16 AM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You can get a circular saw for 10 dollars. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. This. There is a shit load of junk but sprinkled in are some real gems. Most of the handtools will last the typical weekend warrior a lifetime. Some of the power tools are a deal as well. I have one of the angle grinders. I have abused the hell out of it and it keeps working. Cost $9. I also got one of the small buffers to put paper wheels on for knife sharpening. It was like $30something. I also have a little flux core wire welder. Was 99 bucks I think. Works fine for a hack like me that can barely weld. I have one of their drill presses. No a complaint and it was stupid cheap. They're 2 hp dust collector is highly regarded amongst hobby woodworkers. Small air fittings, nytrile gloves, shop rags, and all manner of consumables are available for very cheap an are perfectly good. So while you have to wade through a store full of cheap Chinese shit to find it, there are some real hidden gems at hazard fraught |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:00:19 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Yep. Here's one for the haters of everything. Yugo UF made with a "dark and dirty bore" parts kit that is accurate, 100% reliable and made with some HF tools. http://i.imgur.com/yDjubB2.jpg Let the GD raging haters begin. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: The only time I frequent Harbor Freight is when I need a tool that I know I'm going to destroy within it's first use and need a cheap tool I don't care about. Aside from that, Harbor Freight sucks. For the most part they do. But my FIL has started purchasing some items from HF for his farm needs. He is extremely frugal on his purchases and will not waste money on crap products. You have to be careful what you buy from HF. Yep. Here's one for the haters of everything. Yugo UF made with a "dark and dirty bore" parts kit that is accurate, 100% reliable and made with some HF tools. http://i.imgur.com/yDjubB2.jpg Let the GD raging haters begin. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:12:21 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It's very appropriate that you built an AK with HF tools. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The only time I frequent Harbor Freight is when I need a tool that I know I'm going to destroy within it's first use and need a cheap tool I don't care about. Aside from that, Harbor Freight sucks. For the most part they do. But my FIL has started purchasing some items from HF for his farm needs. He is extremely frugal on his purchases and will not waste money on crap products. You have to be careful what you buy from HF. Yep. Here's one for the haters of everything. Yugo UF made with a "dark and dirty bore" parts kit that is accurate, 100% reliable and made with some HF tools. http://i.imgur.com/yDjubB2.jpg Let the GD raging haters begin. Me and most other AK builders as well. I've used some on ARs since I wouldn't want to leave those out. BTW thanks. My post was for a GDer like you.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:13:20 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I hadn't heard about the reversal. A quick Google search didn't turn up anything. Do you have any links where I can find more info? Thanks! Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em. They back peddled that one.
I hadn't heard about the reversal. A quick Google search didn't turn up anything. Do you have any links where I can find more info? Thanks! Read through this: http://www.ar15.com/forums/t_1_5/1755718__ARCHIVED_THREAD____Harbor_Freight_walking_back_leave_guns_in_vehicle_.html&page=3 |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:16:10 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I've been debating buying one of these table top belt sanders. There is currently a coupon which makes them $60. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html Don't. The motor's too weak and it turns too slow. It's easy to stop the belt pressing against it and the belt needs to turn much faster. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:16:28 AM EDT
[#36]
Love their tool chests - have two of the 44" roller cabinets.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:24:30 AM EDT
[#37]
I noticed the overlap between northern an HF. Definitely tools coming out of the same sweatshops.
I got a bunch of the large HF wrenches for working on tractors in the field. Seem decient enough. A pack of their dremel cutoff discs sucked. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:30:18 AM EDT
[#38]
Like others have said, you just have to know what you're buying.
For a long time (not sure if they still carry it) they had the NICE Goodyear air hose...1/3 of the cost anywhere else. Been using 2 reels with it for going on 5 years, no issues. Their "middle of road" digital calipers....DEAD on with my buddy's high dollar set. I still rag his ass about that. Torque wrenches - conventional / not digital - they are great for the money. DEAD on readings when tested and if you ever have an issue, take it back and get another for free. Several of their HVLP guns are great bang for the buck. Friend of mine (guy who makes his living doing paint jobs) uses these for his primer guns. I've used their guns to do three paint jobs so far and all of them came out great. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:32:06 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Don't. The motor's too weak and it turns too slow. It's easy to stop the belt pressing against it and the belt needs to turn much faster. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I've been debating buying one of these table top belt sanders. There is currently a coupon which makes them $60. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/woodworking/4-inch-x-36-inch-belt-6-inch-disc-sander-97181.html Don't. The motor's too weak and it turns too slow. It's easy to stop the belt pressing against it and the belt needs to turn much faster. my experience also. I will sell you a almost brand new one for $50 |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:33:16 AM EDT
[#40]
cant beat their impact sockets.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:33:20 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
They sell tons of specialty tools and gadgets you can't find at any othe store aside from Northern Tool. Albeit they're Chinese copies of the real thing that costs 10 times more but it's better than nothing for the price. Example -- good luck trying to find a slide hammer blind hole bearing puller at Sears. For $40 to boot. That's a $300 tool if bought from a professional tool maker. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Never been in that store. I don't get the fascination with it. They sell tons of specialty tools and gadgets you can't find at any othe store aside from Northern Tool. Albeit they're Chinese copies of the real thing that costs 10 times more but it's better than nothing for the price. Example -- good luck trying to find a slide hammer blind hole bearing puller at Sears. For $40 to boot. That's a $300 tool if bought from a professional tool maker. their not that expensive |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:33:40 AM EDT
[#42]
If you need to buy a specialty tool to use only a couple times in your life its the perfect place to buy it.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:34:09 AM EDT
[#43]
HF tools are like BIC lighters to me --disposable. they are inexpensive and readily avialable but I dont expect too much of them. Sometimes you find a gem.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:36:14 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: HF was a godsend during the AK building craze. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:37:43 AM EDT
[#45]
I bought an angle grinder there for 19.99 about 15 years ago. It is still chugging along.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:39:06 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
http://transgarp.dyndns.org/div/Moron-Lamp.jpg My moron lamp came with bulbs, while the display had LEDs. I have 3.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:41:52 AM EDT
[#47]
For certain projects, it is easier and cheaper to buy at HF than rent at a Lowe's Depot.
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:42:06 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em. I OC daily as long as I'm not in class. No one at my HF has said shit to me. |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:42:24 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I don't even walk in there anymore since they decided they don't welcome customers who are carrying. They don't want our business. Fuck em. We respect state & federal laws |
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Posted: 9/4/2015 8:46:10 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
HF was a godsend during the AK building craze. Yup, best sorce for cheap bolt cutters to grind into Trunnion rivet tools. |
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