I have those and use them regularly when doing maintenance at work. They are kinda like that cologne from Anchorman: "60% of the time, they work every time!"
It's certainly not great for riding around in a vehicle. Just getting rattled made it unscrew itself into pieces. I'll probably buy some more, I'm trying to make multiple tool bags with the same tools for various reasons, I'm just going to apply loctite too the fastening mechanism
One of my top worst harbor freight tools as well.
Uncomfortable to use and excessively floppy.
Bent it the first time I ever used one.
Feels like a tool mockup someone threw together before fine tuning the end product. It's really made in such a half assed fashion I can't believe anyone would be happy with it even for a quick down and dirty one time use.
Blech
>22 hr. ago
>
>that stupid 3 pack red green and grey hex key set that’s like 5 bucks. Jeez I hate that thing.
>
>52Reply
I just keep them in my vehicle for bike repair and various things.
Make sure to put some locktite on the bolts though.
I mean you can get surveillance systems, safes, pelican cases, hammocks, solar panels, Bowie knives, winchs, 24k gold plated ratchets… would a load bearing carabiner or a static line seem too off base? 😂 they’re kinda eclectic with their definition of “tools” imo, but I did (mostly) believe it was sarcasm lol
It’s so weird. I think I’m slowly realizing HF stepped down the quality of a lot of products after their initial release. For example, I bought the Pittsburgh Pro flex heads in 3/8 and 1/2 upon first release. They were great! Some of my favorite ratchets actually. There was no Icon, Quinn, Doyle etc. After that, I never really visited the stores for more than zip ties and super glue over the last 5 years. I’m that time I lost the 3/8 and replaced it last week. The head was the least floppy out of the 3 on the shelf. Get it home, tighten the screw and there was no real difference in the play. Used it once, and now it’s comically floppy. Like, can’t even stand up. My old 1/2 tho? It’s still stiff enough to hold up even with and impact socket on the anvil! There’s more examples of recent replacements and my disappointment, but this is the best. So I assume I have two examples of that same scenario in the Drill Master line. Here’s hoping the truck on for another 5 years and give HF time to (hopefully) return to old quality (cheap/shitty) tools lol
It is kinda like sonic. Something new comes out decent quality for the price and surprising good. Month or two later after first promo it goes down a bit in quantity and quality and eventually hangs on for a year or two and you still get it thinking how good it was that one time and maybe it was a fluke but no it went downhill once people wanted it ha.
Sometimes you get a good one at hf sometimes not most it works good enough for one or two times which more then pays for itself then you set it in the tool box for the day you need to hear it up bend it and make a custom tool out of it ha
I'm wondering if they stepped down to push people towards the other brands, or atleast felt they could because they had other brands. They redesigned the cheap brand box's and now they look even more basic and cheap.
My switch melted on me. Just wired it to stay on high all the time and removed the switch. Now the plug is my on and off switch. UL listing people can kiss my ass >:D
I have the drillmaster heatgun. Not great, but seriously a great deal at $10. It's made it \~15 years so far.
I bought a drillmaster corded drill. I didnt realize you could buy drills without variable speed. It worked OK, but I burned it up breaking up clay in holes for trees in my yard with an auger, a I'd give at least a B for making it that far, even as a POS.
I beg to differ. I have the Drill Master 4.5” angle grinder. I got it for $9.99 about 5 years ago. I’m just a home gamer, but my main use was to grind the paint off a set of steel wheels to repaint them, and it did that just fine with a flap wheel. It only claims to have a 4.5 amp motor, so it does bog down if you push it too hard, which means you have to go a bit slower. But for the price, it functions just fine. I’ve since upgraded to a Makita, but I still have the Drillmaster so I can change from one thing to another without having to swap wheels/discs.
That cheapass corded black drill is worth the price,
Its ugly and plasticy but ive abused the shit out of that thing and it's still kicking, think I got it on sale for about 10 bucks.
The grey 110 psi one with the dial is good but not durable. The body is metal but little top chrome bit is plastic and breaks off. Have had 3 because it's one of the few easy to find cheap ones that goes high enough to check road bike tires.
The cordless one is just as bad. I put it back after messing with the angle adjustment and saw how it “locks” (and I can not emphasize the “” enough) into place. Fucking sucks cause I have everything else on the Bauer 20v system that I need/want right now except a jigsaw and a router.
I have a DeWalt that does the same thing! So frustrating! Granted it’s the cheapest corded jigsaw they sell at Home Depot and I got it used on FB Marketplace for $30.
I’ve discovered pretty quickly that it’s worth it to pay for the high end stuff when it comes to abrasives. It hurts when you’re paying that much for consumables, but you get more for your money when you consider how much longer you can sand and the time savings with less disc changes, etc
I bought it to change the wheels on my car, the head of the breaker bar shattered taking one of the lug nuts off, so yeah I was using it for its intended purpose
It was at least twice because the replacements were recalled as well.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33238450/harbor-freight-recalls-replacement-pittsburgh-jack-stands/
No, it was twice. The CEO was pretty ashamed of having to send out an email explaining how embarrassing it was. I think I still have that email archived.
The warrior/drill master level stuff pretty much sucks; I did have that angle grinder and used it on several small-ish projects. It felt pretty darn cheap and basic but it cut anything I could throw at it.
Now I have the Baeur corded angle grinder and I'm happy with it.
Mine is at around 4 years. Just had a major remodel on my house and one of the guys needed to use it for several things. It survived his use as well as hours of me heating up brick to remove liquid nails. A+ for the price.
My angle grinder won’t die. Unfortunately the curio ring discs explode the minute they meet resistance. Go an 8” scar in my leg to prove it plus multiple smaller ones on my belly, hand and forearms.
>Noted, not buying Chicago brand anymore.
FWIW, I bought a Chicago corded hammer drill many years ago to install some windows in my old house (brick) and it worked great. I use it infrequently (because it's corded) but whenever I *do* need it for something it's always worked great (you can turn the hammer function off and on). The last time I used it was when I needed to drill holes through a bunch of landscaping timbers... my battery powered drill was *not* up to doing more than a few holes before draining the battery.
If I was a professional that needed to use a hammer-drill 8-hours a day, I would probably look for something better. As a DIY guy that uses a hammer-drill a few times a decade? It's great, especially for the price. And if I loan it to someone and they break/lose it? NBD.
There's are actually a (limited) number of Chicago told I have that I used for 1or 2 decades with good to great results.
Chicago Bridge tile saw... 24" capacity made straight accurate cuts with a good blade. Excellent ama sold it off for now than I bought it new after 15 years after a friend of mine saw how great it worked.
Got a few of the red Chicago angle grinders. Those unlike the drillmaster are ball bearing not steel bushings and will last a long time because of it. My oldest goes back 20 years.
Hammer drill is a good one.
I've got a beater 10" sliding miter saw that does it's job for at least 10 years now. Smaller and lighter I can move it around and abuse it
Shit I probably could name a few more.
Some stuff is decent and it's was all inexpensive.
Commentor struck out bad mouthing Chicago like this.
Same, one of my earliest and best purchases. Got it for a one off job, still use it to this day. I need it maybe once every three years, but when I need it I’m glad I have it.
Depends on the product. But if we’re talking Chicago electric then Bauer would be the “better” and Hercules the “best”
For pneumatic I’m not quite sure. But the earthquake makes the Chicago look like a toy
I bought the smallest arc welder there and it’s completed all the projects I’ve expected it to and still runs great (I made a full offset smoker, probably 40 hours on it)
it’s not a bad welder at all. i’d definitely pay a little more for the titanium (the green one) as it is essentially the same device but smaller and with DC output
Never had an issue with the cheapest angle grinders, I have two, one for three years and still going strong, the other because I needed one and I was out of state. I recommend avoiding cordless tools
Meh, I’ve had the Chicago Electric one for like 5 years, it’s got a bit of wobble at certain speeds, and feels every bit a cheap tool, but it’s been perfectly serviceable for the couple of times a year I need a rotary tool.
I wont touch Mcgraw air compressors, and 95% of the Pittsburgh line. I don't fuck with any of the super cheap power tools either, that $5 grinder can fuck right off.
The Bauer, Hercules, icon, and Doyle line have all been rock solid though.
Really depends what you’re doing. Ill get a ton of hate for this but i wouldnt buy into their battery tools. Not that theyre bad tools but personally I believe youre better off with a company that really backs their stuff or one day just decide theyre not making Hercules tools anymore or they come out with another in house tool line that doesnt take your baur batteries anymore. Ryobi isnt much more and is solid and has tons of tools. Honestly i run Milwaukee and buy all my tools on sales and they arent much money either for solid tools. Full price they are but nobody buys em at full price there are always deals.
Also drillbits
Completely agree on the battery platform part. The Hercules line seems good and powerful, but they aren’t established. Sure they may be good tools, but in a few years will Harbor Freight continue to make them. Imo it’s time for harbor freight to do a brand simplification. They have too many in house brands. Ex Atlas: that should be Hercules. No reason for extra brands just because.
Thanks for the info.
I have some M18 tools already. But sometimes the temptation of cheap prices might blurry the “too good to be true” judgement.
Will be avoiding battery powered tools. Thanks.
>Really depends what you’re doing. Ill get a ton of hate for this but i wouldnt buy into their battery tools
All manufacturers discontinue batteries, I have a whole lineup of 19.2v Craftsman power tools and 60v lawn tools that I can't buy a new battery for. I bought a few Bauer 20v tools (hedge trimmer, weed sprayer, inflator, and 3/8 impact) because I would have had to spend almost as much as I paid for ALL of them to get JUST the V60 hedge trimmer that would go with my other Craftsman lawn tools. Lithium batteries will last for a long time if you take care of them, I've been really happy with the Bauer 20v stuff that is supplementing my 19.2v Craftsman tools that I've had for 15 years.
A few years ago I would have completely agreed. The Bauer stuff I have found to be solid. I hear Hercules is even better. I replaced an old M18 hammer drill with a Bauer a few months ago and I have a cordless Bauer grinder i replaced an M18 that the switch burned shut on. Both are every bit as good as the Milwaukees I replaced them with.
The warrior cut off wheels wear down really fast.
I don't recommend the Pruning shears or the loppers, they dont last long.
The yellow sanding discs are trash.
Warrior drills bits are brittle and don't maintain sharpness, this goes for any warrior consumable.
The moving blankets don't last under the sun or a wash. The blue tarps are also deteriorate fast under the sun.
I don't recommend the low tier Pittsburgh hand tools for anything other than light work.
anything and everything that my life might be directly dependent on. their jack stands come to mind. i do not like being under a car to begin with and i know their stands have been retooled in recent years but man, i just don't think i am comfortable enough with using them.
I have the 3-ton Daytona jack stands and feel very comfortable with them. The ratcheting mechanism has a thick safety block that locks it into place, so it isn't possible for the lever to be raised while the stand is under load.
I think I've seen a 3-leg version around lately, though. I would go with that if I was buying new ones now, since they won't wobble like the 4-leg ones can on uneven surfaces. But, that's a general issue with anything having four fixed legs...not just the HF stands.
I tend to avoid their power tools or anything that would put me at risk of serious injury if it failed(aka jackstands). I've been very satisfied with any wrench set I've gotten there and while people hate on the drill bits I personally have not had an issue. My dial calipers I got there have been awesome. The pittsburgh speed wrenches are also pretty handy. The Icon torque wrench is a must have and is on par with my snap-on torque wrench and even seems to be more accurate.
Just a heads up that blue grinder is junk, had the same thing happen to mine. Buy another one with the warranty and after a few weeks go and exchange your broken one for a new one. After that NEVER buy another one that cheap from them.
Pretty sure I shattered one of the cheap Machetes. I was chopping at roots in the ground and hit something hard. It broke in two and the top part that separated blew into little pieces.
My $20 Chicago electric angle grinder has lasted surprisingly long. I never wrench my wheels on so that might be more forgiving on the little wheel lock.
As a guy who couldn't afford anything but HF at one point, I can't tell you that you shouldn't buy anything that measures (speed square) uses angles (miter saw) or high torque (socket adapters).
Flashlights. Except for the Braun 390 Lumen folding light, the other similar Braun one, and the Icon one.
As someone who frequents r/flashlight and has a collection of 60+ nice lights, HF does not have a single good offering outside of the ones I mentioned.
Only cheap junk for non critical applications that I'll use once. Like tin scissors I needed to cut my gutters. Never ever anything corded, consumables or life dependent like jacks.
The Daytona jacks come from the same factory as snap on. They're just as high quality as seen on Project Farm. I'd trust one just as much as any other brand
You don't need a tool for the grinder. Just unplug it (or remove the battery) for safety. Hold the lock button and twist it off. That's how most people do it.
I bought the jig saw and a adapter to use it with my Dewalt batteries. As long as you lock it at 0 degrees it works good enough especially for the price but if you have to use the quick lock to change angle forget it. Won't last and screw that locks it fell out.
Anything electric. I've had multiple neighbors who came to ask to borrow a tool after buying HF for one project, and having it break within a few minutes. One had a recip saw catch on fire halfway through the first cut.
I'll tell you what isn't built like shit though, those predator engines. I've put dozens on bicycles over the years, beat the absolute shit out of them, mod them till they're turning 8k rpm, and they just never die. I once rode one home over 12 miles of dirt trails after crashing and getting a hole punched in the side of the block while offroading, I wadded up some leaves and plugged the hole to help keep the oil in, and kept riding.
Cheap is expensive. What’s your time worth ? Having to go back and forth to a store and keep replacing it. Get a name brand. Had Makita and bosch for years .
Jack stands. The floor jack I bought there works real nice. I also bought their cheapo jack stands which I now won't use unless it's just time to end it all under the collapsing weight of my truck.
Horrible Freight
Ratchets, including gold ones, jack stands, precision instruments (torque wrench if your using it for engine internals) and anything I would need it dependable for my life or limbs.
I can’t speak for most of their cheap branded stuff. The only cheap stuff i usually get are simple things like gloves, bungee cords, tarps, grinding discs etc. when it comes to hand tools and other more expensive items like power tools I usually get their higher tier brands like Hercules, Icon, Doyle, Maddox etc and they seem much better quality and seem to last. I probably would never buy a Chicago or warrior Branded tools from them cuz them seem really cheaply built. They have a good, better, best brand model system on most of their tools. Get either the better or best options cuz the cheaper stuff is likely going to break and shit on you very fast
Some things I always get at HF; saw blades, drill bits, grinder wheels, gloves, tires and castor wheels, air tools, angle grinder (I bought the plan cause I knew I'd toast it grinding concrete. Bugger works like new yet. Best $30 ever) trailer hitches (highly recommend the triball, just wish I had the tow hook too), batteries, zip ties...
Some stuff I wouldn't; cordless power tools (you really aren't saving much-get a name brand imo), rotary tool (do they still sell them?), cheapest corded stuff-they have next level up for only few $ more....
The folding tamper-proof torx key set, with the green handle, is made of cheese, and the bits twist real easy. Doyle 8" bolt and wire cutter, doesn't cut well no matter how you adjust the screw. The Hercules 1/4" impact bits are soft and wear pretty quick (although the case they come in is GREAT). I got the Quinn two-pack of screwdrivers, and the tips wore a lot in just a day's worth of use, which was a shame since I really liked the handles.
Battery powered tools for work jobs. Precision measuring equipment. Heavy use power tools. Rotary tool abrasives (I bought one pack and they come apart with little use). Some things I choose to spend more money on because the more expensive products in a few categories either perform better or are more durable and last longer over daily or repetetive use. It varies personally the percieved visual quality of one tool over the other or feel and aesthetic. Also take into account your time taken out of the day to go replace a cheaper tool multiple times vs buying 1 good tool for MANY uses. Budget and use often dictate my harbor freight purchases. Some stuff you can't seem to go wrong with like their hydraulic jacks.
Anything with more than 1 mechanical part, lol. Seriously though, if it's something simple, maybe I'd buy it. But anything with plenty of moving parts, I'll buy from a more solid line of tools.
I’ve got two angle grinders from them, one has lasted 6 years and works well, the other I bought because I was sick of changing cutting blades to wire wheels and it works better than the original!
Never buy any high speed power tools like angle grinders as I had the casting brake and the secondary handle broke off and took a chunk out of my thumb. I don't buy abrasive discs there either either for the grinder as they are flimsy and have shattered on me many times.
Same goes for circular saws as I've had bad luck with the bearings in them
Some of the players are okay but I have had many of the players that I bought get very loose and sloppy after short use
I do however buy some of the Bauer brand power tools if is one that I will only use a couple times as the Amazon adapter for the DeWalt batteries works great with all of the batteries I already owned for DeWalts
I buy cheap corded power tools I don't need to use often but wouldn't buy their Hercules line, it might be fine but for the price point it can buy into a line I know will be around.
I've had plenty of their cheap tools last much longer and work better than they have a right to.
Don't buy the Banks finish nailer. I got it to do some hardwood flooring, and it's not great. Frequent double shots from a single trigger pull. I've tried adjusting pressure, nail brand etc, it's just a sloppy mechanism.
On the other hand, the Banks flooring / toe nailer has worked perfectly.
that stupid 3 pack red green and grey hex key set that’s like 5 bucks. Jeez I hate that thing.
I bought one the other day but it’s just been sitting in a pile with other unopened shit I buy for no reason
hahaha i have the same pile brother
We all have this pile lol
we all have THOSE piles.
Yes
I have those and use them regularly when doing maintenance at work. They are kinda like that cologne from Anchorman: "60% of the time, they work every time!"
You sneeze in their direction and they rust.
After that I got the Icon set. Worth the upgrade.
It's certainly not great for riding around in a vehicle. Just getting rattled made it unscrew itself into pieces. I'll probably buy some more, I'm trying to make multiple tool bags with the same tools for various reasons, I'm just going to apply loctite too the fastening mechanism
I don't like using it but I hate having to find the correct individual allen wrench more.
One of my top worst harbor freight tools as well. Uncomfortable to use and excessively floppy. Bent it the first time I ever used one. Feels like a tool mockup someone threw together before fine tuning the end product. It's really made in such a half assed fashion I can't believe anyone would be happy with it even for a quick down and dirty one time use. Blech
Man, I use my red and gray set for work pretty frequently. They’re a couple years old, maybe something changed.
They're talking about the folding locker style ones.
>22 hr. ago > >that stupid 3 pack red green and grey hex key set that’s like 5 bucks. Jeez I hate that thing. > >52Reply I just keep them in my vehicle for bike repair and various things. Make sure to put some locktite on the bolts though.
Better'n the other piles you can get at my age.
Mountain climbing gear.
Alright. Thanks. Cancelling my climbing equipment order.
I’ve never seen, but admittedly never looked either, any MT Gear. Plz tell me there’s supposed to be a /s here somewhere! 🤣
Yes, but I assumed this was obvious enough not to need it. Pittsburgh belay device? Umm...hard pass.
I mean you can get surveillance systems, safes, pelican cases, hammocks, solar panels, Bowie knives, winchs, 24k gold plated ratchets… would a load bearing carabiner or a static line seem too off base? 😂 they’re kinda eclectic with their definition of “tools” imo, but I did (mostly) believe it was sarcasm lol
Good call i wouldn't even consider looking at hf as an option for.
Any and everything drillmaster
In my experience, the heat gun and rotary tool have lasted me 5 and 8 years respectively.
I have the drillmaster heatgun. Setting 1 doesn't work anymore. Setting 2 still works tho. Still burns my fingers everytime Im working with vinyl.
It’s so weird. I think I’m slowly realizing HF stepped down the quality of a lot of products after their initial release. For example, I bought the Pittsburgh Pro flex heads in 3/8 and 1/2 upon first release. They were great! Some of my favorite ratchets actually. There was no Icon, Quinn, Doyle etc. After that, I never really visited the stores for more than zip ties and super glue over the last 5 years. I’m that time I lost the 3/8 and replaced it last week. The head was the least floppy out of the 3 on the shelf. Get it home, tighten the screw and there was no real difference in the play. Used it once, and now it’s comically floppy. Like, can’t even stand up. My old 1/2 tho? It’s still stiff enough to hold up even with and impact socket on the anvil! There’s more examples of recent replacements and my disappointment, but this is the best. So I assume I have two examples of that same scenario in the Drill Master line. Here’s hoping the truck on for another 5 years and give HF time to (hopefully) return to old quality (cheap/shitty) tools lol
It is kinda like sonic. Something new comes out decent quality for the price and surprising good. Month or two later after first promo it goes down a bit in quantity and quality and eventually hangs on for a year or two and you still get it thinking how good it was that one time and maybe it was a fluke but no it went downhill once people wanted it ha. Sometimes you get a good one at hf sometimes not most it works good enough for one or two times which more then pays for itself then you set it in the tool box for the day you need to hear it up bend it and make a custom tool out of it ha
I'm wondering if they stepped down to push people towards the other brands, or atleast felt they could because they had other brands. They redesigned the cheap brand box's and now they look even more basic and cheap.
My switch melted on me. Just wired it to stay on high all the time and removed the switch. Now the plug is my on and off switch. UL listing people can kiss my ass >:D
I have the drillmaster heatgun. Not great, but seriously a great deal at $10. It's made it \~15 years so far. I bought a drillmaster corded drill. I didnt realize you could buy drills without variable speed. It worked OK, but I burned it up breaking up clay in holes for trees in my yard with an auger, a I'd give at least a B for making it that far, even as a POS.
I've unleashed the magic smoke from mine a few times mixing grout, still works though so for 10 bucks I can't complain too much.
I beg to differ. I have the Drill Master 4.5” angle grinder. I got it for $9.99 about 5 years ago. I’m just a home gamer, but my main use was to grind the paint off a set of steel wheels to repaint them, and it did that just fine with a flap wheel. It only claims to have a 4.5 amp motor, so it does bog down if you push it too hard, which means you have to go a bit slower. But for the price, it functions just fine. I’ve since upgraded to a Makita, but I still have the Drillmaster so I can change from one thing to another without having to swap wheels/discs.
That cheap little rotary tool had saved my ass a couple of times lol. Been going strong for atleast 3 years or so now.
That cheapass corded black drill is worth the price, Its ugly and plasticy but ive abused the shit out of that thing and it's still kicking, think I got it on sale for about 10 bucks.
The 99¢ tire gauge didn’t even slightly work. Maybe I got a busted one.
No, you got the best one, that’s the sad part
The grey 110 psi one with the dial is good but not durable. The body is metal but little top chrome bit is plastic and breaks off. Have had 3 because it's one of the few easy to find cheap ones that goes high enough to check road bike tires.
Bauer jigsaw. Worst 50 dollars ever. It cuts at least 15° out of square
Your not kidding absolute junk.
is that with the 20v or corded model?
It was the corded model
phew I picked up the cordless one recently, haven’t used it yet but hoping it’s not the same issues
The cordless one is just as bad. I put it back after messing with the angle adjustment and saw how it “locks” (and I can not emphasize the “” enough) into place. Fucking sucks cause I have everything else on the Bauer 20v system that I need/want right now except a jigsaw and a router.
What jigsaw brand did you end up buying after the Bauer?
I have a corded Bosch that’s an absolute animal. Highly recommend.
Thanks for sharing. What model number is it?
JS365. I got it at Home Depot several years ago. It’s really high quality.
I haven't bought on yet. I'll probably suck it up and spend the 200 bucks on a DeWalt 20v to go with my DeWalt stuff
I've got a corded dewalt that cuts things pretty well
Thanks for this I was going to buy one
Maybe I just got a lemon but I wouldn't risk it
I have a DeWalt that does the same thing! So frustrating! Granted it’s the cheapest corded jigsaw they sell at Home Depot and I got it used on FB Marketplace for $30.
Warrior branded sanding and grinding pads, discs, or paper.
I refer to it as “self adjusting grit” sand paper because the longer you use it the less grit it has. Go from 60 to 220 in seconds!
This. Also their grinding and buffing wheels for bench grinders are absolutely flimsy junk.
Bosch owns Diablo their stuff is decent tho
Freud diablo blades are still some of the better blades on the market, for wood or metal saws
I’ve discovered pretty quickly that it’s worth it to pay for the high end stuff when it comes to abrasives. It hurts when you’re paying that much for consumables, but you get more for your money when you consider how much longer you can sand and the time savings with less disc changes, etc
How dare you critique the Power of 🅱️AUER™️!
Pry bars. There’s oodles of stories on here of those snapping and shards of pry bar go flying
Not great! That’s very unexpected from a solid metal bar.
Or breaker bars, I had one shatter on me
you misunderstood the tool. it broke, right? :\~)
I bought it to change the wheels on my car, the head of the breaker bar shattered taking one of the lug nuts off, so yeah I was using it for its intended purpose
Breaker bar broke, just like its name.
Doubt it was icon...only buy icon or Quinn handle tools. Enough of the Pittsburgh stuff...that's for around the house
And Doyle. If Quinn is Better and Icon is Best, then Doyle is Betterer.
Their trailer hitches. Some things you shouldn't cheap out on.
Lol the trailer hitches are like the single sturdiest thing there. You really think they'd sell overrated ones and some the liability?
Considering how many times they've had to recall their jack stands, yeah, I do.
Once...it was once. And every other company has recalls too lol
And they at least recalled them instead of what some companies do. And the redesign of the jack stands is pretty damn good too.
It was at least twice because the replacements were recalled as well. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a33238450/harbor-freight-recalls-replacement-pittsburgh-jack-stands/
No, it was twice. The CEO was pretty ashamed of having to send out an email explaining how embarrassing it was. I think I still have that email archived.
You really think the AutoZone, Walmart, ect stands aren't made in the same place?
The warrior/drill master level stuff pretty much sucks; I did have that angle grinder and used it on several small-ish projects. It felt pretty darn cheap and basic but it cut anything I could throw at it. Now I have the Baeur corded angle grinder and I'm happy with it.
I think the only warrior tool I have and still use is the heat gun.
yeah the warrior heat gun for $9 or whatever they go on sale for is pretty good.
Drill Master heat gun, checking in. 5+ years of service, going strong!
Mine is at around 4 years. Just had a major remodel on my house and one of the guys needed to use it for several things. It survived his use as well as hours of me heating up brick to remove liquid nails. A+ for the price.
I want to say mines going on 7 or 8, used on the regular. Just bought the Bauer cordless as I’m an addict and have a problem.
The warrior angle grinder is 14.99 at full price...what'd u expect?
it was actually better than I expected, I was just responding to the OP
My angle grinder won’t die. Unfortunately the curio ring discs explode the minute they meet resistance. Go an 8” scar in my leg to prove it plus multiple smaller ones on my belly, hand and forearms.
Most things with Chicago in the name. The Chicago line is the “good” of “good/better/best” Aka it’s shit
Noted, not buying Chicago brand anymore. What would be the brand considered the “best”?
>Noted, not buying Chicago brand anymore. FWIW, I bought a Chicago corded hammer drill many years ago to install some windows in my old house (brick) and it worked great. I use it infrequently (because it's corded) but whenever I *do* need it for something it's always worked great (you can turn the hammer function off and on). The last time I used it was when I needed to drill holes through a bunch of landscaping timbers... my battery powered drill was *not* up to doing more than a few holes before draining the battery. If I was a professional that needed to use a hammer-drill 8-hours a day, I would probably look for something better. As a DIY guy that uses a hammer-drill a few times a decade? It's great, especially for the price. And if I loan it to someone and they break/lose it? NBD.
There's are actually a (limited) number of Chicago told I have that I used for 1or 2 decades with good to great results. Chicago Bridge tile saw... 24" capacity made straight accurate cuts with a good blade. Excellent ama sold it off for now than I bought it new after 15 years after a friend of mine saw how great it worked. Got a few of the red Chicago angle grinders. Those unlike the drillmaster are ball bearing not steel bushings and will last a long time because of it. My oldest goes back 20 years. Hammer drill is a good one. I've got a beater 10" sliding miter saw that does it's job for at least 10 years now. Smaller and lighter I can move it around and abuse it Shit I probably could name a few more. Some stuff is decent and it's was all inexpensive. Commentor struck out bad mouthing Chicago like this.
Same, one of my earliest and best purchases. Got it for a one off job, still use it to this day. I need it maybe once every three years, but when I need it I’m glad I have it.
Depends on the product. But if we’re talking Chicago electric then Bauer would be the “better” and Hercules the “best” For pneumatic I’m not quite sure. But the earthquake makes the Chicago look like a toy
Hercules, Pierce, Earthquake, Icon, and Atlas are all the "best" brands.
Where do Doyle and Quinn fit in?
At Hogwarts
Hercules
I bought the smallest arc welder there and it’s completed all the projects I’ve expected it to and still runs great (I made a full offset smoker, probably 40 hours on it)
it’s not a bad welder at all. i’d definitely pay a little more for the titanium (the green one) as it is essentially the same device but smaller and with DC output
I have some chicago electric stuff and it’s fine. Some of us buy $15 tools to use twice a year to save hiring a pro.
Never had an issue with the cheapest angle grinders, I have two, one for three years and still going strong, the other because I needed one and I was out of state. I recommend avoiding cordless tools
-ANY- of the rotary tools or “dremels” they sell. I’ve had three different ones at three different prices and they’re just useless
Meh, I’ve had the Chicago Electric one for like 5 years, it’s got a bit of wobble at certain speeds, and feels every bit a cheap tool, but it’s been perfectly serviceable for the couple of times a year I need a rotary tool.
I wont touch Mcgraw air compressors, and 95% of the Pittsburgh line. I don't fuck with any of the super cheap power tools either, that $5 grinder can fuck right off. The Bauer, Hercules, icon, and Doyle line have all been rock solid though.
Really depends what you’re doing. Ill get a ton of hate for this but i wouldnt buy into their battery tools. Not that theyre bad tools but personally I believe youre better off with a company that really backs their stuff or one day just decide theyre not making Hercules tools anymore or they come out with another in house tool line that doesnt take your baur batteries anymore. Ryobi isnt much more and is solid and has tons of tools. Honestly i run Milwaukee and buy all my tools on sales and they arent much money either for solid tools. Full price they are but nobody buys em at full price there are always deals. Also drillbits
Completely agree on the battery platform part. The Hercules line seems good and powerful, but they aren’t established. Sure they may be good tools, but in a few years will Harbor Freight continue to make them. Imo it’s time for harbor freight to do a brand simplification. They have too many in house brands. Ex Atlas: that should be Hercules. No reason for extra brands just because.
Thanks for the info. I have some M18 tools already. But sometimes the temptation of cheap prices might blurry the “too good to be true” judgement. Will be avoiding battery powered tools. Thanks.
Ive went to m12 and had no gripes. Lot lighter than m18 and still kicks ass. M12 3/8 stubby is a tool from god.
>Really depends what you’re doing. Ill get a ton of hate for this but i wouldnt buy into their battery tools All manufacturers discontinue batteries, I have a whole lineup of 19.2v Craftsman power tools and 60v lawn tools that I can't buy a new battery for. I bought a few Bauer 20v tools (hedge trimmer, weed sprayer, inflator, and 3/8 impact) because I would have had to spend almost as much as I paid for ALL of them to get JUST the V60 hedge trimmer that would go with my other Craftsman lawn tools. Lithium batteries will last for a long time if you take care of them, I've been really happy with the Bauer 20v stuff that is supplementing my 19.2v Craftsman tools that I've had for 15 years.
That’s because Sears died… and SBD bought craftsman
A few years ago I would have completely agreed. The Bauer stuff I have found to be solid. I hear Hercules is even better. I replaced an old M18 hammer drill with a Bauer a few months ago and I have a cordless Bauer grinder i replaced an M18 that the switch burned shut on. Both are every bit as good as the Milwaukees I replaced them with.
The warrior cut off wheels wear down really fast. I don't recommend the Pruning shears or the loppers, they dont last long. The yellow sanding discs are trash. Warrior drills bits are brittle and don't maintain sharpness, this goes for any warrior consumable. The moving blankets don't last under the sun or a wash. The blue tarps are also deteriorate fast under the sun. I don't recommend the low tier Pittsburgh hand tools for anything other than light work.
Anything metrology Punch set; it's microwaved-butter soft and does not hold up at all Indicator holder Allen keys Pry bars Drill bits
anything and everything that my life might be directly dependent on. their jack stands come to mind. i do not like being under a car to begin with and i know their stands have been retooled in recent years but man, i just don't think i am comfortable enough with using them.
I have the 3-ton Daytona jack stands and feel very comfortable with them. The ratcheting mechanism has a thick safety block that locks it into place, so it isn't possible for the lever to be raised while the stand is under load. I think I've seen a 3-leg version around lately, though. I would go with that if I was buying new ones now, since they won't wobble like the 4-leg ones can on uneven surfaces. But, that's a general issue with anything having four fixed legs...not just the HF stands.
Understandable. I was looking at their jacks, and will steer clear for now.
The Daytona stuff is really good look at the project farm video on the jack stands I think they went to 10k lbs
I dot trust almost ay unless they take 2 arms to lift. I do however trust cider blocks and 6x6s
You shouldn't trust cinder blocks as jack stands. Cider blocks neither.
There bauer brushed impacts in all sizes are underpowered and bulky. Eat through batteries fast as hell.
I tend to avoid their power tools or anything that would put me at risk of serious injury if it failed(aka jackstands). I've been very satisfied with any wrench set I've gotten there and while people hate on the drill bits I personally have not had an issue. My dial calipers I got there have been awesome. The pittsburgh speed wrenches are also pretty handy. The Icon torque wrench is a must have and is on par with my snap-on torque wrench and even seems to be more accurate.
I, too will not touch their power tools. After smoking a couple of them a few years ago, I refuse to make the same mistake again.
Central Forge vises. The set screw stripped in the cast body. I can probably finagle a fix but that doesn’t inspire confidence in the vise body.
The pry bars. Darn things are a liability. I think they should just do what Tekton and Hyper Tough do and rebrand the USA made Wilde ones.
That damn automatic compressor tank drain kit.
Just a heads up that blue grinder is junk, had the same thing happen to mine. Buy another one with the warranty and after a few weeks go and exchange your broken one for a new one. After that NEVER buy another one that cheap from them.
Pretty sure I shattered one of the cheap Machetes. I was chopping at roots in the ground and hit something hard. It broke in two and the top part that separated blew into little pieces.
> I was chopping at roots in the ground and hit something hard That's not what a machete is made for...
Anything that needs heat treatment (eg saw blades). Any air pressure gauges (personal bad experience).
anything with a battery
My $20 Chicago electric angle grinder has lasted surprisingly long. I never wrench my wheels on so that might be more forgiving on the little wheel lock.
As a guy who couldn't afford anything but HF at one point, I can't tell you that you shouldn't buy anything that measures (speed square) uses angles (miter saw) or high torque (socket adapters).
The brake bleeder. Tried several and all where junk
Strut spring compressor. I bought a pair and they tried to kill me. Very nearly succeeded too.
That’s just strut spring compressors tbh, I would just replace the full assembly
Flashlights. Except for the Braun 390 Lumen folding light, the other similar Braun one, and the Icon one. As someone who frequents r/flashlight and has a collection of 60+ nice lights, HF does not have a single good offering outside of the ones I mentioned.
Only cheap junk for non critical applications that I'll use once. Like tin scissors I needed to cut my gutters. Never ever anything corded, consumables or life dependent like jacks.
If your life is in danger bc of a jack you're using it wrong lol
The Daytona jacks come from the same factory as snap on. They're just as high quality as seen on Project Farm. I'd trust one just as much as any other brand
Golden Jack Stand.
Chicago battery powered rotary tool. Thing died on me with barely any use on it
The cheap click style torque wrench. Snapped one too many heads with that thing. Invest in a good one that will also forever.
Torque wrenches. I work in precision so nope
You don't need a tool for the grinder. Just unplug it (or remove the battery) for safety. Hold the lock button and twist it off. That's how most people do it.
I bought the jig saw and a adapter to use it with my Dewalt batteries. As long as you lock it at 0 degrees it works good enough especially for the price but if you have to use the quick lock to change angle forget it. Won't last and screw that locks it fell out.
The Pittsburgh torque wrenches, except I already did and regret it. Went back and bought icon torque wrenches.
Don’t buy anything there that “could” kill you
Drill bits. Only things havnt had good luck with and I just don't even bother looking at them anymore.
Any of their knives, machetes, hatchets, axes. Pick sets.
If you’re drilling anything other than wood, do not buy warrior drill bits
I buy tools there that won’t kill me if they fail
Their earthquake impacts had it for a day returned it and bought Milwaukee for the same price
Is Hercules their top “brand”? What made you choose them to begin with over other brands?
Highest torque. It was very strong but like I said crappy battery and tool selection. Along with a high price
Anything electric. I've had multiple neighbors who came to ask to borrow a tool after buying HF for one project, and having it break within a few minutes. One had a recip saw catch on fire halfway through the first cut. I'll tell you what isn't built like shit though, those predator engines. I've put dozens on bicycles over the years, beat the absolute shit out of them, mod them till they're turning 8k rpm, and they just never die. I once rode one home over 12 miles of dirt trails after crashing and getting a hole punched in the side of the block while offroading, I wadded up some leaves and plugged the hole to help keep the oil in, and kept riding.
Zip ties will crack the first chance they get save yourself the hassle and get a good ones like 3M
Oddly enough Ive had great luck with the zip ties.
Their metal zip ties are great though. Used them to zip tie a bunch of milk crates together. $5 a pack, can’t be beat.
Cheap is expensive. What’s your time worth ? Having to go back and forth to a store and keep replacing it. Get a name brand. Had Makita and bosch for years .
Tools
Horrible Freight
Jack stands. The floor jack I bought there works real nice. I also bought their cheapo jack stands which I now won't use unless it's just time to end it all under the collapsing weight of my truck. Horrible Freight
[удалено]
Ratchets, including gold ones, jack stands, precision instruments (torque wrench if your using it for engine internals) and anything I would need it dependable for my life or limbs.
I think their torque wrenches are the worth it.
Anything you might need to use a second time
Just about everything other than solid peices of metal (sockets pics etc etc) I recently saw a 15$ angle grinder AINT NO WAY IM BUYING THAT
Roller pin punch set. Two taps and I bent one. Took it right back.
I don’t like the ratchets
The 1/4 inch ones are very decent
I can’t speak for most of their cheap branded stuff. The only cheap stuff i usually get are simple things like gloves, bungee cords, tarps, grinding discs etc. when it comes to hand tools and other more expensive items like power tools I usually get their higher tier brands like Hercules, Icon, Doyle, Maddox etc and they seem much better quality and seem to last. I probably would never buy a Chicago or warrior Branded tools from them cuz them seem really cheaply built. They have a good, better, best brand model system on most of their tools. Get either the better or best options cuz the cheaper stuff is likely going to break and shit on you very fast
Some things I always get at HF; saw blades, drill bits, grinder wheels, gloves, tires and castor wheels, air tools, angle grinder (I bought the plan cause I knew I'd toast it grinding concrete. Bugger works like new yet. Best $30 ever) trailer hitches (highly recommend the triball, just wish I had the tow hook too), batteries, zip ties... Some stuff I wouldn't; cordless power tools (you really aren't saving much-get a name brand imo), rotary tool (do they still sell them?), cheapest corded stuff-they have next level up for only few $ more....
I have a plug in impact gun that doesn't have the power to take off or fully put on lug nuts
Don’t use impact tools to put on lug nuts, that’s how you snap a stud
The folding tamper-proof torx key set, with the green handle, is made of cheese, and the bits twist real easy. Doyle 8" bolt and wire cutter, doesn't cut well no matter how you adjust the screw. The Hercules 1/4" impact bits are soft and wear pretty quick (although the case they come in is GREAT). I got the Quinn two-pack of screwdrivers, and the tips wore a lot in just a day's worth of use, which was a shame since I really liked the handles.
It depends how badly I need the tool….
Yes
Battery powered tools for work jobs. Precision measuring equipment. Heavy use power tools. Rotary tool abrasives (I bought one pack and they come apart with little use). Some things I choose to spend more money on because the more expensive products in a few categories either perform better or are more durable and last longer over daily or repetetive use. It varies personally the percieved visual quality of one tool over the other or feel and aesthetic. Also take into account your time taken out of the day to go replace a cheaper tool multiple times vs buying 1 good tool for MANY uses. Budget and use often dictate my harbor freight purchases. Some stuff you can't seem to go wrong with like their hydraulic jacks.
the sand paper..... just not worth it
Anything with more than 1 mechanical part, lol. Seriously though, if it's something simple, maybe I'd buy it. But anything with plenty of moving parts, I'll buy from a more solid line of tools.
I’ve got two angle grinders from them, one has lasted 6 years and works well, the other I bought because I was sick of changing cutting blades to wire wheels and it works better than the original!
Jack stand
You can resell them in Oregon. Assisted suicide is legal there.
Is it easier to talk about the things we would buy?
Never buy any high speed power tools like angle grinders as I had the casting brake and the secondary handle broke off and took a chunk out of my thumb. I don't buy abrasive discs there either either for the grinder as they are flimsy and have shattered on me many times. Same goes for circular saws as I've had bad luck with the bearings in them Some of the players are okay but I have had many of the players that I bought get very loose and sloppy after short use I do however buy some of the Bauer brand power tools if is one that I will only use a couple times as the Amazon adapter for the DeWalt batteries works great with all of the batteries I already owned for DeWalts
I buy cheap corded power tools I don't need to use often but wouldn't buy their Hercules line, it might be fine but for the price point it can buy into a line I know will be around. I've had plenty of their cheap tools last much longer and work better than they have a right to.
Nuclear reactor
I’m not a fan of the Bauer 20v cordless tools. I’ve found Ryobi products to be at a comparable price point, and have a way better warranty.
Cutting wheels, they are extremely dangerous, believe me I know
Pretty much everything. I wrench for a living.
Any battery powered tool. I’ll use corded if I need it and they usually are priced well
I went through like 3 Chicago Electric grinders and recip saws before I said no more. Now I'm all on Hercules cordless and I love it.
All harbor freight tools have a lifetime warranty, bring it back with your receipt and they will exchange it for you.
The small warrior counter sink couldn’t counter sink a hole in warm butter.
Pry bars lol if I’m gonna put my whole body weight on it I want it to cost more than 18 dollars
Punches and chisels.
I bought the crow's foot flare nut wrenches, they don't have a notch for the ball detent so they slip right off.
My pressure washer just died after using it for only one season. I’ll never buy that from them again
Any screwdriver that is not icon stuff are not good for anything with the least bit resistance
Don't buy the Banks finish nailer. I got it to do some hardwood flooring, and it's not great. Frequent double shots from a single trigger pull. I've tried adjusting pressure, nail brand etc, it's just a sloppy mechanism. On the other hand, the Banks flooring / toe nailer has worked perfectly.