I’ve read many posts on this forum regarding makes and models of tools. I know everyone has their favorite tools, and favorite tool companies. It also seems that with Harbor Freight tools people either consider them: 1. a great value, or 2. good enough for a couple jobs, or 3. simply junk.
I don’t want to spark a debate or start any argument here, but I wanted to ask if Harbor Freight tools have ever been included in any FHB tool article. I’ve found these articles informative and they seem to be accurate and honest, whenever they compare circular saws, drills, nailers, etc. I just don’t think I’ve ever seen Harbor Freight included. Anyone know why?
Replies
ever see a harbor freight ad in fine homebuilding?
case closed
plus who cares if they do a review,the guys here will tell you real world.
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"ever see a harbor freight ad in fine homebuilding? case closed"I sure hope you're kidding with this comment - because the idea that our tool reviews are influenced by ads is about the farthest thing from the truth. If you had any idea how many humongous ad accounts we have lost because of tools that we slammed...Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Thanks for opening up this subject, Justin.
I think there is a natural skepticism about tool reviews in a medium that is sponsored by tool manufacturers. I don't think that will ever change.
Has your editorial staff ever considered having the tools tested by a group of your readers? in a 'real' shop setting, and not a laboratory shop? It seems to me that it may soothe some of the natural skepticism if you brought the skeptics into the test procedures.
I don't buy Harbor Freight tools, but apparently a lot of people do, so I'm of the belief that they should be part of the spectrum of tools that you are comparing--the good, the bad, AND the ugly. Who knows, maybe you'll pick up a NEW sponsor.
By the way, I'll bet you are skeptical of studies funded by Philip Morris that conclude that smoking is not so bad.
We typically conduct all of our tool reviews in the field, the ones done in a more controlled or fabricated setting are a rarity. We also shy away from controlled testing procedures for the most part - we prefer to just let the tools be used for their intended tasks and let the reviews speak anecdotally about performance.
But, if you are interested in weighing in and helping me create the next review - I would love the help!
http://finehomebuilding.taunton.com/item/7944/help-me-write-a-cordless-drill-review-and-watch-a-video-of-a-drill-powered-mini-bikeJustin Fink - FHB Editorial
Harbor Freight tools don't usually last long enough to actually make it through the testing.
Even as a DIYer I can bust a Harbor Freight tool in about a day.
Though (knock on wood) I will say the pancake compressor I got there cheap has held up fairly well over light use for a while now.
And I'll also say they are pretty good about taking returns on busted tools. So they aren't that bad.
Edited 6/3/2009 10:38 pm ET by darrel
I think of Harbor Freight as a dollar store for tools; good for simple, cheap or disposable tools. Dollar stores have there place but I wouldn't buy a stereo at one. If it's over $20 bucks I go somewhere else. You don't need a review, just look at the stuff.
A couple of years ago there was one tool review on sliding mitersaws where they included an inexpensive harbor freight type saw.
The cuts the saw made were so inconsistent, it could not seriously be included in the review.
I remember seeing a Tradesman brand in a review or two, for miter saws and table saws possibly? I also think I have also seen a review (bench planers?) which included Central Machinery. The tools at HF are horrible IN COMPARISON to the tools they are trying to copy. If you are used to using a Makita grinder then you are given the HF copy, you will be sadly disappointed. However, if you are just getting into the WW or metalworking biz and have nothing to compare to, you will likely find HF tools to be plenty adequate.I try not to buy from HF out of ethical principal; I try not to buy anything Chinese, Mexican, or otherwise foreign made. If I must I shoot for something made in Europe or Japan {somewhere that I wouldn't mind moving to if I couldn't get work in USA anymore, sort of a "backup" country}. But there are a few items I have bought at HF because I needed it only once or if I felt the original counterpart is ridiculously overpriced. I have still stayed away from power tools. I find that sanding/grinding/cutting consumables are a good deal. I got a mitersaw stand for $50 that is a HTC knockoff and saved about $300 in doing so. I had a need for a transfer punch kit ONCE and bought the HF set for $12 instead of a real kit for $125. I got a diamond polishing kit (for metal) for $14 instead of the $60+ other retailers were asking. Mostly good results.DC
I had the same doubts about their tools that you did. I started small with the 9.99 5" orbital sander. It is still going strong. Bought the 18 guage combo nailer and stapler ant it is going strong after about 20000 shots!
I bought the HF mutimaster knockoff in Jan. and couldn't be happier. I move on to a tile saw for some kitchen tile work, fully expecting it to be junk when I finished, it is still going strong.
I find that if you are not going to be using the tool on a daily basis, it is a decnt alternative.
By the way, most tools are made in China now.
Im not a big harbor freight fan and actually only have one tool.
DW bought a grinder at a yard sale for a dollar.
Im looking thinking about what Im going to do with it . Ive got 5 grinders other than that one . I plug it up and load it to find that it doesnt have a lot of power. Im thinking if Im not careful I could burn this baby up.
I always remember what a saw salesman told me that was also the saw mechanic . I had just bought a small chain saw from him for limbing and mentioned its use. It was a husky rancher. He said this saw will cut "all" your firewood . Just be smart . Pick stuff it can cut and let the saw have its time it needs. Keep a sharp chain on it and dont bear down on the saw. It will last for years . He was right but also right about a lot of other stuff as well . Miter saws and table saws will do the same thing for example. Compressors dont last if they get hot and so on.
I chose to make this grinder the tool sharpener and its held up just fine . It could have been the nail cutter as well but I use a cordless for that . Just a light weight option for a grinder.
Tim
I have purchased some things from Harbor Freight. In fact, I just wrote them (Customer service, email) about my electric chipper. The chipper performs quite well for its size (it is electric, and doesn't have the slugging power of a big unit,but for limbs up to 1-1/2 inches it works just find). The unit is well designed.
It needs new blades and I cannot find them in the catalog or on the web site. So I wrote them.
They answered within one business day, and the price is reasonable ($3 for the set of two).
So, what do you get from them? Tools that really vary in quality. Some of the things are pure junk; others are simply unsophisticated, brute force designed items; and some are pretty good.
Best advice: Go to a store and look.
we have a harbor freiht store in town so i do have some HF tools. If its painted orange I stay away from it. I do have some hf power tools. I got the green bandsaw and metal bandsaw. No problem with either. I bought some automotive body hammers couple weeks ago, and they are great. I highly reccomend them. I got engine stands and cherry picker engine puller. I know they made in China but HF sell stuff you cannot get at Sears or Lowes. I have been known to paint the equipment has soon as I get it some my buddies dont know its harbor freight. A little beigh paint make that green bandsaw look like a JET
"A little beigh paint make that green bandsaw look like a JET"
LOL! Watch out -- they may sue yer ####! ;-)Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PAEverything fits, until you put glue on it.
$9.99 for a 4" angle grinder, why not? Esp if you get a case of 10, only use one at a time anyway, then one is always in whatever barn or vehicle you need one, no need to try to find your $200 makita.
See the HF 'multimasters' are now down to $29, will finally get one, (or 10 or so) when they hit $9.99.
Actually trying to think of any tools ever bought at HF for over $40, dont think I've ever gone that route except for an Italian Anno Reverberi pressure washer 10 years ago - good quality. The small stuff beats most other places .
Buy their NiCd batteries all the time to take apart for the cells to rebuilt DM and makita.
See the HF 'multimasters' are now down to $29, will finally get one, (or 10 or so) when they hit $9.99.
Might have to wait quite a while. Looks like they are still $59 and go on sale for $39
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65700
I bought one last week for $39 and it seems to work pretty well. I have one of the original Fein's and was doing a job where I was switching blades alot. Bought the Harbor Freight and just kept a different blade in each unit.
About 5 years ago "Wood" magazine rated the HF drill press #3 best buy for cost & what the tool can do.
I've owned my HF CM drill press for 8 years now & still works like a champ.
1hp motor 16 speed, I use it for drilling, sanding, mortising, & shaping.
It's a good point - one I've raised before.
No matter what the tool, the review ought to include the 'economy' Grizzly, Northern Tool, or Harbor Freight version.
Why? Because there is such a thing as 'value,' or 'bang for your buck.' In most cases, the CCT (Cheap Chinese Tool) sells for about 1/3 the cost of a 'pro' model - so the question should be: is the "pro" tool three times as good?
Personally, I have several "pro" tools - as well as several CCT's. For the most part, the CCT's perform in an adequate manner. Only in a few examples is there a truly massive difference in performance. As I see it, the whole point of the tool review is to highlight the qualities that make a tool 'good' or 'bad.'
Perhaps tool reviews ought to also be accompanied by a side-bar that outlined the pros and cons of getting the CCT. An imaginary such list might be:
PROS: Something is better than nothing, An affordable way to learn what qualities / features matter to you / you can afford for it to be lost or broken.
CONS: Vibration makes fine control difficult, cuts not quite square, switches hard to reach, noisy.
They usually include Ryobi in the tests.
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
I bought 6, 9.99 grinders.
Set one up with a Wire wheel, 2 with grinders and one with the deadly chain saw blade.
The other 2 i kept to "lend" to my sons instead of them taking my Makita..
They all still work fine although 1 sound like theres a tiny cement truck inside.
I have a HF floor model drill press I bought at least 25 years ago when they were just a phone call ordering type company. I replaced the chuck (use it on my lathe so no real loss) because of some runout and it's still going strong.
Bought an orange recip saw because I needed one for a shed I was building. It broke after about half hour of use. $39 mistake. Now I have a yellow one ($99 BD) and it runs and runs.
Thanks everyone, for the good reports on HF power tools. One thing I haven't heard mentioned is HF's return policy. Have you ever brought back a tool that burned out during the first week or so? What was their response?
I'm curious because the big box stores take almost anything back for a refund or store credit, with the receipt. They're able to have that policy because they insist that their suppliers/manufacturers accept returns for full credit.
power tools. One thing I haven't heard mentioned is HF's return policy>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
90 days no problem with reciept. My dad bought a 18 guage nailor, I put 16 guage in it, broke. No problem sir, go back and get another.
They sel extended warentees also. I have never bought, but was told it works just like the 90 day warentee!
Watch out for their squares. I bought a speed square from them that was way, way off!
No problem sir, go back and get another.
Thanks for that experience. Then a good approach would be to go to HF, check out the available models, come back here and ask for users' opinions, then buy the recommended unit. Not unlike any tool purchase, except limited to HF.
Watch out for their squares. I bought a speed square from them that was way, way off!
Was that the 99 cent special for the 14 inch square a few years back?? I bought 10 of them, figured they were probably rejects which is why such a special.
5 minutes apiece with a file clamped against a tempered steel starrett and all were right on -- did i say though that day job pays a lot better than that <G>, but have a square at hand without looking often.
BTW - anyone who gets the HFMM, think about getting the router speed control too. This gives you unlimited speed adjustment - not just "On".
Tu stultus esRebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
Speed square was at a right angle, the stamping that you use for angles was off.
did i say though that day job pays a lot better than that <G>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Yeh, but look at the fun you had!!
no question ask. the hired help really dont care
Thanks BB. Good to hear from two satisfied customers.
satifacfied is a word of questionWith tools from HF you know they are going to break, when is the question, but the company itself, I have no problem with.If you want a tool to last, dont buy from HF but if it just a couple job, no big deal.But we do have a HF rotary hammer drill that wont die, it has outlasted three dewalts so far.
have a HF rotary hammer drill that wont die>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Funny, I have one of their demolition tools that won't die either!!
Most of the tools i bought from them I don't own any more......they either broke or I got rid of them before they could. I did buy a cap stapler from them on sale for $70. Best $70 I've ever spent at HF.
It appears that the quality of at least some of the tools are getting better, after all, I don't think they could have been worse!>G<
but the company itself, I have no problem with.
Yep, that's what I was looking for. Two BT guys at different HF stores, both getting treated OK on a return/exchange. Suggests that it's a company policy.
I'll only buy an HF tool if it's for occasional use and it gets a thumbs up from someone on BT.
I've got a collection of tools which probably only make sense to me. Some of them are top quality, others are decent stuff, and the rest are throw-aways.
But even the throw-aways have to do the job properly for a while. As others have said, some of my throw-aways have surprised me.
Edited 6/4/2009 4:01 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
< no question ask. the hired help really dont care> Dont they ask why tool is painted beigh?
it to match the contor
See my other post...in my experience, yes, they are quite good about letting you return items.
I've found little to buy, unless it's on a closeout, that is a bargain. Tools are good for a short amount of time.
The surprise I got just a few days ago caught me off guard.... ;>)
During a "bulk" cleanup day, some one discarded an electric drain cable cleaner. I got it for the 1/3hp reversible motor which still works... the long "Rotor Rooter" flex cable was missing (thankfully), but the rest of the machine ran great once the footswitch was adjusted.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?function=Search
I sent in a request for the 50ft. cable snake to see what it cost. Three days later, Harbor Freight's "Customer Service Parts Department" emailed me the part number and the cost of $58. Considering that this model sells for $250, I'd say it's worth ordering and cheaper than a plumber's bill.
Good Parts Inventory and timely service, plus they provide a free printout for the instruction manual.... Very Nice Surprise!!
Bill
Bought some diamond bits from them and some little diamond hole saws.
The one hole saw is the EXACT size of a shower head pipe.
As cheap as they were I bought a bunch since the shipping was goiing to be the same for one as a bunch.
Are they top quality? No, but they're throw away prices when they wear out.
Gotta say I heard a guy using one of their big plunge routers once. I was thinking "Glad I'm not holding onto that thing, it's gonna blow soon"
As someone said, like a little cement truck, only turning 20000RPMS.
Oh yeah, got a dolly there too, think it was about $20. Good deal, the tires even hold air 10 years later.
Joe H
If you poke around on the internet there is at least one forum that has a message thread about harbor freight tools that are a good value. I think it was a welding forum.
I bought a few twenty ton hydraulic jacks to jack up a house off it's piers and shim it level. They were half the price of sears.
I also bought a HVLP spraygun that has great internet reviews (#43430) for $39 and it has painted three cars, many tens of feet of steel deck railing, primed hundreds of feet of trim, several BIG propane tanks and it keeps on spraying out great results.
I bought a 30 ton log splitter and bent the Foot on the end of the I beam in the firsts ten minutes trying to split some gnarly knotted eucalyptus. They swapped me a new one no questions asked. The pump/cylinder combination is too powerful for the I beam but I actually prefer that to it being too weak. I bought the warrantee for $169 on the replacement splitter as I fully expect to break/bend some more parts in the next two years.
The best value I have ever got there was a little rechargeable electric airplane. It is on sale frequently for 6.99 and it flies great. It is the one with the pusher propellor that can't break when it has a hard landing. You just charge it up with two aa cells in a minute or two and it flies for several minutes in free uncontrolled flight. I bought three that my kids give to their friends as birthday presents and they are a huge hit.
I am appalled at the low quality of many of their electric power tools and don't recommend buying any of their stuff unless you can look at and handle it in person in one of their stores.
Karl
I bought a metal cutting bandsaw for $159.00 after discounts and sale price. Works well now afterat least 20 hours of tweaking.Originally it would cut 15 or 20° out of square,wtf.I had to loosen the pivot pin and shim one side to get it to cut square.I had to remove the roller guides and file and grind the very rough castings so the saw would also cut plumb.After all of this I replaced the junk blade with a bimetal blade from Morse.I can cut 3" diameter solid steel in about 10 minutes .Once in a while the motor won't start,especially if the shop is cold.A rap with a wooden hammer handle gets it going.
If I had to do it over again I would have paid another $100.00 for a Grizzly that except for color looks the same.I doubt I would have spent 20 hours or so tweaking a saw.This is the only electric tool I bought from HF.
mike