Tell me about Harbor Freight Tools

[Narnia_girl]

Harbor Freight is opening a store in my town. I had never heard about this store until someone mentioned them on this board last week!
So what do you like to buy there? Do they have good sales? And how do they differ from Lowes/Home Depot?

 

[comicguy]

They are a clean store that sells a lot of imported tools and such at reasonable prices. We buy a lot of tools for our robotics teams there, as they are inexpensive (and we don't have a lot of extra money). Quality wise their hand tools (pliers, hammers, wrenches and such have been good) we don't put them under heavy use though (used by kids on the weekends during build season.)

Their tarps are top quality (IMO) and again reasonably priced.

We have a number of their tool carts for our 3D printers and regular printers that work great!! Again not under heavy shop use.

Lots of storage type containers for the garage/shop that are very good quality and price!!

They always have some good sales with free items occasionally (batteries, flash lights, multi meters). Make sure to sign up for the sales flyer.

 

[lanejudy]

I'll give a second on their tarps! DH likes Harbor Freight, though we don't have one near us since we moved. I'll ask what he particularly recommends.

 

[starry_solo]

When they first get there, they will mail you flyers for many free items (no purchase necessary).

They came to our town about half a year ago and the first month, we got flyers for free items weekly in the mail!

 

[disneyhand]

We buy paint brushes, scissors (on sale often for $1), some tools and some outdoor products when long term quality isn't an issue. The tarps and drop clothes are always good bargain. We have also purchased several inexpensive unfinished Adirondack chairs there that have held up surprisingly well. We always find something to buy there.

 

[davper]

I buy disposable tools there. The quality is not the best. But for one time use tools, you can't beat the price.

 

[North of Mouse]

I went there with hubby once - definitely a 'guy' store though, LOL. Dh does not frequent the store, but occasionally he looks for things there that he can't get elsewhere - Lowes, Home Depot. Not the highest quality store.

 

[supersnoop]

I've purchased a/c manifold gauges, an infrared thermometer, and a wire toner/tracer from Harbor Freight. All made in China, all poor quality, but all good enough for seldom use at home. And all for about 80% less than name-brand tools at Home Depot.

 

[MillauFr]

Like other said the stuff is junk but if you only need to use something once or twice they are ok. I have found the frustration of working with poor quality tools not worth the aggravation.

 

[okeydokey]

My husband likes the store because stuff is cheap. I can't go in because the rubber/plastic/oil smell is overwhelming and gives me a headache.

 

[tvguy]

LOL. I guess it depends on what you are looking for. The owner of the Durable Medical Supply store suggested I look there when I was looking for portable aluminum wheelchair ramps for my front door to make it easier to get my mom in her wheel chair into the house. Durable Medical Supply store wanted $500 for them, all covered in ADA compliance stickers, warning labels, and that sand paper like anti-slip strips.
Harbor Freight, same ramps, same manufacturer, designed as "cargo" ramps, no ADA compliance stickers, no warning labels, $189.
I suspect if I had accident with them that could be linked to the design or manufacture of the product, the ADA compliant ones would put the company on the hook for liability in a lawsuit. The cargo ramps, since I wasn't using them for the purpose they were "sold" for, probably no liability for the maker in a lawsuit. So a portion of the higher price may pay for product liability insurance.

 

[mikehn]

I would say 'inexpensive', not 'cheap'. I have a bunch of their mechanics tools which I think are a great value and have lifetime guarantees and a lot less than craftsman tools.

 

[Halle]

If you are buying a tool don't buy there. Little fun incidentals for occasional use are ok. I bought a headlight flashlight there, good price, no complaints.