Thread: The Harbor Freight Debate.

First of all, let me get the following out of the way...
"You get what you pay for." -Common knowledge.
"If you buy tools anywhere else, you're throwing your money away!" -Harbor Freight's slogan.

Some things at HF definitely fall into the "cheap, Chinese made..." category. But I feel like there is a happy middle ground between the above two statements. I'd like us to debate the viability of the tools 'n such that are available at HF, since they seem to be just about everywhere.

I know the tools they sell are often brought up on here, but wouldn't it be nice to have a single, condensed version/place for this retailer in particular? And if the HF offering is just utter rubbish, those with first hand experience with both products should point us in the right direction.

One example I can think of from the top of my head is the buffers at HF. Seems like there are plenty of guys here on the forum that are sufficiently satisfied with the buffers. Granted, they are often customized (see: improved) with longer shafts & appropriately sized wheels from Caswell. But their buffers seem to be worth the money.

I don't entirely trust reviews on a site selling a given product. You can gleam some information from them, but there is always the risk of censorship. Good investigation requires multiple sources!

I have the 1/2" 'Earthquake' air Impact gun. I bought it after using the one my brother has. This is a great tool for the money, and I would highly recommend this if you need one. I've had it for 3 years now and it has gone above and beyond my expectations.

In this economy, if you want to call it an 'economy', I prefer to buy USA made, even if it costs more. I have two buffers, both Baldor, and they are great. Not that a Chinese made buffer won't do the same job, but I'm helping a fellow American feed his, or her, family. Nationalistic ? Yeah, I'm a deplorable and proud of it.

In the razor world, there is Gold Dollar, in the tool world there are Harbor Freight tools. Just like some customize their Gold Dollar, if you customize your Harbor Freight tool it will work for how long who knows...

I am a woodworker and do a lot of my own repairs around the house from electrical to plumbing.

Early on I would buy cheap tools and found out that you get what you pay for. Since then I will buy quality tools even if it cost a little more. I have power tools now that are 20+ years old and they work great.

Does that mean I won't go to HF? I do, but it is typically for little items or disposable items. I know people that get their tools there and are happy with them and would never try to disparage them because if they have something that works for them - great.

I personally will spend more and buy higher quality but I am they type of person that built pegboard tool frames and each tool has a spot.

I appreciate the input, fellas. Personally, I tend to lean towards the "you get what you pay for" side of things. That doesn't mean paying top dollar for something isn't still a ripoff (sometimes). A home hobby shop currently makes me no income, so spending money on such things are difficult to justify. And then there are the folks that are on a fixed budget. Not everyone can afford to only shop at Woodcraft exclusively.

How about the vises at HF? A vise would likely fill the most gaps in my current capabilities, in a single tool.

This one seems like a good option, but still over $56 after a 20% coupon...
5" Multi-Purpose Vise

Originally Posted by Cincinnatus

I am a woodworker and do a lot of my own repairs around the house from electrical to plumbing.

Early on I would buy cheap tools and found out that you get what you pay for. Since then I will buy quality tools even if it cost a little more. I have power tools now that are 20+ years old and they work great.

Does that mean I won't go to HF? I do, but it is typically for little items or disposable items. I know people that get their tools there and are happy with them and would never try to disparage them because if they have something that works for them - great.

I personally will spend more and buy higher quality but I am they type of person that built pegboard tool frames and each tool has a spot.

Not sure i understand your post Cincinnatus, if you had 2 Lie-Nielsen saw hanging from your pegboard then yes, but Home Depot Buck Bros pretty much falls into the Harbor Freight quality IMHO.

Originally Posted by Crawler

I appreciate the input, fellas. Personally, I tend to lean towards the "you get what you pay for" side of things. That doesn't mean paying top dollar for something isn't still a ripoff (sometimes). A home hobby shop currently makes me no income, so spending money on such things are difficult to justify. And then there are the folks that are on a fixed budget. Not everyone can afford to only shop at Woodcraft exclusively.

How about the vises at HF? A vise would likely fill the most gaps in my current capabilities, in a single tool.

This one seems like a good option, but still over $56 after a 20% coupon...
5" Multi-Purpose Vise

Probably can't go wrong. My vice is a no-name and it have served well for many years.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Not sure i understand your post Cincinnatus, if you had 2 Lie-Nielsen saw hanging from your pegboard then yes, but Home Depot Buck Bros pretty much falls into the Harbor Freight quality IMHO.

I put my money where it gets the biggest bang for the buck. Power saw blades, chisels, router bits, and power tools. Those saws rarely get used so I am not going to drop $200 plus on a saw that gets used a couple times a year - I would rather spend it on a quality set of dado blades.

Retired 14 years, watched the politicians take away half or more of my buying power. HF and the tools I have bought there do me fine.
~Richard