Harbor freight quality?

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Harbor freight quality?

Postby 93cummins89 » Sun Oct 18, 2015 10:26 am

Was in a jam and had to have a security star bit. Closet place was harbor freight. They had the the bit in a socket set but it was 3/8 and I had to buy a 3/8 ratchet. My question is just how good are their tools. Or are they just cheap use and abuse tools
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby PToombs » Sun Oct 18, 2015 2:34 pm

It depends on what you get, some are crap and some are really good. I have a set of 1/2" deep impact sockets I've been beating on for 15 years, only broken 1 so far. I got some socket allen heads and they spun in the holder the 1st time I used them, only Mac or Strap On for those now. Wrenches are good. I have a "100 piece security set" of bits I have been using for a while now, torx, allen, screwdriver, square, etc. They aren't too bad so far.
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Just enough power to break everything behind the crankshaft.
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby 93cummins89 » Wed Oct 21, 2015 5:58 pm

so far so good i mean i dont really trust then to save me..mac,snap on,SK, craftsman is where its at but in a jam so far so good for the harbor freight tools
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby 1320Fastback » Thu Dec 31, 2015 11:50 pm

Like others hit and miss with HF tools.

I do not buy ratchets, air tools or electrical tools from HF but have many sockets over 10 years old that have taken a hell of beating and haven't broke a one from them.

I tend to stick with Craftsman or Husky now days for ratchets, screwdriver, Wrenches, Allen's and such as their is always a retailer nearby.
I used to buy off the trucks but to be honest I've broken so many tools in my lifetime that I'd rather just drive to a store and get another one and get back to it.

HF is great though for all the accessories to fill out the shop and tool box.
92 D250, Getrag 5 Speed, 3.54, extra cab, long bed, AC works, Airbags.
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby spencerdiesel » Fri Jan 01, 2016 1:24 pm

In NC, Lowes pollute the area. And there's some major deals on Kobalt tools quite often.
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby stevediesel » Sat Dec 24, 2016 7:17 pm

My philosophy on Harbor Freight is if it lasted for the job you needed, it paid for itself. I have bought several things for one time use and have had no problems yet.
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby dazedandconfused » Mon Dec 26, 2016 8:31 pm

I've yet to break a socket or ratchet from them. There electrical tools aren't the best.
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1983 Dodge D150 that has been repowered with a 93 Cummins/518 running gear AKA The Ugly Duck! I would much rather build them then buy them.[
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby Richie O » Wed Dec 28, 2016 4:08 pm

Buy their saws all blades and then let me know. HA HA what a joke those things are. Also have a bench grinder from there and it is so unbalanced I am afraid its going to blow in half. Zip ties, they are ok, yet break with much strain. Hit or miss, mostly miss.
1989 W250 727, 3.07 L/S, S300, P/S Intercooler, Stans exaust, Pump adjustments, 127k miles,297 hp
1993 W250 extended cab, rag, 4.10 l/s, 6x16's, HTT 62/71/14 piston l/p, Isspro EV series tach, fuel pressure, boost, oil pres, water temp, volt, pryo, 132k/ 301 hp
1992 W250 with NV4500, 3.54's, 16cm 60mm GDS H1C, ground stock cone, Isspro tach, pryo, boost, fuel pressure, slow, rusty, dented,180k
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Re: Harbor freight quality?

Postby bensol64 » Wed Oct 16, 2019 10:32 pm

Old thread, but I have some HF tools and so far I have no complaints.
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