Tools and their origins Cancel The title field is required!

1. Kyle Fick

   

   4 posts
   
   4/28/2014 6:04 AM

   Gentlemen,
   
   We've looked a couple tools to ad to the shop to make life easier. I've always lived by the "you get what you pay for" philosophy, but when are apples compared to apples?
   
   The reason I ask this to my peers is I was researching some hydraulic lift tables, and Harbor Freight has the best deal for the weight and such. Do any of you purchase from these guys? If so, how was the quality, durability, and sustainability to what you've purchased. How different can hydraulic tables be from one another? And things like jack stands, if I was looking at some of these items, are the ones from my Farm and Fleet store locally different? We have a new equipment manager beginning in a short while, and I wanted to get a couple items to make his life a little easier. Thanks in advance.

   
   
   
   
2. Peter Bowman

   

   11 posts
   
   4/28/2014 7:04 AM

   We get adds here in the paper every Sunday from Harbor Freight. Their prices were always the best but I never really needed anything so had never been there. I happened to be in that part of town one day so I stopped in to look around. Up and down nearly every aisle, from small items to the most expensive thing in the store....everything in the store is Made in China. The whole place. All of it. I didn't need anything that day so I didn't buy anything.
   
   About a year ago I was looking for a chipper/shredder for my home use so researched them for awhile on the internet. I found several that would do, so thought I'd then check to see if any were made in the good 'ol USA. A couple were and I was willing to pay extra, but, lo and behold, they couldn't be sold in California due to emmissions standards. Thank you California, an American company lost my business.
   
   My Chinese one from Harbor Freight is performing admirably.

   
   
   
   
3. Roland McPhearson

   

   9 posts
   
   4/29/2014 2:04 PM

   Qaulity and, more to the point, reliability from HF is inline with the prices. Very, very low. I've bought a couple power tools from there with the intention of using them for 30 minutes and then discarding. My expectations are very low so I havn't been disappointed. At my previous shop I used a flimsy HF press that racked and wiggled. When I tried to weld the frame joints to strengthen it I discovered I coudn't because it was made of mystery metal that cannot be welded. How different can hyd tables be? You may get lucky, but I wouldn't be suprised if you found sand or water in the "hydraulic fluid" or something weird like that. When I buy something I plan on keeping, I look for made in USA, Japan, or Europe just because I know it probably won't fail when I need it.
   
   -Roland
   
   BTW, kudos to you for making an effort to help your EM by outfitting the shop.

   
   
   
   
4. Tyler Broderick

   

   2 posts
   
   4/30/2014 8:04 AM

   In my experience Harbor Frieght is no good. If you need something for a quick job and you can't rent the tool then this might be a good option. I haven't looked at their lift tables but I wouldn't get one from them, especially since that is going to be a high use item. I would steer clear. IMO not good products and their price reflects that.

   
   
   
   
5. Andy Jorgensen

   

   1 posts
   
   4/30/2014 9:04 AM

   We get a few things from Harbor Freight with the expectation of when they break we don't have a lot in them. For power tools, we've bought the sawz-all and angle grinders that my irrigation guys use and they have been holding up surprisingly well. Smaller hand tools have been fine too. Also bought a couple of tool boxes that have been good. Up to this point we haven't been disapointed, but then again haven't bought anything that we rely on on a daily basis. Can't beat the prices.

   
   
   
   
6. Andrew Cross

   

   5 posts
   
   4/30/2014 1:04 PM

   Haven't bought much from there, but for hand tools (wrenches etc.) most of their stuff has a lifetime warranty. We will be looking at that option this fall/winter when it comes time to stock the general shop toolbox.

   
   
   
   
7. John Borcher

   

   0 posts
   
   4/30/2014 7:04 PM

   My opinion on harbor freight is the hand tools are decent and I dont sweat it when I break them but I have not had good luck with their power tools.

   
   
   
   
8. Frank McQuiggan

   

   2 posts
   
   5/1/2014 8:05 AM

   I'm in agreement with Roland, I don't like harbor Freight for tools. Most of my personal and shop equipment that I can buy from Craftsman, good trusted name and if it breaks I take it back and they replace the hand tools no questions asked. As far as power tools some of them I buy from Craftsman and some from Dewalt. As far a major items I would have to say buy American better quality and better service in my opinion

   
   
   
   
9. Kenneth Meals

   

   2 posts
   
   5/2/2014 10:05 AM

   I'm with Frank and Roland,
   Stay away from Harbor Freight, it's junk. My techs have gone up there and bought power tools and some hand tools, they never lasted.

   
   
   
   
10. Keith Pegg

    

    0 posts
    
    5/3/2014 3:05 PM

    Find a good store in your area, I remember a place in Tacoma WA called Tacoma Screw. They gave me great service year round and would help with all our needs for tools and parts. Cost might have been a little bit more but every tool was for life unless we lost it. They would alway drop hats and items for the staff and at Xmas we would get a bottle or three. F H tools in the long run will cost you in down time and over the years cost in buying the same tool over and over.
    In Japan I have found a small shop near my course that does the same for us.
    
    Regards
    Keith Pegg
    Zama Japan

    
    
    
    
11. James Smith

    

    112 posts
    
    5/13/2014 9:05 AM

    You get what you pay for!
    
    I do buy some things from HF! I do not have an issue with what they sell but it is made in china. Where I draw the line is when Safety can be an issue. I have bought air nailers from them since I will not use them on a daily basis but I would not purchase a hydraulic table of jack stands from them because if it failed or broke someone will most likely get hurt.
    
    If it will get used alot or safety is a concern buy it from a good dealer with a good name brand. you will get more of your monies worth that way.
    
    Buying cheap screwdrivers and pliars from them is great if your tools walk a lot.