any experience with harbor freight - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jay-dawg · 07-30-2002, 08:55 PM

Hi guys,
I'm looking to buy some air tools online from harbor freight and just wondering if there were any bad experiences. We do not have one here on the islands so I'm stuck with ordering it online. Their impact sockets and wrenches are pretty cheap and also the sockets are lifetime guaranteed. I'll be ordering in the next couple of weeks.

thanks in advance,
jay

**68SWB4x4** · 07-30-2002, 09:03 PM

i have some of their air tools, yea there cheap but ive abused them and not maintained them at all, and they still work as good as new........
i wouldnt buy there sockets personaly, especily if their isnt a harbor freight on the island, returns would be a ***** than

NSANE68!!! · 07-31-2002, 07:59 PM

I second that!

The air tools are good, but stay away from the cordless drills and stuff THEY SUCK.

**68SWB4x4** · 07-31-2002, 08:47 PM

or the cordless sawzalls, i think i was at a rate of breaking one every 10 days

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 08-13-2002, 10:00 PM

I purchased a couple sets of their 1/2 inch drive black impact sockets about 5 years ago. They are 6 point, and very thick. I haven't broken any yet......... They were pretty reasonable to buy.

trukman1 · 08-14-2002, 11:43 PM

Anyone notice how they list an item on sale AND in another section of the catalog NOT on sale? Same thing, different part number...Odd thing is I've found that if I order the sale item it gets back ordered but the regular priced item is in stock. I don't buy tools there, just gloves, acid brushes, welding tarps, that kind of thing. My shop had a Pittsburg 3/4" ratchet set though that was used hard and worked great.

minibike · 08-17-2002, 09:04 AM

We have a store in town, so you can look at the stuff before you buy, The impact wrench/air ratchet/socket set is hard to beat. I have been using one for 5 years without any problems...no broken sockets. I have broken some of their hand tools, and cannot recommend the tie rod seperating tool. All have been exchanged with no questions asked and no receipt. I have their 18V drill for $39, and am satisfied with it after about 18 months of service. If it goes out after a couple of years, you can afford to replace it at that price.

The bottom line is you get what you pay for...I have been satisfied with all of the air tools with the exception of the 3" high speed cutter...what was I expecting for $10?

weasel29gm · 08-17-2002, 11:17 PM

We got a new store about 6 mo. ago, got a little of everything. Got a 20 dollar DA used over 40 hrs with no problems. I'd try some of their stuff then use your own judgement. My 2 cents.

90\87Formula · 09-16-2002, 06:23 PM

We've got a store here. Most of their stuff is cheap like everybody says. You get what you pay for. Every month they have a 50-75 % off sale. Get some good deals then.

**COBALT** · 09-17-2002, 04:15 PM

Beware of some of the Pittsburgh tools. They're so cheap they'll break unexpectantly--especially if you're working with heavier duty grade 3/4 ton or 1 ton applications. I'm talking about some of their hammers, drifts, vises, presses, pullers, and forks. I broke their cheap-o ball joint press trying to use it on U-joints.

MStokes · 09-18-2002, 02:33 PM

I've had pretty good luck with most everything I have bought. Like the others have said, you get what you pay for. Some of their tools are so incredibly cheap you can afford to break several and still come out ahead.

HPD-CA · 09-30-2002, 08:27 AM

I have purchased and used several items from HF. A cherry picker (foldup works great), heavy duty engine stand (would not fit in close to cherry picker and could not put engine on it), electric 4" grinder (weak), welding cart (flimsy and needed to reinforce greatly). Good place for expendables. I am currently purchasing a 40# sandblaster.

minibike · 09-30-2002, 06:53 PM

I have the 40 lb sandblaster. So far, I have put about 1000 lbs of sand through it without anything but ceramic nozzle replacements. The valve at the end of the hose is wore out, but I never use it anyway.

**MikeB** · 10-26-2002, 07:40 PM

Some of their stuff is total junk, but I've used their $50 Chinese ball-joint press a few times and it's very well made. Also got some cobalt-tipped drills very cheap and they are holding up well.

I would stay away from the Chicago Electric and Pittsburg stuff, though. I have a friend who bought a 3/8" socket set from them, and the ratchet broke the first time he used it. That, and the sockets looked like they were designed to round off bolt heads!

**COBALT** · 10-29-2002, 07:21 PM

Just bought a couple of slide hammers from them. Again, to add to what's already been said they're good for tools that do very generic jobs I think. Aside from things that generally are expensive, of course. A lot of the hand tools that don't requre precision are ok.

Charger440 · 11-04-2002, 03:34 AM

I've bought a ton of stuff from HF you just have to look at it close you can tell if its going to last or not. some of the things I've bought and had no problems with are
Drill Press
metal brake
sand plast cabinet
sand plaster (for the big stuff)
4in grinder
body hammer set
14 chop saw
tubing benders
can crusher
110v arc welder[COLOR=skyblue][COLOR=skyblue][COLOR=skyblue]

1971LT1SWBPOSI373 · 11-07-2002, 02:09 PM

I bought one of their grinders, Chicago Electric. It was 5 or 6". It came to the house and I was all excited. I unboxed it and plugged it in. As soon as I turned it on it started smoking. I unplugged it before it set the house on fire, & boxed it up after I stopped laughing and returned it. Junk...... I bought a Craftsman for just a few dollars more when you take into account the price of shipping.

Charger440 · 11-08-2002, 04:57 PM

I wouldn't buy anything from them unless I could look at it first because they do have some just plain crap I went into the store to buy a tap and die set the had for $17.00 and by looking at it you could tell the first time you would use it, it would break

78SilveradoSWB · 11-08-2002, 06:29 PM

We have a Harbour Freight store in Portland,OR. A lot of their handtools are of the thin & cheap variety. They also have the middle of the road stuff which is pretty good. You get what you pay for. Used alot of their stuff on the production line, where tools mysteriously end up missing, it was justified. For my own stuff, I buy Craftsman, Snap-On, etc.

Charger440 · 11-09-2002, 02:28 AM

I buy alot of Chaftsman tools to, the problem with Snapon tools is try to get a socket replaced when they break they always try to tell you that you used them on an impact gun besides that they are over priced MATCO tools are about 50% cheaper and they will warrenty them

CustomChevy · 11-18-2002, 07:28 PM

i got a engine stand from them. no problem, good unit. shipped fast.

minibike · 11-18-2002, 07:40 PM

Bought a DA today for 18.95. Sure it may not be the best, but for that price, who cares if it craps out after one project.

chevykid04 · 11-25-2002, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Charger440
I buy alot of Chaftsman tools to, the problem with Snapon tools is try to get a socket replaced when they break they always try to tell you that you used them on an impact gun besides that they are over priced MATCO tools are about 50% cheaper and they will warrenty them

around here the snap on guy is awesome, guess it just depends on the local dealer....

**MikeB** · 12-12-2002, 11:00 PM

You get what you pay for. Recently I've been buying Ingersol Rand, and they seem like they'll last forever. Here's a good source with the lowest prices around: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/ They were far cheaper than Harbor Freight on the air ratchet I just bought and don't charge freight if the first order is >$100.

GMC Jim · 12-30-2002, 07:55 PM

a deciding facot on Harbir Freight..... They pay the freight on orders over $50.0... Once ordered an anvil.... the freight was more than the cost of the item....

07-30-2002, 08:55 PM	#1
jay-dawg chevelito Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI USA Posts: 1,609	any experience with harbor freight Hi guys, I'm looking to buy some air tools online from harbor freight and just wondering if there were any bad experiences. We do not have one here on the islands so I'm stuck with ordering it online. Their impact sockets and wrenches are pretty cheap and also the sockets are lifetime guaranteed. I'll be ordering in the next couple of weeks. thanks in advance, jay __________________ New deadline...when my son can drive. Aloha from Honolulu, HI

07-30-2002, 09:03 PM	#2
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	i have some of their air tools, yea there cheap but ive abused them and not maintained them at all, and they still work as good as new........ i wouldnt buy there sockets personaly, especily if their isnt a harbor freight on the island, returns would be a ***** than __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

07-31-2002, 07:59 PM	#3
NSANE68!!! SLICER AND DICIER Join Date: May 2001 Location: Quuen Creek Posts: 1,383	I second that! The air tools are good, but stay away from the cordless drills and stuff THEY SUCK. __________________ 01 Tahoe 22's 2/4 drop and tv's 68 chevy money pit 51 chevy belair 95 Honda 900RR 05 GMC Siearra (company truck)

07-31-2002, 08:47 PM	#4
68SWB4x4 Strongman Garage Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Salinas, CA Posts: 10,241	or the cordless sawzalls, i think i was at a rate of breaking one every 10 days __________________ Kalle 68 GMC Suburban 1500 4x4 SOLD 69 Pontiac Lemans 99 Silverado 4.8 5 speed ECSB [ Facebook Instagram Subscribe on YOUTUBE

08-13-2002, 10:00 PM	#5
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	sockets I purchased a couple sets of their 1/2 inch drive black impact sockets about 5 years ago. They are 6 point, and very thick. I haven't broken any yet......... They were pretty reasonable to buy. __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

08-14-2002, 11:43 PM	#6
trukman1 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Beavercreek, Ohio 45431 Posts: 737	Anyone notice how they list an item on sale AND in another section of the catalog NOT on sale? Same thing, different part number...Odd thing is I've found that if I order the sale item it gets back ordered but the regular priced item is in stock. I don't buy tools there, just gloves, acid brushes, welding tarps, that kind of thing. My shop had a Pittsburg 3/4" ratchet set though that was used hard and worked great.

08-17-2002, 09:04 AM	#7
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	We have a store in town, so you can look at the stuff before you buy, The impact wrench/air ratchet/socket set is hard to beat. I have been using one for 5 years without any problems...no broken sockets. I have broken some of their hand tools, and cannot recommend the tie rod seperating tool. All have been exchanged with no questions asked and no receipt. I have their 18V drill for $39, and am satisfied with it after about 18 months of service. If it goes out after a couple of years, you can afford to replace it at that price. The bottom line is you get what you pay for...I have been satisfied with all of the air tools with the exception of the 3" high speed cutter...what was I expecting for $10? __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

08-17-2002, 11:17 PM	#8
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	We got a new store about 6 mo. ago, got a little of everything. Got a 20 dollar DA used over 40 hrs with no problems. I'd try some of their stuff then use your own judgement. My 2 cents. __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

09-16-2002, 06:23 PM	#9
90\87Formula Registered User $90\87Formula's Avatar$ Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Abilene Texas Posts: 1,756	We've got a store here. Most of their stuff is cheap like everybody says. You get what you pay for. Every month they have a 50-75 % off sale. Get some good deals then. __________________ Robert Member 1532
$90\87Formula is offline$

09-17-2002, 04:15 PM	#10
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Beware of some of the Pittsburgh tools. They're so cheap they'll break unexpectantly--especially if you're working with heavier duty grade 3/4 ton or 1 ton applications. I'm talking about some of their hammers, drifts, vises, presses, pullers, and forks. I broke their cheap-o ball joint press trying to use it on U-joints. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.

09-18-2002, 02:33 PM	#11
MStokes Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Meridian, Idaho Posts: 164	I've had pretty good luck with most everything I have bought. Like the others have said, you get what you pay for. Some of their tools are so incredibly cheap you can afford to break several and still come out ahead. __________________ 1972 C-10 LWB, 400/350, 2WD 1972 C-20 Custom Camper, 350/350, 4WD (Converted)

09-30-2002, 08:27 AM	#12
HPD-CA Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Northern CA Posts: 20	Harbor Freight Experience I have purchased and used several items from HF. A cherry picker (foldup works great), heavy duty engine stand (would not fit in close to cherry picker and could not put engine on it), electric 4" grinder (weak), welding cart (flimsy and needed to reinforce greatly). Good place for expendables. I am currently purchasing a 40# sandblaster. __________________ "In science there is only physics; everything else is stamp collecting." --Ernest Rutherford---

09-30-2002, 06:53 PM	#13
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	I have the 40 lb sandblaster. So far, I have put about 1000 lbs of sand through it without anything but ceramic nozzle replacements. The valve at the end of the hose is wore out, but I never use it anyway. __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

10-26-2002, 07:40 PM	#14
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,423	Some of their stuff is total junk, but I've used their $50 Chinese ball-joint press a few times and it's very well made. Also got some cobalt-tipped drills very cheap and they are holding up well. I would stay away from the Chicago Electric and Pittsburg stuff, though. I have a friend who bought a 3/8" socket set from them, and the ratchet broke the first time he used it. That, and the sockets looked like they were designed to round off bolt heads! __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

10-29-2002, 07:21 PM	#15
COBALT Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 5,817	Just bought a couple of slide hammers from them. Again, to add to what's already been said they're good for tools that do very generic jobs I think. Aside from things that generally are expensive, of course. A lot of the hand tools that don't requre precision are ok. __________________ '69 3/4 ton C20 2wd-350ci/TH400 '69 3/4 ton Custom 20 2wd-350ci/4sp Manual '99 2wd 5.7 Chevy Tahoe Seattle, WA.



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11-04-2002, 03:34 AM	#16
Charger440 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Clovis, CA. USA Posts: 8	I've bought a ton of stuff from HF you just have to look at it close you can tell if its going to last or not. some of the things I've bought and had no problems with are Drill Press metal brake sand plast cabinet sand plaster (for the big stuff) 4in grinder body hammer set 14 chop saw tubing benders can crusher 110v arc welder[COLOR=skyblue][COLOR=skyblue][COLOR=skyblue] Last edited by Charger440; 11-26-2002 at 12:56 AM.

11-07-2002, 02:09 PM	#17
1971LT1SWBPOSI373 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 460	I bought one of their grinders, Chicago Electric. It was 5 or 6". It came to the house and I was all excited. I unboxed it and plugged it in. As soon as I turned it on it started smoking. I unplugged it before it set the house on fire, & boxed it up after I stopped laughing and returned it. Junk...... I bought a Craftsman for just a few dollars more when you take into account the price of shipping. __________________ 1971 Shortbed 350/350 w/ Posi-traction 3:73's 1996 Chevy Silverado TJ in Springfield, Virginia Likes old Chevy trucks Drinks Miller MGD

11-08-2002, 04:57 PM	#18
Charger440 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Clovis, CA. USA Posts: 8	I wouldn't buy anything from them unless I could look at it first because they do have some just plain crap I went into the store to buy a tap and die set the had for $17.00 and by looking at it you could tell the first time you would use it, it would break

11-08-2002, 06:29 PM	#19
78SilveradoSWB Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Beaverton, OR Posts: 1,615	Harbour Freight We have a Harbour Freight store in Portland,OR. A lot of their handtools are of the thin & cheap variety. They also have the middle of the road stuff which is pretty good. You get what you pay for. Used alot of their stuff on the production line, where tools mysteriously end up missing, it was justified. For my own stuff, I buy Craftsman, Snap-On, etc.

11-09-2002, 02:28 AM	#20
Charger440 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Clovis, CA. USA Posts: 8	I buy alot of Chaftsman tools to, the problem with Snapon tools is try to get a socket replaced when they break they always try to tell you that you used them on an impact gun besides that they are over priced MATCO tools are about 50% cheaper and they will warrenty them

11-18-2002, 07:28 PM	#21
CustomChevy Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 462	my pruchase i got a engine stand from them. no problem, good unit. shipped fast.

11-18-2002, 07:40 PM	#22
minibike Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 500	Bought a DA today for 18.95. Sure it may not be the best, but for that price, who cares if it craps out after one project. __________________ 69 SWB LT1/4L60E www.classicplace.com

12-12-2002, 11:00 PM	#24
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,423	You get what you pay for. Recently I've been buying Ingersol Rand, and they seem like they'll last forever. Here's a good source with the lowest prices around: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/ They were far cheaper than Harbor Freight on the air ratchet I just bought and don't charge freight if the first order is >$100. __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!

12-30-2002, 07:55 PM	#25
GMC Jim Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 901	a deciding facot on Harbir Freight..... They pay the freight on orders over $50.0... Once ordered an anvil.... the freight was more than the cost of the item.... __________________ '71 GMC;fleetside;PB/PS/AC/CC/402 Eng./Custom Paint/110,000act miles/3 fuel tanks(52gal).

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