rubble Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 I’ve cleared out a bay at my warehouse so use for tinkering with our equipment (trailers, trucks, boat, etc). Going to stock it with tools that don’t leave the shop. Wanted to see if any of you guys have had luck with Harbor Freight tools and chests? They seem to have some of the best prices but not sure if they have quality products? We have a Lowes and I have mostly Kobalt tools in the Pathy. Also have a local auto parts place but their tools are all off brand and expensive. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smilemaker Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 I have found harbor freight good for limited light duty use. Mostly when you need something for a particular use and probably won't use it again. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernWake Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 I have found Smilemaker's comments spot on, except for my HF angle grinder. I can't kill it and think it was $12. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smooth move Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 ditto Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCFD rtrd. Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 If you are going to buy battery powered tools, I would suggest you buy all the same brand. Then, you can interchange battery's and most chargers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyB Posted February 10, 2021 Report Share Posted February 10, 2021 A few years ago a friend at work was telling the story of how he needed a 1/2 drill to drill a hole in some house remodel. He said “I went to Harbor Freight”. At that point we all jumped in saying you did I what??? Waste of money bla bla bla. He stops us and said you guys do not understand, I didn’t need a drill, I just need a hole! That was the best Harbor Freight story I have heard to date. Thought I would share ! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geeviam Posted February 11, 2021 Report Share Posted February 11, 2021 Ditto what Smilemaker said previously. I bought the PITTSBURGH 2 Ton Capacity Foldable Shop Crane, for lifting my Yamaha outboard off the transom a few times while adjusting motor height, adding wedges, adding a jack plate, etc. Also use it to assist with lifting the skiff off the trailer with a bar and sling, when needed. It more than paid for itself vs the cost to rent one. https://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-capacity-foldable-shop-crane-69514.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wanaflatsfish Posted February 11, 2021 Report Share Posted February 11, 2021 On 2/9/2021 at 10:50 PM, smooth move said: ditto Yep, for non pro use and limited stuff..... I buy Dewalt hand tools and drill bits, Milwaukee drill bits and tools I buy Roybi for lawn stuff (buy 3 yr warranty) On 2/10/2021 at 9:09 AM, SCFD rtrd. said: If you are going to buy battery powered tools, I would suggest you buy all the same brand. Then, you can interchange battery's and most chargers. 100% agree....you pay more for Dewalt, but, it works....the Ryobi brand at HD is OK for average use. On 2/10/2021 at 3:53 PM, HoneyB said: A few years ago a friend at work was telling the story of how he needed a 1/2 drill to drill a hole in some house remodel. He said “I went to Harbor Freight”. At that point we all jumped in saying you did I what??? Waste of money bla bla bla. He stops us and said you guys do not understand, I didn’t need a drill, I just need a hole! That was the best Harbor Freight story I have heard to date. Thought I would share ! Definately a chuckle on that one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaco2 Posted February 11, 2021 Report Share Posted February 11, 2021 bought the 44" x 22" top and bottom u.s. general tool boxes. very good quality, nice bearing drawers,even came with drawer liners.very happy with purchase,keep an eye out and get them when they put them on sale 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rubble Posted February 15, 2021 Author Report Share Posted February 15, 2021 Not looking for industrial tools for out in the field. All of our power/cordless tools are Bosch or other upper tier brand. We really put our power/cordless tools to the test. I’m just looking for tools to use around the shop and something to keep them in. It looks like the US General chests are about the same price as the Craftsmen at Lowes. The Kobalt tool sets also look to be right in line with the Pittsburg line from Harbor. I always thought that Harbor would be less expensive. I guess they may be on the loss leader items. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.