BEST Harbor Freight Tools for Starting Mechanics and DIYs!!
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- Опубликовано: 20 май 2019
- Starting as a Mechanic/Tech or getting heavy into DIY can be a lot of work and a bit daunting! There is SO many tools out there to see and some of them may be a waste of your money and time and others may not! In this video I just give a short list of some of my favorite picks from Harbor Freight that have helped me out on my way and I hope others enjoy it and find it helpful as well!
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As a small engine mechanic, those hose pliers are a miracle. They make it so much easier to get those pesky rotted hoses off in tight spaces.🤗
i second the pittsburgh pro 25" long 1/2" breaker bar. it is truly a heavy duty tool. ive got one in the garage & one in every car for lugnuts & u can usually catch em on sale for 15 to 19 bucks. great product! god bless & thanx for the video man
Great video! I use almost all the things you mentioned at my job daily professionally (oilfield diesel shop).
Good film. I have that Pittsburgh long reach, needle-nose pliers set, they've worked well for me. A friend of mine is a fulltime mechanic and he uses the same set pert near everyday. I've only used mine periodically on my side work jobs. I have that Earthquake XT 1/2" impact. It's a decent value, but the 90 day warranty leaves a lot to be desired especially if one is starting out full time as a mechanic. I splurged the extra $7 dollars for the 1 year warranty which is up in August. I was told by the cashier I could upgrade for the two-year replacement warranty whenever I wanted. I'm probably going to do that. I've thought about the Earthquake 3/8" drive air ratchet to replace my older Craftsman air ratchet. The Earthquake has 200 rpm compared to my Craftsman 140 rpm. Keep up the good work.
I agree. The quinn pliers and screwdrivers are a great deal.
Yes if can make a basic mechanic tool set video to start off with would be great content. Thanks buddy. Love ur videos!! Keep up the great work!!!!
I took my post toddler son to harbor freight and told him it was the REAL toy store.
Good video man . I started with a small box now I have that box a snap on big box and a tool cart with side cabinet. Fo the new guys you get to having more then you need just didt be a fan boy. The icon is different metal and barely thicker !
I was amazed when I saw an Earthquake 1/2" cordless remove the pinion nut on a semi-truck. Guy says the gun was about 3 years old and he uses it daily.
I just do little bit of work at home on a 70 C10.
I have now bought more tools at HF and I'm starting to do a little bit harder jobs on my truck cuz I have more tools and checking out utube . Saving lots of money
Thanks so much for this video!!
Very helpful, thank you 👍👍
I use mainly all harbor freight as a European mechanic. but I am starting to learn quality stuff is better and worth the money. Such as extra long extensions that are 1/2 to 3/8 drive and long ratcheting combo wrenches etc. Going to buy a lot of SK tools
A good harbor freight hack is that if you break a tool and they don't have that tool anymore, you'll get the upgraded version.
I recently stumbled across your channel and I gotta say, I really like the content and your presentation. It's nice, simple, and to the point. Too many new channels now a days are trying too hard to be wacky or whatever. I really appreciate your down to earth approach! Looking forward to seeing more videos!
You all probably dont care but does anyone know a way to log back into an instagram account??
I was dumb lost the login password. I would love any help you can give me!
@Terrance Jeffrey Instablaster ;)
@Calvin Beckett I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and im trying it out now.
I see it takes quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Calvin Beckett It did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thank you so much, you saved my account :D
@Terrance Jeffrey Happy to help =)
I always recommend the Pittsburgh 3 ton steel floor jacks. They're are 2 designs, standard and low profile. Obviously, the lo-pro can get under lower vehicles, but, the standard design, which I've had for years, raises a couple inches higher.
As far as H-F discontinuing the Pittsburgh Pro line of hand tools, I just don't see it. From looking at recent ads, they seem to be going to a "good, better, best" kind of thing. Air compressors, power tools and welders all have gone this way already.
I'd be happy with a Good, Better, Best option layout that would be better than getting rid of the midline range of tools because honestly for me so far the Pittsburgh Pro stuff has all been fantastic so far, cost not even factored.
The low pro gets higher I know cause I work here
I use the impact sockets, swivels, extensions, adapters, etc. for my job and haven’t broken one yet. The only downside is the sets are missing some less used sizes. So you’ll have to buy these individually if you need them.
I saw a HF toolbox the other day that was racked. The whole box was out of square, the top was about 1 1/2” right of the bottom. Maybe that was operator error, but if you’re filling a box up with steel, it should be able to handle a little abuse imo. Maybe the new ones are stronger though. I have a HF folding trailer I bought second hand....works great. It’s had some major issues too. Before I owned it I had to come rescue it off the side of the road for the previous owner twice. Now it’s mine so it’s maintained properly, but given what it’s been through and that it cost me basically nothing to get it back to good condition, it’s probably my favorite HF item I own. I’m a master carpenter, I specialize in fine woodworking. I can’t use every tool the have, but there are a lot that are great. I’ve had this 14” wood lathe that I think I paid $60 for in ‘07. I’ve sharpened the chisels a few times and the screw has given me issues, but I can still get it to work. I can’t carve really hard woods like cocobolo, but for pine or a 2x4 this thing is amazing for the price. And it fits in a cabinet. If I had the money I’d buy everything made in the USA. Until then this stuff works.
That 1/2in impact is no joke. Other than it being heavy as all get out (I was a tire tech at the time, so I was using it ALLL day) I preferred it to my SnapOn I got later. I had to warranty the SO about 6 months in for a bad seal.
and that there is what I try to remind people! nothing wrong with buying nice and expensive tools but they have issues and break too!!
Great video & pick👍🔧 Lisle makes some disconnect pliers #37160. You can use them on fuel line or connectors. They have a blunt edge so it less likely to pierce.
Good to know I'll look them up thanks!
The Bremen vise grips at the Freight are must haves if you do any suspension work, especially sway bar links-phenomenal grip with the ability to tighten even further with the 1/4" hex on the screw
How do they compare to Stanley or the new Chinese Vice Grips? My Stanley twist under torque.
I'll go as far as saying that they are as good, if not better than actual Irwin vise grips. Plus being as inexpensive as they are, I don't feel bad about beating the piss out of them.
If you do a tool set review, the Pittsburgh 300 ish piece mechanic kit is pretty good. I’ve had mine for a while. I haven’t had a need to beat the hell out of any of the tools but it’s a pretty complete set and it works great for me working on campers and rv’s. And great video I have almost everything you showed
Keep in mind most of these Pitt products have the life time warrenty!!! (95%)
Which is great and all but it is a pain in the ass when you're working on your daily driver and the tool breaks that you need to get your ride back together... Or you're wrenching late at night and the tool breaks and you are stoped in your tracks from getting it done that day. But overall I agree it's nice to have that warranty and sometimes I'll buy two of something if buying two is still cheaper than buying a quality one and it's something I'll use occasionally.
Great Video. Love hearing multiple opinions on HF Tools. 🍻👍
Thank you brother! Have a good day!
Yeah DOW!!!
The U.S. General tool carts are great!! I go the mid level 4 drawer cart for the same price as the base level cart with a coupon. This thing is built solid and has full length ball bearing drawer slides. And the lid opens up past 90 degrees so it stays out of the way. It's my new shop workhorse. WELL worth the money. The old snap@@ cart sits in the corner and collects junk now lol
The best tool I’ve found at harbor freight is the Pittsburgh pro long handle 3/8’s flex head ratchet. It is a legit professional ratchet. It’s been my go to ratchet for about a year now and I was literally trying to break it the entire time and I was never able to strip the gear in the head which is impressive for it being 18 inches long.
They’re also only $25 and it’s snap on competitor is over $150
When I was growing up H.F was junk only to be out done by Buffalo tools. When I was in my "successful" period I had a Snap On habit to the tunenof 300.00 a week. We got a new Snap On dealer and he was horrible. I went in HF one day and was pretty suprised. I have a lot of their tools now and have never broken any of them. I have always used a Fluke meter. I now have one I got at HF and it is the best meter I own. Nice video!
Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching!
Great video! Subscribed!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
For great deals on pliers I'd also mention the newer Doyle and Quinn pliers. Awesome quality, great price. Have some of both and they are excellent.
Have heard great things about those but dont actually have any! I will probably pick some up at some point. I love my Knipex ones at work but I have a few standard pliers I'd like to replace soon.
I've heard the Doyle line are basically rebranded Matco from the same manufacturer. Not sure if that's true, but the cutters on them will deal with hardened steel wire and such without deforming.
FIRST I like the new content. I work at an auto parts store and these kind of videos have helped me allot.
Hey! Thanks for stopping by!
thats great to hear I am glad you enjoy it! Did you watch much of the old content? That kind of stuff will still be around and making a comeback on the channel soon!
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I found you guys through the miata stuff. I have a tripple black 95, but my favorite from you guys was the video on the 5.7 hemi issues. I haven't really seen anyone else talking about that issue.
@@Robberbarron27 Thank you man really appreciate the support and I'm glad at least some of the Miata folks are enjoying the new stuff too! The Miata stuff will be back just have to have the money and time and starting this fall should be able to get back to projects again!
Last week l picked up the a/c gauges at harbor freight and found out the refrigerant was good above 30 psi on the low pressure line so that was good; so down the rabbit hole pressure switch was good and by process of elimination it was the ac ‘s clutch relay. So I was very please since I got a coupon on the internet for the Pittsburgh ac gauges and the relay was only six bucks. The ac in the car is cold again.
Awesome! Good job it feels good to have the tools to diagnose something and get it right! I may need to pick some of those up for doing side work. Obviously I work in a shop so we have an A/C machine I havent had to bother with guages but it would be nice to have one in the jeep.
I take the long 90 degree needle nose on EVERY job!
There is no real difference between the cheaper named HF products and the newly named HF products like the Icon Brand. All HF is trying to do is shed the "Cheap" branding that made them what they are, and trying to go more upscale. They can't go upscale with cheap prices and old names so they created all these new brands and with the according higher prices. I agree with you that for folks that want tools cheap, get them now while they are still using the old Cheap Brand names. Also, most if not all of the new brands are exempted in the 20% and 25% coupons so those will probably be disappearing soon also.
Thanks for the input and I agree with your thoughts. HF HAS stepped their quality up a lot in the last several years but it looks like this year they are making a lot of changes trying to go more upscale and raising prices. I loved a lot of the Pitts Pro tools but if they are being sold now at 2-3x the Pro price its not worth it anymore. I'll buy GearWrench for a similar price or even Tekton for closer to original HF prices. I buy tools from everywhere(Im not biased! I like my Matco, Snap On, Husky, Kobalt, Tekton and Harbor Freight!!) but It will be a sad day if these affordable options start to fade away.
Actually the metel (steel) is a high quality and they sell them as good, better, best they are giving people other options than bottom line which isn’t a bad thing. If you like the cheap stuff buy it. I go by how much it’s used as a rule or thumb
My old boss has a 1 inch harbor freight impact thats old as shit and very heavy but it had hella torque
The best thing about getting a Pittsburgh pro torque wrench I asked the manager he said the torque specs are guaranteed for life. which I’ve never heard of that that sounds great. All the other brands usually the torque specs are only warranty for a year or less.
Thats because they dont really care lol. ANY torque wrench should be calibrated periodically depending on use. They just are expecting their customers to buy a torque wrench and probably use it less than 20-30 times vs a professional that uses it every day.
Some of the best tools I got at Harbor Freight was some of the free stuff like the little red multimeter, led flashlights & the little blue multi-led light with the magnet, little picks, screwdrivers and some other goodies that everyone has in their toolbox or workbench.
The 25' air hose is Goodyear made in USA, the 3/8 air tool ratchet and the 21 gallon air compressor work great also. Here is a key to keep some of their products running for a long time is using proper oil. I use AMSOIL synthetic in my air compressor as it reduces wear to almost zero and I use the AMSOIL synthetic air tool oil, just a couple drops daily. Why use expensive oil in a cheap tool? Well, you just saved some big bucks so why not have that inexpensive tool run much longer, just think of the money you will save. Anyone can afford a few bucks for a quart of compressor oil and the air tool oil is priced right also.
Try it you'll like it.
Just to echo what you're saying, I recently bought a 3cfm vacuum pump and immediately dumped the oil out and replaced it with Robinair pump oil. Who knows what kind of Chinese sewer oil was in there, but I hope I am extending the life of the tool.
If I am understanding everything I am hearing from other channels and harbor freight employees, Pittsburgh is here to stay. Icon is just another part of their good better and best format but one step above the best. I personally like the icon and do see the differences but I don't have the money to shell out to buy them. Mayby once I get into their tool credit line I can upgrade and have a set of icon in my shop but for now I just keep my Pittsburgh in a pack out system in my utility van.
The lug nut sockets suck they crack on me all the time. I even have the Pittsburgh det with the red nylon sleeves. That set all cracks on me replaced sockets at least 3 times now glad they are lifetime warranty
short, 90 degree pliers are great for pulling fuses. Yes, you can use straight pliers, but if youre in a cluster, 90s work best IMHO
All these videos always talk about having a particular tool for 3-4 years. I’ve been going to Harbor Freight for 15 years. I’ve been using the old HF Torque Wrenches for 15 years, nothing busted all working great.
Can you do the basic mechanic tool video
There are 2 MAIN hand tool lines from HF that you need to know about 1ST if you are new to the store, "Pittsburgh" and "Pittsburgh PRO". I try to avoid the standard "Pittsburgh" stuff, with a few exceptions. But generally, anything from "Pittsburgh PRO", is exactly that... A PRO line of tools that can be used daily in the REAL world. They are REAL tools, with REAL warranties, capable of REAL work. I have NEVER had a single problem with anything marketed as a "Pittsburgh PRO" tool. They are the single best "VALUE" you'll find in the entire tool industry. Anywhere. Notice the word "VALUE". I'm not claiming they are the BEST tools, I am claiming they offer the best VALUE for their cost. SNAP-ON generally has a better quality option of every single tool VS the HF Pittsburgh PRO line. But they are 10-20X the price (or more) of every Pittsburgh PRO tool. It should also be noted that Quinn, Doyle, and Icon are some of the newer brands from HF. They are ALL great tools, and are equal to or exceed Pittsburgh PRO quality. There is nothing wrong with them at all. But they all cost MORE than the Pittsburgh PRO line, which begins to eat away at the great "VALUE" you get from HF tools (which is why you are there to begin with).
I own a small delivery/courier company, that has a couple delivery vans on the road 7 days a week. I started doing ALL of my own repairs and maintenance on my small fleet 2-3 years ago to cut costs. 99% of my tools are from HF. I use them daily.
I keep having people tell me there's zero difference between Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh pro. I can't find anything official taking about the two lines. Heck, HF doesn't even mention anything pro at all yet some of the stuff that's delivered is labeled as pro. What gives??!
@@austine2680 I think I know what you mean. On the HF website they don't differentiate between [Pittsburgh] and [Pittsburgh PRO]. It's all categorized as [Pittsburgh]. When in-store it's pretty easy to spot what you should avoid. If you are solely an online customer just avoid the 'rock bottom' cheap stuff. Like a complete socket set for $5.99 ($3.99) with coupon. That type of stuff should be avoided. Pay a couple bucks more. Chances are, the "better" set will be Pittsburgh PRO, or to be sure get a Quinn set... Just don't get absolute cheapest version of a particular tool. The have 'good' 'better' 'best' of almost everything. Avoid the 'good' tier. Because it is quite the opposite of good...
Spectt I agree but I saw a couple tools that has both names and to the naked eye they look identical. So I figured they switched to it for marketing. I noticed Pittsburgh pro can also be made in China and not always from Taiwan, which confused me even more because I though the pro was always from Taiwan. Sigh.
If anyone needs a mechanic tool set the gearwrench set is the most complete set out there and it don't have alot of bits and gimicky stuff it has real mechanic tools
Hf is gunna hurt themselves with uping the prices people want good but affordable thats why people shop there if the price continue to go up before you know it people will look else where for affordable tool
Seriously, Here's A Funny One That Ain't No Joke! The #1 Best Tool Side Kick Outside Of A Map Gas Or Other Heating Torch To Assist Loosening Tight Stubborn Nuts/Bolts Is A Cheap Condom Which Helps Grip & Take Up Any Slop In A Socket/Wrench Nut/Bolt Relationships, Especially With Odd Nut/Bolt Heads And Cheap Sloppy Tools, Lol! 😎
The HF electrical multimeter with their high ampere circuit can’t be beat for testing parasitic draws.
PatrickI used Fluke for years. We farm so the meter sees a lot of abuse. The HF has been the best meter I have had plus if it breaks O just go return it instead of sending in and waiting like Fluke.
If they switch to totally icon then u might as well shop anywhere else.
Yup! Better option is GearWrench at that price point for most things.
Whats a good cheap air compressor to start off with.
For home use? One of the Husky ones whatever you can afford. I have liked those better than the Harbor Freight ones and the truth is the bigger the better if your really using air tools often. Our HF one at my buddys house is really loud and has to refill ALL the freakin time if your using the air a lot. Not a huge deal for weekend projects but really annoying for us if we are trying to film a project.
Wouldn’t a socket with heat shrink on it protect the wheels? Might be cheaper.
Those are cheap enough that if you are working as a professional just buy them dont bother with heat shrink.
The click style 1/4" (inch lbs) torque wrench I bought from HF didn't work out of the box, was pretty upset about that as I'd really needed one at the time. Would recommend just coughing up the extra cash for a better one with a good warranty.
Do still need to pick up some good tension style hose clamp pliers and some more long reach/deep well sockets in 1/4 and 3/4.
Was a bit pricey but I recently picked up an awesome set of 3/8ths drive deep well sockets from Oreilly's that work for spline bolts also, def recommend some of those!
Thats unfortunate! I would have just returned and swapped it for another myself, I've had brand new things break from Matco before too lol I wouldnt let one bad egg ruin it all
GearHeads Well yeah, touché to the bad egg saying lol. Unfortunately nearest harbor freight is about 45 mins away so I’d have had as much cost or more than in fuel just to return/exchange it. Ended up just getting one from Oreilly’s, will definitely be returning the other torque wrench next time I need to do a HF run though. 🤷♂️
@@WreckedRevival Understandable. I live about 40 mins from HF also but its close to where I work. One time I got a new smaller tool box from them got home and took it out of the box and the whole side was freakin caved in. Like wtf the box itself was fine! lol I was pissed to have to make the drive again.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel Ouch yeah that sucks man! Actually saw a pretty cool small wheeled tool box/work bench with peg board on the back and a few drawers at home depot not long ago for $79, think I may have to pick one up. Pretty good price for what all it has compared to other portable boxes I've seen.
Ever one need a good hammer for Ford lugnuts Toyota prius wheels and socket removal
Toyota wheels/lugs in general. The rims are always stuck on the hub for some reason.
Craftsman starter set at Lowe’s for 150 is a pretty darn good deal!!!!
I saw Justin Dows recent video on the new craftsman stuff and it looks great! I'd love to try it out soon!
GearHeads yes Justin is the reason I know about it I love his channel and now I’m subscribed to yours. Cheers 🥂
@@Gokraut Justin is a friend and a good dude! Thanks for watching and hopefully I can pick a set of those up soon!
For Black Friday I got the 224 piece set for $99
What do you think of their Zurich OBD scanners? Specifically the ZR13.
I actually only have experience with the old Centech ones! they were useful little tools for what they were and affordable but it looks like the Zurich ones do a lot more. One of these days I might need to get one and test it out!
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel dude on OfferUp is selling a brand new one for 75, the ZR13 I'm tempted to buy it. Thanks for the input.
Buy the launch you get more for the money and better scanners
@@weldingjunkie Autel is great too. I actually have the Matco rebranded Launch X431 pro behind me in this video. Its been a fantastic scanner and I love it, I cant say I have much experience with their more affordable options though, I have used some of the cheaper autels and been impressed.
GearHeads I like Autel I have the Autel Elite with J box , launch Torque x431 and the Snap On Zeus all have strong points and I love all 3. I’ve used just about every Autel made ds708, mk808, mx808, Elite, 908p, 906 etc and I’ve used a few lauch the diagun Iv , x431v+ and the torque obviously with that said the price point of the harbor freight scanners the comparable ones anyway aren’t better and HF sells them for more money. The diagun IV and the mini are killer for the money, unbeatable. I scored my launch torque USA brand new for $1050 I felt like I stole it lol my Autel elite on jb tools I got on Black Friday for $2500 with 2 yr of updates and the Zeus 3 year however out of most people budget. Diagun $650 does just about everything you really can’t beat it. I know Keith Defazio loves his.
Biggest difference between Icon and Pittsburg Pro is Icon is better steel with better treatment, better chrome, and made in Taiwan instead of China.
That said, i have 5 different Pittsburgh ratchets and they're all awesome.
Ah I did not know they switched Icon over to Taiwan! Good to know!
Haven't finished the video yet but I'm hoping their impact gun is on the list because it's awesome lmao.
😛 might depend on which impact you are talking about
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel (͡o‿O͡)
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I just got the electric one but good to know I was part right lmao. I used to love it but I have aluminum lugnuts now so I kind of stopped using it unless I have a stuck bolt.
@@guidosaur7506 You can still use it on aluminum lugnuts just be careful and use good sockets! and I have heard good things about the HF electric tools but I havent used them myself yet. What they need to do to actually compete is get a steady wide line of tools with compatible batteries and chargers. I went with Milwaukee at work because they have good quality tools and a very wide range of selection and all of them use the same batteries and chargers.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I could still use an impact on my lugs but it eats the paint unless I put like a plastic bag on them first lol. I really want a Milwaukee cordless electric ratchet. I wish harbor freight would make a line of those.
I am backyard mechanic my dad was a mechanic for over 69 years and so was my grandfather . I got there tools and test equipment worth about 25 grand . but just 1 month ago while on the highway i seen an d old beat up tool chest i left it there for 2 weeks then i tried to open but it was bent bad so i took it home I had to use a grinder to open it it has a ton of matco snap on and craftsman i now have 5 craftsman tool chests i put a lost and found ad in the paper and on craigslist . I have so many folks trying to scam me and get the tools but i ask them whos name is on the chest there is no name on it
"If you didn't like it....f*** you!" lol (Put that on a t-shirt, and I'll buy it)
first HF tool i broke as a mechanic was the pittsburg pro comfort grip 1/2 breaker bar with no cheater pipe
Damn!! I've used mine with a Jack handle on it and it took it fine!
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel yeah I was using it to get a upper ball joint on a suburban to seat just a mm or 2 farther and wasn't getting anywhere with a impact and since I was on my alignment rack I put my feet up against that, got horizontal and gave her hell. The square on the breaker failed and sent me flying off the rack 3ft on to the floor and my head bounced off my opened lower drawer of my tool box. Breakers may not last with me but those HF tool chest can take a headbutt for sure lol. Might fork the money over for a snap on one just because HF is a hour or so away for warranty and its been over a month since I broke it.
These have been tested repeatedly by a number of u tube channels. It's a safe bet that the tool can handle 200 ft lbs. More wouldn't be a surprise. 2 foot long tool with 100 lbs of pull on the handle. Some 3/8 ratchets do approach that strength but the breaker bar is as strong as most any brand and for the price it's a bargain.
Sounds like misuse of a tool.
The HF MADE IN THE USA steel car ramps are priced less than the HF made in China plastic car ramps, plus are 2 inches higher, and when used in freezing weather don't crack and crumble with you under them
I bought the torque wrench from harbor freight and thought it was garbage. I stripped out or snapped multiple bolts changing the top of my engine
Black eyes, like a doll's eyes.
Lug soket r not reall rated impact jst some really cheap crap
I know they arent impact rates, but I havent broken one in several years!
U need2 get to the point quicker
u nede 2 use ful sentenses.
lol no one forced you to watch a free video the things people complain about is amazing.