Top 10 Tools the Pros buy at Harbor Freight!
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- Опубликовано: 19 апр 2023
- Top 10 Tools the Pros Buy at Harbor Freight!
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Хобби
I love Harbor Freight simply for the fact that they have democratized access to tools. Sears did this back in the day, HF has taken up that mantle and just run with it. I know so many friends and neighbors who have gotten into DIY and low-level home/auto maintenance because there is access to quality tools at no-brainer prices and a wealth of info on RUclips. I can't imagine how empowering that would be to people of lower economic means. Being poor is expensive, being able to fix your own stuff is priceless.
Wonderfullly said
Here here!!
Amen!!
You just described my situation perfectly. I've become a DIYer because of HF. I'm a programmer by training, so fixing my car is something other pros do for me. Well a few years ago I bought a few tools and replaced my own motor mounts because the tooling was so affordable that I figured I'd try it for fun and just take it into the shop when I inevitably failed. Well I didn't fail!
This is capitalism. It can't promise you a raise, but it'll lower your cost of living if you let it work. 🙂
have become a jack of all trades diy and it all started at harbor freight
I've been going by the rule of buy it first at harbor freight, replace it with something better when it breaks. If it never breaks, I don't use it often enough or intensely enough to justify a more expensive one. I've easily saved thousands by not overshooting my needs.
That's a really good point I hadn't considered. Well said as well. Cheers
Very good advise. I do the same.
Or just replace it at harbor freight
@@lordrayden3045 if it's an item with a lifetime warranty I still go get something better but I keep the HF replacement as a backup 😉
Great way of thinking
Funny I make my living at 52,000 year which may not seem like a lot to some but that's exactly why I shop at harbor freight! Yes I've snapped a few tools, ruined a few pliers and countless screw drivers over the years. However, I'm not in debt to any tool company and I will own my own home outright in 2 more years at the age of 48.
I been saying it for years....there is simply NO substitute for outright owning your home, none!
I would only argue that good screwdrivers/tips are worth their weight in gold, since the frustration of rounding out a fastener is unparalleled
Screwdrivers are the only tool I do buy from snap on. Haven’t found a screwdriver to match them as hard as I’ve tried. I buy the bulk drill tips from dewalt or Bosch what ever Home Depot has at the time. Sometimes they get one use sometimes 10. But it they even start to round it’s gone. Too cheap to have the headache.
I’m a cnc machinist, and a dealership tech before I went to college…I use the harbor freight drill press vise, harbor freight pro impact Allen head sockets, hammers, rubber mallets, then I also use ridgid power tools for deburring and Kobalt sockets and socket sets and tool boxes very little snap on anymore their prices are ridiculous… remember the guys in the office saying the professionals don’t buy cheap…. Those guys make 3-4x what we do… I make $18 an hour after 5 years in the trade and my bachelor’s degree…. I can’t afford a $1200 socket set from snap-on
As a fellow cnc machinist a bunch of my tools are also from harbor freight but the big one that everyone gets from harbor freight are their dead blow hammers, they’re only like $5 and take hits like a tank. Every machine in our shop has harbor freight mallets with them
They also make great woodworking tools, have their hammer, Japanese saw, and a few smaller things. And a funny part about harbor freight sockets, someone like me who weighs 140lbs at 5'9 will have a hard time breaking sockets as long as I'm not using breaker bars on 1/4 inch bits, hammering it with a 2x4😂😂😂 only bad thing I've got is a Pittsburg adjustable wrench that has the measurements for socket sizes are rusted off, but that's my fault and the wrench still works great, lol
I'm down almost 90 lbs since November and have been using my $7.99 Harbor Freight leather punch on the regular to add holes to my belts, works great! 🙂
Yes, I have the Harbor Freight leather punch too, but I haven't found that it enabled me to lose any weight.
@@GarthELibre-😂
@GarthELibre
I hear Chrystal Meth is the most recent, and effective Fad Diet 🤷🏽♂️
Harbor Freight has been stepping up their game over the last few years and I appreciate that. I don't mind buying from them, I'm just a DIY guy anyway, I just usually do some homework first...online reviews on YT or whatever before I buy. As a general rule, if HF has 2 or 3 options for a certain type of tool I need, I won't buy the cheapest version...I shoot for the middle or better. This has worked out just fine for me so far.
I remodeled my last kitchen with one of those old Chicago Electric sliding miter saws. I've upgraded to a Makita since, but as a new homeowner back then it allowed me to get the job done more affordably!
I'll admit that for a long time, I looked down my nose at Harbor Freight. Then I decided to walk through the store and saw that they offered. My interest was piqued and I decided to do some real research. Today, Harbor Freight is the first place I think of for many things. I'll go to Harbor Freight before Northern Tool any day of the week, and I have both locally.
Thank you, Den of Tools for helping open my eyes.
Pros don't shop there.. which is why contractor trucks and vans are in the parking lot every day of the week.
🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
@@deykno87 agree 👍 they're clowns if they pretend they're not at the Freight.
best comment and if u can go out for lunch ride by hf lol they busy lol alot of independent and company vechi
Wrong
I work part time as a handyman. I bought the US General tool cart, removed the wheels and put in my van. It's been at least 5 years and every drawer opens as closes just as smoothly as day 1.
Harbor Freight has become something like the Sears of old. Sears sold tools in two tiers, Sears and Craftsmen. Craftsmen tools weren't the very best, but they close, less expensive, and came with a no BS lifetime warranty.
I miss Sears
@@freemansgarage Me too.
@@freemansgarage I just miss the old days period.
The warranty replaced broken tools with returns.
About 45 years ago, me and some friends were cleaning
out an old boat. I found a Craftsman ratchet, all rusty,
in the bilge. I said, looks like a brand new ratchet.
Next day, it was!
steve
Thank you, Brother!! I’ve been a reluctant shopper of HF for several years for exactly the reasons you mention. This is the first time I’ve seen someone breakdown the value and quality available here AND how it’s improved over time. I’m trusting your take on this enough to put my money on it. I’m a subscriber now. Keep it coming!
I used to be a pro tech in my 20s until I decided to farm full time with my dad. Last spring we lost our shop (already had a pair of US General boxes in that one) so we've had to replace almost everything. Ive been watching you, torque test channel and project farm a lot to help decided which way to go on new tools. The amount of things where better and best level tools fit what we need is actually kind of crazy. We equipped one of our new boxes with a full line of hand tools from harbor freight, also have a daytona floor jack as well. New shop has 3 44 inch US Generals and on this last sale I decided to replace my snap on at my home shop with another pair of US Generals. Yep we have now bought 7 of those things, oh and a 5 drawer cart as well. Anyway we really appreciate the info you all put out, its helped us out a lot and helped save money that we can put into premium tools when needed.
I love the 72" us general I got for dad a few father's days ago, and added a 14" end cabinet on each end since.
100" of girth, my my sir that's so big😂
We've been taking a while putting stuff in it , and it's a lot of space but we have a lot of tools and even inherited a horde.
I've got one short small craftsman 3 drawer roller cabinet filled just with hammers , so the other boxes we emptied won't go to waste.
I figure set em up for particular tasks ,put all the car wash/detail stuff in one for example.
I've worked for an agricultural co-op for the last seventeen years. I work on fertilizer application equipment, and if you've ever worked with nitrogen fertilizer you know all about rust. When I started way back when, I went to Harbor Freight and bought a set of Pittsburgh wrenches and impact sockets that I have used ever since without bending or breaking a single tool. Everybody like to rip up on HF, calling their tools junk, but for me, they have stood the test of time and I will always grab them first. I have some Snap-ons and Macs which I like but they stay at home and the work gets done with my Pittsburghs.
Let me tell you something, one of my dearest friends was a master mechanic for Ford. And after he finished with his career, he ended up being an instructor. He sold off all of his snap on tools, and guess what he used to teach his students with? That’s right harbor freight tools. Are used to tell a student, and me for that matter, to save your money and start out with Harbor freight tools. No it’ll be worth it for you as you get established to go with the big tool truck tools for things you use every day, but for the things you don’t use much or when you’re starting out, there’s nothing wrong with using Harbor freight tools. It’ll save you a lot of money and it won’t saddle you with a lot of debt. He’s no longer with us, and he was one of the best people I knew, and I still miss him. But if they’re good enough for him, they’re good enough for me.
How much better really are Snap-on or Mac tools? How much are you really paying for the man's career who bought into a franchise who drives around in an expensive truck?
@@MrThe1234guy Whether it comes off a tool truck or not doesn't matter. I reps from both Snap-on and Proto (which is just the industrial version of Mac) and we paid the same price as if it came off a tool truck. In fact according to my friend, tool trucks often have better payment plans and have some leeway on prices (though not alot) than by dealing with the company directly. Believe me, when you dealt with a rep from the company, you got no breaks.
While not a mechanic or trade person myself, I work in coordination with different mechanics and body guys and will go give them an extra set of hands if needed. The main tools/equipment they use are usually not from HF, but when they have backups or stuff they take out of their garage to different locations, I've seen plenty of HF tools and they never seem to have any problems getting the jobs done.
I love my 5 drawer cart. As a homeowner i have no doubt it will last a lifetime
Same. I bought a gray one and it's amazing to organize a bunch of random home tools
I am 60 years old. I turned my first wrench for $ at 7 years old. Starter on a dodge diplomat. $10.00 to change it. I used a cheap socket, ratchet, and wrench set from pick n save. $5.00. I learned early. A cheap tool is just that. A tool. Tools can be replaced. Cost effective solutions are required.
I did some exhaust work on my truck a few years ago with that Braun flash light and never saw it again for the better part of a year until I put some mud flaps on the same truck…. Yeap !!! That’s when I found it still magnetized to the
Chassis . I charged it for a bit and it still worked great!!
I work at a car dealership. Our floor jacks are Daytona. Many guys use US General toolboxes and service carts.
I've been beating on the five drawer service cart for 6 years in an industrial maintenance environment, food packaging and brewery work specifically. That cart is as solid as any tool truck cart.
I burnt out my generator one time while on a job so I went and bought a preditor generator. I figured if it lasted until I finished the job it would be worth it. Never bought another honda. In fact I bought another preditor after a power outage and my employee needed to use one. Also bought a titanium welder after I picked one up and felt how light it was. It has only been a year on it but I love how portable it is
Thanks for the thorough run down! I always dig your HF takes!
I have that jack in my work van. It’s been in the rain, snow, covered in dirt and all I do is basic maintenance and it has never failed me. Its super easy to use as well.
I can say for a fact that the Honda plant I work at uses US General tool boxes/carts.
I have been a contractor for almost 40 years, i ordered a chicago rotary hammer from harbor freight about 20 years ago just for using in hammer mode with a scraper blade to take up floor coverings. Still use it, had to install new brushes and tape the hammer/drill/hammer drill knob in hammer position or the vibration will cause the knob to flip in to drill mode. It has outlasted some dewalt tools.
Agreed the rotary hammers are great for using on jobs they work and nobody steals them
1:20 "send those ugga duggas" I about fell out of my chair at work lol keep up the good work Mr. Friendly Neighborhood tool man! Love your content.
I was introduced to HF 30 years ago by the old guys at my shop who bought based on value. Mind you, their rollaway boxes were full of Snap On, Matco, Mac, SK hand tools and Ingersoll and Dotcos air tools. But they didn't shy away from HF and Craftsman. No shame in buying wise.
This channel keeps making my Harbor Freight favorites list growing!
12:33 I think I speak for many of us that would truly enjoy seeing your vast collection of pliers.
I bought a multispeed drill, it’s light and cost $19 I’ve had it five years it has out lived the original battery pack, being left in the rain it is perfect for evey job and has outlived my ryobi my dewaltand my craftsman
I bought a 4000 watt predator generator back the week of Christmas. We were forecasted an ice storm right around Christmas with extreme cold temperatures, around -10 (yes I get it Minnesota and the Dakotas get colder but I live in the st louis area) and we have several maple trees in the back yard. I finally pulled the trigger knowing it would run our fridge, furnace and a coffee pot or griddle or toaster oven. As a side note it will also power our camper so during the summer if we lose power we'll camp in the driveway or take it to a national park. I can't believe how quiet it is and how smooth it operators. Love it. Worth the money.
I have a small woodworking shop and I'm constantly doing things around the house. I have several of the gray quick release clamps and they have performed perfectly for me for the last 4 or 5 years. I also have eight of their larger clamps that are orange and they are also amazing for the money. As far as sockets, wrenches and ratchets, I have several of the Pittsburgh pro that I have used for several years working on my cars in my tractor. I have no complaints about anything from harbor freight except for some of their less expensive power tools like the Chicago electric reciprocating saw of times but for what I paid, I still can't really complain. I also have some Hercules drill bits that have exceeded expectation. Overall, I get lots of tools from harbor freight in my favorite is the Icon creeper I recently picked up but the several pairs of Doyle pliers, my icon flex head bit ratchet set, the new style warrior heat gun, Daytona Jack, Daytona jack stands, the list goes on. It's all great stuff.
I have both the Hercules sliding miter and the Hercules 10" table saw. I love both of them. They are sturdy, accurate and easy to use.
Harbor Freight needs a tool truck. They would absolutely dominate everyone.
couldn’t agree more
Aaaaand there goes my life savings 😂
I started shopping at HF a few years ago when I started my business and honestly, you just have to become familiar with their brands and tools in general to know what's worth it and what isn't. Pittsburg really is for people who use tools once or twice a year, though I started with a Pittsburgh socket set and used daily, for 4 years they never rounded or broke. Quinn if you do a little more work (maybe once every two months) but Icon is what I have my apprentice working off of and not one tool has failed him in one year. Once he buys his own tools he can decide on what brand he wants, but as it stands, 90% of the work he does is with Icon tools.
100% agree on the breaker bar. Haven’t used their other hand tools because I’ve not needed them. But haven’t had good luck with their electric stuff.
Harbor Freight just opened a store 5 miles away from me. I have purchased 4 tools and a few other items from the store so far. I'm happy with everything, I like that the stores are smaller than Home Depot and Lowes. This makes HF easier to get in and out of the store. I always compare pricing with the other stores and read the reviews. Harbor Freight has saved me a lot and money and time. They are my go to tool store now.
I’ve used and abused the cheap 3/8 metric Pittsburgh hex sockets on my impact wrench almost daily for years and they refuse to break or round. One of their best products imo and I got the set for $7.
Same here but not on cars. I work on vacuum pumps
im a 43 year bodyman i bought a air angle grinder in 2012 for 20 bucks and it still works
The predator generator is probably thing I see the most. I see those thing tied on to welding trucks next to miller welders. I've seen them commercial work vehicles I've even seen them on A-DOT vehicles. I think they're probably the most sold generator at this point
I had my own Auto Repair shop for 5 years. I had thousands of $$ in mostly Snap-On , with Mac, Craftman and Matco sprinkled in. I was paying Snap-On $800 A week for tools and equipment. My Snap-On " Tamale " cart cost me $1200 in 1975. Biggest tool bottom cart at the time. Fast Forwrd late 90s I would stop in at the Harbor freight store in Fresno Every time I was near. They got me out of a bind several times and did a good job for me. I'm like a Boy Scout and like to be prepared. Didn't have to be a expensive tool to " git er done " as long as it got done. I have bought some Icon stuff and I am well satisfied. Keep up the great content.
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@@richardvillanueva8786 888
I have a friend who buys all kinds of tools from Snap On, Blue Point, Mac, and Harbor Freight and uses them in his shop everyday. They all have their purpose.
I just broke my Pittsburgh torque wrench after 3 years of use and took it back and laid it on the check out desk and they went and handed me a brand new one no fuss.
Got the $220 , 4 ton Daytona long reach low profile made by the same company as the $1,000 snapon.
Got the 24" breaker bar, several pry bars, a dead blow hammer, strut compressors, impacts socket sets, a couple of test lights with beep, big wrenches, long extensions, 120a flux welder & more.
I do have a 78" snapon tool chest $11,995.
And a host of snapon starter tools.
I just purchased the Chicago Electric Worm Drive Saw for under $45.00. I always wanted a worm drive saw, but did not want to spend $200.00. I will use it until it wears out. Great value fore the money.
Thanks for the update vis-a-vis their pliers. I haven't even looked at them since the days when they were junk. And I need a couple of new pairs. Now I have to go check the current coupons.
I used to work in an aerospace machine shop and we even had Harbor Freight tools there. Every cnc had a dead blow hammer for setups and there were Pittsburgh socket sets and hex key sockets everywhere.
I'm a mechanic and I use the impact Pittsburgh pro sockets, they are good. I also use a lot of icon tools. I like my cheap HF braker bar, it doesn't get used all that often but it doesn't let me down when it's needed.
I have the led light as well, it's decent. I haven't tried the icon yet.
The Daytona jacks have been used in 2 of the shops I worked in and I have one myself. No issues there. Also no issue with my old cheap Pittsburgh jack either.
The US general boxes are nice for sure. I use the 5 drawer as my mobile cart. I keep all my common used tools in it to take with me between bays. It's held up decent enough. It is showing some wear After about 3 years.
Doyle pliers have been holding up great for the money. I got a few thrown into the mix.
I know some of you guys like to judge based on brand of tools. I have gotten some hate because of having cheaper tools but don't worry I still have plenty of tool truck tools but I don't have a weekly payment.
BTW
If you are a pro. I would skip on the earthquake impacts(air). You can buy a name brand for similar money with a decent warranty.
I would like to thank you. I'm planning to take up woodworking, and have just started picking up tools now and then as I can afford them. I had always heard bad things about Harbor Freight until I found your channel. I'm planning to get the Bauer detail sander this weekend, and I'm saving up for the Hercules miter saw based on your review of it. If not for you channel, I would have been spending more money on similar or potentially lower quality tools. Again, thank you.
I love that icon light, and I’ve seen people say it doesn’t have a “memory” but mine sure does, turns right back on to the last setting I had it on
I've used those Harbor Freight impact sockets for many years.
great to keep the impact size need for lug nuts handy in your vehicle with your jack.
always have several of their punches, long and standard around the house.
I've been using their impact extensions and sockets. I can't believe they have a lifetime warranty. Zero issues going on about 3 years of shade tree mechanic work.
I have had a decent amount of use from those impact sockets too. They could improve them so much by including a case. I have several deep impact socket sets from Northern Tool, and they come in a blow mold case with a lid and a grab handle, and those are the ones I use much more, because the case is so much easier to grab, carry and keep the sockets organized. Might add $1 to the price, but so worth it.
@@mickm5097 I have the Tekton long and short in a case.
the Harbor Freight set I just run a wire through all of them to keep them together.
Excellent report very professional. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.
I will say the pitsburgh line of hand tools is quite excellent and a great value. Their sockets are excellent and are as good as my snap-on and craftsman tools. I use them all the time for car repair and they never disappoint. if your looking for a nice starter mechanics set of tools, you cannot go wrong with the pitsburgh mechanic set. I bought the 300 pc set years ago it on sale for cheap on fathers day and was blown away how nice it was.
Hi Bear still think about your “ Think like an owner “ Definitely one of the BEST videos I ever watched on RUclips . Shine on brother.
Ratchets, offset wrenches, sockets, bearing press, ratchet straps, Daytona jacks, hand punch, hammers/dead blows. I like their Earthquake air tools, work the snot out of em in the shop for 3 yrs and still going. Their Doyle tools are real nice. Just have to oil them since they come either uncoated or very thin tool oil on them.
1 of each jack with the cross beam is the perfect complement.
I've had my US General service cart since 2010, and it's held up beautifully.
I LOVE the Doyle product line. You can't beat the quality for the money, especially with 30% off [like we just had for ITC members $20 and under -- lots pf their products are $19.99 😁] Thanks for all the great videos.
I love the 14” bamdsaw I bought! Beats the heck out of the old 9” I was gifted! I only upgraded the belt to a linked belt to reduce noise and vibration.
I picked up my 1/4” Impact driver, socket adapter, and impact socket set a week ago and was very impressive I am happy about the purchase
You summed it up right there Bear: " ....I just don't like people talking down to other folks saying things that are Not true". !!
Reminds me of my favorite saying..... "if you think education is expensive, try ignorance" !
I have the breaker bar, the 5 drawer mechanics cart, the clamps, and the low profile Daytona jack from this list. It goes really high. They know their jacks are highly sought after. It's one of the one things that never go on sale. I waited months and months for a sale but I got fed up and bought it for the regular price.
I do mobile diesel repair, there's a handful of HF tools I use a lot and rely on. The automotive front end socket set, it's half inch drive, and 28mm up to like 38.. great 50$ set. The indexing pry bars from Quinn are also awesome. I go through a lot of their chargeable lights as well, I refuse to pay the big $ anymore cuz they always end up broken or I leave them stuck under a frame on a truck and it proceeds to ride off all over the country
I agree most mobile techs run cheaper tool sets cause you’re gonna leave something somewhere and you’ll never get it back (buy once cry once) doesn’t work out in the field lol.
Thanks for making this video 👍🏽👍🏽
I am thankful for your advice.
Now I gotta try the icon light, because i've been so freaking impressed with the braun light!
Harbor Freight is my go to store because the prices will fit my budget. There’s two tire shops not far from us using Daytona floor jacks, I inquired about why they had them, was told cheaper than Snap-on plus better quality. Jeff I have a Harbor Freight brand 4 1/2” angle grinder that our son bought from a truck load sale in a parking lot long before they had stores in Texas. The handle broke completely off, I superglued it back on & I’m still using it. I have Pittsburgh half inch drive impact sockets, two of those long half inch breaker bars plus a 3/8” drive ratchet. I broke the ratchet, took it to HF & showed the cashier when I walked in he took it, we went to where they were, got me another one & I was on why way no questions asked. Keep’m coming
I tend to be a snob for quality and in the process of setting up a garage and getting tools. You probably just saved me thousands by changing my mind in looking at harbor freight for 90% of the stuff I was thinking of getting elsewhere.
I LOVE HARBOR FREIGHT, I just bought a titanium tig welder (novice welder) it works for me
plus they have a return policy like nobody else do not have your receipt with you give phone number they find receipts for you and employees are very helpful and considerate
they might not be knowledgeable on everything they sell ( not even people who work for big box stores know everything) but i find H.F. employees more customer service oriented
and more than happy to work where they work.
i also love the hercules line for me they are tools that a person like me on a limited income can afford.
BEAR IT HAS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I HAVE SEEN YOUR VIDEOS IM SORRY FOR THAT!
I LOVE YOUR CHANNEL AND DEN OF TOOLS THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DO FOR US
As an auto tech of more than 40 years I've bought my share of tools from Craftsman, Mac, Matco and Snap On. All of them stored in some very old tool cabinets from Mac with Snap On side box and a Lyon cabinet. I couldn't see myself paying that much for toolboxes from the tool trucks and sears was too cheap in quality. Then Harbor Freight introduces the Icon Storage box lineup and Wow! After several months of research I finally decided to go for it. I purchased the 56 inch cabinet and chest with the upper overhead cab. In my opinion, same quality as the tool truck storage units at a fraction of the cost. I highly recommend them.
i've seen alot of the daytona jacks in many shops and including tire places,plus the 5 drawer us general and 56" and 72" tool boxes.👍🏽
I work as a lab assistant in a Auto Tech Program at a Community College. The US General tool cart has become very popular. For the money, they are really hard to beat.
Working 2 years everyday on golf carts in a busy shop. Had the mechanics cart for total of around 3 years.
0 issues shoving all my shit in it lol
I have the 3 ton long reach long profile jack and it's a BEAST! Excellent quality and great performance. I love it. I also bought the tool storage chest, it's also very good quality.
I run the Vulcan outlaw 195 at my job sites . Welding / chop saws / running off tools with it. Commercial job . Runs my stuff amazing .
I just bought the Daytona jack and I love. The orange is so nice!
I LOVE the 2 AAA pocket Quantum flashlight. I keep one in my shirt pocket, and use it at least every other day.
Yes on the Predator generators. Was a diehard Honda fan but decided to give HF a shot. We are a year in running them 20+ hours a week and they work great at 1/4 of the Honda price.
How’s the noise comparison? I see food trucks running the predator but my god they can barely hear my order with that thing rattling along.
I use the F type HF clamps for my woodworking and they make up the bulk of my clamps other than a few Jorgenson I inherited and a few pipe clamps. Might pick up some of the Bremen squeeze clamps - they rate well and are priced nice too. I also have the HF dust collector modified with a separator and canister filter. It works great and I haven't had a single issue with it. My son uses the Pittsburgh wrenches/sockets on his cars and they work just as good as the 40 yr old Craftsman ones I have. The magnetic parts holders are great and you can't beat the prices on zip ties there too.
I’ve been using the Icon tools for about 6 months now. I couldn’t be more pleased with the quality, I don’t use them daily but it’s nice to know if something does happen to break I’ll get it replaced for free.
I have that 5 drawer tool cart. its very sturdy and i like that I can easily roll it around.
Icons version of the knipex plyer is holding its own not only in my experience but in multiple youtube tests
Nothing beats their Aluminum Floor Jacks...I bought several and they take a beating..
Another informative entertaining video. I have operated a custom fine woodworking shop for years (decades). I have used hundreds of the HF F-style clamps and realized that the bar flexes too much for any size over 12". This can lead to glue-ups that aren't flat. My advice is to buy all the HF 6" clamps you want and buy a few 12" clamps as back-ups. But, buy heavy-duty name brands, pipe clamps and/or parallel clamps for longer sizes.
---- true: and their deep-throat C-clamps are useless for more than moderate clamping -- just using the sliding handle that comes on the clamp you can watch the frame flex as you hand tighten, and if you bow down they will snap under hand pressure - the good thing about them is you can buy a bunch of them for the cost of a quality clamp when you don't really need a strong clamp
I agree completely. And avoid their squeeze clamps too.
I can say that you and Harbor Freight have been saving me money! Thank You !!
As some one else mentioned. Harbor Freight has brought access to tools for those who just need something quick and dirty. I was replacing the passenger window in my dodge. No hand tools didn't own a thing. New to tools. Didn't have much spare change to spend. A buddy of mine said go to harbor freight here's what you'll need to replace it. Spent 30 bucks. Replaced the window. No problems. That was 9 years ago. Been a harbor freight fan since. I was never a fan of the tool trucks they charged too much. Pittsburgh sockets whether you buy the colored ones or the regular ones work fantastic the impact sockets are awesome. The ratchets work fine. I don't see the issue with Harbor Freight. The only reason I lost the Pittsburgh ratcheting box wrench is because I Arc welded it when I was changing out at 12 volt battery on a floor scrubber machine. So now I have a 14 mil that is basically a standard 14 mm wrench no ratcheting anymore oh well it was my fault not the tool's fault. And their Doyle stuff is fantastic that's all I buy if I need pliers and cutters and stuff like that.
Icon light and the Long Reach Jack are absolute must haves from HF
I bought that icon work light and it's the best, most useful flashlight i have ever owned.
It has 5 different functions and a sequential on off button. Whichever light position it's on when in use, will be the same light that comes on next time you turn the light on.
Love that. So much nicer than having to click the light 4 more times to get to the off position.
Two small gripes
Slow to recharge. Slow, not horrible.
The magnetic base has a thin vinyl protective pad, or cushion on it to reduce scratching things.
That pad is too soft and the adhesive that keeps it in place will last a week....maybe.
They need to change the design from a pad to a stiffer plastic cup so it can't come off. That magnetic base is crazy strong. I love that. Great light guys ...... It's absolutely worth the extra $10.
I bought the 2 ton low profile Daytona jack with the Flintstone roller up front. (The green aluminum one)
I tried it after buying it and wow......when not under a load, it was all up in 5 pumps.... Maybe 4.85 pumps. 😁
My old, heavy Wilmar took 45 pumps. They have the same max lifting height. Amazing jack.
The tools they offer are at a reasonable price and have some quality. I've shopped at a harbor freight tools for almost 20 years for various things and seen the changes. I was introduced to the store by a fellow mechanic that long ago. Im still turning wrenches professionally. However, most of my current tools are not harbor freight. Work it for yourselves to find value where you can!
A tire shop I went to for years (they closed when their property was turned into a freeway exit) used nothing but Daytona jacks.
I'm a skilled trades person, I use Icon ratchets everyday they are awesome. Wouldn't be without them.
Here is a tip, wait for Home Depot to put the DeWalt saw on sale. I got the sliding miter saw and stand for $300 during their black friday sale
Before I started watching the bear about three and a half years ago, I’d been to Harbor Freight on occasion… ever since, I direct deposit about half of my paycheck to them. Got a garage full of stuff from them.
First time watching your channel. GREAT and informative video. I subscribed and looked forward to seeing more.
I work on heaters in shops through out the southeast. I see that Daytona jack at a lot of them. I used mine today to work on our shop truck.
Harbor Freight has really come out with some much better quality tools in recent years....however, the US General Tool Boxes have always been good...I have a 20+ year old 44" Top and Bottom chest that has sat outside on my carport all those years, and other than being dusty and dirty it functions just fine, although I need an upgrade as I'm out of space in it. I've had several Chicago Electric tools and have only had a belt sander and drill bit sharpener fail, and they both failed within the first use LOL....everything else I've had has been just fine...2 compound miter saws, lots of hand tools, oscillating spindle sander, a variable speed mini-lathe, the 55 gallon 2 horsepower dust collector, mortising machine, biscuit slot cutter, and now several Bauer and Hercules 20V tools, and a couple of 12V Hercules tools....the Bauer and Hercules stuff has really bumped up their game. I do have one of the 3 ton Daytona Jacks, and the jack stands but I need to upgrade to the 4 ton jack for my HD pickup...the 3 ton will lift it but it seems like its struggling a little.
I actually just picked up a hercules 3/8 20v impact and the quinn socket set during their sale and I got all of that plus a charger and 2 5ah batteries for about 340 and 100 of that was just the socket set and I must say I am impressed for such a little tool that I know a lot of people have had issues with but that thing managed to remove the threads on a 1/2in bolt on my trucks bumper and it will definetly stay in my car with a lug socket set. A similar setup for the powertool would have cost more for something like craftsman or milwaukee or dewalt and especially now that I have some batteries I can get other tools way cheaper than another company and that 5 year warranty just seals the deal
That Icon light rocks! I've used and abused mine Mon-Fri for the last 6 weeks, if it goes another 6, it has payed for it's self compared to other lights I have spent money on.
After we had storms all around where I live (Western Illinois) and a lot of people lost power, I went to Harbor Freight the next day and bought one of those generators!
Recently replaced my 18 year old Series 1 toolbox with a larger Series 2 that was on sale because the Series 3 are on their way. I wanted/needed a larger box. The Series 1 spent all its life in a oil field shop and is still going strong, gave it to one of my kids.