I used ruclips.net/user/postUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell
Make sure to get onto the harbor freight coupon database enter the item number and most of the time there is a coupon if not use a 20% off one item coupon also don’t forget your free item
Yes I was going to do a video about that actually...they are gonna rebrand it as icon and double the price 🥵🥵 I held them both in my hand yesterday at the store
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I've got 2 of the Pittsburgh bars and I bought 1 each for my dad, uncle and a few friends of mine. At $14.00 with coupon for a 25 inch 1/2 drive breaker bar, you cannot go wrong. A video review was done on youtube a couple years ago where a guy tested the Pittsburgh against a Mac, Snapon and Matco, and the Pittsburgh held it's own, doing everything the other 3 would do, and at the bargin price it sells for. There is a few other videos done on them too, and pretty much eveyone is impressed by them.
The Braun light uses standard 18650 batteries. As a computer technician, I pulled a laptop battery apart and salvaged six 18650 batteries and swap them out of my Braun light and just keep them in rotation. I love this so much, I'm going to buy a couple more of these lights. The Braun light is literally the most used light in my toolbox.
Yes! I forgot to mention this in the video but having 18650's to swap out is so nice. I have a charger on my toolbox and can run over and change out the battery when it dies vs having to plug it in, so much more convenient.
granadojl The 18650 is what sold me on that light. After having other light batteries degrade over time I knew it would be nice to be able to keep it a lot longer, I can also keep a few spare batteries charged and ready to go. I got mine for 20 bucks when they first came out with a coupon, it took a long time to find one in stock too so it’s no wonder they raised the price. I wish I’d have bought another at 20.
@@mcearl8073 Right on Brotha. I'm a Computer Tech that has access to allot of "old" laptop batteries... which contain roughly 6 18650 batteries grouped in series. I will be pulling one apart tonight to salvage the 18650 batteries. Heads up, in June's HF flyer... the Braun light is on sale for $22. I'll be buying two on the first of June... (Payday)
granadojl Thanks for the heads up. I’m going to pick another up, I actually have that flyer with the coupon in it, I haven’t looked through it yet. I might pick up that aluminum folding chair too for 20 bucks.
The 2 ton folding shop crane is really good... I own two of them. I've only pulled engines with them a few times, but I use them all the time for moving jet skis around.
I agree with this list. I got the braun work light on sale with a coupon for 25 bucks...best work light ever. The magnet is pretty strong and compared to matco and snap on you cant go wrong. Same for the pick set. For o-rings especially for the 1.99 price I played I'm super happy. Another great pick up is the 6" magnetic bowl. For 3 bucks you cant go wrong to keep small parts or bolts from getting lost.
In all honesty, the Bauer impact driver drill is great. Good battery, lasted me over a year so far and I use it every day cause I’m a mechanic. Only bad on it is you have to clean the factory grease out and put some quality grease. After that, it’ll do anything.
I have a small farm with a H.F. about 5 miles away. I use their stuff all the time. That hook and pick set is a life saver for getting old gaskets out of small carbs.
Couldn't agree more on the impact sockets, I have the 1/2" deep & shallow metric & SAE sets for about 6-7 years, look as good as day I bought them. The Pittsburgh Pro are made from chrome molybdenum, same as the high-dollar impacts (my Grey Pneumatic 1/4" & 3/8" sets are Cr-mo). The HF Daytona orange 3-ton low-profile jacks are also real deal, best floor jack I've ever owned.
I think, meaning I'm not sure, but it sort of makes sense, that no matter how cheap an impact socket is, it has to hold up the pressure of an impact gun in order to be deemed an impact socket. I have a feeling that all impact sockets are probably made of chrome molybdenum, and the brands like Pittsburg known to be cheap tools will be probably as good as much more expensive stuff.
@@frozerekmeyata4091 Pittsburgh Pro line when purchased 10 yrs ago was Cr-mo. A lot of regular Pittsburgh & other lower-end impact sockets are CR-V which is fine but don't typically stand up to daily use. A lot of it's personal preference & what you can afford.
@@buffalobluecheese That sounds right, I wouldn't buy their regular stuff but their air impact stuff would be just fine; now a mechanic I know who works for a Acura dealership in town buys nothing but Harbor Freight ICON hand tools, and he has their tool chests too; claimed he saved thousands over buying SnapOn; he does have some SnapOn only because Harbor Freight didn't carry a particular specialty tool.. I bought most of my hand tools as I needed them between 1972 and 1980 I think, I bought mostly Proto, some S & K, that stuff I've used for years without any issues working on my own cars, and friends cars, and of course around the house. I don't work much on my cars now due to all the crap they have in them that I know nothing about.
@@frozerekmeyata4091 from what I understand the Harbor Freight ICON line is their premium line & is on par with Snap-on. Both are out of my pay grade & not necessary as I only use for personal DIY use. I do like the tool cabinets @ HF, the US General line is very popular.
@@buffalobluecheese I don't know if ICON is on par with SnapOn or not, I do know the mechanic guy said he saved thousands of dollars going with ICON vs going with SnapOn, and money was his big motivator, as was getting a decent grade of tools. When a auto mechanic has to invest at least $30,000 in tools, PLUS, add to that collection every year as auto manufacturers come up with some sort of nonsense requiring a specialty tool to work on something, then in order to get those tools you have to go into debt with the SnapOn dealer who works like the mafia. I knew a mechanic who had a debt to SnapOn, of thousands of dollars, he got fired because he accidently screwed up something on a customers car, the auto repair place CALLED SnapOn that day, SnapOn rushed over and took all his tools, and the SnapOn Tool Chest while the mechanic was there asking them not to! Then SnapOn wouldn't let him get his tools back a week later after getting a new job, telling him he would have to rebuy them all over again, tools that were his that he had been paying on for 8 years. Even dealerships, and some independents, will pat you on the back when they hire you and say, don't worry about the tools, we have them here, we'll deduct X amount of dollars out of your paycheck for X number of years, after which those tools are yours to keep. Sounds great doesn't it? Then about 3 years go by and you're fired or laid off, and they keep the tools because you hadn't paid them off yet, and the dealership turns around and sells them again to the next mechanic, and the dealership does this over and over and over, and you thought dealerships only ripped off customers getting their cars repaired! And all that money being spent on tools for a job that pays $30 an hour on the upper end of the pay scale (depending on where you live), with at least $500 dollars a month coming out of your paycheck to pay the tool bill, the job isn't worth it. Mean while the repair shop charges $100 an hour to their customers, yes I know they have to pay for insurance, salaries, benefits, etc, but I know it doesn't cost another $70 an hour to cover those expenses; not to mention profit gouging on parts like charging $40 to $60 per sparkplug that only cost $12 to $16 at any auto parts store. But let's pay the mechanic $30,000 a year minus at least $6,000 (includes the high interest) a year for tools. Sounds like a dream job doesn't it?
Excellent video! One HF tool I use frequently is the Digital multimeter #63604, $6.39. As a matter of fact I keep several of them in different places. I save the precious Fluke meter for those few times I need precise resistance or voltage measurements. 95% of the time the HF multimeter is perfectly adequate for the job and I don't have to worry about it getting stolen or damaged. I had a crew come out to put up a steel building recently and the foreman (who was a highly skilled pro) took quite a few HF tools out of his truck!
I love that little red meter, I keep them around the house and in the camper. Probably 4 or 5 laying around at the moment. As you said, almost never need to break out the Fluke unless you need quick reaction time or precise measurements.
Agreed on the 1/2" breaker bar! Add the inner tie rod removal tool and you are set. It's now $37.99, but I know I only paid between $20 and $25 with coupon.
One more honorable mention,,,I bought a English Wheel , 230 dollars, very well built, and precise, it's the exact same one that 3 other well known companies are selling for 500 dollars,,,read bad reviews about harbor freights in the past,,but you can't go by them because they are constantly changing companies that they get there products from, my father is 88 now smartest man I've ever known and for 20 years he went to harbor freight, until he drove there and got lost along the way, I have his stash of harbor freight stuff now,,some 20 years old and still doing the job,,,out lasted my dear old dad...
I bought a set of those Pittsburgh deep impact sockets about 9 years ago and I am very impressed, they are of the same quality or better than Craftsman, or any home or auto supply place will have. Plus with the hassle free no receipt necessary no questions asked lifetime warranty you'll get a replacement fast. I did check out HF drawer style tool boxes and quite frankly they seem quite good, even felt like the metal used was thicker than others I've seen, hmm. Also the Pittsburgh brand of combination wrench sets I've tried at a friends house seemed quite sturdy, he's had his for about 8 years and no wear marks. I also bought one of their Pittsburgh 3 ton jacks and been using it for about 3 years and it works flawlessly. I personally would never buy anything electrical from them because they are all junk and will fail quickly and not have the power you might expect, plus there is no lifetime warranty of those type of tools and equipment, I bought a Chicago Electric battery drill just to see how good it would or wouldn't work and thing was gutless, I kept using it though but it killed itself about a year and half after I bought it; so I went to Home Depot and bought their Rigid line and that stuff has been amazing, lifetime warranty as well. The same thing happened to a HF soldering iron I bought except it died about 2 months into the warranty, but it was so bad I threw it away, it took forever for it to heat up enough to melt the solder. Then I tried a Chicago Electric dremel type of tool...LOL! that thing was a joke! It had no power whatsoever, kept stalling under the lightest of pressure, I think if you put a buffer wheel on it you could safely polish your teeth without harming the gums! So stay away from their electrical stuff, but their hand tools from what limited experience I have with them seem to be more than good enough for the home mechanic and maybe a pro mechanic as well. Pro mechanics would be wise to buy some selected tools from HF because the cost of tools for the mechanic keeps going up, plus new tools all the time are required, tool expenses can easily exceed $30,000, so if you can get away with some cheaper stuff that will still perform then good for you.
After 20ish years as an auto tech I amassed over 100k of truck brand tools and tool boxes. I gave up the auto industry and went industrial maintenance. All my snap on stuff is at home in the garage and I've got a box full of Harbor Freight tools at work, they work great.
I've been buying things from Harbor Freight for years. The oldest thing I still have is a variable speed 3/8th corded drill I bought for $8 that I used for many things. I did rip out much of the old plaster on wood strips walls in the bathroom and used the drill to not only use drywall screws to frame in a box around the bathtub that's recessed inside the box, While the walls were torn out I redid all the plumbing and rewired the bathroom and used the drill to install the drywall. I also used it for many other things and considering what I put it through I never expected it to last so long. About 5 years ago, I bought a 3/8th inch Pittsburgh 80 ft. lb. torque wrench. I took it to the test dept. where I worked and had it tested and it came back with a certified calibration sticker on it. Recently, I bought a set of jack stands to do work on my car. Good quality for the price. I also bought a large vise with 6 inch jaws for my basement workshop and it has a 4 inch square flat section for an anvil. Good deal for the proce. I also bought a hand held belt sander the uses 3 x 21 inch belts. Another good deal. I plan to make a stand for it so I can use it on my work bench . I've also bought many other things from Harbor Freight like a 5 inch bench grinder, a hand held circular saw and a few other things. Of everything I bought only a few of them failed, but they were cheap to replace. Over all, I like Harbor Freight as a source for tools.
Tie rod separator tool and coolant pressure tester from Hf are both very helpful tools.... with the separator I actually have 2... 1 out of the box, and 1 I have modified the jaw opening to be wide enough for most ball joints... both tools save time and are over 5 years old with heavy use
Good picks! I have other ones I use for work I did used to have a pickle fork from them, broke it after about 4-5yrs of work then bought a Chromoly one
I like the ratcheting box wrenches in SAE and Metric. Each is a double ended and I think there's 4 to a set so you have 8 common sizes. For us shade tree mechanics, I like the corded impact gun. I bought mine for $39.99 about 15 years ago. Great for most lug nuts or other tough bolts. Their Pittsburgh torque wrenches are hard to beat at $9.99. Not a tool but you can't beat the US General tool chests. I got the 44-inch roll around and top chest about 17 years ago and have outgrown them so I recently added the 72-in roll around. I can't see ever spending the money on a Snap-On or Matco or even a Craftsman box.
Their AC manifold gauge set has worked well for me as well. FYI, Scotty Kilmer and Eric the Car Guy both used the Harbor Freight AC manifold in their videos.
@@robertmusselman4488 I have used my HF vacuum pump for about 4 years and it still works great. It is the cheaper model. I change oil in it after every use.
I felt like an idiot when I sold my Mech (snap on) tools as I left the biz....kept a few goodies. but in the last 12 years.. I still wrench on my own stuff and have a compliment of HF tools.... nothing has ever failed on me.
Started as a tech in 2016 went and got a metric Deep impact socket set I kept in a small lunch cooler and used shop impacts..... now in the end of 2020 I’ve got over 2k invested in tools and storage with at the very least 85% of that being tools from harbor freight. I am no longer a tech I now hold a cdl but still do work on vehicles at home and on company service trucks and I love having all the tools I need without the huge tool truck debt.
About 20yrs ago I bought the 79.00 core flux welder(99 dollars now) I've used it for hobbhy type work for years and it still works. I also have used US general 4 drawer rolling cart for years. Not everything they make is good for professional use but for a few times a year use they are fine. I also have the Drill press (bench one) works fine after 15yrs And that gets almost daily use.
I am a lifelong mechanic and DIY guy. In the past I found HF tools to be complete junk. But I’ve recently heard some good things and decided to give them a second look. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that HF has definitely stepped up their game and offer some quality tools.
I have the HF deep impact socket set and the 3/8" 1/2" SAE/Metric impact socket set. Both sets are perfect for DIY auto mechanics I also have the bolt type wheel puller set. I'm glad you mentioned the mini pick set. For a couple bucks, that pick set has come in so handy for removing old o-rings and breaking lose radiator hoses. My personal favorite right now is the Earthquake XT stubby 1/2" impact wrench. That stubby impact wrench is lightweight, can get into tight places, and packs plenty of torque for replacing shocks and struts.
The hydraulic shop press I got from HF has came in useful for more than just pressing bearings in/out since I don't have a bench vise, it is a bit wobbly though. The engine stands (along with the presses) are well worth picking up considering they're just all metal tools (for the most part) that can be modified/fixed easily. Have been using my Chicago electric flux core welder for over 3 years with no problems. The last Chicago electric 3" grinder I bought lasted 5 years until it just recently started flipping it's breaker constantly. Have used the compression tester for about 5 years as well with no problems (just a hose, fittings, and gauge after all). Really like the 3 ton low profile jack that I got for about $79, has came in really handy working on friends & my lowered cars. A little common sense goes a long way when purchasing tools from just about any retailer.
I have experience with all the things you listed(except the compression tester) and they have been good as well! Used to have that press also, just bolt it to the floor if you have concrete using anchors and its good to go!
I'm a metal scrapper so I put my pliers thru hell and back. I bought a pair of the Doyle groove pliers from HF about the same time that I got my channel Locks and The Channel Locks are already starting to show a bit of dealigning while the Doyles are holding up like true champs.
Their 1.5 ton jacks (blue n aluminum) are high quality. Bought it when they opened the store where i live years ago and still working like new and haven't failed! Their small tire air pump is amazing. Its a heavy duty beast! Got it years ago when it was $20 with coupon. Use it l the time on my bmw. A mist for any car owner! Their screw extractor kit ($9) worth every penny as it saved my butt when changing.my bmw's valve cover, one of the screw bolts was broken and was keeping me from finishing the job (it was late at night). Ran to HF and they had a kit. Took out that broken screw bolt in a minute and was able to finish the job like a pro! Their heavy duty full motion TV mount also worth the $35 it cost me. Well build and holds a 75 lbs. 65" screen TV! Their newest big $6 car detailing drying towel is amazing in absorbing water after a car wash and smooth n' scratch free!
Glad to hear it! Ill keep my blue point ones for work they have been fantastic but maybe I will have to pick some of these up for sidework to keep in my jeep JUST in case!
I have some HF tools that are 15 years old now. I have a very lightweight aluminum floor jack that has been riding in my vehicles with me for over 10 years. The swivel linkage for the jack release broke a while ago but I was using it for roadside assistance for a year and the salt messes up steel. I don’t mean that as a complaint, I found a way to make it work still and still use it all the time. I have a 9” variable angle grinder that I’ve put through hell, bought it like 12 years ago. Some of the stuff is junk, like the pick set, but for the price it’s worth using disposable tools from time to time. I pick my bowl clean with the straight pick lol
Thanks for taking the time to get these recommendations up here. I'm just a hamfisted DIYer perfectly content with the occasional semi-craptastic tool for occasional use. My ancient HF 'Chicago Forge' brand circlip/spring clip pliers set is a good example. I think they were like four bucks and came in an orange plastic sack that looks like it was made from recycled 3rd World shopping bags reading "4 Peice Spring Clip Plier Set" [misspelling theirs]. I don't think HF has even sold them in more than a decade. They just look WOEFULLY lousy--like they were forged in some Chinese guy's shed on a barbecue grill. They are hardly the pinnacle of the toolmaker's craft. But still, they always get the job done that once a year or so I'll need them. Still, good is good, and I really appreciate your tip on those heavy duty screwdrivers. They look swell, and why DON'T all screwdrivers have a nice little hex thing by the handle for tougher work? In fact, why don't vice grips have one on the adjuster too?
$80 LOW profile 3 ton floor jack Heavy duty rubber 25 ft air hose (don't know the $) And #1 is the earthquake 1/2 inch impact wrench (pneumatic) for $80. Many other good ones but these are the super stars!
That Braun light is great. I ended up buying 2 for I think $25.00 each during one of HF's sales. I wasn't expecting much but those things have been awesome. I highly suggest them to anyone who is on the fence.
Yep great light. i have one of the first gen ones and its bright as day one but looses connectivity sometimes during bends. Other than that a great light.
Started as a mechanic in 1970 at a Cadillac, Oldsmobile,Dodge and Jeep dealer. All we had were Snap-on Mac and Sears. No Harbor Frieght stores. I wander though Harbor Frieght store and think I wish we had these back in the day.
Used the interior set to dismantle the dashboard on our Sienna to remove the cup holder jam after my wife stuck something in it and closed it. Works fantastic guys.
I like their tools. I like their breaker bars, jacks and some of their ratchets and other hand tools are great. Affordable, quality and lifetime warranty.
I just found this video but I went to HF yesterday and picked up about half of your list. The drill wire wheels, the clip puller, the pry bar set, the file, the gasket or O-ring puller, plus some other stuff. Picked up the thin serpentine belt tensioner, another tape measure, magnet dish.. I could stay in HF all day
I agree about those screw drivers. I've had a set of them about a year or so, and they are holding up pretty good. I like that they are bolstered so you can use a wrench on them, and the handles are pretty nice. I have a set of HF impact sockets that are holding up pretty good. HF has been upping their game with a lot of their tool line.
Yes sir, HF 1/2" ratchets are very well made. I took mine apart to grease them. Thanks for the tip on the skinny wrench! Alot of caliper pins are the way you described, it will help. Thanks for the vid.
I definitely want to get a Braun light, one thing I still haven't got for some reason. I walk into the store, my eyes go wide and I forget everything else, lol. I've got a headlight I picked up at Cabela's a few years ago for hunting - gutting after dark - and I use that a lot in the garage. 90%+ of my tools are from HF. I'm just a personal weekend warrior, but I do enough on our vehicles to warrant a decent collection. I've got a 5-drawer cart that's been featured in a lot of videos, and a bigger 13-drawer cabinet ($400 on sale). Earthquake XT 1/2" cordless electric impact driver, a set of the Pittsburgh deep metric impact sockets - the 19 mm is getting worn from so many lug nuts. A Daytona floor jack. The big tool cabinet is filled with a Pittsburgh Pro breaker bar, a medium-sized Icon torque wrench, and the 301-pc Pittsburgh complete tool set: full 1/4", 3/8," 1/2" socket/ratchet sets; wrenches; screwdrivers; allen wrench sets; pliers; etc. etc. I just picked up a Hercules 3/8" cordless electric ratchet. Love HF tools. I'm not a daily user and I don't abuse things, but I've used them regularly for years and nothing's broke yet.
The dead blow hammers are fantastic, along with the lime green chisel set. Don't get me started on the 8750 generator, it is incredible and saved from numerous power outages. I use the Allen head sockets a lot and are also very good.
The Pittsburgh 3/8” 12pt. deep socket set is pretty good. I got a set 4 years ago for my mechanic and that seems to be the only tool set he has not misplaced or broke and still keeps with him. We repair and service Suzuki outboard motors and this set is a must especially when you have to remove the cylinder heads or do an overhaul job.
When I bought my car a year ago the harbor freight about 5 miles from me in Georgetown washington became the go-to place for cheap tools and car accessories and I got the 129 piece Pittsburgh tool set for less than 40$ and I use it at least once a week.
The Earthquake XT impact wrenches are great, and the price makes them truly fabulous. The 1/2 inch version is a real workhorse and priced below the crap ones at other store. The 3/4 inch version is great as well, and actually produces more torque than many 1 inch impacts.
I've been a tech for over 10 years. Before my cart(before I had a box) was filled with tool truck options that put me in debt. The longer I worked and the more tools walked away, I figured out customers don't give a damn what their car was worked on with. As long as they got it back how they had it before. So HF has been saving me money. I've bought their air tools that lasted two years, but those two years cost me under $30. I've bought jacks that got under exotics. HF has a lot to offer if you're willing to see it all.
they also have super long metric and standard wrenches too. perfect for alignments. used them for years, never broke. all the guys in the shop use mine, great buy for around $40
Haven’t read all the comment but would assume was already mentioned. I didn’t know until I bought the impact sockets that Pittsburgh is lifetime warranty from HF so for the times you said you didn’t care if they broke you’d just buy another. They are lifetime
On the Pittsburgh Pro lifetime warranty: I bought, among other things the 3/8" torque wrench for $11.99 with coupon. When I got home I found it to be defective. When I returned a few days later they didn't even check my receipt or even take a good look at the wrench. I just grabbed another and it's been fine and a great deal to boot.
Bought the harbor fright light was in the video and it's a good light. I live in Chicago and when we had the polar vortex (-50°f) in February of 2019 i left if on a dodge ram and it returned to me in June of 2019 and ot was fully working and functional as the way I left it. I would hight recommend that light.
I think that icon will be another line altogether kind of how they have their good better best mentality (Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh pro, Icon) (Warrior, Bauer, Hercules) etc, great video btw!
I think the 25" breaker bar (1/2") is pretty good. I felt it flexed a little bit on a really badly stuck axle but, but been pretty good otherwise. I like their torque wrenches. For $20 it's not bad at all and fairly accurate. Heck, I remember buying one for $10 on a deal. One did mess up after 5years, but HF replaced it free of cost..... no questions asked!
Funny you should mention the "extractor socket set" because I just bought this set today. The oil drain bolt is now rounded off. I have always, up to this point, taken my van to a oil change place but I decided to digress back to my younger years when I did everything myself. Well I got under my van and found my drain bolt would not accept any of my metric or SAE sockets and turn the bolt. Vice grips didn't work and neither did my 17" slip joint pliers. I also bought a new drain plug bolt. I will try an extractor socket as soon as I can and see if it works. If it doesn't I'll be using a vacuum cleaner to suck a vacuum through an intermediate bottle to suck the oil out. That will take a while because I'll have to suck out 6 quarts of oil.
Great video. The only thing I would change is the bolt extractor sockets. Remove them and throw in the Pittsburg pro comfort grip 25 inch breaker bar. It's amazing and for $20 and under it's a killer deal. One more honorable mention is all of the composite ratchets. Love both lines of them. Fine, and strong teeth along with the composite material being safe around battery terminals, paint and chrome. My Harley has tons of chrome that I need to take care of. Thanks for the video
How have the ratcheting ends held up? I saw them there and considered getting them to put in my jeep for side work but I dont have any experience with the HF ones.
Bought a 3 1/2 ton low pro jack from them about 5 years ago for under $100 (with a coupon), it's low enough to fit under my Honda without dragging or getting hung up but can easily lift my pick-up as well
For the socket bolt extractor set, it has been useful for me. The con is the size because at times it’s too short for when a deep socket it necessary. And too wide for hard to reach areas. Also it is true one needs to use a hammer to secure the socket on a bolt. However for the price it’s a must for those unexpected moments and haven’t regretted my buy
I buy just about everything at HF because I don't earn a living with my tools and don't spend my weekends wrenching but for those times I do I would rather spend the money on the project rather than the tools since the tools will last me a long time anyway. So far I have not been disappointed with anything and still have all my tools even the ones I bought over 10 years ago.
I got a Pittsburgh pro 3/8 ratchet a few years ago. Worked great. But the bottom plastic piece broke off due to me using a pipe on then all the time on it. I was at harbor freight the other day. Got the 100$ power washer and with the coupon only paid 80$ for it. Also got a pry bar set for like 12$. I love harbor freight it’s perfect for someone who don’t have hundreds of dollars in tools just to get a diy job done.
The 12-ton shop press has made changing pressed-in bearings and bushings easy, though you can get by using threaded rods, washers, and pipe unions. Their $90 flux-wire welded helped me fixed a broken front end and get a salvage car back on the road. Also built a metal carport roof with it. Their porta-power ram kit fixed our wrecked minivan, pushing the radiator support and strut tower back in place. Their inline spark indicator is cheap and useful. Not so their cigarette-lighter voltmeter since the LED's fail and even when working can be confusing.
Good and objective review. I own all of them except the impact socket set and the light. I totally agree with you. I'd like to add 2 more items: the low profile jack and 6-ton jack stands. I've had them for 6 or 7 years. Never had any problems with any of them. Thanks a lot.
I also have experience with that Jack and those stands very good mentions! I didnt include them cus I didnt feel they fell in the same category as the other things I listed.
I have bought 5 of the Braun lights. They are great. You can frequently get them on sale for $25. I bought 3 at once a couple of months ago when they went on sale for $19.99.
Their breaker bars, floor jacks and jack stands (I like my Pittsburgh more than some of the commercial ones I've used), and their toolboxes are a steal.
Using their Bauer cordless stuff, no complaints about any of those, Also the earthquake cordless impact is a beast, no complaints there either. Their huge ratcheting breaker tools are awesome as well!
I run dump trucks for a living, and 8 years ago I bought 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” HF earthquake air impact guns.... They’ve all been flawless. The 1” impact gets used in rough conditions all the time, and still like new! Looks like 💩 though, being beat to hell. The zip ties are a bargain buy. I left my Daytona jack up under a quad dump truck transmission with rear motor mounts off for near about 2 weeks, and it didn’t lose pressure/leak down at all! A lot of good tools sold at HF... you just gotta pick in chose cause some stuff really is junk.
The Braun work light is a good choice. I researched work lights and the Braun was a good buy. My favorite part of it, besides the bright light it emits, is the battery. I don't believe in plugging in a charge plug when the battery goes dead. It takes forever before it recharges and can be used again. It comes with a standard Lithium battery, a 18650, which are readily available (Amazon is one source). If you buy a spare with a charger, you can have the spare on the charger, ready to go, and when the one in the light goes out, just swap batteries and you're ready to go.
I agree with most people here saying the Jacks. But one thing I haven't seen in the comments (didn't read them all) is the earthquake xt impact. Compared to snap on for the price difference it's really good. Hard to beat for $150 or $120 with the coupon you can get. I know that's a higher priced item but I think it's solid.
They are excellent impact guns. When I bought the first one (3/8 drive) I got 2 of them right away because the HF store was almost 2 hrs away (New one right down the street now! ) and I needed one to finish a project right away. If the first one broke I had the 2nd in reserve. I assumed that being HF, it wouldn't last very long or even break in the first few minutes of use? The 2nd one is still in the box two years later as it seems I just can't kill the first one! It actually has as much torque as my CP 1/2" gun and with only half the weight and size, it is much nicer to use. The cost of 2 guns was way less then a single "Strap-on" unit. Besides, now that its a 10 minute ride to the store for a replacement (Instead of waiting for the truck to come around) I doubt I will ever buy another brand. Even if I buy 3 of them, I'm still ahead and I can use the third one for an Xmas or birthday gift, Lol
I've been using the line wrench set too for a long time. It's not something your gonna beat on of course, so why overpay out the ass for Snap On line wrenches?
I buy only impact sockets, extensions and swivels whether I use them with impact tools or not. HF impact sockets all sizes are excellent, not a problem. I also bought DAYTONA low profile 3 ton floor jack and it has been awesome, lot use and abuse, never failed. The earthquake grinder, impact driver and cutter have not failed either.
Great picks ! Thanks for the Videos i am a retired Woodworker and one of my many Hobbies are Vintage Cars and Boating so i do keep and use a large collection of Mechanics tools and HF is a great resource for keeping extra sets on board n the event of a needed “ At Sea” repair or for other tools that i will use at home doing Automotive repairs and Maintenance functions
![Hunxho - Ball Forever [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nki9ZTF9Uls/mqdefault.jpg)
I used ruclips.net/user/postUgkx4ynqaujg7rZKFapA8s29kTpRszJGa3-K this for the first time today to replace the front wheel bearing on my rwd 98 dodge dakota. This had absolutely no issue removing or reinstalling the lug nuts and it took off the axle nut without any struggle. Sounds like it's got some muscle to it. Time will tell
I left that Braun light in my engine bay once and didn't realize until it fell out and I ran it over. Still works perfectly
@Ed O'Neill yeah I doubt that
@Ed O'Neill sorry if you think snap on is using rare earth magnets in their flashlights you're delusional
@@HeadCase55 he deleted his comments sad 😂
What was the comment 😂😂😂
Make sure to get onto the harbor freight coupon database enter the item number and most of the time there is a coupon if not use a 20% off one item coupon also don’t forget your free item
No top 10 list is complete without the Pittsburgh pro 1/2" breaker bar. That things amazing for $14 with a coupon.
Have one now. Went with the more expensive brand at HF. It broke. Returned and got the pittsburgh. Been great ever since.
@@shrek22 now that's a good harbor freight story right there
True story. That thing is bullet proof...
@@shrek22 Have had my Pittsburgh breaker bar for about 5 years now and its still amazing haven't even had to tighten the head yet
Breaker bar from HF is quite popular. And their jacks.
Yes I was going to do a video about that actually...they are gonna rebrand it as icon and double the price 🥵🥵 I held them both in my hand yesterday at the store
They seem to be the same exact thing....
@@paulselck1701 Yup but the ICON was like 1/2" longer and $50 vs the Pro was on sale at $20
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I've got 2 of the Pittsburgh bars and I bought 1 each for my dad, uncle and a few friends of mine. At $14.00 with coupon for a 25 inch 1/2 drive breaker bar, you cannot go wrong.
A video review was done on youtube a couple years ago where a guy tested the Pittsburgh against a Mac, Snapon and Matco, and the Pittsburgh held it's own, doing everything the other 3 would do, and at the bargin price it sells for. There is a few other videos done on them too, and pretty much eveyone is impressed by them.
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I have a jack. It's been great for the last 2 years.
I have the harbor freight 3 ton heavy duty floor jack. Paid $65.00 when my local store had there grand opening. I use it constantly and love it!
Harbor Freight is my toy store. My son buys me gift cards for HF and I buy tools that we both use working on our cars. Great video!
An extremely honest And Honerable young man to endorse someone else's channel like that !
BRAVO !
The Braun light uses standard 18650 batteries. As a computer technician, I pulled a laptop battery apart and salvaged six 18650 batteries and swap them out of my Braun light and just keep them in rotation. I love this so much, I'm going to buy a couple more of these lights. The Braun light is literally the most used light in my toolbox.
Yes! I forgot to mention this in the video but having 18650's to swap out is so nice. I have a charger on my toolbox and can run over and change out the battery when it dies vs having to plug it in, so much more convenient.
granadojl The 18650 is what sold me on that light. After having other light batteries degrade over time I knew it would be nice to be able to keep it a lot longer, I can also keep a few spare batteries charged and ready to go. I got mine for 20 bucks when they first came out with a coupon, it took a long time to find one in stock too so it’s no wonder they raised the price. I wish I’d have bought another at 20.
@@mcearl8073 Right on Brotha. I'm a Computer Tech that has access to allot of "old" laptop batteries... which contain roughly 6 18650 batteries grouped in series. I will be pulling one apart tonight to salvage the 18650 batteries. Heads up, in June's HF flyer... the Braun light is on sale for $22. I'll be buying two on the first of June... (Payday)
granadojl Thanks for the heads up. I’m going to pick another up, I actually have that flyer with the coupon in it, I haven’t looked through it yet. I might pick up that aluminum folding chair too for 20 bucks.
The 2 ton folding shop crane is really good... I own two of them. I've only pulled engines with them a few times, but I use them all the time for moving jet skis around.
I agree with this list. I got the braun work light on sale with a coupon for 25 bucks...best work light ever. The magnet is pretty strong and compared to matco and snap on you cant go wrong. Same for the pick set. For o-rings especially for the 1.99 price I played I'm super happy. Another great pick up is the 6" magnetic bowl. For 3 bucks you cant go wrong to keep small parts or bolts from getting lost.
In all honesty, the Bauer impact driver drill is great. Good battery, lasted me over a year so far and I use it every day cause I’m a mechanic. Only bad on it is you have to clean the factory grease out and put some quality grease. After that, it’ll do anything.
I have a small farm with a H.F. about 5 miles away. I use their stuff all the time. That hook and pick set is a life saver for getting old gaskets out of small carbs.
Couldn't agree more on the impact sockets, I have the 1/2" deep & shallow metric & SAE sets for about 6-7 years, look as good as day I bought them. The Pittsburgh Pro are made from chrome molybdenum, same as the high-dollar impacts (my Grey Pneumatic 1/4" & 3/8" sets are Cr-mo). The HF Daytona orange 3-ton low-profile jacks are also real deal, best floor jack I've ever owned.
I think, meaning I'm not sure, but it sort of makes sense, that no matter how cheap an impact socket is, it has to hold up the pressure of an impact gun in order to be deemed an impact socket. I have a feeling that all impact sockets are probably made of chrome molybdenum, and the brands like Pittsburg known to be cheap tools will be probably as good as much more expensive stuff.
@@frozerekmeyata4091 Pittsburgh Pro line when purchased 10 yrs ago was Cr-mo. A lot of regular Pittsburgh & other lower-end impact sockets are CR-V which is fine but don't typically stand up to daily use. A lot of it's personal preference & what you can afford.
@@buffalobluecheese That sounds right, I wouldn't buy their regular stuff but their air impact stuff would be just fine; now a mechanic I know who works for a Acura dealership in town buys nothing but Harbor Freight ICON hand tools, and he has their tool chests too; claimed he saved thousands over buying SnapOn; he does have some SnapOn only because Harbor Freight didn't carry a particular specialty tool.. I bought most of my hand tools as I needed them between 1972 and 1980 I think, I bought mostly Proto, some S & K, that stuff I've used for years without any issues working on my own cars, and friends cars, and of course around the house. I don't work much on my cars now due to all the crap they have in them that I know nothing about.
@@frozerekmeyata4091 from what I understand the Harbor Freight ICON line is their premium line & is on par with Snap-on. Both are out of my pay grade & not necessary as I only use for personal DIY use. I do like the tool cabinets @ HF, the US General line is very popular.
@@buffalobluecheese I don't know if ICON is on par with SnapOn or not, I do know the mechanic guy said he saved thousands of dollars going with ICON vs going with SnapOn, and money was his big motivator, as was getting a decent grade of tools.
When a auto mechanic has to invest at least $30,000 in tools, PLUS, add to that collection every year as auto manufacturers come up with some sort of nonsense requiring a specialty tool to work on something, then in order to get those tools you have to go into debt with the SnapOn dealer who works like the mafia. I knew a mechanic who had a debt to SnapOn, of thousands of dollars, he got fired because he accidently screwed up something on a customers car, the auto repair place CALLED SnapOn that day, SnapOn rushed over and took all his tools, and the SnapOn Tool Chest while the mechanic was there asking them not to! Then SnapOn wouldn't let him get his tools back a week later after getting a new job, telling him he would have to rebuy them all over again, tools that were his that he had been paying on for 8 years. Even dealerships, and some independents, will pat you on the back when they hire you and say, don't worry about the tools, we have them here, we'll deduct X amount of dollars out of your paycheck for X number of years, after which those tools are yours to keep. Sounds great doesn't it? Then about 3 years go by and you're fired or laid off, and they keep the tools because you hadn't paid them off yet, and the dealership turns around and sells them again to the next mechanic, and the dealership does this over and over and over, and you thought dealerships only ripped off customers getting their cars repaired!
And all that money being spent on tools for a job that pays $30 an hour on the upper end of the pay scale (depending on where you live), with at least $500 dollars a month coming out of your paycheck to pay the tool bill, the job isn't worth it. Mean while the repair shop charges $100 an hour to their customers, yes I know they have to pay for insurance, salaries, benefits, etc, but I know it doesn't cost another $70 an hour to cover those expenses; not to mention profit gouging on parts like charging $40 to $60 per sparkplug that only cost $12 to $16 at any auto parts store. But let's pay the mechanic $30,000 a year minus at least $6,000 (includes the high interest) a year for tools. Sounds like a dream job doesn't it?
Excellent video! One HF tool I use frequently is the Digital multimeter #63604, $6.39. As a matter of fact I keep several of them in different places. I save the precious Fluke meter for those few times I need precise resistance or voltage measurements. 95% of the time the HF multimeter is perfectly adequate for the job and I don't have to worry about it getting stolen or damaged. I had a crew come out to put up a steel building recently and the foreman (who was a highly skilled pro) took quite a few HF tools out of his truck!
I love that little red meter, I keep them around the house and in the camper. Probably 4 or 5 laying around at the moment. As you said, almost never need to break out the Fluke unless you need quick reaction time or precise measurements.
Agreed on the 1/2" breaker bar! Add the inner tie rod removal tool and you are set. It's now $37.99, but I know I only paid between $20 and $25 with coupon.
1/2 "Earthquake impact is a great back up to my IR.
One more honorable mention,,,I bought a English Wheel , 230 dollars, very well built, and precise, it's the exact same one that 3 other well known companies are selling for 500 dollars,,,read bad reviews about harbor freights in the past,,but you can't go by them because they are constantly changing companies that they get there products from, my father is 88 now smartest man I've ever known and for 20 years he went to harbor freight, until he drove there and got lost along the way, I have his stash of harbor freight stuff now,,some 20 years old and still doing the job,,,out lasted my dear old dad...
I bought a set of those Pittsburgh deep impact sockets about 9 years ago and I am very impressed, they are of the same quality or better than Craftsman, or any home or auto supply place will have.
Plus with the hassle free no receipt necessary no questions asked lifetime warranty you'll get a replacement fast.
I did check out HF drawer style tool boxes and quite frankly they seem quite good, even felt like the metal used was thicker than others I've seen, hmm.
Also the Pittsburgh brand of combination wrench sets I've tried at a friends house seemed quite sturdy, he's had his for about 8 years and no wear marks.
I also bought one of their Pittsburgh 3 ton jacks and been using it for about 3 years and it works flawlessly.
I personally would never buy anything electrical from them because they are all junk and will fail quickly and not have the power you might expect, plus there is no lifetime warranty of those type of tools and equipment, I bought a Chicago Electric battery drill just to see how good it would or wouldn't work and thing was gutless, I kept using it though but it killed itself about a year and half after I bought it; so I went to Home Depot and bought their Rigid line and that stuff has been amazing, lifetime warranty as well. The same thing happened to a HF soldering iron I bought except it died about 2 months into the warranty, but it was so bad I threw it away, it took forever for it to heat up enough to melt the solder. Then I tried a Chicago Electric dremel type of tool...LOL! that thing was a joke! It had no power whatsoever, kept stalling under the lightest of pressure, I think if you put a buffer wheel on it you could safely polish your teeth without harming the gums! So stay away from their electrical stuff, but their hand tools from what limited experience I have with them seem to be more than good enough for the home mechanic and maybe a pro mechanic as well.
Pro mechanics would be wise to buy some selected tools from HF because the cost of tools for the mechanic keeps going up, plus new tools all the time are required, tool expenses can easily exceed $30,000, so if you can get away with some cheaper stuff that will still perform then good for you.
Thanks my friend for, all' that valuable information !!! 👍
After 20ish years as an auto tech I amassed over 100k of truck brand tools and tool boxes. I gave up the auto industry and went industrial maintenance. All my snap on stuff is at home in the garage and I've got a box full of Harbor Freight tools at work, they work great.
I've been buying things from Harbor Freight for years. The oldest thing I still have is a variable speed 3/8th corded drill I bought for $8 that I used for many things. I did rip out much of the old plaster on wood strips walls in the bathroom and used the drill to not only use drywall screws to frame in a box around the bathtub that's recessed inside the box, While the walls were torn out I redid all the plumbing and rewired the bathroom and used the drill to install the drywall. I also used it for many other things and considering what I put it through I never expected it to last so long. About 5 years ago, I bought a 3/8th inch Pittsburgh 80 ft. lb. torque wrench. I took it to the test dept. where I worked and had it tested and it came back with a certified calibration sticker on it. Recently, I bought a set of jack stands to do work on my car. Good quality for the price. I also bought a large vise with 6 inch jaws for my basement workshop and it has a 4 inch square flat section for an anvil. Good deal for the proce. I also bought a hand held belt sander the uses 3 x 21 inch belts. Another good deal. I plan to make a stand for it so I can use it on my work bench . I've also bought many other things from Harbor Freight like a 5 inch bench grinder, a hand held circular saw and a few other things. Of everything I bought only a few of them failed, but they were cheap to replace. Over all, I like Harbor Freight as a source for tools.
Thanks for sharing great examples!
awizardalso
Tie rod separator tool and coolant pressure tester from Hf are both very helpful tools.... with the separator I actually have 2... 1 out of the box, and 1 I have modified the jaw opening to be wide enough for most ball joints... both tools save time and are over 5 years old with heavy use
Good picks! I have other ones I use for work I did used to have a pickle fork from them, broke it after about 4-5yrs of work then bought a Chromoly one
I like the ratcheting box wrenches in SAE and Metric. Each is a double ended and I think there's 4 to a set so you have 8 common sizes.
For us shade tree mechanics, I like the corded impact gun. I bought mine for $39.99 about 15 years ago. Great for most lug nuts or other tough bolts.
Their Pittsburgh torque wrenches are hard to beat at $9.99.
Not a tool but you can't beat the US General tool chests. I got the 44-inch roll around and top chest about 17 years ago and have outgrown them so I recently added the 72-in roll around. I can't see ever spending the money on a Snap-On or Matco or even a Craftsman box.
Their AC manifold gauge set has worked well for me as well. FYI, Scotty Kilmer and Eric the Car Guy both used the Harbor Freight AC manifold in their videos.
Does same go for the vacuum pump?
@@robertmusselman4488 I have used my HF vacuum pump for about 4 years and it still works great. It is the cheaper model. I change oil in it after every use.
Daytona yellow jack best bang for the buck
I felt like an idiot when I sold my Mech (snap on) tools as I left the biz....kept a few goodies. but in the last 12 years.. I still wrench on my own stuff and have a compliment of HF tools.... nothing has ever failed on me.
Started as a tech in 2016 went and got a metric Deep impact socket set I kept in a small lunch cooler and used shop impacts..... now in the end of 2020 I’ve got over 2k invested in tools and storage with at the very least 85% of that being tools from harbor freight. I am no longer a tech I now hold a cdl but still do work on vehicles at home and on company service trucks and I love having all the tools I need without the huge tool truck debt.
About 20yrs ago I bought the 79.00 core flux welder(99 dollars now) I've used it for hobbhy type work for years and it still works. I also have used US general 4 drawer rolling cart for years. Not everything they make is good for professional use but for a few times a year use they are fine. I also have the Drill press (bench one) works fine after 15yrs And that gets almost daily use.
I am a lifelong mechanic and DIY guy. In the past I found HF tools to be complete junk. But I’ve recently heard some good things and decided to give them a second look. I’ve been pleasantly surprised that HF has definitely stepped up their game and offer some quality tools.
I have the HF deep impact socket set and the 3/8" 1/2" SAE/Metric impact socket set. Both sets are perfect for DIY auto mechanics I also have the bolt type wheel puller set. I'm glad you mentioned the mini pick set. For a couple bucks, that pick set has come in so handy for removing old o-rings and breaking lose radiator hoses. My personal favorite right now is the Earthquake XT stubby 1/2" impact wrench. That stubby impact wrench is lightweight, can get into tight places, and packs plenty of torque for replacing shocks and struts.
Harbor Freight has some pretty good tools and some absolute junk! You just need someone like you to let you know which is good. Thanks, Tom
The hydraulic shop press I got from HF has came in useful for more than just pressing bearings in/out since I don't have a bench vise, it is a bit wobbly though.
The engine stands (along with the presses) are well worth picking up considering they're just all metal tools (for the most part) that can be modified/fixed easily.
Have been using my Chicago electric flux core welder for over 3 years with no problems.
The last Chicago electric 3" grinder I bought lasted 5 years until it just recently started flipping it's breaker constantly.
Have used the compression tester for about 5 years as well with no problems (just a hose, fittings, and gauge after all).
Really like the 3 ton low profile jack that I got for about $79, has came in really handy working on friends & my lowered cars.
A little common sense goes a long way when purchasing tools from just about any retailer.
I have experience with all the things you listed(except the compression tester) and they have been good as well! Used to have that press also, just bolt it to the floor if you have concrete using anchors and its good to go!
GearHeads yeah that’s the plan as soon as I do a little reorganization, painting, and build a couple shelves in the garage! 😁
I'm a metal scrapper so I put my pliers thru hell and back. I bought a pair of the Doyle groove pliers from HF about the same time that I got my channel Locks and The Channel Locks are already starting to show a bit of dealigning while the Doyles are holding up like true champs.
I've had REALLY good luck with the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets as well! Pretty much any of the "pro" tools have been really good!
Their 1.5 ton jacks (blue n aluminum) are high quality. Bought it when they opened the store where i live years ago and still working like new and haven't failed!
Their small tire air pump is amazing. Its a heavy duty beast! Got it years ago when it was $20 with coupon. Use it l the time on my bmw. A mist for any car owner!
Their screw extractor kit ($9) worth every penny as it saved my butt when changing.my bmw's valve cover, one of the screw bolts was broken and was keeping me from finishing the job (it was late at night). Ran to HF and they had a kit. Took out that broken screw bolt in a minute and was able to finish the job like a pro!
Their heavy duty full motion TV mount also worth the $35 it cost me. Well build and holds a 75 lbs. 65" screen TV!
Their newest big $6 car detailing drying towel is amazing in absorbing water after a car wash and smooth n' scratch free!
Those HF bolt extractors saved me! They worked amazingly beautiful for me so far
Glad to hear it! Ill keep my blue point ones for work they have been fantastic but maybe I will have to pick some of these up for sidework to keep in my jeep JUST in case!
I have some HF tools that are 15 years old now. I have a very lightweight aluminum floor jack that has been riding in my vehicles with me for over 10 years. The swivel linkage for the jack release broke a while ago but I was using it for roadside assistance for a year and the salt messes up steel. I don’t mean that as a complaint, I found a way to make it work still and still use it all the time. I have a 9” variable angle grinder that I’ve put through hell, bought it like 12 years ago. Some of the stuff is junk, like the pick set, but for the price it’s worth using disposable tools from time to time. I pick my bowl clean with the straight pick lol
Thanks for taking the time to get these recommendations up here. I'm just a hamfisted DIYer perfectly content with the occasional semi-craptastic tool for occasional use. My ancient HF 'Chicago Forge' brand circlip/spring clip pliers set is a good example. I think they were like four bucks and came in an orange plastic sack that looks like it was made from recycled 3rd World shopping bags reading "4 Peice Spring Clip Plier Set" [misspelling theirs]. I don't think HF has even sold them in more than a decade. They just look WOEFULLY lousy--like they were forged in some Chinese guy's shed on a barbecue grill. They are hardly the pinnacle of the toolmaker's craft. But still, they always get the job done that once a year or so I'll need them. Still, good is good, and I really appreciate your tip on those heavy duty screwdrivers. They look swell, and why DON'T all screwdrivers have a nice little hex thing by the handle for tougher work? In fact, why don't vice grips have one on the adjuster too?
I agree about the socket set I have had mine for 15 years now an they're still working great
$80 LOW profile 3 ton floor jack
Heavy duty rubber 25 ft air hose (don't know the $)
And #1 is the earthquake 1/2 inch impact wrench (pneumatic) for $80.
Many other good ones but these are the super stars!
jawojnicki Get the expensive long ones. They go up 23” which makes all the difference if you have to really get under there like an exhaust job
That Braun light is great. I ended up buying 2 for I think $25.00 each during one of HF's sales. I wasn't expecting much but those things have been awesome. I highly suggest them to anyone who is on the fence.
Yep great light. i have one of the first gen ones and its bright as day one but looses connectivity sometimes during bends. Other than that a great light.
Everybody seems to like that Braun light and I really need one. It may be my next purchase.
Started as a mechanic in 1970 at a Cadillac, Oldsmobile,Dodge and Jeep dealer. All we had were Snap-on Mac and Sears. No Harbor Frieght stores. I wander though Harbor Frieght store and think I wish we had these back in the day.
Used the interior set to dismantle the dashboard on our Sienna to remove the cup holder jam after my wife stuck something in it and closed it. Works fantastic guys.
I like their tools. I like their breaker bars, jacks and some of their ratchets and other hand tools are great. Affordable, quality and lifetime warranty.
I have the sae and metric set of the bolt extractor set. They work great. They worked a lot better than I had thought when I bought them.
I just found this video but I went to HF yesterday and picked up about half of your list. The drill wire wheels, the clip puller, the pry bar set, the file, the gasket or O-ring puller, plus some other stuff. Picked up the thin serpentine belt tensioner, another tape measure, magnet dish.. I could stay in HF all day
I agree about those screw drivers. I've had a set of them about a year or so, and they are holding up pretty good. I like that they are bolstered so you can use a wrench on them, and the handles are pretty nice. I have a set of HF impact sockets that are holding up pretty good. HF has been upping their game with a lot of their tool line.
Pete Ciallella and when you mess one of those up just grind it into a punch or bend the tip as a mini pry tool.
Yes sir, HF 1/2" ratchets are very well made. I took mine apart to grease them. Thanks for the tip on the skinny wrench! Alot of caliper pins are the way you described, it will help. Thanks for the vid.
100% agree with the braun light, I've had mine for about a 1yr 1/2 now and its totally worth it!
I definitely want to get a Braun light, one thing I still haven't got for some reason. I walk into the store, my eyes go wide and I forget everything else, lol. I've got a headlight I picked up at Cabela's a few years ago for hunting - gutting after dark - and I use that a lot in the garage. 90%+ of my tools are from HF. I'm just a personal weekend warrior, but I do enough on our vehicles to warrant a decent collection. I've got a 5-drawer cart that's been featured in a lot of videos, and a bigger 13-drawer cabinet ($400 on sale). Earthquake XT 1/2" cordless electric impact driver, a set of the Pittsburgh deep metric impact sockets - the 19 mm is getting worn from so many lug nuts. A Daytona floor jack. The big tool cabinet is filled with a Pittsburgh Pro breaker bar, a medium-sized Icon torque wrench, and the 301-pc Pittsburgh complete tool set: full 1/4", 3/8," 1/2" socket/ratchet sets; wrenches; screwdrivers; allen wrench sets; pliers; etc. etc. I just picked up a Hercules 3/8" cordless electric ratchet. Love HF tools. I'm not a daily user and I don't abuse things, but I've used them regularly for years and nothing's broke yet.
The dead blow hammers are fantastic, along with the lime green chisel set. Don't get me started on the 8750 generator, it is incredible and saved from numerous power outages. I use the Allen head sockets a lot and are also very good.
The Pittsburgh 3/8” 12pt. deep socket set is pretty good. I got a set 4 years ago for my mechanic and that seems to be the only tool set he has not misplaced or broke and still keeps with him. We repair and service Suzuki outboard motors and this set is a must especially when you have to remove the cylinder heads or do an overhaul job.
Pin punch has straight shaft, aligning punch has the taper for aligning, both useful for their intended purposes
Some of us old guys remember the tapered to be a drift. As in catch my....
When I bought my car a year ago the harbor freight about 5 miles from me in Georgetown washington became the go-to place for cheap tools and car accessories and I got the 129 piece Pittsburgh tool set for less than 40$ and I use it at least once a week.
The Earthquake XT impact wrenches are great, and the price makes them truly fabulous. The 1/2 inch version is a real workhorse and priced below the crap ones at other store. The 3/4 inch version is great as well, and actually produces more torque than many 1 inch impacts.
I bought those harbor freight extractor sockets yesterday. They are amazing and saved me on a job I was doing.
Awesome!! Glad to hear they are working for some people. For the price I think they totally are worth a shot!
I've been a tech for over 10 years. Before my cart(before I had a box) was filled with tool truck options that put me in debt. The longer I worked and the more tools walked away, I figured out customers don't give a damn what their car was worked on with. As long as they got it back how they had it before. So HF has been saving me money. I've bought their air tools that lasted two years, but those two years cost me under $30. I've bought jacks that got under exotics. HF has a lot to offer if you're willing to see it all.
they also have super long metric and standard wrenches too. perfect for alignments. used them for years, never broke. all the guys in the shop use mine, great buy for around $40
The extractor set for the price is well worth it and has saved my rear several times. Totally worth it.
The extractor sockets are actually great they got me out of multiple messes
Haven’t read all the comment but would assume was already mentioned. I didn’t know until I bought the impact sockets that Pittsburgh is lifetime warranty from HF so for the times you said you didn’t care if they broke you’d just buy another. They are lifetime
HF Aluminum Low Profile Jack is the only one that fits under my car! Breaker Bar, and 1/2” Ratchet for wheel lugs are nice too.
Those jacks are great for small cars! especially the newer ones with longer reaxh
+1 for the extractor sockets. Had a oil pan bolt strip out on a ranger. The socket took it right off like a champ
The bauer tools are amazing and they never fail to work when charged or plugged in
On the Pittsburgh Pro lifetime warranty: I bought, among other things the 3/8" torque wrench for $11.99 with coupon. When I got home I found it to be defective. When I returned a few days later they didn't even check my receipt or even take a good look at the wrench. I just grabbed another and it's been fine and a great deal to boot.
He probably would have to sign your life away if it was a Snap-on tool.
Bought the harbor fright light was in the video and it's a good light. I live in Chicago and when we had the polar vortex (-50°f) in February of 2019 i left if on a dodge ram and it returned to me in June of 2019 and ot was fully working and functional as the way I left it. I would hight recommend that light.
Their Pittsburgh 3/4" sockets are some of the best and some of the least expensive I've found that are just perfect
Man I’ve had a lot of great luck with the Pittsburgh tools plus what I have tore up they switched it out no questions asked!
I literally have most over these tools from harbor freight. I totally agree, great tools that I'm very satisfied with.
I think that icon will be another line altogether kind of how they have their good better best mentality (Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh pro, Icon)
(Warrior, Bauer, Hercules) etc, great video btw!
I work there, that’s exactly how they do it with the icon stuff.
Things I like: 3 piece long reach hose pliers, 4 piece fluid clamps, and oil filter pliers. My 1/2 inch impacts have split in the past.
Interesting, still using my 1/2 Pittsburg Impacts to this day been about 8 years and 3 different Impact guns now havent broken one yet!
I think the 25" breaker bar (1/2") is pretty good. I felt it flexed a little bit on a really badly stuck axle but, but been pretty good otherwise.
I like their torque wrenches. For $20 it's not bad at all and fairly accurate. Heck, I remember buying one for $10 on a deal. One did mess up after 5years, but HF replaced it free of cost..... no questions asked!
Funny you should mention the "extractor socket set" because I just bought this set today. The oil drain bolt is now rounded off. I have always, up to this point, taken my van to a oil change place but I decided to digress back to my younger years when I did everything myself. Well I got under my van and found my drain bolt would not accept any of my metric or SAE sockets and turn the bolt. Vice grips didn't work and neither did my 17" slip joint pliers. I also bought a new drain plug bolt. I will try an extractor socket as soon as I can and see if it works. If it doesn't I'll be using a vacuum cleaner to suck a vacuum through an intermediate bottle to suck the oil out. That will take a while because I'll have to suck out 6 quarts of oil.
Great video. The only thing I would change is the bolt extractor sockets. Remove them and throw in the Pittsburg pro comfort grip 25 inch breaker bar. It's amazing and for $20 and under it's a killer deal. One more honorable mention is all of the composite ratchets. Love both lines of them. Fine, and strong teeth along with the composite material being safe around battery terminals, paint and chrome. My Harley has tons of chrome that I need to take care of. Thanks for the video
I use the flex head Rachet a whole lot to. It's my go to ratchet at work
I agree with the wrench's. I have a set of ratchet wrench set from HF and they work great but don't have certain sizes. Cheers!
How have the ratcheting ends held up? I saw them there and considered getting them to put in my jeep for side work but I dont have any experience with the HF ones.
GearHeads seem to hold up for weekend warrior stuff ok in my book
I filled the missing ones in with "Gearhead" brand "made in taiwan" ones from Pep Boys. got 10 through 19 no skips now.
Bought a 3 1/2 ton low pro jack from them about 5 years ago for under $100 (with a coupon), it's low enough to fit under my Honda without dragging or getting hung up but can easily lift my pick-up as well
For the socket bolt extractor set, it has been useful for me.
The con is the size because at times it’s too short for when a deep socket it necessary. And too wide for hard to reach areas. Also it is true one needs to use a hammer to secure the socket on a bolt.
However for the price it’s a must for those unexpected moments and haven’t regretted my buy
Yea I have 3 flashlight, even bought a charger and 2 Samsung battery. This way I can swap out battery.
Nice having a videos from you guys again!!!!!
awesome!! Thank you glad to be back!
I do like that H.F. flat light with the magnet.
I buy just about everything at HF because I don't earn a living with my tools and don't spend my weekends wrenching but for those times I do I would rather spend the money on the project rather than the tools since the tools will last me a long time anyway. So far I have not been disappointed with anything and still have all my tools even the ones I bought over 10 years ago.
Picks with a coupon . 99cents
1/2 drive standard and metric impact Allen sockets , and torx. I haven't been able to break one yet
The 25in pro breaker bar 19.99 .. I'm a bigger guy and I bounce on it for axle nuts owned or for 2 years now
They certainly seem to be strong! If you use it often why not invest in a good gun? HF has some decent options!
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel they do
Great bar 1/2" for reaching tension pulley for changing serpentine belts..
And the 3/4 one for axle nuts..
@@GearHeadsGarageChannel
That's how I roll also, I almost never use a breaker bar. Just throw the impact on and go.
I got mine for $9.99 at the most recent parking lot sale. Couldn’t pass it up
I got a Pittsburgh pro 3/8 ratchet a few years ago. Worked great. But the bottom plastic piece broke off due to me using a pipe on then all the time on it. I was at harbor freight the other day. Got the 100$ power washer and with the coupon only paid 80$ for it. Also got a pry bar set for like 12$. I love harbor freight it’s perfect for someone who don’t have hundreds of dollars in tools just to get a diy job done.
I have a friend that works at snap on... I buy harbor freight as much as possible!
@Keith Clark cause even with that 40% discount they know that they are fucking you
The 12-ton shop press has made changing pressed-in bearings and bushings easy, though you can get by using threaded rods, washers, and pipe unions. Their $90 flux-wire welded helped me fixed a broken front end and get a salvage car back on the road. Also built a metal carport roof with it. Their porta-power ram kit fixed our wrecked minivan, pushing the radiator support and strut tower back in place. Their inline spark indicator is cheap and useful. Not so their cigarette-lighter voltmeter since the LED's fail and even when working can be confusing.
Good and objective review. I own all of them except the impact socket set and the light. I totally agree with you. I'd like to add 2 more items: the low profile jack and 6-ton jack stands. I've had them for 6 or 7 years. Never had any problems with any of them. Thanks a lot.
I also have experience with that Jack and those stands very good mentions! I didnt include them cus I didnt feel they fell in the same category as the other things I listed.
The Jack's are really good. Best low profile Jack's in the market and at a great price.
I have bought 5 of the Braun lights. They are great. You can frequently get them on sale for $25. I bought 3 at once a couple of months ago when they went on sale for $19.99.
Their breaker bars, floor jacks and jack stands (I like my Pittsburgh more than some of the commercial ones I've used), and their toolboxes are a steal.
Using their Bauer cordless stuff, no complaints about any of those, Also the earthquake cordless impact is a beast, no complaints there either. Their huge ratcheting breaker tools are awesome as well!
I run dump trucks for a living, and 8 years ago I bought 1/2”, 3/4”, and 1” HF earthquake air impact guns.... They’ve all been flawless. The 1” impact gets used in rough conditions all the time, and still like new! Looks like 💩 though, being beat to hell.
The zip ties are a bargain buy.
I left my Daytona jack up under a quad dump truck transmission with rear motor mounts off for near about 2 weeks, and it didn’t lose pressure/leak down at all!
A lot of good tools sold at HF... you just gotta pick in chose cause some stuff really is junk.
I've used those $2 picks so many times!
The Braun work light is a good choice. I researched work lights and the Braun was a good buy. My favorite part of it, besides the bright light it emits, is the battery. I don't believe in plugging in a charge plug when the battery goes dead. It takes forever before it recharges and can be used again. It comes with a standard Lithium battery, a 18650, which are readily available (Amazon is one source). If you buy a spare with a charger, you can have the spare on the charger, ready to go, and when the one in the light goes out, just swap batteries and you're ready to go.
Yup me too I forgot to mention that but its one of my favorite parts about the light!
I agree with most people here saying the Jacks. But one thing I haven't seen in the comments (didn't read them all) is the earthquake xt impact. Compared to snap on for the price difference it's really good. Hard to beat for $150 or $120 with the coupon you can get. I know that's a higher priced item but I think it's solid.
They are excellent impact guns. When I bought the first one (3/8 drive) I got 2 of them right away because the HF store was almost 2 hrs away (New one right down the street now! ) and I needed one to finish a project right away. If the first one broke I had the 2nd in reserve. I assumed that being HF, it wouldn't last very long or even break in the first few minutes of use? The 2nd one is still in the box two years later as it seems I just can't kill the first one! It actually has as much torque as my CP 1/2" gun and with only half the weight and size, it is much nicer to use.
The cost of 2 guns was way less then a single "Strap-on" unit. Besides, now that its a 10 minute ride to the store for a replacement (Instead of waiting for the truck to come around) I doubt I will ever buy another brand. Even if I buy 3 of them, I'm still ahead and I can use the third one for an Xmas or birthday gift, Lol
I recommend the Chicago Electric battery tester because it has a feature that allows you to test your alternator as well.
I've been using the line wrench set too for a long time. It's not something your gonna beat on of course, so why overpay out the ass for Snap On line wrenches?
I’m not an actual auto tech but I do use a few of these harbor freight tools on this list and I also never had any problems with them.
Harbor Freight is phenomenal!!! I have a 1,750psi pressure washer 8 have been using for 10 years now. Cost me $70. Portland brand
I buy only impact sockets, extensions and swivels whether I use them with impact tools or not. HF impact sockets all sizes are excellent, not a problem. I also bought DAYTONA low profile 3 ton floor jack and it has been awesome, lot use and abuse, never failed. The earthquake grinder, impact driver and cutter have not failed either.
Impact sockets will "hug" the hex better than habd sockets without stripping, many guys only use 6-point impact sockets for that reason.
Great picks ! Thanks for the Videos i am a retired Woodworker and one of my many Hobbies are Vintage Cars and Boating so i do keep and use a large collection of Mechanics tools and HF is a great resource for keeping extra sets on board n the event of a needed “ At Sea” repair or for other tools that i will use at home doing Automotive repairs and Maintenance functions