HF has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 or so years. And I am actually proud of my US General boxes, ICON hand tools, and Bauer and Hercules power tools. (I also own Dewalt, Milwaukee, USA-made Craftsman, MATCO, and Snap-On tools just to name a few...) HF has done an incredible job of changing their image by offering quality alongside budget tools. Just the other day, I mentioned to a friend that I was going to HF that weekend to pick up a few things. He asked me why I was going there because "they sell junk". I brought him into my shop and showed him my US General boxes, a set of my ICON wrenches, and let him cut a piece of wood with my Bauer jig saw. His exact words afterwards: "Damn, THIS is Harbor Freight stuff??". Excellent vid. And you nailed it. HF has a genius marketing plan. And let's not forget their never-ending coupons and "sales". It makes the common guy feel like he just got a GREAT deal every day of the year. Lol
They also only do one thing, tools. They're not trying to sell you Halloween ornaments, or appliances. They don't need nearly the same staff to source and distribute all that erroneous stuff. + tools are one of those things that do well in retail. When you're shopping for a tool you likely need it *NOW* and aren't willing to wait, even the one day for shipping. That kind of consumer need lends itself better to brick and motor.
I feel like another huge reason for their success is customer service. Not just friendly service but literally how their warranty works. When something breaks you just walk in and they swap it out no questions asked compared to others which normally requires finding an authorized service dealer or shipping your tool off for who knows how long.
I know I can always get a good tool at Harber Freight for my little projects around the house or buy their cheapest several times before wearing them out. I've bought all three of their 4.5" grinders. I use them in all on my welding projects. I have yet to break one of them. I like the speed of their blue colored model, but their cheaper red color brand works as a different grinding wheel. Their middle priced one I use with a cutoff blade for small pieces of steel. I bought their bigger bandsaw for the bigger stuff.
My opinion of their quality has definitely changed. 20 years ago they were the place you went to buy a tool you needed to use once. At that time I was a diehard Craftsman customer. Now I find their hand tools to be very good. Their Icon brand of hand tools are very, very good. I have not ventured much into their battery powered tools as I am heavily invested in Dewalt tools and batteries. I think their tool storage systems are amazing. I am amazed at the quality of their tool carts/tool boxes. So, what is my opinion of Harbor Freight now? Well, you can still buy junk there if you want, but you can also buy quality tools if you are willing to spend a little more.
Harbor Feight is my go-to when Walmart & Lowes are too expensive. And as long as you keep the receipt they don't give you too much crap if what you buy breaks.
Great points! They have a 90-day warranty on most things and a lifetime warranty on hand tools. They have to do that to make people comfortable enough to buy.
Brand can be ignorantly important to people. There are folks who will buy the Black Friday version of a name brand tool and they truly believed it is better than a higher tiered Harbor Freight brand even though it may not be. I also constantly hear folks say "I can get a better deal on tools in Home Depot or Lowes, why would I buy Harbor Freight tools?" They have no idea that they may be buying lower quality items that were "made for the store or a sale" and they are probably not near the quality of Harbor Freights "best" products.
I have a harbor freight just a few miles from my house, and I'm thankful for it they've completely redeemed their old reputation in my opinion ... not just because the quality/selection is so much better than in the past, but also because of their employees and store policies I look forward to needing a tool and going to HF to look for and get it
When I first got into a trade back in 2014 I bought a "pro" grade Chicago Electric angle grinder and used it as a metal fabricator. I burnt it up in 6 months. That job supplied Pittsburgh clamps and they always bent and warped easier than Irwins... So back then I learned from experience that Harbor Frieght is not ideal for professional use, but they're probably the most bang for the buck for home use... Today I find myself rooting for Harbor Frieght and their shift towards quality. I'm already in the DeWalt power tool ecosystem, and I'm a tounge and groove pliers Channellock fan boy. Outside that I'm slowly trying to convert all my professional hand tools over to Icon.
Another great in-depth explanation. I started buying at Harbor Freight a couple of years ago and my first impression was that they are just cheap tools. I bought some low end power tools for those "limited use" jobs and frankly I've been impressed. I now have a lot more confidence in the brands they make and sell. I have definitely gone in to shop and bought a better and slightly more expensive tool. Thanks.
My mother in law worked for sears back in the day and she was in the VPs office as a secretary… she would hear the brothers fighting Sears and Montgomery Wards was owned by brothers and they would be at it and threaten to take the other down… guess their egos took them both down… had they worked together they could have been a formidable powerhouse like Amazon…
90% of my tools are HF and still have most of them bought a basic welder a few years ago still works great. even bought a gas Auger to replace my backyard fence still works great.
I have a Warrior screwgun and light combo. I got that for 1/3 of the other brands and as much as I use it, it works, is always ready to go and is reliable. I don't use tools for a living, but for general home use, they kick butt. I like them just fine. Plus, their store is closer than the big box stores. I have a bunch of their tie down straps, hand tools, hammers... etc. They all work.
I explained it to my son like this: when I use a tool it is to perform something around the house, if it breaks then the project is delayed, but not a disaster. If I used my tools as a profession then I’d invest in better tools
I have bought low end and med grade tools there. I needed a large pipe wrench for a med torque requirement and saved $50 off of what Lowes wanted and I have had it for 5 years and had no problems.
I've been buying HF tools since the mid 90's, when I had to order them through the mail. I continued to buy them online for a long time, until they opened a store about 50 miles from me in the mid 2000's. 3 years ago, they opened a store in a town that is 20 miles from me and I drive through everyday on the way from and to work. Can you imagine what happened? I went from spending a few hundred dollars a year at HF to spending over a grand each year for the last 3 years. When it becomes convenient AND cost effective, it's a no brainer. I'm gonna buy my tools at HF. I've only had about a half dozen tools that I've bought from them be junk tools. I have some tools from them (mainly Pittsburgh hand tools) that have been serving me well for over 30 years. I have kept away from the power tools, because they mostly had Chicago Electric when I started buying them and those are tools to stay away from. Now that they have Bauer, Hercules and Atlas I'm more impressed, but don't want to have multiple chargers for my cordless tools, so I'll stick with my yellow guys. I have started buying some of the Bauer and Atlas cordless to give to my son, and will continue to do so.
I love going to Harbor Freight and spend a lot of money there. I already knew all of what you said in the video - but it was still interesting. Good Job. I have purchased all levels of "Good, Better, Best" and have been pleased with every purchase. I OFTEN take advantage of their REPLACEMENT PLAN. I think a lot of customers think it is an extended warranty - but NOPE - it a REPLACEMENT plan. That means that at any point until your particular plan ends - you can bring in your tool and get a new one - NO CHARGE. It can be in perfect working order - you get a new one. I probably buy the plan for half of my power tools. When I get home - I attach a label to the piece reminding me of when the replacement plan ends - that way I don't fail to replace my tool. And, it's not just for tools. I bought one of their portable garages and bought the plan. The fabric ripped in a big windstorm - so I took what was left back to the store and they gave me a brand new one! BTW, It's not often that I visit the store with a planned purchase in mind and end up getting something else. Love the store.
I was hip to HF along time ago...there main dist./warehouse was in the town where my family from...so every year I'd go down and load up...plus my cousin used to work there...😊
I love harbor freight I use their hand tools pretty much daily. With the world in the state it is in now high tool brands / tool trucks are a thing of the past imo. HF Icon, Hercules, titanium/Vulcan lines are insane in value. A lot of guys at the shop switched from snap on and Mac to HF stuff because of the value and the warranty is so easy and quick.
I'm mechanic who has gone through a divorce and paid child support. Harbor freight was one of my only options for tools. After doing some research I found that some of their tools, the better ones, were made by genius brand. And I have been using the harbor freight in genius brand tools for the good part of a decade with little to no problems That is the Canadian equivalent to snap on. They are extremely good! If you do your research you can find some extremely good tools at harbor freight.
In the end, it’s all about what the customer wants and or needs. I build fences. I tried making the best built fence for all my customers. My fences are built better than most for several reasons. I would show the customer about 5 to 6 reasons why they should have it built my way. Half the customers would say ok, the other half never called me back. I found out that the other half weren’t interested in a great fence. They just needed a little privacy and a barrier to keep their dogs off a “Lost” poster. Now I offer them the same garbage that came their house along with my well built fence. The cookie cutter fences are extremely easy and cheap to build. I can erect one in a day and I just follow what is already there. Very little planning or measuring anything.
I also think that part of Harbor Freight's strategy is geared towards those who like feeling like they are getting a really good deal and not only does putting good better best tools next to each other makes those people feel like they are getting a really good deal because not only are the best tools cheaper than Milwaukee, the good tools are cheaper than the best tools. These people also get a thrill from getting good deals by looking at their coupons and seeing not only how much they are getting discounted using the coupon but how much they are saving compared to the "equivalent" model of another brand.
I'm old school Craftsman tool guy going back to the 70's-80's. You warranty your hand tools like Sears Craftsman did, No questions asked just replaced it, then I'm sold! HF Is getting that dialed in and they are hurting the big box (Home Depot, Lowe's) stores.
I am a DIY mechanic and I love the Balor 1/2 in impact drill use it all the time never had a issue with it once I did however buy the Balor reciprocating saw and that was junk after two uses motor blew out but you get what you pay for
I have used Harbor Freight for years. Glad to see all the effort you it into your video. The worst toll ever purchased was a Bauer Sawsall. I think I returned four of them before I got one that worked without breaking off the main shaft drive. They didn’t have Hercules when I started so everything I have is Bauer. There sockets break too but they replace them without question. Now for dumpster diving. I lived in Cincinnati. The store west of town kept their broken tools locked into a trailer with a lock on it. They would get mad if they saw you behind their store. The one to the north of town was different. I got a trailer the second time I looked. I had to go up that way the next day and got another on. The second one didn’t have a wiring harness. The first one, I put together and got five hundred bucks out of it. Since then I got a good floor jack, long pry bar, oh and a cart that I found pieces at a time and finally hand it all but the screws and still have it today. I also found several sets of Allen wrenches and even those little lights they give away from time to time. The ones I found all had good batteries. I have anisotropic hose on my ne of those retractable wheels. I just need to replace the air line. They had cut one end off with a knife. I have seen the drill is weak when using the bigger bits. I may trade up to Hercules when I need a new one. Later
It used to be only hand tools I would buy from HF, but I love the growth. That used to be all I could afford and they got the job done. Now, I will still go in at least monthly and get something I need.
HF is a great option for specific jobs needing single use tools or paint brushes and disposable items. Just bought a 3T floor jack with coupon savings. That 240 purchase to me is like not paying an auto mechanic 90/HR to do a job I can to myself thereby paying for the jack in 4 hours!
I am an avid Harbor Freight Fran and shop their often. People put down Harbor Freight because they’ve realized they’ve overpaid with SnapOn, Matco, Milwaukee, etc. Yes I have some of these other brands but Harbor Freight is my go to. If they don’t have something I’ll look somewhere else.
So my perception has changed since the first time I purchased some socket 10-years ago. I always thought stuff was essentially to cheap to work more than once or twice. But previous purchases recently have shown that their efforts to make things better is actually a godsend. Previous tools have broken with use, recent purchases are still working and, well that make me happy to continue to shop there and consider their "GOOD, BETTER, and BEST products as opposed to just DeWalt or Milwaukee and...
I do part-time handyman works. When I first started with HF, I bought their cheapest tools I could find. Many of those I still use. In fact, when they started to phase out the old line of power tools, I bought all of the batteries I could find. At some point, I needed something not available in that line, so I bought a Bauer. It was enough better that I have added more than a few other Bauer tools, cordless and corded. I see them about equivalent to Ryobi, and I would recommend Bauer even to professionals. I usually take backup tools, just in case, and having an older drill around works fine rather than switching bits constantly.
I used to be a Snap-On dealer back in the 80's. Their tools are superior to probably anything around, with their flank drive. Fast word some 35 years & being 75. I buy HF all of the time. I can't believe how inexpensive their sockets & or their wrenches are. For the DIY person, they're great & I'm there more often than not. Some of their stuff does suck, but you get what you pay for. I love them.
I like Hobo Freight. I have many tools from there. Hercules cordless drills, and Baur impact drivers. I have an angle grinder of theirs thats been running great for three years. I paid 14.99 for it. Even came with a spar set of brushes. If I want a precision tool, I wont go there. But, for general use tools, Im all in. I bought a wire feed welder that works great for doing repairs and crude projects. If I was in the fabrication business, I would get a much better Miller welder. But for what I use it for (on the farm) its just fine.
Hobo freight... I like that. Yeah, they are great for the average joe. I think that they are trying to change perceptions and get professionals to use their tools. They have had some success in a few places, but they still have a long way to go to change minds.
I've been using hf more . Bought 12" compound miter saw and stand bouth Hercules a couple years back. Love them both. I've used alot and very happy with them. Hand tools have been getting better and they're jack's are excellent.
If it has a cord, I'm flexible. If it has a battery, it's gotta be Ryobi. Family brand. It's too easy to run to dad's garage, borrow something, and have backup batteries when needed. Other than that if it has a cord and good reviews I'll give it a shot. I think the repairability and planned obsolescence comment pp made is really interesting.
Through their growth has changed, it means some of us got stuck with products that no longer are sold and to get parts or get work done on things they no longer sell. We don’t carry that anymore is the only response you get. In my case the Chicago generator. It was a good thing I can work on my own small engine, after 8 hours of use. I had to replace the carburetor. I don’t buy those types of tools for fear the brand will change in mid stream
if i'm paying a hundred+ dollars for a power tool that will last for decades. I will always go with quality over cheapening out on the lowest prices. You get what you pay for 100% of the time.
I’ve always thought of and purchased harbor freight tools as a cheap sometimes disposable tools. Their prices always made them a good option for a limited use tool . I have noticed that since Sears basically left the scene, their prices have steadily gone up . I can actually find better deals on a better quality tool in Home Depot or Lowes nowadays. Lately , the only time I go into harbor freight is when they have a percent off coupon sale or a special promotion like a holiday or sidewalk sale.
The whole time I was growing up, I always thought that Harbor Freight was decent tools for a cheap price. Now, I'm almost 40, and I only buy from Harbor Freight. Their tools have definitely gotten better in quality. For example, and I know that this is probably the worst example, but I bought a couple of those $1.99 flashlights that they have up front? You know, the ones that are about 3" long. Well I have, on accident of course, dropped them off a 5th floor balcony onto concrete and went down and picked it up, and I'm still using it today.
I've been a customer and pretty happy consumer of HF tools for years, and I'm very happy with the stuff I've bought, much of it lasting for years. I'd be very reluctant to buy any more electronic stuff off them, though, as it's impossible to get parts. I've got a digital camera gathering dust here as the camera/flex unit burned out, and it seems impossible to buy another! Which brings me to my main beef: what's with the move to upmarket - i.e.more expensive - brands? Surely that's going to take down the main reason for shopping there; cheap tools that last! Don't get it.
I am gradually converting to Hercules brand of tools. My only complaint is that they dont have as many tools in the Hercules brand as they do in the Bauer.
I got burned in my younger days with their Chicago Electric brand. Most of my HF tools crapped out and I vowed not to buy any more of them. That said, I did get convinced to buy their Icon tool chests, and that has been a wonderful decision. I am open to their Icon brand now, but I am not really in the market for hand tools now, since I filled out my collection with high end stuff that doesn't need replacing.
When I was a kid, my dad took me a harbor freight because we needs sawzall blades and they were cheaper than home depot, and he ragged on harbor freight because of their old reputation, a view that I inherited, now as an adult, I'll go to harbor freight and buy whatever I need, and if I use it to the point that it breaks, that's my cue to move to a higher priced market.
best tools china makes but for people who are homeowners and just use them a few times its great, and the hand tools are good i love harbor frieght and have been a buyer since the mail catalogs
when I first went to hf about 15 years ago I was in heaven with all the cheap stuff I could get because I was on a super tight budget and it was 60 miles away no there's one 10 miles away and I shop there 3-4 weekends a month. I wait till what I want is on sale or has a good coupon for that week. I'm mostly using stuff for DIY so 95% of what I get is great for what I need and a great price love that place and I've never had a problem returning anything for any reason 💪
There's a Harbor Freight about two miles from me. I shop their website on occasion. Been in the store a few times. I've yet to make a purchase. They've interesting products, but it's never aligned with my needs. I've made about a half dozen purchases form Northern Tool, which is 20 miles away. Again, nothing against Harbor Freight, but they've not been able to draw me in.
Company Man did a breakdown on the financials on HF's success. Primarily it's because it's still pivately owned by an original family member, not leveraged or bought out by private equity. They usually destroy businesses. THink of your former favorite store or media company, examples are, Payless, KB Toys, Radio Shack, Brookstone, Sears, Red Lobster, Vice, Cracked, College Humor, Donut Media....And more.
Operating at contracting business, I am in Harbor Freight every day if not two to three times a day.I can save a lot because many tools are even stolen or lost. I have seven generators at work. No problems so far.
I'm in the Hercules line right now and it's great I've loved all the tools so far but it's frustrating how long they take for some things. Like the Jigsaw. Where is it?
I usually go in to harbor freight not intending to buy anything and walk out with something last time being a $400 (300 with my ITC membership) toolset for a Christmas gift to a buddy and a green creeper
Harbor Freight tools are great. I bought their cheapest drill to build a fence. It started smoking the first day. Smoked a bunch. Never stopped spinning. Still works, five or so years later. Well worth the $20. Likewise, I purchased the $10 grinder. No issues, works great. I've had one or two things fail, but at this price-point, who cares?
Fyi, harbor freight drills are refurbished de Walt/Stanley drills. Next time you go in take a battery with you and test it out. Also applies to Walmart Hart brand tools.
9:40 I have many DeWalt tools, drill, impact bandsaw, radio grinder, circular saw I had thought about switching over to Hercules as Michaels went out just because they’re extended warranty is easily honored really the only thing stopping me is the batteries I have so many Dewalt batteries that it would cost me a fortune to switch over due to all the batteries I would have to buy
Appreciate the insight, haven't really thought about my local HF store in a while. I'd say their terrible line of Pittburg hand tools turned me off, but I also was exposed to Craftsman's opposite approach from the Sears days, of lifetime warranties. So when I started to buy tools I landed on Craftsman initially, some Kobalt and Ridgid. I've stayed with Ridgid b/c of the warranty, #1, but I've enjoyed the general quality and lower price points for power tools. I don't buy as many hand tools (inherited many quality ones), but get from an assortment of brands - shame Walmart bought and ruined the Hart brand. I wasn't even aware of HF's new strategy. Would I go back in - maybe, I've heard great things about their parallel clamps so I've been meaning to get some and wouldn't want to miss out on other tools while there (if I ever make it).
I think my issue is that I was given a makita set for Christmas and so now that I'm in that ecosystem it's hard to pull away to try a Hercules. Do you think it's worth the try?
I have bought a decent amount of tools and stuff from Harbor Freight and it's still a mixed bag, The branding strategy is nice for power tools, but other tools and items are still sometimes a gamble. I've been mostly happy with the Bauer tools, but I have almost burned out an impact drill on a few concrete foundation drill holes and worn out the velcro from my Bauer orbital sander. The cheap automotive ratchets totally suck and the cheapish hand tools can rust quickly if left out.
I go to HF for non-electrical tools. Love the price I paid for Pittsburg wrench set, replacement wheels on wagons and wheel barrows, gloves. Usually I end up buying stuff that I wasn't planning to buy anyway. So yes, their got a chunk of my money, and yes my opinion of them is not bad. But I am a tools snob. I buy only Rigid or Makita. I have 12 year old Makita battery tools that are still going strong with new batteries. And there aren't too many makers of a 16" beam saw. I would say, HD gets 75% of my business, Lowes 22.5% and HF 2.5%.
I have noticed an improvement in quality over the years. One thing I really wonder about is how the makers of Harbor Freight tools can copy some name brand tools almost to a tee. How can they get away with copying tools of other companies?
In my opinion it is pretty hard to find any junk at Harbor Freight. I have been going to Harbor Freight since the early 90's, and I have been a production welder and a mechanic during the past 30 years. I have broken quite a few Craftsman sockets, but fewer HF sockets. I have digital voltmeters and IR temp meters, torque wrenches and various power tools. Their 80 volt Atlas chainsaw and blower have served well. I also have bought various adapters so that I can even power my Milwaukee Fuel 18 with high capacity HF batteries. I can also power my "legacy" 18 volt ni-cad Dewalt tools with an adapter to Milwaukee 18 Fuel.
tools have been gotten much better. 20years ago I bought a pry bar there and it just bent like a pretzel. since the USA has invested so much money in China manufacturing everything has gotten better
Haven't been to HF in a long long time. First, for cordless tools, i started with Bosch and will stay there. They have served me very well and i don't want to manage more than one brand of batteries. As for corded tools, i haven't bought one in years, the last being a Dewalt Router, and have no plans for another one. For corded tools, i don't have a dedicated brand. As for hand tools, perhaps i need to add them to the list to look at (HD, Lowes, Menards...etc). However, their store is farther away from me than all of its competitors, so from a time standpoint, they aren't in a good position. The biggest issue i see is they don't stock most nails, screws and etc. So if i need a box of deck screws and a round over bit, I am going to have to stop at a different store anyway, so why make two stops? if i need solder and some pipe fittings, i can only get the solder at HF. I am old and have most of the tools i will ever need, so for me, projects generally are about buying materials, not the tools. I guess in the end, I am not their target customer. Their website is clear and clutter free, so that's a plus, and does list in / out of stock for "your store" and whether or not its in stock at a nearby store....all without extra clicks. That's well done.
Three years ago I went out and bought a high end angle grinder it was on a job where I had burned out two of the cheap harbor frieht one, paid $129 dollars for it and it burned out in two days I returned it and went to harbor frieght and bought 5 of the cheaper ones, still have three of them today. I have been shoping at harbor frieght for 30 to 35 years years, most tools today are crappy all of them, when they were allowed to merge into conglomerates quality took a dive.
They ask for my phone number and then I don't have to keep the receipt. They don't call or text me which is awesome. I did join the club because members get to buy stuff cheaper and what I wanted saved me enough to pay for it. They give out free stuff on the weekends sometimes and members can get more. Sadly the are 40 miles away in either direction.
Mostly good value and less cost but not always. Check around and you can many times beat their prices online or even in other stores. That cheap angle grinder, hammer drill, heat gun, generator, air compressor used pretty heavily for many years with not much trouble. Yea I like hf now even better. If rating not 4.5-5 better question if you will be happy with purchase.
Years ago would shop at harbor freight religiously. But the quality was always low. When a transmission Jack failed out of the box for my dad, we returned it and started shopping at other stores. Now we are tied to the rhino brand with the batteries being of great quality and the ability to be in one system. The tools may not be of the great variety at times, but they last for us and we have yet to replace only a flashlight bulb after approximately 10 years with the ryobi brand starting with a combo pack that included the flashlight, circular saw and a brill and driver.
I have always viewed them as cheap and disposable. Until the stuff i was getting was lasting awhile. There are some thinks I'll never party with - dewalt and milwaukee, for high end tools. But for smaller power tools and hand tools, HF is my go to place. I did not know they had a lifetime warranty on their hand tools, and also, craftsman is made in China, and Chinese made anything is notoriously bad. So i have no problems switching from craftsman.
HF is a great place to buy from BUT only certain items, I personally stay away from anything with a cord or battery, just my opinion. I use strictly DeWalt and yes it’s more money but being in the middle of a job and a tool quits so I have to drive somewhere to replace it while 10 men waits on me that’s 10 hours to 1 that it’s costing me
Lol, true, neither is northridge, CA (LA metro area), but the point is that they are opening up a ton of stores in rural areas when almost no other retailer is doing the same.
I have HF tools and broke one and took it back and they gave me a new one I have a lot of the Pittsburg brand and they work fine but I bought a Hf battery operated impact gun the battery went bad in less then a year and could not get a new battery so the tool was worthless .and there is nothing wrong with the hand tools they carry .
Why don't I buy Harbor Freight tools and only buy DeWald, Milwaukee, Jet, etc.? Because when the switch goes on my DeWald tool, I can buy the part to fix it. With tools from Harbor Freight, the switch to my grinder went after a year and a half. Contacted them and they don't have it. Harbor Freight tools are not reparable by the customer. Basically, they are just about sales and planned obsolescence. Even if they can match the performance of a name brand, I can't fix it when it goes. I needed a part for a 30 year old Sears radial arm saw and it is available. So go buy your good, better, or best one but be prepared to junk it when it comes to repair. My Porter-Cable sander part was available for 7 years after I bought it; my Harbor Freight grinder, nota.
HF has grown by leaps and bounds in the last 10 or so years. And I am actually proud of my US General boxes, ICON hand tools, and Bauer and Hercules power tools.
(I also own Dewalt, Milwaukee, USA-made Craftsman, MATCO, and Snap-On tools just to name a few...)
HF has done an incredible job of changing their image by offering quality alongside budget tools.
Just the other day, I mentioned to a friend that I was going to HF that weekend to pick up a few things. He asked me why I was going there because "they sell junk".
I brought him into my shop and showed him my US General boxes, a set of my ICON wrenches, and let him cut a piece of wood with my Bauer jig saw.
His exact words afterwards: "Damn, THIS is Harbor Freight stuff??".
Excellent vid. And you nailed it. HF has a genius marketing plan. And let's not forget their never-ending coupons and "sales". It makes the common guy feel like he just got a GREAT deal every day of the year. Lol
You said it all, I agree, can't add to this!
I find myself going to HF just to ck things out over the Depo and always come out grabbing more than what I went in for
They also only do one thing, tools. They're not trying to sell you Halloween ornaments, or appliances. They don't need nearly the same staff to source and distribute all that erroneous stuff.
+ tools are one of those things that do well in retail. When you're shopping for a tool you likely need it *NOW* and aren't willing to wait, even the one day for shipping. That kind of consumer need lends itself better to brick and motor.
Those are also great points, thanks!
C’mon man, every job site needs a Halloween set up, it’s how do’ers get more done! 😂🤠🤡
@@elduro5977🤪🎅🏼🧟♂️
I feel like another huge reason for their success is customer service. Not just friendly service but literally how their warranty works. When something breaks you just walk in and they swap it out no questions asked compared to others which normally requires finding an authorized service dealer or shipping your tool off for who knows how long.
I know I can always get a good tool at Harber Freight for my little projects around the house or buy their cheapest several times before wearing them out. I've bought all three of their 4.5" grinders. I use them in all on my welding projects. I have yet to break one of them. I like the speed of their blue colored model, but their cheaper red color brand works as a different grinding wheel. Their middle priced one I use with a cutoff blade for small pieces of steel. I bought their bigger bandsaw for the bigger stuff.
I agree with you....I have grown with them over the years too...
Much more respect and much better quality today..👍
Thanks for your comment!
My opinion of their quality has definitely changed. 20 years ago they were the place you went to buy a tool you needed to use once. At that time I was a diehard Craftsman customer. Now I find their hand tools to be very good. Their Icon brand of hand tools are very, very good. I have not ventured much into their battery powered tools as I am heavily invested in Dewalt tools and batteries. I think their tool storage systems are amazing. I am amazed at the quality of their tool carts/tool boxes. So, what is my opinion of Harbor Freight now? Well, you can still buy junk there if you want, but you can also buy quality tools if you are willing to spend a little more.
Exactly my thoughts and experiences! Well Said.
Harbor Feight is my go-to when Walmart & Lowes are too expensive. And as long as you keep the receipt they don't give you too much crap if what you buy breaks.
Great points! They have a 90-day warranty on most things and a lifetime warranty on hand tools. They have to do that to make people comfortable enough to buy.
Brand can be ignorantly important to people. There are folks who will buy the Black Friday version of a name brand tool and they truly believed it is better than a higher tiered Harbor Freight brand even though it may not be. I also constantly hear folks say "I can get a better deal on tools in Home Depot or Lowes, why would I buy Harbor Freight tools?" They have no idea that they may be buying lower quality items that were "made for the store or a sale" and they are probably not near the quality of Harbor Freights "best" products.
I have a harbor freight just a few miles from my house, and I'm thankful for it
they've completely redeemed their old reputation in my opinion ... not just because the quality/selection is so much better than in the past, but also because of their employees and store policies
I look forward to needing a tool and going to HF to look for and get it
When I first got into a trade back in 2014 I bought a "pro" grade Chicago Electric angle grinder and used it as a metal fabricator. I burnt it up in 6 months. That job supplied Pittsburgh clamps and they always bent and warped easier than Irwins...
So back then I learned from experience that Harbor Frieght is not ideal for professional use, but they're probably the most bang for the buck for home use...
Today I find myself rooting for Harbor Frieght and their shift towards quality. I'm already in the DeWalt power tool ecosystem, and I'm a tounge and groove pliers Channellock fan boy. Outside that I'm slowly trying to convert all my professional hand tools over to Icon.
Great information!
I'll have to go to my local Harbor freight store more often.
Thanks!
Another great in-depth explanation. I started buying at Harbor Freight a couple of years ago and my first impression was that they are just cheap tools. I bought some low end power tools for those "limited use" jobs and frankly I've been impressed. I now have a lot more confidence in the brands they make and sell. I have definitely gone in to shop and bought a better and slightly more expensive tool. Thanks.
Great comment, thanks!
Dude you are one of the the best Economic Professors I have listened too. And I a BA & Masters in Economics. Brillant lecture. Thank You.
My mother in law worked for sears back in the day and she was in the VPs office as a secretary… she would hear the brothers fighting Sears and Montgomery Wards was owned by brothers and they would be at it and threaten to take the other down… guess their egos took them both down… had they worked together they could have been a formidable powerhouse like Amazon…
90% of my tools are HF and still have most of them bought a basic welder a few years ago still works great. even bought a gas Auger to replace my backyard fence still works great.
I have a Warrior screwgun and light combo. I got that for 1/3 of the other brands and as much as I use it, it works, is always ready to go and is reliable. I don't use tools for a living, but for general home use, they kick butt. I like them just fine. Plus, their store is closer than the big box stores. I have a bunch of their tie down straps, hand tools, hammers... etc. They all work.
I explained it to my son like this: when I use a tool it is to perform something around the house, if it breaks then the project is delayed, but not a disaster. If I used my tools as a profession then I’d invest in better tools
I have bought low end and med grade tools there. I needed a large pipe wrench for a med torque requirement and saved $50 off of what Lowes wanted and I have had it for 5 years and had no problems.
I've been buying HF tools since the mid 90's, when I had to order them through the mail. I continued to buy them online for a long time, until they opened a store about 50 miles from me in the mid 2000's. 3 years ago, they opened a store in a town that is 20 miles from me and I drive through everyday on the way from and to work. Can you imagine what happened? I went from spending a few hundred dollars a year at HF to spending over a grand each year for the last 3 years. When it becomes convenient AND cost effective, it's a no brainer. I'm gonna buy my tools at HF. I've only had about a half dozen tools that I've bought from them be junk tools. I have some tools from them (mainly Pittsburgh hand tools) that have been serving me well for over 30 years. I have kept away from the power tools, because they mostly had Chicago Electric when I started buying them and those are tools to stay away from. Now that they have Bauer, Hercules and Atlas I'm more impressed, but don't want to have multiple chargers for my cordless tools, so I'll stick with my yellow guys. I have started buying some of the Bauer and Atlas cordless to give to my son, and will continue to do so.
Yes I already buy stuff from them and I will continue to do so. They have definitely upped their products.
That's what most people tell me.
I love going to Harbor Freight and spend a lot of money there. I already knew all of what you said in the video - but it was still interesting. Good Job. I have purchased all levels of "Good, Better, Best" and have been pleased with every purchase. I OFTEN take advantage of their REPLACEMENT PLAN. I think a lot of customers think it is an extended warranty - but NOPE - it a REPLACEMENT plan. That means that at any point until your particular plan ends - you can bring in your tool and get a new one - NO CHARGE. It can be in perfect working order - you get a new one. I probably buy the plan for half of my power tools. When I get home - I attach a label to the piece reminding me of when the replacement plan ends - that way I don't fail to replace my tool. And, it's not just for tools. I bought one of their portable garages and bought the plan. The fabric ripped in a big windstorm - so I took what was left back to the store and they gave me a brand new one! BTW, It's not often that I visit the store with a planned purchase in mind and end up getting something else. Love the store.
Great comment, thanks!
this video changes much of my perception. HF would do well to hire Dave !!
I was hip to HF along time ago...there main dist./warehouse was in the town where my family from...so every year I'd go down and load up...plus my cousin used to work there...😊
I love harbor freight I use their hand tools pretty much daily. With the world in the state it is in now high tool brands / tool trucks are a thing of the past imo. HF Icon, Hercules, titanium/Vulcan lines are insane in value. A lot of guys at the shop switched from snap on and Mac to HF stuff because of the value and the warranty is so easy and quick.
I'm mechanic who has gone through a divorce and paid child support. Harbor freight was one of my only options for tools. After doing some research I found that some of their tools, the better ones, were made by genius brand. And I have been using the harbor freight in genius brand tools for the good part of a decade with little to no problems That is the Canadian equivalent to snap on. They are extremely good! If you do your research you can find some extremely good tools at harbor freight.
In the end, it’s all about what the customer wants and or needs. I build fences. I tried making the best built fence for all my customers. My fences are built better than most for several reasons. I would show the customer about 5 to 6 reasons why they should have it built my way. Half the customers would say ok, the other half never called me back. I found out that the other half weren’t interested in a great fence. They just needed a little privacy and a barrier to keep their dogs off a “Lost” poster. Now I offer them the same garbage that came their house along with my well built fence. The cookie cutter fences are extremely easy and cheap to build. I can erect one in a day and I just follow what is already there. Very little planning or measuring anything.
I also think that part of Harbor Freight's strategy is geared towards those who like feeling like they are getting a really good deal and not only does putting good better best tools next to each other makes those people feel like they are getting a really good deal because not only are the best tools cheaper than Milwaukee, the good tools are cheaper than the best tools.
These people also get a thrill from getting good deals by looking at their coupons and seeing not only how much they are getting discounted using the coupon but how much they are saving compared to the "equivalent" model of another brand.
I'm old school Craftsman tool guy going back to the 70's-80's. You warranty your hand tools like Sears Craftsman did, No questions asked just replaced it, then I'm sold! HF Is getting that dialed in and they are hurting the big box (Home Depot, Lowe's) stores.
I definitely think they have gotten a lot better in the last several years.
I am a DIY mechanic and I love the Balor 1/2 in impact drill use it all the time never had a issue with it once I did however buy the Balor reciprocating saw and that was junk after two uses motor blew out but you get what you pay for
I have used Harbor Freight for years. Glad to see all the effort you it into your video. The worst toll ever purchased was a Bauer Sawsall. I think I returned four of them before I got one that worked without breaking off the main shaft drive. They didn’t have Hercules when I started so everything I have is Bauer. There sockets break too but they replace them without question. Now for dumpster diving. I lived in Cincinnati. The store west of town kept their broken tools locked into a trailer with a lock on it. They would get mad if they saw you behind their store. The one to the north of town was different. I got a trailer the second time I looked. I had to go up that way the next day and got another on. The second one didn’t have a wiring harness. The first one, I put together and got five hundred bucks out of it. Since then I got a good floor jack, long pry bar, oh and a cart that I found pieces at a time and finally hand it all but the screws and still have it today. I also found several sets of Allen wrenches and even those little lights they give away from time to time. The ones I found all had good batteries. I have anisotropic hose on my ne of those retractable wheels. I just need to replace the air line. They had cut one end off with a knife. I have seen the drill is weak when using the bigger bits. I may trade up to Hercules when I need a new one. Later
It used to be only hand tools I would buy from HF, but I love the growth. That used to be all I could afford and they got the job done. Now, I will still go in at least monthly and get something I need.
HF is a great option for specific jobs needing single use tools or paint brushes and disposable items. Just bought a 3T floor jack with coupon savings. That 240 purchase to me is like not paying an auto mechanic 90/HR to do a job I can to myself thereby paying for the jack in 4 hours!
Great job...appreciate you and your method
this is not a DIY channel - all these are business master classes. This guy knows business even better than some b-school professors
I am an avid Harbor Freight Fran and shop their often. People put down Harbor Freight because they’ve realized they’ve overpaid with SnapOn, Matco, Milwaukee, etc. Yes I have some of these other brands but Harbor Freight is my go to. If they don’t have something I’ll look somewhere else.
So my perception has changed since the first time I purchased some socket 10-years ago. I always thought stuff was essentially to cheap to work more than once or twice. But previous purchases recently have shown that their efforts to make things better is actually a godsend. Previous tools have broken with use, recent purchases are still working and, well that make me happy to continue to shop there and consider their "GOOD, BETTER, and BEST products as opposed to just DeWalt or Milwaukee and...
I do part-time handyman works. When I first started with HF, I bought their cheapest tools I could find. Many of those I still use. In fact, when they started to phase out the old line of power tools, I bought all of the batteries I could find.
At some point, I needed something not available in that line, so I bought a Bauer. It was enough better that I have added more than a few other Bauer tools, cordless and corded. I see them about equivalent to Ryobi, and I would recommend Bauer even to professionals. I usually take backup tools, just in case, and having an older drill around works fine rather than switching bits constantly.
I love Harbor Freight. The problem is the name? I passed by the stores for years because I thought it was a boat bulk rate shipping place.
I used to be a Snap-On dealer back in the 80's. Their tools are superior to probably anything around, with their flank drive. Fast word some 35 years & being 75. I buy HF all of the time. I can't believe how inexpensive their sockets & or their wrenches are. For the DIY person, they're great & I'm there more often than not. Some of their stuff does suck, but you get what you pay for. I love them.
I like Hobo Freight. I have many tools from there. Hercules cordless drills, and Baur impact drivers. I have an angle grinder of theirs thats been running great for three years. I paid 14.99 for it. Even came with a spar set of brushes. If I want a precision tool, I wont go there. But, for general use tools, Im all in. I bought a wire feed welder that works great for doing repairs and crude projects. If I was in the fabrication business, I would get a much better Miller welder. But for what I use it for (on the farm) its just fine.
Hobo freight... I like that. Yeah, they are great for the average joe. I think that they are trying to change perceptions and get professionals to use their tools. They have had some success in a few places, but they still have a long way to go to change minds.
Very good breakdown on the HF business model strategy.
Thanks!
I've been using hf more . Bought 12" compound miter saw and stand bouth Hercules a couple years back. Love them both. I've used alot and very happy with them. Hand tools have been getting better and they're jack's are excellent.
dave, youre awesome. Keep it up..
If it has a cord, I'm flexible. If it has a battery, it's gotta be Ryobi. Family brand. It's too easy to run to dad's garage, borrow something, and have backup batteries when needed. Other than that if it has a cord and good reviews I'll give it a shot. I think the repairability and planned obsolescence comment pp made is really interesting.
I shop there all the time. Most of the tools I buy are hand tools, though I am in the Bauer cordless yard tool line.
Through their growth has changed, it means some of us got stuck with products that no longer are sold and to get parts or get work done on things they no longer sell. We don’t carry that anymore is the only response you get. In my case the Chicago generator. It was a good thing I can work on my own small engine, after 8 hours of use. I had to replace the carburetor. I don’t buy those types of tools for fear the brand will change in mid stream
if i'm paying a hundred+ dollars for a power tool that will last for decades. I will always go with quality over cheapening out on the lowest prices. You get what you pay for 100% of the time.
I’ve always thought of and purchased harbor freight tools as a cheap sometimes disposable tools.
Their prices always made them a good option for a limited use tool . I have noticed that since Sears basically left the scene, their prices have steadily gone up . I can actually find better deals on a better quality tool in Home Depot or Lowes nowadays.
Lately , the only time I go into harbor freight is when they have a percent off coupon sale or a special promotion like a holiday or sidewalk sale.
The whole time I was growing up, I always thought that Harbor Freight was decent tools for a cheap price. Now, I'm almost 40, and I only buy from Harbor Freight. Their tools have definitely gotten better in quality. For example, and I know that this is probably the worst example, but I bought a couple of those $1.99 flashlights that they have up front? You know, the ones that are about 3" long. Well I have, on accident of course, dropped them off a 5th floor balcony onto concrete and went down and picked it up, and I'm still using it today.
I live half a mile away from harbor freight, I’m there multiple times a week
I've been a customer and pretty happy consumer of HF tools for years, and I'm very happy with the stuff I've bought, much of it lasting for years. I'd be very reluctant to buy any more electronic stuff off them, though, as it's impossible to get parts. I've got a digital camera gathering dust here as the camera/flex unit burned out, and it seems impossible to buy another! Which brings me to my main beef: what's with the move to upmarket - i.e.more expensive - brands? Surely that's going to take down the main reason for shopping there; cheap tools that last! Don't get it.
As a retired professional remodeler, I was shocked when I went into a HF last year. I go there 1st now, before going to the big box stores.
I am gradually converting to Hercules brand of tools. My only complaint is that they dont have as many tools in the Hercules brand as they do in the Bauer.
I got burned in my younger days with their Chicago Electric brand. Most of my HF tools crapped out and I vowed not to buy any more of them. That said, I did get convinced to buy their Icon tool chests, and that has been a wonderful decision. I am open to their Icon brand now, but I am not really in the market for hand tools now, since I filled out my collection with high end stuff that doesn't need replacing.
When I was a kid, my dad took me a harbor freight because we needs sawzall blades and they were cheaper than home depot, and he ragged on harbor freight because of their old reputation, a view that I inherited, now as an adult, I'll go to harbor freight and buy whatever I need, and if I use it to the point that it breaks, that's my cue to move to a higher priced market.
best tools china makes but for people who are homeowners and just use them a few times its great, and the hand tools are good i love harbor frieght and have been a buyer since the mail catalogs
when I first went to hf about 15 years ago I was in heaven with all the cheap stuff I could get because I was on a super tight budget and it was 60 miles away no there's one 10 miles away and I shop there 3-4 weekends a month. I wait till what I want is on sale or has a good coupon for that week. I'm mostly using stuff for DIY so 95% of what I get is great for what I need and a great price love that place and I've never had a problem returning anything for any reason 💪
There's a Harbor Freight about two miles from me. I shop their website on occasion. Been in the store a few times. I've yet to make a purchase. They've interesting products, but it's never aligned with my needs. I've made about a half dozen purchases form Northern Tool, which is 20 miles away.
Again, nothing against Harbor Freight, but they've not been able to draw me in.
Company Man did a breakdown on the financials on HF's success. Primarily it's because it's still pivately owned by an original family member, not leveraged or bought out by private equity. They usually destroy businesses. THink of your former favorite store or media company, examples are, Payless, KB Toys, Radio Shack, Brookstone, Sears, Red Lobster, Vice, Cracked, College Humor, Donut Media....And more.
Operating at contracting business, I am in Harbor Freight every day if not two to three times a day.I can save a lot because many tools are even stolen or lost. I have seven generators at work. No problems so far.
That is great to hear. Do you see a lot of other harbor freight tools at job sites?
I'm in the Hercules line right now and it's great I've loved all the tools so far but it's frustrating how long they take for some things. Like the Jigsaw. Where is it?
I usually go in to harbor freight not intending to buy anything and walk out with something last time being a $400 (300 with my ITC membership) toolset for a Christmas gift to a buddy and a green creeper
Wish Harbor Feight would sell more Concrete related items.
I can't get out of HF without buying 3or more items I didn't go in for. They just have everything
Harbor Freight tools are great. I bought their cheapest drill to build a fence. It started smoking the first day. Smoked a bunch. Never stopped spinning. Still works, five or so years later. Well worth the $20. Likewise, I purchased the $10 grinder. No issues, works great. I've had one or two things fail, but at this price-point, who cares?
Fyi, harbor freight drills are refurbished de Walt/Stanley drills. Next time you go in take a battery with you and test it out. Also applies to Walmart Hart brand tools.
I love harbor freight always did
9:40 I have many DeWalt tools, drill, impact bandsaw, radio grinder, circular saw I had thought about switching over to Hercules as Michaels went out just because they’re extended warranty is easily honored really the only thing stopping me is the batteries I have so many Dewalt batteries that it would cost me a fortune to switch over due to all the batteries I would have to buy
I've actually went into HF and just bought just that one thing once, then there we're the other times...😎
🤣
Appreciate the insight, haven't really thought about my local HF store in a while. I'd say their terrible line of Pittburg hand tools turned me off, but I also was exposed to Craftsman's opposite approach from the Sears days, of lifetime warranties. So when I started to buy tools I landed on Craftsman initially, some Kobalt and Ridgid. I've stayed with Ridgid b/c of the warranty, #1, but I've enjoyed the general quality and lower price points for power tools. I don't buy as many hand tools (inherited many quality ones), but get from an assortment of brands - shame Walmart bought and ruined the Hart brand.
I wasn't even aware of HF's new strategy. Would I go back in - maybe, I've heard great things about their parallel clamps so I've been meaning to get some and wouldn't want to miss out on other tools while there (if I ever make it).
Great comment. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve heard the Pro tools are a lot better than the standard one.
I think my issue is that I was given a makita set for Christmas and so now that I'm in that ecosystem it's hard to pull away to try a Hercules. Do you think it's worth the try?
I have bought a decent amount of tools and stuff from Harbor Freight and it's still a mixed bag, The branding strategy is nice for power tools, but other tools and items are still sometimes a gamble. I've been mostly happy with the Bauer tools, but I have almost burned out an impact drill on a few concrete foundation drill holes and worn out the velcro from my Bauer orbital sander. The cheap automotive ratchets totally suck and the cheapish hand tools can rust quickly if left out.
I go to HF for non-electrical tools. Love the price I paid for Pittsburg wrench set, replacement wheels on wagons and wheel barrows, gloves. Usually I end up buying stuff that I wasn't planning to buy anyway. So yes, their got a chunk of my money, and yes my opinion of them is not bad.
But I am a tools snob. I buy only Rigid or Makita. I have 12 year old Makita battery tools that are still going strong with new batteries. And there aren't too many makers of a 16" beam saw. I would say, HD gets 75% of my business, Lowes 22.5% and HF 2.5%.
I have noticed an improvement in quality over the years. One thing I really wonder about is how the makers of Harbor Freight tools can copy some name brand tools almost to a tee. How can they get away with copying tools of other companies?
In my opinion it is pretty hard to find any junk at Harbor Freight. I have been going to Harbor Freight since the early 90's, and I have been a production welder and a mechanic during the past 30 years. I have broken quite a few Craftsman sockets, but fewer HF sockets.
I have digital voltmeters and IR temp meters, torque wrenches and various power tools. Their 80 volt Atlas chainsaw and blower have served well.
I also have bought various adapters so that I can even power my Milwaukee Fuel 18 with high capacity HF batteries. I can also power my "legacy" 18 volt ni-cad Dewalt tools with an adapter to Milwaukee 18 Fuel.
tools have been gotten much better. 20years ago I bought a pry bar there and it just bent like a pretzel. since the USA has invested so much money in China manufacturing everything has gotten better
Thats my toy store and mak8 g my living with snap on tools id buy from Harber Freight if I started over.
Haven't been to HF in a long long time. First, for cordless tools, i started with Bosch and will stay there. They have served me very well and i don't want to manage more than one brand of batteries. As for corded tools, i haven't bought one in years, the last being a Dewalt Router, and have no plans for another one. For corded tools, i don't have a dedicated brand.
As for hand tools, perhaps i need to add them to the list to look at (HD, Lowes, Menards...etc). However, their store is farther away from me than all of its competitors, so from a time standpoint, they aren't in a good position. The biggest issue i see is they don't stock most nails, screws and etc. So if i need a box of deck screws and a round over bit, I am going to have to stop at a different store anyway, so why make two stops? if i need solder and some pipe fittings, i can only get the solder at HF. I am old and have most of the tools i will ever need, so for me, projects generally are about buying materials, not the tools. I guess in the end, I am not their target customer.
Their website is clear and clutter free, so that's a plus, and does list in / out of stock for "your store" and whether or not its in stock at a nearby store....all without extra clicks. That's well done.
Three years ago I went out and bought a high end angle grinder it was on a job where I had burned out two of the cheap harbor frieht one, paid $129 dollars for it and it burned out in two days I returned it and went to harbor frieght and bought 5 of the cheaper ones, still have three of them today.
I have been shoping at harbor frieght for 30 to 35 years years, most tools today are crappy all of them, when they were allowed to merge into conglomerates quality took a dive.
Hercules !!!!!! I wish they would add more 20 volt power tools to the line up!!!
They ask for my phone number and then I don't have to keep the receipt. They don't call or text me which is awesome. I did join the club because members get to buy stuff cheaper and what I wanted saved me enough to pay for it. They give out free stuff on the weekends sometimes and members can get more. Sadly the are 40 miles away in either direction.
HF has been great for some stuff I have bought there. I like their stores but some stuff I wouldn’t buy, like Predator for example
Mostly good value and less cost but not always. Check around and you can many times beat their prices online or even in other stores. That cheap angle grinder, hammer drill, heat gun, generator, air compressor used pretty heavily for many years with not much trouble. Yea I like hf now even better. If rating not 4.5-5 better question if you will be happy with purchase.
Years ago would shop at harbor freight religiously. But the quality was always low. When a transmission Jack failed out of the box for my dad, we returned it and started shopping at other stores. Now we are tied to the rhino brand with the batteries being of great quality and the ability to be in one system. The tools may not be of the great variety at times, but they last for us and we have yet to replace only a flashlight bulb after approximately 10 years with the ryobi brand starting with a combo pack that included the flashlight, circular saw and a brill and driver.
Hf has me hook line and sinker. I’m addicted. Great breakdown. Makes me understand what’s happening in my monkey brain a bit better
I have always viewed them as cheap and disposable. Until the stuff i was getting was lasting awhile. There are some thinks I'll never party with - dewalt and milwaukee, for high end tools. But for smaller power tools and hand tools, HF is my go to place. I did not know they had a lifetime warranty on their hand tools, and also, craftsman is made in China, and Chinese made anything is notoriously bad. So i have no problems switching from craftsman.
They need to make & sell hot pink tools and tool boxes!
i walk in to HF to buy that one thing and walk out with 5 things
Harbor freight comes in clutch with the zip ties and the drill bits
HF is a great place to buy from BUT only certain items, I personally stay away from anything with a cord or battery, just my opinion. I use strictly DeWalt and yes it’s more money but being in the middle of a job and a tool quits so I have to drive somewhere to replace it while 10 men waits on me that’s 10 hours to 1 that it’s costing me
I have faith in HHarbor Freight. DeWalt was considered cheap crap only a couple decades ago .
You accidently misspelled Strategy
In other words, they are the “Dollar General” of the tool trade
I might switch over if harbor freight uses the same batteries as all my DeWalt tools.
Louisville KY is not a small town, just fyi
Lol, true, neither is northridge, CA (LA metro area), but the point is that they are opening up a ton of stores in rural areas when almost no other retailer is doing the same.
@@DIYwithDave Understand, and it’s a valid point. I’m from KY and couldn’t let that pass😉
Haha. I figured someone would say something at some point. 😀
My perception is that most of the items they sell are made in China, and not much from the US or North American countries.
I have HF tools and broke one and took it back and they gave me a new one I have a lot of the Pittsburg brand and they work fine but I bought a Hf battery operated impact gun the battery went bad in less then a year and could not get a new battery so the tool was worthless .and there is nothing wrong with the hand tools they carry .
they'll have to start selling dewalt before i switch.
Why don't I buy Harbor Freight tools and only buy DeWald, Milwaukee, Jet, etc.? Because when the switch goes on my DeWald tool, I can buy the part to fix it. With tools from
Harbor Freight, the switch to my grinder went after a year and a half. Contacted them and they don't have it. Harbor Freight tools are not reparable by the customer. Basically,
they are just about sales and planned obsolescence. Even if they can match the performance of a name brand, I can't fix it when it goes. I needed a part for a 30 year old Sears
radial arm saw and it is available. So go buy your good, better, or best one but be prepared to junk it when it comes to repair. My Porter-Cable sander part was available for 7 years
after I bought it; my Harbor Freight grinder, nota.