I like the quality they have stepped up to, and the fact that you can swap it on the spot if it needs warranty service. much more convenient than mailing it to a service center/waiting for it to be fixed if there's any issues (like the big brands)
If they play their cards right and keep this up they can be the new Craftsman. Like how back in the day everyone who wasn't a professional had Craftsman at home in the garage, that can be Harbor Freight. Good price, good quality and a no nonsense replace on the spot warranty.
I am impressed Harbor Freight stepped up their game after all these years. It shows they are willing to compete with the big boys. I just hope their prices don't take a rise from the positive reviews.
@@corpsman247 me too, I've never paid full price for a single Milwaukee tool I own...they by far have the best promotions that are hackable. $300 is a stretch lol more like $180...which u could get for $100 with a good promo hack
I have yet to step into the Hercules 20v line as I own 3/4 of the Bauer line, but I do have there newest table saw and it's amazing. I'm going to upgrade my 10" Kobalt compound sliding miter saw and probably going to get the top end Hercules as the replacement. I've had the Earthquake XT impact and socket for 3 1/2 years and they've taken a pretty good beating and keep ticking. I'm thinking about replacing those with the High Torque Hercules and 12v socket and selling the Earthquake XT for a small price to my oldest boy.
Buy from eBay. I've always found steals. I'm a contractor, so my tools get used hard every single day and I've never had a problem buying from eBay. I just picked up a brand new Mikwaukee Fuel Gen 4 impact driver, open box, for $75 about a month ago. Picked up a Milwaukee 6 1/2" m18 circ saw, brand new for $39 a couple months back, and lots of other tools, Fluke meters and even genuine batteries at a third of the retail price. It's the first place I check for tools to buy.
I 100% agree with you on not paying full price at HD. I find it that I find better deals at HD when tools are hack able rather than Lowe’s or harbor freight. @@theperfectpaintertoolreview
One thing that is known for your testing methods. Even If the weather sucks, many contractors still work. Therefore, you test them in the same manner. That I appreciate very much. Many DIY'RS get caught with their pants down, the middle of a project, because the weather changes overnight.
I have a Hercules tablesaw it was all I could afford, but I don’t regret buying it. It’s done everything. I’ve asked it to do totally impressed with Hercules.
25 years ago it was pretty much unusable junk but their high end lines are pretty decent now. They still have plenty of junk but fairly good quality too. However, their high end line is as high as some of Home Depot or Lowe's decent quality stuff many times, although on sales (which they seem to have every other day) sometimes you can save a little over the other stores.
I put off buying Milwaukee FUEL tools for DIY projects when I heard the Hercules brushless were going to 5 year warranty (3 years battery). I like paying half price for the same quality and warranty!
I love using harbor freight tools. I have been doing some videos on the ones I buy but I think the key thing for anyone is pick the right tool for the job plain and simple. Harbor freight often has different tiers of tools and as long as you do not buy a base tool expecting pro performance then you never break them. Get the tool that matches what you plan to do with it!
My one AND only gripe I have about the Harbor Freight warranty, is it takes about 10-20 minutes from start to me walking out the door with a new tool in hand. Sears with Craftsman tools, it took longer to find the tool than it did to do the exchange. Hopefully Harbor Freight will make it quicker in the future. At the moment, the cashier needs the Managers or Assistant Manager's ID or something to allow the warranty to happen. I know this because I just had to warranty for the first time my swivel head ICON 3/8" ratchet, ended up snapping off the little pin inside that allows the direction to change.
That looks good for Harbor Freight. One thing that I am impressed with is that you're doing out in the sub-freezing artic cold and during a major snow storm.
I've had one of the original 1/4" impact drivers for about 4 years now and it's been an impressive tool for the price over that time. I wouldn't mind getting this upgraded model, but if I'm waiting for the old one to break first it might be a while.
They problem is that.. They have always had ultra cheap crap, and cheap but good. Some items were downright fantastic for the money. They are trying to have a nearly as good, but slight cost savings line now. They will never touch the big brand names, or lines, so the purpose of the place is dying.
@Tool Review Zone The problem is they are trying to do exactly what the box stores have been doing, sell crap for the best profit margin. They used to offer genuine deals, mostly on tools that filled the needs of people who only need them enough to justify a cut rate option. Their premium tools are starting to rival other cheap options, but no longer offer the savings, and they don't have the lineup to compete.
I think the biggest factor in the improvements at HF is that technology has become more widespread and cheaper for the Chinese manufacturers. It used to be that if you bought the cheap Chinese knock off version of something, it was very, very obvious with the soft metal, weak motors, terrible tolerances ect. Now they can copy the better designs more accurately and efficiently. It's like that more and more in a ton of industries over the last 10 years - cheap Chinese knock offs being literally just as good as long as you're not considering all the other consequences of that hah.
I'm very impressed.. I'm a construction worker and I used DeWalt and Porter Cable.. I'm going to Harbor Freight and get the Hercules line.. With 5-year warranty... Harbor Freight thanks for listening......
I bought a Icon 250ft hi beam torque wrench with flex head at HB ohh boy i was blown away by the quality and accuracy of that tool . HB really stepped up their game .
For 85 bucks I got their 1/4 inch drive impact wrench 4ah battery and dual 12/20v fast charger. It's fantastic for what it is. I wasn't going to pay Milwaukee price for a ¼ drive impact wrench who seems to be the only big name to make one. My only complaint is it is brushed and variable speed trigger only. No speed selector also. I would love to see a brushless upgrade with a speed selector.
Fairness to Harbor Freight, I inherited my Dads tools, woodworking and mechanical, when he passed in 2002. He had, among other things, a Central Machinery bench top drill press. You’d need a beast of a bench though because that things could be a battleship anchor! No fooling! Heavy weight. Anyway, this thing had been through a house fire (his shop was in the basement), and the house was destroyed! The upper floor collapsed into the shop. He cleaned it up and it ran fine. After I got it, into storage for several years, under a carport vinyl shelter in New Hampshire, for four winters, the carport collapsed into itself…this drill press was a rusted dirty hulk of steel!! The arbor refused to go down!! Seized solid! I spent hours completely stripping it down! Parts were impossible to find anywhere! Central machinery was in Taiwan…out of business! Well, I didn’t need a single part!!!! Not one! That girl today runs like the day my dad got it!!! A BEAST!! I didn’t even need a new BELT!! He got it back in the days of mail order only. I can’t imagine what shipping costs were!! I never disrespect HarborFreight…yes, they have some cheap junk…because they have grown to a level that ANY budget can go in and get what they need and it works! If it doesn’t, it’s no hassle exchange! I’m a HarborFreight fan, but I have Dewalt too. And several other brands of various tools. I’m waiting now on a 14” smooth bottom Jack plane from Grizzly. FOURTY BUCKS! I know it’s going to need some tweaking and TLC, but it’ll be quality at a sensible and reasonable price! I’m going to grab me one of these…maybe I’ll sell my Porter Cable set and buy the dual charger and extra batray!! 😎👊🏻 Great review…the snow and cold was a bonus!! I live the nightmare!!😁🥶
Even before Harbor Freight had some jewels. I bought a 12 volt Chicago Electric impact wrench that connects to your cigarette lighter or directly to your battery terminal in 2007. It still rides in my truck and has saved my butt many a time. Its outlasted the vehicle I got it for, and several other cars. I got no complaints.
It's great to see that harbor Freight tools has stepped up with some great offerings to compete with the top tools. But give it up for Milwaukee because without their ground breaking gen3 impact and all the reviews and tests those other tool companies may not have stepped up their game plan as they were comfortable riding the "good enough" Train.
Thank you, I wish more people would review hf tools Ive tried to ask other reviewers to do hf videos and they don't even consider it because of the connotation behind the name
I have bought two of the 1/4" Drive cordless impacts from Harbor Freight . I use them when I change mower blades, edger blades as well as driving screws, lag bolts and removing nuts and bolts. I still have my first 1/4" cordless impact which is a Chicago electric and the other one is a 1/4" Bauer I have put both of these impacts through he'll and they have survived extremely well.
I've had that Hercules bit set for years and I have no complaints. Harbor freight is great for DIY'ers or semi casual use. I'd be curious how it holds up to the abuse on a daily though. Great video Clint!
@@ramboxx1734 As a "pro" that uses these tools daily, I need to know that they will show up for work every day same as I do. The cost difference to stop what I'm doing and head to a store for a replacement tool cost me more than the difference in price!
@@ToolReviewZone I got a Daytona one a couple years back also. Works great!! Their airtanks and pumps are always good too. I've had one for well over. 5 years and it gets used daily on the job site. They really do get a bad wrap
I recall most people in the great lakes , esp. OH hi OH, i mean Oh hi yuhh, when they arent buying their jobsite tools at the flea market, garage sales, estate sales (from their own relatives) buy EVERYTHING at hobo freight.
Good vid and insights, like most things these days HF doesn't offer the low pricing they used to. I am a big fan of their US General tool boxes and Daytona jacks, really no arguing the quality in those products, however they're not the bargain they once were.
I am stocked with mainly dewalt. But if I were starting out and having to supply my trucks... I'd have to at least consider the Hercules line. I have a Hercules jack hammer that I would put up against any Bosch 70lbs. hammer. It's great.
People have a really hard time remembering these impacts are only 1/4 inch impacts and get really high expectations for them I’m impressed by the lag bolts for sure!
That was impressive. I actually considered their dual base router before, but there were zero reviews online for it, so I went with the measly Bosch 1617 lol. Your genuine reaction was priceless lol. But let’s see it run next to a gen 3 or 4 fuel.
This is my issue with their battery powered stuff. HF (from what I have seen) never sells it as a kit. Bythe time you buy the drill,battery and charger it’s cheaper to buy the HD or lowes blows stuff. That’s my problem with their stuff. I see the results and totally believe you. Their pricing schedule is just a bit outta whack.
They have deals on the “kit” that I’ve seen. Buy the charger, 2.5ah battery and tool and you get $25 off which happens to be the price of the battery itself.
I use many clamps in my wood shop from HF. My power tools are DeWalt, but I have a share of mechanics tools and sockets from Harbor Freight. No problems! I’ve been kicking around getting a 7 1/4 miter saw to add the arsenal. Looking at the Kobalt and the much pricier DeWalt. If Hercules would come out with a 7 1/4 miter, I would be oh so tempted!
I want to see a review of a 12" sliding miter saw. Specifically I want to know the cutting depth on 3/4 material since I make custom beekeeping equipment with that dimension.
i have three Harbor Freight stores in my area and have never been in any of them until recently..wow, didn't know what i was missing!! totally enjoy shopping at HF good stuff at great prices!
I recently switched to Hercules from ridgid so far so good, I still use my ridgid as well. I just want Hercules to come out with a Romex/cable stapler like dewalt and Milwaukee.
I’ve been wanting to try this since a first saw it at sema Or where ever it was and this just re enforced my desire to try it. I have the Milwaukee and a made in Japan makita which is my favorite but I’ve got to give this one a try.
Appreciate the feedback. Seems like they are putting everything behind Hercules because it's their brand and not owned by a third party. I think they are here to stay
I learned if you buy a quality tool you rarely or never need a warranty. I think it's cool to buy harbor freight for beginners who don't shop or are patient for deals on a better brand. As for me and many others, I wouldn't drop my Makitas for anything else. If they fail, its an excuse for me to buy a new Makita. Now I have the cxt, lxt, xgt... Still going without worry. A lot of brands stepped up the game so it's almost impossible to miss an opportunity to get something that does the job.
I use the Bauer brand in heavy industrial settings. The high end stuff gets stolen by the employees so it not worth getting them. Nobody touches the harbor freight stuff.
I've been debating on buying one of these for a littke bit. My dewalt just died. I had it for almost 10 yrs. Used it pretty much everyday. I think I'll give this one a shot. I know that 5 ah battery makes a difference too. So hopefully that's not too expensive
At home I'll use harbor freight and if I was just starting out in business for myself harbor freight 100% .... But after I got a established and my harbor freight tool started taking a crap I would probably switch over to Milwaukee by then hopefully I would be able to afford Milwaukee like I was able to afford harbor freight..... But even then I still would probably have a 50-50 mix of tools.... And probably would never own a high-end toolbox it would most likely always be harbor freight US general or icon or some other store brand......
I started buying from HF back when they only sold over the phone. They have always been a good tool source for consumables. Over they yearsthey keep prices low while becoming much better. What will they be like in 10 years from now?
Thanks to the generosity of a good friend, I'm looking forward to being able to evaluate the new & improved Hercules power tools and how they hold up to users with a wide range of experience. From your initial impression (and mine), expecting great things (hopefully, not terrible, like in Harry Potter, but just great).
Harbor Freight is really turning themselves around! Very impressive! Also, first time on the channel and very much enjoyed the video! Got a sub from me
I purchased their new brushless 1/2" hammer/drill last week. I think I was the first in the area as it wasn't displayed in the Hercules section of the store just yet. The four or so the store had been lying/sitting on an unrelated shelf, and I just happen to notice them. I too am impressed with its build quality and its features. I'm not generally a lover of the impact driver (I currently have a Dewalt) as I'm not a big fan of the hex drive bits. They are convenient, but as the video demonstrated, they have a tendency break in two and drill bits wander.
Yo Clint! Yeah, HF is a great place for DIY and homeowner grade items. Sincerely, I mean that in a good way. I have a backpack chemical sprayer I bought from them (couple years ago) with zero issues. Was like $20. And after seeing your adapter break, it reminded me of my 2853-20 breaking my Warrior brand (harbor freight) adapter. But it had alot of miles on it. Exchanged it. Got a Makita brand one and it broke on the first lug nut. I like Makita power tools but not their accessories. 🤷♂️ Anyway, point being, break an accessory from HF and just exchange it. No worries. Might have to pay the difference in price hike, though. Thanks for the video, cheers with a beer and God bless! 😎🎸👍 P.S. Those usb charge ports are real nass like! *ahem* FLEX. 😉
You changed my mind I was liking to buy a driver today ànyway. Guess I am driving a little further down the road to HF thanks for th we great viedo. Now send me some snow to NC ok?
I bought from Harbor Freight since i was a kid in the very late 60s and too today! (When they were only mail order) my bench grinder from them in the 70s just gave out about 3 yrs ago! And it had a lot of use &BEYOND!
A lot of my tools comes from harbor freight. I've been going to harbor freight since 2001. They have stepped the gsme up and steady improving. They have the best sales.
you should test it driving the new power lags. start small and work up to the large ones. I used them to build the loft I n my shop and they will put a beating on an impact. my dewalt was so hot you couldn't touch the head after 3. I believe I was using 3/8 x 5s if I remember correctly
Good Test but why does the post look like it has a 1/2 inch plank on top of it? I see it moving up and down each time the screw goes in and out. At timestamp 6:47 you can see the tare out at the end of the board on the right side.
I've got a Hercules impact in each of my vehicles for taking off lugs nuts, I wouldn't want to have a flat without one. Done chaging tire in 5 minutes.
I'd like to see a comparison between Hercules and Bauer 20v tools. I tend to lean towards Bauer because there's more tools that use the same 20v battery and I don't know if the performance difference between the different lines can even the playing field
Great review of HF's new line of Hercules brushless tools. After watching yours and a few other's reviews, I picked up this and their hammer drill this week. As a DIYer I'm looking forward to trying them out. Have you tried the Hercules 20V brushless reciprocating saw yet? I use a Milwaukee corded sawzall daily to cut steal tanks. Curious how this might match up in a pinch.
Harbor Freight, the Under Dog. I shop there. I think it's great they offer affordable tools and I agree 💯they have stepped up their game. People need to be real though, if they offered the same new tools ridiculous cheap, who would try them? They'd be scared to, fearing "you get what you pay for." Food for thought.
.. I thought that was Latin? Also, been doing a lot of hardy plank lately. I can spend $100 for the circular saw blade at the big box stores and it does last almost 2x as long as the HarborFrieght blade does.. thing is the HF blade is about $40, and I’d estimate %60+ of the durability as the name brand.. maybe there would be a bigger difference if I was cutting something more important?.. all I can say in my experience that part of my costs is a significant saving per job
Harbor freight is great for certain tools/hardware that just didn’t need to be that fancy. Gloves, carts, wheels, storage, and other little trinkets. I go in there maybe two or three times a month. There’s always something to buy in there that other stores don’t have.
I'm not a HF hater - I have been a loyal customer since the early days when they used to sell Dewalt and other name-brand tools. But when I drive a lag into a solid 6 x 6 it generates a lot more wood chips than what I am seeing here. How about starting this test again with a new 6 x 6 and show the end grain to prove it's a solid block of wood? Not doubting your word, but before I commit to yet another battery format, I would like to see these test on new solid wood.
I started switching all my tools over to the Hercules brand . It all started with trying some of the Hercules ceramic sandpaper that stuff eats for real best sandpaper ever all grits and next I bought a grinder it is a beast I've bought the bench grinder too and the 12v impact driver which is as good as my DeWalt so I'm gonna be adding the brushless 20 v. Real soon but all the Hercules stuff rocks and price is on point . Their drill bits are superb for the price and I'm drilling through quarter inch angle iron and metal all day and they haven't burned out yet
Lots of people may not know, but Harbor Freight used to be Mail order, Do you remember ? Remember all the coupons in the magazines When we had magazines, lol . remember that ? Allentown Pennsylvania, when they opened up the store, they were Garbage a joke in the beginning over the years got better, a better Now it's like Is my favorite store? Hell, they even build one down the road for me. Everybody says it was built for me cause I'd buy so much there . I do. Love them But They have gotten so much better in their tools but they're price certainly went up but still cheaper I have a huge tool collection , people can't believe how many tools. I HAVE. neither can I. I'd say 70% ARE Harbor freight I tell people most of the Harbor freight tools They aren't bad if you use it for what it's meant to be used for. Most people screw them up by not using them the right way thats the facts Jack . Right now, like most money is ready bad , have not been there for months. Dam it . Deals are great, and I am Broke. My wife said I may not go there, woman who needs them anyways, lol Sorry Dear .
Saying HF isn't what it use to be is like arguing which fast food chain is the healthiest... HF IS WHAT IT IS. Nothings gonna change as far a expectations and quality. There's a time and place for their products.
Harbor freight started carrying EcoFlow products that is one MAJOR upgrade to there shelf’s. They aren’t ur normal cheap power supplies that only last 1-2 years and take 9 hours to charge.
HFT not may favorite, but I buy a lot of tools from there because of the cost and convenience of having a store close by. HFT power tools used to be a joke but these Hercules are incredibly good. I bought a Miter saw and it cuts with authority a far car from the old Chicago Electric. I haven't tried any of their battery operated and probably won't because when the battery dies in a few years who knows if a replacement will be available. I was able to replacement batteries for my ancient Makita drill at BatteriesPlus always (finally retired that drill after 20 years).
I have great idea) being dewalt guy i have been waiting a lot for powerful impact driver, but still use dcf887) so i guess that impact will replace my dcf887) i already knew that battery terminals on hercules and dewalt almost same) just cut some plastic on hercules terminals and done, dewalt batteries will fit into it)
Those Hobo Freight tools are just excess manufacturing from TTI. I bought the Bauer 20v planer and slapped a battery adapter on it. Look at that planer - it is exactly a Ryobi with a different battery mount. That dust deflector gives it away. Luv those crazy coupon sales!
I mean, it's possible but I wouldn't bet money on it. I've been trying to dig up some info on who was making them, but I really think that the Freigt is using their own engineers on the Hercules brand. For the other tools, someone is probably definitely making them
I think Hercules tools are made by the same vendor(s) that make DeWalt, though. There are several tools in their lineups that are almost identical. As one example, the only wet/dry vacs that are dual-powered are... DeWalt and Hercules.
I thought the same this and asked. They stated to me that they make the Hercules brand themselves. I've asked a few others if they make the brand and I could find anyone that said they make the Hercules tools 🤷
![FNAF Into the Pit has A LOT of Unused Graphics | LOST BITS [TetraBitGaming]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/6YhZCRdipl4/mqdefault.jpg)
I like the quality they have stepped up to, and the fact that you can swap it on the spot if it needs warranty service. much more convenient than mailing it to a service center/waiting for it to be fixed if there's any issues (like the big brands)
If they play their cards right and keep this up they can be the new Craftsman. Like how back in the day everyone who wasn't a professional had Craftsman at home in the garage, that can be Harbor Freight. Good price, good quality and a no nonsense replace on the spot warranty.
I am impressed Harbor Freight stepped up their game after all these years. It shows they are willing to compete with the big boys. I just hope their prices don't take a rise from the positive reviews.
HF is the big boy. They're a multi-billion company - in a worldwide currency - think of the Alibabba
I'm a roadside technician. I've been using the Hercules impact brushless for quite some time now and it hasn't failed me yet
Appreciate the feedback Obey 👊
If Milwaukee made that impact it would be $300 bare tool.
I’ve always paid Harbor Freight prices for Milwaukee stuff. Gotta find the deals.
@@corpsman247 me too, I've never paid full price for a single Milwaukee tool I own...they by far have the best promotions that are hackable. $300 is a stretch lol more like $180...which u could get for $100 with a good promo hack
I have yet to step into the Hercules 20v line as I own 3/4 of the Bauer line, but I do have there newest table saw and it's amazing. I'm going to upgrade my 10" Kobalt compound sliding miter saw and probably going to get the top end Hercules as the replacement.
I've had the Earthquake XT impact and socket for 3 1/2 years and they've taken a pretty good beating and keep ticking. I'm thinking about replacing those with the High Torque Hercules and 12v socket and selling the Earthquake XT for a small price to my oldest boy.
Buy from eBay. I've always found steals. I'm a contractor, so my tools get used hard every single day and I've never had a problem buying from eBay.
I just picked up a brand new Mikwaukee Fuel Gen 4 impact driver, open box, for $75 about a month ago.
Picked up a Milwaukee 6 1/2" m18 circ saw, brand new for $39 a couple months back, and lots of other tools, Fluke meters and even genuine batteries at a third of the retail price.
It's the first place I check for tools to buy.
I 100% agree with you on not paying full price at HD. I find it that I find better deals at HD when tools are hack able rather than Lowe’s or harbor freight. @@theperfectpaintertoolreview
One thing that is known for your testing methods. Even If the weather sucks, many contractors still work. Therefore, you test them in the same manner. That I appreciate very much. Many DIY'RS get caught with their pants down, the middle of a project, because the weather changes overnight.
I have a Hercules tablesaw it was all I could afford, but I don’t regret buying it. It’s done everything. I’ve asked it to do totally impressed with Hercules.
Appreciate the feedback Peter!
Looks good I would like to see a side by side with the big 3!
25 years ago it was pretty much unusable junk but their high end lines are pretty decent now. They still have plenty of junk but fairly good quality too. However, their high end line is as high as some of Home Depot or Lowe's decent quality stuff many times, although on sales (which they seem to have every other day) sometimes you can save a little over the other stores.
Agreed 👍
I put off buying Milwaukee FUEL tools for DIY projects when I heard the Hercules brushless were going to 5 year warranty (3 years battery). I like paying half price for the same quality and warranty!
This price is freaking awesome
I love using harbor freight tools. I have been doing some videos on the ones I buy but I think the key thing for anyone is pick the right tool for the job plain and simple. Harbor freight often has different tiers of tools and as long as you do not buy a base tool expecting pro performance then you never break them. Get the tool that matches what you plan to do with it!
100% brother
My one AND only gripe I have about the Harbor Freight warranty, is it takes about 10-20 minutes from start to me walking out the door with a new tool in hand. Sears with Craftsman tools, it took longer to find the tool than it did to do the exchange. Hopefully Harbor Freight will make it quicker in the future. At the moment, the cashier needs the Managers or Assistant Manager's ID or something to allow the warranty to happen.
I know this because I just had to warranty for the first time my swivel head ICON 3/8" ratchet, ended up snapping off the little pin inside that allows the direction to change.
That looks good for Harbor Freight. One thing that I am impressed with is that you're doing out in the sub-freezing artic cold and during a major snow storm.
Lol, with a tank top under the jacket 🤣 👊🤣🤣
@@ToolReviewZone I knew you were a tough mmmmaaaaannnn!
@@RidgidRon 🤣🤣👊
Cold temps also reduce the battery power output, so that is impressive.
I've had one of the original 1/4" impact drivers for about 4 years now and it's been an impressive tool for the price over that time. I wouldn't mind getting this upgraded model, but if I'm waiting for the old one to break first it might be a while.
;~) don't hold your breath eh'? I like mine too.
You'll be waiting for their new stuff to break out right.
I love Harbour Freight. They have definitely stepped up their game.
I'm definitely happy to see them take some market space away from the top 3 big box stores to be honest
They problem is that.. They have always had ultra cheap crap, and cheap but good. Some items were downright fantastic for the money.
They are trying to have a nearly as good, but slight cost savings line now. They will never touch the big brand names, or lines, so the purpose of the place is dying.
@Tool Review Zone The problem is they are trying to do exactly what the box stores have been doing, sell crap for the best profit margin.
They used to offer genuine deals, mostly on tools that filled the needs of people who only need them enough to justify a cut rate option.
Their premium tools are starting to rival other cheap options, but no longer offer the savings, and they don't have the lineup to compete.
I think the biggest factor in the improvements at HF is that technology has become more widespread and cheaper for the Chinese manufacturers. It used to be that if you bought the cheap Chinese knock off version of something, it was very, very obvious with the soft metal, weak motors, terrible tolerances ect. Now they can copy the better designs more accurately and efficiently. It's like that more and more in a ton of industries over the last 10 years - cheap Chinese knock offs being literally just as good as long as you're not considering all the other consequences of that hah.
I'm very impressed.. I'm a construction worker and I used DeWalt and Porter Cable.. I'm going to Harbor Freight and get the Hercules line.. With 5-year warranty... Harbor Freight thanks for listening......
I bought a Icon 250ft hi beam torque wrench with flex head at HB ohh boy i was blown away by the quality and accuracy of that tool . HB really stepped up their game .
For 85 bucks I got their 1/4 inch drive impact wrench 4ah battery and dual 12/20v fast charger. It's fantastic for what it is. I wasn't going to pay Milwaukee price for a ¼ drive impact wrench who seems to be the only big name to make one. My only complaint is it is brushed and variable speed trigger only. No speed selector also. I would love to see a brushless upgrade with a speed selector.
That’s a good deal as someone who most of my tools have speed selector i never use them that variable trigger is golden
Fairness to Harbor Freight, I inherited my Dads tools, woodworking and mechanical, when he passed in 2002. He had, among other things, a Central Machinery bench top drill press. You’d need a beast of a bench though because that things could be a battleship anchor! No fooling! Heavy weight. Anyway, this thing had been through a house fire (his shop was in the basement), and the house was destroyed! The upper floor collapsed into the shop. He cleaned it up and it ran fine. After I got it, into storage for several years, under a carport vinyl shelter in New Hampshire, for four winters, the carport collapsed into itself…this drill press was a rusted dirty hulk of steel!! The arbor refused to go down!! Seized solid! I spent hours completely stripping it down! Parts were impossible to find anywhere! Central machinery was in Taiwan…out of business! Well, I didn’t need a single part!!!! Not one! That girl today runs like the day my dad got it!!! A BEAST!! I didn’t even need a new BELT!!
He got it back in the days of mail order only. I can’t imagine what shipping costs were!! I never disrespect HarborFreight…yes, they have some cheap junk…because they have grown to a level that ANY budget can go in and get what they need and it works! If it doesn’t, it’s no hassle exchange!
I’m a HarborFreight fan, but I have Dewalt too. And several other brands of various tools. I’m waiting now on a 14” smooth bottom Jack plane from Grizzly. FOURTY BUCKS! I know it’s going to need some tweaking and TLC, but it’ll be quality at a sensible and reasonable price! I’m going to grab me one of these…maybe I’ll sell my Porter Cable set and buy the dual charger and extra batray!! 😎👊🏻
Great review…the snow and cold was a bonus!! I live the nightmare!!😁🥶
I've not tried any of the Hercules tools, but I do have a few of the Bauer line, and they work just fine. I've been pretty impressed with them.
I have the Bauer 1/2" impact, that thing rips!! Their cordless grinder is my most used HF tool, beside the battery or corded water pump.
Even before Harbor Freight had some jewels. I bought a 12 volt Chicago Electric impact wrench that connects to your cigarette lighter or directly to your battery terminal in 2007. It still rides in my truck and has saved my butt many a time. Its outlasted the vehicle I got it for, and several other cars. I got no complaints.
It's great to see that harbor Freight tools has stepped up with some great offerings to compete with the top tools. But give it up for Milwaukee because without their ground breaking gen3 impact and all the reviews and tests those other tool companies may not have stepped up their game plan as they were comfortable riding the "good enough" Train.
Milwaukee definitely paved the road
Thank you, I wish more people would review hf tools Ive tried to ask other reviewers to do hf videos and they don't even consider it because of the connotation behind the name
I have bought two of the 1/4" Drive cordless impacts from Harbor Freight .
I use them when I change mower blades, edger blades as well as driving screws, lag bolts and removing nuts and bolts.
I still have my first 1/4" cordless impact which is a Chicago electric and the other one is a 1/4" Bauer I have put both of these impacts through he'll and they have survived extremely well.
I've had that Hercules bit set for years and I have no complaints. Harbor freight is great for DIY'ers or semi casual use. I'd be curious how it holds up to the abuse on a daily though. Great video Clint!
@@ramboxx1734 agreed
@@ramboxx1734 As a "pro" that uses these tools daily, I need to know that they will show up for work every day same as I do. The cost difference to stop what I'm doing and head to a store for a replacement tool cost me more than the difference in price!
I go there about twice a year. Usually for zip ties, clamps, and things like that. They have some decent stuff for sure.
I bought their jack because people were raving about them. I'm really happy with it and glad they are looking to compete. Happy days Kentucky!!!
@@ToolReviewZone I got a Daytona one a couple years back also. Works great!! Their airtanks and pumps are always good too. I've had one for well over. 5 years and it gets used daily on the job site. They really do get a bad wrap
Ima have to check thos out brother. I think they have been fine tuning a bit
I recall most people in the great lakes , esp. OH hi OH, i mean Oh hi yuhh, when they arent buying their jobsite tools at the flea market, garage sales, estate sales (from their own relatives) buy EVERYTHING at hobo freight.
🤣
Good vid and insights, like most things these days HF doesn't offer the low pricing they used to. I am a big fan of their US General tool boxes and Daytona jacks, really no arguing the quality in those products, however they're not the bargain they once were.
I am stocked with mainly dewalt. But if I were starting out and having to supply my trucks... I'd have to at least consider the Hercules line. I have a Hercules jack hammer that I would put up against any Bosch 70lbs. hammer. It's great.
People have a really hard time remembering these impacts are only 1/4 inch impacts and get really high expectations for them I’m impressed by the lag bolts for sure!
I bought my Hercules drill when it first came out. It is STILL working fine 🙂. Plus please try out the Bower 🦉line to.
I'll try to check them out 👊
That was impressive. I actually considered their dual base router before, but there were zero reviews online for it, so I went with the measly Bosch 1617 lol. Your genuine reaction was priceless lol. But let’s see it run next to a gen 3 or 4 fuel.
I'm definitely do a tool duel brother 👊
Yeah buddy 👊👊👊
This is my issue with their battery powered stuff. HF (from what I have seen) never sells it as a kit. Bythe time you buy the drill,battery and charger it’s cheaper to buy the HD or lowes blows stuff. That’s my problem with their stuff. I see the results and totally believe you. Their pricing schedule is just a bit outta whack.
@@quadsquadracingable if HF does kits they will knock it out of the park
Interesting. Wonder if they would do something like that 🤔👊
It's right on their web site - kits are coming soon...
They have deals on the “kit” that I’ve seen. Buy the charger, 2.5ah battery and tool and you get $25 off which happens to be the price of the battery itself.
I use many clamps in my wood shop from HF. My power tools are DeWalt, but I have a share of mechanics tools and sockets from Harbor Freight. No problems! I’ve been kicking around getting a 7 1/4 miter saw to add the arsenal. Looking at the Kobalt and the much pricier DeWalt. If Hercules would come out with a 7 1/4 miter, I would be oh so tempted!
Seems like they are releasing a lot of stuff. I hears the kobalt is amazing. Have6trued it myself though
If u lived close to me I would sell u my miter 71/4 dewalt sliding miter for less than 100 bucks gotta share my deals with my buyers😊😊
As always, TRZ, you have informed and entertained. Congrats on the recent subscriber jump of around 3K. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Larry!!! 👊👊👊👊👊
Your green screen quality is really good bro 👍
Nice job
Thanks lawncare 👊👊👊
I want to see a review of a 12" sliding miter saw. Specifically I want to know the cutting depth on 3/4 material since I make custom beekeeping equipment with that dimension.
i have three Harbor Freight stores in my area and have never been in any of them until recently..wow, didn't know what
i was missing!! totally enjoy shopping at HF good stuff at great prices!
I recently switched to Hercules from ridgid so far so good, I still use my ridgid as well. I just want Hercules to come out with a Romex/cable stapler like dewalt and Milwaukee.
Seems like they are going to be dropping a bunch more tools
@@ToolReviewZone I’ll be watching for your reviews on them! Seems like they are really trying to hit that pro grade with Hercules now.
I’ve been wanting to try this since a first saw it at sema Or where ever it was and this just re enforced my desire to try it. I have the Milwaukee and a made in Japan makita which is my favorite but I’ve got to give this one a try.
Let me know if you do, would love to hear the feedback
I absolutely will I’m just waiting for one of my local stores to get one
Lets check them out. My biggest concern is i purchased other products from harbor, worked well then they dropped the line.
Appreciate the feedback. Seems like they are putting everything behind Hercules because it's their brand and not owned by a third party. I think they are here to stay
been using Hercules tools for several years now, all still going strong, just hope they don't drop the line somewhere along the way.
Looks like they are in it for the long haul
Holy smoles Wow at how fast speed 3 is 😳😮 impressive with a half inch lag bolt Realll Nassss Likeeee Clint @Tool Review Zone
Hahaha, Antonio 🤣👊
@@ToolReviewZone 👊👊
I learned if you buy a quality tool you rarely or never need a warranty. I think it's cool to buy harbor freight for beginners who don't shop or are patient for deals on a better brand. As for me and many others, I wouldn't drop my Makitas for anything else. If they fail, its an excuse for me to buy a new Makita. Now I have the cxt, lxt, xgt... Still going without worry. A lot of brands stepped up the game so it's almost impossible to miss an opportunity to get something that does the job.
I use the Bauer brand in heavy industrial settings. The high end stuff gets stolen by the employees so it not worth getting them. Nobody touches the harbor freight stuff.
I've been debating on buying one of these for a littke bit. My dewalt just died. I had it for almost 10 yrs. Used it pretty much everyday. I think I'll give this one a shot. I know that 5 ah battery makes a difference too. So hopefully that's not too expensive
Great video. I would love to see how the Hercules Dual-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw handles!
I saw the brushless Hercules impact driver and hammer drill driver and picked them up today.
I was looking on the HF app the other day and seen a toughbuilt product.
That mini icon flex ratchet is my next HF buy
"HURT-CLAYS"...new word of the day by TRZ.
🤣🤣🤣👊
At home I'll use harbor freight and if I was just starting out in business for myself harbor freight 100% ....
But after I got a established and my harbor freight tool started taking a crap I would probably switch over to Milwaukee by then hopefully I would be able to afford Milwaukee like I was able to afford harbor freight.....
But even then I still would probably have a 50-50 mix of tools.... And probably would never own a high-end toolbox it would most likely always be harbor freight US general or icon or some other store brand......
I started buying from HF back when they only sold over the phone. They have always been a good tool source for consumables. Over they yearsthey keep prices low while becoming much better. What will they be like in 10 years from now?
Thanks to the generosity of a good friend, I'm looking forward to being able to evaluate the new & improved Hercules power tools and how they hold up to users with a wide range of experience. From your initial impression (and mine), expecting great things (hopefully, not terrible, like in Harry Potter, but just great).
Harbor Freight is really turning themselves around! Very impressive! Also, first time on the channel and very much enjoyed the video! Got a sub from me
Appreciate the awesome comment and welcome to the channel Rock!!!!
I purchased their new brushless 1/2" hammer/drill last week. I think I was the first in the area as it wasn't displayed in the Hercules section of the store just yet. The four or so the store had been lying/sitting on an unrelated shelf, and I just happen to notice them. I too am impressed with its build quality and its features. I'm not generally a lover of the impact driver (I currently have a Dewalt) as I'm not a big fan of the hex drive bits. They are convenient, but as the video demonstrated, they have a tendency break in two and drill bits wander.
Yo Clint! Yeah, HF is a great place for DIY and homeowner grade items. Sincerely, I mean that in a good way. I have a backpack chemical sprayer I bought from them (couple years ago) with zero issues. Was like $20. And after seeing your adapter break, it reminded me of my 2853-20 breaking my Warrior brand (harbor freight) adapter. But it had alot of miles on it. Exchanged it. Got a Makita brand one and it broke on the first lug nut. I like Makita power tools but not their accessories. 🤷♂️ Anyway, point being, break an accessory from HF and just exchange it. No worries. Might have to pay the difference in price hike, though. Thanks for the video, cheers with a beer and God bless! 😎🎸👍
P.S. Those usb charge ports are real nass like! *ahem* FLEX. 😉
Hahahaha, good eye on those ports Dave 🤣👊 appreciate the feedback brother
You changed my mind I was liking to buy a driver today ànyway. Guess I am driving a little further down the road to HF thanks for th we great viedo. Now send me some snow to NC ok?
Let me know how you like it stank, and you can have all of this snow brother 🤣🤣👊
Whaaaaat ???? I wasn’t expecting it to be impressive but holy smokes!! I’m impressed
I bought from Harbor Freight since i was a kid in the very late 60s and too today! (When they were only mail order) my bench grinder from them in the 70s just gave out about 3 yrs ago! And it had a lot of use &BEYOND!
Lotta decent stuff for cheaper than the other guys. Lot of stuff there that's worth buying just to have on hand
Absolutely brother
Clint - it was 80° down here in South Florida today. Come on down here to do some tool reviews videos in the sunshine. 100% tank top weather too 👊👊👊
Man, I would love to brother. Florida is my goal someday 😪
I buy disposable items there. They have upped their advertising budgets though.
For info, Harbor Freight started as a surplus company that sold excess (quality) brand name tools.
I just got the 1/4 Bauer impact and it's an absolute beast
A lot of my tools comes from harbor freight. I've been going to harbor freight since 2001. They have stepped the gsme up and steady improving. They have the best sales.
Looks like a blue dewalt. I like it
Appreciate the review, thanks.
you should test it driving the new power lags. start small and work up to the large ones. I used them to build the loft I n my shop and they will put a beating on an impact. my dewalt was so hot you couldn't touch the head after 3. I believe I was using 3/8 x 5s if I remember correctly
Good Test but why does the post look like it has a 1/2 inch plank on top of it? I see it moving up and down each time the screw goes in and out. At timestamp 6:47 you can see the tare out at the end of the board on the right side.
ruclips.net/video/mqj5L7EYgZ0/видео.html
I've got a Hercules impact in each of my vehicles for taking off lugs nuts, I wouldn't want to have a flat without one. Done chaging tire in 5 minutes.
Great video. Very cool tool. Might have to check it out
I'd like to see a comparison between Hercules and Bauer 20v tools. I tend to lean towards Bauer because there's more tools that use the same 20v battery and I don't know if the performance difference between the different lines can even the playing field
Great review of HF's new line of Hercules brushless tools. After watching yours and a few other's reviews, I picked up this and their hammer drill this week. As a DIYer I'm looking forward to trying them out.
Have you tried the Hercules 20V brushless reciprocating saw yet? I use a Milwaukee corded sawzall daily to cut steal tanks. Curious how this might match up in a pinch.
Harbor Freight, the Under Dog. I shop there. I think it's great they offer affordable tools and I agree 💯they have stepped up their game. People need to be real though, if they offered the same new tools ridiculous cheap, who would try them? They'd be scared to, fearing "you get what you pay for." Food for thought.
.. I thought that was Latin?
Also, been doing a lot of hardy plank lately. I can spend $100 for the circular saw blade at the big box stores and it does last almost 2x as long as the HarborFrieght blade does.. thing is the HF blade is about $40, and I’d estimate %60+ of the durability as the name brand.. maybe there would be a bigger difference if I was cutting something more important?.. all I can say in my experience that part of my costs is a significant saving per job
Harbor freight is great for certain tools/hardware that just didn’t need to be that fancy. Gloves, carts, wheels, storage, and other little trinkets. I go in there maybe two or three times a month. There’s always something to buy in there that other stores don’t have.
I'm not a HF hater - I have been a loyal customer since the early days when they used to sell Dewalt and other name-brand tools. But when I drive a lag into a solid 6 x 6 it generates a lot more wood chips than what I am seeing here. How about starting this test again with a new 6 x 6 and show the end grain to prove it's a solid block of wood? Not doubting your word, but before I commit to yet another battery format, I would like to see these test on new solid wood.
I'll be putting it up against the Milwaukee gen 4 soon
Awesome!!!! Thanks! Enjoyed
I started switching all my tools over to the Hercules brand . It all started with trying some of the Hercules ceramic sandpaper that stuff eats for real best sandpaper ever all grits and next I bought a grinder it is a beast I've bought the bench grinder too and the 12v impact driver which is as good as my DeWalt so I'm gonna be adding the brushless 20 v. Real soon but all the Hercules stuff rocks and price is on point . Their drill bits are superb for the price and I'm drilling through quarter inch angle iron and metal all day and they haven't burned out yet
12:14 it helps that it's winter but fair play 😆
Love me some HF. My Herc tools are great.
Lots of people may not know, but Harbor Freight used to be Mail order, Do you remember ?
Remember all the coupons in the magazines
When we had magazines, lol .
remember that ?
Allentown Pennsylvania, when they opened up the store, they were Garbage a joke in the beginning over the years got better, a better
Now it's like Is my favorite store? Hell, they even build one down the road for me. Everybody says it was built for me cause I'd buy so much there . I do. Love them
But They have gotten so much better in their tools but they're price certainly went up but still cheaper I have a huge tool collection , people can't believe how many tools. I HAVE. neither can I.
I'd say 70% ARE Harbor freight
I tell people most of the Harbor freight tools
They aren't bad if you use it for what it's meant to be used for. Most people screw them up by not using them the right way thats the facts Jack .
Right now, like most money is ready bad , have not been there for months. Dam it .
Deals are great, and I am Broke. My wife said I may not go there, woman who needs them anyways, lol
Sorry Dear .
I have the 3/8 impact wrench from hercules and love it
Nuice! HFT is finally kicking azz.
love the quality they are selling now and that its still at a competitive price
These went live today and dropped them an extra $10
I’m really starting to like them and I’m finding myself going there more often than Home Depot or Lowe’s
Your video says available on Feb 1st but I'm not seeing it listed on the harbor freight website
Saying HF isn't what it use to be is like arguing which fast food chain is the healthiest... HF IS WHAT IT IS. Nothings gonna change as far a expectations and quality. There's a time and place for their products.
Sold me... only I've used yellow for years. Maybe if I painted it 😉
Harbor freight started carrying EcoFlow products that is one MAJOR upgrade to there shelf’s. They aren’t ur normal cheap power supplies that only last 1-2 years and take 9 hours to charge.
I'll have to check them out 👊
HFT not may favorite, but I buy a lot of tools from there because of the cost and convenience of having a store close by. HFT power tools used to be a joke but these Hercules are incredibly good. I bought a Miter saw and it cuts with authority a far car from the old Chicago Electric. I haven't tried any of their battery operated and probably won't because when the battery dies in a few years who knows if a replacement will be available. I was able to replacement batteries for my ancient Makita drill at BatteriesPlus always (finally retired that drill after 20 years).
I have great idea) being dewalt guy i have been waiting a lot for powerful impact driver, but still use dcf887) so i guess that impact will replace my dcf887) i already knew that battery terminals on hercules and dewalt almost same) just cut some plastic on hercules terminals and done, dewalt batteries will fit into it)
Those Hobo Freight tools are just excess manufacturing from TTI. I bought the Bauer 20v planer and slapped a battery adapter on it. Look at that planer - it is exactly a Ryobi with a different battery mount. That dust deflector gives it away. Luv those crazy coupon sales!
I mean, it's possible but I wouldn't bet money on it. I've been trying to dig up some info on who was making them, but I really think that the Freigt is using their own engineers on the Hercules brand. For the other tools, someone is probably definitely making them
I like to see more competition in the tool market!
Agree. Pittsburg is their cheap line but I feel their high end hand tools are too high in price.
the hercules miter saw stand i got (for my milwaukee lol) is hands down the best you can buy
Haven't seen it, but now I must look for it 🤣👊
I don’t know Crash, I bought a Rigid one on sale that is pretty schweet!
Looks good. Does it have a quick insert collet as well?
I am impressed by it I will have to checked this out
I Cant wait to have this baby, I have the Bauer one and it’s pretty powerful
I think Hercules tools are made by the same vendor(s) that make DeWalt, though. There are several tools in their lineups that are almost identical. As one example, the only wet/dry vacs that are dual-powered are... DeWalt and Hercules.
I thought the same this and asked. They stated to me that they make the Hercules brand themselves. I've asked a few others if they make the brand and I could find anyone that said they make the Hercules tools 🤷
Just bought one today
When you see contractors in their stores stocking up you know