went inside a harbor freight store today

We refer to it as "China Tool"..., posted on March 19, 2017 at 20:05:00
Steve O Audiophile Posts: 12359 Location: SE MI Joined: September 6, 2001	...although they do source from other areas. Some stuff is OK - a lot more truly proves out the old proverb "You get what you pay for".

Impressive in an uncomfortable way.., posted on March 19, 2017 at 22:29:30

Craiger56
Audiophile

Posts: 5571
Location: San Jose CA
Joined: April 3, 2002
Contributor
Since: December 29, 2003

That a small gas engine can be cast, machined, assembled and retailed for $120

6.5 HP

My coworkers and I view it as..., posted on March 20, 2017 at 07:12:43
GregK Audiophile Posts: 465 Location: NE Ohio Joined: September 30, 1999	...the perfect place for one- or two-use tools - specific tasks that you will likely never do again. If the tool is trashed afterwards or its functionality diminished, no big loss.

RE: My coworkers and I view it as..., posted on March 20, 2017 at 09:17:23

SpotcheckBilly12345

+1

Just cheap tools designed for sometime use by the truly amateur tinkerer.

I'll buy a Harbor Freight tool if it's a lot cheaper than a "real" version and I'm only gonna use it one or two times. Otherwise I'll opt for quality and longevity and buy a brand name. I've had some experience with Harbor Freight tools so I'm familiar with their offerings.

A mechanic or tradesman who earns his living with his hands will rarely use Harbor Freight tools. They don't hold up to the rigors of day-to-day use in the field. Just check what's being used on a real job site or in a professional shop to verify this.

You actually do get what you pay for in this instance.

Cheers,
SB

+2, posted on March 20, 2017 at 14:46:58
JDK Audiophile Posts: 19654 Location: Sydney Joined: June 26, 2000	We have Bunnings Warehouse where you can buy a jig saw or hammer drill or whatever for $30 - $40. If it lasts to the end of the job, you're a winner. Better than hiring. Those Harbour Freight cordless drill prices are truly amazing - I wonder how many days they will last ........ I just bought a Milwaukee 18v drill and rattle gun combo for $585 ;-) Trying to hide from entropy John K

+3 (nt), posted on March 20, 2017 at 16:22:36
Sondek Audiophile Posts: 9620 Location: Fort Worth Joined: May 17, 2000 Contributor Since: April 5, 2002

I bought a jack hammer from them...., posted on March 20, 2017 at 18:07:43

Rod M
Web Geek

Posts: 16242
Location: So. California
Joined: March 1, 1999
Contributor
Since: March 1, 1999

We needed it for doing the landscaping on a new house we bought in 2004. Renting one was like $75 a day and I think the thing cost $150. I figured if we got a week out of it, I'd be money ahead. After miles of hammering out ditches and concrete, the beast still runs like a champ.

Still, I agree with most. For a one off specialty tool, sure. Otherwise, I buy the name brands. I did also buy a spotting scope from them though. For $50, I'm not complaining, but I knew it wouldn't be the best and didn't expect it to be. It turned out better than expected.

-Rod

obviously not below wholesale or, posted on March 20, 2017 at 18:08:35
Awe-d-o-file Dealer Posts: 21037 Location: 50 miles west of DC Joined: January 10, 2004	they would be out of business. I was there last week, all the comments have summed it up well. I will say I got the cheap belt sander and have used it ten times pretty hard and no problem. cheap stuff at even cheaper prices. ET "If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

RE: obviously not below wholesale or, posted on March 20, 2017 at 20:00:17
painter27 Audiophile Posts: 5057 Location: wi. Joined: January 7, 2003	I needed an internal pipe wrench to remove to remove the threaded hollow tube (that my oil filter screws on to) too drop down my water cooled, oil cooler box to replace the seal. $3.95. Hopefully I don't need it again, but it worked. (thank you YouTube)

RE: obviously not below wholesale or, posted on March 21, 2017 at 20:09:01
Awe-d-o-file Dealer Posts: 21037 Location: 50 miles west of DC Joined: January 10, 2004	i hear ya. Cut my freebie coupon today. I always have a freebie coupon or two and bring a friend to redeem. Got four funnels for 74 cents last visit too. ET "If at first you don't succeed, keep on sucking till you do suck seed" - Curly Howard 1936

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went inside a harbor freight store today

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