As someone else posted selecting this stuff is common sense. If it looks like crap, it probably is. I've seen lots of stuff that looks like it should work, and many that I wouldn't even touch, and I'm certainly no expert mechanic or tool smith either. I've found several workable items at HF. The thing is, I'm not always looking for tools for the "long haul", but rather for some random project I started and realized (usually in the middle of it) that I just don't have the right tools to finish it. For one or two random jobs / projects, (like the saddle bag brackets I'm currently working on) -- I'm not about to go out and spend tons of money on the best "craftsman®" stuff or whatever, so the HF equivalent is "good enough" to get the job done. I even got a pretty decent ratchet and socket set that hasn't failed me (yet) and I've worked with it quite a bit now. I purchased a separate flexible ratchet with it so even if the (very cheap looking) one that came with the set failed, I'll have a back-up and the sockets will still be use-able. In-fact, I'd dare say the only difference is that this set doesn't come in a fancy case like a "craftsman®" set would. -- I could care less about having a fancy looking carrying case for it. The other cool thing about HF is they have stuff right on the shelf that other places just don't. If I go to sears or even many auto parts stores and ask one of the employees there if they have a simple brake bleeder kit, most of them don't even know WTF I'm talking about. Then after wasting tons of time getting someone else who does know and them getting someone else who does know, they discover they don't carry it in stock or I need to order it on-line. At HF, it's right there, on the shelf, no BS. If it looks like crap, I just don't buy it (or I don't expect much out of it if I do)
I've got a Harbor Freight electric hoist which is starting to grind and overheat after just a handful of uses. I also have a HF rivet gun which constantly jams and is a total POS. I'm a cheap fucker so I guess I get what I deserve.
I've used it, and it's fine. Although, I haven't put anything as heavy as a WR400 on it. Mine has propped up an RM80, and is currently elevating a YSR50 frame, both of which it has handled admirably.
40 miles from home no drill. bought a 12 dollar drill to drill 3 holes. drill caught on fire but got the job done.
Their snap-ring pliers are junk. I think there's a reason the Craftsman ones are so pricey... The Harbor Freight ones bend and break within the first couple uses. Their little $6 rotary tool kinda sucks too, not much power. It does get some stuff done though, so I won't complain. I'm a cheap bastard, but I'm trying to think of any HF tools that I still use on a regular basis. I bought their big C-clamp and use it as a bead breaker. The $2 rubber mallet works pretty good, but I don't know where mine is $5 multimeter actually worked pretty well for me as well.
HF, "quick release" universal compression tester. The guage works fine, but the ONE size of threaded insert (to go into the spark plug hole) I need is so woefully mis threaded/1/2 threaded there is no way you could put it in a plug hole. Long strands of metal "treads" still attached, and the threads are mis-cut Don't have a die to chase the threads on it. Useless.
i have one, good enough quality. It sits quite high though, at least for my DR650, maybe not for a real dirt bike.
...they might Look like tools, but they're only a facsimile .. But i did buy the neumatic bike lift for under $250, and it's worked fine for 3 years. If I had my druthers I'd have a Kendon or other. I'm on my third throwaway body grinder (under $10). One of them is a 'good' Home Depot model, same crap as the HF. Can't pass up the $5.99 heat gun...just don't drop it. Got a set of the gold drills from my dad, use once and throw away...
I love the tennis raquet insect zappers. Great for mosquito season. They put them on sale for $3 often. My favorite thing about them besides the zap when it kills a 'squito is the decal that comes on it that says, "Do not drop Made in China." It's supposed to be two different statements but they put them on one decal so I always see it the same way I read the, "Slow children.....ahead" signs.
Total crap, do not everf buy. Hell, avoid most non-name brand drill bits, even from places like Home Depot. Get Craftsman or Dewalt, or similar. Jim
This thread keeps coming back up. I can't help but wonder why anyone would buy anything at a store that needs a thread to tell you what's good and a thread to tell you what's bad. Why not just go somewhere (oh, I don't know, Sears maybe) where 99% of the stuff is good. Plus if it breaks it's probably got a lifetime warranty. If the reason is because it's a one or three time use tool, instead of adding more crap to our landfills why not support your local machine shop or whatever the job at hand is. Instead of buying cheap easy outs and taps at one of these places, I just paid the massive sum of $20 to have four bolts removed and the holes tapped on a rear hub. Gave some guys a little business and I didn't spend 150.00 on good tools nor do I have 20.00 dollars worth of crap tools laying around my garage. The job was done by an excellent machinist using a Bridgeport mill and what not so I knew it would be done right. Just thinkin' out loud.
I've had good luck with everything I've bought at HF. Floor jacks, angle grinders, all kinds of hand tools, I did have one impact socket crack on me. You can get crappy stuff anywhere these days.
To each his own. HF is great if you know how and when to shop there. It could also be seen as a man's discount toy store. Sears has their share of crap tools that aren't technically "craftsman" and aren't lifetime guaranteed either. I have some Snap On and MAC tools too but I can't buy everything at that level. Makes most craftsman stuff look like crap. I will say sears/kmart have stepped up some of the craftsman stuff to a nice level though.
I have bought very little that was pur crap at HF. I have a variable speed rotary buffer that has been great. I have a 4 1/2" angle grinder that is fantastic, and takes a lot of abuse. I have a DA sander that has lasted years. I also have a rolling tool cart, HF motorcycle lift, Flux Core welder, sand blaster, and other misc tools. Many of my less common hand tools are HF, though my main sockets are Craftsman. I buy sandpaper, cutting and grinding disks, and all manor of "supplies" there. So far the ONLY tools I have had an issue with was a $9.99 very well used heat gun that died (I bought another), and a couple of abused Torx sockets. For 20% the cost of most tools elsewhere, the HF tools are not bad at all. Like said above, common sense makes the difference. If it looks flimsey, it likely is. Jim PS Buy top quality drill bits elsewhere too! PPS The vast majority of hand tools at HF have lifetime warranties.
Sometimes you run into a problem that can easily be solved with the right tool. The problem is that you've gone 35 years without the right tool in your toolbox and will likely go another 35 years before you need it again. And none of your buddies have one, either. Checking around shows two options. 1) rent one at Lou's Rents (why is it always Lou?) for $$$. 2) buy one at HF for $ Yeah, it may not last a dozen uses, but you only need it ONCE! I bought a cheap ($13 on sale) angle die grinder at HF. I doubt it would last two weeks of day-in day-out use. It will likely last me the rest of my life!
I don't know what to say without climbing on the old soapbox. I wrote out a long response but I think I'll keep it to myself.
ya, i got one of those and it's good enough. http://www.harborfreight.com/350-lb-motocross-dirt-bike-stand-66552.html and despite all the naysayers, i secretly love hf. as i think everyone will concede, they sell a lot of junk. but they do have some pretty decent stuff. and they often have stuff that's tough to find locally elsewhere.
Your hate for everything HF and love of "real" tools sold by Craftsman is ironic to me... Yesterday I was rotating the tires on my truck, broke a brand new Craftsman socket loosening a lug nut. Finished the job with a "crap" HF socket with no issues. Including removing the lug nut that the Craftsman did not even budge before it split....