Harbor Freight's Dirty Little Secret – How Their Tools are so Cheap and Which Ones You Should Avoid
Harbor Freight's Dirty Little Secret – How Their Tools are so Cheap and Which Ones You Should Avoid
Harbor Freight has a secret. This secret is the key to how they are able to make and sell their tools so cheap. When you understand how it all works, you will know what tools you should buy from Harbor Freight and which Harbor Freight tools you should avoid.
#tools #harborfreight #harborfreighttools
Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.
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Here is a list of some of the tools that I use in my DIY projects:
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig – https://amzn.to/3p7TcRG
Kreg Clamp – https://amzn.to/3pa12ug
Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig – https://amzn.to/3G7Dtdh
Kreg Shelf Pin Jig – https://amzn.to/3p4AKtZ Dewalt Cordless Drill/Driver – https://amzn.to/3eE1qvX
Dewalt Compound Miter Saw – https://amzn.to/2I8M1s1
Sears Craftsman Jointer – http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=2441
Craftsman Jointer Replacement Blades – https://amzn.to/38mAj7w
Titebond III Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/3k93eyo
Dewalt 735 Thickness Planer – https://amzn.to/2IfKujC
Wen Track Saw – https://amzn.to/3lbSJNY and Track – https://amzn.to/314617W
Bosch Jig Saw – https://amzn.to/3rbG3dV
Japanese Pull Saw – https://amzn.to/3CZfMSh
Irwin Clamps – https://amzn.to/3CVdBiI
Shaker Rail and Stile Router Bits – https://amzn.to/3DWGuMM
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 – https://amzn.to/314kHnw
Bosch Mini Router – https://amzn.to/3HVdibb
Porter Cable Router – https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-1-75-HP-Fixed-Corded-Router/999972940
Plunge Router Base – https://amzn.to/3nTK2tx
Rockler Dovetail Jig – https://amzn.to/3nY7mqa
Porter Cable Brad Nailer – https://amzn.to/3lcwmrO
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you I may earn a commission. Know that I only recommend products and tools that I’ve personally used and/or believe are genuinely helpful, not because of the modest commission I may receive should you decide to purchase one of them. Most of all, I would never advocate for buying something that you can’t afford or do not need.
Welders wont kill you if they fail… Their Vulcan welders are actually pretty solid.
I think you nailed it on the head. I’ve followed that exact advice since HF has been around. I am pleased with HF since the quality of the stuff I will buy has actually improved too.
man we have not had a bad experience with them as of yet .
So what all do people use as a fail safe when using a jack? I don’t have two spare tires nor do I ever really get underneath my car but I am curious as I like to know stuff like this.
Just because a tool was built in the same factory doesn’t mean it was built during the same shift. On the graveyard shift, the QA inspectors from the contracting American company have gone home, and the mice will play. I suspect (no I _know_) that that’s where we get some of those knockoffs from.
It was the Daytona jack that Snap On tried to sue them over.
If I remember correctly, the Daytona jack is made in the same facility that makes some Snap On stuff.
Clamps are pretty good. I know a lot of woodworking type guys throw shade at the HF clamps but I’ve never actually had one release at the wrong time on me. The aluminum bar clams are kinda meh though. The F-Style steel bar clamps though are great, along with the quick ratcheting ones. When you can never have enough clamps, they work wonders. Also, any hand tools I’m prone to lose come from HF. I never got to use the pipe wrenches after I left the old job but they didn’t seem any worse than the cheap ones anywhere else.
Bought a basic HF angle grinder over 10 years ago. I don’t abuse it, and it’s still going strong!
My motto is you don’t wanna buy the cheapest but you also don’t wanna buy the most expensive either you gotta find the one that’s not cheaply made or branded expensively there is always one product that’s perfectly balanced between price and quality but your have to know what and where to look because they are hidden behind sales coupons special deals etc. They do that to fool u if it was good it wouldnt be on sale all business are exactly the same. Go to the pawn shop and see what tools they have for sale those are the ones you don’t buy.. tools aren’t like cellphones. You need to upgrade that’s a trap buy it once I have tools that will last my lifetime all of my Harbor freight tools are 10 years and older. I teach my wife this when she goes shopping it works for Any situation when you want to buy good quality for a even price. My hercules I live by that brand dam good brand but I won’t buy any of they’re saw blades they’re cheap and made cheap. The simpler the tool the better is made I seen a Dewalt impact driver had the lights on it the the new xtr sts 24v bs super fast charging.. that’s no good to me to many names. Any way I’m rambling now my bad just try not to shop for your money because they’re will always be a limit Shop for yourself and you gotta know your tools I have coworkers always buying the new brand names models when they come out.. trying catch deals and what not God dam it rambling again my bad I’m done
For hand tools I’d say avoid the cheapest line of tools because they’re crap. Go with the next grade up to have a very good balance of quality and cost. I’ve had some other very good buys there over the years. The 12" sliding double-bevel compound miter saw is excellent, and I modified it with a switch to keep the laser on even when the saw is off. The 15 gallon 12V tank sprayer also has served me very well for doing a LOT of spraying for mosquitoes. And the ½ gallon handheld pump sprayer has held up incredibly well to spray a lot of highly acidic toilet bowl cleaner, far better than the junky "professional" handheld sprayers my company buys just to spray water. They’re also good for buying things like crimp-on electrical connectors that other stores sell at overpriced cost. And the 17′ folding extension ladder (Little Giant knockoff) turned out to be a very good buy.
I have found that many harbor freight tools need a fair bit of modification and customization before they become truly functional. My sand blasting cabinet/setup and drill press come to mind. But once modified they are solid. The only problem is you need to invest the time and material cost of upgrading.
Great advise and factual. Never had a Harbor Freight tool break or wear out that I use on occasion. However, if your use is EVERY DAY IN EVERY WAY and how to make an income ; of course then Get a best tool with a long warranty that cost’s more this store chain or Tool Supply Store. Common sense anyone ? No many buyers for tools are not Educated. So you don’t get hurt by tool uses, please spend time Educating yourself or work with someone whom is such. Many American’s today are trained to remember test scores in schools rather that basic LEARNING SKILLS, sadly.
I won’t buy tools made by children slaves
Harbor Freight is great for a DIY person like myself that doesn’t do a lot of DIY. If I would need to do a job over and over I would usually go somewhere else. Some of the small ticket items are great. Superglue is superglue unless you really need the different dry times and viscosity.
I have had one of there welder’s for about 18 years. You are right some of there tools brake. I just use a tool as much as possible for the first 60 or 90 days. Whatever is the store warranty for that particular tool. If it brakes I take it back and if it brakes after the store warranty then I fill as if I got my money’s worth from the heavy use at the start. But there big tools can be great also.
Wrong! On the contrary to what he says *Returns are NOT easy.* Two out of three online items are junk. Only way to initiate a return is to call their 800 number. On hold 15 minutes. Will try later. Website says get an RMA, but says I’m paying to ship back and restock.
so what is this about?
If your looking for a tool at home depot see if you can get one of those 20% off coupons.
I don’t buy a lot from Harbor Freight, but I decided to get their wood floor nailer for laying my own floor. I figured it would last through one house. To my surprise it never once jammed or misfired throughout the whole job, or on two other houses I’ve helped put wood floors in since. In this case it has proven well worth the investment, and it was much less expensive than the DeWalts and Milwaukees and etc.
The other thing about harbor freight I’ve seemed to notice is unlike other places lots of their tools are not battery operated, so if you’re willing to deal with the fact you have to plug it in, you can usually get a fine tool at a much lower proce
Who cares? If you want tools for
less go to harbor freight If you
don’t go somewhere else Why
is this an issue?
I’ve bought so much stuff from the HF that’s a 2 min drive from me. As a DIYer it’s the best price with the quality that’s good enough for me. The Bauer line has served me well and I can’t complain.
I purchased a a welding machine. Vulcan 220 high frig with a spool gun for aluminum. Best money I have ever spent. Works flawlessly. I have been welding for 15 years. It blew my mind. Only bout it to do a job and was going to return if I didn’t like it. Jokes on me. I still have it. 3years and kicking
I had never gone to harbor freight or northern tool prior to becoming a home owner last year. Definitely some need stuff. I have only gotten some hand tools from harbor freight that were hard to find anywhere else. Too nervous to get anything that plugs into an outlet
Just because a tool was built in the same factory doesn’t mean it was built during the same shift. On the graveyard shift, the QA inspectors from the contracting American company have gone home, and the mice will play. I suspect (no I _know_) that that’s where we get some of those knockoffs from.
https://youtu.be/aphaIuInoyk
I guess Id never buy condoms from harbor freight
I love harbor freight!
All there💩 is made in China
Good post, clear, nice job….. Thank you
It’s the Chinese government selling us garbage to get all our money and in the end we won’t have any tools because they all will be broken hard to fight with no money no tools
You ever check a harbor freight square ?
Ever measure a harbor freight tape measure?
Ever have a stuck bolt .h.f. wrench won’t even strip the head it just flexs so much .
Had to grab a craftsman,. That’s when I through out ALL harbor freight tools
half my tools are harbor frieght and they are all like 6 plus years old and they all still work just fine.
I know I bet you looked like a dumbass whe you did that but seriously hf tools fill a need. I know when i first started buyin stuff at hf i would only but stuff like gloves,weldin chalk zip ties but i started lookin at theyre other stuff and some of it is good. you got a good channel and it helps me a lot. I know ive said it before but i though you was a idiot at first cause you look like one but youre not just fat. I am enjoying your videos.
I think the best use for Harbor Freight tools is when you need a tool for a one-off project. I needed 20 6inch F clamps to glue up a 10 foot doweled miter joint. Buying 14 cheap clamps allowed me to finish the project, but for most future projects the 6 good 6"inch F clamps I own will be the ones used. The 14 F clamps were a mixed bag. Some were square, most were twisted. It pays to look closely when buying multiples. And their socket wrenches SUCK.
thank U so much for Ur very useful information,,,Sir….great show,,,,so needed..
IMHO life is too short to waste time trying to get a job done with cheap, low quality tools.
I worked as a professional installer for home audio video systems and I enjoy modifying, customizing and fabricating. I have a serious tool addiction. And I get to satisfy that thanks to harbor freight. I’m a huge fan. The employees welcoming and always willing to help. And I can bring my dogs in the store. I like anyone have bought some crap tools there that broke on first use. But that happens anywhere you buy tools. As for strict return policy. I have purchased hundreds of item’s there and anything that has broke or that I was unhappy with after using it I was able to return. Even a few times when I was well outside the 5day return for open box items or the 90 on regular purchases. I will buy a tool if I have wanted one and it comes up for a great deal even if I don’t need it at the time so it could sit for a while before I end up trying it out. I had a jigsaw that sat in my shop for 6 months. Then I used it the locking mechanism for the blade came apart. I took it in and told them the truth. I was given a refund. That being said I would like to endorse a couple tools the earthquake xt electric ratchet is one that performed better that I ever could have expected. And the Bauer corded electric impact wrench 1/2” drive is a must have. It makes 1050 ft lbs of torque. You will be hard pressed to find that kind of power from any brand. I bought mine on sale for less than $60. I’ve had it for a couple years with zero issues and it’s handled every rusted stuck bolt and nut I’ve used it on with ease. A little parting wisdom. We can all agree snapon makes great tools. Both the tools I mentioned out perform snapon hands down. Incase you didn’t know HarborFreight owns many tool brands including snapon. So if you think HFT tools are junk. Your saying snap on tools are junk. Both made same place ,own by same company. Don’t believe it. Use the google machine to check it out. As always don’t be a tool. When you can own the tools.
These tools are low quality
Great little explanation. Just what I need to know going forward. One question I have: How are they for mandated UL listed products? You’d think regulators might provide the quality control. For instance, looks like I can get a GFCI outlet for half what big box charges. Is it a safe way to go?
HF is pretty legit for hand tools. And other techs are less likely to steal your tools.
It’s imperative to have DIY alternative cheap tools vs the expensive tools. Not everyone could afford expensive tools. I just think that the cheap alternative tools should not be too inferior. I agree some expensive tools will be safer under certain conditions vs their cheap counterpart.
I can’t bring myself to walk through the door.
I got my first cordless drill years ago for over $100 and the battery stopped working after 2-3 years. I got one at HF 2-3 years ago for $19 and it is still going.
I’ve bought tools from harbor freight mostly when I’m in a pinch and only need something for a 1time use or need to make a tool and don’t want to sacrifice my expensive stuff! I don’t buy anything electric as i did buy a soldering gun a few yrs back and got it home and unboxed it and plugged it in went to tin the tip i pressed the trigger and the tip lit up bright red in about 1/2 a second and popped like a fuse so i let it cool down replaced the tip with the extra tip that came with it and pop it went i took it back to the store and got my money back! Since then I don’t trust anything electronic from them only hand tools and air tools
Had a friend buy an engine hoist. I was very skeptical about it, but it turned out to be ok.
Yep, I was just at HF today, and I can’t resist walking around looking at nearly everything on the shelves and walls. I went in to pick up a drop cloth, and walked out $70 poorer.
The one thing I’ve bought at harbor freight that I wish I had spent more money on was a reciprocating saw blade for cutting tree branches, the one I bought from harbor freight was junk and upgrading to a proper diablo blade made the work considerably easier.
The reciporcating saw I bought on the other hand from harbor freight works absolutely great with a good saw blade
love the wall behind you. looks sharp.
Remember tools have one job and that’s to to work and be dependent on. Your the boss you hire the tools for a specific job. So don’t hire cheap labor or expensive branding because hiding behind all that is a reliable and dependable even priced tool. And that will last a lifetime and try not to play the upgrade game with tools because they’re not cars or phones your should buy it once. all the best tools have been made now they’re just adding gadgets to it.