Another POS Harbor Freight Tool...

[azasadny]

I bought a vibratory tumbler for reloading ammo 2 weeks ago at a gun show. After I bought it, I saw the "Harbor Freight" tape on the side of the box and the brand is the dreaded "Chicago Tool" brand, which is made in China. True to Harbor Freight fashion, the 1st time I used it it failed and literally fell to pieces. I'll try to take it back at the next gun show, but this further reinforces my opinion that Harbor Freight sells junk and I should not buy junk....

[Embraer]

I think you can take it back to any Harbor Freight, even without a Harbor Freight receipt....and at least get a replacement or in-store credit.

[trekkor]

The store is like a flea market.

I can't stand disposable tools.


KT

[azasadny]

I'll try to take it back. I took it apart to try and fix it and realized that it's impossible. I only hope that when we go to war with China that all of their military gear and weapons are as crappy as the junk they sell to us...

[kach22i]

"Chicago Tool" is hit or miss, I like some of the stuff, others are total disappointments.

[JeremyD]

Originally Posted by kach22i

"chicago tool" is hit or miss, i like some of the stuff, others are total disappointments.

+100

[azasadny]

One thing I'll say for them (Harbor Fright and Chicago tool) is that they are consistent, as 100% of the tools I've had have failed with the 1st use.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by azasadny

One thing I'll say for them (Harbor Fright and Chicago tool) is that they are consistent, as 100% of the tools I've had have failed with the 1st use.

I have a blue disk grinder/cutter and a orange reciprocating saw which are awesome. The aluminum jack stands and small car jack are good.

The knock-off cordless Dremel is a POS.

I'll take a blue or orange tool over anything with the RotoZip name on it.

[MichiganMat]

The impact-wrench I bought from them is awesome, thing will rip your arms off.

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by kach22i

I have ....the aluminum jack stands...

From Harbor Freight? Are you insane or just suicidal?

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by Dan in Pasadena

From Harbor Freight? Are you insane or just suicidal?

They are solid, no welds to give way.

I have West Systems epoxy all over them from working on the hovercraft, will a Mapp gas torch just burn it off?

[Tim Hancock]

Originally Posted by azasadny

One thing I'll say for them (Harbor Fright and Chicago tool) is that they are consistent, as 100% of the tools I've had have failed with the 1st use.

Wow Art, I have tons of tools (just ask Tab) ranging from mainly Snap-On/Mac wrenches sockets and other hand tools, Milwaukee drills to some cheapo occasional use stuff from Harbor Freight. Sounds like you simply need to make wiser choices about "which" Harbor Freight tools will do the intended odd job and which tools (like sockets and everday use wrenches) should be of good name brand quality.

Some HF seldom use tools I have off the top of my head that have worked great for my in particular occasional use: sawzall, buffer, bead rolling kit, handheld electric planer, GIANT size wrenches, engine stand, engine hoist, latex gloves, cheap paint brushes for epoxy use etc

Some tools that I use often that I would never replace with HF junk: Multiple sets of wrenches, Sockets, Ratchets, "real" Visegrips, sidecut pliers, corded and cordless drills, tig welder, 13" planer, phillips screwdrivers, torque wrenches, bench grinders, milling machines, lathe etc.

[RWebb]

tried to buy a hammer drill from HF -- called them up - $25 -- OK so I drove out there -- quite a ways too

went thru 4 jerk-off sales people who blew me off, then finally got 1 to help a1nd found the hammer drill - it was $35

a bit PO'd so I went home and bought a factory refurbed BRAND-NAME one thru Amazon. Warranty; free shipping, etc. -- it was $50 and will last; I can resell it since I really just need one job done that requires it.

And I do not have to worry about the danger of having a power tool blowing up in my face.

Last year I bought a factory refurbed chop saw for $75.

[FastDave]

I agree with Tim. Never buy any testing equipment except maybe a battery load tester from HF. And... ummm... never buy anything that is supposed to support one end of a vehicle while you're going to be under it from HF!!! lol

[porsche4life]

The chicago tools are fine as long as you dont buy the powered ones. Wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers and the like.

[RWebb]

ok, but do you really save over getting - say - a used Craftsman tool?

those are fine 99.387% of the time on a 911

[HardDrive]

Why do you guys buy cheap Chinese made tools?

Buy quality from the get go, and it will be a lot more 'hit', and a lot less 'miss'.

[porsche4life]

Hey for powered stuff I dont go in cheap. But a hammer is a hammer and its just gunna get the crap knocked out of it. No sense in spending more than 5bucks

[Embraer]

For my regular tools, wrenches I use Craftsmen. The only thing that I geniunely think that Snap-On makes better are the ratchets. 72 points of engagement or whatever they have. It's like riding a bike with a Shimano or Chris King Rear Hub...Chris King is eons ahead.

However...

In each of my cars, I keep a set of Harbor Freight Wrenches and Sockets in the trunk. Considering how cheap they are, if I only use them once, then they will have paid for themself.

[FastDave]

I did have one situation where my mechanic was trying to remove a recessed hex head bolt and his Mac & Allen brand weren't gettin' it, so I went to my store and picked up an Eklind (made in USA, but not expensive) and it removed it! The Mac was an extra long hex key and was twisting under torque. I think the Allen was just too worn, so all it took was something new and strong. There's absolutely no way I would ever consider HF hex keys!!!