01-12-05
Harbor Freight catalog
Both a web presence and a store chain with a mail order catalog, Harbor Freight imports really inexpensive machine, automotive and woodworking tools from the People's Republic of China. It's the first place to go for tools which are needed for one project but you don't anticipate a huge use for afterwards. They also have beguiling assortments of clamps, safety equipment, casters and consumables. Not everything smacks of first rate quality but the tools generally are sturdier than the lightweight offerings from the likes of Black and Decker, and still significantly cheaper.
-- Thayer G.
Favorite (15)
Random Item
Mike Lasky
Agree with the review, but beware the shipping costs, which can add 25% to tne price.
mr trail safety
Not so fast. It's not called "Harbor Fright" here in LA for nothing. There's the B-List [15%], and then the D-List [85%]. A lot of the tools & equipment sold there looked shaky at best, cheap and crappy at worst. Profoundly depressing. It made Home Depot look like Rockler.com by comparison.
There are better options.
Kevin Kelly
Sometimes cheap and crappy is all you need. For instance I bought a cheap scroll saw that for my occasional use is all I need. Why should I pay more if I don't need better quality?
Pat Tufts
This review is really helpful. I'm going to check out the local Hardware Freight store.
I think that the key to success with Harbor Freight is to be the right kind of customer for what they offer. In my case, I'm not expecting Snap-on or Craftsmen quality, and as long as I know that in advance, it's a trade off that I'm willing to consider.
In addition to the Cool Tools review, I found ToolCrib's Guide to Harbor Freight helpful in setting my expectations. The guide gives rules of thumb for which Harbor Freight items are likely to work out for which kinds of jobs. Here's an excerpt:
* * *
“‘if your life or income depends on it, don’t buy it at harbor freight’.”
I read these sentiments over and over. That said, there are lots of pros who buy stuff at Harbor Freight, especially consumables like gloves and blades… and for cheap tools they can lend out at jobsites with no expectation of return.
* * *
Standouts from the Good List (Tools with Multiple Mentions)
HF Clamps (on most of my HF clamps I’ve got more than my money’s worth.): 10
#36649 16 Piece 1/2″ SAE Deep Wall Impact Socket Set: 8
#37052 Pack of 100 X-Large Nitrile Gloves: 6
#95578 4-1/2″ ANGLE GRINDER (i buy from harbor freight a angle grinder for $17.00 works great): 6
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2008/08/06/buyer-beware-a-harbor-freight-buying-guide-the-good-enough-the-bad-and-the-abysmal
solerso67
well since most of the responses here are basically positive let me leave a much needed warning...the hand tools, saqures, shaves and planes (made in India not china) are a decent buy and i use them myself but use the cheapo-chinese power tools they sell at your peril...literally. if you have a quick, basic repair project you might be ok with a circ saw or cordless drill but if your planning some wood working project or something you really care about, and are investing your heart, sweat, scarce dollars and precious time into it, the garbage bench tools routers etc., they sell are sure to ruin your day. im like eveyone else, im not rich, i dont care about brand names and i need my money too..i learned the hard way not to go near the $200.00 slab of honduran mahogany on the work bench with that crappy .{{{fill in blank}}}}........... from harbor freight.