10 Harbor Freight Buys for Woodworking You’ll Actually Use!

[@afishon2nd]

For the weekend wood worker Harbor Freight is a God send.

[@rustydogandco]

Definitely!

[@Aldermeeer]

Alternatively to the zip ties, you might try velcro strapping. it's like zip ties, but you only need to buy it once and it's reusable dozens of times, you can cut it to whatever length you need, and you can even make it thinner if you don't want the 3/4 inch width

[@rustydogandco]

I will have to check that out next time I’m there. Thanks for the recommendation! 😊

[@thetruthisonlyperspective4872]

Wait till you realize zip ties can do that as well

[@cohall46]

Nice job reviewing these Harbor Freight items.

[@rustydogandco]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@markkielman4777]

You are right about the clamps but I needed 36” clamps and the bar on the Pittsburgh clamps was actually thicker than the Bremen. Great video!

[@rustydogandco]

Thanks! 😊

[@Dr_philgood]

Really enjoyed seeing you review Harbor Freight from a wood workers point of view. Also, I liked the easter egg you put in there at 4:30 😂

[@rustydogandco]

Thank you! What’s been your favorite Harbor Freight purchase?

[@Dr_philgood]

@ some of my favorite things are the gloves and zip ties. But I’m also a big fan of their sockets and wrenches. They are also good for specialty automotive tools that you’ll maybe only use a few times. Great vid!

[@donm4452]

Totally missed the question she wrote! But I hit the right button after seeing it!

[@tonyborzumato8510]

I've not had the problems you describe with the HF "quick clamps" (trigger clamps). They're not the strongest, but that's not what they're designed for - they are (as the name flat-out says) for quickly clamping two items together temporarily. They're not for glue-ups or applications that require very strong clamping pressure. I have had one or two (out of dozens, over the years) fail - the mechanism just refused to "grab". Overall though, I have them in 3 sizes and they serve well for clamping straight-edges, jigs, and other items. Now, on the other hand, HF's Hand-screws (wooden clamps), F-clamps, and C-clamps (especially the pushbutton quick release versions) are an excellent value, and I've never had any issue with them. They're comparable to the name-brand equivalents, at a fraction of the price. Just my $0.05 (adjusted for inflation).

[@suelogsdon3468]

I have that dust extractor and love it! I actually like their small F style clamps and a few of the parallel clamps

[@KevinSmith-bz2jb]

I bought that same dust extractor last week and it works great. I have it connected to a cyclone.

[@tokenfilipino]

Any time there's a coupon for the nitrile gloves, I buy them. I use them not only with woodworking, but I use them when I do automotive maintenance and any household cleaning (with anything abrasive). They are awesome! Never noticed that they had those spreaders. I need to pick me up a pack! I tend to just use scrap wood or just my finger to apply glue hehe.

[@rustydogandco]

Me too! I’m slowly building up a supply. The Covid years were tough with the high prices but I’m glad to see them going on sale again! I go through them a ton in the shop.

[@draintheputt9517]

Amazon 5mil nitrile gloves. $9.95 HF $11.95. Agree with you on HF clamps though. Enjoyed the video, hope your channel is a success!

[@rustydogandco]

Good to know they are cheaper on Amazon. I usually just grab a pack or two when they are running a sale on them. I appreciate that very much! Thanks. 😊

[@yobentley7274]

I have that heat gun. After a few years the plastic case gets sticky. It is the type of material it's made from. Clean the sticky off with acetone. It takes a bit to do, but it does work.

[@rustydogandco]

Good to know! Thanks! 😊

[@stevesiefken2696]

FYI, bought the Hercules 2.25 HP router and couldn’t be happier with it. I would add it to your list! Thanks!

[@rustydogandco]

Sounds like they are coming out with some great products for this Hercules brand! Thanks for the recommendation! 😊

[@charliebartocci3280]

Great video, very informative! Harbor Freight has some really good values.

[@rustydogandco]

Thank you!

[@pkk6428]

The clamps, I probably don't use them as much as you do, but every time I do they work. The blue ones with the box rail is that one of them would get stuck sometimes, they just happen to have a life time warranty and got them replaced

[@twostepaasr]

I agree 100% with Bremen Clamps. The most important reason I gave them a try is that, unlike Pittsburgh, they have a lifetime warranty.

[@omf2007]

Nice video. I like using those dollies as a mobile base for shop cabinets or tool stands. Just build the cabinet around it.

[@rustydogandco]

That is smart! I usually just add wheel casters but this option might even be a little cheaper.

[@michaeldequatro1012]

Their Thunderbolt Edge batteries are the best. I always pick-up a pack when they're on sale. They were tested to be even or better than the leading brand for have the price.

[@rustydogandco]

Thanks for the recommendation! I haven’t tried those yet but I might have to pick up some on my next visit.

[@jtsdeals]

Great video. The drillmaster heat gun was rebranded warrior (like you showed) and just like the drillmaster they periodically have coupons to get it for $9.99.

[@rustydogandco]

I was wondering! I hadn’t recalled seeing that brand in store recently. Thanks for the info. 😊

[@RedProg]

I buy the dollies and take the casters off and use them on other projects 😁

[@rustydogandco]

Now that’s smart! 🤔

[@gregghernandez2714]

Great list, thanks! One type of clamp that I have a ton of is the Pittsburgh 6" F style clamps. Those have more than enough clamping power for just about any small project. People complain about the plastic tab falling off, but that is an easy fix with a little piece of double sided tape.

[@rustydogandco]

Thanks for the recommendation! I might just have to pick up some of those the next time I’m there

[@gregghernandez2714]

@rustydogandco Yeah, just pick up about 4 to begin with. I am up to 18 of them. They came in really handy when I made my table saw sled. They were perfect for gluing up the fences

[@rustydogandco]

@gregghernandez2714 I could use a couple more smaller f style clamps so I think I’ll do that. Thanks!

[@danielbackley9301]

Stick to the 6in the longer ones aren't that good.

[@gregghernandez2714]

@@danielbackley9301 That is what I have heard. Anything longer than the 6 inch version begins to bend. For larger glue ups I use pipe clamps mainly. I use Dowels with either the Dowel Max or Jessum Doweling jig so I don't need a ton of clamping pressure.

[@max42ish]

Good video, regarding the dust extractor, did you stop using the Dustopper PRO

[@rustydogandco]

Thank you! No I keep the dust stopper pro attached to a separate shop vac that I leave hooked up to my miter saw. I use the dust extractor primarily for hooking up my sander and track saw to it.

[@nitestrike1000]

Good recommendations! Greetings and Happy Friday from the Caribbean!

[@rustydogandco]

Greetings to you from somewhere much colder than the Caribbean currently lol. I’m jealous…I love the Caribbean! It’s a special place to me. I got engaged in St. John and married on St. Thomas. Thanks for watching and Happy Friday to you! 😊

[@troysoon7201]

Wow, that dust extractor is very hard to get. I had to order mine. Paid for it in November and won't receive it until the end of February.

[@rustydogandco]

That’s what I’m starting to realize! I saw that it’s sold out online currently. I was lucky enough that they had 1 left at my local store. So glad they did! I hope you get yours soon! 🤞🏻

[@tonyd3029]

good information, thank you on the paint brushes, just trim them and run tape across them, saran wrap until your done with project.

[@brendabartocci1191]

I like the magnetic holder.

[@rustydogandco]

Me too! I liked it so much I bought 4 of them. 😂

[@bigredmed]

Put one on the wall and a second one on the shelf stand next to my assembly bench. They go on sale a few times a year.

[@danielbackley9301]

Watch for when they are free that's how I got mine.

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

A heat gun is great for reshaping PVC pipe for dust collection on machines with slightly irregular dust ports. The Avanti paint brushes are terrific! Last, the Bremen parallel clamps are budget friendly replacements for Bessey parallel clamps. I pretty much agree with all your selections in this video. Ooops, I almost forgot to mention the Braun LED light bars. They are very high output and seems to be built very well.

[@rustydogandco]

I’ll have to keep that in mind when it’s time for me to integrate a dust collection setup in my shop! I’ll have to check those LED lights out. I’ve made it a goal to add more lighting to the shop. I added a couple LED lights overhead so far and they have made a dramatic difference. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@RandomBitzzz]

Great video. I didn't know Hercules made a dust extractor. I love HF's Hercules tools. I'm getting back into the hobby after a 30+ year break. Back then we just kept the garage door open and wore dust masks. I agree, the Pittsburg clamps are junk - but as a general rule when HF has different pricing tiers the cheapest one should generally be avoided. I think the Drill Master branding on the heat gun was replaced by Warrior. They go on sale all the time for $10. I've had mine for about 3 years and it comes in handy for all sorts of jobs.

[@rustydogandco]

I want to say that their dust extractor just came out this year. So far I’m liking the Hercules brand as well. They seem to be making some good things. Yes I’ve come to that conclusion as well about the heat gun. Seems like it was a rebrand. And I’m glad to hear that you can pick up one for even cheaper than they are now! Thanks for watching and have fun getting back into building! 😊

[@donnie017]

It’s not your daddy’s HF folks. The quality has improved extensively the last few years. It’s time for the doubters and haters to come to terms with that.

[@rustydogandco]

I agree. They are definitely introducing some higher quality items. Love to see it!

[@G.S.W.SewmesomeMusic]

Yep they’ve up there game but haters are gonna hate.

[@ST-0311]

That's a good list. However, I disagree with you on the Pittsburgh clamps. I have used both the clamping and spreader functions of the 6" and 12" in woodworking and general construction. They have always done everything I have asked of them, which has been a lot sometimes. If you don't need the spreader function a little blue Loctite will ensure they won't fall apart, and they do have a lifetime warranty. That said, the Bremen clamps are definitely an upgrade. They are very nice clamps, and I definitely agree with the recommendation. The conversion from clamp to spreader is almost instantaneous if that matters to anyone. Bremens would make excellent primary clamps in the shop. The Pittsburghs are good to have for a large quantity, or for backups if nothing else.

[@tedr.richardson4655]

Hercules Miter Saw Stand, touch it, feel it's sturdy construction, last you'll ever need. Watch for it, on sale, once it was $179.00

[@SawdustmakerLori]

Really enjoyed this video! I need to make a trip to my local Harbor Freight one of these days. It's always fun to look around there. I just heard on another KZbin channel that one of their other Hercules branded tools was very good too so it sounds like they're putting out some good products. They have a lot of things at reasonable prices. Thanks for all your suggestions!

[@rustydogandco]

They definitely seem to be introducing some products that seem to be more comparable to similar tools. I guess you just aren’t paying more for the brand name. I’ve been really satisfied with the Hercules dust extractor so far and I love when I get to save money! 😆

[@SawdustmakerLori]

@@rustydogandco We all love saving money! Many tools are even made at the same factories and just use different colors/brands on them. If they are equal in quality it's crazy not to get the less expensive version. They are exactly the same tool. I recently bought the Wen oscillating spindle/belt sander because the Rigid version was just too heavy for me to move around. This Wen version is identical to the one made by Harbor Freight with the Bauer brand except for the color/brand. Grizzly and Triton have this identical tool with their colors/brands on it too. There's a wide range of prices between these brands though. Sounds like your Hercules dust collector is a good one so glad you got it and shared your experience with us!

[@segraves138]

Nice list!! That’s a good idea with the storage bin with taking them out and put in a drawer. Keep up the harbor freight lists.

[@rustydogandco]

Thank you! I think I will have to make a Part 2 list sometime! 😊

[@donlightbody8270]

i ordered my dust extractor almost a month ago and i want it NOW NOW NOW 😂

[@rustydogandco]

Haha I didn’t realize until I was editing this video that they are sold out online currently. I was lucky enough to grab one in my local store but it was the last one in stock. 😅

[@rawbacon]

They used to run those Drill Master Heat Guns on sale for $5.99 about a decade ago, which is when I got mine, it just recently died. I replaced it with a Teccpo for $16.99 that came with a few end accessories, If I get a decade out of this one I'll be happy.

[@rustydogandco]

Wow! Just like everything else their price has gone up I see haha. I’d say 10 years is pretty good for a $6 tool. Hope your new one lasts as long!

[@danielbackley9301]

@@rustydogandco Sometimes the warrior goes on sale for $9.99

[@mannypvd2296]

those heat guns go for $10 on sale. best deal ever. the warrior version.

[@alexharrington7184]

Those Bremen clamps are what we use for our waterjet, they're are the only ones that don't degrade. Kicks DeWalt, Iwrwin, etc butt.

[@rustydogandco]

Awesome!

[@RobertRobert-dg5gc]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful

[@rustydogandco]

Thank you! 😊

[@gregbartocci4175]

Just in time for my lunch break thanks for a another awesome review video

[@rustydogandco]

Haha glad I can provide a little lunch break entertainment! 😆

[@joelcopeland3018]

The Pittsburg aluminum bar clamps and their quick release clamps are good clamps. I have never had a problem with these. I have never bought the plastic Pittsburg clamps...

[@rustydogandco]

I have not purchased either of those types but I’m glad to hear that they are good! Thanks for the recommendation! 😊

[@gregorylay3333]

Drill master is Warrior. They just renamed the line.

[@davidashley9928]

Those pittsburg clamps have a lifetime warranty. Try taking some back?

[@wouterengels7769]

For some reason, dolly carts are called small dogs (hondjes) in Dutch, but given that i don't particularly like small dogs, especially chihuahuas and such, (as opposed to decent size dogs), i take a slightly evil joy in putting a lot of weight on them.

[@rustydogandco]

Oh this comment made me literally laugh out loud. 😂

[@philippeterson9512]

I’m going to use the 20% off coupon that drops on Jan 31 to buy that dust extractor.

[@rustydogandco]

Awesome! Hope you love it. 😊

[@michaelkrailo5725]

Darn, that dust extractor pops my garage circut breaker when the heater is running and just about any corded tool is used. Ill have to upgrade my electrical or freeze.

[@rustydogandco]

I have that problem with running heaters in my shop too. I usually don’t use them to not have to deal with that. So that means I’m bundled up to avoid freezing myself haha.

[@damiancarter8497]

too bad the dust extractor isnt stocked in my store you have to order in-store.

[@rustydogandco]

Well darn! I hope they get it back in stock soon. 🤞🏻

[@amerlin388]

I just picked up 6 paint brushes at Menards which were free after rebate. Tip, keep rebated purchases unused until the rebate is mailed in. Usually you can wait to submit rebates after more than 1 shopping trip to the store. If you find you accidentally missed the final mailing date, you may choose to just return the purchase(s).

[@rustydogandco]

That’s good information to know! Unfortunately there are no Menards stores anywhere near me.

[@amerlin388]

@@rustydogandco Wow! That was an incredibly fast response. Clearly on the ball. And yes, thanks for the tips. 👍

[@themeat5053]

agreed.

[@frankrodriguez6424]

Wow, have all these except dust collector. You are right about the clamps, Pittsburgh is junk

[@tedr.richardson4655]

Hercules' power tools are Top of the Line. Become a member, sometimes you'll get a $100 off on and item.

[@ediddy2497]

You can take the clamp back to HF and they will replace it for free.

[@rustydogandco]

Oh really? I had no idea. Thanks!

[@ediddy2497]

Employee informed me. I am just getting into woodworking by redoing old furniture pieces.

[@rustydogandco]

@ediddy2497 Awesome! Well thanks for sharing. I tackled a couple of old worn down cedar chests this year. I ended up changing the look of them rather than leaving them the same but it was a fun challenge for me. Enjoy! 😊

[@pteddie6965]

Hi Sara. I enjoyed this latest video. I have just discovered you. You are a joy to watch. If I was about a hundred years younger, I would be shopping for a fancy Valentine's Day card for you. Have a great Sunday and thanks for a fun and informative video.😊

[@Randomwesternredneckguy]

Those Bremen clamps have rubber pads that leave an oily stain on bare wood. Not sure what kind of rubber they're made of, but it's definitely the wrong kind.

[@blancheedwas]

Those clamps are the real deal! I've seen A LOT of professional woodworkers use HF clamps with no issues! There's honestly no real reason why a clamp should be 40 dollars+ imho.

[@Tinkery]

The Pittsburgh trigger clamps are trash (excellent work placing the one in the video where it belongs). The Bremen trigger clamps are definitely legit though. I bought one when it was on sale to test it out and then immediately went back for more. I like them better than my Irwin trigger clamps and the extra $ for the beefier construction is definitely worth it.

[@rustydogandco]

I agree with you there!

[@jimbucket2996]

I quit buying harbor freight zip ties. Had too many break on me.

[@danielrogers997]

Get a bucket of water, don't throw brushes away. What kind of irresponsible nonsense advise is that?

[@tomwhite716]

Festool is way overpriced.