10 things filmmakers should be buying from harbor freight

[@alexshotthese]

Where do you get those bags at 10:14?

[@Piercemediaproductions72]

RIGHT, where did you get those small pouch bags?

[@blasepivovar]

Got you! amzn.to/48Kg4hz And then the labels are these which have worked fine! Nothing crazy but just ironed them on: amzn.to/3NJzWHT

[@EarleMonroe]

@@blasepivovarThank you for answering this. I was gonna ask the same! Harbor Freight has never really been on my radar bc of questionable quality. But some of the simple, lighter duty items you listed, plus the warranty on some of it, is definitely making me reconsider them

[@blasepivovar]

@@EarleMonroe yeah they have really improved things over the years. not everything is amazing but i usually see what reddit / youtube is saying about a particular product and usually lots of praise

[@mstrshkbrnnn1999]

@@EarleMonroetheir quality is great. That mindset is outdated and only still sticking around due to Sinophobia. They stock great stuff and give stuff sold at Lowe’s and Home Depot a run for its money

[@johnstamw]

filmmakers 🤝harbor freight -- we've all been waiting for this one.

[@blasepivovar]

its been a long time coming that is for sure! didn't give proper credit to the key knife king himself!!!

[@solovisualz6363]

@@blasepivovarsa

[@RichBarschdorf]

Just the other day I spent $81 and I now have a cordless band saw . I do all kinds of work woodworking, welding, and photography, I really love Harbor Freight and all the deals that they have.

[@blasepivovar]

Love that. And yeah likewise! I like to do automotive work, woodworking, diy repairs and there is so much worth picking up for great prices

[@RyanFreshhh]

I also have their Apache case. It’s also great for hauling music gear. I’ve used it for a couple tours

[@blasepivovar]

@@RyanFreshhh heck yeah. someone could totally remake this video but for musicians

[@volcanicreality]

musician here as well, just spent $99 at HB cuz of this video haha

[@TheKodakCollector]

I use the miniature LED flashlights on my photoshoots; I keep one or two in my bag all the time. I often do food photography in restaurants that are often very dimly lit so they come in very handy.

[@blasepivovar]

mmmm great tip

[@ledzeppelin9102]

Nice video! I highly suggest picking up some Bongo Ties. I use them for so many different things, whether it’s affixing items to poles or tying cables together- they’re the best and reusable. Super strong.

[@blasepivovar]

great idea. does harbor freight sell them?

[@tomleiningerphoto]

No but B&H does. They also come in different colors.

[@757joe]

Absolutely on the Apache cases! I've purchased several from there now and replaced the foam with an insert from B&H.

[@blasepivovar]

love it. they are great!

[@blasepivovar]

Love that. Yeah same!

[@BryceDearden]

- 24” red silicone twist tie. Great as a quick reusable safety for tube lights over zip tie - “cargo bar” I use it as a mini autopole for mounting lights in hallways or small rooms - “PTO pins” + a carabiner or some paracord make great tape holders - small levels super convenient when setting up a slider, dana dolly, or the rocky leg on a stand and you want to easily check level. The orange ones have a little magnet strip on one side so if you have steel stands they will click right on

[@blasepivovar]

Oh heck yeah love all these! Giving me all the ideas

[@prestonurvina]

Solid stuff. This place is a gem if you buy the right things from them!

[@blasepivovar]

Agree. I've had a great experience with pretty much everything I have bought from them :)

[@rarefactionmedia]

Just love the lighting, great video idea and well done

[@blasepivovar]

thank you!

[@benyantovisuals]

I love Harbor Freight for all my home, auto, and photography needs.

[@blasepivovar]

@@benyantovisualsauto section is 🤌🏼

[@Thewritersforum]

Batteries, batteries and more batteries for the audio. Yes! Great video. I'm watching from Stillwater oklahoma and they recently opened a harbor freight here about 2 months ago. I'll have to check it out.

[@blasepivovar]

yeah their batteries aren’t the best but good in a pinch. i personally prefer rechargeable that they don’t carry

[@nickdelatorre1280]

This is probably the best video equipment video ideas I've seen in a very long time.

[@blasepivovar]

ah man thank you!

[@Pomdaddy]

Thanks for a great video. I actually shop there regularly and have most of the things you were recommending. I love their prices on all their lights. They have many types and I use them all the time.

[@blasepivovar]

love that! yeah all braun lights were recently 40% off 🙂

[@shelbydowler2671]

The fishing rod holder attached to the c-stand to hold the boom mic pole was excellent! I'm definitely using that in the future.

[@blasepivovar]

oh mine is actually made for boom poles but never thought about using a fishing rod holder! haha

[@EncoreEntGrp]

I bought the big round magnet with the hole in the center, stick a baby pin through and secure with a 1/4 20 nut and you got quick a magnetic baby pin. Great for quick rigging

[@blasepivovar]

@@EncoreEntGrp dude i love this idea!! need to try that as well. is there a specific baby pin you have used?

[@EncoreEntGrp]

any that has a 1/4 20 thread on the end

[@michaelcheser]

That video got ya at least one new sub. I love Harbor Freight they're great for filmmakers gear plus if you're the average dad who needs tools but doesn't use them every day they're great for doing budget home projects.

[@blasepivovar]

@@michaelcheser Totally agree and glad to have ya! I’ve been getting into automotive repair and HF has been so clutch 👌🏼

[@StevenSchultz]

An excellent video and a fantastic thumbnail, too! Loved it man, well done!

[@blasepivovar]

ah thanks dude! appreciate that :)

[@cooperaldrige]

Cool to see Dawson in this video! First video I've seen of yours, keep it up!

[@blasepivovar]

Aye glad to have you! Dawson's a dawg

[@Sy-db3li]

Not even in the sates but i have gotten some ideas of stuff I also need in my kit from this video. Thank you Blase. You are always a great deal of help. Much appreciated

[@blasepivovar]

ah wow that is sweet! love that

[@ChiRat22]

Great Video! I’m brainstorming a video like this but for a tool in my niche soon

[@blasepivovar]

Dope. Yeah they have so many things for different niches

[@tonytfuntek3262]

Great tips thanks.....I did pick up the Apache 5800 rolling case from Harbor Freight but added the A-MoDe Divider Set from B&H. I believe it was the model 1500 but please double check the measurements....perfect fit.

[@blasepivovar]

dope! love that

[@TheArtofKAS]

Great video and awesome presentation! There's always been a great value in the hardware stores. But my bias is always been toward Home Depot since that is what I grew up using especially with my grandfather and my uncles. With a Harbor Freight being so close to my house, I've always looked over them but now I'm definitely going to have to give them a try. I remember one time where I planned on going there to look for an air compressor for my tires but I never ended up going. This video makes me regret that. I feel like one of the first things that I'll go in and find will be a nice set of tube lights that I can use for set lighting😩🤣. That will definitely be a large jackpot in my book

[@TheArtofKAS]

Update: I stopped by my local Harbor Freight and actually got a nice bit of stuff. I ended up getting just a couple of Steel clamps, some moving blankets, and even a slingshot that they had there. Because why not. I'm a little upset they didn't have any Gafe tape but at the same time that was okay because they had good duct tape that was a decent price. Yeah... We are definitely going back

[@blasepivovar]

love that!

[@anthonybonacio]

Great vid boss, and very helpful. A harbor freight just moved into an old Bed Bath & Beyond 10 min from me and I’ve been meaning to check it out!

[@blasepivovar]

oooo heck yeah! do it

[@ChristopherHable]

It's worth mentioning that the ICON tools punch well above their cost and that lifetime warrantee is great.

[@blasepivovar]

@@ChristopherHable i haven’t had a need for them but they do look solid!

[@djtoman6875]

Thank you, Blase, and thanks to "the algorithm" for suggesting this video. My local Big 5 turned into a Harbor Freight and I'd never been in there. Time to make a trip and get some of these items to help organize my gear.

[@blasepivovar]

@@djtoman6875 love that! glad to help

[@StephenJamesRheeder]

I love this video dude. I need to make a trip to harbor freight ASAP AS POSSIBLE

[@blasepivovar]

gotta go get the deals!!

[@erwickdsouza]

Your channel exudes a level of class I associate with Danny Gervitz or Media Division or even a moere tasteful MKBHD. Also, great video!

[@blasepivovar]

ah dude that is so kind. thank you

[@Charlottesbeautifulcult]

This is such a specific video for me. I love going there but can’t figure out what I need

[@blasepivovar]

hope it helps!

[@jonathan_speaks]

Bro! this was so great thank you for sharing this. Harbor Freight here i come!

[@blasepivovar]

happy to help!

[@bottledwaterprod]

The only thing I would add is maybe some assorted hex keys. Also I've used Harbor Freight flip down face shields for the camera and myself to get shots where we ran through fireworks, water gun fights, etc.

[@blasepivovar]

love it. yeah need to pick up a few hex key sets next time i am in!

[@marin_real_estate_photography]

Yes! Love shopping at harbor freight for gear. You can never have too many A Clamps. I got an Apache case for my teleprompter (not a perfect fit, but it works well), and I use one of the tool bags as my audio gear bag (but I have been accumulating too much sound gear, so either got to sell some of it or... or... buy another bag!!!)

[@blasepivovar]

haha feel that!

[@craigjoseph9374]

Yep, have three Apache cases, for my cameras and lenses, have the tool bags also for cables, etc... Great video.

[@blasepivovar]

@@craigjoseph9374 love that. thank you!

[@SLYCENDYCEmakesaMOVIE]

I just knew you would mention this but was surprised to see you did not mention the lights! best bang for buck item in harbor freight is the (1) or (4) light tube lights.. bounce it off the wall or ceiling and the scene is lit! they have different ones ... bought 1 for $17 one time .. just can't beat it

[@blasepivovar]

love it! some of the first videos I ever made involved some painting lights so i feel ya!

[@ckdesignlab]

Thanks fot your vodeo. I have a Harbor Freight five minutes from my house. I bought a 18v portable drill last night for $30 to build my camera gear cabinet.

[@blasepivovar]

@@ckdesignlab aye! 5min away that is dangerous 🫣

[@theronwolf3296]

Those Apache cases are great for equipment (I'm an amateur wildlife photographer, not a film maker). It really makes a difference when getting caught out on the trail in a sudden thunderstorm or for scrambling over a boulder field.

[@blasepivovar]

That's very true! Great application

[@a.nevillechamberlain7612]

There’s a returns section at harbor freight that’s an open box table, I’ve found lots of deals randomly and the prices are usually cheaper than anything you want to pass up on. Look there first then browse through the aisles, pick up the weekly circular of sales to check out. They also have a leatherman clone multi tool available, it’s under $30, the leatherman original is comparable at $180. Usually sells out.

[@blasepivovar]

Great points and love that reminder about the multitool!

[@larryryan6003]

Went to Harbor Freight today and bought another small Apache case and the Quinn electronics repair it. Thanks for the tips!

[@blasepivovar]

love that 🤙🏼

[@andrewstonephotography]

so clutch! I LOVE Harbor Freight :)

[@blasepivovar]

next thing your gonna be changing your whole front suspension on your car and be like dang, how did I get here

[@andrewstonephotography]

@@blasepivovar HAHAHA TRUE 😂

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

They have a magnetic bar that I use to mount onto my gear shelf and keep a bunch of Allen keys on there ready to go!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Love this video btw!

[@blasepivovar]

those are great! they regularly are on sale too for like 1.98 which is a steal

[@blasepivovar]

thanks dude!

[@clayterrell1580]

I own all these things lol. It’s the best. Also gotta thrown in there they have amazing Allen key sets that are in all my camera bags.

[@blasepivovar]

ah dude I forgot the allen keys!!! such a great one

[@hillbillygee]

Great video, I have a part time job at the local Harbor Freight and I have some of those same things for my photography hobby. That was a great advertisement also for HF 🤠✌

[@blasepivovar]

@@hillbillygee haha please pass it on to corporate and they can become my first channel sponsor 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼

[@Reignforevapictures]

Great review!!! They definitely have a lot of great tools for us filmmakers

[@blasepivovar]

thank you

[@joshuachubbphotography]

I’m a big fan of harbor freight but certainly don’t go as often as I should given they sell useful items for creators. Nice video presentation. Just subbed!

[@blasepivovar]

thank you! glad to have ya

[@LuDawgg]

A lot of harbor freight stuff is great to get you started. However in the long term some of this stuff falls apart. Specially when you use things day in and day out like on a feature. Cases are dope and cheap though!

[@blasepivovar]

this is def a highly debated subject on the interwebs i won't give to deep into. i've heard it said, buy the cheap one and if you use it enough to break it, then its time to invest in the higher quality version of that thing (because you actually use it). but if that never happens, you get the tool to get the job done and save money. other folks are more buy once, cry once which I respect but gets unnecessarily expensive for the DIYer / hobbyist. (this is mostly speaking to being a hobbiest / DIYer working on my car, house projects, etc which is most of what I buy from Harbor Freight). I think we are on the same page but adding those thoughts in case it's helpful for anyone else :)

[@LuDawgg]

@ I agree. Also, I think that all your suggestions were mostly smaller things that will definitely last. Their pouches for organization are fantastic. When I started ACing I bought everything I could at harbor freight. Things like Allen keys, tool bag, and wrenches had to be replaced within a year.

[@MichaelSasser]

Where are those organization bags from? Been looking for new ones

[@blasepivovar]

i’ve got them linked in the pinned comment!

[@Nathan_Lundstrom]

The Apache cases are slept on. I have two of the 5800s and use one to carry my camera/drone/lenses. I bought the second one on sale knowing I would find a use for it eventually lol The packing blankets are awesome - use them for the same exact use case: reducing audio reflections and neg fill. Harbor freight zip ties are basically my best friend at this point lol😅

[@blasepivovar]

@@Nathan_Lundstrom you know that’s right!!

[@JonathanMillsjthemills]

I use the apache rifle case for mono pods, mic stands, boom poles, and even a smaller tripod from time to time.

[@blasepivovar]

heck yeah. yeah those are great as well!

[@VMLBH1935]

First time seeing your channel. Great video and appreciate you putting it together!

[@blasepivovar]

thank you. glad to have ya!

[@michaelgmohler]

The handle on the Apache snapped on me pretty soon after buying it. So keep that in mind but I’d definitely buy it again.

[@blasepivovar]

@@michaelgmohler which model? and which handle?

[@DaltonHarpVisuals]

This was such a super helpful video! Thank you!

[@blasepivovar]

glad to hear that man! appreciate you letting me know

[@loganmurphymusic]

Blase is the opposite of a gatekeeper. and I love that.

[@blasepivovar]

giving you permission to just remake this video but for producers

[@sazbabebe]

Great video, good information!👊🏿

[@blasepivovar]

thank you! glad it was helpful

[@ScottClintonPhotography]

Love Harbor Freight.... What dividers are you using for Apache cases? I have had a couple custom laser cut foam inserts made for vintage lens kits, but I would love another option. I am currently using flex-seal on the pick and pluck foam to keep things together. PS, I just ordered those pouches. Good tip there too.

[@blasepivovar]

It's been a min since I bought them but I am pretty sure these ones fit: amzn.to/4ftirra If not those, then these ones: amzn.to/40utwE6

[@isabeldelrosal1959]

thanks! ordered a tool bag and sound blanket!

[@blasepivovar]

Glad to help!

[@mattcero1]

I hit the Harbor about once a month! Great tribute to them!

[@blasepivovar]

I’m there way to often

[@grt49er]

I have been using those hard cases for awhile now and have had no issues. I used to use Pelican cases for instruments I carried into construction sites and they are better, but the Apache are "super good enough".

[@blasepivovar]

Feel that!

[@JodyFisher]

@HarborFreight is my first stop (after my local mom and pop hardware store). Excellent products, way less expensive.

[@blasepivovar]

@@JodyFisher love that. yeah that don’t have everything but i’m always finding new things there

[@GlenReed]

I just bought a ramp for my production van from Harbor Freight, really hard to beat their prices.

[@blasepivovar]

@@GlenReed oh man yeah the ramps are a great call!

[@NationalParkNerd]

The first rule of Harbor Freight is, if the tool can kill or maim you, you don't buy it at Harbor Freight. Everything else is great.

[@blasepivovar]

haha I get the sentiment there. i'd say it just depends on how you plan to be using said tool :)

[@Marquettes2010]

The Apache cases are great! I have a few.

[@blasepivovar]

@@Marquettes2010 they are great 🤙🏼

[@davidsfilmmaking]

Great video Brother! Definitely gonna look into those cases.

[@blasepivovar]

thanks dude! yeah they are great!

[@CoronadoStudio]

Their hardcases go crazy!

[@blasepivovar]

they do!!!

[@CoronadoStudio]

@ earned my sub brother!

[@petersonfilms-1]

Love Harbor Freight for tools on set. I don't think Harbor Freight has them, but reusable zip ties are huge help. Don't know why they are a bigger thing since you don't have to blow through zip ties constantly

[@blasepivovar]

@@petersonfilms-1 great idea

[@BenGleasonMedia]

Welp… I just spent $500 at harbor freight 😅😅😅 but I’m pumped to use that workbench in my studio! Awesome video man! 👏

[@blasepivovar]

lol I am sorry for doing that to your wallet! glad to hear its gonna be a good solution for you tho!!

[@matoflynn]

Very nice video, thank you for the helpful tips and product recommendations

[@blasepivovar]

glad to help! appreciate you letting me know

[@KyleSVT]

Harbor Freight is the best. Fantastic video dude

[@blasepivovar]

thank you!

[@THSimagery]

OH NO!!! Not the hard case! you telling all the secrets! lol really helpful video.

[@blasepivovar]

hahaha ope

[@BrandzHD]

i picked up a foldable cart to lug pelican cases and larger items off my car to the site if they have a elevator. it was $60 and change after taxes.

[@blasepivovar]

dope. love that!

[@DankCloudzFPV]

Yassssss! This video is gold!

[@blasepivovar]

thanks! glad to hear that!

[@DankCloudzFPV]

@blasepivovar you earned a new sub with this one!

[@lukeddm]

What kind of foam do you replace the pick n' pluck that comes in the Apache's with?

[@blasepivovar]

I am pretty sure these ones fit: amzn.to/4ftirra If not those, then these ones: amzn.to/40utwE6

[@AM2PMReviews]

Oh yeah I did a video like this years ago. This is so much better than my video.

[@blasepivovar]

haha no way! I appreciate the love! i was surprised I had never see one on my feed so had to make it!

[@Eyeofkamau]

Incredible information. Thank you bro 🙏🏽

[@blasepivovar]

thanks dawg! always glad to help!

[@AndresHernandezFilms]

This video is a cheat code Especially for the pelican type case

[@blasepivovar]

@@AndresHernandezFilms up up left down down circle circle square 🫡

[@EverettRyanJ]

I approve this message!!!

[@blasepivovar]

aye thank you!

[@Adullam-TheSecretplace]

Thank you bro! Off to Harbor Freight!

[@blasepivovar]

glad to help!

[@flyingping]

Would have expected that you might mention the MEMBERSHIP as an option! It would be the first thing I'd do before making first purchases.

[@blasepivovar]

ooo i actually did recommend the ITC membership at the beginning

[@flyingping]

@blasepivovar absolutely hilarious... I got msg early into video. Probably at exactly the point comment made . Sorry!!

[@blasepivovar]

@@flyingping all good :)

[@zeballos5757]

The key knife is a great tool to have on your key chain.

[@blasepivovar]

it’s the best

[@Bill-NM]

What are the "foam dividers" you put in the hard case(s)? Thanks...

[@blasepivovar]

I am pretty sure these ones fit: amzn.to/4ftirra If not those, then these ones: amzn.to/40utwE6

[@thedavidfunk_]

amazing video. thank you!

[@blasepivovar]

thank you man! glad to help :)

[@PortableTrevor]

Just spent $100 because of this video. Have a feeling it would have cost me $400 on B&h lol

[@blasepivovar]

hahaha heck yeah

[@Carnerd101]

Great video. It is appreciated!

[@blasepivovar]

glad to hear it!

[@flyingfilmmaker]

Love harbor freight

[@blasepivovar]

might have went three times this weekend...

[@laughingthrushmusic5269]

OK i'm sorry to disappoint you. I'm a huge Apache 5800 fan but if the case gets tossed onto the ground lid first it pops the latches and the case opens. Still a great utility case but don't ever check it as luggage. My Zoom H6n got distroyed this way then I tested it and discovered the latches are the weak point. Ive read some people replace them with Peli latches tho

[@blasepivovar]

Interesting but good to know. I haven't had that happen but I mostly only use mine as a carry on. For anything going under the plane, I use a larger case, different style of bag. I think some folks will zip tie their cases to help prevent them from opening. Good to know people should be at least cautious of that.

[@laughingthrushmusic5269]

@ yes I zip toed mine for the return flight and it was fine. Better than that would maybe be TSA locks.

[@SteveHorne]

Harbor freight has a great collapsible extension ladder

[@blasepivovar]

Yeah the Franklins are great!

[@RolsRoyce3]

Good video brother. Subbed

[@blasepivovar]

glad to have ya!

[@ByJ.Francois]

Needed this! I’m luck I have one less than a 5 min drive away

[@blasepivovar]

@@ByJ.Francois aye! love that

[@wilclaussen]

Who makes the smaller pouches at 5:18?

[@blasepivovar]

linked here in the comments!

[@sitosingular]

love your content... fuji creator here!!

[@blasepivovar]

thanks dude! love it

[@ian.a]

What song(s) do you use in this video?

[@blasepivovar]

all from Musicbed :)

[@Joe-cx7wy]

great video!

[@blasepivovar]

thanks :)

[@pinadrummer84]

Thank you!

[@blasepivovar]

You bet!

[@soulhustler1200]

Great video

[@blasepivovar]

thank you

[@JonnyRyley]

off to Harbor Freight I go - awesome video man! Question for you, where did you get the pouches that you keep your little tool kit in? Also HF?

[@blasepivovar]

dude hope you guys are well!!! i've got those pouches linked somewhere here in the comments :)

[@K3zz21]

I literally live a 3 minute drive away from harbor so this is amazing lmao

[@blasepivovar]

aye thats dope

[@teolopez]

Didn’t know they had their own version of the ifixit tools for far less!

[@blasepivovar]

ah i didn't know that is what the more premium brand was called but yes you are correct!

[@Joe-cx7wy]

what are the bags at 5:18

[@blasepivovar]

linked here in the comments!

[@GarrettWare]

Peep the FJ Dynamics V-mount on your desk👀 Love mine! Great video brother. The apache case is so underrated

[@blasepivovar]

thank ya!

[@RLTPhoto]

Northern tool is very similar

[@blasepivovar]

It is! That said, I have not really been impressed with their products or prices.

[@tylerdooghan]

YES!!!!!!

[@blasepivovar]

AYE