A Brief History of Harbor Freight Tools!

A Brief History of Harbor Freight Tools! - You knew it had to happen, its time for an overview of your favorite off-gassing, discount tool store!
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[@t2rx7crx1]

With out harbor freight most of these professional tools would be alot more expensive. Thank you Harbor Freight for making tools affordable.

[@RustbeltBlues]

Lowering the barriers for DIYers everywhere.

[@tombob671]

Just a thought, if you are poor a cheap tool that saves the day is better than nothing...

[@humansvd3269]

This. Cheap tools exist for a reason. Harbor freight has saved my money many times over.

[@WolfsHaven]

It's also great for that tool you may only use a few times in a lifetime. You can usually buy it cheaper at HFT then you can rent it elsewhere.

[@tombob671]

@@WolfsHaven correct, I remember in 1966 doing a brake job on a 57 chevy with a crescent wrench vice grips and a screwdriver, I was a poor mat and I had no tools... HF would have been a blessing as I had to replace a muffler, and a starter and generator, I did get a combo open end set but everything was a fight lol

[@steverone7623]

It's not a matter of being poor, it's a matter of convenience. I can outfit all my vehicles with tools for a fraction of the price

[@tombob671]

@@steverone7623 correct, BTW I have seldom had a tool deficit, but lots of times I have had a skill and knowledge deficit 😜😜😜😜😜

[@pforce9]

It is hard to take a talking bear seriously when you know that he can be easily distracted by the mere appearance of a pick-a-nick basket.

[@jtdundee]

yes - and before its dark he has every basket in the park ;-)

[@chex313]

Until , Heeeere comes Mr Forest Raaanger.....Hey boo boo..

[@faerieSAALE]

I like the neighborhood tool bear, Red, voiced by Red Beard. It is unique and clever. He does seem to be "Smarter than the Average Bear!" too.

[@stevenbryant4718]

@@faerieSAALE Yeah he's cool.

[@300mag83]

I like the bear I mean I also love cigars and he is always rocking a stogie.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

I'm actually glad that the closest H-F store is about an hour away. If they had a store here in town, I'd NEVER have any money in the bank and my credit cards would all be maxed out! H-F is no different than any other store, they have a lot of good stuff and a lot of not so good stuff. You just have to watch what you buy.

[@retiredtom1654]

I'm impressed with a 17-year-old making it the hard way... he earned it himself. No matter what your opinion is of the quality. If you don't like it, don't buy it! As a DYI'er, I buy good quality for the long term and lesser quality for the "not used too often."

[@mtadams2009]

I think that's what has helped HF to grow so much. I do the same when it comes to tools.

[@WthaHatchet]

Thanks for the history and all you do! You've never steered me wrong on quality stuff and have made me a believer in Harbor Freight! Your reviews of everything tool and beyond are invaluable to us all! Thanks again and keep up the excellent work! Everyone should give you a watch!

[@tenkillcombo]

I remember in the 90's they would travel around to rural areas and sell tool's out of semi trailers

[@joerobinson7224]

tenkillcombo cummins tools too

[@5roundsrapid263]

I had forgotten about that. I remember it was like a circus coming to town.

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

They'd set up shop in the local armory every year. I got a shop stool I still use in the garage. But I also remember a a screwdriver set that the tips wore down after a couple uses.

[@jcadult101]

Homier used to have semi sales at the fairgrounds. Last one I got my mini-mill was right around the first HF opening in town. I'm sure someone at Homier is kicking themselves right now.

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

Yep! Our fire department hosted a sale every couple of years. I still have the metric and SAE wrenches that I bought.

[@cash2.0]

My favorite HF item is the 3,500 watt inverter generator. Bought it when it first came out & with a sale coupon. I've found it to be very reliable and quiet running.

[@SantaNMS]

Thanks for the review on HF Red! I like your reviews. They are honest and fun to watch and very informative!

[@jnichols3]

A true American success story. The first item I bought from HF was a 3x4 trailer to use behind my motorcycle. that was nearly 20 years ago. I still have it. For less than $250 I combined this trailer with a Sears car top cargo carrier and ended with an 18 cu/ft tow behind. Purpose built tow behinds were running $1500 at the time I had to order the trailer, but since that time a HF store opened about 4 miles from me. I have never gone to the store to buy an item and it not be in stock. The staff are always busy with customers, or asking if they can help you find something. Much, much better than Lowe's or Home Depot's. HF stores are always super clean, and rarely are any of there items out of place. It is the perfect store for the DIY'er. There is only one item I have had to return. It was an impact drill. I walked in gave it to them, and basically got another one off the shelf. This is the easiest tool return I ever experienced.

[@laurie4275]

"American success story"? Cheap tools from China sounds like a Chinese success story. They're making bank off us, while the work is done in crowded factories of very poorly paid workers.

[@jnichols3]

@@laurie4275 That afro wearing Ex-NFL player that went to work for Nike is being paid very well. Would you cut his pay in order to pay those 11 year olds more. If you do, you are obviously a racist try to hold the person of color down! You know I'm being sarcastic. BTW, In his own words, the NFL is like slavery. If you respect black players, then do the right thing and switch off ESPN and help stop the modern slave trade, so these people can be released to work as stockers at Walmart, backhoe operators, truck drivers, and coal miners. To watch professional sports is to condemn these fellow humans to be chained to homes in Beverly Hills, back seats of limos, force them to buy all the hookers they can survive....... I forgot where I was going with this comment. I went off on a tangent. Anybody have a clue what my point was?

[@carportchronicles1943]

I first shopped at a Harbor Freight back in 1998, was not impressed with the quality of a lot of their tools, but you could still find some great bargains, especially if you needed a specialized tool you were not going to use much. I still shop at Harbor Freight, and I'm very glad to see the quality of most items has gotten much better. I also find the customer ratings and comments on their website very useful in deciding whether or not to purchase certain items.

[@davidperry4013]

Nowadays they have Hercules and Bauer.

[@texaskidzuk]

I love the Bauer 1/2" and 1/4" impact wrenches. I'm resurrecting a Geo Tracker 4wd using almost all Harbor freight tools and these Bauer tools just bust through any rusted frozen nut and bolt on it. These tools have been a huge time saver for me. The 20 ton hydraulic press and the Mattox wheel bearing adapter set made easy work of pressing out the big 1 piece bearing race which requires over 10 tons of force to remove. Maybe not the best tools but still dang good for my use.

[@southern207hobbies]

I've fallen in love with most of there tools and the assortments the crimp connection one is pure gold as I've tested it with car batteries and they basically keep coming back for more

[@ajhieb]

I remember the first HF store in Lexington. I was a kid but to me it was better than a toy store. Location has changed and they just recently remodeled again, but it's still one of my favorite stores.

[@mharris5047]

I was born way before HF and am older than Eric but the hardware store was like a candy store to me as a kid, too. I knew how to install a door before I knew how to use a multiplication table. I remember I volunteered for a local theater program years ago (as an adult) to help out the director who is a friend, even he was shocked at what I knew how to do just walking in the door. About the only problem we ran into was that I was installing trim and asked him where the countersinks were. He told me, I went, got them then went back to installing trim -- five minutes later it hit him what I was doing and he went running up to me saying "don't countersink the nails, that makes it harder to remove the trim". I asked how he intended to cover the nail heads up and he said "let set decor deal with that". I said "OK, will do". I think that same day I taught five noobs how to install and trim up doors and install plywood flooring on raised areas of the set. I also got to use one of the students' even then ancient Milwaukee drills (not all of them were noobs), that thing was more powerful than any of my drills and I stripped screws with it. This was the days before clutches on drill chucks. I wish I had tried to buy that drill off of him, that is for sure (the most maintenance necessary on these would be replacing the brushes and lubricating the mechanism with some axle grease, they last forever otherwise).

[@TartanJack]

Hey Bear! Thanks for the book. I enjoyed your first and I'm sure I'll like this one too. Finding these histories very interesting.

[@denoftools]

That's good because till it cools down here I'm not spending much time in the shop 😃

[@mharris5047]

@@denoftools I have known people to buy a couple of the large 220VAC window air conditioners, pop them through a wall and insulate their garages so they can work in the summer. The large 24K BTU A/C units cost about $80 per month each to run in my area of the country which is cheaper than the cost to heat the same garage each winter. If you use your garage in a professional capacity they can really pay for themselves quickly.

[@WJHandyDad]

awesome video - you're very knowledgeable about Harbor Freight

[@lincolnrock9158]

Great video been shopping at harbor freight for years now love it and after ur video love it more now I know the story and respect the store way more now.

[@paulangeli9710]

Great video. Very interesting. I have the HF 2hp dust collector. It words great.

[@blakewilliamzieglercombs9484]

I love how ACE Hardware has 5000 stores in the us and harbor Freight only has 900, I’ve been in lots of different harbor freight locations but never been to a ace

[@czenkusm]

You should. Ace is awesome and is locally owned in your community. They have a great selection too

[@qdood]

Got the book download, it already jumped itself on to my kindle. Thanx bear...

[@pjkentucky]

Another GREAT video from DaBear........

[@erikc3936]

I love my HF impact sockets and flex head ratchets.

[@wasmith-tq8pj]

A set of chisel I got there about 10 years ago. Since I'm not pounding on oak all the time, they are great for all other things you would not use top quality chisel for. Sharpen them about two times a year. Also like there parts bins with handles on them. Throw out the yellow bins and put foam in them. They make great tool storage containers Their 2.5hp plunge router is a monster and has been in my router table for 9 years. Theretable saw throws dust every where, but I only use it with a cross cut sled. So it works well within its limits. Also love my power hand planer. It does the job for the 2 - 3 times I use it a year. Love my 23g PIN nailer.

[@seizedcarcass8440]

Great video. Love to see more people on the feright train!!!

[@Al-ds3sw]

I’m newer to your Channel loving the series and the videos thanks for sharing and the time put into them

[@denoftools]

Glad you made it to the Den

[@andythompson3528]

My local harbor freight opened in 2016, they took over an older store, which used to be a CVS pharmacy store. They then moved a couple blocks down the street and built a new store. My favorite product from harbor freight is probably my US general 5 drawer tool cart. I’ve had it for about 6 months now and it’s been really great! No major complaints.

[@jeffparker360]

I have done tool haul video after tool haul video that includes Harbor Freight tools and love them. Currently my favorite tool from them is their 5 drawer tool cart. My least favorite tool was their exhaust pipe expander. It cracked on the first use. But, the return policy has been great and I always bought something else the few times I had to warranty something. So a win/win for everyone. P.S.- I love the ratchets too!

[@aceaaron19]

We used to have to drive to Topeka (about 45 min away), now we have one here in Manhattan. They moved into the Hastings shell. Did the same thing in Garden City as well.

[@Pimpmybeats3371]

Thanks Red Beard! The nearest HF is about an hour from me, but hoping one can get closer! Great video!

[@toddkokko5049]

I remember going to that store in the late 70’s. My dad loved pillaging through open boxes to find good deals. I was 7 years old I think. I just remember thinking what a yuck building. It took me years to go back in, now I love it!

[@martinparmer]

I've been using my banks 30 deg farming nail gun and its working great so far. Love it. Was gonna get a 21 deg and the store was out of stock

[@rmhutchins7]

I enjoyed your video. It was very interesting. Thank you!

[@joshuasantos569]

Great history lesson and comparisons! Great content!

[@VCGConstruction]

Harbor Freight doesn't like us very much..... Great video!

[@bluemantom77]

Vcg. I. Tried. To. Film in my local Harbor Freight will the closest one to me and they agreed to let me continue shopping the store if I didn't record and erase the footage there funny I guess I see there point if you able to take videos and then DeWalt Factory Store or Milwaukee or Bosch you guys should know how to be inconspicuous wait a while and try again in the future and don't wear vcg shirts so the Harbor Freight staff don't recognize you lol

[@ericsalidbar1693]

VCG Construction why don’t they like you guys?

[@robertfrate9738]

Hi, I’m a huge HarborFreight fan and I own many tools from their with no problems, I’m semi retired and the line of tools is quality for me, I don’t need big name tools to turn a bolt, very interesting video ty, Bob,

[@craigtimmons3468]

I have quite a few of there products and for the most part they all are very good when used accordingly (ie the right tool for the right job) but with that said they do have stuff that's not worth carrying out of the store. Now my favorite item would be all of them because I can get stuff done and make some money, but I have to give the 20gal parts washer that I purchased in 1986 from a magazine ad, that is still going strong to this day (this was my first HF purchase for $99 and free shipping) the #1 spot. My latest purchase was the Central Machinery 8x12 metal lathe that I am in the process of setting up $750 with 25%off coupon.

[@philipingram1667]

They have come up considerably on overall quality in the last several years. I used to buy special tools for one time use but now I look at them and the big box stores before I buy anything. I think they have great in store service and are available to help answer a question or find what you are looking for - unlike most big box hardware departments. They will open a second store in my town in the next few months.

[@45AMT]

We got our HF in 2016 I use to have to drive an hour before that. It's kinda nice having them just up the road.

[@gungadinn]

Harrorable Freight is pretty good for some things, others run from. The Harbor Freight electronic calipers prior to Pittsburgh were great. After Pittsburgh, so-so. I know a few small building contractors that have out fitted their crews with Harbor Freight miter saws, grinders, sanders and saws. They figure if the tool lasts 6-9 months they more than got their money out of it, and if the tool accidentally gets left on the job site, they aren't breaking the bank. A friend needed a sandblast cabinet. The prosumer grades of cabinets start at $1500 verses the HF blast cabinet at $200. Throw away the foam rubber seal and use sealant while assembling, and no leaks. The Chicago Electric spot welders are made in one of the former soviet countries and are work horses of DIY firearms builders.

[@davidgrover5996]

Professional Gunsmiths like me like that spot welder too Gunga Dinn.

[@tomfrazier2195]

My favorites are old Mom & Pop stores with 40+ y/o NOS stuff on the shelves. Look fast before they're all gone!

[@clayseale]

I am a swimming pool builder. The gas powered pumps are BY FAR the best deal that I have found in the store. I have a 2" semi-trash pump that I rely on. It is 3 seasons old. I never change the oil, put good gas in it and use it till it dies. If it runs a season, I get my money out of it, but I cannot kill the thing. Also, their electric pumps are really good too, and at least half the price of the blue and orange big box stores. I also have some of the mechanic's tools which I am really satisfied with (the breaker bar comes to mind as mentioned below), and the tool cart in my garage is US General. As a pro, I can give the hired guys these tools and more often than not, they last. If they don't, I take it back, or just upgrade. As a homeowner, I have every tool that I need to complete jobs around the house and am prepared. Harbor Freight is my favorite store.

[@charlescollier9591]

I was fortunate enough to live in Central Kentucky near Lexington. I still use my Harbor Freight drill press which I bought in the Lexington store in 1980. They have great tools for DIYers like myself

[@oububba]

I've had to drive an hour either way to a harbor freight. This past week was announced that in my town (Chickasha, Oklahoma)we are getting one!

[@dizzyknutsak9462]

Awesome video very informative thanks for posting.

[@BrianCraigKeith31mm]

Thank you. Great info. Enjoyed the founders story. Respect.

[@ROGER2095]

I drive past a Harbor Freight once a month and I always go in and buy something - even if it's just a clamp - in order to get the free 27 LED flashlight which I find really useful. It's bright, has a hook and a magnet and it comes with batteries! True, I can't open it to replace the batteries, but as a freebie, why complain? I just get another free one!

[@PatrickWagz]

Sir, you can absolutely replace the batteries on the 27 LED light. Are you referring to the blue one that is shaped like an oval? It has 3 tiny Phillips screw in the back of the light. You take them out and make sure the store's stickers are off the edges of the light, and the thing pops right open. Try it out, you just need a really small Phillips screwdriver. 3 AAA batteries, too.

[@ROGER2095]

Patrick Wagz - Yes! That's the light and you're right - The batteries can be replaced. I have several of these lights, but the screws are slightly different on each of them. Some have screws where the Philips head is deep enough that I could - probably (the screws are soft) - turn them with a tiny screwdriver. And in others, the slots are so shallow and rounded that I can't get a bite on them. I'd have to drill them out. I do have some tiny Philips head screwdrivers and one of these days I'll be motivated to give it another try. In the meantime, I just keep getting new ones!

[@Alpatriod]

Yup I go in and will buy something for a buck and get a free flashlight or tarp

[@ROGER2095]

Patrick Wagz - Apparently I've run out of things to do because yesterday I dug out my good, tiny screwdrivers (Craftsman), and had no trouble removing the screws, even the soft ones. I'll still be getting the free ones but now, I'll give them out as Christmas presents!

[@PatrickWagz]

haha, right on Personally, I go with the 25ft tape measure or the 6piece screwdriver sets. But now I have about 8 of each, so probably should switch to something new. Maybe the free tarps?

[@WheelzupMotorsports]

Its pronounced Cam a ree oh BEAR! Haha thanks for all the awesome vids!

[@thepatriarchy7934]

Very interesting vid..... thanks for doing it !!!!

[@garylangley4502]

One of the best buys I've had from HF is the 6 amp reciprocating saw. When on sale, they are right about $20. I use one more than a DIYer around the house, and I've never had one go out on me. I either lose them, or make a permanent "loan" to someone. My neighbor was a contractor, and his big bucks Makita saw burned out on the last day of a job. He hadn't been paid yet, so the money was tight. He bought one of these 6 amp models, figuring if it lasted the day, he could get the job done. He moved about a year later, and was still using it every day. That says a lot to me.

[@ryan11199]

If you don't have a Harbor Freight near you obviously you can use the website. What you might not know is if you call the order in to their 1-800# they will give you the best coupon price they have without you even having the coupon.

[@gatekeeperofchaos]

Good to know...i used to hate rummaging through 6 current catalogs to find the code for the best price when placing mail orders.

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Good to know, thank you, I appreciate it

[@georgekane1985]

I own quite a few harbor freight products, but the one that is far and away the best is their 4' x 8' folding trailer. I got it on sale six years ago for $250. I have used it a lot, and still own it. The 4' x 8' bed is so useful. Combine that with the stake bed conversion, and you have a really versatile trailer that stores almost anywhere!

[@robertslemons6996]

in my shop I have the 2hp dust collector and I painted it with the Krause & Becker Airless Paint Sprayer. I am looking at the wood lathe as a possible addition to my shop.

[@denoftools]

It's a clone of the old Jet lathe and I know a lot of old school woodworkers who have had both and say it is just as good as the jet for 1/4 the price.

[@floydalbright1214]

One of the best harbor freight store I've been in was Pencicola , great lay out ,clean , well organized. My local store is located in Rothchild Wisconsin , could be larger , more organized and friendly help would be an improvement.

[@drfalcon4102]

I know its about 130 miles, but the new store in rice lake is beautiful

[@RyanLosey]

you have to admit they keep getting better and better. And there's a store on every corner.

[@jimm2442]

Interesting information, Thank you!

[@donaldhollums3278]

Interesting film and history lesson, Red. We’re due to have a new HF opened soon about a 7 minutes drive from my house. The only one closer is on the Southside of Montgomery, AL. My wife will know where I’m at if she hasn’t seen me for a few hours and she knows it’s my off-day from work. I have fun with the register clerks when I’m checking out with a purchase. I like to try and get a rumor started by asking, “Is true Harbor Freight will be open 24 hours beginning next month?” Whoa Nellie the responses I get! Harbor Freight tools don’t over flow my tool chest and cabinet, but I have a good handfuls worth. I believe the best item I’ve purchased so far at HF is the Earthquake XT 1/2” air impact, I added the one year extended warranty just in case. That impact works much better than my older, weaker Craftsman 1/2” impact. I wonder as Harbor Freight continues to advance in their tool quality if they’ll wean off purchasing the China-made stuff and add at least more Taiwan-made stuff.

[@Mostlyonoff]

HF used to sell a lot of factory refurbished power tools. I have a refurb 12v DeWalt cordless drill from the early 90's. Still works great. Also have various old chinesium pliers and hand tools that held up well and are better than their current counterparts

[@mainewoods1862]

I used to refer to Harbor Freight as " the disposable tool store" They have always had their place. I am a professional contractor and have never been all one brand. When I started the only thing Dewalt made was a radial arm saw. It was a Makita and Milwaukee and Porter cable and Delta world. I like Hitachi and Ryobi tools as well. As you said Bear HF has been steadily upping their game and I applaud their efforts in this regard. Now if they could stop the shell game they play with coupons ..........

[@mykahdeanwilson]

I picked up one of their new vulcans because my tig machine took a crap and they said it was 2-3 weeks to replace it. Let's just say the replacement is still in the box 2 months later. They really stepped their game up.

[@turboflush]

Good job. Great history lesson

[@williambuzzard6128]

Good job explaining this

[@jamesstewart4211]

I'm a trucker and there are a few of the mechanics in the shop uses the hurcerles impact and dose the job just fine

[@68shiloh]

Harbor Freight, a mans candy store.

[@DanielCoe]

Only place on earth where you see men with fists full of coupons scouring the aisles for a deal.

[@jackiechan_wtf4041]

I love the Pittsburgh 25 inch breaker bar. For $20 I can destroy as many breaker bars I please, and I can go back and get a replacement, since it's lifetime warranty.

[@davecooper5751]

Jackie chan_WTF $13.99 last list sale, seems better than my broken SK one.

[@xaenon]

I bought a breaker bar, wheel chocks, a small assortment of impact sockets, and a bottle jack from Harbor Freight. They make up a tire-changing kit that is far superior to any factory jack or lug wrench.

[@gbwi666]

Just got the 1/2 inch drive breaker bar with the wrachett end on it for $17 with a 25% off labor day sale coupon . I couldn't believe the store was so crowded on labor day !

[@workingshlub8861]

i have really abused mine and no problems... like 4 foot pieces of pipe over it and standing on it jumping up and down..

[@mute8s]

working shlub if you need 4 foot pieces of pipe and have to jump up and down on it I have to ask... You do realize that you don't need a 5 foot piece of pipe and to jump up and down on it to tighten your nuts and bolts in the first place right?

[@CadillacZachOffical]

Honestly we just got a harbor freight in my town like Last year... I've heard good things about some of their stuff so I decided to check it out when I got my taxes this year... OMG... I don't know how I lived without it!!! I love their stuff!!! The Pittsburgh professional line is really good quality for the money and with the no hassle warranty it's a no brainier!!!

[@jimjames1920]

Great Store. I check them first, then the others !

[@vanceblosser2155]

I bought some wrenches and some other tools from Harbor Freight Salvage Company in late 79 or early 80. The tools I got were made in Spain and good quality, I still have them. I was surprised about 15 years ago to find a store in Roanoke, VA when returning from a vacation further south. Once a year we'd stop by on the way home and stock up on some tools and supplies. Then about 2 years ago a store opened locally. I don't buy as much at a time because I can go at any time. The quality of their Chinese stuff has definitely improved over the years.

[@SweeturKraut]

BEAR! I stopped in to my local (Newport News VA) Harbor Freight and got 2 items that really are great. I got a Hercules tool bag that is really sturdy and holds a lot of stuff AND an 8 dollar Pittsburgh framing hammer. They really are great for DIYers like me.

[@timvandenbrink4461]

HF auto darkening welding hoods are amazing.

[@haukepowers8491]

My buddies in the shipyard sear by them !!!

[@haukepowers8491]

swear...not sear....hahahahahahahaha !!!

[@mharris5047]

I have one concern about the auto darkening welding hoods that would keep me from using them. What if the electronics controlling the auto darkening function go out or even if the batteries suddenly no longer have the charge to function? Before you can react, you have burned your eyes to a crisp and are now permanently half blind. No thanks, I will use the old style welding hood. If I burn my eyes to a crisp with one of those, it is my own damn fault!

[@jnb756]

@@mharris5047 the instructions tell you to find your spot - look to the side and do a quick test weld and make sure the screen darkens. I'm still getting used to the one I have - it's pretty sweet to look at your welding in natural color albeit too dark to see much other than the spark and hopefully the puddle... but yeah I kind of miss the simplicity of the old style - the auto darkening switch stupid fast so you would know pretty quick if Houston had a problem

[@chadharmon5716]

Earthquake series of electric impacts rock solid btw love your snazzy shirts as a bear you must get them custom made 👍🏻

[@ScottClevelandmi]

Good work! Excellent research. Here is how are use Harbor Freight: if there something I’m not sure I’m going to use a lot I buy it there. If I actually wear it out… I go buy a real one. Actually recently purchased a Bauer SDS Max hammer drill. It killed me to do this because I’m a Hilti guy. I’m extremely impressed with that drill.

[@chrisgodwin8374]

I just picked up the next step down, the Bauer SDS rotary hammer. After coupon, it only ran me 70 bucks! I was able to bust up some concrete quickly and when the bit got stuck, I took it back to the store. The manager helped get the bit out, but he diagnosed it was the chuck not releasing, so he grabbed another one off the shelf and even gave me the extra tub of grease. 100 bucks less than the Milwaukee at HD and I get to keep this one for future projects! (I've rented rotary hammers previously). I'm with you, I'm just a DIYer, so if it's a single use item, or one I can tell that I don't need the bells and whistles of the more expensive brands, it's HF all day long.

[@300mag83]

It’s funny to watch this video because when this video was made I used to have to drive an hour to go to a harbor freight but now there is one in my town and I love it. I’ve bought so much from them and really I’ve had great luck with the items I bought. I generally go with the rule of if it’s made of steel it’s pretty good I did get a crappy floor jack but I then bought a Daytona and so far so good we shall see.

[@steveskouson9620]

OK, my take on HF, and my cheap Ridgid set of drivers. A few years ago, I found a drill-driver set, 2 tools, 2 batteries, charger and carry case, from the local (orange) Big Box hardware store. It was $100! GREAT set of tools! But, I was not able to jump through the right hoops, to get the replacement clause activated. Now, HF. They have a few GREAT tools I have, but haven't actually "purchased." The 6 piece screwdriver set, amazing! Beats Craftsman, hands down. (I've got a Craftsman flat blade, that, I was able to bend torsionally. Yep, twisted the blade, trying to remove a screw. I've NEVER bent any of that FREE set, unless I did it on purpose, with a torch. Another fave, the multimeter. Have a few laying around. Those 4 inch magnetic parts dishes! Those 12 inch magnetic "tool holder" strips. That 4 bits screwdriver, with the shaft that pulls out, and flips over, with the 2 double ended bits, GREAT! Another use, pull the 2 bits out, use the center piece as a specialized nut driver for 1/4, and 5/16 or 8 MM hose clamps Yes, it WILL work. You're welcome. Clamps. Usually what I "buy" to get the free stuff. Norm, (Norm Abrams) says you can't have too many clamps. Theirs are pretty damn good! (20 or 25% off, good deal!) That cute little 1/4 and 3/8ths ratchet is a good buy. Anything made "Pittsburgh Pro, is as good as Craftsman USED to be. Only thing I dislike, is the inability to get FULL socket sets. EVERYTHING from 8 MM to 24 MM, and missing none! I usually go with a friend, and get multiples of what I need. Sorry to get so long winded. steve

[@AlexRides808]

I've had two sockets from Snap-on fail on me trying to bust axle bolts loose with a breaker bar. I used the same size, non impact, socket with an impact gun and it held up just fine.

[@czenkusm]

Ended up buying a ton of HF tools for my "shop tools" for my guys who don't have full kits and so on yet. Went full on the Hercules line.

[@davidwalle5025]

I started going to hf in california in the 80s. They have really improved, the rackets are giving snap on a run for the money

[@JM-yx1lm]

Thats true. I used to drive an hour to visit harbor freight and would plan special times to travel there after a list was made. Now just recently they opened a store in waxahachie a few weeks ago and i have been there at least 6 times already.

[@jackhackett80]

I like this store but I don't have to drive an hour to go there anymore...they just opened one in my area. Love it. BTW this weekend all sorts of shit on sale and giving away free stuff like flashlights, screwdrivers, etc

[@G56AG]

Yeah, I had to drive 50 miles to get to a HF store, crowded and lousy parking, then a new store opened up 25 miles away in a strip shopping center, modern store with plenty of parking, then a few months ago one opened up just over a mile away, hot dog! A lot of cheap Chinese tools, but for the very light shop use I use them for they are at least adequate. It is nice to see them bringing out some better quality tools. While not the best tools on the market, they have a good selection and definitely fill a place and fill a lot of needs.

[@tpobrienjr]

It took me a while to warm up to HF. In the early days I bought a set of snips (Wiss knockoffs) from HF Salvage, and the first time I tried to cut a piece of galvanized steel the cutting edge crumbled. I think HF has gotten better, but I am still wary. The stores near me smell like high sulfur fuel oil, and lots of the products smell like that too. I can't argue with success.

[@sammbarnes7960]

Man, I work in a shop and I have a few HF things I use and I'm pretty happy with them! Mainly just the earthquake battery stuff so when I leave the shop I don't have to take my good stuff out to the yard. People help me lose stuff, ya know what I mean? The earthquake ratchet gets used daily and the 3/8 impact gets pretty frequent use, as well. Been a year or so. So far no issues!

[@mrpeterpumpkin48]

Very interesting! Thank you.

[@alejandroalvarez1544]

Entertaining, informative and thanks.

[@douglaspierce7031]

I bought their 4-1/2" angle grinder back in '95 and it's still going strong!

[@ifitsnotbrokenfixit1193]

Thanks for the video Red. Their $19.00 qt paint gun the blue one. It took me some time to dial it in. But now it has not let me down. I have painted 15 trailers and a dozen or so lawnmowers with it. Its a great cheap gun. Is it as good as my truck brands no. But im painting equipment trailers. Not cars.

[@Pantherman1979]

My Harbor Freight, took over an old JoAnn Fabrics store that sat vacant for years in a shopping plaza known as "Miracle Mile"

[@caverbrad]

Other stores are getting in on the game. I noticed a few years ago when a Tractor Supply moved to town they always have this area up front of their generic brand of mostly hand tools.

[@timcarlson2457]

Wow, never knew the history of HF or its creator, very interesting. I’ve used a 17mm Genius impact socket from HFT, professionally for over 25 years, it has held up better than some SnapOn sockets that I have had to replace.

[@chadbjones2380]

Love this video! Actually feel a lot better about buying from HF now!

[@haroldsegnitz7437]

Like anywhere you have to watch what you buy. I bought a brake flusher and bleeder system from them and It's the berries, then I bought a 1 1/4 socket from them to make an emergency repair on a diesel . Upon completion of repair the socket cracked. I pretty much figure it's demise was my fault. When I purchased the socket I knew it was too light for working on diesels. Actually I was supposed it did not bust when I took the bolts out. It busted on retorque of final bolt therefore allowing me to get the bus on its way

[@higg13001]

Bought a mail-order floor jack from Harbor Freight & Salvage Co. in 1984. All I wanted it to do was last a couple years until I got on my feet under me financially and could buy a 'good' one. It ended up lasting almost 30 (THIRTY) years. Amazing!!

[@myhdcycle]

I used to be a bit of a tool snob in my younger days and would not have been caught dead in a Harbour Freight. As I have gotten older I have come to realize that sometimes comparing the price to the number of times used ratio is prudent for tools. They seem to have come a long way in the last decade and I enjoy browsing their stores and have become somewhat of a convert and catch myself recommending this or that from them often.

[@FixingWithPassion]

Harbor Freight just opened a store near me yesterday! Buckhannon , W.V. There tools are pretty good if you take care of them. I have have nothing but respect for that store as my YT channel working on autos, have saved me many times over the years thousands of dollars! Yep sears is now gone where I live......and I have broken tools Just laying around I can't exchange unless I want to drive a 110 miles....glad Harbor Freight is close by.

[@panzerkiller13]

Try contacting craftsman! Now that Stanley/Black and Decker owns them, you might be able to get replacements mailed to you for free. They did that for me when I had an Irwin BoltGrip (Irwin is owned by the same group) get impossibly stuck on a bolt.

[@michaelkenefick]

WOW, so now WV has two stores!

[@flyingmerkel6]

Last time I went to Sears was the last time I will go to Sears.

[@anthonyesposito2576]

Nathan, head to Lowe's my friend. They now carry Craftsman and if I'm not mistaken, they honor the warranty the same way Sears did

[@dstblj5222]

@@anthonyesposito2576 so does homedepot but you get husky instead, which is better or worse depending on the tools.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

1st ever of your videos watched......REALLY COOL! basically my local ACE turned into a outdoor patio store with plants fountains and seascape art. Theres a rich gated golf club/marina neighborhood they cater to across the street. Those people ''hire' workers'' for everything and the wives love spending and decorating. Hence, staying in business.

[@denoftools]

The nice things about those kinds of stores is that come September you can usually pick up some decent outdoor furniture for next to nothing since they don't have the space to store it for next year.

[@jondrew55]

Trying to out how a goofy animated bear taking about a knock-off tool chain would be one of my favorite KZbin channels.

[@davemay6014]

Ok, I will hand it to ya. That presentation was bearable. :)

[@philipjohn4149]

Great info. Let's see if HF can head up to the great white north of Canada. Target tried and failed in only 2 years.

[@gwesco]

We have 2 Harbor Freight stores in the Tucson AZ area. For some tools they are my go to store but I tend to buy name brand power tools. I'm just a casual woodworker/handyperson/mechanic.

[@92548dannyt]

I've had to use HFT for odds and ends and hard to find tools every now and then, think I'll have to go check them out more often. I know one thing though, those black and Decker garden tools and some other electric (battery tools) just don't cut the mustard and replacement parts cost nearly as much as a new unit.

[@sirjordanpowers]

I have the "recirpocating saw" and I love it, it gets nasty, there are burn holes in the from exhaust work. If it is going to get gross, why spend more?