Don't buy these Harbor Freight Tools - Part 2

[@Ron-0417]

I have the sand blaster. I bought it years ago on sale for $130, so it was worth it. I used sealant on every joint during assembly. I also spent the money on the bottom drain connection with the upgraded gun and the foot pedal, which is nice. I changed the window around and added wing nuts on the outside with captured nuts on the inside so I can change the real glass from the outside. I also upgraded the lights and added the tornado dust sucker and a small vacuum, so you can see while blasting. I then mounted it on a HF wooden dolly, so I can move it. Yes, I spent a lot on extras, but no where near the cost of a high quality cabinet.

[@davidclark7089]

I'd like to see a toolbox tour of your toolboxes. Go through all your tools, tell us what you like, what you don't like, point out any unique tools that not everyone might have, etc.

[@kubiedoesit]

I've been thinking about making a video like that. Thank you for watching!

[@nothankyou5524]

I tend to like what I like. These videos are interesting, but I wouldn't buy off of them

[@kubiedoesit]

@@nothankyou5524 Thanks for watching!

[@BrewCityRider]

Appreciate the info. As far as the shop stool., I've used mine for years in my garage. It supports my 220 lbs effortlessly, and rolls across my floor nice and smooth. I like how it stows away nice and small too.

[@kubiedoesit]

I'm glad it works well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@paularnold6616]

I have the blast cabinet, only used included materials when assembling. No dust escaping, gun has worked well, so far. About 6 years old now. I did notice there was an error in the instructions as to where one seal strip was to be placed.

[@kubiedoesit]

Glad it works for you. Thanks for watching.

[@RanWhenParked.]

Just discovered your channel. I also have two 42" U.S. General boxes bolted together. Absolutely the most bang for your buck when penciling in square inches of storage. I would absolutely love to see a toolbox tour of yours. It's kinda the elephant in the room in your videos. Thanks again for the awsome content.

[@kubiedoesit]

I love them! You are the second person who has asked for a tool box tour. I will get one done. I have to travel for two weeks for work but will do one around Christmas time.

[@k.b.tidwell]

I've found that in whatever brand or type of vise you buy, get a steel vise if possible instead of cast iron. Because Chinese cast iron is usually gray painted styrofoam. In my carpentry and woodworking tryhards over the years I've used MANY of those clamps. The number one failure point is the pivot pin for the trigger handle. I have always had to replace them with a 1/4" bolt, and now it's sort of a preemptive strike...get the clamp and before using it the first time just go ahead and put in the bolt. After that I haven't had much trouble other than if you're not very caring about them the main rail and feed will totally rust and lock up if they're stored in humid conditions. I've got that creeper and I've had it a long time. My issue with it is that "some part of the structure" which I can't seem to identify, cracked and the belly(?) of it rubs the floor when my tiny little 250lbs is lying on it. The wheels haven't given me any trouble, but then, I guess they're not supporting much of my weight are they? Got my eye on the $84 or so creeper with the head adjustment. My neck kills me when I'm under a vehicle with the flat style. Just waiting on a sale on it. Another enjoyable video.

[@kubiedoesit]

I agree. Unfortunately, it's getting harder and harder to find Non Chinese stuff anymore.

[@k.b.tidwell]

@@kubiedoesit it MAY not be too hard before too long, lol. I hope American manufacturers step up to the paradigm shift that seems to be in the works. Yes, it'll cost me more but I'm ready.

[@wildbill23c]

Those snap ring pliers really are garbage, I spent more time picking up the stupid heads when they go flying off when you are trying to use them. I bought a 4 pack of those ratchet straps to tie down my lawn tractor to get it home from the dealer a few weeks ago....I got the straps tight, then cut the extra length of strap webbing off rather than having to wrap it, fold it, etc. For a 1 time use for something like this, they're fine, don't use those cheap straps to hold down anything very heavy, especially if you think you are gonna get away with 1 strap. I used all 4 of those straps on the lawn tractor, 1 at each corner. I can't remember what brand it is, but I have my grandfather's old creeper that is made of wood with steel swivel casters and adjustable headrest. It works great. Wouldn't waste money on a plastic creeper or a plastic stool. I have the Franklin 40" Work Platform, it works great for servicing my pickup. I've never tried any of the Harbor Freight Ramps, and find the ramps are usually worthless as they tend to slide when you try to drive up on them, easier to just use a jack and jack stands. I find that the Diablo sanding discs, paper, etc. are really good, as are their sawblades...I use the Diablo blades on all my saws. The only blade at Harbor Freight I've found that is pretty good is the Hercules circular saw blades for 10" and 12" saws....I haven't tried their 7-1/4" blades but if they are like the 12" ones in my miter saw it does really good for the price....I haven't used the 10" one in my table saw very much yet to say for sure, but the 12" one has been doing well on the miter saw this past year.

[@kubiedoesit]

Agree

[@donaldwilhelm]

I own both the creeper and the stool I've used both for about a year (home use) both work great, not a single issue with either one.

[@kubiedoesit]

That's great to hear.

[@a9ball1]

I just finished part 1 and 2 and I got so interested in the videos I had to go back to hit the like button. Cheap tools are sometimes okay. It depends on what you need them for. An example, I bought some long nose pliers from the dollar store and they work great. But, I only use them to hold wire while I silder it. For that kind of use why not only spend a buck. But that type of use is all they are good for.

[@kubiedoesit]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@rickallred116]

Really like your videos and appreciate what you do

[@kubiedoesit]

Thank you sir! Thank you for watching!

[@ST-0311]

Have to disagree about the Pittsburgh ratcheting squeeze clamps. I bought some about 25 years ago, and they broke literally on the first day. However, today's Pittsburgh are not those. I have ratcheting squeeze clamps from Irwin, Bremen, and those Pittsburgh you don't recommend, and here's my take on them: The Pittsburgh convert to spreaders by unscrewing a thumb screw to release the head. The process is a little slower than the with the Bremen or Irwin, but still only takes about 15 seconds. I have used them to push and pull porch posts into alignment, and to compress backsplashes to walls. They are strong clamps as far as squeeze clamps go. They apply good pressure without flexing, and the handles don't break. Most of my squeeze clamps are Irwin. However, at half the cost of Bremen and almost a fifth the cost of Irwin the Pittsburgh are probably the best bang-for-the-buck squeeze clamps on the market today. Especially since there's a lifetime warranty.

[@kubiedoesit]

@@ST-0311 Glad you have had good luck with them.

[@mike_0213]

Well you just saved me some money and heartache. Thanks for posting these "review" videos. I am sure I am not the only one who learned something here to save money.

[@kubiedoesit]

Thank you for the kind words. Thanks for watching.

[@setdown2]

Would like to see the Titanium 125 flux welder...

[@davemoffitt1215]

I guess with the Pittsburg creeper, you either get a good one, or one with junky wheels. I bought the green Pittsburgh creeper 2-3 years ago and haven't had any issues whatsoever. I weigh 230lbs and admittedly I don't use it every day. However I find it to be very comfortable,smooth and quiet. For what its worth, i tend to tread lightly on my tools/equipment. Im sure that plays a role in the wheels holding up as i never drop it to the concrete floor. I'm new to your channel and enjoy your content. Id also like to see a tour of your workshop/toolboxes.

[@kubiedoesit]

Glad it's serving you well. I will be sure to do the tool box tour. Thanks for watching!

[@donnie017]

I had that creeper. For me, it sucked, but I was using it on blacktop. I broke the plastic near a wheel the 1st day. I'll bet though if you use it on a smooth concrete garage floor, you probably won't have an issue. I blame my driveway as a blacktop surface isn't nearly as smooth as a good concrete one.

[@johnkilpatrick3003]

@@donnie017mine did the same thing on concrete

[@patrickmcgoldrick8234]

I caught hell thirty years ago for buying a Snap On creeper,I still have it to this day on every surface,not a single failure,couple of small tears in the upholstery,but a very good creeper.

[@StardustADV]

The $7 40 piece socket set is terrible, if not for its price I would be upset by it. Light duty work and the sockets are scaring, mine had duplicate sockets of one size and was missing another size. Ratchet is so loose and sloppy I feel like it will break if i use it to break a bolt loose. Even if its dirt cheap, i would avoid that one in the future. Freaking love my golden Icon i got for my birthday last year though, main go too ratchet.

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@sui24fu]

Hello, I just found your channel and I'm looking forward to watching the rest of your videos. Great information in this video and part 1. I haven't bought much from Harbor Freight but have heard that the Icon brand is real good. Would you agree? Keep up the great work!

[@kubiedoesit]

The ICON are really good. Glad you enjoy the content. Thank you for watching!

[@richardrandall1852]

I have the black metal ramps only problem is I had is I drove over top of them when my idle was too high, I know one guy bought them and he put hi 20 ft RV on them and left it no problems!!

[@kubiedoesit]

20' RV... That's a brave individual! Thanks for watching!

[@vadimbellous8313]

I use the orange Warrior 5-inch cutoff discs, and they are great, but they have to have the orange print on them. Now, the Hercules ones are awful in every way.

[@stevenhintz5508]

I have the orange ones too, no issues

[@craigmonteforte6111]

ThanksBuddy , I’m a retired Woodworker and I do all my own Car and Machinery repair I appreciate the heads-up on those SnapRing Pliers at a fast glance in the Store or Website those seemed like a good idea but I do respect your Conclusion just one. Thing on the Bar Clamps the Brand Walmart. Carries I forget the Brand ATM but for the price they are Well worth the Price IMO the Fiber Reinforced Plastic they are made with are even Superior to the vise GripBrand QuickGrips and I have not had one Loosen up on me like the Quick Grips have for that reason. I won’t use the Quick Grips for holding Straight Edges for Routers or Critical Milling Procedures for those I use my Pony FClamps or Steel CClamps oh they are branded in the Colors of Black and Red and honestly. I have tried. A few other Tools like Pliers their Pick Set and been quite happy with everything. My Personal Mechanic Sets I do own and use are 1950s SK Wayne Ratchet and Socket Sets And Made InUSA Craftsman Wrenches I do also have SK Open and Box End Wrenches from the same time period as my Sockets those were purchased by my Father. In the Phillipinex on some purchase that was available to U.S. Navy Personell at that time including Credit Plans similiar to the big name Tool Trucks offer Actually. ironically it was somehow tied into SnapOn as my Dads Box is SnapOn that I know own and use The Rand isHyper Tough it’s a Made InChina thing but they do have a decent Quality Control on the Items I have honestly it was a Fluke I got a set of the Clamps for Christmas after. Most of my Tools were Stolen

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for the heads up on the clamps. Sounds like your dad left you some great tools. I hope to do the same for my children. Thanks for watching.

[@pontiacsrule8761]

Thanks again for making a Harbor Freight video. For people complaining it's Chinese junk, some of it is. Some have great quality. Menards, Home Depot, Lowes, products on Amazon are all made over seas with most car parts now. Even Ac Delco & Moog, Milwaukee tools are made there. So you can't really blame it on Harbor freight. It's the new America. When was the last time you saw brake pads & rotors made in the USA? Did anyone notice all the TV advertising for Harbor Freight now? The have really gone main stream with over 1500 stores so says the ad.

[@kubiedoesit]

Agree, I do a lot of Positive Harbor Freight videos. I like them very much. Like any company, they have great, good, Ok and some not so good items. I try to inform my audience of the good and bad. Thankfully, there are a lot more good than bad. Big Harbor Freight fan here. Thanks for watching!

[@Tom52NJ.]

You can not argue their success

[@kubiedoesit]

​@@Tom52NJ. No you cannot. Thanks for watching.

[@johnkilpatrick3003]

What’s your recommendation on the 5 inch sanding disc? Also add this to the junk list. CENTRAL MACHINERY 50 lb. Portable Abrasive Blaster Kit - Item 59483

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for the heads up on the blaster, I haven't tried the Hercules yet but I haven't had good luck with the other ones (Warrior or Bauer). They are more expensive but you can't go wrong with 3M. Thanks for watching!

[@Ham68229]

Cut-off wheels, just buy the diamond blades from the big box store, that is money well invested. Now, their blast cabinet, yea, I've had one... never again. Spent more than it was worth to fix it and all it's leaks. Now, what really sad is, Central Pneumatic and Pittsburg are American companies... and people say buy made in USA.

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaeldunn9485]

what do you think about the 110/120 volt wire feed welder from Chicago Electric.

[@kubiedoesit]

It's a good option for light duty. I have heard it described as the hot glue gun of welding. If you use it lightly it will work well. You will need to spread out the welding cycles a bit to keep it from overheating. I used a 110 flux core welder for many years without issue.

[@nathanhighvoltage5259]

I have to 100% disagree about the Pittsburgh creeper. I got mine on sale for 20$ and it’s been great. I’m 6ft 225lbs and this thing has been amazing in a professuonal shop. Wheels are fine. Other guys Matco creepers have busted out wheels

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for the input and thank you for watching!

[@Hallahanify]

Omg yes. the snap ring pliar set was garbage. I bought the more expensive one, the middle brand below icon. They feel much more sturdy, but i havent used them yet.

[@kubiedoesit]

Could not agree more. Thanks for watching.

[@petewilson8727]

I have never got anything good at harbor freight I haven't been there in years everything they have is a junk Chinese stuff I've had a business for 31 years all my tools are from Mac and snap on and Cornwell don't like the prices of those but they work you get what you pay for nice video appreciate the information

[@kubiedoesit]

Thank you for watching!

[@pontiacsrule8761]

It depends what you get. I have had really good luck with the automatic battery charger. The electric power washer I had issues with the GFCI plug. I had to replace that & it's been good ever since. I wouldn't buy the Pittsburgh sockets though. That I get Craftsman. I guess it all depends on who makes it. The Daytona jack stands & floor jacks are some of the best out there.

[@kubiedoesit]

@@pontiacsrule8761 Agree, thanks for watching!

[@jasestarr8606]

I like the Bauer stuff but I'm really into the hyper tough stuff at Walmart their 12v line is best bang for your buck

[@AndySomogyi]

Bremen vise grips are absolutely superb, better than new Genuine vise grips (but the original US vise grips are better still) . However I buy the Pittsburgh vise grips all the time as disposable welding clamps

[@kubiedoesit]

I agree 100%. Thanks for watching!

[@henrygalindo4479]

I disagree with you on the creeper. I have the orange one I bought about 7 years ago and it is still great. The rubber tread wheels are quiet and have never come close to breaking. But to be fair, I weigh about 170 lbs and this may be the reason it has lasted so long.

[@kubiedoesit]

I have a green one with no issues. However, I based my recommendation on the dozens of bad experiences I found while researching. The breaking wheels and breaking plastic was a constant theme. Thanks for watching.

[@Joes_Classics]

I think you can safely say, don't buy the Pittsburg anything

[@kubiedoesit]

There are some good Pittsburgh items.

[@UhBuddy1976]

OMGoodness!! once again, you hit the snap ring on the head! I bought a set of these and I have maybe used them once or twice but they fall apart so blamed easy! They are complete crap garbage!

[@kubiedoesit]

Agree, thanks for watching!

[@reneneron2971]

A cheap tool is an expensive tool.

[@kubiedoesit]

Sometimes but not always, Thanks for watching!

[@joannezimmerman4294]

I've not found any good Pittsburgh tools

[@kubiedoesit]

There are many good ones. You just have to be careful. Thanks for watching!

[@GreatWhiteRodeo]

So basically don't buy anything Warrior or Pittsburgh. lol

[@barrymorgan7297]

I disagree on the creeper, when it's on sale for 19.99 it's a bargain. I have had mine for 2 years with no issues. Maybe it's a weight / size deal? I am only 5'7" and weight 170 lbs. and never had an issue. NOW I had a Matco creeper that looked similar, and the wheel didn't break but kept coming loose. Same wheel and even put lock tight on it. Finally retired it. I can tell you that Matco creeper cost me wayyyyy more that 20 bucks.

[@kubiedoesit]

Glad you have had good luck with it. Thanks for watching.

[@guythecookingsam2588]

I got the creeper for 20 bucks. Seems ok. But I'm not a fat person.

[@kubiedoesit]

Glad it's working for you. Thanks for watching!

[@Tailgatesntoolboxes]

Im gonna comment as i watch your video: Those snap ring pliers are junk I have those pittsburgh bar clamps. I have no issues with them. I use the 24 inch ones The orange tie downs are great. Been using them for years with no issues Those flap discs are dangerous they shatter Those pittsburgh vice grips are garbage. They are also the same as the kobalt ones. Junk

[@kubiedoesit]

I'm glad the clamps and tie downs work for you. I appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@joeparga1070]

I’ve had my clamps for years and they’ve never failed me

[@kubiedoesit]

Glad they work for you. Thanks for watching!

[@donnie017]

Sounds like a lot of operator error going on out there.

[@luxurydrone982]

Creeper is great. Why do yall hate?

[@kubiedoesit]

I believe in buying what you can afford. I have bought a lot of cheaper tools. Harbor Freight has a lot of good stuff at an affordable price. Unfortunately, not everything can be great. I'm trying to help save you from buying the bad stuff. Thanks for watching!

[@kubiedoesit]

Quite a few people have had issues with the wheels breaking off or the plastic breaking.

[@larryblackmon2341]

I have to disagree with the squeeze clamps. I use them with just about every wood project have have for years. There's also videos on the tube showing them to be better than Irwins. One thing to remember is all squeeze clamps are meant for light to medium duty. I will agree the Bremens are a better clamp.

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for the feedback. Im glad they work for you. Thank you for watching!

[@nothankyou5524]

They aren't the best, but I don't need the best. That never seems to be mentioned hrr. Best wishes to you. Thanks for your thoughts. I could use about 6 more. I haven't found for being worth any more money, unless someone else was paying for thrm.

[@kubiedoesit]

@@nothankyou5524 Thanks for watching!

[@Tom52NJ.]

They’re not bad for most light action projects. I’m happy with them. Being plastic, I wouldn’t expect them to hold up under heavy duty use.

[@heman85515]

You're like the tool Mr rodgers

[@kubiedoesit]

I will take it! Thank you for watching!

[@heman85515]

@kubiedoesit love the channel. The comment wasn't meant to be rude

[@kubiedoesit]

@@heman85515 Didn't take it as rude... Took it as a compliment. Thank you!

[@anthonymarino4260]

BUY ONCE CRY ONCE

[@bmwrider1]

those snap ring suck

[@kubiedoesit]

Yes they do! Thanks for watching.

[@BrightLandsCarFan]

So, what I’m getting is: Beware of Pittsburgh tools. 😂

[@kubiedoesit]

Not all Pittsburgh tools. A lot are good. Lifetime warranty too.

[@BrightLandsCarFan]

Hear ya there… I’ve got quite a few of their impact sockets and they’ve always been fine. Someone got me one of their hand tool sets and I was impressed with their chrome sockets too. Not the best, but better than I figured. The ratchets Pittsburgh included with the set, though, were absolute garbage. Seriously, it almost ruins the whole set.

[@tomhiggins3282]

I like your show, but you need to find a REAL tool supplier. My experience with Harbor Freight and especially PITTSBURG brand are ill fitted, not finely finished, and weak tools. I wouldn't have them in my toolbox.

[@kubiedoesit]

I have all different brands based on their quality. I like the Icon and Quinn from Harbor Freight. I also like the old USA made Craftsman tools. I also have some Snap on and others but those can get expensive. Thanks for watching and thank you for the comments

[@SGPaintworks-fe2fw]

Any of their abrasives suck.

[@StephenKoselke]

To be honest i own some HF tools, but I limit what i buy very carefully…your whole mantra “ spend a little more money and get a better tool” basically tells me dont buy a HF wether it has a phony Irish or German or and Greek Deity name stuck on it…its all Chinese cheap stuff, except for the Taiwanese tools they sell which in only one case have i found bad quality ( their mini screwdriver set from Pittsburgh Pro where the plastic handle is so flimsy it cant keep the hex shanked bits from rotating…useless) i also dont understand why otherwise intelligent Americans now confuse the word “ Value”, with “Cheap”…Value used to mean something that lasted with good service for the amount you spent. People who buy HF for price alone are like people who are avid fisherman who expect the fish to jump in their boat because life owes them something…i dont think fish are that dumb myself..you picture three locking plier set for$7.99…an ice cream Sundae around here is near that much…try locking onto a rusted fastener with an ice dream Sundae…what do you think youre getting for $8 for three of them? Its easy…its Junk…

[@kubiedoesit]

There are some items I would not buy at HF. However, there are a lot of good items at HF that I would consider a good value in the traditional sense. You just have to do your homework.

[@chrishale5608]

😂

[@luxurydrone982]

📠

[@RazorBucks]

Creeper wheel breaking is a real thing. It is garbage

[@kubiedoesit]

Thanks for watching!

[@williame.6965]

Don’t buy the motorcycle seat shop seat either total piece of junk. Wheels break seat in comfortable.