I Bought A Pallet of Harbor Freight Returns for $1,223.41

[@kz.irudimen]

Now that John's love for palettes has been reignited, we can expect the next one to be absolutely soul crushing.

[@RonM.]

You French or something? Never heard of palettes before, lol.

[@JosefRudy]

@@RonM. Sure you have an artist palette.

[@kz.irudimen]

@@RonM. I am, and English is my 3rd language

[@kolbywerdehausen3273]

@@RonM.o

[@FearsomeWarrior]

Amen, brother.

[@traw6360]

As a former Harbor Freight manager 90% of the returns we would just say didn’t work so we didn’t have to sell them at “open box” pricing and have it taking up shelf space. Crazy how much shit just got sent back

[@andrewdobin]

HF is the Temu of brick and mortar stores they should be sued.

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

That sucks because when I go in the first place i go to is that area. It's usually a good 70% of what I purchase from there. Just got a scroll saw for half the price and it works perfectly

[@nathanc.4862]

You sound like an awful manager

[@michaelthompson9127]

Tiny little 3 inch? 3 inches more than enough lol

[@MrOiram46]

One time, I saw the guy in front of me return 50 wire cutters, I am not joking, the cashier counted 50 of them, and idk what the guy returning them did with those tools, but they all look rusted out and he looked like a tweaker lmao

[@5274jacob]

im a dump truck mechanic and i watch your channel and that big air gun with the extended anvil is for semi truck tires my shop owns several and are vital to operations

[@jeffreyadams5042]

In my area there is a shop called the “Tool Library” and for a small yearly membership you can come check out tools and use them for projects and return back to the shop. Helpful if you need something random and don’t want to buy or don’t have the money to purchase tools. If you had something like that near or wanted to start one you could donate all this or use them to build your own similar shop program.

[@michaeldammer7027]

I second this, was comin here to say it

[@joutoob9]

HF's liberal return policy makes them the de facto "tool library" around here.

[@gorak9000]

Oooh, the kids these days and the fancy names for everything, "tool library", we used to call it the "rental joint", but whatevs

[@MATT.04]

​@@gorak9000well, there seems to be quite a difference between the tool library that is described here, and a rental. For renting a tool, you pay per hour/day/week, usually quite substantial amounts. For most of the tools, if you would be renting them more than 2 or 3 times its quickly getting worth it to buy them rather than renting them. This library concept with a yearly membership fee sounds much more attractive not only for people who very occasionally need some tools, but also if you are renovating your own house for example. Just paying one amount a year to have access to a huge collection of every tool you might need seems quite cool. Even if you need the tool like 4 times a year, with such a library it might not be necessary to buy it yourself, it could really shape a situation where buying tools yourself is no longer the only sensible option from the point of a couple of uses a year. People could just only own the tools they actually use very frequently. And the rest could be shared. It would be much better for the environment too. If in a local area, 20 people who use a certain tool 4 times a year would not buy it but all share just one or two via the tool library, 18 or 19 tools just would never have to be made.

[@phelandhu]

@@gorak9000 Thanks Homer, you and your 'car hole'.

[@justinoliver1984]

Automotive mechanic here.... and I've gotta say, after your comment. That even though I'm not worth a shit at woodworking, i do enjoy BOTH channels and the comradery. Keep it up brother 💪

[@RyTrapp0]

Is it just me, or does measuring and cutting wood just not work the same as measuring and cutting metal? I have no idea why I'm a competent human being when it comes to fabrication, but I can't keep shit straight, square, in size, etc. the moment the material becomes wood LOL. I could probably weld something more square & true than I could make it out of wood😂

[@justinoliver1984]

@@RyTrapp0 exactly!! I'm 40yrs old and had my state welding certs at 21yrs old. I've built countless things from steel. From cell phone towers to hotrod frames... But like you said, soon as wood is involved I can't keep sh*t square! Lol

[@Fredfredfredfredfredfredfred]

@@RyTrapp0 i’ve done a little metal fab for balconies and a lot of carpentry for masonry and cutting has always been my thing. I’m not a super expert, but any particular portion of a piece of lumber is not necessarily uniform in density, so if you use metal logic, when you cut your cut comes out catty-Wompus. You kind of have to react to the wood when you’re doing a cut what with knots and stuff. This is how it seems to me anyway i’m sure someone’s about to start yelling at me

[@frankrodriguez6424]

The palm router is the biggest piece of crap they sell!!

[@lswhy2916]

Same thing here, heard the comment and immediately came down to the comments section

[@wickdghost3639]

Impact #3 - was not oiled daily lol. I am a mechanic, but I do wood working, carving, and whittling as hobbies. After listening to impacts and compressors all day, being covered in grease, grime, and oil, it's nice to just listen to the wisp of a sharp blade cutting the fibers of a piece of wood and be able to dust off to get clean. And I'm maybe 30-40 min from you lol

[@cryptameria666]

Thank you for the hack! Good to know

[@misterx243]

1st sounded a little slow too if you ask me. Could be that model where the vanes where to big and slowed it down. Just open up and repair/clean accordingly.

[@wickdghost3639]

@@misterx243 I think it's his air pressure. Hell probably has it regulated down cause he doesn't need 150psi to run sanders, nail guns, etc. I'm guessing he had it set around 75-80psi

[@casimirdrouin9377]

@@misterx243 I tought so too! But maybe it was just on a low speed?

[@misterx243]

@@casimirdrouin9377 could be, but the others sounded decent and he was twisting dials. Ah well. Nothing big lost😂

[@unratedpatriot3105]

With the big nail gun pop the pins out for the trigger and check all the seals. One bad seal can allow air to bypass the trigger. Former tool crib guy

[@LovinQc]

Im a mechanic and i watch your channel, love wood working 🤷‍♂️

[@billymurphy3]

Words are important. I’m glad you work with them!

[@TheSimplePreppers]

I have one of those BATTERY CHARGERS. They will not operate until you connect cables to a battery that has at least a few volts of charge on it. It's a protection feature so it won't give a short circuit by touching the clamps together. So, it won't start charging (turn on) on a totally flat battery, which most chargers operate this same way these days. Online, they are not showing that model anymore. I think it sold for $49.99 retail, and sometimes sold on sale for $34.99... that is, if I remember correctly. Mine still works. I have used it about 10 times as I use some old car batteries for CB base station power.. and, occasionally, my wife has left an accessory plugged into the car cigarette lighter plug.. like the dash cam, and didn't drive the car for a week.

[@zeframrinehart]

I'm a diesel mechanic who does woodwork in my free time lol. I can do both! Love your channel, you regularly convince me to go spend more money on new tools haha. That one inch long anvil impact would be so useful for my diesel work.

[@bufordhighwater9872]

You know, if you want to spend $1200 on tools, appliances, or other items of dubious quality and questionable value, that you'll likely not see a return on the investment, I think I can help. Lol

[@jerrycomo2736]

17:02 minutes in, you held a drum/brush sander. Other KZbinrs have used this tool for cleaning live-edge boards. With the proper brush, it removes the loose bark, leaving a clean live-edge surface ready for finishing.

[@Ohio-Patriot]

I’ve seen a couple guys use them for metal work too

[@TheRustWhisperer]

Great for stripping off full paint jobs

[@Selbitschka]

I am a jack of many trades but love to watch master's of their crafts even when it's just a fun pallet buy!

[@jdnort6]

the 4 1/2 inch circular saw is actually one of my favorite tools as someone who works with framing lumber. its perfect for cutting 2x material. DeWalt has a cordless version. Because the blade is smaller its so much easier to cut accurately and without bind up the blade.

[@DEADorALIVEkayaking]

Also great for cleaning up straight lines where you might have to reach out away from you a little...overhang on gable ends of roofs, deck edges, etc. I have a Kobalt cordless one, and love it. Stay Safe!

[@mikemalidore2288]

HEY! I’m a mechanic and I LOVE your channel!!! Best wood working channel on KZbin!

[@rowdyrick7091]

I just commented the same thing

[@ddaman7854]

Greetings from the UK! I know NOTHING about Wood working/wood craft but very much enjoy your content. You guys are artists! some of your builds are just magnificent, a pleasure to watch craftsmen work.

[@tombor1759]

If it makes sense, possibly donate any unwanted tools to the local maker space? Or, as an initiative going forward, create a John Malecki inspired maker space for the local community?

[@ericnordquist5498]

Came here to say this, local maker space or vocational school.

[@dogwigglemusic]

Absolutely! John, get on this. Worker space, maybe with classes? Maybe a workshop for kids/teens who want to learn the trade?

[@dustydarkhorse]

I just got done going through my grandfather's woodshop.....I needed this. Thanks John

[@tomjohns2208]

“On your shitter ‘cause I know that’s where you are” … I feel seen Johnathan, I feel seen.

[@michaelbruesch5941]

I was also "seen" 😂

[@ashleyjohann3892]

I just found you and can’t stop watching videos. You inspired me to actually do the projects I needed to do on Saturday. I’m watching again today to get me motivated for my Sunday projects.

[@Murgoh]

That big impact wrench is made for heavy truck lug nuts. Like 18 wheelers and such, not pickups. The long spindle is to reach them inside the deep rims. I use one at work all the time.

[@linuxares]

12:35 I'm in IT. And I don't even get close to woodworking and I watch your stuff!

[@sureshot311]

John is so loud. The impacts were so loud. When he goes LET'S GOOO testing the first 2 in 1 nailer and it quietly went "psst". It cracked me up. 😄😄

[@RMartin631]

I have a 1/2" Earthquake impact that I bought 16 or 17 years ago and it is still going strong. It gets regular use and is oiled with real air tool oil, with every use. It was over $100 new.

[@jamesbeecher4431]

Adam & Eve!! Get a pallet of Adam & Eve returns!!! That should turn out greaaaa . . . like something.

[@spiderwrangler4457]

Still ends up with 35 'impact drivers'...

[@bobdodge3171]

As long as the items are not used 😂

[@padoco73]

I see no possible way this could go badly.

[@iaincowell9747]

What is this Adam & Eve you speak of? Let me google that here in church 😱🫣

[@bigbrassballs]

You have Adam and Eves that take returns??? None of the local stores I’ve ever gone to take returns, it’s yours the minute you walk out of the store

[@garagebuiltprojects]

I'm a mechanic and I watch because you are hilarious!

[@SpatialDragon]

I am a retired mechanic and woodworker. I just followed you over from that PBS This Old House short lived show. It is not even on Roku the last time I looked. I laugh with and sometimes at you Ha Ha.

[@matthewnelson5293]

Can't believe you're so excited without a Ryobi tool mixed in somehow! I'm legit SHOCKED this one went so well

[@jefnf]

Retail value was 4300$. The pallet cost 2000$ Selling those returned tools at half price doesn't leave any profit.

[@timw.5030]

THATS WHAT I THOUGHT BUT JOHNS LIKE UH DUUUUUR 😁🤣

[@SwitchFix]

But the video about the pallet probably makes 5k...

[@PTRRanger951]

Except the total spent for the pallet was 1223.41. Selling everything half off is still a profit. Even if it was 2000, you would still make a little profit off of it. You're adding 800.00 onto the pallet cost that doest exist.

[@rickscarpellotherapy]

Damn that nailer. Mine lasted about 30 minutes. Although at least it was the 30 minutes I needed 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@KyleMackenzie]

@@PTRRanger951 0:41 It cost $750 to ship.

[@clintonjlong17]

Whoever does the cutaway edits for these videos obviously lived the same childhood as I did 😂

[@mattygerbil123abc]

7:32 What a beautiful rendition of the song of my people 🔧🎶

[@elimiller707]

As someone who works at harbor frieght, we return anything and everything within 90 days, or 2 yrs if you buy the warranty. And a lot of the time, there's nothing wrong with them. Either the customer expected something out of it that the tool wasn't able to satisfy, or the customer didn't know what they were doing and got something wrong (or as he mentioned, the customer needed it for one thing and returned it afterwards). But it's used, so we can't put it back on the shelf. And then it gets sent to a warehouse, processed, and sent back to stores as open box/as is, or thrown out. Tons of things are perfectly fine, if not unused. There's currently a $45 dollar icon ratchet sitting on the return shelf at work and it's pristine, never used. But it has to be either sent to warehouse or discounted as open box (basically what he bought a shit ton of) at the store. Also, no we don't care if you oil anything daily. We don't even ask lol

[@FreshVintageGarage]

Score on the working tools! The best part of the video was the Harbor Freight Ad that popped up halfway through for me 😂

[@andrewzach1921]

Last time i did woodworking was in high school but i like the chaos of your channels. Thanks for the videos

[@furryguild]

You mentioned the givaway for the tablesaws, when will that be Mr Big Winner 😂😂

[@ScienceofHappiness101]

I was just getting into woodworking and MS hit me hard. Good thing I didnt spend anything on tools. All I have is a drill, sander and manual saw. Thanks for your videos. They are fun.

[@regmarshall5619]

If you hadn't bought this box, it would have been destined for Costa Rica, where a chain store called Infesa sells harbor freight returns for 3x the retail amount.

[@1pcfred]

They missed out on this batch. It was winner, winner chicken dinner all day long.

[@xitrou]

Good business plan. I'm in!

[@jacob.s3619]

As a mechanic, in Australia that has no wood working skills, i really enjoy your videos

[@LoneStarProductions7]

2:55 me watching this as someone who works on heavy duty hydraulics, technically yes.

[@salty-9]

Mechanic here.... im out of parts for my build and cant do anything... and ive already eatched ALL my auto stuff. Was suggested and seemed pretty cool. Id go fishin or huntin with ya... i still have 0 patience for wood craft but fun channel.

[@FyrFytr998]

Donate to a local Maker Space or Trade School.

[@vintagetractorsaustralia]

I’m a mechanic and never do any wood work. I’m not sure why I watch you channel either. But I love it. Haha

[@animademachina2747]

As a knife guy myself I notice you use a different knife just about every video, cool to see

[@whirledpeaz5758]

I work in prep shop of a marine engine builder. I use air impacts to install 3/4" npt fittings in water cooled exhaust manifolds and catlytic converters. Air sanders to prep metal parts for paint. Air die grinders to custom shape some brackets.

[@kristoforsauer5521]

Send me a table saw John! My ancient broken craftsman table saw needs to be sent off to the pasture!

[@silverperzon]

I'm a mechanic and I still watch these. I mean wood shop was next door to auto shop back in high school lol. At least in my case. Also those 12V battery chargers suck, they don't charge most of the time or if by some miracle they do, they end up overcharging. Junk, even the new blue revision sucks.

[@OkieOtaku]

"What is this used for, dump trucks?" Well, actually, yeah. A little too specific, but yeah, it's used for commercial truck tires

[@freddylayne8808]

New to wood working here. I love these type of videos!

[@grigeroz]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😂! Is this one of those tv talkshows where you say, you got a nailer, you got a nailer, you got a nailer, everybody gets a nailer!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉😂!!

[@ultimatedude80]

im a security guard and have never done wood working in my life I just enjoy the channel ..... though I do make stuff with 3d printers

[@russwilliams4777]

2:50 "What do you impact with this?" Lizzo? 🤣

[@thesmegitis]

noooo YOU FOOL, its for big 18 wheeler trucks. Large beasts, pulling HUGE amounts of weight behind it....... ohhhh i seee 🙂

[@austinbrockner6405]

@@thesmegitis OP + Your comment = priceless 😂😂😂

[@Just_A_Dude]

7:15 I'm glad someone finally said it out loud.

[@randallpowell5456]

You should get a Spencer's return pallet

[@bendavid2320]

I’ve been working for other people my whole life. I hate it so much it grinds my actual soul, but John seems like he would be as fun to work for as anyone could be.

[@tractortinkerer11]

Some of those nailers were returned due to not being able to use 2" nails in them and being marketed as being able to. Had to return mine. There was a recall on them. Probably why they were in the pallet.

[@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed]

That makes so much sense!

[@robertbaker9012]

Find a local school with a shop class for wood working or auto class and donate them to kids in need of some starter tools.

[@bradasstv]

Conspiracy theory. Either they have gotten better, or someone from Harbor Freight noticed the pallet order and made sure they sent mostly good stuff for some free advertising knowing he would do another video 😜

[@lumpofnicoal8381]

This is all product that they have recently discontinued and replaced with new models

[@reaperreaper5098]

@@lumpofnicoal8381 Not all of it They had a Baxter 3" twistlock sander, an Earthquake Super compact impact wrench, Bauer drum sander, Hercules chop saw, and Grant's detail seat, all of those only came out in the past few years, and are the newest versions of those products with no replacements announced. Quite a bit of it really is likely just someone buying a tool to use once, then returning it.

[@br0ken-r3al]

The “crazy impact” you found that was black with 2 handles is what we use for starting jr dragster engines

[@CorbyQ]

man I could use one of those trim routers. let me know when you are having that yard sale please

[@1pcfred]

I have a couple trim routers. They're not as handy as big routers are but sometimes they're useful. I don't do a whole lot of laminates.

[@jackstrutz]

2:21 "workers comp" had me dyinggggg

[@johnwright3677]

that palm router was discounted and they were like $20 before being discounted. I have one and it works fine for what i use it for which isnt much. That 1-inch impact won't last long. I worked for a diesel shop, and they had that exact model in the service truck and it failed 3 times on the road. i should clarify Management bought it 3 times and never learned that there not worth it in a professional area.

[@ericksoler1221]

Im a mechanic and a Detailer I just enjoy watching your antics for a good smile 😂

[@Hopischwopi]

Wait... I am neither a woodworker nor a mechanic, what do I do here then? 😳 I think your channel is entertaining for anyone that likes you and your employees energy 💖.

[@imtowman]

John, I’m a mechanic and I love watching your stuff both channels 👍🏻

[@TheZombiewaffles]

find a high school that has automotive and woodworking classes and donate the tools if you dont want to flip them

[@duanebaker5796]

I have watched several of your videos and those of us just beginning in woodworking kind of get discouraged with the indifference and fun made sometimes of lower grade tools that some of us who want to get in the hobby/business have to buy. HF is a Godsent to people like me.

[@I.no.ah.guy57]

Im a mechanic and i LOVE your channel! Ive done a few big carpentry projects (building a couple decks, ramp, and stairs) along with being Master Carpenter for the theatre stage crew in HS where i built a lot of things out of wood like platforms, walls, and stairs. I LOVE working with my hands, building and fixing things so thats why i watch your channel. I want to learn as much as i can so i can build more things in the future. Also, you guys are just great and entertaining, and build some awesome stuff!!

[@Amewyn]

Seeing John's excitement is kind of adorable

[@scottyellis3442]

I used to buy those little cheap Palm routers when I was a sheetrock hanger, they were perfect because the Sheetrock dust would eat up the bearings in them no matter if it was cheap or a DeWalt. They would last about a year & through it away & get another one.

[@rukamukus]

The Baxter air sander that uses adhesive sanding discs, they make an adhesive type that has a velcro face so you can velcro type assorted sanding discs. But sometimes the velcro holds better and will pull the adhesive off the leather.

[@johnrostas2516]

Your authenticity is what keeps me coming back

[@mattrzewnicki6343]

Mechanic here. I watch, and subscribe to, both channels to help with my super beginner level wood working skills. Always wanting to learn and get better at things I do. Thanks for the funny vid!

[@carsonpoe3669]

just started getting into wood working and trying to start getting more tools and such and have loved your content and have learned a lot and enjoyed watching everything

[@chuck300mxc]

Some of their tools are a good value, I have several Harbor Freight power tools that have done the job I needed without breaking the bank. That’s a nice haul of tools.

[@hawkwrangler1950]

I’ve had that table saw for 2yrs now and love it.

[@jonathanbrooks8418]

😅😅🤣😂😂😅😆 I absolutely lost it when th FBI showed up to make sure you were oiling the impact 😅😅

[@joshua_lee732]

As a roofer those little circular saws are actually kinda nice for cutting out rotted sections of playwood.

[@rodneycarter8901]

I love numatic tools. Never new there were numatic drill and impact guns untill I started cabnet making... and no battery tool can compare to sending a screw to deep in .1 of a second. Cos you pulled the trigger to 100% and the sound is amazing.

[@tomp5377]

Mechanic here too, not sure how i wound up with woodworking but seems like a fun place so i subscribed 😂

[@azkyoutube8708]

I’m a mechanic who watches your channel! I don’t even really do much for wood work. I just think the videos are entertaining

[@babajinde]

His enthusiasm for losing money is infectious

[@g.e.fourie5672]

Would love to see you compare those 10-in-1 type machines with 1 type use stand alone machines. Keep up the great content.

[@turboflush]

Mechanics (good) are usually jack of all trades. We do a bit of everything. Because vehicles have a bit of everything in them. I enjoy your channel. I build basic wood things from time to time.

[@mattbachman7082]

Spot on with the warranty/return policy. We run three different air compressors in our shop from Harbor Freight. They get the job done and we have been swapping them every 1.5 - 2 years for a decade.

[@hubertanderson7044]

John you got a lot of fans that love your channel keep up the good work

[@Grimslife89]

Mechanic here. I watch both channels now, because I’m learning something I don’t know much about but would enjoy doing if I had the space.

[@Ajtech369]

John the majority of the returns are going to say or have labels that say they were returned because they didn’t work because it’s just easier for cashiers to just press the same button for every return. So DON’T trust the labels on the items, it could be just fine but have a label saying it didn’t work all because the cashier pressed that button whether or not it’s true. 👍

[@punkbmxr]

As a mechanic that watches your channel (I'm not sure what I'm doing here either 😂) - definitely the impact wrench (or rattle gun as we call it in Australia) is the best sound in the workshop! Great content John, keep it up! - Alex

[@robbyroth18]

Our Maintenance shop at the foundry I work at would love the air tools in that pallet. We fix almost everything in house.

[@1pcfred]

I've heard the Harbor Freight Earthquake impact is pretty powerful. In this video it sounded to me like it had some zip to it.

[@drunkenmaster1313]

That trim router was my first router, and I keep reaching for it for small jobs. I did buy it for a single thing, but keep finding it handy, it does edges super easily.

[@Prophocy408]

I will say the earthquake impacts are actually really good. Mine outlasted 2 Ingersoll Rands

[@vampricloki]

the 4 1/2 inch saw is a godsend for tilework. they are not made for woodwork even trhough you can get a wood blade. put a diamond blade on it and you can do wonders with remodels and tile work.

[@trevortamborello4428]

I'm a mechanic and love your channels. Keep it up

[@LowTechFarm]

What's funny is the table saws look identical to the craftsman we use at work. Tools, guard, switch, everything. Will say though it will take a beating.

[@StarshineGoomba]

I'm not a mechanic. I just enjoy the content and humor.

[@TheForeverRanger]

Definitely the best one in a long while. I half expected it to be full of hole saws.

[@bubby-un34benny-un46]

King👑 of youtube

[@bassnjeep6537]

That big 1" impact is for taking lug nuts off of semi trucks and trailers, i use that mostly everyday but one of those 1/2 impacts lookss tempting to have 🔥🔥 specially the stubby one 🤩🤩🤩

[@mikekristin7201]

That poor yowling impact signing it's death song had me howling😂😂

[@donellamunoz7166]

Your dedication to quality sets you apart