5 Tools You Should Never Buy from Harbor Freight

[@scottykilmer]

⬇️ Things used in this video: 1. Dewalt Reciprocating Saw: amzn.to/2WDPy36 2. Dewalt Drill: amzn.to/2JWJlh3 3. Dewalt Drill Bits: amzn.to/2HR6S1e 4. Harbor Freight Tools: no link, go to the store and buy them 5. Common Sense ⬇️Scotty’s Top DIY Tools: 1. Bluetooth Scan Tool: amzn.to/2nfvmaD 2. Cheap Scan Tool: amzn.to/2D8Tvae 3. Basic Mechanic Tool Set: amzn.to/2tEr6Ce 4. Professional Socket Set: amzn.to/2Bzmccg 5. Ratcheting Wrench Set: amzn.to/2BQjj8A 6. No Charging Required Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2CthnUU 7. Battery Pack Car Jump Starter: amzn.to/2nrc6qR 🛠Check out the tools I use and highly recommend ► goo.gl/rwYt2y 🔥Scotty Shirts and Merch ► goo.gl/pTAeca Subscribe and hit the notification bell! ► goo.gl/CFismN Scotty on Social: Facebook ► facebook.com/scottymechanic/ Instagram ► instagram.com/scotty_the_mechanic/ Twitter ► twitter.com/Scottymechanic?lang=en

[@pervussummers5230]

Yes I purchased some really cheap harbor freight items. The Jack's were excellent.

[@erickcolon9116]

I need one of those badly!!!

[@gerardcomeau2160]

@@pervussummers5230 👅 Never buy sexual tools at your local porn shop. Be a carpenter so you won't get framed, when you are walking the vegetable Isle. T-4-2Party-Original-Pepe🐸

[@gerardcomeau2160]

@@crisdlcruz145 Boat load. T-4-2Party-Original-Pepe🐸

[@katrinahopkins1516]

Good morning Mr.kilmer, bet I've got April fools video treat for us, laughing already!

[@methemonkeyking]

My greatest pastime was going to Toys or Us as a kid, now it’s Harbor Freight

[@danielhall1226]

I thought I was the only one. It went from toys-R-us to Best buy to Home Depot to Harbor freight. Now I want to open a tool store that sells high end to cheap tools and allows manufacturers and customers to demo and compare the tools they want to sell or buy.

[@garymatthys3605]

I used to love the tool department at Sears/Sears hardware

[@HuyNguyen-uu3jv]

RIP Toys R Us

[@meTimetraveler]

i really like harbor freight, i have not had anything break

[@kurtvonfricken6829]

Gary Matthys Craftsman used to be made in the USA.

[@indie2311]

My wife complains for spending 30 minutes in harbor freight. Then goes to Ross for 3 hours...

[@cristinatalley7248]

indie2311 😂

[@jamessmith-bw4nb]

That's funny! My harbor freight is right next to Ross! She's goes her way, I go mine!

[@joeishere500]

,,yeah go figure rite

[@timmytot666]

Ross is better

[@dznuts9824]

Im that one wife who can't go to harbor freight alone because I come home spending way too much 🤑 but a good date night for me is harbor freight or puck-n-pull💖 with pizza and beer

[@bigmikemac]

I work at Harbor Freight, and I agree with you 200%. Some of the stuff is junk,and alot is good and getting better. Do the research before you buy. It amazes me the people who buy cheap, and then complain when it breaks.

[@corygriffiths4394]

Good point and what some people don’t realize is not all of us can afford to just buy high quality tools tools are expensive especially power tools that are high quality

[@TheDylan6908]

Mike, if that's the case maybe they shouldn't have "quality tools lowest price" on their store front.

[@richcityrepresentative8805]

@@TheDylan6908 maybe it's quality for the price?

[@chrisx5127]

How do you know what is good and what is junk though?

[@bryananderson3772]

​@@TheDylan6908it doesn't say "good quality" just quality. It's legal

[@joselinoguerrero763]

My first job as a mechanic about 8 years ago, I got their 130 piece pittsburgh mechanic set. The set was garbage, but it got a couple of jobs done. When I started seeing what tools needed some upgrading and tools were getting me by, I bought what I needed. I learned that THIS is how you should shop with Harbor Freight. Buy what you need in the moment because you don't have it. If it's often used and it breaks down, at least it got some jobs done to help you pay for the upgrade. If it's rarely used but it gets the jobs done, just keep the cheap Harbor Freight tools.

[@George-on3zm]

But what wrenches or sockets did you end up buying to upgrade??

[@joselinoguerrero763]

My socket sets are a mix of Snap-on, Matco, and actually some Pittsburgh impact sockets from Harbor freight. Their impact sockets are really worth getting. My wrenches are Snap-on and Gear Wrench. In general all my tools still are mostly a variety of Snap-on and Harbor Freight.

[@dfailsthemost]

Yeah, I agree. Start cheap and see what you actually need. I've had garbage wrenches work fine for years without stripping fasteners. But I've found that hex drivers need to be decent or else I'll regret using them.

[@Phone-sh7jg]

Shazaam

[@dfailsthemost]

I agree with this. There are some potential pitfalls along this road, but I wholeheartedly agree.

[@Theimichie]

I love Harbor Freight. They've bailed me out of jams more than a few times with tools that I could afford that got the job done. I've never been under any illusions about the quality of some of the tools and I've always been impressed that I've had choices in quality in some tools. I needed a tap and die set the the other day and was worried about snapping the tap-so I got the best quality they had-might not have been the best quality available in town but it got the job done and didn't break the bank. Harbor Freight came through again!

[@samuelt2072]

Bought lots of stuff from HF over the years... Got to remember two things: -have realistic expectations -you get what you pay for

[@danwatson8245]

Facts

[@donaldmiller8629]

Samuel T , Not always. You can pay top dollar for the name and still get junk.

[@joelkerper8128]

The new Icon Tool line is so far really good quality. As well as the 30' U.S. General Tool Cart only like 200ish dollars depends on the store and your discounts.

[@Normal1855]

Exactly. People try and use Harbor Freight tools for commercial use, then get upset when they stop working. I buy allot of tools there for a specific purpose. A once in awhile use. I have no illusion that they're not commercial grade.

[@_thebusphotograher_cali]

I actually have harbor freight socket sets there 6 years old and a old jack my father bought from them they still work.

[@douglasmcneil6689]

I really miss the old Craftsman tools section at Sears.

[@nickwooldridge]

Their at lowes now

[@DaveAustadaustadconstruction]

Yeah A lot of the craftsman are not the same quality they used to be I was a fan in the day . Now try find screw drivers that aren't made of poor quality steel or pot metal

[@sansdecorum4600]

@@DaveAustadaustadconstruction Actually, the made from old hood oraments and Fridgidaire emblems.

[@soonersciencenerd383]

@@nickwooldridge i heard lowes is closing, too.

[@googleuser868]

Picked up and examined a 1/2 inch craftsman breaker bar today. They wanted $35 for it. Rough feel to the handle. Sloppy build quality. Glad I've got a box full of made in America Craftsman tools before quality went to hell.

[@jensandersen8270]

As a high school shop teacher, I've been buying from Harbor Freight for over 25 years! But like Scott says you have to check what your buying!! Most tools are great and last forever!

[@johnbarron4265]

The beauty of Harbor Freight is that it turns a weekend warrior's garage into a professional mechanic's shop. You just have to be smart with how you use the tools and they will last a long time.

[@ignaciosx]

Yep

[@mikebegay3824]

And don't loan them out.

[@cheyannehall2130]

Harbor freight employee here, alot if out hand tools have life time warranty too as long as you can bring them in, sockets, ratchets, screwdrivers, pliers, levels, tape measures, impact sockets, extensions an more! All in Pittsburgh brand, dole brand and quinn brand!

[@409offroadadv6]

@@cheyannehall2130 True! I use some of there tools professionally and have never had an issue warranting anything. Pretty impressive for the price!

[@Aedalas]

@@jethrogump9016 Regardless of his age or sex, he's not wrong.

[@david_W5QDF]

As a Professional Mechanic for over 40 years, I have owned Snap-On, Mac, Craftsman, and Harbor Freight Tools. I can make even the cheap disposable tools last because I know before I use them that they are weak and cannot take the abuse. By being easy on them I could get them to last a while. Sometimes it's not the quality of the tool as much as it is the quality of the mechanic...LOL

[@bobby0081]

When I was younger I worked in a shop with a guy who was strong like and ox and smart like a tractor and he would use 1/4" drive ratchets and strip the teeth out of good Snap On stuff because he was so strong and the ratchet was way too small for what he was doing. This proves your point that even good tools can be broken if you use them incorrectly or don't use them within their limits.

[@Mr.Ekshin]

The general rule of thumb with tools: - If it's something you're going to use on an almost daily basis... buy the best. - If it's something you're going to use maybe once a month... buy the midrange. - If it's something you're only ever going to use a few times... buy the cheapest you can find.

[@catherineharris4746]

You're absolutely right!😀👍👍👍

[@chrisgossman4522]

I have Pittsburg wrenches and sockets. Also Snap-ON and Mac. It’s not worth the extra money to buy anything from Snap-on or Mac. Harbor freight Pittsburg tool have a lifetime warranty. Can’t go wrong.

[@katsebua]

J C Pennys ( a zillion years ago) used to have a good line of sockets, etc., much like Sears. The brand was Penncraft. I pick them up at lawn sales if I find them.

[@garyjones6288]

If you tied Scotty's hands behind his back he would be unable to talk.

[@nenedecaramelo]

😂😂😂 thanks for the giggle

[@rodgerespy1365]

I just asked him to sit on his hands at another video!!!

[@joejones4172]

Wonder if he's Italian?

[@matthewcetorelli8451]

He reminds me of Ricky Bobby.

[@jamessmith-bw4nb]

Lol

[@BrandonMinguez]

This is similar to advice my dad gave me. When there's good, better, and best options. The "better" option is usually the lowest you want to go with for a reliable product.

[@johnstudd4245]

Yeah, I usually stay away from the cheapest of anything.

[@ericstainz9072]

My dad gave me some good advice after a Mexican kid kept beating me up when I was a kid. My dad told me to… “Try and get along with your older brother”😂

[@Sijray21]

Cheap tip for using a jack that won't fit under your car: Drive onto a few pieces of flat wood (i use 1"x6" boards for my lowered car)

[@MrTheHillfolk]

Haha i keep 2 chunks in the trunk on my jetta coupe just for that purpose

[@richarcm]

Unfortunately I have to use wood for the Mustang. It’s annoying. But it works.

[@GunFunZS]

Assuming the car is driveable. What if you are working on a blown clutch or seized bearing?

[@r1derbike]

@@GunFunZS Arnold Schwarzeneggar in back pocket? ;-}

[@lewis2553]

I once just drove the front wheels of a 65 Fairlane up onto the lawn -- about 3 or 4 inches higher than the driveway -- , set the parking brake, slid under the car, and removed the starter WITHOUT a jack! Now I'd be claustrophobic!!😬

[@MichaelMickelsen]

I have purchased the Harbor Fright reciprocating saw several years ago and have cut through I beams, wood, drywall and tree roots. It has been in the mud and was rained on and still works.

[@isaactungate5731]

he's cutting through metal

[@jayhockley8841]

Ive cut lots of exhaust pipes with my 10 year old HF Sawz all . Still works fine for $19.99 .

[@PeterBCPATube]

Yes, but have you run it over and dragged it down the street with a Ford F-150 like Scotty says HE did, rofl?

[@minerblue9641]

I bought Harbor Freight tools when I got out of Diesel mechanic trade school back in the 1980's. I was planning on using them until I could afford better tools. I remember the Snap On salesman saw them in my toolbox and got mad. I cut wrenches, modified plenty of these tools with a grinder and made angle head wrenches out of a set of medium handled wrenches. If someone asked to borrow a wrench, I'd hand them a Harbor Freight wrench in case it didn't come back. Thats one good thing about a pretty good wrench set thats cheap. Back then they hadn't come out with their angle head wrench set. Great video Scotty.

[@Leon3716]

This is Ozzy Osbourne if he was a mechanic

[@NicolasHutcheson-x5t]

Lmao

[@kave9482]

Sharon!

[@aol11]

Best Harbor freight investment I've made was the $99-- 6.5 HP predator engine. They wanted $500 just for the replacement engine on my snow blower. so I bolted the predator on and it works even better. Buy the 3 year warranty and you have any problems including the muffler and you just take the engine off bring it back and get a fresh engine kit. 25 minutes turn key swap. $40 cheaper than my old carburetor, for a complete ready to run engine kit.

[@jasonzee4561]

I did the same with my log spliter!

[@stonefree5883]

Amen.

[@zzschulzz]

Honestly, my biggest "win" for HF is when I need a new tool that I've never owned before, I go there and get a cheap one. By the time the tool breaks (if it actually breaks), I know if I like the tool and if I need the tool; then I can decide if I need to get the expensive ones. Two big wins I got from HF were I purchased an "open box" brad nailer for $6. Ran at least 10,000 brads through it and still hasn't jammed. I own a Porter Cable brad nailer, but I'm not using it until I can get that stupid HF one to fail. The other win was their SDS hammer. Bought it for $59 thinking that if I decided to use it enough and like it, when the cheapo one dies, I'll get a Milwaukee. Well, 10 years later and the HF SDS still works great - and I beat the hell out of it... Like I said, HF is great for a trial run on a new tool. Yeah, I got the $99 welder. It's okay and I was able to build 2 wrought iron fences and modified the heck out of my Husky tool cart. It's just a little more finicky than a good welder. Look, I'm not building an oil tanker...

[@mobile-joat3156]

Buy cheap and pay the true price later is definitely right! An i agree harbor freight has found there way in my box quite a bit.

[@tcap7917]

I've been buying from HF since the early 80's. It was only the last 20 years we had a store close enough to drive to so it was catalog shopping only. In our shop we would call certain tools "sacrifice tools" and thats what many of these were. You have to shop there with this in mind. HF products have their place and are priced accordingly in my opinion.

[@blinxs99]

well said

[@chrissmith2711]

Love harbor freight. As long as you know what to expect. Sometimes you just need a disposable tool.

[@SocietysChimera]

Don't forget to get the $10 warranty for your $12 grinder.

[@npc-ej5yz]

Made in China. Pronounced "Gchina"

[@sparky6086]

I'm a big fan of Harbor Freight. Their next to lowest price power tools, "Chicago Electric" are fine for the typical DIY'er, as long as they use a reasonable duty cycle. Don't run them continuously for more than around 2 1/2 minutes without letting them cool off for 10 minutes. They'll last much longer & won't be a waste of money, because they don't cost much more, than Harbor Freight's lowest tier power tools, "Drill Master" which are junk & might not get through even one step of a project, much less through a whole project. ...Anyway, pay attention to duty cycle, & people will get the most out of their Harbor Freight Chicago Electric power tools. If someone doesn't have time to let the tools cool off, then they should spring for professional grade tools, although even they aren't meant to be run continously forever. DIY'ers don't usually need to be in such a hurry & can often stagger tasks, where they can do something else productive, while they wait for their power tool to cool off.

[@clovistblowpop3060]

When you're probably only going to use the tool once & don't really want to pick between the tool or lunch.

[@RockinProfessor]

I don't know Anyone who just needs a disposable tool.....

[@ThePheonix2009]

I have one of those 99 dollar gens from HF. They are very strong. I was surprised. I ran a full fridge and freezer and lights. Then 10 years later , my wife bought a 5000 watt gen so i could hook it up to the house to get rid of the cords. Love your channel.

[@TheREALOC1972]

Yep, I have one for my 20" camper, I can run a 3/4 fridge, microwave and tabletop 9 function air fryer at the same time off it. Idk how long it would last for daily use but I've had mine in my camper for 8 years now and it works great.

[@motorbreath3]

I'm thinking you should invest in 4 or 5 Harbor Freight TOOL STORAGE units ! Seriously , maybe a shed or something Scotty. I think I saw a flattened out cat under a pile of tools .

[@TheLikesofMeh]

I bought that 30$ sawzall for strictly cutting up hvac coils for scrap. I got a year out of it. It still works for what I use it for. My brushless Milwaukee was 300 and craps on it but I don’t use it for cutting up scrap

[@samuelhirosky4797]

I remember being a kid, and learning how to fix things around the house, and fix the cars with my dad. We would always go to harbor freight together when I was just a kid. Good times. I used to love goin there

[@troobie]

Harbor Freight tools have saved me tons of times. I'm a fan.

[@thunderbolt5354]

@ Timoty Truby Move to China you Chinese Tool Loving Dork !

[@eternalbeing3339]

@@thunderbolt5354 lol

[@frankjh1950]

I am picky about what I get at harbor freight.

[@mickm5097]

I like Harbor Freight too. Scotty's wrong about the recip saw though- they are often 19.99, and if you only use them occasionally, they can last for years. I had one that cut studs removing a wall, broke down 50+ pallets, pruned trees and did various random jobs. It finally stripped its internal gears after about 5 years- $20! Don't buy it if you're a pro, but for anyone who only needs it once or twice a month, there's no reason to buy a $100 saw. Same w their $10 grinders- I've got about 8 of those, each with a different disc- for cutting, sanding, wire brushing, grinding and so on. Pros should buy a Dewalt or Milwaukee or something, for my occasional needs, I paid the same price for 8 that I'd pay for 1, and I don't have to mess with changing to different discs.

[@bluewave3417]

@@thunderbolt5354 almost all of it is made in China. Even the so-called "good quality" stuff.

[@thetruth8198]

What you need from harbor freight is some metal racks. To organize all your crap.

[@Gorthain]

Did get a set of those hooks that go in a peg board real cheap and helped me organize a lot.

[@104Timothy]

maybe a dumpster

[@juliepetersavage9926]

Ya

[@juliepetersavage9926]

K

[@luvluv8929]

🤣😂😆

[@sheldonmaurer6342]

Thank you for not being too hard on HF. I love the store! I'm pretty good at determining the quality of their tools, and if I'm purchasing something pricey, I check the reviews. Infrequently used light duty tools, I will go cheap. My pay isn't very great.

[@demodemo5146]

Harbor freight is great for us regular folks. Has helped me a ton

[@stucklikechucklookinlikewh7584]

or Weekend warriors

[@rolandmetayer7210]

I live in Canada and here we have Canadian Tire stores. I believe that they are similar to your American Harbor Freight stores. Our Canadian Tire store sell very good tools for the weekend warrior, at a VERY GOOD price range. The person that wants to pay more just has to call a SNAP-ON dealer ! Cheers from Canada .

[@ljohns9143]

Exactly , you had to pay a fortune for tools back in the day and you couldn't find the stuff that's so readily available today at a hf such as dollies , back in the day you had to steal those from moving companies then everyone would want to borrow your dollie.

[@ljohns9143]

@Spencer7445 _ they have a floor jack on sale this we for $60, snap on sued them claiming this jack was too much like theirs, 60 bucks, can't beat it.

[@sd906238]

I bought some cheap $9.99 pack of drill bits. They are still like new, because I haven't used them yet.

[@RMalai]

haaahhahahahahaa..

[@sanders555]

I bought some too. I've already snapped almost half of them. :(

[@ModernDIYProjects]

Those Warrior bits are horrible, get a refund!

[@knocksensor3203]

Floyd R. Turbo 👏👏😂

[@19digupherbones]

Do your self a favor, throw them out.

[@robertlawrence9000]

True. I have purchased wrenches and sockets from Harbor Freight and they have been ok but drill bits are a no no. They are too cheaply made. Great points Scotty

[@mateusz1945]

Except expensive cobalt ones are good . I use them a lot

[@JDMHaze]

That's the exact same thing I said, I get nothing heavy duty from there, but they are great if you need wiring, clips, caps heat shrink, crimps, voltmeters and things such as that

[@Uneedhelp91]

I just bought a pack of step bits from them a week ago and I haven't had any issue. If I needed a 8in auger bit I would buy Irwin.

[@Oldman899]

Scotty, great review of Harbor Freight tools. You just taught me a good lesson “don’t buy too cheap”. I love Harbor Freight and I love your videos.

[@quentinhorseradishlll2423]

*If you plan on running over your tools like Scotty, spend the extra money and buy quality tools.*

[@boxsterman77]

And yet the cheap tool that he cautioned us about wasn't subjected to such abuse. So I'm thinking he is making the contrast between a tool that fails when only subjected to usual use vs one that prevails on despite extraordinary, accidental--not planned abuse.

[@nateb9768]

I’m always thankful for having my grandfathers garage full of old, reliable, American made tools!

[@deprimentium9892]

Me too!

[@ruhtra-k]

Ditto. I like using my grandfather’s tools I inherited. They work great. You can feel the difference in the weight of the steel.

[@nateb9768]

@@ruhtra-k honestly, the quality is just unmatched. Craftsman, Crescent, Made in USA.

[@MAGAMAN]

Buy used American off of Ebay before you buy new china crap. I still have my Craftsman screwdriver set I bought over 40 years ago and they are still in great condition. I have bought old American and British hand tools, chisels and wood planes off of Ebay and they work better than anything new in the same price range. Anything made in china is junk! It may save you money up front, but it will cost you in the long run. How much is your soul worth?

[@johnchandler1687]

Pawn shops are a good place to get US made old school tools.

[@repairdrive]

TOTALLY agree with the cheap drill bits. I learned the hard way that they may all look alike but they don't all perform alike.

[@carter358]

I bought their Portland Pole Saw around 6 years ago and it's still going strong! This was back when they were more generous with the coupons so I got it for $52.99 and that thing is a beast! At first the only blades I could find were $16 each at Lowe's. Then Walmart sorry carrying those 8" blades for $8.99 each and now they sell them in 2 packs for $15. Admittedly, the blades don't last very long no matter what brand you get, but the saw is great. I love that thing.

[@scottwillis5434]

I'll bet you don't use it for a tree trimming business, though.

[@jimkoch1040]

The sockets you lost are probably in that garage somewhere!

[@guylee0]

Lol true. Although I'm just as junky in my workplace...

[@lorenzoboyd6889]

Or in a car's frame channel!

[@SegoMan]

@@lorenzoboyd6889 \ Cat is playing with it..

[@soco13466]

I spend too much time looking for a hammer, etc, if it isn't found in a reasonably short time, before I get to cussing, I'll go get another one. Weeks later, the list tool will show up.

[@autoluxdetailing]

The thing with harbor freight is that if something breaks, go buy another one, put the old one back in the box and return it. They don’t care about wear and tear on returned items.

[@MrSupernova111]

Yep. I was thinking of getting their 20 ton hydraulic press to do my own bearings. The unit is so cheap that even if it breaks its still cheaper to buy one every time I need it instead of paying the mechanic to do the job for me. But from what I've seen they have good reviews so I'll take my chances.

[@terryf5131]

Yup..if something...even as simple as a motion detector stops working..swap it out...keep ALL your boxes at least a year. They took your money..so no guilt here.

[@nachocheez9]

@@MrSupernova111 I've done several bearings with the 10 ton press. Works fine, and small enough to stay in the corner of the garage out of the way for 99% of its life.

[@RM-ed1if]

I refuse to buy something that has already been used and returned. I went to Lowe's and bought a string trimmer, opened the box and saw grass all over the bottom of the trimmer. Looked at it closer, and it was a completely different model. Obviously, somebody had bought a new trimmer, threw their old one in the box and returned it to the store and then Lowe's put it back on the shelf. The guy got a new trimmer for free...he packed it and sealed the box so well that I couldn't see it had been previously opened. I also saw the same thing had been done with some wiper blades at another store. Why these companies don't check their returns more carefully is beyond me.

[@dp6824]

which will happen a lot

[@briveeevee608]

Perfect place to buy all those 10mm that go missing lol

[@matth284]

The 10mm alone is the reason I don't let anyone borrow tools anymore

[@hudsonhawk0016]

13mm too

[@juanfranciscobretado1039]

I kept thinking it was only Mexicans losing the 10 mm.We are screwed.

[@Mike10001]

10mm are the missing socks of the tool world.

[@SlashyJ]

@Dominique Hardie wow, I thought the only thing that used a 14mm was my lawn mower blade bolts haha.

[@sergioramirez4511]

Scotty, I have been following you for years and you give great advice and I tool am a Harbor Freight Guy, once a week type of thing, for tons of different projects and have saved myself a ton. Just did my daughters brake job, by buying some new tools for 20 bucks and saved over 400

[@josephpaige3614]

Scotty, those sockets you lost.....well they are in your garage.....and you'll never find them.

[@dalebills9470]

😆

[@NoFishNicksAdventures]

LOL I thought the same thing 😁

[@KekoOmega]

especially the 10mm ones

[@tonydobek8908]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffr1753]

The garage is right off an episode of Hoarders.

[@Torontodude20000]

He reminded me of Doc Brown from back to the future explaining to Marty about time machine/travel.

[@tickyul]

Even Dollar Tree is stepping-up the quality of their line of tools.

[@twiki1559]

Scotty, anything that lasts 'only a few months " for you would probably last forever for most non-professionals.

[@chukob5]

Lol exactly regular diy’ers take a lot more care of the little tools they have as opposed to an actual mechanic

[@triangleofdeath6246]

It would definitely last longer for a person who is using it around the house. I would never expect the "Chicago electric " saw to cut through for any length of time. However, 5 months? Lol, it lasted about as long as the Milwaukee sawzall did for me at work! (Milwaukee Sawzalls are bad about broken chucks) As far as reciprocating saws go, I'f you need a heavy duty saw for say, ripping through cars, (especially older ones!) then buy the DeWalt, hands down, nothing else touches that saw, not the Sawzall , not Mikita, not even Metabo! Last dewalt died after about 3.5 years, when the trigger melted down. So if you are ripping cars apart, or if you build houses everyday, get a Dewalt. Otherwise, the HF or the "Hyper tough " (Walmart) will do the job. I am curious how the "Bauer" and "Hercules" stack up though.

[@WYKTIDK.1919]

Them Pics You Find For Your Videos Are Hilarious 😂 Thank You Friend

[@enumrob]

At our shop we have 10 of those Daytona jacks and every one of them still work great. They Snap-on jacks are made by the same company in China.

[@arrya5372]

Harbor Freight is a best friend for the average D.I.Y-er. They just sent me a 25 percent coupon for my birthday. Gonna get a breaker bar an their long, flex head 3/8th ratchet. Can't wait!

[@LAactor]

There's a site and an app that lists all their coupons too

[@luke40531]

Those 3/8s breaker bars are junk from harbor freight they bend like a rainbow if you need to use any force whatsoever buy snap-on

[@badkarmabiker3539]

The breaker bar are not great snapped 2 of them

[@ThomasJones-sz3sx]

@@luke40531 I agree!

[@robertrobinson3931]

Horrible freight you get what you pay for

[@Seadalgo]

I lined all my military duffels with HFT free tarps and moving blankets back in the day.. always came in handy

[@zackk695]

Harbor freight is great to buy from depending on what it’s for. As a mechanic then don’t buy any electric tools from HF. HF is the best when you need a tool to get a north duty or medium duty job done. You don’t need a $300 socket set from Snap On, craftsman’s, etc. Get 6 pt sockets and they will last forever. If it’s a tool to make a living with then buy from other places but if it’s for home buy from HF. HF needs to have a low, medium and High grade sticker for their products so people know what they are buying. If I need a jigsaw for a small job then all I need is a small cheap jigsaw but if I use it for a living then I would go with the big companies like Milwaukee and Ridgid. Dewalt is also very good for medium duty and they last

[@ZippoVarga]

Not being a tool snob, there is an awesome channel "Real Tool Reviews" that often compares HF Tools against the big four box truck tool companies, and 99% of the time, the HF line is as good in performance as the higher branded tools. Zip~

[@Tonyrg1988]

performance isnt the issue, its reliability and tool life

[@snap-off5383]

@@Tonyrg1988 and price.

[@tomleahy5383]

Well, sometimes you have no choice. Back in the '80s I searched high and low for a claw- foot wrench, also called a crow- foot wrench, to remove a heat control valve on the intake manifold of a '82 Delta 88,l. Spent 2 days spritzing penetrating oil on it before even touching it. I'm sure Scotty knows the pitfalls of not getting it to budge, and wound up taking it to a shop to get it removed. The guy started telling me what could go wrong, and I had to stop him and rattled of the progression of problems that may happen, so he knew I knew, and said, if that happens, bring money, maybe a lot of money, Ain addition to the tool I bought from Snap- on guy, and never had use for it ever again.

[@danielpalladino955]

Yes, Scotty its true what you say about Harbor Freight. I too have been buying for years, you have to know what your buying before....

[@santosruiz2400]

I like harbor freight tools. For me needing tools for occasional car maintenance. Harbor freight has helped me stay in budget.

[@edwatts9890]

I have owned a general-purpose repair shop for twenty-five years, and I am always - ALWAYS - in the market for more/better tools. Mr. Kilmer, you have/are a gift.

[@RockinProfessor]

Then stay the Hell away from HF & its JUNK power tools.....

[@phuku177]

Love my Harbor Freight hydraulic jack. I've been using it for 12 years now.

[@Soladaddy]

That $89 floor jack hasn't failed my yet.

[@KevAlberta]

Just don’t use it as a jack stand, but I’m sure you know this. I just use “plastic” ramps. Each ramp is rated to hold one of my cars, they’re very strong Edit: no moving parts = less likely too break

[@robertboatman4618]

Ya have to use it more than once.

[@rannz8]

We use our cheap 1 ton to lift a semi and it lifts it no problem

[@Soladaddy]

LOL. well maybe a dozen times. It did struggle with a F-350 diesel front end.

[@Rangerness]

I have that one also, no problems!

[@noobulon4334]

A rule that works with many tools: if you arent going to use it much then go get a cheap one, if you use it enough that it breaks then go buy the better one. This can work out pretty well as long as it works for the thing you bought it for

[@MonteD1]

The fact that Scotty still makes these videos even though he's got $$ makes me like him even more.

[@RavenWingY2K]

I love Harbor Freight. I always feel like a kid in a toy shop when I go!

[@TBoy205]

RavenWingY2K too bad most of the stuff they sell is garbage

[@WhiteTriForce]

We call it the men's wish store ! 😁

[@driver8M3]

Have you been using a Harbor Freight calculator? 20% off a $200 items makes the item $160, not $180.

[@dmcgill8978]

It's April Fools day you saw through his joke

[@galvdude549]

I noticed that, too!

[@chunkycheesemonkey99]

Maybe taxes

[@carlfudger4528]

Got you there Scotty. Lol

[@PassdeDutchie]

I think this guy buys his Weed @ Harbor Freight !!

[@jakegonz9866]

I love harbor freight tools, I'm just a weekend warrior. And this is perfect for me.

[@ColdWarVet-qe5pt]

I agree with you about most power tools from HF. The exceptions are angle grinders and cement mixers. My cement mixer from HF lasted about 15 years. I use their cheapo circular saws for rough framing cuts, but not much else. Some of HFs framing nailers are OK. For anything that needs some precision, I get the tool from Home Despot.

[@escapetherace1943]

their oscillator is one of the best and their in house bauer blades are 2nd/3rd best on the market for how long they last. The 20 piece drill bits for 8 or 9 bucks do suck like Scotty says here, but the 8-9 piece one that costs the same with no case are actually decent quality, I drilled through a lotta steel with just one of those things, and my current oscillator blade has cut maybe 50 nails and has very little tooth wear. The trick at harbor freight is to get their midline or higher stuff

[@dovregubben78]

Harbor Freight cordless drills work just fine as screwdrivers.

[@jpolar394]

Yeah, but the battery is worthless.

[@Toolboss0826]

@@jpolar394 agreed blew out my drill master drill and it wouldn’t charge anymore.

[@jaroslavscz1821]

@@jpolar394 They are single use only !

[@chrisdewoody1529]

Only my mom uses a drill for a screwdriver !

[@pearldrumsets]

Atleast get ryobi drill but not harbor freight

[@festushaggen2563]

The hand tools are really good for the money. Ratchets, screwdrivers, sockets, pliers etc. Most have a lifetime warranty too. The Pittsburgh, Doyle and Quinn lines all work great for the DIY guy.

[@lepejor45]

This is a good tip for people that are researching tools. He isn't bias he is just talking experience.

[@briandimascio3624]

Im pretty impressed by the ICON line. Got 1/2” flex head extended ratchet (~$60 I think) & love it so I bought the matching 3/8” & they get a lot of use. I like that theyre selling higher quality tools & hope they continue to. I don’t own any Pittsburgh tools but all I hear is “when they break they replace them” (I’d rather have something that I don’t have to keep running back to the store cuz it broke). I also have a harbor freight Daytona 3ton had jack and it’s been great and their US General tool boxes/chests look good but I went with husky HD

[@08HR350z]

Just got a Pittsburg 3 ton low profile jack for $60 on sale from them so that’s good to know it’s working good for you

[@M13x13M]

I’ve been surprised by the improvement in HF quality in the last 2 years.

[@andrewm2786]

I bought some of their ICON line. Definitely feels quality

[@jvsky1140]

@@andrewm2786 what about pitssburgh ?

[@CookiesUnleashed]

jvsky pittsburgh has a 135 piece set for 30 bucks. Super cheap but I doubt it won’t get the job done. Its certainly not the best but I’d use it for small jobs

[@Nphen]

I bought a Quinn socket set at HFT and love it. It has 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets and sockets. Got it for maybe $38 with a good coupon. The fit and finish are great. Markings easy to read. Ratchets feel solid. Quinn & Doyle hand tools are definitely worth it if you can remember to use a 20% off coupon.

[@sgt.hollowpoint6968]

I agree!!!

[@navelriver]

I don't buy tools or fix cars, I just love to watch Scotty's videos!

[@davidjames666]

Agreed. Scotty is so animated you just can't not watch his videos.

[@bantamdude]

Right? Even though I don't agree with everything, I still like his personality. Funny guy.

[@johnnyk617]

You can trust a guy with a clean organized workspace like Scotty

[@tonydalton8712]

LOL!

[@drfiberglass]

Good one...

[@shenghan9385]

Lmao

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

I never trust a mechanic that has a clean and organized shop. Something is wrong with them lol. They ain't human

[@CarlosHerrera-lf1vh]

😂😂😂👍

[@nobrizzle]

My dad's hobo freight drill lasted longer than than all his others surpsingly!! Craftsman, Panasonic, etc.

[@mcafee3604]

My wife used to wonder why I bitched when she misplaced my dewalt and Milwaukee tools, one day she was trying to hang a mirror and couldn’t get screw into stud with her cheap drill. I handed her my dewalt impact driver, and it went right in. She said “now I see why you get mad when I lose your tools!” Those words were music to my ears! 🤣😂

[@JR-wn8cl]

You’re wife was losing drills ?!!??

[@mcafee3604]

@@JR-wn8cl she would “put them up” when cleaning and I would leave them laying out and forget where they were put

[@mikebegay3824]

Honor the good wife unless you know how is cook and wash dishes.

[@raynic1173]

That's worth starting a blog over. At least an invite to the Rachel Rae show.

[@mikebegay3824]

@@JR-wn8cl sex toy left at playground

[@kn9ioutom]

GREAT VIDEO INFORMATION !!!

[@cjones255]

Had one of their angle grinders burst into flames in my hand. No bull. And their prison orange straps are all over the Houston area freeways.

[@thebaddestogre-3698]

Their angle grinders are such crap. I got one during black friday and it worked for about 20 seconds before it got hot and locked up!

[@colecooper5836]

I wont touch their electric tools. I had a boss that was cheap and kept buying their drills. Not even exaggerating when I say we were lucky if it made a single hole before yellow cancer smoke spewed out of it. I dont understand being that cheap.

[@marksshop3029]

@@colecooper5836 I bought Harbor Freight's cheap corded drill and yeah it smoked the first few times it was under load but once that wore off it works great!

[@ariash18able]

my angle grinder still works after 2 years. but well occasional user only. not for professional use i guess...

[@tommyatchley7042]

Wondered where the orange straps came from!

[@raiderzilla3882]

I've been a HF fan for 10years now and yes there quality has improve

[@johnconnolly5117]

I still have a oscillating saw 10 years ago…$20 before coupon!, still working…

[@starchaser2489]

After this devastating Camp Fire in Paradise Ca., Harbor Freight came to the rescue. Rebuilding now, WE WILL RETURN.

[@joshualawson7604]

"Snap On can't afford their own tools", that meme was the best. Great video.

[@nissan300ztt]

Harbor Freight Impact Sockets have been in my tool box for 20 years and ways work. Been flawless

[@KK-ex5zu]

Do you use them on a daily basis? And if so do you use them with a top quality Ingersoll-Rand air impact gun? Well, I did. 12years ago when I first got started in the Auto repair business with my first check I went to Harbor Freight and bought a set of Impact Sockets just to get me through the 1st 3 or 4 months. Within a month I broke half them damn sockets!

[@nissan300ztt]

@@KK-ex5zu i work in a machine shop and use them daily with a snap on impact driver and air impact gun. I use them to remove jaws and fixtures. And disassemble burner assemblies that have been heated cooled and repeated for years. So far 1 replacement and it was because I used them on a seized bolt and turned up the impact to max torque. All others have been unharmed.

[@narmale]

top quality: Ingersoll rand? AAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH AVE does a tool tear down of IR's impacts... they are worse on the guts than HF's...

[@mikep.9005]

Damn Scotty, you need a real garage. You make my messy garage look clean. You have a lot of stuff and it’s not safe for you. I realize you think you’re are probably to old but you will be wrenching on cars for another 20 years. So hope you can find a nice garage somewhere because you are a great mechanic. 👍 And thanks for all the helpful advice.

[@pnotuner1]

The $34. angle grinder is a good tool so far. Harbor Freight is now selling some higher grades of Welders too. My son got one Titanium brand and he is learning the ropes with it.

[@oldgringo66]

Harbor Freight has something for just about any shopper. Sales, coupons and parking lot extravaganzas. And don’t forget “ tools tools tools.

[@joshuahind]

I’m prepared for the flame job I’m about to get, but just because it has “dewalt” on it, doesn’t mean it’s the best tool

[@gwdeals]

Yeah but the point is that it is better than the HB version and it is.

[@mikerosson2802]

Milwaukee is my go to. Better than snap on with my experience.

[@bills3060]

As usual, Scotty tells it like it is! I would like to point out two very important things. ONE; NEVER take an electrical, brush driven especially, HF tool out of the box and use it! ALWAYS run it "unloaded" for a few minutes! THIS really matters, especially on their "lower end" products. TWO; Know this! HFT does now have a test/quality control facility, and it HAS created better products.I

[@xrexc3179]

Okay that news to me so may I ask why you never run a brushed motor electrical tool( it I'm guessing anything with a brushed motor period) without running it unloaded first???

[@billbobjamesfred]

Seats the brushs on the commutator. The thinger that makes sparks.

[@ImprobableTrexx]

"you're not gonna spend that kinda money fixing your own cars" that's where you're wrong Scotty, I own a dodge

[@rogersoria3547]

Dodge sucks

[@boxsterman77]

Oh dear. I'm so sorry.

[@monster-pq7ln]

Hmmmm. I must be doing it wrong. Weird.

[@rongates7766]

97 Dodge van low miles one thing after another hate the van

[@robertmaxwell5745]

@R. Ive hey sir , i have a Chrysler Concorde lhs 1999 with 298840 on the dash , air and heat road ready ... Chrysler, jeeps,dodges... but I know what you mean too alot of the new stuff

[@hvrtguys]

I only buy simple things from HF. Stuff like crowbars, rope, jack screws.Would not buy anything with an electric motor from HF

[@iamteamBB]

dont be like that. i bought more then enough electric crap from them that has been Awesome. i even got a grinder for lawn blades. n i even left it outside in the rain (by mistake) n it still worked. 4 years problem free n i use it at least every month when its warm outside lol

[@emanae86]

Captain Jack Sparrow of automotive. The way he talks and hand movements.

[@aol11]

Ricky Bobby during the interview on Talladega nights

[@passwordbosco407]

HA ! YES ! I have been wondering where I've seen this guy before. Thanks for the laugh...

[@iggyp7049]

Sounds more like Gilbert Godfrey lol

[@fabiocastro5225]

I Will gona say the same

[@fairlyobvious8320]

You just hit the nailed the hammer on the head!

[@cullenhopson9440]

I’ve been using harbor freight ratchets and socket sets for years best part is lifetime warranty no questions asked they have a lot of good tools especially these days they are really stepping up their game

[@truthbeknown23]

I've had no issues with my 90$ welder from harbor freight. Perfect for small jobs.

[@etimc]

I am on my second one - not because the first one quit at 8 years old - it still works great (in Texas) but i am in Costa Rica and it is cheaper to buy another one here than ship the old one - got my money back after one project - like all my other HF tools - every additional task i do now is a freebie

[@EricEscamillaesca2791]

Been worried about which ones to buy and which ones to leave on the shelf. Thanks again Scotty!

[@mwpahl38]

I believe there's a website called HarborFreighttoolsthatdon'tsuck.

[@mwpahl38]

.com

[@nekronaut32]

As a HFT employee, i can confirm Scotty is right. Lol

[@travisk5589]

As a harbor freight manager, employee of the month, franchise owner, and all around badass. I can confirm that this guy is wrong

[@feez357]

Did you just fire nekronaut32 ?

[@jayt2257]

Travis k Why do you say?

[@changgames4637]

csrgatorfan Bold of you to assume that this keyboard jockey is married. LOL

[@CoinHuntingDrew]

Worked for 484 for a year. Good experience, until I got fired for stupid BS that everyone else did. Game of favoritism basically. Then got trespassed from “all locations” lol...ok

[@EzekielPrado]

I’ve bought Bauer for a time, never had a problem 👍

[@benstark4578]

I wish Scotty made an April fools video but his knowledge here is still greatly appreciated

[@debo4life420]

Love Harbor Freight, just be choosy on what you get... Love the show Scotty...

[@SolasChristusMinistry]

debo4life420 I had a personal rule not to buy any power tools from Horror Fright. But I was standing there one day in front of the 8” drill press. I watched a few reviews on KZbin and most were actually good reviews. I bought it, had to tighten and adjust a few things but now it’s one of the most frequently used tools in my home shop.

[@raimoe4512]

I'm glad you mentioned that harbor freight has upped their game in the tool dependability dept. Good video sir. Full of common sense information.

[@Joesolo13]

I mean they had no where to go but up

[@tellfile]

Well if you're like me, you roll the dice and buy Harbor Freight tools if you have a a tight budget and plan to only use the tool very little. I bought that same cheap saw Scotty bought from Harbor Freight. Mine is still going but I've only used it three times in one year. Little use without issue sort of earns the amount you paid.

[@nathanspradlin6746]

You're exactly right Scotty Kilmer. I've learned the hard way when it comes to needing heavier duty tools, you cannot go too cheap or you'll eventually spend just as much on the cheap ones, buying them over and over, than to just go one step up.

[@michelealdworth9297]

That goes for cars to.take care

[@unite4peaceonearth]

I think Scotty could be on an episode of hoarders. 🤔

[@jonmacdonald5345]

Chevy LS3 That or to catch a predator!

[@DeltaEchoGolf]

Bet he can find the tool he's looking for. But if you move one tool out place, his world would collapse.

[@mallowpufft9468]

Or Intervention. With that much energy he's gotta be on something 😄

[@codpug]

@@DeltaEchoGolf oh man that my shop for sure

[@heru-deshet359]

I dunno. He reminds me more of Dennis Hopper.

[@Devil914]

Fun fact: Harbor Freight shares the same warehouse as snap on. Harbor Freight is great. Not bias because I work here either. I never knew what Harbor Freight was until I started working here. Great place.

[@bobross9332]

5 years ago i bought a Daytona 3 ton floor jack from HF, delivered to my door for $109, one of the best purchases i've ever made, the thing is a beast and i have had no problems with it

[@buchl4970]

I’ve bought many power tools from harbor freight over the last ten years and they ALL are still working great.

[@dragon2knight]

I've had decent luck with Harbor Freight's higher end stuff, but avoid the cheaper stuff like the plague. Common sense alway's wins out in the end 👍

[@matthewdittmer1837]

I bought one of their jack hammers for a one time job because it was cheaper than renting and vastly exceeded my expectations.