Starting Trade Tools From Harbor Freight

[@RustedOatmeal]

Huge fan of HF. Maybe it's not good for everything, but the quality has really gone up in the last few years and with the lifetime guarantee you get exponentially more than your moneys worth

[@RogerWakefield]

Our store did seem to be low on a few items, but I agree lifetime guarantee is nice

[@seansaca]

@@RogerWakefieldthis is the same HF I go to. It does seem kind of bare a lot of the time. It probably gets more traffic than the store can accommodate. I’m always too fed up with traffic to drive to the one in Plano lol

[@streetskier]

Couldn't agree more. Is it for everything, no... is it for that one that one tool I rarely need for a job and don't want to shell out name brand prices for...YES.

[@jcmchandsomeface2292]

For all the young bucks and does starting out, don’t be afraid of harbor freight. If you’re just starting out, this video is good proof to show that you can decent set of tools for cheap and as you make your money, you can slowly replace these tools with more expensive tools down the road.

[@DragonBuilds]

I agree that it's a good idea to start out with cheaper stuff, but you shouldn't go too cheap as they're often unusable or break after just a couple uses. Of course, this doesn't apply to things that can cause injury or property damage if they fail like gas torches, torque wrenches, etc.

[@jessekatie8985]

my rule for tools is start cheap and work your way up through experience. you will find out which ones are worth spending the money on and which cheap-o will get the job done just as good

[@necmettinfarah9416]

My rule as well 😂

[@joshalvarez298]

The best thing I was ever told was: Buy your tools cheap, then the ones that break replace them with more expensive tools. That way you know which tools you use regularly and are not overspending on things you don't really need. Now lifesaving things like jackstands etc. Don't cheap out on! Ha

[@Bufosmixes]

That's exactly what I have been doing. Good thinking.

[@alexmcnuggets4984]

That’s really good idea.

[@DontLookBehindYou1]

That's smart

[@A6Legit]

The membership is actually easily worth it if you do much shopping there. Save a few bucks on stuff you buy all the time like consumables and items on sale and it easily covers $30 a year or whatever it costs

[@A6Legit]

Love HF. Especially for tools of different trades or DIY where you just need something that works, not top of the line.

[@TheYonkel]

Love HF. Get stuff there regularly.

[@skunked42]

Buy HF, if you use something enough to break it or just get fed up with how it works, replace with the good stuff. If it doesnt break..it was good enough.

[@chrismader3689]

I’ma big fan of their Doyle pliers, the main drawback compared to something like Klein is that they rust easier.

[@RogerWakefield]

Just keep outta the water 💧

[@JV-pu8kx]

I am a diehard Craftsman fan. I still value Harbor Freight. They do have some good things. Same with the Dollar stores.

[@JRHansin]

The icon brand they have is literally snap on quality

[@BryanTorok]

Every time I go to Harbor freight, I buy one of those $1.99 screwdrivers. In addition to giving you 2 Different Sized St. blades, two different sized Phillips, when you pull the screwdrivers out you have 1/4 inch and 5/16 inch not drivers. Those are the two most common sizes used for sheet metal screws and worm drive hose clamps. So the tool is really a six in one tool.

[@WINTERGREEN53]

Been using HF tools for years and they work just fine

[@TheGamingExposure]

That’s how I started in my trade. And to be honest I still buy a lot of stuff from there. I still buy tools from the tool truck or other places. But I love me some Harbor Freight.

[@dwighttheowl4309]

Aw man you got to get there 8" adjustable 2-in-1 wrench! I don't even use the 2-in-1 part. It is just a great adjustable wrench for the price tag!

[@annieworroll4373]

I don't know their specialty plumbing stuff, but for a shadetree mechanic they've got some great stuff. And some absolute trash, most of my stuff from there has been more towards the good end. Only thing I rely on that wasn't so great is my jack, their low profile one was cheap so I got it. It works fine, I just didn't realize how annoying the low profile would be working on mid size sedans. That issue is entirely on me for buying a product that didn't suit my needs. A low sports car of similar or lower weight to the sedans I usually drive, though, it would probably be amazing for the price.

[@DragonBuilds]

HF has a nice giant pipe wrench (36" for $25!). I bought Ridgid for the more common sizes after my cheap ones kept slipping on stainless steel (it's a lot harder than brass or iron!) but for getting an old connection unstuck nothing beats the $25 beast.

[@A6Legit]

1:51 when thats the price of a single tool at the "other" stores 😂

[@sirnameless7815]

I built my first toolbox from HFT and it's great. I have one of their Doyle box cutters and a set of multipurpose scissors which was only 99¢...both of those cut through things like butter. 😶

[@advancesystem21inc.24]

I love HF great tools and great prices.

[@RogerWakefield]

Is that where you go for your tools?

[@advancesystem21inc.24]

@@RogerWakefield I shop there mostly for hand tools and things like flap discs and other expendables and consumables, they also have a great selection of basic safety equipment. In the future I plan to try some of their nail guns and other equipment. I enjoy the channel by the way. Lots of great info.

[@derpydog1008]

​@@RogerWakefieldyup

[@RogerWakefield]

I appreciate that, thanks for watching

[@sinxaeroful]

I have a whole bag of just tools from HF. Its my backup backup bag. I let new people use it during training until they develop their own, and its also for technicians (really just one) who keeps forgetting their tools in their car or my personal favorite..they left it at the jobsite............

[@BryanTorok]

On the moral, ethical, and political side, I hate buying made in China. But on the practical and convenience side, I have to admit I do it. The thing is that HF is more convenient (closer) for me. Also, I it is a much shorter walk from the car to the store. Even after you get to the front door of HD or Lowe's it is still a long walk to the tool section. Now, HF has 6 to 8 times the store space and much wider selection. Most of the time when I go to HD I can't find what I need and I can't find anyone knowledgeable to help me. When I go to HF even the young lady at the cash register can tell me that item is in aisle 7, about half way down, and near the bottom shelf. That blows me away. Lastly, when I didn't even know what the tool I needed was called, I described it to an employee who took me right to the section and tool I needed. Great customer service. One last thing: While HF sells almost exclusively made in China tools, HF itself is an American privately held company providing jobs for lots of Americans.

[@stunner55]

Great video.

[@RogerWakefield]

Thanks!

[@Rgb414]

So idea for your next video, you use the tools that you purchased for a month on the job.

[@RogerWakefield]

Great idea

[@megadethguym7977]

The Doyle hand tools are pretty good

[@BryanTorok]

Only 501 likes and 73 comments. This video deserves a lot more.

[@RogerWakefield]

I'm right there with you...what did you like about the video?

[@BryanTorok]

@@RogerWakefield The practical advice about getting a beginning set of tools without spending $1,000 or $2,000 on the expensive tool truck brands. I have Pittsburgh tools that bought 15 or more years ago and still use. There was a time when you could mail order from HF and if you order was more than $50 they would ship it for free. I nice 5" vice and a 4 piece set of steel pipe wrenches (8", 12", 16", and 20") that I got with free shipping. I used the heck out them for years. I also like the similar video that you did at Lowe's. That highlights what you can get for a bit more money, although you can do much the same at HF. One thing, at HF I never buy the cheapest tool. I buy one or two steps up from the bottom. There is a sweet spot bet bang for the buck, good enough to get the job done, but not overly expensive. I've been watching your videos for years and learned a thing or two. Keep up the good work.

[@RogerWakefield]

HF really does have some decent quality tools, and you don't have to break the bank to get them. Thank you for sharing

[@wizard3z868]

Ive got a few tools from hf that i literally abuse the hell out oe them trying to break them, but they still stay in decent shape. Some slight deflection/bending but nothing to notice unless your looking for it.

[@she219]

Nice video Roger 👊🏿👊🏿👍🏾 as a plumber in Barbados I love tools

[@RogerWakefield]

Right on! I love them too, what’s your favorite?

[@she219]

My favorite it is channel lock pliers....

[@she219]

I would love to try my plumbing trade in the US

[@alfredoolvera2469]

Say roger went with a 22 0z Milwaukee hammer as biggest size home depot had in any brand in stock. Should i return and order a 24 oz online?

[@wizard3z868]

For flashlight there multi $3 cheap magntic and hook one and the led headband ones are great value and super usefull

[@Poopyhead1290ttv]

2:10 😂❤ funny editing

[@TershBlissett]

*Roger!! What's up brother?!?* What do you think the lifespan is on those "premium" tools from HF? I've had some Klein, Kobalt and Ridgid plyers that keep coming loose after less than a years worth of use...oh, and have you picked up a Komelon tape measure from Lowes? They are cheap and have lasted way longer than my Craftsman or Kobalt ones... Oh, and get the membership! It will have you buying all sorts of things you never knew you needed! 😂 Can't wait to visit your studio soon!

[@RogerWakefield]

Tersh!! good to hear from you brother...you know I haven't spent much time with those "premium" tools..It's hard to switch away from the ones I use everyday that work so well...I'll have to give them a chance some day though. See you soon brother

[@TershBlissett]

@@RogerWakefield see you soon…when I come to Dallas, we will have to make a trip to go check them out…try and break them!

[@friedpancakes266]

I love harbor frieght. Some of those specialty tools can cost hundereds. I always find it easier to buy a tool that looks similar for about $20 and then hack away at it with a grinder. It's probably the most functional thing you'll ever see. But if I'm to the point of needing to spend hundereds, I'm already in too deep to care about form

[@SMD28101]

excellent video

[@RogerWakefield]

Thank you very much!

[@Krbyfan1]

1:10 Its okay, that happens to everyone

[@humbertomacias3239]

These young guys are ashamed to buy HF and talk down on them online. Most of my tools are from HF because I have to buy in multiples. I havent had a tool I didn't like, if anything I get my tools stolen from my co workers. I've been in HF and my co worker refuse to buy a magnetic tray, but will easily borrow mine for his tough jobs. 😂 Childish but hey take my tools and It's just another opportunity to buy more.

[@RobertGuido]

I actually found it generally the reverse a lot of old timers will sit there and talk down they'll tell great about Craftsman and other brands that really don't exist like they used to. They still think it's 1975 and tools are expensive. They're relatively not anymore depending on what you're getting you can always find something that's entry level

[@humbertomacias3239]

@RobertGuido my dad is one of those old heads lol real old heads know that Craftsman warranty isn't the same anymore. I remember going to Macy's to swap tools with my dad when I was a kid. I got a new job in a trade and they buy us all our tools. They require us to buy milwaukee when possible which is nice. No one steals my tools anymore and I still got my magnetic trays 🍻

[@borissalvadormaldonado1962]

The real value from HF comes when you purchase their Icon, Pittsburgh, and Doyle tools. Most of those tools come with a hassle free lifetime warranty. You go to your nearest store with your broken tool, talk to an associate who will tell you to go and grab a brand new one. Even better, the three brands I mentioned are also very good quality and often compared to Knipex and Snap On.

[@tritonjackmam5.681]

HARBOUR FREIGHT NEEDS TO COME TO AUSTRALIA 🇦🇺 PLEASE THE TOOLS MARKET IS HUGE 💰💰💰💰💰

[@RogerWakefield]

Not many choices in tools?

[@kule510]

Now do one for when you want to spend a little more money on tools like a journeyman set lol

[@geraldlavacca5752]

Lowes, Harbor Freight. Now all thats left is Home Depot

[@RogerWakefield]

Noted!

[@adrianb7452]

YOOO that’s my local harbor freight

[@RogerWakefield]

Oh yeah? What makes you so sure? 😅🤣

[@HomeRapidRepair]

Save a few bucks 💰

[@RogerWakefield]

I certainly did!

[@Trafficcontrol16]

I love my harbor freight. It is usually stocked better than this one.

[@RogerWakefield]

This one was a little picked over...

[@Cheeseburger660]

I want to see more cheaper next time try the dollar store😆

[@RogerWakefield]

🤣💀

[@ericksosa1010]

Hahaha that the richardson tx harbor freight just went there

[@RogerWakefield]

Sure is! Did you find any good deals there?

[@dustincook2049]

0nly Ridged wrenches!

[@RogerWakefield]

💪🏻💪🏻

[@JohnRhodes-lv3rg]

Get them cheap to start and then if they break; you use them a lot and need more. If they get stolen a lot then buy cheap.

[@mathewcullinan2057]

I think you should take those tools to a job and let the swearing start should make good content, especially because you have used better tools in the past great video

[@george-101]

Could have gotten everything for about $40 with the 80% discount

[@RogerWakefield]

True, but that’s not the challenge!

[@thefrankperspective4247]

1:26 Noooooooooo.

[@RogerWakefield]

why not?

[@thefrankperspective4247]

@@RogerWakefield - line 5 Pittsburgh tape measures up out to 5’. Then grab a fat Stanley, Milwaukee, or that one you got at Lowe’s. You’ll have a deviation of .125”-.375” across all 5, and a chance none will line up with one of the big boys.

[@zaccody6980]

Im dead. She offered the rewards program or whatever and you declined it as if youll never be back😂. Fully understand though ive had harbor freight tool break the first time the got used😂😂😂

[@flamingsteve5883]

harbor freight's bad rep is unwarranted, ive gotten tools from there that are on par with their $200+ counterparts

[@hugoma5088]

Harbor freight is trash for production plumbing. Only milwaukee has been able to keep up with the hard work