The Good, Bad & Ugly of Harbor Freight!

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The Den of Tools

The Den of Tools

Күн бұрын

Пікірлер: 484
@oldschool823
@oldschool823 3 жыл бұрын
I miss the coupons, I could save when I wanted. Not when they want you to save.
@cardo1111
@cardo1111 3 жыл бұрын
Exactly. Since they tried to force all their customers to Inside Track membership my business with them is less than 1/2 of what it was a couple of years ago. I don't have an HF in my county so the coupons helped offset my shipping cost. I also don't like how they pick and choose which customer reviews they post, somewhat deceptive.
@netimage10s
@netimage10s 3 жыл бұрын
Since they got rid of the coupons(in American rifleman magazine)and monthly catalogs I unsubscribed from their useless email list.
@10-7blue8
@10-7blue8 3 жыл бұрын
I like being able to use the coupons on what I wanted, not what they wanted me to buy.
@chvydrptop
@chvydrptop 3 жыл бұрын
No one is praising this new system, just the bear 😆
@steveborawski3241
@steveborawski3241 3 жыл бұрын
Yep, I need the tool I need not the one that has a sales sticker.
@jozsefizsak
@jozsefizsak 3 жыл бұрын
Your honesty and candor are greatly appreciated, especially in this time of fake reviews being so very common. I didn't expect that a cartoon bear would turn out to be such a class act. 😊
@Lawson4450fire
@Lawson4450fire 3 жыл бұрын
Since they changed their coupon stuff , I find myself going less and less. I go there because I need something at that moment and can use a coupon. Now it's hard to get what I want when I need it so I just go to HD or Lowes or ACE.
@MrRob1426
@MrRob1426 3 жыл бұрын
👍
@frankdavidson9675
@frankdavidson9675 3 жыл бұрын
its still cheaper to go to harbor freight th an home depot or lowes
@springer-qb4dv
@springer-qb4dv 3 жыл бұрын
Yes without coupons, Home Depot/ Lowes or any of the local chain retailers have competitive prices to Harbor Freight. Since they got rid of coupon, I haven't been to HF except for the 30% off this weekend.
@brandonframe1743
@brandonframe1743 3 жыл бұрын
I haven't been to ACE in a long time
@frankdavidson9675
@frankdavidson9675 3 жыл бұрын
you still save a ton on most items also you can get 20% coupons still also they have items the other guys dont have i have had bad luck on garden hose to stiff in a coil wants to kink i lay off those for a retired home owner its a blessing to save a little
@bannisher
@bannisher 3 жыл бұрын
As a DIY, regular home owner I built my entire tool collection on HF. If something breaks or doesn't meet my standards later, then I buy the high quality replacement. I wouldn't be able to afford my full collection otherwise.
@315reelffishing7
@315reelffishing7 3 жыл бұрын
Same here
@devonrosa4414
@devonrosa4414 3 жыл бұрын
Same. And yeah, I can see how if you'd gotten used to the constant 20% off coupons with no exclusions I can see how that would be devastating to lose that. However, I came in at the very tail end of that about a year or so ago now, and I started rebuilding my tool collection.
@spuddoright1970
@spuddoright1970 3 жыл бұрын
I once took my young kids into HF and my daughter said, "daddy, what's that smell?"... i just laughed and said, "that's what China smells like". the more you know.
@justtime6736
@justtime6736 3 жыл бұрын
Only country whose GDP grew during the Plannedemic... 99.98 recovery... The most washed body part in 2020 was not the hands, but the brain... Don't even look at VAERS...
@JimmyMakingitwork
@JimmyMakingitwork 3 жыл бұрын
@@justtime6736 Because everything they report is 100% accurate. 🥸
@scoutmaster33
@scoutmaster33 3 жыл бұрын
Haven’t been to HF since they eliminated coupons and don’t plan on returning anytime soon.....
@grace4976
@grace4976 3 жыл бұрын
JCPennys eliminated coupons and went down hill fast
@frankdavidson9675
@frankdavidson9675 3 жыл бұрын
a bit of advice from a retiree you spend your money now with out thinking about the future when you retire you will wish you had saved more you want be able to make it on soc sec. alone im 87 but i planed mine many yrs ago so im ok
@scrumsey
@scrumsey 3 жыл бұрын
I buy less tools from them. I think it is because I no longer sit on the crapper flipping through the catalog anymore.
@KRT045
@KRT045 3 жыл бұрын
This is funny and true, I know because it’s the same for me. Thank goodness I have other reading material🤓 .
@lukaszelenal4278
@lukaszelenal4278 3 жыл бұрын
Nothing beats the days of when I bought my first home and didn’t have any money so I went to harbor freight for tools and left there with enough money to buy a Big Mac lol and I’m still using those clamps 5 years later lol
@brandonframe1743
@brandonframe1743 3 жыл бұрын
Funny thing is that HF and McD's is right next to each other in my nearby city
@Devosent
@Devosent 3 жыл бұрын
@@brandonframe1743 same where I live, there’s a HF literally connected to a shooting range and it’s close to a McD
@CmdrTigerKing
@CmdrTigerKing 2 жыл бұрын
Back in my day you could get a hamburger, 1 gallon of fuel and a hammer for $100.00 what happened to this world !
@Vreguleift
@Vreguleift 3 жыл бұрын
Five years ago, I didn't even want to set foot in a HF unless I needed jobber tools or certain materials (zip ties, enamel, etc.) Now, I love going there. Many of the non-specialist tools I use for my business are from there, and they've never failed me. I'm lucky enough to live within 20 mins of a HF, HD, Lowe's, and Ace, and I go to them all for different reasons. It's not perfect, but it's one hell of a lot better than it used to be.
@wes7235
@wes7235 3 жыл бұрын
I haven't been to HF since they discontinued the coupons. I knew I could always save 20% on whatever item I chose. They are crazy if they think the coupons didn't bring customers in the door. I'll still shop at HF occasionally, but not nearly as often.
@l00nybin
@l00nybin 3 жыл бұрын
On whatever item?? That 20% coupon had so many exclusions that it was practically useless unless you wanted Quinn or Doyle hand tools. No Bauer, Hercules, Icon, Daytona jacks, etc.
@meegstomtom
@meegstomtom 3 жыл бұрын
@@l00nybin I was thinking the same thing. Lol usually their good stuff wasn't allowed on the coupon.
@MichaelGalletly
@MichaelGalletly 3 жыл бұрын
We're getting a Harbor Freight in Tooele, UT. I'm very excited. Wife and teen daughter who thought the new building was going to be a clothing store are... not as excited.
@bradhaines3142
@bradhaines3142 3 жыл бұрын
i went to harbor freight to buy a tool box and they were too busy to bother with me, so i instead went to home depot. dude helped me get it to the door and made sure it had everything it was supposed to, even asked if i wanted help getting it in the car. turns out, a few of my coworkers bought their boxes from harbor freight, and the drawers wont stay closed anymore. so i think i dodged a bullet there
@the_langss
@the_langss 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the Video..... People can say what they want about HF Quality, But I'm here to tell you, if you don't go out of your way to destroy tools they will last. In 98 I changed departments where I worked. I needed a 90* Die Grinder. I paid $22....I never expected it to last forever, but I used it almost every day until I retired in 2015. It locked up (1) time because I had not been oiling it properly....resolved that and it never missed a beat after that....In fact I still use it now that I am retired....I would say that's a good value.
@AM-st6ey
@AM-st6ey 3 жыл бұрын
I hope they bring back the old coupon system.... flipping though the catalog with a drink was a nice way of unwinding after work
@zachronspees6432
@zachronspees6432 3 жыл бұрын
Think one of the hidden gems at HF is the Pittsburgh Pro line of ratcheting wrenches. Especially if one want a different style wrench (flex head or double box end), one would be hard press to beat the quality & price point.
@markashlock9017
@markashlock9017 3 жыл бұрын
Really miss the 20% Coupons. I used to go in 3 or 4 times a week. Now doing good to get in once every couple of weeks. Hope someone from HF are reading comments. Good vid. Thanks!!!
@willb3018
@willb3018 3 жыл бұрын
I didn't go that often but at least a couple of times a month. Haven't been there in 2 months now.
@Hipsters_N_Hippies
@Hipsters_N_Hippies 3 жыл бұрын
17:07 no, I was definitely using the 20% off all the time. I’m the extremely poor demographic. And the truth is more than a few times it saved us. Mom was a single mom. And we didn’t have money or a person to help. So I had to learn a lot of things the hardest way.
@buildyourself4075
@buildyourself4075 3 жыл бұрын
same. but you're tougher that way. thats how strength is built
@Hipsters_N_Hippies
@Hipsters_N_Hippies 3 жыл бұрын
since they slowed the 20% down. And when they did come out the inside track club has the better deal with the 30% off $20 or less, instead of the $10 or less. I finally decided to join for a year. I hope it holds its value over this year to prove it’s going to be worth it to me to join again.
@ChrisLoew
@ChrisLoew 3 жыл бұрын
Garage sales and craigslist tool lots are the best deal out there.
@Mr-Chris
@Mr-Chris 3 жыл бұрын
I used to go to Harbor Freight like every two weeks. Since they discontinued the coupons, I stopped going.
@markraffensperger2339
@markraffensperger2339 3 жыл бұрын
weekly here until they dropped their bathroom reading materials.
@BigBear--
@BigBear-- 3 жыл бұрын
Great overview. That’s generally how I feel about Harbor Freight, there’s Good, there’s Bad, and there’s some Ugly. But you can’t help not love the place...I feel like a kid in a candy or toy store whenever I walk into that place.
@justtime6736
@justtime6736 3 жыл бұрын
Only place I could find an adjustable spanner wrench. American verbiage spanner btw.
@Misterfairweather
@Misterfairweather 3 жыл бұрын
When I started working on cars at home the only game in town was Sears and I bought a craftsmen set. It was good enough, then we got a harbor freight and I was able to pick up a lot of tools that I needed but couldn't have afforded otherwise. Starting a few years back they started selling their big sets similar to my old craftsman set and every tool in it was better than my old craftsman version. I've bought 5 or 6 of these sets for young people getting started in cars because I know how much that first craftsman set meant to me starting out. Harbor Freight makes tools accessible to people and I appreciate that.
@binbashbuddy
@binbashbuddy 3 жыл бұрын
I have a friend who will drive to 5 different grocery stores with his coupons because he knows where all the best deals are. I drive to one grocery store and buy all of my groceries right there because I just want to get my stuff and get back home.
@MikeBrown-ii3pt
@MikeBrown-ii3pt 3 жыл бұрын
I buy all of my canned and non-perishable stuff at one store but I buy my meat at a small shop a few miles away. The quality is much better, the prices aren't that much higher, it's locally raised and, for steaks, chops etc. they'll cut it the way you want it. They also have several varieties of homemade sausage and bratwurst and their ground chuck is so lean that you HAVE to ad some fat so that it'll hold together if you're making burgers.
@binbashbuddy
@binbashbuddy 3 жыл бұрын
@@MikeBrown-ii3pt -- Yep, you sound like my buddy. I'll just pay more where the best product is and get what I need without driving all over town to get the best whatever. If I'm not saving enough to pay for my time I'm not doing it, and I consider my time very expensive. Not driving out of my way and spending an extra 10 minutes between the drive and getting inside and finding the product to save 50 cents. I'd better be saving multiples of dollars if that's gonna happen.
@PhillyFixed
@PhillyFixed 3 жыл бұрын
With gas prices the last week or two, he's probably spending more driving around! haha.
@l00nybin
@l00nybin 3 жыл бұрын
@@PhillyFixed now, yes. Last year, it was worth it if the stores were reasonably close.
@MikeBrown-ii3pt
@MikeBrown-ii3pt 3 жыл бұрын
@@binbashbuddy I don't "drive all over town". The meat market is on my way to/from the other store. You're time isn't worth any more than mine, just like mine isn't worth any more than yours. However, the quality and service I get at the local shop far outweighs the 10-15 cents/lb I'd save by buying mass produced, prepackaged meat from the big grocery store.
@dtroxel7318
@dtroxel7318 3 жыл бұрын
The last 2 times I was in HF in Frederick an employee would ask if I needed help. I would explain what I wanted and they were able to take me directly to the items. Keep up the good work.
@toploadtele
@toploadtele 3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff Red... If I didn't know better, you could have been trained by Circuit City Corporate sales training department from back in the 80's! The concise & accurate delivery in your presentations is refreshing. We were trained to use the FAB method selling Hi-Fi gear in the mid 70's - Feature, Advantage, Benefit... it works every time!
@rpavlik1
@rpavlik1 3 жыл бұрын
A bit I appreciate: the automatic emailed receipt. You know everybody is tracking your purchases anyway, at least they let *you* benefit from it. I can just search my email, instead of hoping I had scanned it or put the paper somewhere. I think the biggest purchase I ever made there, which was with a 20% coupon, was a folding 4x8 trailer. Other than that, the 20% did make impulse buys easier. I do have a bunch of the blue led flashlights, and the magnetic parts dish are handy when I remember to use them 🤣 This was all very well said and reasonable. Hopefully folks at the Freight watch and address the issues you point out. As a satisfied Craftsman C3 user, I feel the pain of being left behind on a battery platform. Think C3 is now 2 battery platforms behind current Craftsman 20ish V
@kenneychappuis1853
@kenneychappuis1853 3 жыл бұрын
I remember Harbor Freight was a traveling road show. You would get a terrible photo copy of a 8 page catalog. It was total chaos but they were trying.
@jvh22a
@jvh22a 3 жыл бұрын
When was this. I found out about then about early 2000 and went to the Pasadena store.
@kenneychappuis1853
@kenneychappuis1853 3 жыл бұрын
@@jvh22a Early 80’s they would pass out flyers at the Tulare farm show
@mrfunkybassist
@mrfunkybassist 3 жыл бұрын
I hate the lack of coupons cause i know they’re not dropping the prices like they said they were and i used to get a bunch of free stuff using coupons from hfqpdp. I got so many of those magnetic tool holders and screw holders for every purchase i made especially since they let u stack coupons. Now since they got rid of the coupons, i’ve only gone in a couple times.
@ShakespeareCafe
@ShakespeareCafe 3 жыл бұрын
Anyone know why they are closing out the $20 metal folding stepstool? I bought one for a camping table...hope they replace it with a similar one...it works great and is solid
@drewpickard554
@drewpickard554 3 жыл бұрын
Im been shopping at harbor freight for I dunno 10-15 years. I still do like the store, but I do feel the higher end tools they have kinda lost their way some. Like I get having the good lines, but I feel more like they have taken over. My local HF is sandwiched between a Home Depot and Lowes. So I dont really want the better stuff there, I usally have to go to one of the big box stores anyways for materials. Im all about going in there to get the tools that are far cheaper. Not really bitching, but I do see the more higher end stuff goes in there the less floor space for the stuff I have always gotten there/ tired of those tool carts in the way lol. I do really like they are American owned
@ryans9416
@ryans9416 3 жыл бұрын
I hear you on the employee training. I went to my local HF and asked one of the employees where the bottle jacks were, he walked me over to the Daytona floor jacks and pointed to the floor jacks and said "Here you go". I politely said I was looking for a bottle jack, not a floor jack. He said he didn't know what a bottle jack was and had to ask somebody else about it over his 2-way radio. Nice kid, just not well versed in their inventory or basic tools.
@buildyourself4075
@buildyourself4075 3 жыл бұрын
thats any store. Being it a hardware store doesn't mean anything. no better than your autozone Guy being far from a mechanic. its just a store like jc Penney or walmart in the end
@MrCloudcroft
@MrCloudcroft 3 жыл бұрын
Hey Bear, Thanks for all your work on turning out these videos. Just my two cents here, I tried getting into one of the earlier H.F. Drill and battery platforms thinking I would expand it to cover all my needs. The batteries lasted a few months and the gears in the hammer drill failed. The battery analyzer fried while in my hand after 4 or 5 months. No warranty left but I was hoping for some mercy, no luck. I’m an active do it yourselfer. I don’t abuse my tools. The coupons would still bring me into the store. now that’s gone. H.F. Did me a favor, I buy what I need from Lowe’s or H.D. I spend a little more but I don’t have to deal with the disappointment. Side note Amazon sells decent 19.2 Craftsman knock-off batteries , so all my 19.2 tools are still serving me well.
@MikeBrown-ii3pt
@MikeBrown-ii3pt 3 жыл бұрын
I have one thing to ad but you can decide if it belongs in the "bad" or "ugly" area. A few weeks ago, I bought 2 of the Braun #63983 work lights. One was fine but the led charge indicator didn't light up when I plugged in the second (I tried the charging cables from both lights on it). The next day, I exchanged it for another one which also was good. With all that said, the following week, I was in the store again and the light that I'd exchanged was on the "open box" shelf with a price sticker $1 less than an unopened one. The sticker also said "as is no returns or exchanges" on it. I KNOW that it was my exchanged light because I'd cut the plastic very carefully to avoid cutting the cable with my utility knife when I opened it and, I put it back in its original packaging in a certain way before exchanging it. I told them that the charge indicator didn't light up when I plugged it in so I think that someone probably turned it on, saw that it worked (because of the slight charge from factory testing) and then put it on the open box shelf.
@turbo1gts
@turbo1gts 3 жыл бұрын
Harbor Freight for me used to be cheap tools that were not as durable or as precision as name brand tools(especially power tools), but would last if not put through abuse. They still have that budget line of tools that serve the DIY segment, but now have upgraded product lines that are much better than five years ago. I am glad they are doing well, they bring easier access to good tools to more people, expanding to more places all the time.
@davidg5704
@davidg5704 3 жыл бұрын
I pulled the trigger and joined the ITC and have saved more money and have better tools than ever using coupons. Instant savings imo is the best. Its paid for itself in just 3 months of using it. Thanks Bear for the great video.
@AndrewDasilvaPLT
@AndrewDasilvaPLT 3 жыл бұрын
Sorry bear, I loved the coupons so I could choose what I wanted to use my savings on.
@user_16309
@user_16309 3 жыл бұрын
Bought a bench top drill press in about 1985 for home/hobby use. Still works just fine.
@gjolinares23
@gjolinares23 3 жыл бұрын
The Bauer demo hammers used to be pretty decent and last us 2-3 years. The last few we purchased all fell apart same day of unboxing. The Hercules one we used wasn’t very good either, it was weaker than the Bauer. Harbor Freight is fine for some things but I have no confidence in Bauer and Hercules tools longevity/ quality.
@BillyBlaze7
@BillyBlaze7 3 жыл бұрын
I would like to se HF come out with a much higher set of ramps, especially since now I have no jack stands
@wizard3z868
@wizard3z868 3 жыл бұрын
no thx i dont like trusting my life to the cheapest thing i can find. my life isnt worth much but still more than HF lol
@handymanhoney-do6881
@handymanhoney-do6881 3 жыл бұрын
Big takeaway---the Franklin “little giant” ladder is currently at $99!!! Thanks, Red-I’ve been watching for that price drop since I missed it a few months ago.
@djjinerson
@djjinerson 3 жыл бұрын
It can’t be any worse than my last trip to Lowe’s. I was waiting for the apocalypse to kick off in that place. No employees, lines out the door. The few employees that were their were either 70+ or out on work release. Took 20 minutes at the register to sell me 4 carriage bolts. The girl “very new” had no idea how to ring them up and when she asked a senior rep the older rep said you’ll never learn unless you look it up. Well that was another 10 minutes :( people were yelling in frustration and about to lose it. I think they are trying to drive people out of brink and mortar and to online.
@srogers88
@srogers88 3 жыл бұрын
That’s why I do buy online pickup in store. Almost every time I look around and try and buy something while I’m in store like a good markdown or clearance item and every time I just get tired of waiting and walk out
@jacklabloom635
@jacklabloom635 3 жыл бұрын
I’ve saved thousands of dollars buying Harbor Freight tools and doing the job myself. In 2017, I was quoted $4500 to replace two flights of carpeted stairs with hardwood stairs. I spent $450 on tools and $1100 on material and did the work myself. I saved nearly $3000 on that one DIY project. I saved even more on laying porcelain tiles in three bathrooms and one laundry room. When I was done, I sold the Harbor Freight tile saw with the $50 blade I purchased separately for $275.00 cash. I have only had one Harbor Freight Tool fail. It was a chop saw for cutting steel. It failed after about forty cuts of 2 inch by 2 inch square tubing. One of the plastic screw in brush retainer caps broke, when I tried to replace the brushes. It has been sitting in my attic for over ten years. I still saved money by doing that project myself. I was making standoffs for a boat dock.
@sethjohnson940
@sethjohnson940 3 жыл бұрын
I love how the " clearance" items are the same price as they always are LMAO
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that has been a huge joke. Often the clearance price is more than the sale price.
@superd7479
@superd7479 3 жыл бұрын
I’ve bought many tools on clearance price from Harbor Freight and they’ve been 10-25% cheaper than regular price! As a matter of fact that is how I buy anything from Harbor Freight is during their clearance sales! The last thing I bought was a 3/4”x100’ industrial grade water hose normal price $32 paid $25
@mustbefamousjr4888
@mustbefamousjr4888 3 жыл бұрын
Recently a few have increased in price
@justtime6736
@justtime6736 3 жыл бұрын
Most products are increased in price prior to going on sale. Grocery stores do this often.
@michaelpearce8661
@michaelpearce8661 3 жыл бұрын
@@denoftools the Warrior is reduced. I purchased it about two weeks ago to see how well the 12 volt system works. The drill doesn't have much extra power and needed to get my Makita driver. The light is the brightest light that I own and was very surprised.
@brentfiscus6357
@brentfiscus6357 3 жыл бұрын
My biggest complaint about Harbor Freight and a lot of other manufacturers is that I want socket sets and wrench sets that do not skip sizes. That's the exact reason why I have fallen so hard for tekton tools, I love the sets that I've gotten from them.
@SuperJamster1
@SuperJamster1 3 жыл бұрын
Three years ago I recommend "The Bear" to their employees while I was visiting. The staff member took down your KZbin name promised to look it up. Of course, my favorite HF story is when an employee pushing a flatbed cart full of box surgical/nitrile gloves accidentally crashed it into a display, and then in frustration, started to kick the boxes across the room, one by one, by one. . Wish I had videoed it. :P
@Crimsonvandal
@Crimsonvandal 3 жыл бұрын
7:07 I was surprised by how well they treat their employees
@danaseger3792
@danaseger3792 3 жыл бұрын
There health insurace for employee is great.
@vernonpeterson3323
@vernonpeterson3323 3 жыл бұрын
I did the inside track club years back. I dropped it because they never had any deals I wanted. Recently,I bought a Titanium welder and the manager cut me a deal if I would sign up for a two year ITC. I noticed that since they dropped the coupons the ITC deals got better so I have been in the store more often.
@Lewis.Alcindor
@Lewis.Alcindor Жыл бұрын
I've only been inside a HF once to buy a cheap set of metric box wrenches and metric hex wrenches. I would go more often, but their only NYC location is located at Hamilton Av in Brooklyn. I live in Queens and Manhattan, so it is really inconvenient to go to this store (which is right next to one of the only Lowe's in NYC also; the other location is by King's Plaza). The Brooklyn Queens Expressway passes by this store, but traffic has been horrendous ever since they closed 1/3 of the lanes by the Brooklyn Heights cantilevers. So I would never voluntarily come here unless I was actually passing by (which is almost never). On the other hand, it is relatively close to the only full-service IKEA in NYC, so presumably you can visit this store on the same trip. But, navigating the turn lanes on Hamilton Av is a bit tricky. Best to rely on GPS until you get more local street knowledge.
@Packerfan-qc6cs
@Packerfan-qc6cs 3 жыл бұрын
Agree about the lynx. I have the hedge trimmer and blower. They work well, but hate seeing the battery line die. Has turned me off from buying any HF battery lines now. Will stick with name brands. Love HF for other tools.
@CorbyQ
@CorbyQ 3 жыл бұрын
My mid roll ad was the Charmin bears. The beats are taking over
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
That is so emBEARrassing.
@twinwankel
@twinwankel 3 жыл бұрын
The latest free screwdriver set is crap but the set before wasn't bad. I use it as pry bars and general purpose leverage devices. The free LED flashlights are very bright, just not durable. Still usable. Magnetic parts holder is decent. Just too small. 5 inch would be better. Some of the older tools are junk. I had some needle nose locking pliers that were so soft that the teeth wore out in one use. After getting replacements, they are now somewhat usable. The best thing I have ever found in HF were the Apache cases. They are solid and much cheaper than the national brands.
@johngilligan5702
@johngilligan5702 3 жыл бұрын
The pre-sale process is broken. I purchased an item which was out of stock during the February 20% off sale. In may, I still had not received the item and had to call dozens of times to complain. They had items in stock - but couldn’t give me one because those items were set aside for other customers.
@jrbullock87
@jrbullock87 2 жыл бұрын
I used to think HF only sold junk and so I had never went into a store. However, after actually going into a store for the first time I now love HF!
@davejohnson3573
@davejohnson3573 3 жыл бұрын
The Good: A couple of years ago I needed a hydraulic crimper for installing lugs on large wire. #4. The harbor freight nearest the job did not have one in stock. But, the manager checked his computer and found one a a store a distance away. He called to make sure they actually had one in stock. He had them reserve it for my name through the end of the next day. I picked it up on the way home, even though it was a significant detour. This was an example of GOOD customer service.
@Joeak74
@Joeak74 3 жыл бұрын
The Sparks, NV store has marked down/returned items priced more than the same 'NEW' item. WTH?
@colinklang
@colinklang 3 жыл бұрын
Lol ours too. The clearance section is barley marked down. Then there's the scratch and dent section. Socket sets and whatnot that are not complete. Nobody needs a 10mm. You don't need to worry about that. Nah it will be fine
@TeamWagy
@TeamWagy 3 жыл бұрын
As far as the free items go, I'm not surprised they changed it. people used to come into the store and buy a 50 cent snap knife and get a free flashlight or tarp.
@ferguson8143
@ferguson8143 3 жыл бұрын
By far my favorite purchase from HF is their 12,000lb winch for 300$ and out of the different brands I have owned bad lands blows them all away
@scottcline87
@scottcline87 3 жыл бұрын
I'm gonna go get the franklin ladder tomorrow to replace a 6 and 8 foot step ladder. Need functionality of an extension ladder to clean gutters and use on stairs at our front door to reach the gutters as well.
@benkuhle9412
@benkuhle9412 3 жыл бұрын
The only issue I’ve had with HF is the warranty doesn’t cover a lot of tools in the “automotive” area. I couldn’t get a lug nut socket warrantied and they do not sell them separately so I had to buy an identical one from somewhere else.
@nickabel8279
@nickabel8279 3 жыл бұрын
One Reddit post bought lithelli battery. Says it doesn't work. No other comments online. Thank you for revisiting that. My lynx saw is good for 14 inch n slower
@TKevinBlanc
@TKevinBlanc 3 жыл бұрын
I love the place. I still mostly buy inexpensive hand tools, air tools, etc., but I'm happy with it.
@PhillyFixed
@PhillyFixed 3 жыл бұрын
I really want to see them giving you more than a 90-day warranty on the Hercules line at a minimum, without needing to buy an extended warranty. Like 2 years on the tool and a year on the battery would be reasonable. Otherwise you're paying Ryobi / Ridgid / Kobalt prices or close to it in some cases and it doesn't make sense to not go with the others.
@gregbenwell6173
@gregbenwell6173 3 жыл бұрын
Battery Comment- I just bought a BRAND NEW Ryobi One + 18 volt 3/8" cordless screw gun/ drill AND a Impact Driver which is also a One + platform Ryobi! The reason was because I was given a nearly complete set of older (blue) Ryobi tools that include a reciprocating saw, 5 and 1/2" circular saw, 1/2" cordless drill, Dust Buster style Vacuum, and a flashlight that all use the older 18 volt One + batteries!! On a happy accident, I wasn't aware that the new batteries fit the older tools or that the older batteries fit the newer tools either!! BUT I am so glad I "dodged the bullet" by buying a different brand of tools!! And honestly I was planning on slowly upgrading all my cordless tools to ONE TYPE anyhow, because I was fed up having three or four different battery chargers laying around!!
@deanslegos1990
@deanslegos1990 3 жыл бұрын
Lowes training suggested I use a jigsaw to cut drywall for and outlet box instead of an oscillating tool. One among many gems in the tool world training sessions. They did link me to some wood work web videos though so they weren't completely lost 😅
@rpavlik1
@rpavlik1 3 жыл бұрын
Oh my word. I never use a jigsaw if I have an alternative, frequently the oscillating tool is my alternative.
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
That's old school. We use to do that back in the day. Hell Makita sells a specialty jig saw made specifically for overhead cutting drywall.
@frugalprepper
@frugalprepper 3 жыл бұрын
You know, I just don't go to Harbor Freight that often, and when I do I just don't buy as much. I think the old cheesy fliers I got in the mail with the coupons, gave me a chance to sit back and look at all the tools and the coupons gave me a sense of urgency to go get the deal. Plus they are still running reduced Covid hours here, so they are never open when I am ready to go get stuff, and the other day I was there, and they are like "The store is closing in 45 minutes!" as soon as I walked in. I was like "Oh NO 45 Minutes! It's okay I will just go across the street to Home Depot!" and I left. Today I went to buy a dump bed yard trailer for my riding mower. I ended up skipping it at $119 because for $129 rural king had one that was already assembled, so I didn't have to mess with it. I would have gotten it if I had a %20 off coupon to throw on it though.
@jimcars6468
@jimcars6468 3 жыл бұрын
@24:32 the recall on the Portland chainsaw. Has it been corrected & are they selling the “new/fixed” version of the Portland chainsaw? The reason I ask is that I recently purchased this chainsaw. If I need to take it back I will. I haven’t used it yet, & now am hesitant to use it if I bought a pre-recalled chainsaws.
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah, that was addressed a few years ago.
@pmdoit
@pmdoit 3 жыл бұрын
I would love to see free shipping for Inside Track members. I'm my opinion that would drive a lot of business and add value to Inside Track membership.
@anthonytech
@anthonytech 3 жыл бұрын
Yes yes yes! I've been saying the same thing!
@rogeroday9408
@rogeroday9408 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for being honest. HF is my Andy store. I’m a professional mechanic in buildings. I don’t hesitate to use HF tools if I believe they are good enough. I do wish HF was more open communicating. Again. Thanks Bear.
@wheelstandr
@wheelstandr 3 жыл бұрын
I was never a coupon guy, but once I got accustomed to using them, I thought it was fun. I really miss my dual coupon catalog. My purchasing has plummeted since they got rid of them. I will say, that I hit the store pretty hard and theres less I need, but I could have said that before. Doesn't help that its a 160 mile round trip to all three in my area.
@ryanmacewen511
@ryanmacewen511 3 жыл бұрын
I turned in 4 of the 6 ton stands in silver. Got a store credit. Been waiting for some kind of replacement from them. Crickets. But Good point I also make. These stands were under other brands for sure too! No recalls under other brands. This earned my trust in jacks and jack stands, at least. Just waiting on something to fill the hole.
@chrispurse3931
@chrispurse3931 3 жыл бұрын
Dodge City Kansas where I live just opened a HF. 25k population. We have a Sutherland's, True Value, Ace Hardware, an Orschelns and Tractor Supply . This ought to be interesting to see how long it lasts.
@knowhoweman
@knowhoweman 3 жыл бұрын
The local store here said they are working on getting buy online/ pick up in store.
@karljay7473
@karljay7473 3 жыл бұрын
I just bought $250.00 worth of stuff, all < $20 each and signed up for the ITC, they even gave me the $10 gift card because I complained about the computer being down during the last 30% off deal. Only problem was they were out of the $19 digital calipers. I don't need them, but I don't need 1/2 the tools I have :D. I actually bought extra angle grinders just so that I don't have to change them. Now I have 6 different angle grinders, just to have different tools on them and not have to change them out. I'll find out just how good the free stuff is for us ITC people.
@covishen
@covishen 3 жыл бұрын
As an employee they need to provide better product training. With the Icon recall it would have been nice to tell the employees about it before the customers started coming in.
@bryansmith5980
@bryansmith5980 3 жыл бұрын
To me I watch the inside track club sales. And it seems to always be the same stuff each month. My inside track membership is all most up and I do not think I am going to renew it?
@indianaoutdoors4379
@indianaoutdoors4379 2 жыл бұрын
Harbor Freight buys 20k of your merch shirts for new uniform shirts options. That would be a great way to support the channel. Publicity in the stores and the profits off the shirts.
@nothing2tube689
@nothing2tube689 3 жыл бұрын
If I had a store only 15min away I would be happy and broke, I won't go because they over an hour away, but I'm still broke..go figure 😉
@jamessandifer3405
@jamessandifer3405 3 жыл бұрын
I buy lot's of tools there period. Some used regularly some not, but when I need them they're there. Besides if I borrow it and tear it up, I have to buy it anyways. If I think I will or can tear it up I get the warranty. It's paid for itself multiple times. I don't care about brand names I just want it to do what it's suppose to do. If it does it cheaper awesome. My grand daddy use to say " I could tear up a anvil with a rubber mallet."
@charlesgerlach7059
@charlesgerlach7059 3 жыл бұрын
why l like the Bear, he tells it like it is no matter what store or brand. keep it up. I like those instant coupons, takes away from taking time looking online and all over
@crustyHO
@crustyHO 3 жыл бұрын
Walked in there yesterday and the shelves where wiped clean. Don't know if it was a big influx of people buying or a shortage on shipping new stock. Was going to grab another 18V drillmaster cadium battery pack, completely out, along with most the other power tool brands.
@kylehardman9135
@kylehardman9135 3 жыл бұрын
the uk needs a harbor freight i remember my scout group getting a new hall not having the budget and having to beg for stuff to help get set up tools were a must ngl
@allanbarr5186
@allanbarr5186 3 жыл бұрын
Do you happen to know if they are going to have a coupon for the apex badland 12,000 lb synthetic rope winch coming fairly quickly?
@baron24601
@baron24601 3 жыл бұрын
I'm running low on free tape measures and microfiber towels.... but my 20+ magnetic parts trays are forever!
@majorret3104
@majorret3104 3 жыл бұрын
I was in our local HF store several days ago. This was always a busy store at any time of the day. But at that time, the store had only a few shoppers. As others have mentioned, the 20% off coupon was my motivation to visit. I'd be interested to see sales numbers since the beginning of the 'coupon less' model.
@boydmerriman
@boydmerriman 3 жыл бұрын
I know their computer for stores do not always jive with the online system because they fussed at me for ordering my annual membership online instead of in the store. My card didn't work and they had to manipulate the system in order to get my first purchase using my membership. It's cleared up now, but it was a bit frustrating.
@northpoint1039
@northpoint1039 3 жыл бұрын
I joined that inside track club and had a problem with it. They could never scan my card and it would error out. So, Every time I went there it took twice as long to pay for anything. They kept making excuses and then I just never renewed it. I got it because I bought the Gen. Two piece storage unit and that Wood work bench. Don't get me wrong, I love shopping at HF. One thing you have to pay attention too is if you buy a tool cabinet or what ever then you better open the box and make sure its not damaged. Seems like they have a problem with that. I don't have a truck so I have to rent one when ever I buy something large. I need a cabinet now as I have too many tools. I was thinking I would buy two of those wooden workbenches they show for 149.oo and combine the drawers into one unit. I can fit those in car and skip the cost of truck rental. Just a 'back burner' thought - Any comments on that?
@timwood6115
@timwood6115 3 жыл бұрын
My greatest disappointment with Harbor Freight was when I bought a dust collector. I unpacked it, but didn't assemble it right away or do a parts inventory. When I started to put it together, I couldn't find some of the parts. contacted Harbor Freight and offered to buy replacements for the missing parts. They refused to do so. So, I've got a $200 dust collector that I can't use. I bought another dust collector from another company. I still have the HF dust collector and hope to someday figure out something to do with it.
@a787fxr
@a787fxr 3 жыл бұрын
I have a question for you. Why don't DeWalt, Milwaukee, Echo or other big battery operated tool companies offer the small roto tillers?
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
I have no idea! I'm stunned they don't.
@thomashajicek2747
@thomashajicek2747 3 жыл бұрын
On the shipping, I think you don't see free shipping from HF because it's never truly free anywhere. Others just build it into the price. I agree they need some kind of ship to store, or some way to order an item not in stock. My HF is 30 minutes away, and there's nothing worse than making that drive, finding out they don't have it, and your only option is to have to drive back another day and hope it's on the self then. At least they have stepped up to having store stock status online for most items, but as we've all probably found out the hard way, those in stock numbers with any store can be pretty inaccurate.
@warrenr7187
@warrenr7187 3 жыл бұрын
had bought a Chicago Electric 18 volt drill and impact driver a few years ago, finally the battery wouldn't hold a charge went to buy a new battery and found out they don't have that line of tool anymore, nor a repacement only different line of tool with no trade in discount.Went to big box and bought ryobi replacement. Was upset with H.F. over this .They still carry the drill master brand. HAVENT understood there line of though on this'
@johnbailey1085
@johnbailey1085 3 жыл бұрын
Jonesboro, AR Harbor Freight Employees are awesome, Especially the store Manager. The store is packed anytime it is open, great place. BTW, I miss the catalog, but I like the sale prices better than the 20% coupon. With all the exclusions, I never used the coupon, but now, I buy a lot more, because the sales include the good tools also.
@DIYAudioGuy
@DIYAudioGuy 3 жыл бұрын
If Harbor Freight would like to connect with more KZbinrs all they need to do is ask. I use a lot of their tools and I would love to push their affiliate links if I could.
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
They don't have affiliate links.
@DIYAudioGuy
@DIYAudioGuy 3 жыл бұрын
@@denoftools They are missing out on a ton of sales.
@denoftools
@denoftools 3 жыл бұрын
@@DIYAudioGuy Yeah but here is the thing. Almost all affiliate marketing is for online sales and HF does not seem all that concerned with online. It sucks, if they had it I'd be retired by now, lol.
@CorbyQ
@CorbyQ 3 жыл бұрын
I just found this channel today. I’m in love. Such a breath of fresh air. I love the concept. I love Harbor Freight. I’m trying my hand at hobby wood working I go to HF at least once a week.
@gregghernandez2714
@gregghernandez2714 3 жыл бұрын
Hey Red, next time you speak to those people over at Harbor Freight, you should tell them to invent a line of battery adapters for their batteries, and their products. They would sell like hotcakes (or so the saying goes). For example an adapter that would attach to a Ryobi battery so that it would work on a Hercules tool or vise versa. I am currently in the Ryobi and Ridgid battery powered tool line and this is what keeps me from investing in the Hercules cordless tools. I do plan on getting the Hercules portable table saw, just because it is so very cool!
@dubbedmodz7253
@dubbedmodz7253 3 жыл бұрын
I wonder if they still giving replacement for jackstands, I still have a truck on them goin on 3 years now, but it's coming down soon
@coreyflynn9333
@coreyflynn9333 3 жыл бұрын
I keep looking at the Hercules line but it’s missing a few tools and I’m worried it will be gone in 2 years. My ryobi set is 10 years old and I only have 1 battery and it’s on its past leg. But I love all the little gadgets you can get. I have the tire pump and stuff. Plus I wanted to go all brushless... and I wanted to look at 12v. Been thinking Mikita maybe? Or Milwaukee. Both are pricey but have extensive 12v lineups.
@luvdady
@luvdady 3 жыл бұрын
Yeah he is still the best thing for the toss away stuff. Hole saw kits , auger drill bit for coaxial cable and fish rods. All way cheaper than the competition.
@ElectronicsForFun
@ElectronicsForFun 3 жыл бұрын
I have some of those luminar lanterns. it's like having the sun in a can. but yeah those yellow batteries are trash, they go dead almost instantly.
@pugmalley
@pugmalley 3 жыл бұрын
I like the Pittsburgh ratchets over the Icon. I have a blue 44" US General bottom that works just fine. If I get another box it would be a smaller top US General. US General and Pittsburgh in my opinion are better then the old sears Craftsman stuff.
@curtbalch2321
@curtbalch2321 3 жыл бұрын
I don't miss the BS ads and coupon hunting, but that missing 20% single item coupon has seriously cut down on my visits.
@Impatient_Ape
@Impatient_Ape 3 жыл бұрын
1. Having a "ship to store" option means having to hire more people. 2. Forcing you to come to the store means more impulse buys.
@binbashbuddy
@binbashbuddy 3 жыл бұрын
I work in the nearest town with a harbor freight (100 miles from home) Mon-Wed, so I always miss out on the best deals because they're always Fri-Sun.
@tangoindiamike9189
@tangoindiamike9189 3 жыл бұрын
Here is my theory on extended service plans. If I buy numerous items over a period of time that offer an extended service plan, and nothing breaks, I've wasted my money. If I buy EVERY service plan offered to me, I could probably have saved that money to re-purchase any item that breaks. If nothing breaks, I'm not out all that extra money. If I find myself regularly returning items, and needing to use extended warranties, then I probably need to be shopping somewhere else. I decline the extended warranties at Lowe's and Home Depot for the same reason. Why throw away all that money on extended warranties. The only time it may payoff is if you rarely buy anything that offers the extension, and even then, it's extremely rare that you would need it.
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