Top 10 Tools from Harbor Freight (This video has been updated, check description for details)

[@scootergeorge9576]

I used the 1 ton garage hoist to pull the engine from my '65 Mustang. Out of the box, it did not have enough reach. Yanked the Mustang bumper. Still no. Finally had to drill the arm so that it could be extended 6 inches further. Only then did it do the job. Bought the compressor. Works well. Went to Ace for better oil. Thing trips the breaker on cold days with the supplied oil. Installed the 212 cc engine on an old Craftsman rototiller that originally had a 10 HP engine. It kicks dirt with the smaller HFT engine! Love it! ps - went to Navy boot camp with a Jeff King back in 1971...

[@carburetorgaming5173]

I love their 3/4" impact sockets. I work on heavy diesels, and for the cost of 1 socket on a snap-on truck, you can buy your SAE and Metric sockets.

[@kristinc.1770]

A hidden gem at Harbor Freight is their Pocket Hole Jig. I love that thing and it's about 1/2 the price of the Kreg one. Use 20% coupon and you can get it for about $52.

[@robhimself79]

Kristin C. I never thought to look there for one. thanks!

[@kristinc.1770]

You're welcome! It's seriously a great deal!

[@tegan71969]

Kristin C. I agree! Should have been included in the video. 100 times better than the "blue plastic" pocket hole jig, and if you catch it on sale, less than half as expensive.

[@stevenchavez5979]

I have one works really good. Get a little tear our but who cares its pocket holes. I like this one too.

[@kolvir73]

I'd add jack stands to the list.

[@jacobsiejka858]

I got a 2.5 ton Craftsman jack for 79.99 at sears like 10 years go and its great.

[@wildbill23c]

I have the 29 gallon 2HP air compressor, been about a year and it works great. Runs all the air tools I have, and intermittent use of impact wrench and high demand air tools. It of course runs air nailers really well.

[@bigdaddyvince182]

Their torque wrenches are awesome, and way cheaper than any other ones

[@Blakehx]

Great video thanks! What about their welders... heard good and bad things! I'd suggest either the 2 or 3 ton Al jack (lo pro if you plan to use it on smaller cars) and/or a bottle jack if you want something portable to keep in your car!

[@granadojl]

I just picked up the 1 ton engine lift for 79.99. It was incorrectly marked, and HF honored the price. I walked in going to buy a ram for my friend's engine lift, but for $40 more, I bought a complete 1 ton lift. awesome buy

[@stephenjones579]

got the drill press work's great with small vice for fine work keep up the good work

[@Fireship1]

I bought the compressor shown in the top right corner of your ad. It's made by atlas Copco in USA. It's the identical twin to the 60 gallon bellaire compressor. It's a beast and I only paid 650.00 for it. For a true two stage 60 gallon unit the price I paid is unbeatable! Now I NEVER run out of air no matter what I am doing in my garage

[@alcyr5655]

I bought a similar compressor 15 yrs ago. Name brand is Berkleys, not sure if it's available in the states. It's still running strong, and way more quiet than the 10 gallon Craftsman oil less compressor. Up in Canada we have Princess Auto, Same as Harbour Freight. Cheap tools, but some are pretty good for the price,

[@ratdog3055]

If you are in doubt, read the reviews. HB posts the good and the bad!

[@raulsti78]

the 3 ton lopro Jack is the best universal jack.

[@FCFordLord]

Probably my favorite, and most used, item from HFT is the 64 piece socket set. It's a Taiwan made set, very good quality. I like that all three ratchets are supplied, no dang adapters to get in the way like most sets have. Price is anywhere from $30-40 without coupons. I've used the sockets on impact guns and 25" breaker bars, no splitting or rounding.

[@denoftools]

Yep, I've never had a problem with any of the "small parts" from HF. And hell, if you do you just take it back and they replace it.

[@jeffsingleton88]

be careful with their drill bits. bought some forsners that didn't even cut. just burned the wood.

[@answerswithavideo4864]

Can you make a video for best 10 tools from harbor freight for under 50$?

[@TC18264]

I am a manager at a local Harbor Freight Store and this is a great list all of these products are pretty damn solid. The one product that sticks out is the 1.5 Ton Jack you mentioned. From what ive seen that is the problem child of the floor jacks. Ill see 10 of those returned before I see any other floor jack returned. Good list though really enjoyed the video.

[@denoftools]

Thanks for the feedback. What jack would you recomend?

[@TC18264]

Red Beard It's bigger brother the 3 ton low profile jack seems to be the best jack by far. Only issue is the price difference but go on sale for big events. The last parking lot sale we did, had both the 1.5 and the 3 ton on sale for $80.

[@ae86miami]

Chase Cline Only thing I have on his list and it crapped

[@thebeardedtradie9433]

managed to land the 12" sliding miter for $110 a while back...I LOVE it

[@denoftools]

I just put an Irwin 12" blade on mine and WOW. It's like night and day.

[@thebeardedtradie9433]

Red Beard first thing i did was throw a diablo on it lol...even powers through Brazilian cherry no problem

[@denoftools]

I love Diablo and that is usually my go to blade when getting a new saw but some guys on Lumberjocks talked me into trying this blade and so far I'm liking it, a lot. www.amazon.com/Irwin-Tools-1807384-80-Tooth-Hi-Alternate/dp/B008OJJZ14/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2594113011&ie=UTF8&qid=1476930911&sr=8-1&keywords=irwin+80+tooth

[@mcseforsale]

Love my 1.5 ton jack. It's the best.

[@virginiagonzalez7299]

Catalogo harbor freiht La

[@mrstanskaggs1]

Harbor Freight is in a law suite right now due to putting the compare to price on their ads. Everyone that has bought from HF can get paid back 10% if you can produce your receipts. If you have bought from them and gave them your email, you have probably seen the email. Just letting you know that you can get 10% back if you have your receipts..

[@lharchmage6908]

I have run a small hobby/metalworking shop when I was younger mostly blacksmithing and Most of my tools like jacks, bandsaws grinders etc I even had one of thir 100 Lb anvils And they worked fine. (they don't carry that anvil anymore but it was good)

[@WJHandyDad]

I've been eyeballing that 21 gal air compressor for a long time, but my 20+ year old Craftsman oilless compressor is still going strong

[@denoftools]

I'd strongly suggest looking at their new McGraw compressors. They didn't have those when I did that video, that's the compressor I use these days

[@WJHandyDad]

Yeah I saw those too... and last month they were on coupon for only $10 more than that 21 gallon one

[@lordrichard8184]

I have that miter saw. I love it. It’s been great and has held up over the years. Been using it for carpentry work.

[@alexm2623]

Having played with the jacks, unless weight is an issue, the 3 ton low profile steel jack is the best buy. The aluminum is lighter, but just not as good. Having road tested it all (if you will), that's my take.

[@denoftools]

Without a doubt the steel jack is not only going to be cheaper but inevitably far more durable, at least the frame will be.

[@alexm2623]

Agreed. When I use my aluminum one, it just doesn't feel sturdy and I don't have confidence in it or trust it like the steel one. They are crazy lightweight for how much they can lift though. One other thing worth mentioning is that the steel ones lift the car about 5" higher than the aluminum ones (even the low profile models), which is huge for me in terms of comfort and working room. For the price especially, I can't recommend the steel ones highly enough. There's NOTHING out there even close to it at that price.

[@denoftools]

I think you might need to check on your aluminum jack. The aluminum one is stated to have a max lift height of 19 1/8" while the steel low profile model is listed as 19 3/4" and the steel quick pump model is the loser at 18 1/4". At the very least I'd suggest bleeding the pump to see if there is any air in the chamber. Or see if you can return it.

[@alexm2623]

I'm afraid you're incorrect. The aluminum is 14 1/8" (source www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60569.html) and the steel is 19-3/4 in.(source: www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-Low-Profile-Steel-Heavy-Duty-Floor-Jack-with-Rapid-Pump-61282.html) That is a 5 5/8" difference.

[@denoftools]

Ok, but that's an apple to apricot comparison. The better comparison would be to the 3 ton AL racing jack and that does have the 19 1/8" max height goo.gl/QWVFuy. Now if you need height and weight you can go with their Daytona brand jack. It can lift 3 tons up to 23 inches! goo.gl/Km24mh Of course it weighs in at over 100lb and costs $200. Here is where things get really odd... The weight. 2 ton LP 113.35 lb. 3 ton LP 76.65 lb. 3 ton HD 73 lb. 3 ton AL 68.60 lb. 2.5 ton AL 56.75 lb. 2 ton AL 45.3 lb. 1.5 ton AL 34 lb. Now why the crap is a 2 ton low profile jack 36.7 lb heavier than even the 3 ton jack and why are LP jacks heavier than HD jacks? I have to think it's a typo. But still the LP jacks are also heavier than the HD versions.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Agree with 9 of 10. The air compressor is OK for occasional use, but will fall apart with frequent use. They're noisy, they vibrate, they have low quality fittings and gages, they leak, they recover slowly when they get hot. You can find 30gal twin cylinder belt drive for ~$329, and they're quiet, fast, and smooth, and rated for 90-95% duty. Again, you nailed the other items, good job.

[@_milo590]

Bob Adkins the auto shop I worked at has 2 that have been running flawlessly for 4 years. They perform regular service on them and they haven’t failed.

[@Bob_Adkins]

I never could run air tools on my HF 8 gallon. Maybe an air ratchet and impact wrench, but not a grinder, cutoff tool, or sander. Just too slow on recovery, runs constantly. But,,, they are good for the money on light duty.

[@rakeyohn222]

Absolutely agree on the miter saw.

[@martinez1701a]

Bought the 3 ton low profile jack almost two years ago for $79.99 on sale AWESOME JACK!! Also I have the older orange 1 ton cherry picker like 6 years ago and has never let me down prob done over ten engines and other stuff with it.

[@sampowers6984]

I agree with you one the number one pick. I snagged my 12 in. Double bevel sliding compact for 129.99 best deal I have seen. Did not know that miter saws came with out the blade though.

[@rdubois3378]

I never get my blades there might cost more for the better blades but worth it in the end. Also I got the 10in Double bevel sliding saw for 88 bucks and it gives me 12in of cutting and has worked like a dream.

[@mhshield]

Great review. Best of luck with your channel.

[@wclifton5821]

I wouldn’t buy a compressor or a miter saw but the air tools jacks and some specialty items are fine for home use I have at least 10 hf items in my garage that are 20 years old one being the steel 3 ton floor jack .

[@craigchingren-hamann9700]

I have the 10" sliding Miter saw. I added a laser for about 10 bucks from Amazon. That saw is WAY under $100 w/ the coupons and it's WAY more saw than I really needed but it's a great saw!

[@ww321]

I usually wait till its on a non-coupon sale then use a 25 % coupon from the mail.

[@StevesDIYProjects7]

i use to have that air compressor i can not complain it took forever to fill and was always running for what i do. so i got a used 80gal cambell hausfield for 400$ that had a new electric motor on it. love it could never go backwards again :)

[@melaniew77msn]

I know it is not a shop tool but I would like to mention how good the Krauss and Becker airless paint sprayer is. It is like $185 and it would easily be a good value if it was $379. No joke you can't beat it on outside painting projects.

[@denoftools]

Is it really that good? I'd love to find a good RELIABLE airless paint sprayer. From what I've seen you can either have cheap or good but not both when it comes to airless sprayers.

[@melaniew77msn]

Red Beard After I bought mine I was so impressed. I talked about how great of a machine it is. I offered one of my friends to use it on a job at his house, he said for $185 I will just buy one of my own. He talked about how impressed he was and that prompted a mutual friend to also buy one. All 3 of us give the machine a 4.5 star rating. The 2 things that stops this unit from being a 5 star unit are the pressure hose is only 25' and the orifice included is a 5-15. I upgraded to a 50' hose from Lowes for about $45 and bought a 4-14 orifice for a smaller pattern on lighter work. We are steelworkers and all of us take pride in our workmanship, that being said none of us are willing to struggle with inferior tools or tools that produce substandard results. It is like every airless system in the sense that proper cleaning and lubrication of the unit before storage is imperative to the longevity of the machine. All the gun parts are interchangeable with Graco so it is very easy to get filters and other consumables. In the past I have been a painter at work so I feel that I set my standards pretty high on airless and HVLP paint systems. No customer wants a 50K$ machine with a crappy paint job or shitty welds!

[@richardosborn548]

3/8 drive electric ratchet and the 30" service cart with 1 drawer are really awesome

[@New_Creation7]

I've never looked at a hammer as a "disposable" item... But, okay..

[@markstone8915]

You dont throw yours at cars as they drive by?

[@dillonnj45l.18]

They are if they have a wood handle and have helpers at work that don't know how not to break them

[@danr1920]

On a different subject, I wish they had open stock tools, all I want is one 9/16 box end wrench, all they have are sets.

[@denoftools]

I have been hammering, pun intended, my contact at HF on this. They need to make that change.

[@NeoB-Lac]

you need a job at the shopping network lol

[@whatfreedom7]

I have a oilless 30 gl compressor and it sucks. I can hit a impact a couple times and it’s cycling already and I’m in my garage so it’s very loud also. The oiled compressors are so much quieter. I’ll never buy another oilless one but it was a starter compressor so it’s served it’s purpose.

[@stressedout4979]

the best one for me is the US General toolbox it is worth every penny better than snap

[@Fireship1]

I agree. I have the small U.S. general pro top and bottom cabinet. It usually sells for 319 on sale. I have a Matco box I spent 5 grand on years ago. The HF box is just as good for a fraction of the price. I would tell any new mechanic DO NOT spend thousands on tool truck boxes. The U.S. General pro boxes are more than adequate and way cheaper in price!

[@1-shotslinger108]

I have a Snap-on box and a US General. The US General is fine as long as you keep the heavier tools in the bottom drawers and don't make it top heavy. As far as price you get a lot of box for the money at H-F. I would also tell any young mechanic to not buy a tool truck box when the H-F will do the job for them.

[@bigjohnm6643]

David Garcia k

[@Bob_Adkins]

Had a 3 drawer US General service cart. It was OK, but man was it flimsy. Wobbled all over the place. The legs almost buckled when I pushed it. Saw the new ones last week, and they're MUCH stronger.

[@icepick859]

No it isnt

[@nate_k9277]

Great vid man. Trying to start a small shop and this really helps

[@buzzsaw301]

I disagree on the miter saw, I would say ryobi is the best bang for the buck. great video

[@chancekiki8488]

I got my drill press for 40 bc it was on sale for 50 and I used a 20 present off

[@denoftools]

Damn, nice score!

[@CapeSIX]

as a snap-on dealer ive sold a single socket for more than that blast cabinet haha

[@denoftools]

Snap On stopped making their best product.... The Calendar!

[@riceburner32]

+Red Beard (Jeff King) I've got full collection

[@thebeststooge]

Guess Snap On wanted to be politically correct now. :(

[@denoftools]

At least we still have Ridgid www.coptool.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ridgid-calendar.jpg

[@thebeststooge]

Red Beard PC crowd will get that one next.

[@clinteastwood9115]

8in drill press is by far the best deal. I just bought mine and i got the lower speed model which is better!

[@Guest-at-the-Asylum]

Get the 2 ton engine hoist on sale for $179. It has a longer boom that you'll need in most cases.

[@newwavepressure6478]

The 12 inc saw when u try to put it at 45 and screw it tight the screw moves ur angle so it at 48 when its tight

[@mattlangstraaat3508]

portaband has plastic gears. one use, before stripping

[@seniorchiefharris]

Totally agree...check out and compare... Huge difference between commercial and home owner quality... Why pay $500 for an item that will last for years and years when used in commercial use when you can pay half that cost for a necessary tool that is a one or two time use item for a home owner...duh!

[@larryrussell5250]

I have 2 of these jacks and work great ! I keep one in my off-road car also have one on my trailer for towing my desert toys!!!! For the price they are great!!! They call me the harbor freight junkie!!!!!

[@jeffsingleton88]

chicago mixer is really good.

[@joblessalex]

My favorite is still the through ratchet. That, and the electrical tape.

[@rhshel]

u can't beat the price zero dollars with coupon for the 1" x 25' long free tape measure. Its marked well and feels great in the hand. I've got three of them for all three of my tool cabinets and I got all three for FREE.

[@editorjuno]

They're flimsy -- I've had two fly apart in my hand -- but at $0 the price is right. My ancient (30+ years!) Lufkin 8425 isn't as comfy to hold, but it still works like new.

[@guyh.4553]

Regarding your comments. Very much liked your input, nice. I read once in The Family Handyman Magazine regarding HF tools vs Milwaukee grade tools. They stated that if you're not using these tools every day, then get HF tools. If you are a professional, get the higher grade tools. In regards to the Predator 6.5 hp engine, they are SOLID! My dad has gone through 2 of these motors in a chipper/shredder because of the amount of use. They are super easy to install as well. I will add a couple of tools to the list. 1) The 4 1/2" angle grinder for $9.99. If you don't use it mush, it's a great bargain. 2) Reciprocating saw. At $19.99 you can't beat it. 3) Air compressors. They are solid and work great. I bought one and after it was too late, I realized that I needed the 21 gallon compressor instead of the one I bought. I sold mine for almost the same ask for what I bought it at. And 4) center dowelling jig. I got mine with the 20% off coupon and paid a little bit over $9. Nice video

[@denoftools]

Well if he needs a 708cc vertical shaft Predator for those chippers let me know. I picked one up at the parking lot sale because it was almost $600 off. But I can't for the life of me find a project to use it on. lol.

[@guyh.4553]

Red Beard, the 6.5 work just perfectly for it. But I appreciate the offer. 😊

[@theomnipresent1]

Pretty much agree with you on all your choices except the compressor. It the loudest F*cking thing you could buy! My half deaf grandpa who bought it eventually got over his pride and admitted it was way too loud.

[@thomaskimball4088]

I got the 2nd thing the lightweight jack for my car for $60 and I love it

[@darrinstewart9240]

If you are using your air compressor for hobbist spray painting I would go with a oiless compressor. I have two Craftsmen 5hp oiless compressor that I have had for over twenty years they work great. I also have a 6.5 hp oiless Craftsman air compressor that I use for sandblasting I have had this compressor for over twenty years and it works great as well.

[@gergemall]

Nice intro Jeff! Enjoy your videos

[@timecrawler8810]

Love the honest review.

[@ae86miami]

Can't vouch for that jack, it messed up on me where it screws in

[@t.j.marley3777]

I have an old Craftsman oil less compressor that works perfectly. It's about 20 years old.

[@diytypeofguy6502]

T.J. Marley yeah I have one too bout 20 yrs ...the only problem is now the seals in the pistons keep going out , and not enough cfm for me only 9 max .just upgraded to a Ingersoll rand 80 gallon ...know anybody want it ? $100

[@eianwahgener7623]

The 29 gallon compressor is way better than the 21, but the price isn't exactly low... it's low compared to any other compressor in the cfm range it puts out, though.

[@denoftools]

Considering the sale price on the 21 you are talking about a jump of almost 2.5 times in price. It had BETTER be whole bunch better at that price. But the question is twofold. Is it 2.5 times better? And do most people need a better AC? I just went back and looked at all the black AC's (The ones that use oil and won't just die on you). Essentially you have a choice of 8, 10, 21, 29 and 60 gallon tanks. The 10 and 21 are essentially the same compressor, one just has a bigger tank. The 21 can get you 5.8 cfm and has a max of 125 psi. The jump up to 21 gets you a better motor and slightly bigger tank, max psi of 150 and 5.9 cfm. I think that if you were using your compressor on a daily basis that the 29 would last longer than the 21. But I don't think it will last 2.5 times longer. Also it doesn't really let me do anything I can't already do with the 21. If I was a serious air tool user I think I'd have to save up and get the 60. The 29 feels like it has all the cost of a two stage with none of the benefits. Full disclosure, I am NOT a hard core air tool person. 80% of the time I use my AC it's just for air. Cleaning off tools, blowing crap out of tools, blowing crap out of the shop. Filling up tires, pool toys and balls. When I do use it for an actual tool I use it with a nail gun, impact wrench, blasting gun and painting. In fact my main desire for the 21 over the 10 was form factor. Shop space is at a premium and a vertical tank takes up less floor space.

[@judycharvey5790]

Miter saw was my favorite. The laser really was a joke though lmao

[@echodelta9]

When that air comp starts it blows it's breaker sometimes! Just reset it they say, piece of crap. The drill press has 50 thou slop at the bottom of the sliding part into the over drilled casting. Your quality may vary!

[@njshift]

echodelta9 you need a 20 amp breaker. Works perfectly

[@Icutmetal]

The problem isn't the tool, the problem is the user.

[@TheLittlered1961]

Echo, did you break it in? I had the same problem with my Ridged compressor. It finally bit the dust, rattled it's self to death. Bought the HB and had same problem. Ran it for 30 minutes and it improved. Tried a 15 amp circuit direct to the wall, tripped both reset and circuit breaker. Ran a 50 foot extension cord to a 20 amp circuit and it ran fine.

[@CPBuilds]

The newer version of the dust collector isn't as good IMO. The green one looks to be built much better.

[@denoftools]

Are you talking about the black/gray one? I've only seen it online, my local stores still carry the green ones.

[@CPBuilds]

Yes the black/grey one isn't as nice as the green one IMO. Green version is worth the investment...buyer beware on black/grey one.

[@denoftools]

Just looking at the pics and it looks flimsier. I'll have to see if I can find someone who has one.

[@CPBuilds]

I had one and took it back lol. It is flimsy....very.

[@crimbo907]

anyone know if the larger drill presses ever go on sale? I haven't seen that yet

[@jamesnelson6884]

How did you not put in the #1 thing from harbor freight? The Clamps! $2 for a 12" F style clamp. you gotta be crazy if you don't think that's a great deal. Plus most are fairly good quality

[@denoftools]

As mentioned at the 22 second mark.

[@reddhazlight1496]

I bought that air compressor and it’s very loud and it broke one week after the warranty. Just buy one from northern tool like I did

[@dustbucket7949]

Thank you for not putting safety goggles/glasses or gloves in this vid!!! Nice vid Red!!

[@alanjensen133]

Buy a used Craftsman radial arm saw on Craig’s list. I got mine for $50.00

[@ZERO_42069]

I bought that drill press and its worth it, i paid 55 after tax using a 20% off coupon

[@soullessone4681]

love the bandsaw

[@austenthelander7866]

12 inch compound miter

[@thissmyusername7013]

very nice video

[@jacksmith3189]

Informative Thanks

[@bananasslamim3005]

now this Is a top top ten vid right the FUCK on!!!!!!!!!

[@intjonmiller]

The HF blast cabinet not only leaks like a sieve, the spray gun is terrible, wears out very quickly, and at least as of 8 years ago you could not get replacement nozzles. I ended up upgrading the entire gun which improved its usefulness, but it was still an absolute disaster. Note that you can not silicone the access door, and the different kinds of weatherstripping I tried didn't work because it held onto media and then prevented the door from closing. And that 12" miter saw is a joke. If you think it compares to a real saw you've never used a real saw. You can deflect it with a single finger. I suppose it might be accurate enough for framing work, but there's no way it's as durable as even a Ridgid, much less a Bosch or Hitachi, so no one in their right mind is going to buy it for jobsite use. I like HF for a lot of things (one of my favorites is the "2 HP" router that has lived in my router table for years, and I have two of their dust collectors which are great), but the blast cabinet and miter saw are not among their good tools. Watch out for their parts washer as well, as the pump is absolute crap. the tank itself is good, but the safety lid mechanism that is supposed to collapse if the contents catch fire rusts very easily, making it difficult to even operate the lid, and useless as a safety feature.

[@denoftools]

You are right about the door, I probably should have mentioned that as I'm sure someone is now going to silicone their door shut. And no, the gun that comes with it is a joke. I will also mention that the next time I comment on the cabinet. I didn't even think about it as it was so bad I never even considered using it. Sorry but the 12" saw is pretty damn good. Can you deflect it? Sure, but here is a pro tip. If you are doing cutting that is that detailed don't push sideways on the tool. I have used the Ridgid, hell after my last video guys are calling me a Ridgid fanboy, and while I will agree that is does have much better fit and finish as does the Bosh, the HF is as good as either of those for 90% of the cuts that most people will make. Add a better blade, properly setup the tool, use some smarts when cutting and you can bump that up another 5%. I've built entire houses, framing to finish work. I won't call myself an "Expert" but I have more experience than the average bear.

[@intjonmiller]

All you have to do is try to trim off less than the kerf of the blade from the end of the board (part of the technique usually called "sneaking up on the cut") and the force of the blade trying to slip off of the board instead of cutting it will deflect the whole arm for you. No amount of "pro tip" technique will overcome that. It's a POS that can't be relied on for accurate work. Not just "fine woodworking" joinery snob work, but anything that you want to fit without gaps. Will it sometimes fit? Sure. But not consistently. Unless it has been abused by a previous owner, a used better saw will always be a smarter choice here. Why limit your abilities by buying a sloppy saw just because you don't expect to need to do anything worthy of showing off right now? I'm not saying everyone needs a Kapex or a Bosch Glide, but there should be a baseline for any use and it should be above this. Ryobi is miles ahead of HF here.

[@denoftools]

The Ryobi saw and HF are essentially the same saw and are made at the same factory. I've been doing a deep dive into who makes what and I'm going to do a series of vids on it shortly. But challenge accepted, I'll give that a try with my saw this weekend and let you know the results.

[@intjonmiller]

I follow the various tool manufacturers and relationships, yet I've never heard that claim before. Any documentation there? Last I heard TTI does their own manufacturing (including Ryobi, Milwaukee, Homelite, and others), and they are the manufacturer for Ridgid power tools (but not wet vacs). TTI doesn't appear to list any Harbor Freight products in their portfolio or investor literature. And while there are superficial similarities in the designs of both saws (I'm judging current models only), there are also significant differences. Regardless, the whole "made in the same factory" reasoning is a fallacy. Made in the same factory is absolutely not the same as being the same tool. A dramatic example here would be the differences among Jet, Grizzly, Enco (RIP), Precision Matthews, and many other brands of metalworking machinery. They all use the same designs and most are produced in the same factory, but to different specifications and with different components. There's just no contest between a Jet and a Precision Matthews, for instance. Every tolerance is tighter for the Precision Matthews, they use much higher quality bearings, quality control is much higher, etc. So even if it were true that the two companies' saws were made in the same factory, and I am finding no evidence of that, that is still a LONG way from meaning that they are the same tool. HF changes models all the time, with slight variations in features, controls, etc., so I might not be up-to-date on the latest models, but last I checked they do not have blade brakes. That alone sets the Ryobi apart, nevermind the incompatible parts. So how would they be "essentially the same saw"? To me it seems that making such a claim undermines any credibility. It's like saying a 2000 Daewoo is the same thing as a 2000 Hyundai. No doubt there are many similarities (many of the same similarities they also share with a Lexus), but they are not the same car. Whatever. If you're happy with a crappy saw, then that's great. But it's absolute BS to try to pass it off as a worthwhile buy for anyone interested in making anything nice, to be seen up close. Quality tools are made to tighter tolerances for a reason, and it's not because their users don't know your "pro tip".

[@ericwhitlow7364]

The band saw is a heck of a deal for sure. You can also convert them to a horizontal band saw.

[@jamesflores9456]

the tap and dye sets are pretty good

[@viburnumwillow4669]

Defnotdemas kek

[@DrThunder88]

I was not impressed with that miter saw. There is so much slop in the horizontal miter gauge stops that even 45 degree cuts need to be measured every time it's adjusted. Dust collection is also a joke on that one. The Hercules miter saw solves those problems and includes a copy of the DeWalt blade alignment/work light. Best value I've seen there is probably the 20v Hercules drill/driver. I've seen them on sale for $90 recently, and they're great quality. They also have LED lanterns that I caught for $12 a while ago. They're useful and bright as all get out.

[@MrSteve55]

I have read that the current models of the saw are not as sturdy as previous models..have you come across this issue

[@denoftools]

The model I have is about three years old so I can't really compare it. That said some other people have commented that the saw is great, the only issue is that it no longer comes with a blade which does eat into the value a bit.

[@thebeststooge]

I ran away from the DP they sell as I could shake the quill left and right and I can only imagine what the runout would have been like. I never did buy a DP from anywhere.

[@jeffsingleton88]

Dude is just bought a bench grinder. Haven't even taken it out of the box and I'm regretting it. thinkin bout takin it back

[@thebeststooge]

jeff singleton Yep. I need a DP and a miter saw and I see nothing out there worth a crap but I will go some place else over HF for anything mechanical for sure.

[@denoftools]

I have a six inch grinder that I bought about 3 years ago. I have managed to drop it, twice. They like to walk if you don't bolt them down and my shop was in "transition" so... well I screwed up. Guess what? Still runs just fine.

[@thebeststooge]

Red Beard There are always anecdotal stories but when the display model has that much play it will only get worse when you run it. The worst one was the least expensive one and marginally better for the next one and the really expensive one had only a slight amount but in reality none of them should have had any.

[@denoftools]

I'm sorry but that's just idiotic statement. The miter saw kicks ass and there are literally thousands of people who say so. I have a bench grinder, scroll saw, bench sander and Drill Press. All run great. On the DP does the quill shake? Only at full extension. First rule of tools is that you can not judge the quality by what you see on the floor. It was assembled by someone making minimum wage and has been played with by every guy and kid walking through the store. Now if you are going to still complain that it's not accurate enough I will say this.... Its a $60 DP. Not $600. Tools have a SPECIFIC USE, don't try to use a $5 tool where a $50 tool is needed. I also have a Shopsmith Mark V setup as a dedicated Floor Drill press. It has dial adjustable speed and enough torque to push a 6" forstner bit through hardwood. Right tool right job. Don't get me wrong there is some stuff at HF that is just crap and if you watch enough of my vids you will see that but to say "nothing out there worth a crap" only shows that you don't have a clue what you are talking about.

[@stevenchavez5979]

How about the nailers? I'm needing a new 23g.

[@denoftools]

The new brands Pierce and Banks are not bad at all.

[@Isheian]

Is that compressor capable of powering the abrasive cabinet?

[@denoftools]

Yep, I use mine for that all the time.

[@ccapehart1980]

That portable bandsaw freaking blows yes u can cut aluminum cut u must go real slow otherwise the blade comes off

[@denoftools]

I have never had the blad come off and I've cut aluminum, copper and steel. Both Mild and Hardened. My guess is either you put the belt on wrong or there is something wrong with your unit.

[@user-hp5fz3qs1u]

Open one up in the U.K.

[@njshift]

Add the 8750 generator, jack stands, wood floor nailer, & hedge trimmer to name a few more.

[@ae86miami]

njshift I got the hedge trimmer and it's holding up, some jacks stands too

[@handydan1591]

My only disagreement is the miter saw. Great price and all and really awesome for a typical contractor. Buuuutttttt..... You cannot use the chop motion and sliding motion together. It's got to be one or the other. Something in the sliding action changes the angle of the blade enough to cause a very noticeable variation in cuts. Matt heere's KZbin channel can explain this further. I have a ten inch compound from harbor freight and it does the exact same thing. I've learned to use it differently so it won't do it but it's still not quite perfect. Love the video reviews though bro.

[@denoftools]

First, thanks for the heads up on that channel. I always love finding yet more great content out there. Ok, so I just went and watched his video. In fact I watched several of them, good stuff. But honestly, when was the last time you did a partial chop cut and then pulled the saw out and did a slide cut from an opposite side? I do chop slide cuts all the time but I don't stop in the middle. So far it has never jumped track on me so to speak. He seems like the well balanced sort who compares apples to apples but I don't know what happened with this review. It was weird watching him talk about this saw. It just had done a great job with his shed and now he was dissing it as a tool that would sit in a corner and never come out again. Well unless he was building another shed. He went over the saw and complained about issues that are only issues if you are doing detail work. This saw is NOT a fine woodworking tool. I mean, let's be honest, It is 4.5 X cheaper than a saw that would qualify as that. Trying to compare it to one is like comparing my Sonata Hybrid to a Corvette Z06. Is my car as fast? Can it conner with as much precision? Does it get the ladies? Not a chance. Will it get me from point A to point B comfortably and economically? Hell yes.

[@handydan1591]

+Red Beard (Jeff King) I agree with you 100% it's honostly a perfect carpenters saw. He explained how it's not so good with fine woodworking which is true. But if used correctly it can definitely suffice well enough. Honostly I'd rather have the 12" than the 10" inch because the budget allows it. I mean who really spends $600 on a saw that chops wood. Also it's not partial cuts. What I meant is if you complete the cut using both actions in this order- first chop down than slide out. Works much better is used the other way- slide out, chop down, slide in.

[@crimes569]

I have a 5 hp 27 gallon horizontal Campbell hausfeld oil less compressor that is 18 years old and has over 3000 hours on it so I disagree about your theory

[@ae86miami]

it's always tempting to buy shit from Harbor freight becaue of their prices but your always taking a chance

[@quickdrawz05]

I’m getting qvc vibes

[@khrisshultz2532]

you forgot the 20-ton press

[@christinayutzy7389]

I love hf

[@ccapehart1980]

Yeah its the schools we use it to cut aluminum pipe schools to cheep to buy new blade or bamdsaw for that matter

[@johnmcook1]

the adds always have the 25% off coupon

[@saskiacalvert9764]

when i die i will have my ashes scattered at harbor freight

[@graciegordon6552]

Saskia Calvert 😂

[@jamescunniff3414]

😂

[@Tiersmoke92555]

jackhammer and generators

[@cchaffin2012]

Portable bandsaw is $99 all the time w/coupon

[@denoftools]

Are you talking about a regular coupon or the Inside Track coupon?

[@cchaffin2012]

+Red Beard (Jeff King) It's up right now under the "extreme slashed prices" m.harborfreight.com/savings_coupons.html

[@denoftools]

I know, I have a video on that I'm about to post. My question was about your comment that it's "all the time". Since I started tracking HF sales I've not seen this price listed outside of the IT flyer.

[@cchaffin2012]

+Red Beard (Jeff King) yeah in regular coupons I've seen probably two other times earlier this year.

[@walba]

cool

[@PisstNBrokeOffroad]

I have the same last name as you lol

[@uncletoy774]

That miter saw is junk. My uncle had a 10" one and we always had to put a piece of whatever against the fence cause it was bent outta the box even. 7 yrs later he gets the 12" and guess what same thing took that shit right back then got a ridgid 12" from the depot. Remember if ur gonna use it sparingly then go ahead but u can't send it for repair and u can't buy parts