TOP 5 WORST Harbor Freight Automotive Tools

[@rontiemens2553]

I like and own a lot of Harbor Freight stuff but you are right the snap ring pliers are not good, even for hobbyist use. And if you value your life, under NO CIRCUMSTANCES use one of their automotive spring compressors.

[@bladimirgarcia6063]

Holy crap thanks for the heads up I was just thinking I'll get one just for this job I have but I'll go rent one instead.

[@rontiemens2553]

Bladimir Valladares yes, by all means rent a good, heavy duty set.

[@nathans3022]

I use the Channelock Snap Ring set. Never let me down yet and they are reversible with the flip of a switch. Love em. They run $25-30 and come with different size heads.

[@Conqueef-tadoor]

I can vouch for these as well. Channel Lock also made the "Craftsman Professional" snap ring pliers that Sears used to sell. They were identical to the Channel Locks except for different grips on the handles.

[@paulricelli5520]

Channelock made in USA 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@christopherelrod8788]

Will vouch for Pittsburg 1/2 inch extensions. Used on heavily torqued bolts.

[@auginater4200]

He said the 3/8 & 1/4 were the bad ones, right?

[@stevebouldin5167]

@@auginater4200 !

[@ScatPackRob]

I have the PIttsburgh pry bar set, agree with you the large ones flex to much for heavy duty prying. OK for light duty.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yea I got a big thick Matco one for heavy duty stuff I couldnt deal with the flex anymore!

[@nikkigunn8323]

I snapped the HF 1/2" extensions, but only when I was using a 5' cheater pipe. Otherwise, they never failed me. To be fair, the Kobalt extension I then bought also broke. It takes a very special kind of extension to survive a Honda crankshaft bolt. The HF torch kit then saved the day, get it cherry red and it'll come off.

[@guidosaur7506]

Their Dremel tool is hot garbage as well

[@snap-off5383]

Not sure about the chicago electric one but the drill master for sure is just junk, it was applicable for the reason i bought it: better than the pedipaws for grinding down dog nails, but it was so unbalanced it makes your hand numb.

[@derekdugger2321]

@@snap-off5383 that drill master one, didn't have the power to spin the small polish wheel and they sent drilll bits with it, so cute.

[@snap-off5383]

@@derekdugger2321 I've sworn off that brand all-together.

[@Iowa599]

The power adapter is junk, not the Dremel-like tool, itself. Look at the wall-wart, 12v/1a! Cut the wire off, and use a real power source! I hook them to a car battery, and they work great! I have a couple, because instead of changing bits I just grab the other tool. (Unless air is available, then I use my real die grinder.)

[@snap-off5383]

@@Iowa599 Yours must be much better balanced than mine. I guess even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.

[@freddyhollingsworth5945]

I bought a HF AC system vacuum pump. I got it on sale for $79. I plugged it in and didn't even have it on and it blew the breaker. I went to my room and it'd "retrip" the breaker instantly. I took it back and they gave me a different one. So far the new one has worked perfectly for 3 or 4 AC repairs that I've done on my own cars. I think their tools are hit or miss. They work good for someone like myself who does your own repairs at home, but I don't think their tools would hold up well in a shop environment.

[@ohmy7554]

Never had an issue with the swivel adapters but that’s just me 🤷🏻‍♂️.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

I broke 3 in less than a week of use lol

[@mt1885]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I agree, spinning swivels - high torque - comes apart - Matco/MAC/Snap-On something made in USA.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@mt1885 My ones I got from Matco are actually ADV made by Sunex I believe. They are high quality but I am not sure they were made in the USA.

[@Tacticoolpapi]

I've had the 3/8 impact swivel sockets for over 10 years now. I have repaired half of them though, once the pin gives, i just drive a 10mm bolt through it and its good. Same thing for the sk set i have though. The prybars you hit it dead on. Great vid.

[@2Advocate2021]

There icon snap ring ones good but the other ones suck

[@cbmech2563]

Sorry, I have the HF swivel adapters and sockets and I use them all the time on a nitrocat 1200. 5 years, no problems.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

I agree. HF hand tools are OK for DIYers, but for Pro mechanics, if you are using strong compressors with 150PSI or higher, you will break their tools. They use soft metals on many of their stuff.

[@derekdugger2321]

Have you seen the pro series impact stuff? Same metals as snap on and come out of the same country. Very nice and way stronger than the regular Pittsburg. I have heard some pro mechanics say they are a pro tool.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

@@derekdugger2321 Yes, I have purchased the Pittsburgh Pro series of sockets and such, but I'm not a mechanic so I don't beat on it as badly as other may. I am a DIYer, so I only give them mid level abuse.

[@derekdugger2321]

@@ModernDIYProjects i was just curious as you stated how HF were junk behind some real air and i agree, though wondering if you tried these before that testament? I have not put them behind such pressures either but some good mechanics have used them daily and have found no more issues with them over the truck stuff and @ $25, vs hundreds somethings they have at the old HF can be great. Their admiral 5" hook and loop sand paper, easy 3x better than diablo is my new find of good HF items.

[@ModernDIYProjects]

@@derekdugger2321 If you read my statement I was speaking generally. It's foolish to make a blanket statement about anything. I was agreeing with his statement about some of the tools he described. I have had some tools bend, warp and flex on me, so I agree with the Video. The Pliers he mentioned are garbage. I even bought the top of the line C clamp pliers and they are only mediocre. I have some other tools that have held up nicely. So while I agree with the video, I didn't say ALL HF stuff is garbage because that would be wrong. I do have many HF items that are good and others that I have returned as junk, but that can be said about any brand.

[@rustyshackelford9156]

Pittsburgh everything in my experience is terrible. I think they've rebranded after all the hate.

[@NightOfTheLiving8bit]

Just a quick ‘one off’ about this video (regarding tool boxes). Yee ol’ Home Depot has Milwaukee boxes that are pretty much identical in price to size comparison...but the Milwaukee ones tend to have better fit/finish and additional features. I’d highly recommend theirs over HF’s boxes. But I’d easily grab all of their inexpensive ‘box add-ons’, such as the magnetic paper towel holder, magnetic screw pan, screw driver set holder, etc. They’re all magnetically backed so they can slap on and off wherever you’d like with ease, and hold their spot well. Plus they’re all made out of steel. $10 a piece, more or less...and they’re fantastic things that (space permitted) are totally worth getting.

[@jamesf9610]

You should have got the new icon snap ring plier set. It's really nice very strong full set of individual pliers for each style and almost a dead ringer set of the matco set

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yea I see they just came out. I got a good deal and really like my snap on ones so it doesnt matter to me but the cheapie ones they sell that I mentioned arent even worth trying

[@eddiereichel9354]

I bought the HF swivel set and I have a thunder gun and I broke 1 in 4 years. They are used hard and often.

[@Hoodie2103]

I’m 16 and am getting started on tools, it’s great to find some videos like these.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Thanks man! Good luck, the tools dont have to be expensive but if you are smart about what you buy they can last you a long time! I always save money where I can but remember sometimes you do get what you pay for and the more expensive options can be worth it.

[@TLGEyes]

I've been using the harbor freight pry bar set for about a year. I haven't noticed it bending yet. Then again, I'm not using it on anything heavy duty. Just axles, and control arms.

[@blakemaas7287]

You haven't used it on a rusty old Chevy yet then lol I was using the biggest one and I was concerned with my safety. Got a 4 piece Matco set and they don't flex one bit

[@TLGEyes]

@@blakemaas7287 I have not. Haha. I work at an Infiniti Dealer. We dont get too many old cars, plus being in California we dont get much rust either.

[@blakemaas7287]

@@TLGEyes yeah I'm a GM tech in Illinois its uncommon not to fight rust lol

[@TLGEyes]

@@blakemaas7287 that's what I've heard Haha. I'll be honest, I'm glad i dont have to

[@jroda8015]

Had zero issues with the sweviel, used the 3/8 in front of a half inch gun for years.

[@noyopacific]

I would like to hear more crap about Harbor Freight and tools. I even enjoy hearing the positive reviews but it is pretty hard to beat a good rant. So Rant ON !

[@snap-off5383]

I have the same multi-head snap-ring pliers set branded as Tekton, total junk, you have to get a bolt and nut to use to replace the stupid janky axle thing with the spring, then you can make them get you by, but you're still cussing and making weird faces.

[@Whateveryouwannacallme]

Good to see that your honest about your tools a lot of people are either harbor freight is the best or harbor freight is the worst and tell you to buy snap on but you are honest about it and I like that

[@markquinlan6406]

I've had good luck with her standard extensions but the wobble extensions are very very weak and break under a little torque

[@rustyshackelford9156]

Probably the only thing I've gotten that I've been pleased with is the 3 ton low profile floor jack....other than that everything has been very meh or just ridiculously bad throwaway

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

That style of snap ring pliers, no matter the brand, is pure garbage! The set that I bought at a local auto parts store ended up in the free pile at my wifes garage sale years ago. I know have all 3 sizes of Channelock pliers with interchangeable tips. I've never had any issues with H-F extensions, but, I know people that have. I don't have any experience with the H-F brand of the other tools you mentioned. My swivel sockets are all SK and my pullers are all Lisle. I have a small, part time shop in a pole barn behind our house. Since my wife helps me regularly, she knows the real value of quality tools.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

SK sockets are great! I have a few SK tools and have been very happy with them. Also have a bunch of Lisle stuff. Lucky to have an understanding wife! Mine is too, but I know a lot of guys that arent so lucky.

[@MikeBrown-ii3pt]

GearHeads The wife and I are both old farm kids, raised in Northwest Ohio. We grew up using SK tools that lived in Kennedy boxes. We have a few Craftsman and Harbor Freight boxes, along with various brands of tools in the shop too, but, Kennedy and SK outnumber them by a wide margin. We also have a Snap-On Dale Earnhardt Sr cabinet in the shop that's never held a tool. It sure is pretty to look at while we're watching the NASTARD races out there on Sundays though lol!

[@ECSdrunx]

Man I like the swivel adapters, Ive had the same 1/2” drive one for a few years now on a HYDRAULIC impact, with god knows how much torque, building power lines and love it

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yikes, every one that I have used from them fell or exploded apart. Wouldnt trust them ever behind an impact.

[@factionfx]

I haven't had any issues with the universal joints. I don't use them all day, but have connected two together to get the correct angle and pulled off some pretty tight bolts. (f150 suspension)

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Sounds like you use them at home. Very big difference from professional use at a shop. I can make lots of crappy tools work okay for me at home but when Im making money with them I have zero patience for it.

[@arkyump]

The tool chests are magnificent. Heavy, great full open drawers. You’ll need some help getting a big one off your truck.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yep I love mine, its what I have in the video!

[@southernfarmer8526]

Had to replace my fuel pump on my 98 z71 and bought the snap ring pliers from HF that you mentioned. You can definitely tell they are crappy and won’t last long but got the job done. Will be looking at upgrading them soon, luckily I haven’t needed them much!

[@davidfletcher4016]

I will say I have a kit of snap ring pliers from hf actually have held up really well. Maybe just not the cheap ones. But definitely agree on the rest good video man 🍻

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Looks like they sell an Icon set now, idk for sure but I would assume it works well!

[@rh2racing]

I use the swivel adapters and also the swivel sockets almost everytime I work on my car lol. Used it today! (To get the bolt off of my Miata's clutch slave bottom bolt from the side) Just don't put that much torque on it I guess. Works for me.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

They work fine for small things like that, also work fine with hand tools and are probably fine for a DIY. In a fast paced shop where we work on everything and use power tools and guns wherever possible these would fall apart quickly. I had one break on the second use behind my gun. Vs my Matco ones that cost an arm and a leg but now have been using for years without a single failure.

[@gregblau8082]

I bought those snap ring pliers to fix my dad's mower and they were fine for that. They're not even close to usable for automotive work. I've beat on the sunex impact swivels for a few years with no problems.

[@likeaboss882]

I believe the Icon brand HFT offers has a 8pc snap ring pliers, they’re pretty decent from the looks of it!

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

I did see those on the website, look a lot better than the ones I mentioned lol

[@sbranham86]

I use the icon snap ring pliers and I rebuild 5th wheels with them and they are great

[@joshuaquick5511]

Assuming you were referring to their Pittsburgh wobble extensions, I agree. Got the set that includes 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2in (have not broken any yet...."knock on wood")however, disagree on pry bars. Have all 5 sizes and actually end up using middle on down more so than the two largest ones. As my boss always says: "If it looks like a screwdriver and you turn it like one then, it is a screwdriver, not a pry bar". (No offense I do it commonly too and he calls me out on it) Depending on what I'm doing, I commonly shop there too however when I was in school for Auromotive Tech, Craftaman had a deal with the school: 50% off toolbox 50% off 1st set of tools

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

lol I called a little one a screwdriver because thats what a literally meant, when I get small enough in the set to grab one I usually just pull out my big flathead screwdriver. Im glad they work for you, but for me there is just WAY too much flex in the upper sizes like exponentially more than any other decent prybars I have used. I get they can be useful for the money but that doesnt make them objectively "good"!

[@joshuaquick5511]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel no joke, know where I can get a decent pick set. (Going for higher degree and school requires a pick set? Literally the one thing I didnt have already)

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@joshuaquick5511 I love my Gearwrench one! Cheap little ones work good for pulling Orings etc. but they can bend easy. I have cheap ones too and use them a lot but there are times you need something stronger. The Gearwrench ones are pretty strong and are a fair price!

[@truckerpeterose]

I agree with most picks. The only one I don’t agree with is extensions. I have probably every extension and adapter from HF and haven’t broke one yet. I have multiple sets so they are not used exclusively but so far so good. I do run the 3/8” impact extensions exclusively on my m12 stubby and they are great. One thing I noticed about those swivel adapters is they don’t transfer torque that good. I think I was losing 50% or more torque when I tried them.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

If they work for you thats great, just havent been great for me! Worth noting tho I was talking about the normal chrome extensions not the impact rated ones. I also have broken all of them not using impacts

[@jasonerb2577]

Snap ring pliers, totally agree. The heads fall off every time you go to use it. I do somewhat disagree with the pry bars...hear me out. I agree, they flex too much...I agree, there are better ones on the market...however, for $11, they aren't THAT BAD for light duty work. Example, I used them while fixing my zero turn mower and they worked great...in fact, they were a life saver. They're worth having if you do any work like that. In a full time, professional garage setting, yeah, get the better ones. Also, the three jaw pullers...ok, they're not great, but they make easy work of bearings etc. They would be better having a hardened bolt, and if my aunt had balls, she'd be my uncle.

[@michaelosmon]

“If my aunt had balls, she’d be my uncle” hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha I watched this video just for that line

[@jasonerb2577]

@@michaelosmon Sorry it wasn't in the video. That's one of my personal favorite lines.

[@michaelosmon]

@@jasonerb2577 I was just making a joke...my favorite part of this particular video was your comment. I never saw this channel until this morning, I subbed fairly quickly. Is that line usually in his vids? Anyway it's a good one

[@jasonerb2577]

@@michaelosmon No, that's my "go to".

[@r0ckymountainhi]

I have to disagree on the swivel socket adapters . I have and use them everyday professionally and have never broken one . The spring has never come loose . I use them on my milwaukee m18 high torque impact gun.

[@kovie9162]

Although you clarified in the comments it would help if you mentioned which specific products you have bad experiences with, and showed images with product pages and codes and all. For example the extensions, in the video you didn't say which ones, impact vs. non-impact, regular vs. wobbly, which HF line as they often have several, etc., but in the comments you clarified it was the non-impact ones. The only HF extensions I have are the wobbly impact set, and while I haven't used them extensively they have worked well for me, specifically the 3/8" set on a 3/8" M12 stubby impact wrench. But I'm a DIYer working on cars not trucks and I don't put massive torque on these. My non-wobbly impacts are Craftsman and Neiko, and my non-impacts are Tekton, which have worked well for me. Also I just bought the u-joint set but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I'm mainly interested in the 3/8" one so hopefully it'll be ok for my needs and if not there's that 90 day return period.

[@Synaux]

You always have to be careful with Horror Frought....I have used the puller I have a few dozen times tho with no issues (just sayin)

[@mutationbuilder3446]

@ 4:35 😭😂 that was the sassiest haand gesture I've ever seen

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Hahaha I learn from my wife 🤣

[@MarcS-mp1je]

I have a bunch of harbor freight stuff some of it is great and some of it is sketchy. I broken a pitman arm puller on the first use and also a pickle fork from them. Not to mention 2 bench vises that were not abused. After the 2nd Vice broke. I went and bought a used littlestown USA vise from the 1960s at a flea market that I’ve had for 15+ years that seen a ton of use and has never let me down.

[@mrgmc6314]

Light to medium usage on their shit is fine I love there tools for that ... but if you over work them or any tool for that matter they wont last long

[@jamessissem7319]

I have had good luck with the 3/8 drive extensions,it is the 1/2 I seem to snap or bend.L even use the 3/8 on air ratchet and not broken but only one.On the 1/2 inch I've broken probaly 20 or so by hsand only never by Air hammer -electric or air.The color coded sockets have held up well on electric hammer gun,air aswell

[@danlevesque5437]

I had the snap ring pliers with removable tips from harbor freight I tried to rebuild a motorcycle brake Master cylinder and not only was it way too wobbly and falling apart it was a hair too short to reach inside thankfully 2 hours later I found my lost channel lock set that prompted me to take the so call easy way out of searching for the right tools for the job

[@jeffruebens8355]

Just rebuilt my Honda motorcycle front brake master cylinder. I had to file down the circlip (or snap ring) pliers just above the tips, so the tips had room to go into the 2 holes in the clip.

[@GrantsDad]

Mayhew dominator pry bars are great they’re the same as the ones matco sells but without the green handle and markup

[@aerospot2]

I like your review. You make your living with auto tools, yes? I do not but have some mechanical skills and occasionally work on my car. With this in mind, your critical of tools I find invaluable. But I use things like snap ring pliers once or twice per year. Impact drive sockets I use multiple times per year, but not constantly. My point is you are approaching your opinion based on your use of these tools and I can see how they can be frustrating. But I find most if not all the tools your critique, very useful.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Thank you! and yes that is the point, I am giving a review based on real experience(Who wants a review from someone that doesnt know what they are talking about and hasnt really used the tools?) putting the tools to hard use and the ones I mentioned in this video were mostly terrible in comparison with many other options out there. Someone that only uses them once or twice a year still might get frustrated if the tool isnt working properly or breaks after only a year or two requiring them to pause the job and drive to the store and get another one. I used to be a DIY also before I started professionally and while it is true you can make things work out most of the time I still wish I could have had videos back then like this to watch and get an opinion from someone with experience before wasting my money on sub par tools when many times there are better options for similar money, or the times it is worth it to pay extra.

[@picturetech]

My exact experience with exactly the same HF tools. Too funny.

[@sacredoblivion1647]

I own one of the pulley kits and i agree that it sucks, threads stripped out when i was hand threading it into a friends truck

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Damn that sucks, especially when its a friends lol I work on cars all day every day and it always seems like the job goes sideways when Im just trying to help out a friend for free 😂😂

[@rookiexreviews]

Thanks for info but why buy the tool. Twice just get exchanged free new one right?

[@apuckett1971]

Harbor freight snap time pliers are the worst. I was in a bind and bought the drill master years ago 2nd worst tool I ever bought there.

[@bradymcreynolds9634]

Try the snap-on 1/4 inch locking extensions they are great

[@wildbill23c]

Yep those snap ring pliers are junk. I have never used those ball joint sockets, but just looking at them told me being a great idea they're not going to last LOL. Haven't broke any extensions but the only ones I have are their impact rated extensions...I've broke several of the socket adapters though LOL.

[@Rick-Williams59]

I took the spring off and welded the swivel pin, no problems since

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Great idea!

[@jdogmcnasty1980]

Rick Williams have to remember that!

[@rustyshackelford9156]

Lol I too fell into the snapring kit quagmire...forgot about that until you mentioned it. So many junk tools from horror freight. Ever tried the brake vacuum bleeder thing? It's great for absolutely ensuring you will get a ton of air in the caliper/line.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yep tons of crappy tools! I've had some great ones though too! Thats why I made these videos tho and enjoy other ones like it its nice to get other peoples experience with what works and doesnt for them

[@rustyshackelford9156]

yea there's definitely a few good ones but it gets to the point where you would just rather not risk it

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@rustyshackelford9156 Doesnt bother me to risk depending on what it is and also depending on if other people I know have had good experience with it. I have 2 other videos with tools I recommend from them.

[@davidchall4976]

The pullers definitely have issues. They look like name brand tools but break or don’t hold securely onto parts.

[@DavidsonMott]

One way to keep the springs on the swivel, either tape or a zip tie.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yea, someone else also mentioned just welding the rod and thatd work too. Either way I am much happier with the more expensive ones I got and since I use them every day it has been worth it to me 🤘

[@mistamarvelous8203]

He's not lying. Most of their equipment isn't worth a damn. I purchased to Chicago Electric large items. A table and minter saws. The problem is they don't carry the stand for the table saw. How do you not carry the stand? I purchased a universal stand doesn't fit.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Gotta know what to buy and research ahead of time. Lots of crap but also some very good things I have bought as well

[@44warden]

Would a hose clamp prevent that swivel adaptor from springing

[@richb2229]

Agreeded on all these things. The snap ring pliers even look cheap! The swivels, I have these and use them from time to time but have much better versions. The black handle pry bars are too weak. They do have some of use. The pair of long heavy screwdrivers, a small solid steel pry bar, and a long heavy pry bar with the large rubber handle you show. Those are plenty strong and work for me. I have the extensions they work Okay but I have others that I use more frequently. I don’t have the pulley kit and haven’t looked at it. Generally anything I get at HF and doesn’t work I throw it out.

[@thomasjames734]

Absolutely the best snap ring pliers are the knipex won't ever buy a different brand

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Pretty much everything Knipex is awesome! Wish I could afford ALL their stuff lol but I do have a few of their Pliers I love them.

[@westleywalsh8188]

Knipex is the king of pliers.

[@thomasjames734]

Ya I have a there snap ring pliers, side cuts, a couple pairs of the Cobra pliers , and a couple pairs of the plier wrenches.... But I also have alot of tekton pliers and there needle nose are some of the best I've used especially for the money 5-10$ a pair

[@donaldpainter956]

I was using their impacting unerversial and it came apart and I had to get 7 stiches in my left hand I won't buy any impact tools from them now the earthquake stubby air gun is a beast I own snapon and matco but the earthquake works good and for 120 dollars it can't be beat

[@marcharris2734]

Swivel ball sockets are not made for impacts. At least thats what snap on dude says

[@cbmech2563]

They're black , they're for an impact !

[@brianglade848]

My dad has bad breath

[@toddreynolds7837]

In the extension I only have the 1/2" and have had success with them.

[@willsrandomartwork]

Needed a few cotter pins, got a pack from Harbor Freight, so far so good. Have you had any trouble with those?

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Havent used them from there, but those would be pretty hard to mess up! I wouldnt be afraid of trying them out.

[@ColeTanner88]

Matco doesnt actually make any of their tools. The only thing matco actually manufactures is their tool boxes. Everything else is subbed out to companies like sunnex, OEM, atd, etc. Those swivel sockets you showed are just rebranded sunnex.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

I think I mentioned in the Video ADV is made with Sunex. I know their silver eagle and adv lines and some of the others are subbed out but I thought they made some of their own hand tools? Who makes the actual Matco Brand wrenches and sockets etc?

[@ColeTanner88]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel according to my matco dealer who seems pretty knowledgeable, Matco only makes their boxes, nothing else. As far as the matco brand wrenches, sockets, etc, I'm not sure who manufacturers them for matco, but my understanding is matco doesnt make them

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@ColeTanner88 Good to know thanks for sharing. I think I have heard similar things before about them not making most of their stuff but I assumed they had to make at least a few things more than their boxes!!

[@doctordiesel5467]

@@ColeTanner88 they have Alot of their usa tools made by aj mfg white industrial national hand tool aka national machine etc they use to be mfg by Armstrong their usa sockets have been made my national hand tool

[@aceseightsazhvacsparkyandg8138]

Best extinction I used for low cost was durlast . Had a long long one for 10 years and still like new

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Really?? My favorite extinction was the dinosaurs

[@aceseightsazhvacsparkyandg8138]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel yea it just keeps kicking and is still hard to pull a scoket

[@aceseightsazhvacsparkyandg8138]

Sorry Extinction phone auto type and fat fingers

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@aceseightsazhvacsparkyandg8138 Haha Im sure bro just made me laugh!

[@aceseightsazhvacsparkyandg8138]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel so are you in Arizona

[@gabrielmacias4466]

There icon tools are so over priced

[@patcallahan1050]

You can tell alot about a mechanic by the tool he grabs: Snap-On: Pro, he'll get it done - for a price. Cornwell: Pro on a budget. Mac: The O.G. in the shop that knows how to fix things you didn't know existed. Matco: Watches alot of racing and owns a Dodge pickup. PT (Performance Tool): He's fixed it before (once) and it was probably his vehicle. Duralast: His last customer got charged for the tools he's using to fix your car. Pittsburg: Either fresh out of tech school, or his wife's boyfriend got custody of his tools during the divorce. Lisle: Call a cab, this is gonna take awhile, and it's a bitch to get to. Stanley: He ain't got time and he's handing you a cheap-o to fix it yourself. OTC: You gone-done f***ed something up BIG TIME! He isn't happy with you and it will NOT be cheap.

[@donhill1825]

Those interchangeable snap ring pliers are absolute garbage. I bought what I'm sure is the same Chinese patterned tool from Amazon & it was more frustrating than not having snap ring pliers at all.

[@joehyundaitech7961]

I like gearwrench sunex grey pneumatic and astro

[@Iowa599]

Their snap ring pliers work, I have Snap-On too. They're better, but if you can't get the H-F ones to work, you're doing it wrong. I wouldn't even try their swivel adapter! No problems with any of my Snap-On swivel or wobble adapters & sockets! I needed to pry something at a strange angle, so I bent one of their pry bars to get around a corner. I can't do that with my Snap-On! Their extension adapters work for anything except ratchet/socket extensions! While their pullers suck, in comparison to quality tools, they work IF you grease the threads before you use them!!! I have several, of the same pullers, from them and Snap-on. (needed ASAP, but my good Snap-On were at work, and there was a H-F store closer to my house than work) (

[@tonyincretolli849]

Good video, honest info!

[@rustyshackelford9156]

Has anyone tried that "master ball joint press" set thing? Think it's like $80 you get the big c press and a bunch of relievers etc. Amy good?

[@meabob]

It is a good set especially considering the tool truck price is over $400. We have the set and it has the most widely needed adapters and the quality good.

[@rustyshackelford9156]

meabob thanks

[@blakewaddell451]

I have nothing against any brand. I have been using their extensions for years professionally in all drives and they are great. I also like their Earthquake impacts they are a beast. Also their jacks and hydraulic presses as well. Those are all good in my experience. I definitely agree on the swivels I have SK and they are much better than the Harbor Freight ones. Also yes their Snap Ring pliers are junk I even tried a set of the Quinn ones from there they are no good also. One thing I was surprised you didn’t mention were the orange and black handled screwdrivers those are total junk in my experience I broke just about every one of them the first few uses.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Never used those screwdrivers, the Doyle ones they sell now are good 👍

[@afranco9]

What's your opinion on Tekten? I've been replacing most of my HF tools with Tekten tools.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

I think its about the same quality as decent HF stuff, its all chinese/tawainese stuff.

[@drfalcon4102]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHPNmX6sn8t0rpI

[@drfalcon4102]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I didnt know Michigan was a Foreign country

[@meabob]

@@drfalcon4102 - LOL I live in Michigan and sometimes it feels like it is!!!

[@justaman5490]

Nothing says, "Go Green" like buying tools that are landfill material after the first time you use them.

[@bobbowie5334]

That *$240 retaining ring plier set* that he's talking about isn't even made by _Snap-On._ 2:06

[@bad05ford]

Gotta pay for that branding

[@petersallander2455]

Most people do not apply to much pressure on small tools.

[@Nothingtoya]

I have broken those swivels made by 3 different companies. If you use them daily, all day, I havent found 1 that last more than a week.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Been using my ADV ones for over a year and my bosses Snap On ones for a few years and they have held up great.

[@Nothingtoya]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I use them for underground utilities, doing bolt ups on water main. I started off with harbor freight, then went to gear wrench, then I broke down and got a snap on one. They all broke within a week. To be fair, I didnt like the harbor fright one, it broke within a couple days. What we put these things thru, theyll never see in the hands of most people. So I'd get any other brand than the harbor freight ones but absolutely no reason to spend the money on one from Snap-on.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@Nothingtoya I got my ADV set from Matco, they have been great so far and if I do have any issues I have no issues warrantying them. Sounds like you really put some heavy abuse on them! But at least for automotive use these have been strong and stood up to the abuse. The HF ones broke in a couple days every time vs the ADV's I've had for a year and a half or so.

[@meabob]

I have the Matco 3/8 pinless impact set (8mm, 10mm to 19mm) and I break the 13, 15, and 18 a lot. But I use them the most and I am a swivel socket abuser.

[@scottiniowa1]

Thanks!!

[@802Garage]

Haven't had an issue with my impact swivels yet, but I'll def watch out for that now. Also good to know to stay away from the pry bars because I was considering a set. Gotta tell you, ya missed the biggest offender for me. The locking jaw pliers 3 piece set. Not one of them is worth a damn. All flex, one won't stay closed, pieces of trash. Nothing worse than trying to use a set of locking jaw pliers in a critical moment and having it frustrate you even more instead of helping. Junk! Fun video.

[@snap-off5383]

Get prybars at walmart if they still have the made in usa By Wilde . . .(marked as hyper tough, but they say MADE IN USA very obviously).

[@802Garage]

@@snap-off5383 Awesome tip! Nice name.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Hah! I havent even tried the 3 jaw pullers from there actually so I didnt list them! But I've used plenty of cheap ones and know what you mean. As far as the swivels go good luck! Mine kept breaking all the time but I also was using them really often.

[@802Garage]

Yeah when mine break I'll probably get the Sunex sets you recommended me unless those have had issues for you.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@802Garage Nah my sunex and ADV impacts both have all been awesome. Like I said in the video I did need to replace ONE of my ADV swivels but truth is I should have been using a 1/2 drive not a 3/8ths behind a 1/2 gun pounding on it for 15 minutes trying to break something loose lol. ANY tool can break if its abused past a certain point but the HF ones were falling apart for me with normal use. They still are better than nothing and probably work in a pinch but I use my swivels every day with air and electric ratchets and guns and the nice ones have held up without issue at all to heavy use.

[@CenturyofTerror]

A harbor freight chain binder broke my leg.

[@300mag83]

Everything but the pulley removal kit I have and have had great luck with the shitty stuff for me is always cheap electric power tools like sawzall drills etc. I have not tried the Bauer or Hercules branded but mostly the Pittsburgh stuff is junk. Unless it’s just all steel tools it sucks that’s my opinion though.

[@johnnyrichards7551]

Try the icon snap ring pliers from HF

[@paulbailey1933]

Sunex or klutch swivel sockets are the same design but a chrome molybdenum collar holding the rod inside just like the matco ones and they are cheap and high quality

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Yea the sunex ones are just like my ADV ones I showed they are great

[@cbmech2563]

I broke the shaft on one sunnex driveline socket and the rod on another one.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@cbmech2563 Damn! What did you break them on?

[@cbmech2563]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel driveline bolts on Volvo , peterbuilt and Autocar class 7&8 trash trucks . And a nitrocat rated 1200/900 ft lbs

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@cbmech2563 That makes sense, working on big stuff!

[@TylerSnyder305]

They have some things like their little drill press and 1x30 belt sander that I can't afford otherwise, but hand tools I do not buy from harbor freight. Hammers I absolutely will never buy if theyre not American made, and same goes with wrenches ratchets / sockets, and screwdrivers.

[@Synaux]

Yeah I got like 3 of the yellow handled hammer for like 2.00 on some sure sale. All of them broke

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@Synaux If the haft isn't wood I don't use it. Synthetic handles and all steel hammers just don't feel the same. Shock absorbing aside the rubber grips blister my hands and can't be reshaped how I like it.

[@Synaux]

@@TylerSnyder305 agreed,I have more hammers I should, but the best one is a wood handled carpenter hammer from Home Despot (second favorite is grandpa's ~80 year old hammer with a wood handle of course).

[@TylerSnyder305]

@@Synaux my most used is a 1940's Mac-Huff Craftsman Vanadium ball peen, next an 1880's Germantown machinist, and a 1950's Vaughan Craftsman hammertooth 20'oz framer. If the handle isn't hickory I won't use it. Even my grandfather's fiberglass handled Plumb 20oz rip claw, I keep it around but don't use it because the handle sucks. It's a US made Cooper era so the quality is great, but I just don't like the handle.

[@rustyshackelford9156]

Their hammers do suck...you think hammer, so simple how would it matter...oh no, it matters.

[@italiqban]

I keep having bad luck with multiple diff company wire strippers. What do you use? Which is worth it?

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Just small normal wire strippers? I actually have had good luck with the little HF ones they are sharp and pull the shielding off clean and easy I keep it in the jeep for sidework and home use. At work I have a set of Kimball Midwest stubby ones that I use for almost all my wiring work. I'll have a video going up monday showing me use them putting a stereo in my jeep.

[@markraffensperger2339]

Zeus2018 Klein all day

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@markraffensperger2339 Yea Klein is also great! Idk why I forgot to mention them.

[@markraffensperger2339]

GearHeads never had a bad klein tool. the romex 14-2/12-2 strippers are my favorite from them 🙌

[@italiqban]

Thanks I appreciate it. I forgot the 3 or 4 brands that I have bought and tried but I too threw the hot garbage away. One of them for sure was the harbor freight kit that comes in a plastic box with a bunch of other bits. I’m going to give Klein a go.

[@TD_YT066]

McPherson strut compressors... Life's too short for HF, in that if you use them, your life may be quite short.

[@JD730]

Add the 6 ton jackstands to that list. Sadly I have 4 of them and have defended them non stop since i got them. Crow was eaten hahahha

[@ThatGuyFromArizona]

you talk a lot but you don't say too much

[@sergioernandez1]

If you re working on BMW Mercedez Audi As Pro mechanic why buy the 5 dlrs snap rings? Or $5 pry bars? I mean you can still but them and be smart when or where to use them ., Yeah I agree that some things from HF is just trash but some things works ok people talk alot of the torque wrenchs And common sense Im not going to torque a time chain or valve bolts with their that dont be cheap guys and soend a little more

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

Harbor freight is okay but never have the welding supplies I ever need.

[@vegas_the_trucker1595]

I disagree with a few of these, the pry bar being junk, i have them & use them all the time & i have yet to break a extension

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

I used to think the same when I only used them occasionally working on my own car, but as soon as I became a professional it became clear very quickly I needed better bars and extensions.

[@The_Dastardly_Dan]

$300 snap-on pry bars for safety! Haha I avoid the harbor freight pliers, my channel locks from them suck ass. Great video man!

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

Haha funny enough I was replacing the driveshaft bushing on my neighbors Toyota pickup and used 4 out 5 of the tools you talked about and I breeeat the shit outta them with a half inch gun and they were fine,lucky I guess

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Haha nice! There definitely is a difference in one or a few uses tho and someone like me using them all day. It doesnt take long to figure out what will last!

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

@@GearHeadsGarageChannel I agree,I kind of was waiting for the wobble socket to explode

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

@@dustinpomeroy8817 I went through multiple before I gave up. I bet you could modify/make a better collar but I just bought a set off the Matco truck when they went on sale

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

I mean I guess it could just have been a engineering thing ,they could have meant it to blow apart there by design I

[@Toolaholic7]

I had a pair of the wire strippers from HF,junk.They were sticky not stripping wires.I threw them in the scrap metal pile

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Which ones? Was it the ones that also have the crimp and cutter built in? I have some strippers from there that have worked really well for me actually

[@Toolaholic7]

Older pair no longer made

[@meabob]

I think I had the same set. LOL you know if HF stops selling them then they really are junk.

[@straycatnip]

1/4" anything is the easiest tool to break. It was designed to fail from the beginning. There isn't enough steel for it to not snap from any amount of torque. The guy who invented it laughed all the way to the bank.

[@SuperMcgenius]

Haha the pray bars , yes in the trash. 🔧🔨🛠

[@Rafymon98]

If you are a professional mec. and are worth half the salt in your soup you should not have HF tools in your box.

[@GearHeadsGarageChannel]

Thats just not true though, there are MANY useful affordable tools from HF that good professionals can use every day. Some of the stuff sucks and some of it is good, its not all or nothing.

[@meabob]

With well over three decades in the mechanic side of life (ASE Master and Chrysler Master), I have HF tools I bought in the 80s, when it was mainly a mail order business, that are still being used. Some of their stuff is top quality and some is not worth the box it shipped in. I haven't purchased a bad tool from HF since their stores have become easily accessible because I can inspect the product first hand before buying.

[@carlosquintana6930]

Well my friend if you are mechanic the only thing I can say is what your pay is what you get ... I am a carpenter I won’t buy drillbit or any power tools or compressor... I like Harbor freight I bought a winch are they had no problem with it but like I say what your pay is what you get!👍👍

[@meabob]

My coworker bought a 3/8 electric ratchet from HF last year and it is as good as the Snappy version at a quarter of the price. He let me try it and when my Milwaukee bites the dust I'll likely get one from HF.

[@coreysuttles1362]

Yea please make a part two!!