The 10" Japanese style double edge hand saw is my daily "GO TO" saw! Smoothest, fastest, truest, handsaw I've ever used! Starts sharp, stays sharp! I can't say how many projects would not have been built if I had to rely on any other saw!
The cushion mats are great for camping. Thet make a nice, protective floor in my 2-man tent as well as a relatively soft pad to sleep on. Easy to carry around and quick to set up and remove.
Ex Harbor freight employee here and I can confirm that the rare earth magnets are really popular, as they where one of the most stollen items from our store, lol
I love the magnet bars I use them for cleaning up spilled bits an nails an bobby pins, in my kitchen for my mini cast iron pans an knives, as well as for my metal tools.
Number 5: Throwing Hammers. When someone cuts you off, don't throw your expensive hammers, use these small ones instead. A critical part for your everyday commute.
Just don't throw it at a Tesla - they'll play the video of you in court. Not only will you look foolish, land on RU-vid, and get convicted, but you will feel humiliated when they keep referring to your 'baby' hammer.
Another underrated item from HF that never gets mentioned is their packs of scissors! They are razor sharp and I use them to cut velcro and have used the same pair for a couple years without sharpening.
I scored some of these too. They were about a dollar and are great for any general low precision task like cutting tie wraps, packaging, etc. I was just good to have dedicated garage scissors but they work well too.
They have a nice little 18 Gauge Brad Nailer that also will shoot staples. I have had it for about a year and it works great. It has put a lot of projects together.
I have an earlier version of the LED flashlight. That was a damn good purchase, very versatile, good on batteries. And every time I buy those floor mats, I find another use for them. Can’t get enough! 👍🏻
There was some relatively good information. Thank you for making a relatively good video about a relatively good tool chain showing off their relatively good products. But, it's all relative.
The 2HP Central Machinery dust collector and the the 12" disc sander are my 2 favorites. I did do a ton of upgrades to the dust collector with a super dust deputy and HEPA filter cartridge, but still a great deal for the money. They carry alot of junk, but there are definitely hidden gems in the junk pile.
I've had 3 of these (brush, parts organizer, and dolly) for a few years now, and they've all been great. I recently used that dolly to bring my new 300+ lb french door refrigerator inside the house and I was sure it would break, but it didn't.
This is awesome. I'm a beginner and have bought a lot of smaller items from Harbor Freight. I'm not at the point where I have to decide how much more I want to invest. Looking at planner, table saw, table router, etc. I'm super cheap so I have to balance the total value vs. cost. Thanks for all of this especially the magnets.
Skip the table saw, planer they will not hold up. A WEN 7.25 track saw and track will work almost as good as the table saw once you get used to it. And you may want to look at router table plans. I am looking at the one I built and I spent a little extra on some things but it's the equal to the $400-$500 ones and I have $200 in it. Router Tip: Get one that has the option to adjust the depth via a Allen wrench through the base. Eliminates a router lift for your table.
Their angle grinder is pretty good. Paid $14 for my first one which I destroyed in the first day from over heating. I was cutting 1/4 inch steel. I returned it and got another one which was the same price but a slightly different design which seemed to stop the over heating problems. Have had it for over 3 years now with zero issues. Best $14 I've ever spent
In addition to the 4" belt /6" disc sander you mentioned I also have the 1" tabletop belt sander. It is perfect for small jobs like sharpening screwdrivers, chisels, punches and any number of small jobs. I also buy HFT super glue. It's some of the best I've found and its dirt cheap.
Pleasantly surprised by my Diamondback 7" Heavy Duty Wet Tile Saw. I've had a few massive projects that I've used it for. It has gone through three blades, and runs like a charm. I purchased the two year replacement plan because I figured I'd burn it out before then. Nope. Still running strong - powerful, clean cuts, versatile. Miters, angles... no problem. Great thing to own.
@@r8wells And you would be very wrong. I am in fact, retired from the Navy Shipyard at Bremerton. It just so happens that I have had great luck with their tools over the years.
I bought their little 125 amp flux core welder a couple years ago and love it. I've used it a ton and it's been great little garage/portable welder that plugs into any household outlet.
@@lauramarshall6376 , CHICAGO ELECTRIC 12" double bevel compound Miter saw. Took it out of the box, trued it up and started making sawdust over a year ago. I've used it a LOT and NO complaints at all. I don't make precision furniture or anything but I sell a lot of what I build. Like I said ... NO complaints. If I had to, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat !! But I see this outlasting ME !! I believe you'd be happy with it. Join the club and get a discount, get a coupon and enjoy THAT money back in your pocket as well !! Happy hunting !!
@@lauramarshall6376, Sorry, I had a brain fart. I thought we were talking Miter saws ..... I presently have a Shop Smith that has a built in Drill press and I LOVE the machine but sometimes I just need a drill press for a quick job and would be handy to have a bench drill press.
I'm a photographer who has sworn by HF for my behind the scenes props and ancillary gear since first learning of them in 2013. Saved an insane amount on lighting alone!
I have both sanders and I love them. I owe a 115 year old house and I have use the neodymium magnets to hold cubbies and cabinet doors closed. I probably have five or six of the LED lights. They are stuck on a few tools, and are really great for working on my Jeep! I’ll have three or for stuck under the hood with me! Great vid! Keep it up!
I had one of those small mover dollies for years that held a heavy box of mechanic tools. I eventually put the tools somewhere else and I attached a small table that my HF drill press on it and now it moves around great. I also keep a roll of velcro around (3/4" by 35') for wrapping and using for various projects including keeping a roll in my camping gear. Great to quickly wrap up my cords.
I've got those floor mats in the shop, in the dining/living room( hardwood floor hurts our bunnies feet and they can't get traction), and even in the backyard under the above ground pool xD Just make sure you get all your mats with the same product number, there are 2 slightly different models and itll ruin your whole day trying to get them all to fit together
Useful items at HF. 1.Telescopic magnet---- used to pick up screwdriver, screws, nuts etc falling into difficult to reach places. 2.Roller magnet useful to pick up shrapnels, nails nuts etc from the floor of the workshop. 3.Bauer drill bits very durable, BUT hardly on sale unlike the Warrior and Hercules brands.
Most of the Harbor Freight tools that I have bought have been very reliable and you can't beat the price, especially with the coupons. I'm not a pro so I cannot comment about the durability under daily use.
Durability has been pretty good. Pros are buying the Hercules brand power tools. The warranty is way better then the big brand names. You can take it directly to the store and have the tool replaced.
I have the Chicago Electric table saw, 90 amp welder and the 7” tile saw as well as the Lynx 40 volt string trimmer and pole saw. I also have the 4000 watt Predator generator... no complaints with any of them. Now I’m eyeing the 3100 psi pressure washer.
I have purchased alot of tools from HF. Picked up a coping saw for alot less then big stores and works just the same. I love my drill press, vice, and angle grinder I have had for years. My most used tools. Buying variety packs of reciprocating saw blades with cupon on big sale events is definitely worth it, as well as cutting wheels for the angle grinder. I usually keep a stock of sand paper sheets too.
We bought a Chicago Ocillating multi-tool about 10 years ago. We use it all the time. When we had some electrician & carpenters here, and they used ours! About $20 & still works! The chain saw Sharpener is amazing & works great. We have the sander you showed & it is another great tool. We had to extend the dust port. It is a bit short but the machine works very well. We buy a lot of their magnets, pick tools, wrenches have a lifetime warranty, dremel bits, retractable cord holders, disposable gloves, and yes, our work area is covered with those mats! Our main tools are Jet brand but if you need something to start with, there is nothing wrong with Harbor Freight tools! We are a bit amazed how well the Chicago tools work...must be a best kept secret!
I saw on one of your videos that you used a badminton racquet to swat flies. Harbor Freight sells a bug zapper that looks like a tennis racquet. Works great! I keep one in my screened-in patio and one inside. They cost 2 bucks.
I agree with your chosen products from HF, I modified my bench sander with different pulleys, makes at faster and Boggs down less! I also love my HF lathe I use it all the time, I highly recommend getting a chuck for it! I love the bench brush, and the chisels are pretty good!
They also have a little led red triangle lights. They are small and easy to store in your vehicle or RV. They have white led lights in the center if needed. The outside triangle of lights are red and burn study or fast flashing. Have a magnet in the back a hook for hanging or to be used as a leg to stand up on roadside. Best os all they are only a couple bucks each.
Great video! You got another subscriber. The idea with the movers' dolly is excellent. How they manage to sell it for less than the cost of the casters is beyond me, but when I need a set for something around the house, that is how I get mine.
Damn, you r correct! I'm a master repurposer and I can't believe I missed that the whole is cheaper than the casters alone. Headed to HB today, better put one on my list. Thank you.
Love your vids!!! Keep it up. I'm almost done with all my French cleats in garage. I'll have to share when done. given me a lot of ideas for HF and French cleats
I use those bins to sort and store small automotive fasteners, clips and other body items, they work well and save time. I'm surprised how they've held up to shop use over a couple of years now.
2:21 I use those bins a lot, including storing things like pop rivets and the tool. I remove some of the containers and use the foam for tool drawers that you can cut out to fill in the area.
24” Bridge Tile Saw, I considered a Rubi Tile Bridge saw for $1,280. One of my customers bought this Harbour Freight saw for me when I first started doing tile and I have had it for 20 years now and I’m still ripping tiles straight square and a perfect 45° angle it’s the only tile saw I bring onto the job it works every time I just keep the pump lubricated with WD-40 silicone spray before and after every use. Over 100,000 ft.² of tile that I have installed and this thing is still kicking butt!
I’ve got about a dozen of their welding magnets and a bunch of the locking welding clamps. Can’t complain about either. They also make relatively decent welding carts. Their pneumatic angle grinders are almost unstoppable. We have one that has been submerged in water during a couple floods, gotten to the point it needed help to spin up, once it’s spun up the first time it works like a dream after that.
I bought and like one of their small strip Sanders and even though it's basic I bought and like their scroll saw. I often buy glue at harbor Freight and their sand paper collection is nice and less expensive than Lowe's.
Full disclosure, I used to work at Harbor Freight at one of their stores. But even previous to that, I have been a customer for years. Not only are their inexpensive tools great for your wallet, in the past 2-3 years, their quality has begun to skyrocket. With their cordless tool brands like Hercules and Bauer, I've been seeing them show up in contractors tool bags and tool boxes more and more often. And to boot, the benefits of working at one of their locations are awesome. Not only do they offer competitive pay and insurance, but the work atmosphere and teamwork are top notch. I've made great friends through my time working with them. I can't say enough good things about them.
@Boom Diggaty zero unfortunately. I've been looking into adding investing as a tool in my retirement fund lately though. And I'd definitely buy into Harbor Freight if I'm able to do so. Why do you ask?
Bought a drill press from there and right out the box it didn't work lol. I went to lowes and found one of the same size and power that was a porter cable and it was only $10 more. The best thing i think in terms of quality are socket sets.
I actually went to harbor freight for the first time a few weeks ago. I was on a crunch to finish a project and I found I wasnt able to get a consistent finish with my old, second hand plunge router. In a time and money crunch I got a $30 fixed base router. Been extremely surprised so far. Thing has worked well. Now, on the other hand, a miter saw given to me for a birthday gift from chicago electric (hf) has been an extreme disappointment. It doesnt cut straight and the motor casing is cracked. Im interested enough to start getting cheaper things there, but I wont trust them for big tool purchases, even if I am just beginning
@@JKSSubstandard admittedly, the Chicago Electric tools don't hold up well to any heavy use. Their chorded drill has served me pretty well for the amount that I use it, but their heat gun, chordless drill and jigsaw, and worklight have all failed on me. However, their Hercules and Bauer chordless tools are under lifetime warranty. Little more expensive, but the ability to return them to the store and walk out with a replacement for that tool in minutes is what you're paying for with that. But that's part of the big draw for HFT, because if you just have a single project that you need a drill for, but you don't have a lot of money, no point in having an $80 drill sitting in a drawer that you'll probably never use again. Think about cost/useage. If you're going to use it a lot, spend a little more to get a better quality one. Just need to drill 5 holes? Go with the cheapest garbage they have then return it to get your $20 back. I'm by no means advocating that Harbor Freight has the best quality tools on the market. But they have something to fit everyone's needs if they can afford it.
Biggest item I've purchased from Harbor Freight was the 70 gallon 2hp(?!) Heavy Duty High Flow High Capacity Dust Collector. I didn't use it in it's stock configuration, but rather used the motor/impeller as part of a Thien Baffle setup. I built my based loosely on April Wilkerson's RU-vid video. I'm fortunate enough to just be able to vent the collector out to the woods behind the shop. In fact the whole unit sits outside under a shed roof on the back of the shop. I bought mine with a 20% coupon so at the time, I got it for around $170.
My favorite purchase from Harbor Freight was their Heavy Duty Trailer. Also as far as their clamps, the aluminum bar clams are great as well I have a tendency to reach for those first when doing panel glue ups. Also I've had good luck with all of the welding supplies from there, helmets, gloves, aprons, also I bought a middle priced flux core welder from there and had alot of good luck.
The best purchase I made from Harbor Freight was an auto-mechanic's creeper. I have a large crawl space in my house, and the creeper lets me move around in it quickly. With the creeper and an appliance dolly I can utilize the entire space to store large boxes/bins, and it's easy to get to everything.
The pole saw I have has paid for itself the first time I used it. I trimmed the tree in front of my house. The arborists wanted what I thought was a ridiculous amount of money. I went to HF and bought the corded pole saw and it worked great.
I get one of their multimeters every time I get a free coupon. I've never had a battery go dead, the leads break first. But...free! (I keep spares on hand.)
I picked up their pocket hole jig kit as an alternative to the more expensive Kreg setup and it is probably one of my most-used tools from Harbor Freight. Simple yet solid construction.
@@SpecificLove7 Honestly, I think it is a little better built than the Kreg jig, too. It is in the same class as the Kreg K4 but with all metal construction and adjustable hole guides. I was able to improvise a dust collection port on it as well. Definitely worth looking into.
The Center Drill Countersink Set is great if you have a drill press and want to drill a hole accurately, as they are much stiffer than normal drills, so they won't wander off. Once you get a hole started, you can switch to a larger drill size to finish drilling the hole as the hole is directly beneath the drill press chuck.
A lot of people rag on harbor freight , but you can find some good deals on some tools everyone in a while . I had one just open where I live and that place gets packed inside . You just can’t beat some of their prices 👍
Yes to the rotary sander, bench brush, clamps, dolly, chisels, flashlight and magnetic part dish. I have all of them and they work great. I would also include their better welder (not the $99 one....), Half inch impact wrench socket sets, rotary car polisher, tarps, air compressor fittings, brad nailers/staplers, air hose, 3 ton car jack, welding wire for MIG, ear muffs protector ppe, electric angle grinder and cut off disks and grinding disks, rope, epoxy, axes, and a bunch more! Their tools have improved in quality over the years.
I have also purchased the HF 10" Miter Saw. Not the most expensive, but works well. Suggestion, before going to town with the miter saw, do all the alignment and calibrations and you will have a decent miter saw. I've had mine for about 5 years now. Also I had purchased the HF 10 Drill press. I use that thing quite a bit and it does do what it's supposed to. I built a cabinet for it and then bolted it down, now I have a drill press stand with 2 drawers and it's working out great. I also purchase a lot of the HF router bits, and forstner bits. All work great. I have no complaints about any of HF''s products.
The Pro Series black and red handled ratchets... I swear by them. Building machines I might tighten hundreds of bolts on a single day. The handles are padded, comfortable, and provide excellent grip. I've only ever stripped out the 1/4" ratchet (probably my own fault) but that is their best feature. They cost a fraction of a Cornwell or Snap-on, but if they do fail, they have a lifetime warranty. You take them back to Harbor Freight and they give you a brand new one.
I bought the cement mixer for hella cheap with 20% coupon and veteran discount I believe it was. Like a $100 bucks. I mixed close to a hundred bags of 80lbs concrete. Haven’t used it in a few years. I’m sure it works still.
I use the Mover's Dollies to store my project 350 Chevy engines on.... they rolls around easily and no need to tie up an engine stand ...Hell, we even put 2 of them under the front times of an old S-10 pickup truck in my shop so we could maneuver the front end around ! 1000 lb. max !
I'm not a high end furniture maker but I have to say, I bought the 12" sliding miter saw and couldn't be happier. After all the badmouthing I heard about HF I was afraid I was making a big mistake. That puppy is STILL singing a happy tune EVERY time I use it !! LOVE IT !! Lots of good stuff at HF, and some not so good.... buyer beware and "use the ole hat rack" once in a while for something besides complaining !! Great video and THANKS !!
The best thing Harbor Freight has going on recently has to be either the top shelf quality tool boxes, or the pelican case look=a-likes. I checked those cases out when a new one opened up near me and the construction was solid with the good pluckable foam and a solid waterproof seal.
The Apache cases are amazing. I’ve worked with Pelican my whole career and the Apache are the best and cheapest clones I’ve ever been able to find. Email their suggestion line to ask that they start selling replacement foam. That would turn them from a 10 to an 11! I can’t wait to get the long gun case that holds two guns.
@@jasonhebert8385 Yes they are. Saw a video that someone used chalk to outline their rifle and then used an electric knife to cut the foam. It left a nice clean cut.
I like the pipe clamps. You have to go buy separate 3/4" ridged pipe, but I keep multiple lengths in my shop and just switch out the hardware for the length I need for a project. I also just bought a ryoba style pull saw for $10. It has a thicker blade than my good ryoba but it cuts straight.
I purchased two skill saw guides and turned them into a clampable adjustable track saw, gives me a great straight cut when using my skillsaw. Every time I go to Harbor Freight I purchase clamps.
I have two products from Harbor freight, one is a Chicago dual saw cut metal and wood with out binding, the second item is a bad land 2500 pound winch and I love them both and plan to buy more things from them.
Great videos all the way to the end. I use the apache models black cases . Different sizes for different needs. Sturdy enough to stand on to get the height above a machine. The blue tarps great for a quick cover or block the wind outside. Extendable magnets helpful for finding those little dropped parts. Plus many of the tools in your videos.
The 2 hp dust collector is a fabulous tool. I use it on my Sawstop PCS and 2 hp 8 in jointer. It has worked fantastic for both. I was able to get away with using a 25% coupon and walked out with it for 152.50 plus tax.
The Harbor Freight McGraw 20 gallon air compressor When I was using it the pump was running for around 6 hours straight for two whole weeks when cutting up a 3 wheeler
I have used the wheels for a 4 x 8 assembly table and a thickness planer bench. I used old kitchen cabinets. I thought I would have to buy one locking wheel but a free wood wedge makes them not move. The free led flashlight is incredible. I get one every time I get something there. It is extremely bright and great to put in every drawer and glove box. Because I'm all about function over style I have attached it to my hat to get more handsfree direct light onto something. Thx this info was great and accurate.
Their non-marring woodworking clamps. I bought a couple of them and use them way more that I thought I would. They seem sturdy and have yet to cause me any problems.
I like the bar clamps, their 6 ton electric wood splitter, their 10 ton manual wood splitter, and their plastic ammo boxes. I store packaged snacks in one in my truck for outings and you could make up a small emergency kit using one with gloves, first aid kit, fire kit, couple of mylar emergency blankets, a pocket knife, etc in one for your vehicle!
As always enjoy watching your videos, end of video, happy to know the chisels have protected ends on them. Needed a good chuckle this morning. Pray everyone's doing fine & are in great health,
The cheap angle grinders: different wheels on each one, easy to repair their common failure. Power cord wire breaks where it goes into the end. I have lots of HFT tools. Cheap sawzall needs oil on the shaft bushing for every use, next to the blade Chuck. The dolly wheels I put on furniture and work benches. Good to see you again.
I'm always amused by grumbles about HF products. If one uses a tool for hours, days, months and years on end for commercial purposes, don't buy HF tools. You need industrial duty cycles. So, don't cheap-out. However, if you are a hobbyist or DIY weekend warrior, definitely consider HF's middle- and higher-end products. There are some real treasures in the inventory.
Harbor freight doesn't have any "highend" products! Everything in the store is second rate cheaply made garbage. They always breakdown quickly and some don't even work straight out of the box.they are cheap for a reason. You get what you pay for . Very low quality unreliable tools.
LOVE LOVE HR and well said William. I am a total DIY and when I buy a tool at HR they always ask me if I want the warranty on it. I always laugh and say NO if it breaks I'll come by and buy another. Love there cheap tools and they ALL come with a 90 warranty (keep your receipt) If you buy HF tools and expect them to last a long time with heavy usage than you are either not doing a little research or just plain stupid. LOVE LOVE LOVE HF!!!!
Great suggestions. I agree with each of your picks. BTW: I built the roll around tower for the plastic organizing trays. I am crazy about it!. It took me a long time to accumulate the trays, because I printed a new 20% off coupon each day and went in daily until I had enough. (I'm such a skin flint!) That's probably why I am compulsively drawn to H/F, huh?
Their mini wood lathe is great! I got it when I started out turning. You do have to change the belt to change the speed, but for the price it's a great product!
A small cheap, out of the way lathe can be made from a single tube Duracraft/craftsman. I bought one for $60 and cut it down to 18 inches between centers. I mounted it to some plywood and set it on my table saw or some horse when I need a lathe.It is heavy, about 85 lbs., but lives standing against the wall when not in use.
