I think HF is filling the void left by Sears (Craftsman tools), which almost used to be like a poor man’s tool truck. The tool truck model still survives in the auto business because time is money, and when you need something, you need it fast. So I do appreciate HF for being the other option when you just need something right away. Snap-on makes a pistol grip needle nose, #912EP. The handle ergonomics are spot on, but I wish it had talon grip teeth. And yeah pistol grip pliers and cutters are great, especially in engine bays.
I agree that it is similar to the old Craftsman. I could see HF introducing some USA made tools over the coming years. That would really take them to the next level if they could get some USA made tools with a lifetime warranty in there.
Tekton makes good torque wrenches and other tools for a good price. They also have a great warranty. Most of their tools are made in Taiwan but more of them are made in America every year
I avoided harbor freight for the longest, but I find myself going there for random stuff all the time now. Just the other day I got a little 9pc magnetic nut-driver bit set for like $3. So 9 metric and 9 sae nut drivers for $6? I’ll take it, man. I’m no hvac guy or anything, just have an old house that’s got every fastener ever made somewhere. As a homeowner, harbor freight comes in handy often.
Yea that’s a great example of how useful HF can be. It’s great to have a place that has most everything you could need in the store. I still like to walk into a store and buy what I need every once in a while lol.
heck ya between harbor freight and the tractor supply, I rarely find myself at home depot or lowes for anything much more than power tools or clearance shopping anymore harbor freight def fills a void 4 the average guy
Those Quinn bent needle nose are great. I use them all the time. Really nice as you can see what you're grabbing. Also good for pulling auto fuses. I have that same jack too but the longer one. Incredibly good. I agree HF is an excellent store. I remember many years back when most all their stuff was garbage. Although over the past 7 years or so they've been stepping up their game big time. I'm a software engineer who happens to like tools and repairing just about everything, especially HVAC to help out friends and family.
Yea I can already tell I’m going to like the pistol grip Quinns. HF has really started getting good stuff. It’s definitely not all junk anymore. They still have plenty of junk, but it’s awesome to see them stepping up the quality. I could see them introducing some USA made products in the future. If they had some USA made tools with a lifetime warranty, they would really increase their customer base.
I didn’t think of using bent needle nose pliers for pulling auto fuses. That’s brilliant. Looks like I have another excuse to buy another tool. Thank God im not married…
1:05.. I bought that torque wrench years ago... it's been good.. I do not understand people who don't wipe off their tools...that thing could look brand new forever....
I agree. You don’t have to keep them perfect, but if you just wipe them off when they get dirty, they will be a lot more enjoyable to use. Some people’s tools look like they have been in a house fire 😂
Doyle are great because you can still use the 30% off all items under $20 and save a ton. Quinn and icon too for that matter. I got my pistol grip needle nose from Menards because I found the Quinn stuff rusts too easily in my garage
@realworldtoolreviews basically the same as the Quinn, just masterforce brand. They also have pistol grip double joint 13" and a triple joint 15". Menards used to have a lot more rebadged USA stuff but it's been more Chinese and Taiwan since 2020. They do still carry channellock, some other usa stuff, and knipex. Forgot they also carry a long reach pistol grip diagonal cutters.
Snap-on has them but only like a 10" long version. Lists for nearly $100. I would like to see more pistol grips, I've seen EZRED online or NWS I think it is for something German. Other than that all I can think of is the Igarashi, pistol grip but the angle seems like it's meant to be used pistol or regular style, but it's also a 3-position slip joint. Snap-on jacks aren't worth it. $800 for a Chinese made jack. Could check out US Jack but I'm not sure if they offer a regular old floor jack like that. I don't have much from the Freight but I also appreciate it. If you (or I) lived near Kansas City, I feel like we'd both be taking out a second mortgage just to keep hitting up Harry Epstein.
