Tool Talk Ep. 29 My Harbor Freight Tools! 

The Icon snap ring pliers that come in the hard plastic case are awesome. I am so glad I spent the extra money and got them.

My nephew is an Auto tech in Maryland at a dealership and 80% of his tools are Pittsburgh , Bauer and icon. He asked me what I thought and I asked him , what was he going to do with all the money he saved. He thought about buying tools from the truck but said the hell with that !

I think that Harbor Freight tools have their time and place and is dependent on what your doing, how hard you are using them, and how often you are using them. I race dirt circle track on the weekends and have (among other little things here and there) the chrome sockets, pro ratchets, composite ratchets, combination wrenches, ratcheting wrenches, chrome extensions , tape measures, and Earthquake XT ½” impact gun all in my “track toolbox” and have had ZERO issues with any of them over the course of the last 5 years. I have no qualms about the money I have spent on them and what I have gotten in return. I am also a hobby car mechanic and have gotten by just fine with what I do. As a matter of fact, I find myself going for the hand wrenches first even in my home box because I like the way they fit in my hand, and the Earthquake impact actually snapped two studs off my rear end at the track once. Don’t let tool buying turn into a spending money contest.

I like the harbor freight tools I haven't had an issue with any of my socket sets and if you do they're guaranteed for life so you can't beat that price and free replacement

that pittsburg pro long handel breaker bar (usually on sale for around 15 bucks) is awesome ...i have one in every car for lugnuts, & one in the garage... always enjoy ur videos, thanx & god bless bro

I have 4 boys so all my good tools left a long time ago. I restocked with Harbor freight tools. I don’t need expensive tools now a days.

You can upgrade those cheap blowmolded cases by filling the backside with expanding foam, then trimming with a hacksaw blade after it sets up. $5 to $7 a can, and you can do several at a time. They don't become indestructible, but they will last a LOT longer.

As a Ford technician I absolutely love my ratchets from Harbor Freight. I use the long handle flex head 3/8 just about every day, if not every day. The only problem I have had with those ratchets is the bolt will back out with lots of use, so if you buy one take the bolt out and put blue thread locker on it and it will last for quite some time. Also if you do a lot of detailing or are extremely OCD about windows and screens, like myself, harbor freight has a heck of a deal on microfiber towels.

I was a maintenance supervisor for 5 yrs. always used the cheap harbor freight tape measures... never had a problem with them. I've gone through thousands of drill bits.... the cobalt, black oxide... whatever else... all crap! the Milwaukee black oxide is the best!

Great tips Tony i totally agree on the impact screwdriver set that set can really save your backside on many projects ive owned and restored several British Automobiles in my life and a few of them needed door skin replacements due to rust the factory uses number 3 pPhillips head screws to attach the door hinges. Onto the car and those can be quite stubborn to remove ive found that at times that style tip and a long breaker bar works years ago the set i purchased came from Sears i dont recall the exact price i paid but it was way more than the HF set you mention but over the years i have used the ones i own o many other projects as well i do also keep a set of the cables in the bed of my pickup truck and i credit them from making it more difficult for potential thieves from grabbing many things ive “ locked “ to my truck Like lawnmowers , Go Carts , and even a couple od ortable generators over the years although it may not be a high security thing it is a piece of Mind for running a quick errand honestly i didnt know HF had their version of the security cables available as i think i did buy mine from one of the big box stores and are branded Master Lock

I’ve had and used HF ball joint press for 10 years. Never had a problem.

I've been using those ratchets professionally going on 3 years now. One of the best tools they sell.

I have had that cheap battery tester for over 25 years. I have always been skeptical but with many cars and kids cars I test the alternator or battery and then take the part to part store and it has never been wrong!!

Advice for DIYers regarding Harbor Freight tools. Most important is that if there is a chance that you can get hurt when a tool breaks, spend for higher quality. Otherwise, buy cheap and if necessary later, replace with higher quality. 2nd, years ago (and I don't know if this still holds true), Harbor Freight would not raise prices on any given SKU. Instead, they would discontinue that SKU and start selling a very, very similar item with a different SKU at a higher price. But any discontinued items remaining in inventory would be sold at a steep discount in the discontinued items corner. I bought a large number of miscellaneous connecting pieces and adaptors for my compressed air system this way.

I have a couple of HF things that I've been happy with: 1) Floor-standing blasting cabinet. Great for the DIY-er. I use it for blasting firearm parts before finishing with Dura-coat. Also great for cleaning up rusty lawn mower blades. 2) Horizontal metal cutting bandsaw. Ok for the casual hobby metal worker. I don't believe it would last long under serious professional use (probably has a lifespan measured in days in a real shop). 3) 170 amp Mig welder. Ok for the casual hobby welder who is just learning. Again, probably won't hold up long under really serious use, but good for 'glueing' metal together for non-critical jobs. 4) Cement mixer (holds 2 80-pound bags). Great for the homeowner, but would not hold up to serious professional use. Does save time and money over renting. As with all Harbor Freight stuff -- look closely at what you are thinking of buying, and ask yourself how much and how hard you plan to use it before you commit to buying it. If you are going to use it regularly and under serious conditions, you might be best off paying more for a better quality tool.

The wrench double ratchet end works great for timing cover work tight spots and drive belts mainly drive belts

Obviously not everything Harbor Freight is great, but they have their gems. When I started out opening a new shop, almost all new techs, they gave the new recruits a basic tool box and tools to get started. "If you stay for a year, they're yours." I stayed four years before dipping from the trade due to a lot of factors...that said, that original set included the 12 point set with basic Pittsburgh ratchet. Still have it. Broke the last 1/2" off the handle off, still have it. I used the hell out of a 3/4" impact socket to the point that most of it is now silver instead of black...discovered that little secret for Ford lug nuts. 3/4" and be nice and they last longer. I have several Pittsburgh Pro ratchets and I DID used some of them professionally. I had the gigantic 3/8" flex head and the regular that I started with that I really ONLY used for oil changes. Got offered a transfer from Quick Lane to dealer shop, took it, went from doing everything to being a lube tech again...those ratchets got a LOT of use. I only broke one...that extra long 3/8"...stripped the gears...then again, it took a 1/2" breaker bar to pull that drain plug. Pan survived, drain plug was shiny thread confetti. I have a couple others for travel tools, but my 1/4" Pittsburgh Pro flex head has seen a ton of use, especially on motorcycles. Not the thinnest but she gets out of the way of obstacles. I'm a Matco ratchet guy, love them. No hatred for Snap-On either, or Cornwell. They've all served me well. But my Breakdown/travel basics bag is almost all Harbor Freight with some Gearwrench mixed in. Hell, I don't like the feel on them, but I bought a pair of the composite ratchets for working on a '65 Corvette.

I love my low profile long reach jack/engine hoist/engine stand/ love the 25 inch pro breaker bar/ 1/2 inch pro flex head long ratchet, I had the go through socket set and got the gearwrench for the flex head/ the hose pliers are awesome and I just picked up the bauer 1/2 impact and light the light is amazing and the impact has gotten lugs off that's all I've tried

Have had one of the Pittsburgh calipers, for over 15 years or so, GREAT tool!

Now I think I need a set of those hose pliers. Thanks. Good video!

Thanks for the video. I just got the HF long combination wrench sets. I've taken out some really stubborn bolts and they work fine. Nice finish too. Haven't used it yet but the really cheap HVLP spray gun is impressive. It's extremely well made and heavy. Even the instructions are well written, detailed and have great drawings to show what parts they are talking about. Somebody has posted a video on these. hey're about $10 with a coupon. The Cobalt drill bits are pretty decent. Not quite as strong as some brands, for the price, they can't be beat. My Drill Doctor sharpens them easily with the diamond grinding wheel.

The digital caliper I use at work and it works great. Also their torque wrenches are extremely accurate .

For a couple bucks more I really like the better quality marine grade adhesive lined heat shrink tubing, excellent stuff.I was also extremely impressed with the newer line of Doyle brand of channelock style pliers, very well made.

I am a heavy duty mechanic/technician. I look at things a lil bit different. 1/4" sockets can be whatever 3/8" set is the staple and most used set, should be of good quality. 1/2" set, should be known for quality. Chances are your bigger sets will be taking lots of torque. You don't want the tool to fail you under load. Your basic wrench sets, 8mm-19mm and 5/16 - 1" should be of good quality. Cheap wrenched round off fasteners. When the open end "slips" or for better words, spreads open, you round off fasteners. Believe me, I have had Mac Tools wrenches do this. The box end, on more expensive wrenches, like Snapon or Mac, shit even Gear wrench or Craftsman. Is designed to be a tighter fit with more surface contact. I doubt a harbor freight wrench set will handle high torque loads and being struck with a hammer or double wrenched without slipping or breaking. To all the say Sayers, never EVER have I stripped a Phillips head screw with my Snapon screwdrivers!!! For that fact I never did with Craftsman either. Geuss what has!!! My brother-in-laws HF screw driver's. So what are good from HF. The seal driver set. Most sockets Definitely ratchets Hose pick set I've been told most plyers except side cutters a linesman plyers. You have to look. But for the homeowner. Most of these tools are alright. But not for the professional.

The floor jacks and jack stands are best sellers at Harbor Freight... they're great! I have the 1 and 1/2 ton aluminum rapid Jack and the low profile 3 ton...and the 6 ton and 3 ton jack stands... you pretty much have a lot of the stuff that I have from Harbor Freight ...some of its not bad... thanks for the video Tony!

A good trip to Harbor Freaight.and a good post, Ive posted two of my trips to Harbor Freight here. I also did a third trip buying some Solar panels and apparatus solar stuff, but havent posted it. cheers !

I have that screw driver set and I love it I use it all the time

Nice video. Thanks for posting. I've bought many items from HF and have to say I am impressed with their composite ratchets (red/black) and their impact sockets. Most of their items are hit or miss, but for the money you can't go wrong.

Yes - the pliers in particular and probably most other non-chromed steel tools tend to rust. I suggest applying Johnson Paste wax from the start.

the Earthquake 1/2 impact guns are really good. my last one lasted 17 years of professional use. also the pittsburgh colored sockets have given me 20 years of professional use. If you need an impact gun get the stubby xt and get the Earthquake aluminum 1/2 gun. these are better than what you will get from the tool truck

I have been using the hf engine hoist for around 15-20 years now when they were just mail order in my area and it hasn't let me down.also their sheet metal shrinker and stretcher is the same as higher dollar brands

I hav the same pits wrenches for bout a yr or so and hav had no issues at all except for the crome peeling on the 10 13 15 and 19 since i use those da most but like u said ok for da dyi er, dam love ur vids bro very informative keep it up

The step drill bits work wonderful even in heavy metal I bought all the sizes they had I am delighted with the cutting ability so far. I think if they get dull. I would rebuy them again because they're so cheap compared to Snap-on or some other company that I used to buy from when I worked

The most impressive thing about Harbor Freight is its store flyers.

Great video! Nice setup !!

The socket holders from HF and a good buy for the diy also and a good price to

I try to avoid all power tools at H Freight but I bought a returned right angle joist drill,/hole hawg and it’s an absolute beast. Use it weekly at least and it’s great. No issues and 1/2 price for new was a no brainer. Also had luck with framing nailers and roofing nailers.

Great content and information of your tools...the why, how, not-so-sure-why-you-bought-them and reasoning of the ones you have. Thanks for the tour of your HF tools' good and bad. Subbed :)

In the professional world,there are definitely certain tools you can cheap out on. Things I,as a professional,use from harbor freight are: The floor jacks and jack stands Majority of hammers Magnet trays Their scrapers are pretty decent Hose reels and pneumatic parts and pieces That's about it that I can think of right now.

Get there shop rags! And there impact sockets! I got there 3/8 and 1/2 shallow set that comes in a plastic case then got there 1/2 deep impact sockets. I don't use the shallows as much but they are holding up perfect

Those screwdrivers are good for a road tool box application, rather have cheaply made ones than none at all for few times you may use in road box for emergencies

I have owned the 6 inch Digital Caliper for over 10 years and it does meet my needs as a home DYI type guy!! NEVER used them for very close tolerance items but for car/bicycle bearings, etc. they work well!!

bought the 3m gloves the other day for cleaning out my lint trap on my carpet cleaning machine and they work as good as my 9m gloves. I wouldn't turn wrenches with these gloves, but they are cheaper for what I was using my 9m for. I think k a variety of gloves are good around the shop. you can save a little bit here and there.

Lately HF is going in for the kill. Some of their tools are as good if not better than many name brand products, especially from the Hercules line. I am planning on getting their Compound Miter Saw which is just a beast. I like that they give you a top of the line blade right out of the box. You can take it back within the 1st year of purchase for any reason, and they will give you a new one, or give you your money back! That is amazing. Also many contractors are switching to the Hercules Table saw. That thing is really nice quality, and if it breaks during the warranty period, you take it back (to the store) and they give you a brand new one. You don't have to wait weeks to get it back from some authorized service center, which is nice.

I work in a diesel shop full time i do all kinds of work and i going to say the truth.90 percent of my ratchets socket and wrenches are Pittsburg.also my pliers and all my hammers and so on even my air tools and i get the job done.even my tool box is a General.if something breaks and it doesnt just once a ratchet broke and they gave me a new one.i also own a towing company and Pittsburg helps me keep my tow truck running lol .i think the other tool company are ridicules with there prices and are over rated.just my opion

The other day I bought a 26 inch US general box. Couldnt be happier with it. I went to lowes to see what kobalt and craftsman had (my workbench is Kobalt). The US general had way better build quality and was more practical for my small engine/automotive use. Also, my Kobalt work bench arrived damaged and even though its put together properly, the drawers are misaligned and im not sure the drawers have ball bearing slides. Nevertheless, my 26 inch US general looks great next to my bench, both are the same color.

It is my personal belief that you should start out with HF tools. And I mean first tools ever. My kids get their first tools there. Your gonna break or lose half of them until you learn to appreciate your tools. Then move up a little to like Ares and Sata Then move up to like a gearwrench, Olsa, or Tekton ratchet and feel the difference in the way the tool feels and performs in your hand. I remember HF from the 80s and I can tell you the quality went up about 2000%. Now of course I use my Olsa, Gearwrench, Koken, Greys pnu tools, etc, but I have a couple icon and Pittsburg socket sets that I still have and use from almost a decade ago. Come to think of it i used one yesterday.

Side note, the radiator hose pliers are excellent for removing gm spark plug boots

I have that pass thru socket set with the ratchet and broke the ratchet the first time I used it. Got it replace but haven't been confident with it to use it again

Hey those marks on the tape measure helps to keep you from making a mistake.

I had the company I work for supply me a pittsburg digital caliper. They work pretty well for a few months of daily use but beyond they they tend to get fairly inaccurate.

Yeah, I got that same snap ring set, it’s cheap (was it $6?) but I’ve only used it once. They have an Icon set now that copies Snap-On and it’s damn nice! That’s what I like about Harbor Freight’s Icon line and even other tools like their Hercules power tools, when they copy someone they copy Snap-On. I got their Hercules cordless ratchets (reg and extended) and they copy Snap-On and I absolutely LOVE that, they don’t have that stupid air ratchet paddle switch like Milwaukee uses on their cordless ratchets. It’s like come on, they’re not air tools, why the paddle switch like an air tool?! Like Snap-On they use a nice sturdy plastic button, they even go a step further and make it a nice big button. I love those Hercules cordless ratchets, check ‘em out! 😎

Good video. I've avoided harbor freight in the past because of horror stories and their reputation but have recently given them a chance. I'm not a fan of their screw drivers, pliers, hammers, wrenches, or power tools. Their ratchets and sockets seem okay. However they are great for knick knacks such as tarps, moving blankets, bungee cords, creepers, organizers, etc etc.

Digital Caliper accurate but eats up batteries also cheap internal parts like the contact tang for the little battery broken off. Get two with extra batteries, you’ll be ok. Corded stuff works pretty good but don’t last like stripped gear on the Milwaukee Hole Hawg knockoff, broken chuck on the SDS rotary hammer, broken belt on the planner, stripped gear on the multi tool, broken head on the concrete vibrator, etc. The major problem is HF change item numbers all the time so getting replacement parts is a hit of miss. No help when ordering if you don’t have the current model number even items looked exactly alike and they won’t cross reference it for you. Some stuff are ok so far like the big jack hammer, hydraulic tables, plate vibrator, portable band saw, electric shears, handheld metal detector. Two excellent items were digital 1/2” torque wrench (don’t think they have it anymore) and the all metal pocket screw jig (Kreg is plastic). HF other torque wrenches are all junk from 1/4” to 1/2”. Kobalt and Craftsman torque wrenches are pretty good for this non mechanic.

Those step bits are great. I've seen them for $60 at a local hardware store lol $5 thats so good. I also bought a tire machine for $40 and it payed for itself the first day

should have purchased the 44" us general series 2 instead of the home depot one in yellow also with side cabinet rocks.

hey hi tony. i can honestly say i never have bought anything from harborfreght idk if thats good or bad lol but i do like the lug nut set a i saw i will admit i did buy a lug nut set from sears its an astro pneumatic flip set that looks about the same i like it and was 30. bucks works great a 4 piece set tho. hey take care

I like that screwdriver set. I was surprised how well it worked for me. What I don't like are the color coded offset ratcheting wrenches. Holy balls are they terrible. The offset angle is useless when you need offset, and they are too bulky. I tried using them once and they were just total crap. I do like the composite 72 tooth ratchets. Might grab the flex heads at some point.

If you're just getting started in the industry, and don't want to sell a kidney to the tool truck, HF is great. As you break stuff, lose stuff, or find that a particular tool is inadequate for a specific job, upgrade them one at a time. Less of a financial hit that way. My general rule with HF is warranty it once. If it breaks again, upgrade it. Hell, all my current combination wrenches are still either HF or Husky. Pretty hard to screw up a basic wrench.

Def looking forward to hearing about the HSS stepped hole bit. You know how much those dang things cost elsewhere!

awesome list. I agree that the ratchets are good for diy. a good alternative for the harbor freight ratchets are the husky ratchets.

THANKS FOR SHARING.

The electrical connector box = get rid of them NOW! I understand it is tempting to use them, but don't. I learned that the hard way. I cannot really talk about the HF red handle pliers, I can the blue handle pliers in the video. Only problem I with them is that they pinch your finger. This is compared to the Channel Lock brand needle nose pliers. They, of course, do not pinch your finger. Rest of the video was pretty spot on. I mean c'mon guys, we all know what HF is and what is useful from there and what isn't.

Most people that snap the tips off the hose pliers, were using them for pinching items with the tips like needle nose pliers, instead of their designed purpose of pulling hoses.

I bought a set of those crappy screwdrivers but I take them to the junkyard, so if I leave or lose one...no biggie. The double ended ratcheting wrenches are pretty handy, especially the long one for serpentine belts, but the selector switch feels like the weakest part of the tool.🖒🖒

I need some of those hose pliers. I didn't know harbor freight had them!

I love Harbor Freight but they definitely aren't for everything. I bent those snap-ring pliers after one use. I went and bought the Channellock reversible ones.

Punch and chisel set works well

with hf i did notice a big differance between pittsburg and pittsburg pro..... always always get the pro and most of the time you will be alright

That light... I hated it. Poor light output, wall wart slow charging. I mean, I though it would be good, that's why I bought it. They seem to cheap out on cells, and that being said, low run time. Weak charger, means long charging. I did buy the milwaukee which runs on m12 battery packs. I love it! it was worth the price. I bought it on Amazon for $169. Any yes, it's expensive as hell for what it is, but it's reliable, and I have tons of batteries if a project drags on (Audi).

I love them to great calipers

i have been using those flex heads professionally. they are better than snap on. just lube them before use.

I had them snap ring pliers (the cheap ones) they suck badd. They can take a ring off a ratchet to rebuild but on a transmission gearbox etc forget about it. I went and got a pair of 4 off eBay for 15$ and they are super great quality (sort of like tekton quality)

they give you a 19mm. SMFH, Why do they do this EVERY TIME?! 19mm and 3/4" are the same! Why the hell do these companies not replace that with an 18mm? 18 is very common and yet most sets dont include it

Very helpful.

My Wife Ran over my KREG pocket hole jig with the car.. "I told her not to park in the garage" She replaced it with a HF Drill Master Pocket Hole Jig.. honestly i like Drill Master one better! Worth the Money for anyone intersted in wood working using pocket holes.

I have been using that cheap screw driver set for interior wiring. It isn't really that bad. With the price point I don't have to worry if someone steals it.... lol

In my opinion most drills bits under 30 bucks are about the same. Whether it's titanium black oxide or hss. The cobalt are usually a tad better. I use dewalt black oxide bc they don't rust. They do still make nice bits but you gotta pay to play w them

Great video Tony. Harbor Freight isn't all that bad as people say it is. I don't really buy the tools there. I usually buy the other things there like their paint tarps, cable ties, gloves and other misc.

I have had there low pro 3 ton jack for about 4 years now and no problems. I had my suv jacked up as far as it could go for about a hour and a little oil leaked out from the jack butt i have been able to get it to do it again. Maybe it had a little to much oil in it or it had a air bubble. They are on sale for like $75 right now. Think i might get another just for jacking up big trucks etc

My dad bought that set you showed at 8:05. I hate it. The case is horrific, as well as the "precision" drivers. The flex thing and t-handle are a joke. The screwdrivers might work, but I haven't been able to bring myself to touch them for fear of the cheesiness rubbing off and either infecting me, or degrading my REAL tools! All jokes aside, that screwdriver kit is mostly a waste of money, I dont think the electrical rated ones, or even the heavy duty ones with hex shafts, are more than $8 for a 4 or 6 pc set...

Has anyone bought the dovetail jig from Harbor Freight, & what advice wud u offer about buying.it to a newbie woodworker wanting to make cabinets? Thanks in advance for ur comments!

Hi, I love your tool collections, I wonder how much did All the tools and tool boxes cost you ? everything you shown in this video??

Great video

HF for the win!

I use the 3/8 flex head in a profesional environment n it rocks, just fyi

I don’t know if I would recommend the floor jack. I bought the same up just the low profile one and after a few weeks it already started leaking a little already

I have to disagree with you about the ratchets.im in the diesel field working heavy equipment and trucks and i use them ratchets as much as my macs and snap on and never had a problem with them..like my impacts i beat the shit out of them like my higher end impacts and never broke one .

don't drop that light tho I had one and I dropped it one time and it snapped on half on the handle the are low low impact lol but did work good till then .

Love how clean your Worksop is. Respect mate👍

Menards had a great ratchet. At one time, called tool shop, the store stopped selling it, too bad

That Camaro in the background, can we get some videos of that? 😁

For the underhood light, can you position it so it doesn't blind you? Like spin it?

good job bro

What is the height of your workbench off the ground? It seems low

Uea i got da one dat says automotive and dat one is no warranty , cracked my 7/8 and tried to take it in and no go

I disagree about the ratchets they are better the some if the top brand . Forsure better then great wrinch

Because of your review for the pass thru socket set.... I now own the pass thru socket .....

That screwdriver set doesn’t hold up but the green handled ones with the metal end those work all right but personally I would get a craftsman set

I love Harbor freight🔧👍🏻