OT- Harbor Freight- OT

Chubbs

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Wolfpack

Relating to tools- Buy two when you go- they tend to be disposable. 

Jupiter Jim

The weed burner ROCKS for lighting the Egg! I have some of there power tools that I don't use much but are handy to have for the occasional jobs that I need them for. One of them is a 4" and 5.5" belt/disc sander have had it for 5-6 years and still works great and it was on sale for $50.00. I buy the 1/2' corded hammer drills for my electrical contracting business, very cheep and if it gets lost/stolen we just get another.

Lit

I bought some casters there 8" solid rubber with brakes for like $20 each and they held up great. I would never buy a power tool there they carry brand like Chicago electric that are not really quality. I'm sure there are other deals to be had there as well as the casters.

Chubbs

Wolfpack said:

Relating to tools- Buy two when you go- they tend to be disposable. 

Yeah I can tell the power tools are cheap. More asking about "everything else". In speaking to a few others in other locations it appears they each had their own opinion of must-have items that are far better than the price. For example, one guy said the 6 inch clamps are just as good as the $20 clamps from a big box store for 25% of price.

DoubleEgger

I have a few of their tools. I wouldn't try to make a living using them but they work fine for occasional use. 

Gamecockeggman

Chubbs said:

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

nolan8v

The 4x6 band saw is pretty impressive for the money. I have been using one for about two years, making in excess of two hundred cuts of 1" x 1" square bar (A36 solid mild steel). I have not had any problems. If you buy one, make sure to change the original, cheap blade that comes with it with a Morse, Starrett or other quality blade.

There are several forums that discuss the various modifications that have / can be made to this device.

Also, their Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets (1/2") are pretty decent quality for a weekend project adventurer. Don't get me wrong, they don't come near the quality of Snap-On or SK Tools, but I'm sure you already assumed this.

DMW

Bungie cords. They always seem to have packs of bungie cords on sale. I have bungie cords everywhere. Keep a pack in all my vehicles, deck box, etc. Not sure why, but they always seem to get used for something eventually.

Chubbs

Gamecockeggman said:

Chubbs said:

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

I am in Forest Acres. They opened one a few miles down Two Notch. Brand new and huge compared to others I have been in. Lunch sounds good to me. I live a crazy busy life with travel for work, a crazy 3 year old and an infant but I always have time for Q

ckali7

Chubbs said:

Gamecockeggman said:

Chubbs said:

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

I am in Forest Acres. They opened one a few miles down Two Notch. Brand new and huge compared to others I have been in. Lunch sounds good to me. I live a crazy busy life with travel for work, a crazy 3 year old and an infant but I always have time for Q

Careful hooking up down on Tow Notch..... You know what they say about Two Notch!

stompbox

Their pneumatic floor nailer held up for 1200 sf of oak flooring at the old house, turned around and then sold it for some cash at the end.  No complaints.

I buy drill bits there all the time.  I usually always buy latex gloves there too for messy jobs, including cleaning the egg.

Gamecockeggman

I'm am with you on the travel, I am a few steps ahead with a 7 year old but same work load just different topics.  At three they love everything they can't have.  At seven you must explain why they can't and then they do it when your not looking.  Let me know when, send me a private message and we will hook up.

Chubbs

ckali7 said:

Chubbs said:

Gamecockeggman said:

Chubbs said:

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

I am in Forest Acres. They opened one a few miles down Two Notch. Brand new and huge compared to others I have been in. Lunch sounds good to me. I live a crazy busy life with travel for work, a crazy 3 year old and an infant but I always have time for Q

Careful hooking up down on Tow Notch..... You know what they say about Two Notch!

Brother that is all of columbia. Million dollar home next to a ghetto. One of my neighbors whom is extremely wealthy had $500k in family jewelry stolen after flood. Tough in columbia right now. 

WeberWho

Watch for flyers. They always have 20% off 1 item coupons 

RRP

WeberWho said:

Watch for flyers. They always have 20% off 1 item coupons 

Maybe it differs around the country, but for months our Sunday paper has carried their ads with the 20% coupons. Besides that they have run their ads in Popular Mechanics for years upon years.

caliking

DoubleEgger said:

I have a few of their tools. I wouldn't try to make a living using them but they work fine for occasional use. 

This. Don't expect their tools to last forever or be passed down generations, but they get the job done. You'll get 20%off coupons emailed to you if you sign up with them.

Things I've liked:

Tarps

Canvas

4" grinder

reciprocating saw

step bits

WEEDBURNER!!

gloves

free LED flashlights and measuring tapes (with coupons).

razor blades (the kind for doing lines of coke with... drugstore is always sold out for some reason).

Things I've disliked:

cutting wheels (practically disintegrated when I used one).

SaltySam

I bought a 4" angle grinder for less than $20 and now wonder how I lived without it.  It's loud, and throws sparks and will cut through anything.  It's awesome.  

Like with any tool from HF, make sure you buy quality blades, cutoff discs, etc. Typically the tools are decent enough for occasional use.  

Personally, I love that place. Specifically for bungee cords and nitrile gloves.  I also bought a folding trailer, and made it into a kayak trailer.  

I've bought a couple stinkers there, but not very many.  (Stay away from the $1.99 grabber handle thingy).  

Not it sure if you've seen it, but Google Harbor Fraught flyer.  It's a trip. I imagine someone will be along shortly with that link. 

Dyal_SC

Gamecockeggman said:

Chubbs said:

One just opened next to my house. Seems they have a lot of low end power tools, but a lot of items that are handy for cheap. Including nitrile gloves, sandpaper, tarps, clamps, etc.

My question is--- are there any must-haves to look for and any "duds" to look out for?

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

I'm game for that as well.  Always great to meet fellow eggers.  

Ozzie_Isaac

I have an angle grinder from there.  Paid like $15.  Works great if you don't mind the always on feature, off switch has never worked.

It tends to get really hot too and occassionally smokes.

Chubbs

Ozzie_Isaac said:

I have an angle grinder from there.  Paid like $15.  Works great if you don't mind the always on feature, off switch has never worked.

It tends to get really hot too and occassionally smokes.

Haha. Solid review. 

northGAcock

Gamecockeggman 

Where did they open the store in Cola?  My office is in west Columbia and I didn't realize we had one.  Also, if your interested in lunch let me know.  I hooked up with @northGAcock a few weeks ago.  Maybe we could all coordinate.  My treat.  I'm thinking Hudsons.

I have been traveling (work) a good bit lately. Would love to hook up for some Que if in town. 

minniemoh

I have a few tools from there. I agree with the comments above in that you won't likely get a lifetime's use out of them but they get the job done. Their tool chests are pretty good. Far better than a Craftsman or the stuff at Home Depot for the same money. I buy gloves, tarps, etc there too. 

piney

I have bought HF for years, if you buy the professional grade its not to bad, most of it is well worth the money. If you buy the cheap grade it is mostly junk. I have a ton of Mac, Snap-on, Blackhawk, etc and some HF that is just as good. They have lifetime warranty and trust me "no questions asked" on returns. I painted a 32ft motorhome with a 9.95 gravity fed spray gun and left a 500.00 gun in the box, looks great!

nolaegghead

Ozzie_Isaac said:

I have an angle grinder from there.  Paid like $15.  Works great if you don't mind the always on feature, off switch has never worked.

It tends to get really hot too and occassionally smokes.

hahaha  That thing has plastic gears.  Suckkah!!!!

fishlessman

their 48 inch jack is dangerous, dont buy that jack

tonyled

DoubleEgger said:

I have a few of their tools. I wouldn't try to make a living using them but they work fine for occasional use. 

agree

pick up a $9 orange butane torch.  they are very versatile in the kitchen (and lighting cigars)

http://www.harborfreight.com/micro-torch-42099.html

milesvdustin

The deadblow hammers are nice, and when they fly into a million pieces just bring most of them back and get a new hammer for free. I have a good bit of hf tools. 

Chubbs

Bump for the buffalo