HF - The good and the bad

[Van Huskey]

Well if the power chords took calculus, they would know that by increasing the number of "chords" towards infinity, then they would be able to look more like an arc than a straight line...

Festool power chords have indeed taken calculus, maybe even "Diffy Qs" but the HF chords were lucky to get through 7th grade geometry...

[Jon McElwain]

Festool power chords have indeed taken calculus, maybe even "Diffy Qs" but the HF chords were lucky to get through 7th grade geometry...

Indeed....

[Bruce Wrenn]

6" digital calipers, 6" dial calipers, 6" composite (plastic) calipers, dial indicator, magnetic base, silver tarps, multimeter (esp.when free), 6 in 1 nail gun, toggle clamps, four piece air line connector sets, retractable air hose reel, multi tool, zip ties, hole punches, transfer punches, heat gun, pancake compressor, grinder stand, air tool oil, air compressor oil, heat shrink tubing. These have all been a good buy, IMHO

[Lewis Ehrhardt]

Here's my Harbor list:
Pneumatic roller seat: 46319, still going strong, 3 years old
A/C vacuum pump, did the job for one AC system so far
Reversible Hammer Drill: 67616, still working 3 years old
6-in-1 Framing nailer: 98751, about five years old, rarely jams, drives deep and fast
3-in-1 Rotary Hammer: 97743, does the job for a fraction of the cost
Grinder: 91223, got three or four of them, set up to grind, cut, etc. going strong
10 in. sliding compound saw: cuts just as good as my Milwalkee,
Punch set: 93424: still using after five years
Spring clamps: 67082, can't beat the price, still holding after three years
Swivel lock grip pliers: 37005, does what I've asked them to do so far
Industrial recipicating saw: 65298, sturdy built. Bought the cheap model first, it only lasted 3 years
Air hose: 2167, still using, about 8 years old
3/8 close Quarters drill: 92956, not much power, but did the job. don't use much but so far it's paid for itself
11-inch long reach pliers ;39538, gotten me out of many pinches
Mechanic gloves: 93641, holds up as well as the Craftsmans gloves I've bought
Digital meter: 98025, not real accurate, but close enough for a throw-away meter
Submersible pump: 95591, about one and a half years old, use several times a week
Solar lights--last about 6 months
Pittsburgh wrench set, good back up set
Oscillating multi-function tool: cuts just as good as Fein and my Dremel
Centech 7' level: it's level
Auto-darkening welding helmet: 91214, using for 3 years now, still working well
Cut out tool: 42831, does the job,
Wet/tile saw--cuts the tiles five years old
Multi-purpose magnet (welding) 1938, very attractive
Morse Jacobs for lathe, haven't used yet

Sanding Sponges: waste of money
Drill bits, bought a set, use a good bit, but always with cutting oil, lasting so far
Trailer jack, doing good after 6 years
12 ton jack--8 years old, doing good
Pry bar, most have snapped on my under pressure, junk IMO
Quick connect air fittings, some have leaked, but if I stay with the same family, they seem to work okay
Bought numerous tires, some work okay, some havent, but for the money, I'd buy again
Bought a quick disconnect vise, haven't used yet
Wood chiesels, good disposable for general construction throw-aways
Portable metal band saw: I've cut a lot of metal with it and it's still going strong. You will need to take the wheels off and grease them thoroughly
Work gloves: good for the money
Japanese pull saw, small one: used for several years now, still cuts well and fast

Over all, I've been satisfied with the tools I've bought. They do the job and can't beat the price.

[Norman Hitt]

I have seen the angle grinders mentioned a couple of times, I have one and it works, haven't been able to kill it (I use it for things that might indeed kill a AG) BUT be aware I wouldn't suggest theirs if you plan to use one for extended periods, the vibration can be hand numbing. The better ones don't have near the vibration but for short term use the HF ones are fine.

There are several models of these they rotate in and out of the stores. The first one I bought about 6 yrs ago for a one time project, (an orange one, 4.5" on sale for $12 +) but it got so hot I couldn't hold it and had the roughness/vibration you mentioned. I took the gear case apart and there might have been a teaspoon of something that looked like vaseline for grease in it. I cleaned it and packed it full of good gear grease and it ran cool and smooth. I then found all kinds of uses for it and after running through a whole box of metal grinding discs and a box of masonry discs, I decided it was worth replacing if it went bad. The next sale at $14 I bought two, one to leave at my daughters house and a spare for me. Much to my surprise, I'm still using the first one and have never opened the box on the spare, it just won't die. I have had the same luck with the reciprocating saw at about $20 on sale, and I use it for metal some but mostly trimming and cutting up trees (up to about 6") and I put one at the daughters house and you guessed it, I still haven't opened the box on my spare yet.

I have "quite"( a few other HF tools & things that work well too and a few that weren't any good, but I AM Selective about what I purchase there. I keep some of them close to my Mini Max machines (to give them Inspiration), some by my Powermatic, (to let them know they are a keeper), and a FEW by my Craftsman stuff, (to let them know that ONE MORE screwup, and they're history).

I might mention that I bought an electrical Conduit ID/OD Deburring tool that was a good deal price wise and works great.
One cutting tool that for the price is pretty good is their 1/4" Spiral upcut router bit. The other sizes are probably good too, but our store only seems to carry the 1/4".
My 7' level is both Straight AND Accurate.
I'm NOT a Turner, BUT the (heavy cast Iron model) HF Lathe that my buddy gave me when he upgraded has worked very well for anything that I have actually needed to turn.
One trim router was acceptable (for mortising for hinges, but the other one's collar has a tendency to release bits........
I had to do a LOT of filing on the finger plate on my buddy's Dovetail jig because they were so rough they would cut the guide bushings........ (I would NOT buy one).
The sanding sponges are so cheap (on sale) I keep a supply of coarse, medium and fine, and they work well for what I use them for. I do NOT buy their sandpaper.
The reversable Hammer Drill has worked great when I have needed it.
I keep a corded 3/8" 2500 RPM drill dedicated to my Kreg Pockethole Jig, (works well)
I have not used my self centering doweling Jig yet, but looks like it should work well enough for my minimal useage.
Heat gun & accessory kit is good
the small Japanese pull saw is great on small trim and cutting off plugs
floor mat/cushions are good
hvlp gun is good
masonry chisles are good
welding magnets are great
hose reel is fine
HF DC is waiting it's turn to get a Thein separator built, to use until I build up my Cyclone kit.

can't remember all the other stuff

In 1978, (before they had stores everywhere), I ordered a horizontal/vertical metal bandsaw for $85 (that are now $200+ IIRC) and it has been through the mill INCLUDING being dropped our of the back of a pickup (by a friends idiot buddy) and it bent the motor shaft, but it still runs and cuts 4" heavy wall pipe. I have only changed the guide bearings once and nothing else. I really would have liked to have bought a new "Pink" one when they were on sale but the funds just weren't there, but the original one has really earned a good retirement.

[Bob Riefer]

Good to know about the wet/tile saw (posted above) I have some backsplash work to do and will check it out.

Also good to know about that tip on fixing the quick clamps.. if I find it works, those clamps will then become one of the nicer bargains in the store!

Forgot to mention... I've beat on casters (both locking and non-locking swivel casters.. 4" size is what I usually get) from HF for a long time with no ill effects.

I do own the 2 HP dust collector but have not hooked up my blast gates yet, so I can't report on that. But in initial tests, it works as intended and I paid $130 for it.

[Carl Babel]

Marty, the latest Wood magazine has a HF add with the 2HP DC on sale for $139. Can't use the 20% off coupon in combination though.

[Jon McElwain]

lucky to get through 7th grade geometry...

Without geometry, life is pointless.

[Carl Babel]

I have been fairly selective. My HF list:

- The Excellent:
- 13 Drawer Red Industrial Quality Roller Cabinet, labeled U.S. General
I bought this because of all of the positive reviews (their site and others).
This thing is "as good", if not better than any that I have seen at any of the big boxes, Costco, Sears, etc.
I got mine at a great price: about $360, so watch the sales.
I had it shipped to my house. Their shipper of choice, while not fast, was relatively low cost and the cabinet arrived in perfect condition.
Disclaimer: I have never used a SnapOn (or any other in that price range).

- The Good:
- Link belt (someone else mentioned this).
I used it to upgrade my contractor table saw (only TS at that time).
Worked great (TS ran much smoother). Much cheaper than other alternatives.
- Hardwood handscrew clamps.
These work well, but clearly aren't as good as Jorgies, etc. (threads are inferior).
I use them for customizing and to hold small parts at router table. I haven't had any fail yet.

- The Bad:
- Sanding sponges: as others have said - don't waste your money/time.

I have bought other stuff (gloves, etc) but nothing really stands out as being exceptional (good or bad).

[Bruce Benjamin]

I would vote that this sort of thread become a sticky.

My philosophy is pretty simple:

Would you be heart-broken if it broke on you ?
Would you be INJURED if it broke on you ?
Would you lose valuable time/money if it broke on you ?
Would you be hugely upset if you had to supplement missing or lousy hardware ?

Then ... don't buy it at HF.

For everything else ... I'll roll the dice, periodically

Love that 2HP DC, though

This philosophy works if you assume that everything that HF sells will break faster and easier than anything that anyone else sells. This obviously isn't the case as there are countless examples of people using HF tools/products under demanding conditions with good/great results, myself included. That being said, there certainly is some junk available there but in my experience it's usually fairly easy to spot. I wouldn't call it rolling the dice. I'd call it using your ability to look at something, hold it, and decide if it's going to be a reasonable purchase or not. While I have bought and returned a few items from HF because I wasn't happy with the quality, generally I've been satisfied with what I've bought from them. I've passed on a lot of junk too but that's no big deal to me. I've bought and returned stuff from well respected stores both online and brick and mortar.

Bruce

[Alan Wright]

i live a couple miles from a store and love this place, but I'm VERY careful about what I buy. Some gems in my opinion are the latex gloves. Can't remember the prices, but I've compared and it's a great deal. Also, the 4" grinder I bought for $16 minus $3 with my 20% off coupon. I've had it 4 years and use it pretty regularly and it's still going strong. Also, I bought a digital caliper a couple years ago for about $15. I use it all the time to get exact thickness measurements, particulary when I'm using the planer.

[keith ouellette]

I have the
-----2hp dust collector. It replaced a new jet 2hp that didn't last long (just got a lemon) and so far it works great. the bag is a joke though. its almost like not having a bag but mine is out side so...
----- metric and sae sockets. the ones that come in the black metal cases. ----use them all the time and no stripped nuts.
----- vise grip pliers and channel locks ---- worthless
----- quick clamps ---- took them back 2 days later and said they should be ashamed to sell them. HF didn't listen to me but gave me my money back
----- 18" and 24" bar clamps ( the black bar and blue handle) --- work fantastic but I'm not sure how well longer ones would work. at greater lengths they probably flex a lot
------ blue orbital sander --- excellent
----- 15 gage finish nailer (about 5 years ago) ------ left really big counter sink holes and jammed easy
----- little copper 10 pack solar lights----- very surprised how good at the price they were. I got the extended warrenty on 2 packs and brought all the bummers back in a couple of months so I would have all good ones. they work great (for the price mind you)
------ orbiting spindle sander---- I bought it with a coupon and for the price I paid I would say its great. used it a lot with no complaints.
------ 6 pack clear packing tape--- I have used about 30 roles of this stuff and wouldn't bother buying anything different.

[Rich Engelhardt]

HF is simple to deal with.
Hang on to your sales slip & try out whatever you buy as soon as you get it home - or better yet - in the parking lot if you can.
If it breaks, take it back.

I got burned on a 21* framing nailer by waiting too long to use it. I bought it on sale months ahead of the actual time I planned on using it. When the time came to use it, it jammed constantly and required 125psi of air pressure just to set the few nails it did drive anywhere close to flush.

I also had a cheap ($4.99 on sale) air hammer die on me after 10 straight hours of use. I returned it for another, and that one lasted about 10 min before it quit. The replacement for that one was a DOA. It wouldn't work right out of the box. I ended up just tossing it since I figured I'd gotten my $5.00 worth out of the tool & it would have taken about that much in gas to drive back and forth to replace it.

Gems: - but as mentioned above by someone else - only when the sale price is right.
- Multi Function tool for $29.00
- Cotten drop cloths
- Cable ties
- 10 packs of 1/8" (and smaller) twist drill bits
- Digital calipers - just be sure to remove the battery between uses
- "button batteries"
- Head band flashlight <--worth it's weight in gold whenever you have to look under or work under a sink!!!!!
- Free flashlights. We have a half dozen of them scattered around the house & in each vehicle.

- 100 packs of #8 single edge razor blades. Everyone else (Borg/paint stores) sells #9 single edge blades. While the #9 is good for scraping, the #8 is far better for cutting. It's sharper and it's more flexible.

- Aluminum levels - just be sure to chek it. My 24" checked out fine against my 4' Johnson & it's been a real workhorse
- Rolls of plumber's emory cloth
- Rolls of teflon tape
- Small "mover's dolly".
- Goodyear rubber air hose. Best price on the planet about once a year when they go on sale.


So/so:
- Casters
- 10" pneumatic wheels
- Quick connects/air fittings

[Paul Canaris]

IMHO

Do buy their wrenches, good value for the money as long as you're not a pro mechanic.
Do buy their tap and dye set - good value for the occasional user
Do buy their HSS drill bit sets and Forstner sets - great value for the money even with regular usage

Do not buy their woodowrker clamps of any style in general - 50% failure rate first try on numerous
Do not buy their pnuematic grease guns - worked two or three times
Do not buy - other items too numerous to list

As long as they continue to allow returns and refunds for items as noted above, I will likely continue to try things from time to time; if they ever change that policy...then nothing...just too risky.

[Dan Hintz]

Picked up my fair share of good and bad deals there...

Good (so far):
Dust collector (red) - Noisy as a banshee, but continue to work well and pulls a good vacuum.
Angle grinder - Air driven, not electric, picked it up when I needed to do some wet work on hardened concrete. Went through a ton of discs, but it continues to work.
Screwdrivers - Okay for light duty, but real work is best left to the hardened-tip pro stuff.
Bar clamps - Work okay.
Digital calipers - Work great, but the auto-off feature doesn't work, so batteries die within a day or two if I forget to turn it off.
4' level - Great deal, plenty straight.
Electric metal shear - Surprised me, but it worked excellently on aluminum flashing... I could make near-perfect straight cuts by hand if I followed a line.
Hex wrenches - Metal entirely too soft to do any real hard turning.