Excellent prices for surprisingly good tools
Written: Jan 25 '05 (Updated Jan 25 '05)
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I have yet to complain about a tool I've ordered from Harbor Freight. So far I've bought a 10" compound miter saw, several nail guns and various other air tools, two angle grinders, a cutout drill, a circular sander, a wet tile saw and table, ratcheting box wrenches, and hundreds of little hand tools and accessories.
Let me start with the compound miter saw, which was their Chicago Tools brand. I just used this saw to complete a two-piece base molding for the first floor of my house. The saw worked flawless throughout the project. For $99, it was money well spent.
Next, the nail guns were quite a surprise considering their low price. They are better quality than the Porter-Cable finishing nailer at three times the price. I had the experience of taking one completely apart due to a very jammed nail (I learned that nails wont go into holes where there is already a nail, go figure). I was amazed at the strength of the materials and very happy to see quality o-rings at all critical joints.
I must also comment on the tile saw. Instead of renting a wet saw to complete a backyard patio, I decided to purchase this saw and table, as it was under $300 and provided clearance for the very thick material I was using. I also purchased a blade at the same time as it was half the price of the local stores. This saw was awesome and made perfect cuts each and every time with very little strain on 2.5" thick material. The pump was an excellent little unit, and could be easily replaced if needed as it was a standard fountain pump.
The rest of the tools purchased have been just as satisfying for all the beatings I have put them through. I showed the ratcheting box wrenches to a co-worker and told him the price I paid, and he was on the HF website in minutes. We were both stunned by the weight and quality of these wrenches that cost the same price for 6 that you would expect to pay for one.
For a hard-core professional contractor, maybe these aren't the right stuff, but I wouldn't turn them down as an avid home improver. There is more than enough quality in everything I've purchased to be very happy with the price.
As far as the selection of tools from HF goes, I doubt you will have any trouble in finding a specific tool. The selection is incredible.
Receiving the order is the only downside to Harbor Freight. It usually seems to take quite a while to get the stuff. In my case, I chalk some of that up to the fact that I'm in NJ and they are in CA. But, I must admit that I have never paid for shipping, so I'm a little more forgiving when it comes to waiting.
I've had a couple items backordered, and one item was outright canceled. It would be nice to know that up front, but to me that is a minor complaint.
Overall, I give this company a very high rating for the price-to-quality factor of their tools. There are still some tools I buy that have to have the name (i.e. Craftsmen, S-K), but for the stuff that I otherwise beat up and expect to service or replace anyway, it is nice to get a bargain.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? Various power, air, and hand tools
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Epinions.com ID:
rcarboni
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Reviews written: 11
Trusted by: 0 members
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