Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[psj12]

Has anyone bought the 15,000 watt HF PTO Generator? Is it any good? Worth the money?

I wanted to use my 20% coupon for one but was told by the store it is a mail order item only. Additionally they want extra shipping due to it being heavy.

 

[sixdogs]

I wanted to use my 20% coupon for one but was told by the store it is a mail order item only. Additionally they want extra shipping due to it being heavy.

Sounds fishy to me. I use my coupons all the time and often use for their stuff sent to me email for mail order purposes. If I recall correctly, it says mail order or "locate of of our stores" by clicking some link. If the store has the item, they have honored the price and coupon.
Just my experience.

 

[psj12]

That, I guess, is the issue. The store does not stock it.

 

[California]

Re 20% coupons: Heads up!!!

I was in the local HF on 11/8 and there was a lengthy notice taped to the counter: No 20% coupons can be applied starting November 8 2010 to welders, compressors, and a long list of other expensive items. I think that list covered everything over $50.

I think the notice also said that only one coupon of any kind can be used per visit but the clerk said she never heard of that new rule, and accepted two items that each had a coupon.

 

[jimmer2880]

Just picked up one of these:

2 ton push trolley for an I-beam

2 Ton Push Beam Trolley

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Re 20% coupons: Heads up!!!

I was in the local HF on 11/8 and there was a lengthy notice taped to the counter: No 20% coupons can be applied starting November 8 2010 to welders, compressors, and a long list of other expensive items. I think that list covered everything over $50.

I think the notice also said that only one coupon of any kind can be used per visit but the clerk said she never heard of that new rule, and accepted two items that each had a coupon.

I've noticed that they're not having regular sales as much anymore, but they're sending out "super coupons". I assume that's so folks like us don't have as many opportunities to use a 20% coupon on top of an already deeply discounted price.

 

[sixdogs]

Re 20% coupons: Heads up!!!

I was in the local HF on 11/8 and there was a lengthy notice taped to the counter: No 20% coupons can be applied starting November 8 2010 to welders, compressors, and a long list of other expensive items. I think that list covered everything over $50.

I think the notice also said that only one coupon of any kind can be used per visit but the clerk said she never heard of that new rule, and accepted two items that each had a coupon.

Has anyone seen anything like this in other parts of the country? Wonder if it might be regional?

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Re 20% coupons: Heads up!!!

I was in the local HF on 11/8 and there was a lengthy notice taped to the counter: No 20% coupons can be applied starting November 8 2010 to welders, compressors, and a long list of other expensive items. I think that list covered everything over $50.

I think the notice also said that only one coupon of any kind can be used per visit but the clerk said she never heard of that new rule, and accepted two items that each had a coupon.

 

[Johnbro]

My addition to this very useful thread. In no particular order:

Magnesium 15ga finish nailer--seems very well built, drives nails no problem.

23 ga pin nailer: works fine, no jams, although the HF pins like to change direction in the wood

18ga brad nailer/stapler combo: threw it out. jammed constantly with staples

Mag coil roofing nailer: I have only ascertained that it will, indeed, shoot nails. Bought the better one, although it cost a little more, because the "mag" finish nailer I have seems quite well built. I have a small roof project and then I'm through roofing for life.

6 in 1 framing nailer: misfired a lot then jammed, had to disassemble to get at the nail. then realized I had no freaking idea how to put it back together so I threw it out and bought a Max from Western Tool. The Max is sweet!

4.5" angle grinder: works quite well. For $20 on sale you can't beat it.

Dual 151 welder: just got this to learn how to weld. Seems ok, if perhaps a bit more finicky than a Miller or Hobart. It's on sale (if you have a coupon) for $120 off retail. Cheapest 220v welder around?

Misc welding accessories: stuff that goes on the angle grinder seems good (flap sanders, wire wheels and cups). vise-grip style welding clamps are crap. Welding cart good, but 151 doesn't fit in it very well. Argon regulator: bought one, broke it. Bought another, didn't work. 3rd one is the charm. $6.99 leather welding apron: strings are too short to tie behind my back (I wear a 33" waist, so it ain't my portly demeanor). Mig pliers: not bad, do what they need to do. Angle magnets: great, bought a bunch. Butt joint clamps: haven't used them yet, seem adequate for the intended job. ARgon bottle: my local welding company exchanged for a full tank with no questions asked, so I guess it's ok.

Solar patio lights: crap, could barely see them. Of course, here in the Pacific NW we get very little sun in the winter, so maybe they never got their batteries charged enough?

10' yellow extension cord: excellent. HD and cheap.

$3.50 ear muffs: great, like them better than my more expensive ones. Comfortable and quiet.

Dead blow hammer: very orange, but it works as advertised. Great buy even when not on sale.

Small wood carving set: pretty decent, actually, if you're ok with honing them constantly. I have nothing to compare this to, however, being a noob at wood carving.

Blue aluminum quick jack: light and works fine for cars and mowers.

I kind of subscribe to the theory someone mentioned on this thread that if you want to find out if you're going to use a tool sometimes SOMETIMES HF is the way to go. Not always. If it requires precision I'm inclined to pass. for example, if I bought their super el-cheapo sliding miter saw, I would expect it would be adequate for framing but not for trim carpentry. The welder was a perfect example: reviews say it's a good welder, not a great one, but it's CHEAP. so if I really get interested in welding, and learn on it, I'll have a better idea of what I want to buy for a 2nd welder (not HF). In the meantime, if it gets wrecked who cares? I'd rather have buyers remorse for a $5 tool than a $500 one...

 

[Skyco]

Re 20% coupons: Heads up!!!

I was in the local HF on 11/8 and there was a lengthy notice taped to the counter: No 20% coupons can be applied starting November 8 2010 to welders, compressors, and a long list of other expensive items. I think that list covered everything over $50.

I think the notice also said that only one coupon of any kind can be used per visit but the clerk said she never heard of that new rule, and accepted two items that each had a coupon.

I just got a flyer this week with a 20% coupon on the back.
I can undertand their desire to limit its use on certain items, but- they need to honor all the ones already out there that don't have disclaimers printed on them.
I'd be pretty PO'd if I traveled to a store intending to use a coupon and found they changed the rules after they issued me a coupon. Print all the disclaimers on the coupons from this day forward but honor the ones they already provided, heck I've got one that doesn't expire until next year.