I think I posted here somewhere about HF, but I will post again.
My background ranges from being a former Toyota and Lexus Technician to being a production engineer for a major underground construction tool manufacturer. I have hand and air tools ranging from Craftsman to Snap-on when I wrenched. I still do 97% of my own work on my equipment.
Recently We got a new Dewalt floor drill press at work The price was $700 and was made in China. The drill was only used for 16 gauge aluminum. Within a week the 2 handles broke and another week the return spring went flying apart. We got new parts in (at our cost, don't ask) I said to myself, "I won't buy Dewalt now" Ironically the same drill press can be bought at HF for almost a 1/3 the cost.
Someone posted about winches on here. The bigger winches sold at HF are Milemarker winches or direct clones. As far as I know they have bushings instead of bearings. I have first hand experience being winched out on offroading trips with Milemarker winches. There are a couple threads of HF winches and first hand accounts.
Chicago Electric 8000 lb Winch Reviews
Winches - TTORA Forum
I have a "smaller" the HF 3000 lb radio controlled winch for dragging out downed trees with our JD 2210. For 69.99 it does quite well dragging and lifting the front of our JD 2210 with FEL attached!
I have HF 4 x 7 ***/ver bandsaw that I bought on sale at the store for 149.00 less 15% coupon. I did have one problem, the fan shroud was bent and the fan hit it when running. I called the help line and they asked me to return it. I said no since I'm was 150 miles from there closest store. I received a complete new motor in a week on their dime! I can't say that for Dewalt! It cuts
Straight from the box. I have cut many many many pieces of metal with it. The only thing I have worn out is the blades. Ironically this is the same bandsaw sold at Menard's for $300 plus under the Jet name brand.
I own many HF grinders, 2 digital calipers, sandblaster. and countless other items for them. HF has treated me nice by honoring internet prices at the store and 30 day return policy. I can't say that many big box store do that at all today.
My time being a production engineer I can say this. The world is a much smaller place and cost can vary very easily with a keen eye and call. Besides guys, there is not a hundred companies building bandsaws, grinders, winches, shocks, tires or anything for that matter. If ya really want to blow the just because it is a name brand go ahead. I....rather save a bit or alot and put it toward something that matters being name brand!
To me it is a safety issue designed in and I can get to a very safe distance with this one. Since I have raced RC cars and yes I have experienced "rogue" frequencies and conflicts. I would still take the RC route over short leads. Most factory control leads even with major winch companies will never get you out of harms way properly and I have worked with alot of them. 