Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

wedge40 · Jan 19, 2010

Drove up to HF yesterday because I wanted to pick up a couple of things I seen in a catalog I got in the mail last week. The catalog listed both at $29.99 and when I got to the store and found the items in the self, each was listed for $59.99. 30 bucks difference each. I had forgot to put the catalog in the car with me. A major no-no for any trip to HF. So believe it or not I left HF without spending a dime. It almost seems like a sin to do such a thing but I will be heading back up this weekend WITH catalog in hand.

Good thing the Prius get 50MPG +

Wedge

Bedlam · Jan 19, 2010

I wonder if you asked them if they would 'honor' your word for it being int the catalog? Id think they would have the catalog in the computer either way.

BigE_ · Jan 19, 2010

They generally look at you blankly around here if you say you forgot your catalog or coupon. Heck, I brought in my coupon on my cell phone because I forgot to print it out, and I've got email on my cell. They almost didn't honor it.

Other tools that don't suck: I just bought the $20 compression tester last night. Tried it out and got the same results that the mechanic got using his high dollar compression tester. Forgot my stinkin 15% off coupon, but it would cost me that much in gas to go back and print it out.

Also, just a side note, it looks like they are closing out on hydraulic hoses and connections. All the hydraulic connections are selling for $0.87 each, and the hoses are less than $5. These are 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4", with the mesh protection around the hose. I don't have a current use, but may go back and pick some up.

gpflepsen · Jan 19, 2010

I went to HF to get a 50' 3/8 air hose reel and the price in the store was $10 higher than the web price. I took my cell to the checkout with the webpage loaded and they took the screen display price and charged accordingly. Gotta love the smart phones!

wedge40 · Jan 20, 2010

These prices were even lower than anything listed online. And I'm not sure if pulling it up on me cell would have worked. Even though I did do a search while I was eating lunch with idea of going back if I could have gotten the same prices.

Wedge
PS I'll post some item numbers.

lakngulf · Jan 20, 2010

dex3361 said:
I have made probably 20 or more cut on 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 bar stock but only 2 cuts on the
3/4 + and it still cuts so I bought another blade before everybody finds out and I cant get another for a while. So to Quote you Jim "its a good deal" and from HF too.

What is the best method to cut roofing metal (tin)? I have several angle cuts to make to snug tin to a ridge in my tractor shed.

Would this type of metal blade be overkill?

IslandTractor · Jan 20, 2010

lakngulf said:
What is the best method to cut roofing metal (tin)? I have several angle cuts to make to snug tin to a ridge in my tractor shed.

Would this type of metal blade be overkill?

I thought tin snips or shears were appropriate for flashing and other roofing and gutter metals.

lakngulf · Jan 20, 2010

IslandTractor said:
I thought tin snips or shears were appropriate for flashing and other roofing and gutter metals.

Flashing and gutter....yes. But I will have to cut almost every piece of tin at an angle. Was looking for a method to save my thumb.

winston1 · Jan 20, 2010

lakngulf said:
What is the best method to cut roofing metal (tin)? I have several angle cuts to make to snug tin to a ridge in my tractor shed.

Would this type of metal blade be overkill?

A nibbler. Harbor Freight 46061-ovga. That is an air nibbler. I don't think they sell an electric. For a neat straight cut that is the proper tool.

horsebroke · Jan 20, 2010

I'm a regular HF shopper. For the average homeowner/handyman, HF stuff works most of the time. But much of the HF stuff isn't really suitable for professional mechanic. Good for occasional use - but not hard/continuous use. (IMHO).

FYI - I'm a regular subscriber to a number of handyman type magazines - like "Discover", "Popular Mechanics", "Popular Science", etc.

When you get a chance, take a look in one - near the back will be a HF full-page advertisement, including a 20% off coupon!. Check it out. Since I subscribe to several of these mags, I have LOTS of these coupons and I make it a point to keep them in my car.

The coupons DO have expiration dates, though but they're typically a couple months at least.