Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[CompactTractorFan]

I said that about the Japanese stuff back in the 1960's and lived to learn otherwise.

Yeah, I guess so...My Kubota seems to be alright...:thumbsup:

 

[TMR]

What are your thoughts on the HF 41" "General" Red tool box...seems like a good value and very comparable to much more expensive Craftsman boxes...especially when on sale...as it is often.

I want a very good 41"...your thoughts? TMR

P.S. Better value out there?

 

[CompactTractorFan]

What are your thoughts on the HF 41" "General" Red tool box...seems like a good value and very comparable to much more expensive Craftsman boxes...especially when on sale...as it is often.

I want a very good 41"...your thoughts? TMR

P.S. Better value out there?

Can you post a link? I think my uncle has one...

 

[TMR]

Can you post a link? I think my uncle has one...

13 Drawer Red Industrial Quality Roller Cabinet

This should get you there...if not part number is 90320...TMR

 

[Dargo]

13 Drawer Red Industrial Quality Roller Cabinet

This should get you there...if not part number is 90320...TMR

I want to preface this comment with stating that I have not looked at this tool cabinet from HF. However, that's getting into some major league money for what I'd consider spending at a place where everyone knows it's "pot luck" on the quality of what you get. In the last 5 years I've purchased 2 different stainless steel versions (but larger) from Sam's Club and Costco that are of very good quality. Their normal price was close to HF's price, but I bought both on "clearance" due to a scratch or dent on the corner or back of them.

I'd never consider this toolbox from HF until after I shopped around and looked at higher quality boxes and compared prices. Again, I have not seen this box, maybe it's the highest quality item carried by HF; I don't know. All I know is that's waaaaaay out of my price range for buying something at a pot luck store. Items I buy there are what I consider disposable. I don't consider $400 disposable. I have seen other tool boxes from HF that are a few years old and you have to lift up a considerable amount on the drawers to get them to open or close due to cheap construction of the drawer rollers/gliders.

Even if I had a 20% off coupon to use off that price, I'd most likely have to pass based on the overall quality of HF items. Trust me, I've broken about half of the stuff they generally carry in stock. Most of the time I don't even bother to return it because it's not worth my time nor gas money to make the exchange. I'd certainly examine it very closely and put a bunch of weight in a drawer and try opening and closing it before giving it a 2nd look. Either way, good luck to you. Again, trust me, I certainly know what it's like to buy something from HF only to find out it's pure junk. Why do I go back? Well, I never play the lottery, gamble or bet; HF is my closest thing to gambling.

 

[TMR]

Thanks Dargo...I have looked at both the HF model linked and the stainless at Costco as well many other more expensive boxes...and the HF seems to be best value. Quality appears "stronger" than the Costco stainless. You may want to look next time you drive by an HF store...this box is one of their "standard" models.

Anyone who owns one...or is familiar with this model. TMR

I want to preface this comment with stating that I have not looked at this tool cabinet from HF. However, that's getting into some major league money for what I'd consider spending at a place where everyone knows it's "pot luck" on the quality of what you get. In the last 5 years I've purchased 2 different stainless steel versions (but larger) from Sam's Club and Costco that are of very good quality. Their normal price was close to HF's price, but I bought both on "clearance" due to a scratch or dent on the corner or back of them.

I'd never consider this toolbox from HF until after I shopped around and looked at higher quality boxes and compared prices. Again, I have not seen this box, maybe it's the highest quality item carried by HF; I don't know. All I know is that's waaaaaay out of my price range for buying something at a pot luck store. Items I buy there are what I consider disposable. I don't consider $400 disposable. I have seen other tool boxes from HF that are a few years old and you have to lift up a considerable amount on the drawers to get them to open or close due to cheap construction of the drawer rollers/gliders.

Even if I had a 20% off coupon to use off that price, I'd most likely have to pass based on the overall quality of HF items. Trust me, I've broken about half of the stuff they generally carry in stock. Most of the time I don't even bother to return it because it's not worth my time nor gas money to make the exchange. I'd certainly examine it very closely and put a bunch of weight in a drawer and try opening and closing it before giving it a 2nd look. Either way, good luck to you. Again, trust me, I certainly know what it's like to buy something from HF only to find out it's pure junk. Why do I go back? Well, I never play the lottery, gamble or bet; HF is my closest thing to gambling.

 

[Dargo]

This is the last box I picked up at Sam's on clearance because it had a scratch across the back. I paid $349.00 for it. Steel Glide 41" Stainless Steel Toolbox & Rollaway $499.81 @ Sam's Club B&M YMMV

Unless the HF was considerably less, I really feel no need to even consider rolling the dice at HF compared to a stainless steel box that is sold under other names for over $2000.

Just for the heck of it, I checked and HF refuses to let you use their 20% off offer on the chest and shipping would put the cost over $500. Honestly, that would put it in the "no possible chance" area in my book.

 

[TMR]

HF used to list for $599 and both have $100 off sales and allow the 20% coupon. They seem to be trying a new "low price" strategy and price it at $370...with no coupon allowed. Also, I would pick up at the local HF store so no freight.

Again, go look at it...and I am not asking you to buy one...just trying to see what others who either own one...or have actually looked at one...think of the quality and "value".

Stainless Costco box I looked at did not compare positively to the quality of the $370 HF box...as you said YMMV...

TMR

This is the last box I picked up at Sam's on clearance because it had a scratch across the back. I paid $349.00 for it. Steel Glide 41" Stainless Steel Toolbox & Rollaway $499.81 @ Sam's Club B&M YMMV

Unless the HF was considerably less, I really feel no need to even consider rolling the dice at HF compared to a stainless steel box that is sold under other names for over $2000.

Just for the heck of it, I checked and HF refuses to let you use their 20% off offer on the chest and shipping would put the cost over $500. Honestly, that would put it in the "no possible chance" area in my book.

 

[Dargo]

HF used to list for $599 and both have $100 off sales and allow the 20% coupon. They seem to be trying a new "low price" strategy and price it at $370...with no coupon allowed. Also, I would pick up at the local HF store so no freight.

Again, go look at it...and I am not asking you to buy one...just trying to see what others who either own one...or have actually looked at one...think of the quality and "value".

Stainless Costco box I looked at did not compare positively to the quality of the $370 HF box...as you said YMMV...

TMR

I'm glad you did notice that I prefaced my comment by saying I have NOT looked at the box. So, I cannot slam it by any means. My first stainless box has been waaaay overloaded for about 5 or 6 years and it's too heavy to roll between barns, so I bought that 2nd box.

I assume Costco and Sam's boxes would be the same, but we don't have any Costco stores. Either way, I couldn't ask for a better box, so I'm completely satisfied with both stainless boxes. In my humid climate, I strongly prefer stainless to painted boxes, so I'd pay more just for that fact. But, hey, if the person who shells out their hard earned money for the product is satisfied, what more can be expected? If you're confident, I say go for it.

It's just past what I'll spend with HF based on my loooong history with them and their products. As I said, I don't gamble (even with a casino and horse racing track in my hometown), bet or play the lottery. However, most people who do gamble set a limit to what they'll spend per visit. That's pretty well what I've done with HF. That item is over my limit for what I'll risk there. I mean, if I went over my limit, that would be like a gambler out of control....right?

 

[Sherweld]

Right on. Something positive is going on at HF.
My local store used to be stocked with foreign looking people dressed in native garb and speaking most words in other than english. Certainly not welcoming to their intended market.
It's OK but not in a business with lots of SAE talk and tool "skill-set" needed. It was so frustrating I gave up.
Lately, however there are savvy people that understand the tool culture and have communication skills. Very refreshing and inviting.
Most of the tools still suck but I'll bet the quality is soon to improve.
My guess is HF hired some real business people with actual experience to either turn the ship around OR dress it up for sale. My bet is on the former or they wouldn't spend do much effort on the sales force.
I say get ready for higher quality stuff eventually to rival the medium-higher quality USA stuff, especially tools .

I have had the same impression as well. Not so long ago it seemed difficult to corner a staff person in order to get help, now they seem to go out of their way to ask if any help is required.
One other thing is that I seem to recall recently a news item reporting some sort of an intergenerational turf war among the HF owners. Something about the older generation being more than a little testy at being put aside, or something to that effect. Accusations against the younger generation of "looting" the company for personal gain etc. Sad stuff indeed. Whether this has any direct effect on service or product quality remains to be seen I guess.