Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[IslandTractor]

I have a 35 year old Little Giant original version ($300) of that ladder and a couple of the Costco $99 versions. Great tools but they are heavy.

 

[Steave]

First time posting on this thread, am I late for the party? The metal particles that get stuck to the magnets come off easily with your wire brush and if your're welding its usually pretty close by. Just happened to try it one day and swoosh there're gone.

 

[California]

I have a 35 year old Little Giant original version ($300) of that ladder and a couple of the Costco $99 versions. Great tools but they are heavy.

Yes heavy. And top-heavy, very unlike an ordinary stepladder.

I have one but I use it only where I need that unique shape, not for general use. I'm not very tall and the thing is so topheavy that it tries to turn me head over heels when I move it around. Using it feels like an imminent back injury. Not a favorite tool.

Recommended if you have a use for its unique capability but it's not a general-purpose ladder.

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes heavy. And top-heavy, very unlike an ordinary stepladder. I have one but I use it only where I need that unique shape, not for general use. I'm not very tall and the thing is so topheavy that it tries to turn me head over heels when I move it around. Using it feels like an imminent back injury. Not a favorite tool. Recommended if you have a use for its unique capability but it's not a general-purpose ladder.

Agree 100%. However, if I could have just one ladder (horrors), I'd probably pick one of these. Same way as you'd choose a Leatherman if you could carry just one tool.

 

[California]

Here's my favorite multitool. I have two sizes. Bought them new but I think they are no longer sold.

The 'crescent' wrench in my larger one is big enough to remove a hose from a propane bottle. This tool, plus a HF combo screwdriver - four tips, plus the handle and the two adapters have hex openings to fit three sizes of hose-clamp nuts - and a tiny indestructible Buck pocketknife, are about all I've ever needed for maintaining stuff when camping. I carry more tools 'just in case' but never seem to get them out. I keep one of these in each car.

HF could sell a lot of these if they could match the durability of the originals.

 

[sodamo]

Amazon:

Amazon.com: CTA Tools 1 4-In-1 Farmer's Pliers: Automotive

 

[California]

Amazon:

Amazon.com: CTA Tools 15 4-In-1 Farmer's Pliers: Automotive

That's the one. Or at least the best clone available today according to what I've read elsewhere. All the Amazon reviews are positive, the single uncomplimentary reviewer ('moderate quality') scored it 3 out of 5 points. A farmer and a carpenter said they used it daily.

It's the ultimate glovebox tool from a simpler time.


Added:
I just went out and looked in the car. The one there a DH16 same as that photo above. The wrench on it is the size of a 6" Crescent wrench.

The larger handyboy that I keep in the Subaru, our camping rig, has a larger 'crescent' wrench so it must be their model DH18. If you need to swap propane tanks (with the old wrench fittings) that's the version you need. I see on Ebay Completed Auctions these sold recently for $35 to several over $100.

You know you are getting old - but have good taste when your favorite toys sell in thrift stores and on ebay for considerably more than you paid for them back in the day.

 

[dragoneggs]

Here's my favorite multitool. I have two sizes. Bought them new but I think they are no longer sold.

The 'crescent' wrench in my larger one is big enough to remove a hose from a propane bottle. This tool, plus a HF combo screwdriver - four tips, plus the handle and the two adapters have hex openings to fit three sizes of hose-clamp nuts - and a tiny indestructible Buck pocketknife, are about all I've ever needed for maintaining stuff when camping. I carry more tools 'just in case' but never seem to get them out. I keep one of these in each car.

HF could sell a lot of these if they could match the durability of the originals.

Cool... save that box... looks to be collectible someday even if there are knockoffs available online now.

 

[California]

Cool... save that box... looks to be collectible someday even if there are knockoffs available online now.

Sorry, that's a photo I linked from some tool collector hobby board. It's the identical tool to what I have. I no longer have the box.

I was surprised to find that some on Ebay are listed as New Old Stock - New In Box with the box shown.

Seeing the prices on Ebay, it appears these have already become collectibles.

 

[petegoud]

Sometimes, you get what you pay for. I've used the Harbor Freight magnets with success, but finally purchased a couple Strong Hand magnetic squares. Expensive, yes, but if you want something that's strong, easy to clean, easy to set, these are the way to go.