Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Threepoint]

Another vote for the HF electric hoists. I've had the 880 lb model mounted above the hay door in the loft of my barn for 15 years. I use it in single-line mode (440 lb) to lower and raise the hay elevator for square bale deliveries.
880 lb. Electric Hoist with Remote Control

 

[woodlandfarms]

So yesterday I read an article that I found interesting. It said that the current regimes interest in steel tarrifs all started with Toolboxes. Apparently there are only two manufactures of toolboxes left in the US, and one had a design that was clearly ripped off by the chinese. These two companies went to the government, and asked for a tariff review. This is actually a very common thing which I did not know (companies complaining about foreign influence). Somehow this made its way beyond the people who manage tarrif's and got onto the current regimes desk. And thus it started the national conversation.

I am not going to post the link, I felt the article veared into a political discussion but interesting to note harbor freight has contributed to the amercian tax policy. Oh, one note is that tool boxes will be going up in prices as that tarrif (outside of steel tarrifs) apparently garnered approval.

 

[PILOON]

Might be near HF tonight, what should i buy????

LOL, up here in Canada (CTC) the equivalent seems to be Canadian Tire.

When I log onto Kijji I frequently see CTC items listed at higher prices than the lowest 'deal' price.
Typically U see 'regular @ $29.95' on sale at $12.00.
So the on line seller says, regular $29.95 but yours for (ie) $17.00

All interesting marketing!

 

[PhysAssist]

I have the Harbor freight Gantry crane in the shop and it works GREAT. Changed out the top beam to a heavier one I was given and used it on 1000lbs loads several times without the slightest problem. Can roll it all around the garage and use it where ever it is needed. Find I use it a lot for building implements and fixing implements.

Thanks- Pat, Al, Ford, and Code54 [in no particular order- ],

I appreciate your ideas and will continue to figure out my best way.

I do like the rolling Gantry cranes, I'm just not sure if I need one versus just having a stationary crane mounted overhead conveniently.


Take care,
PA

 

[KB7722]

I've got years of excellent service from this Harbor Freight 1300 lb hoist.

13 lb. Electric Hoist with Remote Control

I use it in the garage for lifting heavy stuff in and out of the trailer and pickup. Easy and safe. This planer weighs a bit over 100 lbs, the sturdy lad at the tool outlet just threw it in the back of the pickup, and I could too but 30 years ago!

Come on now. This isn't about the HF hoist; your just showing off that new Dewalt planner!

 

[downsizingnow48]

Well I have been wanting to post about these HF hoists for some time, they are a good deal and I do not believe previously discussed in this very lengthy thread. But -- a photo of an empty hook would not be very interesting. So I took advantage of the planer purchase. Think of it as equivalent to the local television weather Barbies, something nice to get your attention.

BTW the price was $509 at the Tool Outlet, a small chain that caters to contractors here in northern California. The big box price is $649.

 

[Michael Aos]

I noticed the 44 Top Chest is gone now too.

 

[newbury]

I noticed the 44 Top Chest is gone now too.

This comment made me investigate.

I've been needing a rolling base cabinet for a 36" top chest I got on a steal of a deal. I'd been planning on getting the HF 44" the next time it dropped to about $340. Now I'm concerned they will discontinue it.

Has anyone heard any rumor of HF dropping their tool chest line?

 

[Michael Aos]

Maybe just updated? This coupon is for a cabinet that isn't listed (yet) on the website.

Has anyone heard any rumor of HF dropping their tool chest line?

 

[Ford850]

Maybe just updated? This coupon is for a cabinet that isn't listed (yet) on the website.

View attachment 544011

Coupon valid till 8/18

 

[Mendonsy]

Maybe just updated? This coupon is for a cabinet that isn't listed (yet) on the website.

View attachment 544011

Or maybe for a cabinet the doesn't even exist. They have done that before also.

 

[Threepoint]

Michael, interesting. Especially the $449.99 price. Where did you find that coupon? The item numbers are different from the 44" cabinet currently listed on the website for $399, which was just on sale for $349.99 with a super coupon until 3/8/18. http://www.hfqpdb.com/coupons/9_ITC_44___13_DRAWER_INDUSTRIAL_QUALITY_ROLLER_CABINET_1520441244.8023.png

The artwork also shows it as slightly different. Note the appearance and placement of the U.S. General insignia on the one in the newest coupon. FWIW, according to the manager of one of the local HF stores, Harbor Freight typically uses several different vendors for sourcing what appears to be the same item. That way they assure themselves better control of their supply and costs. So, two different item numbers listed under artwork for, say, a tool chest means that there are two different suppliers that might be the actual source of the one you end up with. My guess is that the newer coupon is for 44" cabinets with slight cosmetic changes, either from the same vendors or from new vendors altogether.

 

[Michael Aos]

The current 44" toolbox depth is listed as 18 1/2" deep -vs- 22" highlighted in the coupon. The current 56" is 22" deep...

The text in the coupon mentions "Series 2", as seen on some of the new 30" 5-drawer mechanic's carts.
--

 

[newbury]

The current 44" toolbox depth is listed as 18 1/2" deep -vs- 22" highlighted in the coupon. The current 56" is 22" deep...

The text in the coupon mentions "Series 2", as seen on some of the new 30" 5-drawer mechanic's carts.
--

Good point, another $100 for an inch and a half.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I was in HF today to get some chip brushes and noticed the Yukon $269 tool cart with wood top. I wonder if anyone has bought that. I tried to lift it and it was substantial. Looks like a good deal.

 

[sixdogs]

These drill-to-socket adaptors are $2 on sale and a great buy. I only use them a few times a year but when I do save a lot of time in assembling things or for tedious tasks by turning my portable drill into a power driver.

 

[KubotainNH]

These drill-to-socket adaptors are $2 on sale and a great buy. I only use them a few times a year but when I do save a lot of time in assembling things or for tedious tasks by turning my portable drill into a power driver.


View attachment 544144

Those things are great, haven't broken one yet but do seem to lose them. I should buy some more.

 

[Travelover]

These drill-to-socket adaptors are $2 on sale and a great buy. I only use them a few times a year but when I do save a lot of time in assembling things or for tedious tasks by turning my portable drill into a power driver.


View attachment 544144

I use these with a cordless impact driver and they are great. I did manage to snap one but for the price, I'm happy.

 

[California]

I use these with a cordless impact driver and they are great.

Likewise. I keep them in the HF cheap socket set box. Use them often. Very handy!

 

[Mace Canute]

These drill-to-socket adaptors are $2 on sale and a great buy. I only use them a few times a year but when I do save a lot of time in assembling things or for tedious tasks by turning my portable drill into a power driver.


View attachment 544144

I once made for a friend a small custom "key" for a tamperproof screw and I used the small one out of a cheap set like that which I bought at princess Auto. Were they hard! I had to use a carbide bit to drill a small hole in the end and had to grind a pentagon on the end. I asked him years later about it and he said he was still using it.