Harbor Freight tools that DO suck

[Gary Fowler]

"designed to withstand up to 10,000 lbs" ??? That has to be a joke. What was your experience with them?

I have their smaller size at the outer edges of a carryall platform (photo) just to tie down stuff so it won't fall off. They're ok in that application. I wouldn't use that smaller size for anything heavier.

I put some of the 1/2" ones on my equipment hauling trailer. I welded them on to the frame rails and they hold very well. The only problem I have with them is after welding, they are really hard to move up and down because the ring is too tight in the hold down. I ratchet down my hold down chains on them and have hauled my 10K pound tractor using them with no problems.

 

[5030]

Weld on works. Bolt on. not so much. The bolt holes are too small to accept a bolt with the required strength to hold much of anything but maybe a fat gal...:laughing: One that don't squirm much....

 

[John_Mc]

Don't get these d-rings, they suck: 1/2 in. Forged Cargo D-Ring Anchor

I have four of them I put in a small trailer as tie-down points. They have worked out fine for years now. However, I have not come close to testing their claimed 3333 lb max working load, let alone their claim that they are "designed to withstand 10,000 lbs."

 

[California]

On both, the d-ring itself had a little ridge left over from casting ... the ring wouldn't flip easily back and forth...
Only recourse was to either grind the ridge down or put little shims under bracket

That's Old School Harbor Freight. Everything there used to say 'Some Assembly Required'!

 

[GeneV]

I put some of the 1/2" ones on my equipment hauling trailer. I welded them on to the frame rails and they hold very well. The only problem I have with them is after welding, they are really hard to move up and down because the ring is too tight in the hold down. I ratchet down my hold down chains on them and have hauled my 10K pound tractor using them with no problems.

Yup, and that's due to that ridge on the ring I was talking about, left over from casting. If you guys read reviews on harborfreight.com, mostly it's good reviews, but all the negative ones list that ridge.

 

[Alan W.]

HF has raised the prices of its nitryl gloves. They are 13.99 now for the cheapest ones.
Gloves are still probably ok but the new pricing sucks.

 

[5030]

HF has raised the prices of its nitryl gloves. They are 13.99 now for the cheapest ones.
Gloves are still probably ok but the new pricing sucks.

Hf needs to be cognizant of the fact that once the emporium of cheap becomes not so cheap anymore, sales will go south quickly. B&H photo is a lot cheaper but you have to pay shipping.

 

[dragoneggs]

HF has raised the prices of its nitryl gloves. They are 13.99 now for the cheapest ones.
Gloves are still probably ok but the new pricing sucks.

Supply and demand.

 

[Ford850]

HF has raised the prices of its nitryl gloves. They are 13.99 now for the cheapest ones.
Gloves are still probably ok but the new pricing sucks.

They are recouping the money the lost when they donated their supply to the hospitals months ago. They got national publicity for their generosity at that time, and now we are paying for it. A win-win for them.

 

[Alan W.]

Their whole business model is changing.
Gone are the large selection of freebies.
20% coupon restrictions keep going up.
Prices no cheaper than other retailers.

 

[5030]

Could be the end of HF............

 

[crazyal]

I'm sure they are feeling the impact of the tariffs (and using that to make some extra money). I know some people who flock to the store and others who refuse to even stop in the parking lot. For me it's a do a little research first and then decide.

 

[5030]

I'm sure they are feeling the impact of the tariffs (and using that to make some extra money). I know some people who flock to the store and others who refuse to even stop in the parking lot. For me it's a do a little research first and then decide.

I'm 100% certain the China tariffs are impacting HF adversely. Between that and supply chain disruptions caused by the Wuhan Flu, I bet things are major screwed up.

I know it is for sure. I waited 2 months to get my Autel EVO drone. Autel is based here but their drones are built in China (like most electronic stuff is today).

What I'm patently curious about is how Schmid will absorb the increased cost of being a China importer and still be competitive in an extremely cost driven marketplace.

There is a definite tipping point and when HF exceeds that, they are for all intents done.

I have not been to a store in a while as I don't need anything but.. My monthly flyers have stopped as well as my 'Inside Track' deals and no 20% off or anything coupons.

Something is going on in Camarillo, what exactly it is, only Schmid knows for sure.

I do know their 'quality tools for less' is about to change and change drastically.

 

[kevin37b]

Born to ***** . Amazing .

 

[California]

I don't think HF is in trouble. Reduced sales and supply problems, of course. But look at their markups: Smidt is worth some $3~4 BILLION personally. Based on sales recently in the $5 billion range. And he's a big spender - houses, yacht accompanied by a smaller tender yacht, and substantial charitable giving.

The one thing that could hurt them is Smidt is operating like a modern corporate raider, taking on all the debt that the corporation can carry in order to pay out enormous dividends to him as the only stockolder. So they might get in trouble if revenue can't carry so much debt.

My guess is HF will continue as usual.

 

[Diggin It]

My monthly flyers have stopped as well as my 'Inside Track' deals and no 20% off or anything coupons.

Lots of % off coupons here: Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - pct coupons, freebies, free with purchase, free tools, free stuff, inside track club coupons

One of the emails they sent out in the last couple of months said there would be no more printed catalogs mailed. It would all be available in digital format though. Not sure if that's temporary or permanent, but I'm OK with less junk mail.

 

[5030]

Lots of % off coupons here: Harbor Freight Tools Coupon Database - pct coupons, freebies, free with purchase, free tools, free stuff, inside track club coupons

One of the emails they sent out in the last couple of months said there would be no more printed catalogs mailed. It would all be available in digital format though. Not sure if that's temporary or permanent, but I'm OK with less junk mail.

I use the flyers to start my chunk charcoal when I grill outside...

 

[Diggin It]

Not sure if this is a Do or Don't but .....


I’ve got some really exciting news to share with you—the new Harbor Freight Credit Card is here. And I’m proud to say that this card is not only one of the best values in tools, it’s one of the best and most valuable tools Harbor Freight has ever offered.
That’s because we created it with you in mind. We know you come to Harbor Freight for value, and we made sure to create a credit card that offers exactly that. No annual feeϮϮ. 10% off* your entire first purchase when you open an account—with no exclusions—and that’s on top of any coupons that apply. And you’ll get 5% back in Harbor Freight Money** on all future purchases.
Or—and this is big—you can choose 0% interest with equal monthly paymentsϮ on any purchase of $299 or more. You can come in, outfit your entire workshop and you’ll get true 0% interest promotional financing. That’s the technical language, but let me put it in plain English: You simply pay equal monthly payments on the 0% Interest purchase price with no added interest. Ever.
We’ve spent over 40 years bringing hardworking folks like you the quality tools you need at a value you can’t beat. The Harbor Freight Credit Card gives you even more value—a great way to purchase the tools and equipment you need and you get to choose the credit offer that’s best for you.
You can read more about the card here, and apply in your local store. Am I excited? You bet. I think you will be too. Discover a whole new level of value at Harbor Freight and apply now.


Eric Smidt

 

[lilranch2001]

:drink:

 

[lilranch2001]

:cool2: