Bare-bones tools necessities for "home" shop????

[Iplayfarmer]

...Aquiring the right tools is a lifelong journey/passion. .

Well said.

 

[Big Wave D]

Like most of what's in a grocery store, many HF tools are "perishable".

Okay, that's funny!!! :laughing:

What I can't figure, is if it's so bad on quality, how do they keep getting people to keep coming back, in spite of themselves.

It seems like someone who's trying to kick a bad habit, yet they keep back sliding and coming back time after time.

 

[Big Wave D]

tulenutn2o,

I too, second, what Iplayfarmer thinks about your comment:

Acquiring the right tools is a lifelong journey/passion.

The journey itself is so much part of the fun. :thumbsup:

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Okay, that's funny!!! :laughing:

What I can't figure, is if it's so bad on quality, how do they keep getting people to keep coming back, in spite of themselves.

It seems like someone who's trying to kick a bad habit, yet they keep back sliding and coming back time after time.

I'd propose the problem with HF is not bad quality but inconsistent quality. The habit we're all trying to kick is a gambling habit. Sometimes lady luck smiles upon us and the tool is high quality and lasts a lifetime. Other times we get the dud that falls apart as we take it out of the box.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

I think that most dedicated HF shoppers can sort of sense or smell out a poor quality product. There's a look to it. Though I do know that some stuff is hit or miss. There are about 4 different 4.5 inch grinders. Stay away from the blue drillmasters. The orange and gray have been consistently good for me. The drill press I bought from them is great, so is the one my father bought from them in 1983, which is also now mine, though it needs a little work. The anvil, plasma cutter, etc I bought all are still fine. I took the 200 amp mig back though.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Well said.

Thanks for the kind words.

 

[tulenutn2o]

tulenutn2o,

I too, second, what Iplayfarmer thinks about your comment:

Acquiring the right tools is a lifelong journey/passion.

The journey itself is so much part of the fun. :thumbsup:

Thank you!

 

[Big Wave D]

I would have to agree. There is a certain heft, look, fit-finish, materials used, that seem to impart a certain "air" to a tools quality.

I've used brand name stuff that I'd rate slightly better than garbage, and I've used no-name makes that are built seemingly bullet proof.

In some ways, the user's style of using, I think, has A LOT to do with how long a steed is going to last in their stable. I'm not just talking about leaving something out in the rain, I mean how "hard" they use it while working on a project.

The old adage, y.m.m.v (your mileage may vary) is so totally true.

So, to all you Harbor Freight "Gamblers", may lady luck smile on all of your purchases!!!

 

[1950T]

being a working blacksmith and horseshoer i can get by with a forge anvil pair of tongs and a hammer. with those i can make pretty much anyother hand tool i would need to make other tools.

 

[rjmack]

i hear a lot about 4" and 4 1/2" grinders here.

you never see them on jobsites... ever.

Makita USA - Tool Details - 9005B

dewalt also makes a good 5", but the trigger mechanism is a bit touchy... tends to light itself up without much provocation.

being a working blacksmith and horseshoer i can get by with a forge anvil pair of tongs and a hammer. with those i can make pretty much anyother hand tool i would need to make other tools.

sounds kind of what it was like in 'the beginning'

do you make your own coke?