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

[1950T]

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.



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

do you make your own coke?

i used to coke up my own coal but the quality of bulk bitum coal has gone down hill. i buy Lbrand smithing coke for $40 a hundred weight.

i could get by with what i mentioned but it sure is nice to have a full feature shop like ive got. the power hammer saves the elbow :laughing:

 

[Danno1]

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.


.

If you need a tool and are going to use it a lot, buy a name brand.

If you need an otherwise expensive tool for just one job, or only occasional use, go to HF.

Also, the supermarket analogy was pretty much spot on!


.

 

[Big Wave D]

Well, I've got to admit. The Harbor Freight 'sirens' are calling my name now.

I don't really have any tool purchase that I'm needing for any job at the moment, but just all the talk and how the place stirs up such emotions of love or hate, seemingly no middle ground for them, I'm just downright intrigued.

So, with a tight, clutching grip on my wallet, I think I'll take a field trip to my brick and mortar portal into the land of cheap and most likely shoddy Chinese knock offs and see whatever there is to see.

The 'anticipation' is almost making me giddy!

 

[Big Wave D]

Danno1,

You wrote:

If you need a tool and are going to use it a lot, buy a name brand.

If you need an otherwise expensive tool for just one job, or only occasional use, go to HF.


I subscribe to this theory, almost, like you do; except, I go from lower name brands to higher name brands.

I just can't quite spend money on Buffalo, MIT, etc tools. Their tolerances are so loose, say on wrenches, that when I've used them that were owned by others, my knuckles ALWAYS suffered. I think they do more damage than good.

Just my 2 cents worth

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Well, I've got to admit. The Harbor Freight 'sirens' are calling my name now.

I don't really have any tool purchase that I'm needing for any job at the moment, but just all the talk and how the place stirs up such emotions of love or hate, seemingly no middle ground for them, I'm just downright intrigued.

So, with a tight, clutching grip on my wallet, I think I'll take a field trip to my brick and mortar portal into the land of cheap and most likely shoddy Chinese knock offs and see whatever there is to see.

The 'anticipation' is almost making me giddy!

If you're going anyway, take a free flashlight coupon and a 20% off coupon. Even if you're only buying a $5 item, the 20% off coupon still saves you a dollar.

Here's a link to a bunch of coupons that include the printable 20% off and free flashlight coupons...

July Dollar Days Digital

If you use the coupon it puts you on the mailing list. That's either good or bad depending on who you are.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Big Wave,

Better yet don't take your wallet in or have your wife hold it.

Those pittsburg wrenches are much better than Buffalo or MIT.

Digital vernier calipers for 9.99
digital volt meters for 2.99-9.99
Jacks
Hydraulic Presses
Lathes,
Mills,
Drill presses
Saws
Tarps
Casters,
Fans
Air Wrenches
Air Saws
Power tools of any kind
fittings
cotter key kits
springpin kits
S.S screw kits
electrical fitting kits
clamps
air fittings
lights
bungees
vises
anvils
drill bits
autobody equipment
pipe benders
brakes and shears
ring rollers
wood working eq
lawn and garden
old fashioned hand pumps
dollies


Well I am sure someone else can add more.

But you can't hold your pocket book tight enough to get out of there once you walk in...You will find SOMETHING to buy or try.

 

[Big Wave D]

Yes Mark,

You ARE a salesman!!!!! :laughing:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

No,
Its just that most of the items listed I bought :laughing:

 

[Iplayfarmer]

If you have 24 hours or so of spare time, the thread below is a great clearinghouse of first hand information and opinions on most of the tools commonly bought from Harbor Freight tools.

Harbor Freight Tools That Don't Suck

There's also a thread has some cautions and warnings about some of the tools that are less desirable...

HF Tools That Suck

The reviews are highly subjective, but the information is still very valuable.

 

[Big Wave D]

Oh Boy!!

Where do I get my gas and match for this thread.

Iplayfarmer, I definitely will take a gander at both. Thanks for the heads up.