Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[daugen]

when our "local" HF opened in Trenton NJ, across the river in NJ about half an hour from me, it was staffed with
folk who looked like they just walked out of an addiction clinic. They knew nothing, were competing with fast food help for product knowledge, and honestly looked stoned. A year later, what a difference. New manager, better help, and alas, they now know how to manage coupons as they were likely intended.

I got their latest flier at home, demanding that I visit their store or no more fliers. I wonder how many times they will say that until they mean it...guess it's time for a HF run.

 

[Baby Grand]

<snip>

I got their latest flier at home, demanding that I visit their store or no more fliers.

<snip>

You can smell the fear in that empty threat.

 

[sixdogs]

when our "local" HF opened in Trenton NJ, across the river in NJ about half an hour from me, it was staffed with
folk who looked like they just walked out of an addiction clinic. They knew nothing, were competing with fast food help for product knowledge, and honestly looked stoned. A year later, what a difference.

....

...

.

Same here. Looked like addicts or were from some foreign nation I never heard of and still spoke the language. Today it's all different with people that actually know what they are doing, want to do it and speak fluent English. This has to be by design because I have heard similar stories of other stores. Very refreshing change and a big plus for HF in my view.

 

[chopped]

Me too but I refuse to drive an hour and half one way to my local store. So they pretty much lost my business. Occasionally Ill get a flyer. but get the email ones all the time of cource they are for the store...So i havent bought anything in over a year now..

You can smell the fear in that empty threat.

 

[paulharvey]

I saw the rattle cans of primer at the Gainesville store this morning, but $5.99 just doesn't seem like a bargian even with the 25% coupon burning a hole in my pocket. Did grab the magnesium firestarter and my free flashlight (2 year old daughter loves the flashlights).

 

[paulharvey]

Double post.

 

[BigE_]

How well does that magnesium fire starter work? Was thinking my 10 year old son would enjoy the magic of it. But also thinking that I live in a forest... Hmmm. Better rethink that (although he did discover how to light a fire with a magnifying glass last summer).

 

[paulharvey]

Not too bad, but as the reviews saud you need to scrape the paint off. That being said I wouldn't use it over a lighter or match unless needed.

 

[sixdogs]

How well does that magnesium fire starter work? Was thinking my 10 year old son would enjoy the magic of it. But also thinking that I live in a forest... Hmmm. Better rethink that (although he did discover how to light a fire with a magnifying glass last summer).

They work fine once you get the hang of it. Matches much easier but sometime I might not have one.

 

[California]

How well does that magnesium fire starter work?

... I wouldn't use it over a lighter or match unless needed.

I don't think anything is as good as the Bic lighter for camping or general outdoor use.

They are near impossible to destroy - I've dropped them in the creek while gold mining then found them weeks later, undamaged. They seem to last forever in occasional use then don't fail suddenly; a lessening flame over dozens of lights shows when it is time to unpack another. The five or so that I squirreled away in various fishing and camp-kitchen kits when I stopped smoking in 1989 still work fine. Don't waste your time with the off-brand replicas.

Because they are so reliable buying a couple of the mini size will last for years. Maybe a five-pack for a trip into the back country for weeks. This is for redundancy in case you misplace the lighter you are using. A single one will easily last the trip for cooking etc.

I don't think there is any better or simpler fire starter. You might also take a magnesium fire starter for peace of mind but you won't need it.