Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

Threepoint · Mar 12, 2018

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 · Mar 13, 2018

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 · Mar 13, 2018

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 · Mar 13, 2018

Code54 said:
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 · Mar 13, 2018

downsizingnow48 said:
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 · Mar 13, 2018

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 · Mar 13, 2018

I noticed the 44 Top Chest is gone now too.

newbury · Mar 14, 2018

Michael Aos said:
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?