HF tools that suck
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RPW
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This is still an interesting thread. For those that believe Snap-on is wholely made in the USA this quote is from a website that publishes where tools are made.
"Snap-on Tools Group manufactures tools for motor vehicle service and repair at 4 facilities in the U.S. (Elkmont, AL; Algona, IA; Elizabethton, TN; and Milwaukee, WI). Known for their franchised dealer vans, Snap-on tools are now also available online. Many, but not all, tools imprinted with the Snap-on name are made in US, other tool brands (including Blue Point) are imported. County of origin is provided for each product on the Snap-On website, so check before you purchase."
Also heard on the news this morning that Ford is partnering with Toyota on production of vehicles.
Quite honestly IMO nothing is wholey made in the USA anymore at least not in the last 10 years. Either the product itself or the materials comprising the product some of which will be made elsewhere.
"Snap-on Tools Group manufactures tools for motor vehicle service and repair at 4 facilities in the U.S. (Elkmont, AL; Algona, IA; Elizabethton, TN; and Milwaukee, WI). Known for their franchised dealer vans, Snap-on tools are now also available online. Many, but not all, tools imprinted with the Snap-on name are made in US, other tool brands (including Blue Point) are imported. County of origin is provided for each product on the Snap-On website, so check before you purchase."
Also heard on the news this morning that Ford is partnering with Toyota on production of vehicles.
Quite honestly IMO nothing is wholey made in the USA anymore at least not in the last 10 years. Either the product itself or the materials comprising the product some of which will be made elsewhere.
I think there are plenty of good items at Harbor Freight - perfect for the occasional user if not the professional user.
Two examples, personally, are the roofing nailer and the rotary hammer. The roofing nailer was under $100, plus using a coupon, and it has worked perfectly when I added on to the house. I used it some more with a friend and then also used it to attached some OSB mending plates when I home-built some trusses - worked great. I will be using it in the next few weeks when I do a tear-off/replacement of my existing roof.
My dad bought a rotary hammer drill (cheap version of a Hilti) and a set of bits for about $80. Have used it for drilling into poured basement walls to epoxy set dowel rods and used the chipping tool for demolition after cutting up a concrete floor so that we could add some plumbing.
Both of these tools cost 1/2 to 1/3 or the name brand equivalent and have performed exceptionally well (no problems at all). Now, if I were a professional roofer or contractor that needed these tools, I would probably go name-brand. However, that is not my situation, so I saved the money and have the HF tools that let me get the jobs I need doing done - and still save money.
I would not argue for a minute that a dewalt/hitachi/porter cable nailer is not superior to the HF - but I can by 2 or 3 of the HF for the cost of one of the name brand - and so far, I've only needed one.
Two examples, personally, are the roofing nailer and the rotary hammer. The roofing nailer was under $100, plus using a coupon, and it has worked perfectly when I added on to the house. I used it some more with a friend and then also used it to attached some OSB mending plates when I home-built some trusses - worked great. I will be using it in the next few weeks when I do a tear-off/replacement of my existing roof.
My dad bought a rotary hammer drill (cheap version of a Hilti) and a set of bits for about $80. Have used it for drilling into poured basement walls to epoxy set dowel rods and used the chipping tool for demolition after cutting up a concrete floor so that we could add some plumbing.
Both of these tools cost 1/2 to 1/3 or the name brand equivalent and have performed exceptionally well (no problems at all). Now, if I were a professional roofer or contractor that needed these tools, I would probably go name-brand. However, that is not my situation, so I saved the money and have the HF tools that let me get the jobs I need doing done - and still save money.
I would not argue for a minute that a dewalt/hitachi/porter cable nailer is not superior to the HF - but I can by 2 or 3 of the HF for the cost of one of the name brand - and so far, I've only needed one.
Dargo
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Ha! I'm absolutely positive that, after years of being a sucker, I've saved tons of money by buying name brand power tools rather than the garbage they pawn off on the unsuspecting at Horrible Freight. Disposable hand tools and other such items, it's a toss up whether it's worth it for one use or if it will break on the first use. However, when it comes to power tools, no way in h...e...double toothpick that you save any money buying the cheapest garbage China can churn out.
China can actually do a great job and produce world quality components and equipment when they have to build to specifications. When the only specification is that "lowest price sells" (100% of what Horrible Freight lives on), you only get junk! I've been there, done that, got the hole in my wallet and lost time and gas making numerous returns. Buy a power tool from Horrible Freight? Not in my lifetime!! I value my time, money, and gas too much to make return trips for every item bought. They give a 'lifetime' warranty on a lot of stuff knowing full well that most will just throw it away and go buy the real tool.
crazyal
Super Member
I have a 10" HF tile cutter I bought when building my house. I paid about $200 for it. At the time it felt a little risky but it was $40 a day to rent one and to buy a name brand was over $800. The motor connects to the saw with a belt so I figured I could always replace the motor if it died.
Well that saw has ran great. I was able to tile all three bathrooms, the entry way, the kitchen and pantry. I have lent it to a half dozen co-workers and it still works great. These are the things I want to know about. Just like Dargo and his bad luck with things like their hand held band saws and other stuff.
It's just nice to know more information before you buy. If you don't want to shop at HF that's fine. I would never force you to. But for those of us who are not going to spend Snap-on kind of money for a tool that will be used a couple of times a year at most it's either HF, pay someone to do it, or rent if possible. I don't like paying others to do what I can and try to avoid renting tools.
Well that saw has ran great. I was able to tile all three bathrooms, the entry way, the kitchen and pantry. I have lent it to a half dozen co-workers and it still works great. These are the things I want to know about. Just like Dargo and his bad luck with things like their hand held band saws and other stuff.
It's just nice to know more information before you buy. If you don't want to shop at HF that's fine. I would never force you to. But for those of us who are not going to spend Snap-on kind of money for a tool that will be used a couple of times a year at most it's either HF, pay someone to do it, or rent if possible. I don't like paying others to do what I can and try to avoid renting tools.
PapaPerk
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Holy broken record Batman!
We aren't talking about Toyota, Ford, Snap-On, Deere, Kubota, Boeing, Craftsman, Bosch, Dewalt, etc, etc! We are talking about HF's bargain basement el cheapo, poor quality tools here!
CompactTractorFan
Super Member
Yeah, they never seem too happy when I go in and return my HF lifetime warranty hand tools...:laughing:
