Harbor freight quality?

[93cummins89]

Was in a jam and had to have a security star bit. Closet place was harbor freight. They had the the bit in a socket set but it was 3/8 and I had to buy a 3/8 ratchet. My question is just how good are their tools. Or are they just cheap use and abuse tools

[PToombs]

It depends on what you get, some are crap and some are really good. I have a set of 1/2" deep impact sockets I've been beating on for 15 years, only broken 1 so far. I got some socket allen heads and they spun in the holder the 1st time I used them, only Mac or Strap On for those now. Wrenches are good. I have a "100 piece security set" of bits I have been using for a while now, torx, allen, screwdriver, square, etc. They aren't too bad so far.

[93cummins89]

so far so good i mean i dont really trust then to save me..mac,snap on,SK, craftsman is where its at but in a jam so far so good for the harbor freight tools

[1320Fastback]

Like others hit and miss with HF tools.

I do not buy ratchets, air tools or electrical tools from HF but have many sockets over 10 years old that have taken a hell of beating and haven't broke a one from them.

I tend to stick with Craftsman or Husky now days for ratchets, screwdriver, Wrenches, Allen's and such as their is always a retailer nearby.
I used to buy off the trucks but to be honest I've broken so many tools in my lifetime that I'd rather just drive to a store and get another one and get back to it.

HF is great though for all the accessories to fill out the shop and tool box.

[spencerdiesel]

In NC, Lowes pollute the area. And there's some major deals on Kobalt tools quite often.

[stevediesel]

My philosophy on Harbor Freight is if it lasted for the job you needed, it paid for itself. I have bought several things for one time use and have had no problems yet.

[dazedandconfused]

I've yet to break a socket or ratchet from them. There electrical tools aren't the best.

[Richie O]

Buy their saws all blades and then let me know. HA HA what a joke those things are. Also have a bench grinder from there and it is so unbalanced I am afraid its going to blow in half. Zip ties, they are ok, yet break with much strain. Hit or miss, mostly miss.

[bensol64]

Old thread, but I have some HF tools and so far I have no complaints.