wtnhighlander Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 Similar to Coop, I needed a somewhat special tool a while back (a universal joint bearing press, in this case. Like a C-clamp on steroids.) HF was the ONLY "tool store" in town that had them. Used it once, worked great, hope to never use it again. Anyone need a really beefy C-clamp? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisG-Canada Posted April 25, 2016 Report Share Posted April 25, 2016 No Harbor Freight in Canada but we have Princess Auto which is basically the same thing. I bought a 3 jaw gear puller that I have used exactly one time - and hope to never use again. Cost me about $10 so that's not too bad. I also found a 1/4-20 jig parts kit for $20 cheaper than the EXACT SAME kit at Lee Valley. Other than that, not much I'm interested in. I don't go in very often. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robby W Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 I use their sockets for beater and loaning uses, mostly the impact sockets. They haven't let me down yet. I like their little spring clamps. Very handy to hold small parts in place and light clamp duty for little stuff. Their urethane casters are the same you get elsewhere and are cheaper - they work well, especially the 3 1/2" units. Allen key sets for all but the most stubborn screws. Almost forgot: cone paint filters. $6/100. Way less than the big box store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 Do they have actual stores or is it all mail order? I guess I could google that. I just did. There is a store 10 miles through crap surburban traffic (so basically 45 minutes) away from my house. I have never actually seen one of their stores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mds2 Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 I have an HF about a mile from my house so I stop in from time to time. Good stuff: F clamps. I love them and I think they are best you can get for the price. I have maybe 30 of them. 23 gauge pin nailer. I think I paid $14 for mine. Doesn't get a ton of use, but so far so good. HVLP spray gun. I bought the "cheaper" version, but it works very well. Oscillating Multi-tool. Typically I avoid anything with a motor at HF, but this thing has proved very handy. Oscillating Spindle Sander - I had the older version which they dont carry any more. Worked great and 99.999% dust collection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rex Edgar Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 On April 23, 2016 at 3:10 PM, bleedinblue said: That and opening paint cans, yup. They're much easier to find than the paint can opener thingies, which always disappear. Is it just me or is another use for the 'paint can thingie' as a beer bottle opener? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 3 hours ago, Rex Edgar said: Is it just me or is another use for the 'paint can thingie' as a beer bottle opener? Not just you. I Googled and most of the sites that sell it call it a "Paint Can / Bottle Opener". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weithman5 Posted April 27, 2016 Report Share Posted April 27, 2016 i have a few car jacks that work okay i have some toggle clamps that are fine i am restoring my old 1984 cj-7 (i am the original owner) and bough some impact sockets and air wrench. seem to be okay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trialbyfire Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 Similar to Coop, I needed a somewhat special tool a while back (a universal joint bearing press, in this case. Like a C-clamp on steroids.) HF was the ONLY "tool store" in town that had them. Used it once, worked great, hope to never use it again. Anyone need a really beefy C-clamp? If ever have to do that again a 22mm socket and a 22oz dead blow works as well... Prolly takes longer but it works Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Tom Cancelleri Posted April 28, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 8oz Solid Brass Carpenters Dreidel is their best item. The internet and photoshop are some of the best things to be put together. 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 Did you find that somewhere or do you just have way too much free time at work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
midtnwoodworker Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 That is the greatest thing ever! Period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wdwerker Posted April 28, 2016 Popular Post Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 I think there is a fairly famous Jewish carpenter so the dreidel makes some sense . 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted April 28, 2016 Report Share Posted April 28, 2016 Did you find that somewhere or do you just have way too much free time at work? I saw it on some other forums. Sent from my 831C using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 Hey Kev, the nitrile gloves hold up great and it's one of the few places I have found the XL sized ones in stock. The 23 gauge pin gun is worth the $ as well. Your nearest Store is in Bellingham. I am sure your keen eye will be able to avoid all the crap but there are a few gems to be had . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 1 hour ago, wdwerker said: Hey Kev, the nitrile gloves hold up great and it's one of the few places I have found the XL sized ones in stock. The 23 gauge pin gun is worth the $ as well. Your nearest Store is in Bellingham. I am sure your keen eye will be able to avoid all the crap but there are a few gems to be had . I've been in the store a few times Steve.. Frankly, I have a hard time supporting a store that has 99% crap with a couple diamonds in the rough. It might cost me a little more at a store genuinely trying to carry quality stuff but, I'd rather see that store stay in business so, is worth a little extra. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Llama Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 I need that moron lamp. Not for me, but for someone else. Yeah, it's for me... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Wright Posted April 29, 2016 Report Share Posted April 29, 2016 I don't buy much woodworking stuff there, but I do a lot more than woodworking. I have bought air compressor hoses and fittings, C-clamps, Jack stands, floor jack, hydraulic press, a 3/4" air impact driver and socket set, tarps, moving blankets, moving dolly, parts washer, engine stand, cherry picker, chains and chain binders, welding clamps, welding gloves, welding blankets, the list goes on They have lots of decent stuff at reasonable prices but you have to pay attention to what you are buying. If you are looking for a precision tool then you will always come away dissatisfied (which is why I have very few items from Harbor Freight in my wood shop). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob493 Posted May 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2016 Haha some hilarious things in that "Ad' xD Jokes on you, I think some of those are awesome 48 piece screw driver kit? Sign me up. I probably have 300 floating around and some how can never find one.... On 4/29/2016 at 0:48 AM, TIODS said: I've been in the store a few times Steve.. Frankly, I have a hard time supporting a store that has 99% crap with a couple diamonds in the rough. It might cost me a little more at a store genuinely trying to carry quality stuff but, I'd rather see that store stay in business so, is worth a little extra. Id say people are responsible for their purchases. My only complaints are when people try to "justify" these purchases against other higher quality devices. I actually own a cordless drill from there that I literally throw around and dont have to worry about; I think I got it free too? Obviously my dewalt gets more love.... As long as you know youre buying crap (mostly), I don't have a problem with it personally speaking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted May 1, 2016 Report Share Posted May 1, 2016 4 minutes ago, bob493 said: Id say people are responsible for their purchases. My only complaints are when people try to "justify" these purchases against other higher quality devices. I actually own a cordless drill from there that I literally throw around and dont have to worry about; I think I got it free too? Obviously my dewalt gets more love.... As long as you know youre buying crap (mostly), I don't have a problem with it personally speaking. Fair point! I just refuse to support a store that know's they sell crap and continue to screw people that don't know any better for a living. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob493 Posted May 1, 2016 Author Report Share Posted May 1, 2016 Just now, TIODS said: Fair point! I just refuse to support a store that know's they sell crap and continue to screw people that don't know any better for a living. Can't learn without making mistakes or learning from others. If they dont do their homework, then ignorance shall be punished. The appeal of that "easy purchase" is definitely there. After a long trial and error process, I have settled on mirka sandpapers. I used harbor freight stuff ONCE because it was so damn cheap, and the paper lasts like one stroke haha. Hard to justify spending 4-5 times the cost on something you don't see yourself... until you see it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willin Posted May 2, 2016 Report Share Posted May 2, 2016 I wanted a caliper for marking out stuff, and found a good one there that also has a pencil clamp on one leg, so now I have a compass, also. And far less expensive than what I see at estate sales and auctions, where the name "Starrett" kicks the price over the moon. Found they have nice sets of letter/number punches in 1/8" and 1/4" sizes, for marking your tools and work. Biscuits for biscuit-joining? Who can beat their price? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jg9522 Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 Cliff, Don't throw those clamps away. Lifetime guarantee!!! No receipt needed. They will replace them with no questions asked. I just returned 3 last week. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cliff Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 I suppose I could but I don't go to HF all that often. Getting it out of my way if it doesn't work is worth more than the $4 it takes to buy another later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unknown craftsman Posted May 26, 2016 Report Share Posted May 26, 2016 We have a horror freight nearby.I went in there to see what the deal is.All I can say is that place stinks what on earth can make a place smell like that. Somthing must be wrong with our store I couldn't handle the smell long enough to see much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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