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Harbor freight tools that don't suck

168K views 652 replies 262 participants last post by  Teasip 
#1 · (Edited)
#5 ·
Because Snap-On wrenches tighten so much better. The USA made steel really multiplies the torque! If you can't loosen a fastener it's because you need bigger muscles or more leverage, not the brand of wrench.

I have Snap-On, Craftsman, Matco, Harbor freight in my tool drawer. They all break, and they all get replaced. I'm not a mechanic working on cars every day so HF gets the job done most of the time. Craftsman "all in one" sockets sure are nice though.

There's a few things to stay away from but none come to mind. Their air tools work pretty damned good and I buy their jackstands because they are cheap and work.
 
#6 ·
So far I use and like their:
  • Jack stands
  • Torque wrenches
  • 110v Impact wrench
  • Wheel Chocks
 
#8 ·
These are the ones i use alot on my jeeps

12 ton shop press
3 ton jack stand
floor jacks
wrenches
pipe wrench
breaker bar
 
#15 ·
Stuff I love from HF ....


My welder
What one ya get? Once I move on to bumpers and what not I'm having a buddy teach me how to weld. Not a mooch so plan on picking up my own after him putting me through the gauntlet
 
#17 ·
#19 ·
I purchased one of those foldable 4x8 trailer kits and it went together just fine. The only issue I had with it was one of the fenders for a wheel was bent, but called them up and was sent a new one. Hard to screw up this kit since the builder has to make sure all the lines are straight and bolts tight, etc.

 
#42 ·
X100000

I LOVE my HF trailer. I've put a gazillion miles on it, not an issue. Well, I did re-wire it but that was because it lived outside for a few years. Thing is dead nuts reliable, I'd buy another in a heart beat. I welded up some parts though to make it more versatile (extra tie down points and things like that) ... which leads into my next post ...
 
#21 ·
1/4 torque wrench was cheap and has worked well. It was like $12 so I assume it won't last forever but so far so good. I had bought another cheap one on Amazon and it literally lasted 3 uses before it fell apart mid use it was total garbage.

Also have the jack stands and have been looking at the rolling tool chests they put on sale every other week. Not sold on the, yet they seem a little cheap.
 
#23 ·
1/4 torque wrench was cheap and has worked well. It was like $12 so I assume it won't last forever but so far so good. I had bought another cheap one on Amazon and it literally lasted 3 uses before it fell apart mid use it was total garbage.

Also have the jack stands and have been looking at the rolling tool chests they put on sale every other week. Not sold on the, yet they seem a little cheap.
Im an aircraft mechanic by trade, and can vouch for their rolling 13 drawer tool chest, its a beast, and for $350 you certainly cant go wrong with it, mine has been to Afghanistan, Alaska, and everywhere in between, flown to Alaska on a Chinook from Georgia, and shipped in containers everywhere else. Plus if it gets cosmetic damage, you wont cry as if you had bought snapon or matco. Solid piece of kit, and if its for your garage i recommend the top cab and side locker too.
 
#24 ·
Grabbed this idea from another forum. I'll start

25" breaker bar $12

All 200 lbs of me on this thing removing a stripped CA bolt/nut and held up fine.

The length works great for holding the nut end--against the ground--of your CA bolts while torquing yourself.

I will sticky it if the thread turns out OK :thumb:
I owe you a beer for recommending the HF breaker bar. That thing saved me a ton of time replacing the stock bolts.

The HF 1/2 torque wrench ($11 right now) looks EXACTLY the same as my previous Duralast torque wrench that broke because of my own fault.

Others:
3 ton floor jack
Heat gun
Reciprocating saw
Ratchets and sockets

Sucks:
1/2 Electric Impact Wrench - can't even break lugs...

Disclaimer: I am only a weekend mechanic so these tools don't see a ton of use.
 
#26 ·
My HF 1/2" Torque wrenches don't last very long torquing big stuff all the time. Luckily it was $9.99 with a lifetime warranty. I stopped by Sears and the equivalent was like $80. The blingy digital one was $200.

For those who get the Earthquake professional air impact, run that sucker past the 90psi "limit". I think I am set at 120psi and it works 10x better. At 90psi it can barely break lugs.
 
#513 ·
My HF 1/2" Torque wrenches don't last very long torquing big stuff all the time. Luckily it was $9.99 with a lifetime warranty. I stopped by Sears and the equivalent was like $80. The blingy digital one was $200.
While I wouldn't torque heads or manifolds with the HF 1/2" Torque Stick, I use it all day long for lug bolts. For 10 bucks it's probably closer to accurate than the grease monkey's impact wrench at the tire shop.
 
#30 ·
HF says it will hold 500 lbs, since the part that goes into the receiver is not aluminum, but the hitch rating is what officially holds it back. The carrier itself is very light. I am 6'3" and about 320 and I got on it and bounced a few times which is probably the heaviest I have had on it.

Side notes, it is a little loose in my receiver, so either one of the hitch pins with a nut inside to snug down would be a good idea, or I have heard a little duck tape around where it slides in the receiver will work.

Also, I cannot open the tailgate with it installed on my Rubi. The stock tire is too tall but the carrier will just fit to the edge of the tire.
 
#280 ·
HF says it will hold 500 lbs, since the part that goes into the receiver is not aluminum, but the hitch rating is what officially holds it back. The carrier itself is very light. I am 6'3" and about 320 and I got on it and bounced a few times which is probably the heaviest I have had on it.

Side notes, it is a little loose in my receiver, so either one of the hitch pins with a nut inside to snug down would be a good idea, or I have heard a little duck tape around where it slides in the receiver will work.

Also, I cannot open the tailgate with it installed on my Rubi. The stock tire is too tall but the carrier will just fit to the edge of the tire.
Blue OX 2" receiver hitch immobilizer works great. I use one on my motorhome and love it. It's kind of spendy but worth it to me.
 
#31 ·
I have the same carrier but only use it to transport propane tanks back and forth to ACE for filling. Works great for that. Same issue as KC Hawker, however. I can't open the gate with it on. No problem for my limited use.
 
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