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AR15.COM
2/13/2005 2:55:10 PM EDT
Are they any good?  I've only bought some misc hand tools from them over the years.  Never had any problems with them.  What about their power tools or air compressors?  Reliable enough for occaisonal use?  Or just cheap junk?
2/13/2005 2:56:51 PM EDT
[#1]
Cheap junk if your a contractor, occasional use they are ok imo.
2/13/2005 2:58:38 PM EDT
[#2]
Consensus is that it's mostly made in China type junk. OK for light home use, but that's about it.
2/13/2005 3:02:18 PM EDT
[#3]
Our local one here carries some of Dewalt- Black and Decker and some other brand names. I purchase from them on a regular basis. I would rather my employees tear up a 20.00 drill vs a 125.00 drill. Most of their brand name items have a 1+ year warranty. Some items are cheap as can be. Just depends on what you get. I like them.
2/13/2005 3:04:55 PM EDT
[#4]
Harbor Freight is kick ass!!!

But, as pointed out above... lots of made in china stuff.

I would throw a casual "buyer beware" out...  
2/13/2005 3:33:35 PM EDT
[#5]
They used to be called Harbor Freight Salvage, if that tells you anything.

I've bought stuff from them before, but I would not expect too much from those tools.  Price is right for a once-twice used tool.
2/13/2005 3:35:56 PM EDT
[#6]
Buy from in-store, so you can check the stuff out.

Online purchasing is Russian roulette.
2/13/2005 3:37:25 PM EDT
[#7]
Got a store near by, most is china junk but you can find good deals once and a while.
2/13/2005 3:39:35 PM EDT
[#8]
How do their air compressors hold up?  
2/13/2005 3:42:54 PM EDT
[#9]
I only buy their name brand stuff like Dewalt, B&D. etc.  If you want to buy an off brand look at Sears as they will warranty their stuff without any hassle.

I have a Dewalt A/C at home that is kick ass.  It will run a 3/4" impact wrench and still plugs into a 15 amp 120 volt outlet.
2/13/2005 3:48:47 PM EDT
[#10]
Most of the products they carry is Chinese Junk!  That being said, sometimes chinese junk is nice to have on hand.   I purchase some junk hand tools from them to put in tractor tool boxes and other easily stolen locations.  Don't wan't my Snap-On Flank Drives stolen out in the field!
2/13/2005 3:53:23 PM EDT
[#11]
I buy stuff from there that doesn't have moving parts.

-HS
2/13/2005 3:54:47 PM EDT
[#12]

Quoted:
How do their air compressors hold up?  



I used mine to put up a 400' privacy fence. Still works.
2/13/2005 4:11:16 PM EDT
[#13]

Quoted:

Quoted:
How do their air compressors hold up?  



I used mine to put up a 400' privacy fence. Still works.


DAMN that's a tall fence
2/13/2005 4:18:24 PM EDT
[#14]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
How do their air compressors hold up?  



I used mine to put up a 400' privacy fence. Still works.


DAMN that's a tall fence



He really values his privacy!
2/13/2005 4:20:18 PM EDT
[#15]

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:

Quoted:
How do their air compressors hold up?  



I used mine to put up a 400' privacy fence. Still works.


DAMN that's a tall fence



He really values his privacy!



No complaints from the FAA?


-HS
2/13/2005 4:24:05 PM EDT
[#16]
you can buy a replacement warranty from them on their power tools.
2/13/2005 4:27:04 PM EDT
[#17]
I bought a Campbell Hausfeld pancake compressor and a Chicago (whatever) from them two years ago. Both are running fine to this day. Use is about 10-15 hours a month. Regular maintenance on them and they are going great.
2/13/2005 4:33:58 PM EDT
[#18]
Cheap Chinese crap that is further (1) increasing the trade imbalance and (2) diminishing American manufacturing capacity.  I was addicted to Harbor Freight until I realized that the pennies I save today on poorly manufactured tools aren't worth helping make China the number 1 economy in the world.

2/13/2005 4:34:12 PM EDT
[#19]
I still have the Central Machinery 1/2" drill press and 8" grinder I bought from HF back in the early '80's.  Granted, I'm not a machine shop, but I've smoke the drill press a couple times drilling up to 1" holes in steel.

Great place to get "one-time-use" tools when it's far easier to use a cheap tool that you can afford to buy, use once, vs. not having a tool at all and having to do it the hard way.

Like Dirty Harry said, a man has to know his limitations.  Same with HF tools.
2/13/2005 4:35:54 PM EDT
[#20]
They may be reliable enough for occassional use, but I still wouldn't buy their powertools.

Mainly because they aren't as accurate and make work harder then a good power tool will.

SGtar15
2/13/2005 5:18:11 PM EDT
[#21]
Some of their stuff is great , I've used/bought several air tools fromthem with no problem .