OK, Its been awhile but after read some recent post about the high quality of HF tools I think we need to re-visit this from a different point of view.Do you just try to buy the cheapest tools you can find? Does this mean your work is solely based on how cheap you can make it? Are the two correlative?Personally, I find nothing more frustrating than fussing with a tool that won't hold up to the rigors of life in my hands. Underpowered, noisy pieces of cheap junk that fail to do the job asked of them.Yes, I am a tool snob. But not from arrogance but from experience. Twenty years + as a mechanic and 40 + years as a (hobbiest) funiture builder have taught me a very important lesson. You can't make money or enjoy using cheap tools. Yes, the Snap-On tools I have cost too much, however, I still have all of them and they still work as advertised.My father, grandfather, great grandfather were all cabinet and furniture makers or lumber men. The tools they passed down to me along the way are all surprisingly high quality or hand made. I hope one day that I can pass to my son and grandson's tools I'm proud of. Somehow I don't think anything HF makes will make the list.Just ranting after a long visit to Lie-Nielsen to buy their new socket chisel set. I don't really need them but as I said, I love a quality tool(s)!Dave

correlative?Did you read a post here that referred to Harbor Freight as "high quality"tools? I sure never saw such a thing. What I've seen universally have beenstatements that there are some good values there and you have to watch outfor some stuff. The general rule of thumb (perhaps a bit tongue in cheek)is that if it has a motor, don't buy it. That still leaves a good amount ofstuff that is well worth buying.I've bought some stuff with a motor as well - not much, but some. I'veposted here before that in a moment of need I bought a $19 grinder there.I've put it through all sorts of abuses and it's still running strong. Iimagine it will break at some point but so did the $120 Snap On grinder thatpreceeded it. Right when I needed it the most.A lot of us have equal or more experience with a lot of tools as well andsome of us even hold as honorable that thing called a tool snob. I do. I'mnot one, but I sure don't think ill of a guy who is one. I've got a mixedbag of tools. Most...

Harbor Fright - Are you just a cheapskate? Tool Snob?

Apr 10, 2006 43 Replies

Rate this thread:

B A R R Y 20 years ago

I seem to remember water (wheel to belt) and animal powered stuff at OSV, but it's been a while...

Vote

Andrew Barss 20 years ago

:>Some of their $12 to $25 nailers are amazingly durable. I know a finish :>carpenter who is almost ashamed of them but can't wear them out.

: Yup, their cheap brad nailers are amazingly good, especially for the : price. Everyone raves about them, I haven't been able to break one : yet and for the price, I could buy a dozen of them for the price of : one Paslode or Senco.

Any experience with their framing nailers? I ned one for very occasional use, and don't feel like spending $300 for one.

-- Andy Barss

Vote

Leon 20 years ago

If you only want it for occasional use you can get a really cheap palm nailer that will shoot most any sized nail with a head 1 at a time.

Vote

Brian Henderson 20 years ago

Unfortunately not, but if their brad nailers and staplers are any indication, you can't go wrong for the price. They take a wailing and keep on nailing.

Vote

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required