Cheap Tools

Topic: Cheap Tools (Read 3089 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #50 – September 06, 2018, 09:09:28 am

I am a tool expert . yep , I have a hammer , screw driver , vice grips and pipe wrench ---see. Now then about this Harbor Freight thing . Was at "Les Schwab Tire" in St Anthony the other day . Low and behold --what did I see all over the place ?? That cheap no count Harbor Freight air impact tools all with a air hose hooked up . Six bays , ten tools . Eight half inch with extended anvils and two with one inch long anvils . I had to ask the store manager about it and he said ---All Les Schwab stores use the same tools . Also said they have in years past used " Snap on " tools but after so long in use ware out and need to be replaced like any other name brand . So they switched to Harbor Freight at one forth the cost and found that they do in fact have the same life span with heavy use . Did not expect to be hearing that , but --.

Brad Metzger

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #51 – September 06, 2018, 09:37:19 am

Contrary to popular belief, not all inexpensive tools are junk. I have 40 years worth of Snap on, and Mac hand tools they are the best you can buy. However when it comes to air tool and electric hand tools the less expensive stuff seems to work just fine. Just for fun step on the Snapon truck and price a set of 1/4-11/4 wrench's and sockets, I'll bet it will make you open your eyes.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #52 – September 06, 2018, 01:04:08 pm

As I said, many thousands of different factories in Asia, some turning out excellent products, some making little more than trash. But, remembering back a few years, American Motors, BMC, Roots Group turned out the same poor products and because of this, went out of business and or were sold off to other countries like India and China. Competition always means better products for the consumer and at a lower cost.

Pierce

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #53 – September 06, 2018, 01:20:43 pm

Agree on the tool trucks prices for new,they get you on the "payment plan".Wonder what their markup is.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #54 – September 06, 2018, 03:38:08 pm

Last time I was in HF there were a couple guys from one of the local car dealers buying hand tools.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #55 – September 06, 2018, 03:42:33 pm

I am an expert like Brad but I also carry duct tape and Shoe Goo.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #56 – September 06, 2018, 05:52:18 pm

Quote from: John44 – September 06, 2018, 01:20:43 pm

Agree on the tool trucks prices for new,they get you on the "payment plan".Wonder what their markup is.

It was 100% back in 1966 don't buy from the trucks any more so no conversations with dealers to find out what it is now. Back then a dealer would shop yard sales and flea markets buy for under 50% turn in for credit.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #57 – September 06, 2018, 07:23:59 pm

I can tell you from speriance the premium tool truck stuff ain't as good as it used to be. I have some passed down to me stuff (40s and 50s) Snapon and Mac wrenches and socket sets, there's a big difference. Proto, Husky, Sunnex, etc. is not bad stuff as well.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #58 – September 06, 2018, 07:27:34 pm

HF die grinders are so inexpensive when on sale that they're a disposable item for me.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #59 – September 18, 2018, 01:16:40 am

Went to HF today. Used to po poo their tools, but today got a nice wrench set for 40 bucks and a wire brush set for 2 bucks. The wrench set would have been over 100 for craftsman's tools. Plan on buying a HF polisher too. At 70 bucks its 1/3 the price of the one I wanted. I can replace it 3x for that price. Slowly going over to the dark side.....

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #60 – September 18, 2018, 08:31:50 am

Have a HF buffer have done the coach 3 times. It's still going strong.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #61 – September 18, 2018, 10:04:12 pm

If you need tools from HF, better buy them now before the tariffs hit. If there is concern about buying a Chinese product, check out the tools at HD or Lowes. The last time I shopped for an electric drill, I made a concerted effort to buy American, but could not find anything. Even Milwaukee is made in China now.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #62 – September 18, 2018, 11:21:36 pm

Don't think any tools are made here now. Truly that is not a big issue to me. Its a global economy. IMO, the best tools are made in Europe, but the price difference is pretty high. I have a mix of good stuff and so so. If money was no object, it would be high end only.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #63 – September 19, 2018, 11:56:21 am

It would be interesting to know the qualitative differences between the "brand name power tools" made in China and the ones (Hercules and Bauer) sold at HF. Quality control?

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #64 – September 19, 2018, 02:41:50 pm

Quote from: Sven and Kristi – September 18, 2018, 10:04:12 pm

If you need tools from HF, better buy them now before the tariffs hit. If there is concern about buying a Chinese product, check out the tools at HD or Lowes. The last time I shopped for an electric drill, I made a concerted effort to buy American, but could not find anything. Even Milwaukee is made in China now.

Dewalt says that since 2013 all of their power tools are made in the USA using global parts. If it something I use frequently I prefer Makita or Dewalt. A lot of the Rigid power tools are pretty darn good and some have a lifetime warranty. Harbor freight stuff is OK but just not the best.in most, but not all, cases.
If you want to see power tools and hand tools tested to the max then check out AVE's videos on YouTube. That guy has no mercy on any brand.

Steve

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #65 – September 19, 2018, 03:55:26 pm

I don't think I had been so mad as when I bought a Delta 6" long bed jointer for a special job. I had other Delta shop tools and considered them and Powermatic to be the best. As soon as I fired up the jointer, I knew something was wrong; it was noisy as all get out, unlike my other Delta/Rockwell stuff. The fence was flimsy, sloppy, aluminum. I could not believe it was such junk until I looked at the plate: it said, "Made in China under the direct supervision of Delta U.S.A."

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #66 – September 19, 2018, 07:51:54 pm

Some things I have noticed over the years . Lowes , good name , good tools , --right ? Well if you'll notice "some" of the exact same tools with different colored plastic handles and different names . Price is the difference .How about Craftsman tools ?? According to my smart ass phone , they are made in Taiwan and China . Hmm .How about Snap On --? Most of their hand tools are still made in the USA , but ,not all . Their battery powered are made in China .My bubble just got bursted . Was hoping for a different answer on that one . Oh well , life goes on .

Brad Metzger

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #67 – September 20, 2018, 07:03:48 am

Klein tools makes the best cresent wrench out there especially the ones covered in red plastic,Proto a close second.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #68 – September 20, 2018, 08:52:42 am

"I don't think I had been so mad as when I bought a Delta 6" long bed jointer for a special job."

Mike, you must not have raised any sons.

Re: Cheap Tools

Reply #69 – September 20, 2018, 11:36:52 am

Buy Mac wrenches. Cry once, be satisfied every time you pick one up.

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