Opinion of Harbor Freight tools.

When you but tools, you generally get what you pay for.

I've bought HF stuff, mail order, but my eyes were open, and I got what I expected.

When I needed a pipe wrench, I got a Rigid Alloy Handle. Not at HF.

If you need a tool that you're only going to use once in a great while they're OK.

Disposable stuff is OK too.

I wouldn't buy a socket set or anything from them though.

I use their website quite often, and have no illusions of what I'm getting.

I'm not a handy guy, and the things I use regularly and am comfortable with I pay up for. Every man needs a life long circ saw, chain saw, garden hose, screw drivers, and ratchet set.

For jobs that I might do once and need something specific, it's worth it to drop $20 on a power tool that's I've accepted is going to die quickly. I'll never be talented enough for wood work, but my iron railings were in bad shape... enter HFT for a ghetto sander. I had to cut out some drywall from a ceiling the previous home owner put in a garage... ordering their recip for $20 was cheaper and easier than borrowing my old man's and replacing the blades. I can also never find a tape when I need one, so I dig up a coupon for a free one with every order. I've also padded my LED flashlight count.

There can be some gems there though, surprisingly their tarps have been higher quality than anything in its price range at the despot, same for their extension cords.

Tools should not be, like many things, bought on price alone.

I went camping for a week with a couple buddies. We typically go deep into the wilderness and so we have to rely on our equipment. One buddy (his first time out) brought a Harbor Freight survival knife. It broke on the first log he attempted to baton with it. Good thing I never go into the woods without my RTAK-2 and RAT-3.

The same buddy had a harbor freight sawzall. It died on its second use. He also has a harbor freight splitting ax which has held up well.

What i'm trying to say is that most of what they make is cheap junk - but on a rare occasion - you can get something that will hold up.

Originally Posted by Glockaholic

disposable low quality crap I would not trust to use for anything but light duty homeowner purposes.

^^^ding ding ding we have a winner.
But if you're looking for a specific tool that you might only use once, then Harbor Freight is the place to go.