11 Quick Answers about Harbor Freight tools (for beginners)
Whether it’s your first major DIY project or you’re a seasoned pro, you shouldn’t have to pay a premium for quality tools that get the job done right the first time. Harbor Freight is a California-based chain of retail stores that offer low-priced tools of all kinds and for every project. But their low prices often leave people wondering, are they of decent quality?
Harbor freight has an amazing selection of tools at a variety of price points, so any builder can find the right tool for the job without breaking the bank. Their products also have the quality to back it up, meaning overall Harbor Freight tools are an excellent value.
Are Harbor Freight hand tools any good?
Just like with any other tool brand, Harbor Freight manufactures tools that are built to last and serve you in the long run. But not every tool is created equal, and some are of higher quality and value than others.
There are some tools, like the Pittsburgh 24 In. Quick Release Bar Clamp and the BAUER 20v Cordless 4-1/2 In. Slide Switch grinder, that will greatly surpass your expectations for such an inexpensive tool.
Why are Harbor Freight tools so cheap?
Harbor Freight’s low prices can be pinned on their decades-old business model. Harbor Freight buys its tools directly from the manufacturer, rather than from a distributor who bumps up the price. This means they’re able to sell their tools at a much lower cost.
It’s easy to think that because Harbor Freight’s tools are so much cheaper than the competition, that they must be of inferior quality. In fact, they’re quite similar in quality to many other brands that have a similar price point. If you’re looking for a simple, functional tool without paying a premium for high-end features, these are the tools you need.
Are Harbor Freight sockets any good?
Harbor Freight offers a large variety of socket sets to fit any possible project or need, from standard shallow sockets to impact drives and everything in between. The shallow socket sets they offer by Quinn are constructed of durable chromium-vanadium steel so that they last longer and stand up to tightly stuck nuts and bolts.
For a complete socket set check out the popular 1/4 In., 3/8 In., 1/2 In. Drive SAE & Metric Hi-Vis Socket Set, 66 Pc. by Quinn. It’s the perfect all-in-one option for just about any job.
Are Harbor Freight clamps any good?
Harbor Freight offers high-quality clamps that can handle a tough workload as well as any more expensive option. One example is the Pittsburgh 24 In. Quick Release Bar Clamp is highly rated for quality, strength, and durability by users. Made with a carbon steel bar, these clamps are made to last through any tough job.
However, if you’re looking for clamps that can handle the heaviest duty projects, you’re better off going with a stronger clamp or several of Harbor Freight’s toughest clamps to get the same effect.
Are Harbor Freight lathes any good?
One of the most important tools to any woodworker is a reliable, sturdy lathe that can handle anything you throw at it. Harbor freight’s most popular lathe, the Central Machinery 10 In. X 18 In. 5 Speed 1/2 HP Benchtop Wood Lathe, has consistently glowing reviews.
Users praise its 5-speed settings which make it a versatile choice for any woodworking project. At just under $300, it’s an excellent value and makes a great starter lathe for a builder on a budget.
Are Harbor Freight anvils any good?
When looking at anvils, you’ll want to decide if you require a traditional cast iron anvil, which is a solid piece of metal, or if you want something that includes a grip for stability. Harbor Freight offers both kinds, so you can choose between a vice grip that features an attached anvil section, or a classic anvil.
Their 55 Lb. Rugged Cast Iron Anvil from Central Forge consistently receives praise for its quality and durability, which are really the two things you want most when working with an anvil.
Are Harbor Freight angle grinders any good?
The good news is Harbor Freight carries a wide variety of angle grinders at a few different price points, meaning you don’t have to be priced out of using a grinder for your next project.
At just under $40, the BAUER 20v Cordless 4-1/2 In. Slide Switch grinder is by far the most popular option, and for good reason. It’s a great middle-of-the-road option that will handle just about any job you throw at it. While Harbor freight offers some higher-end grinders for tougher jobs, most customers will be served perfectly well by this mid-tier grinder.
Are Harbor Freight floor jacks any good?
Harbor Freight tends to carry some of the more inexpensive tools in the business, but the price range of the floor jacks they offer is not the cheapest on the market. However, their quality justifies the mid-range price points.
Their Pittsburgh RapidPump floor jack is rated for 3 tons and will help you with any car repairs you can think of. The manufacturer promises that you’ll have your car lifted quickly and easily, in just three and a half pumps, which can be a major windfall if you’re stuck in an emergency.
Are Harbor Freight generators any good?
Harbor Freight carries a wide variety of generators to fit just about any need. They aren’t the most powerful generators on the market, but they’re reliable and dependable enough that for the price point, they’re a worthwhile investment.
The more popular generator available on their website is the Predator 3500 Watt Super Quiet Inverter Generator. This small but mighty generator is more powerful than it seems at first, and it’s the perfect portable option for travelers or campers in need of a reliable power source.
Are Harbor Freight solar panels any good?
You may be surprised to realize that Harbor Freight even carries solar panels. And can they really be that good at such a low price point? Surprisingly, yes! If you need a small and simple power source setup that won’t break the bank, Harbor Freight’s solar panels may be exactly what you’re looking for.
By far, the most well-reviewed and popular solar panel kit that Harbor Freight carries is their 100 Watt Solar Panel Kit from Thunderbolt. Customers praise the excellent value for the low price point, the easy setup, and the excellent power they receive.
Are Harbor Freight welding helmets safe?
If there’s one area where you should never compromise quality, it’s safety gear. The last thing you need on a welding job is a faulty or low-quality welding helmet. But if you only need the helmet for a quick one-time job, why should you have to pay a premium for one of the higher-end models on the market?
Consider the Blue Design Auto Darkening Welding Helmet. It’s one of the cheaper options on Harbor Freight’s website, coming in at only $50. For that price point, you may expect a lower-quality product.
But this helmet is praised by customers as reliable and durable, and makes an excellent starter helmet for anyone just getting into welding. It meets ANSI Z87.1-2010 standards in welding safety, meaning you can trust that it will do its job to keep you safe.
References
Why Are Harbor Freight’s Tools Cheaper than Most Other Places
Do Not Underestimate Harbor Freight Tools