As a professional auto mechanic, Harbor Freight has some of the best tools you can buy. But you have to know which ones and how you use them, because they also have some really poor quality control.

For example, their socket sets and wrenches are great for sacrifical tools that you know or expect will be destroyed in the process, or for tools you dont really care about (loaners). Their Daytona floor jacks are pretty good. Their consumables like gloves, paper towels, grinder discs, etc are also quite good.

Their other tools are mostly good for keeping in your trunk for roadside repair. Pittsburgh torque wrenches, cordless impact, and basic tools set are all perfectly acceptable for roadside use. Makes changing a tire or replacing a belt much easier.

US General toolboxes are also quite nice. I have the triple bay, and while it isn’t quite as nice as a SnapOn or Matco box, it does not break the bank like a SnapOn or Matco box.

I had bought a metal cutting bandsaw from HF, and it worked fine. After about 2 years, one of the bearings failed, and I contacted HF for the repair part listed in the parts list which came with the tool. Soon after I requested the part(s), HF notified me they couldn’t get the bearing and told me to contact Grizzly Tools to get it and the parts. So unfortunately, they don’t always have the parts you may need! After the fact, I also found a local store where you can buy bearings in any size, expensive based on shipping, but at least they have any size you need.

I should add I also have bought several tools from Lowe’s, with the Kobalt brand name, and I couldn’t even get or order replacement blades from them and they suggested the manufacturer of the saws - they said no also. It isn’t just a HF problem, but does show if you use your tools, you might be better off buying a better known name brand to ensure you can repair them if needed.

eh… ymmv. I’ve gotten some useful things from HF (cargo bars), and some really garbage-tier chinesium products too

Is…is this an ad?

Cool story