re: Harbor Freight...Yay or Nae?

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A lot of the craftsman stuff is made in china.

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I've noticed that over the last few years. I used to buy Craftsman tools a lot simply because I like that stuff (not that really use them that much).

I think MAC tools are still American made.

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I buy tools from HF if they have no moving parts or if it's something I only need once or twice

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or anything that needs to stay sharp

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Are the small hand tools here quality? or should i stick with craftsman?

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The Pittsburgh Pro line from HF is actually pretty good - look for the made in Taiwan. I like Craftsman myself, but HF is acceptable for the money.

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I'll buy stuff from them randomly but it's things I'll never need again so I used it then junk it

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Except that you don't junk it. Neither do I until it needs junking...then I put it on the road with a for sale sign and it always disappears overnight.

If your a homeowner and the hand tool isn't going to have much torque put on it, than they are fine. I have a set of long handled combo wrenches and the open end bends open when you use it. I'll probably buy a set of stubby combos when I get around to it.

For the most part I use craftsman, snap-on, MAC, and cornwell.

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what would be better than craftsman

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Milwaukee, Dewalt to name two. But I'm a craftsman guy. Those fancy tools are spensive.

as mentioned before check your local pawn shop. When i was in college, all of my hand tools were stolen out of my truck's tool box. I hopped around town looking for tools at the pawn shops. i made a deal with one of the pawn shops for $1 per 3/8 and 1/2" sockets. i walked out with a plastic shopping bag full of tools for $30. i cannot imagine what that would have cost new at sears and lowes. If you dig around you will find colbalt, craftsman, and other decent brands.

My hand tools are all either Craftsman, Mac, or Cornwell. I do have a set of ratcheting Gearrench wrenches that have lasted a while. At this point, I don't have the desire to get any other brand.

Duralast is also good.


As someone said before, with HF stuff, I'd buy stuff I didn't plan on using more than a few times from there. Anything else, and I'd buy another brand. I have snapped a few of their sockets and wrenches. I bought a $20 sawzall that I have returned for a brand new one 4 times already because it broke. IDGAF, because I don't use them all of the time. I just have the understanding that it will break soon, and then I am not disappointed