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re: Best bang for the buck tool set?
Posted on 3/25/21 at 2:52 pm to TDsngumbo
Posted on 3/25/21 at 2:52 pm to TDsngumbo
quote:
Harbor Freight is decent for short-term usage but if it's something you'll be using long-term, get it from somewhere else.
Yeap. Sometimes you get lucky and it can last a while. But that is assuming you don’t use it often.
I bought a chop saw for a project that required it about 10-12 years ago. Set it up on a cut board and now only need it once every 2-3 months.
Always said I’d buy a nice compound miter saw once the HF saw craps out. fricker still working.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 3:25 pm to Jimbeaux
quote:Their ICON line is legit. Not cheap at all but better than anything at the big box stores.
Harbor Freight hand tools are below par.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 3:40 pm to Tigerswillprevail
quote:
I have the same set. Use them all of the time. Is cheaper on amazon
Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics... LINK
Unless someone shows me a better option, i will order thisn
Posted on 3/25/21 at 3:46 pm to TDsngumbo
quote:
Harbor Freight
THE go-to place for one-time use jack stands.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:02 pm to lsu xman
I've had all harbor freight tools in my house for 3 years minus a drill, and they've been great.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:20 pm to TDsngumbo
quote:
quote:
I don't wrench hard core at all. Just occasionally use on the truck
I was just using some sockets that I bought from HF a few days ago and they all stripped on me within 30 minutes. I brought them back to get a refund and the guy at the counter just shook his head and admitted the ones they sell are junk.
The impact sockets are solid so far for me. Used them with the half inch impact and a 28 gallon air compressor hf sells. All have been good for my usage for 3-4 years now. I rotate tires, do maintenance repairs on vehicles/equipment, and use nail guns.
I also have a bench grinder, chainsaw chain sharpener, a hand held grinder, and a compound miter saw from there.
The trick is to look at the reviews and actually read some of them to get a feel for the person and type of usage.
I have not had a single item break on me yet. Their batteries are trash though.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:23 pm to SEClint
Somebody is quite a Tool...
fan.
fan.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:31 pm to lsu xman
That Crescent set mentioned a few times already is nice. I bought this set to leave in my truck. It’s a good set if you are looking to have most of what you need in one compact case.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:32 pm to lsu xman
You can get a kobalt from Lowes on sale for less than that. Goes on sale every other week.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:33 pm to chryso
Bring a scale to test the torque wrenches and a good 75% of them are more accurate than some very nice wrenches.
I keep one in every vehicle in place of a tire tool.
I keep one in every vehicle in place of a tire tool.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:36 pm to lsu xman
What ever happened to Craftman? I have a 225 piece set from the early 90s that's still going strong.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:41 pm to lsu xman
This is one of the few topics where I honestly recommend going to a pawn shop.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 4:54 pm to lsu xman
Don’t skimp on tools. Get you a nice set of sockets and wrenches and you’ll never have to buy another set. If you are using around the house you won’t need anything larger than 3/4. Maybe get a heavy duty large crescent just in case you need to go larger.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 5:37 pm to lsu xman
Harbor Freight is good for piddly-dink things like cutesy little tool boxes and light duty hand tools. The only thing I have purchased from HF that meets my expectations is a tool box with multiple drawers that I use for my traveling fly-tying box. Anything beyond that is asking too much from them.
Home Depot carries decent tools across the board, and Lowe's has obtained Craftsman tools, so Lowe's izz da shiznette when it comes to that.
For battery powered tools, I'd recommend Milwaukee "Fuel" tools if you're looking for something that will last longer than you'll live. DeWalt also makes good tools, but make sure you get the 20v Lithium Ion batteries and chargers with their tool kits.
Makita tools are also good, but not as readily available at the big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. So if you find yourself in a bind, getting batteries or parts in a hurry with Makita can be a bit of a pain.
BIG NOTE!: Stay the hell away from anything labeled Toro or Ryobi! I won't go into it. Just know that I said on the record -frick NO! They'll break down within ten minutes of real use.
Hilti tools are freaking awesome, but insofar as bang for the buck - no friggin' way. They are an Austrian company, and like all other Austrians, they are more arrogant than Frenchmen and overly proud of their product. Don't get me wrong, they make good and extremely reliable tools, but you'll spend the college tuition you've saved for the next three generations of your family on their tools and consumables.
Husky socket sets are generally reliable, but they aren't the overall grade-A that you might want in the long run. However, insofar as short term reliability counts, it's a good investment. You'll get a good three, four, or five years out of Husky tools.
Overall though, I would highly recommend NOT purchasing any tools you plan on using to a moderate extent from Harbor Freight.
Home Depot carries decent tools across the board, and Lowe's has obtained Craftsman tools, so Lowe's izz da shiznette when it comes to that.
For battery powered tools, I'd recommend Milwaukee "Fuel" tools if you're looking for something that will last longer than you'll live. DeWalt also makes good tools, but make sure you get the 20v Lithium Ion batteries and chargers with their tool kits.
Makita tools are also good, but not as readily available at the big box stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. So if you find yourself in a bind, getting batteries or parts in a hurry with Makita can be a bit of a pain.
BIG NOTE!: Stay the hell away from anything labeled Toro or Ryobi! I won't go into it. Just know that I said on the record -frick NO! They'll break down within ten minutes of real use.
Hilti tools are freaking awesome, but insofar as bang for the buck - no friggin' way. They are an Austrian company, and like all other Austrians, they are more arrogant than Frenchmen and overly proud of their product. Don't get me wrong, they make good and extremely reliable tools, but you'll spend the college tuition you've saved for the next three generations of your family on their tools and consumables.
Husky socket sets are generally reliable, but they aren't the overall grade-A that you might want in the long run. However, insofar as short term reliability counts, it's a good investment. You'll get a good three, four, or five years out of Husky tools.
Overall though, I would highly recommend NOT purchasing any tools you plan on using to a moderate extent from Harbor Freight.
This post was edited on 3/25/21 at 5:41 pm
Posted on 3/25/21 at 6:38 pm to lsu xman
The Pittsburgh Pro Tools from Harbor Freight are pretty decent for occasional use.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 6:44 pm to Tigerswillprevail
quote:
I have the same set. Use them all of the time. Is cheaper on amazon Crescent CTK170CMP2 Mechanics... LINK
This might be the best gift i have ever been given. Got it over 10 years ago from Stine Lumber. Wife said it was like $75 back then. I have since gotten rid of the case and bought a couple of small tool bags. But the case lasted for several years until the plastic latches broke from wear.
Posted on 3/25/21 at 6:53 pm to lsu xman
Get a gearwrench set off amazon. They are killer bang for the buck. Buy a 3/8" ratchet and 12 piece sae and metric. That will get way further than most
Posted on 3/25/21 at 6:58 pm to lsu xman
I've had a Crescent brand tool set for at least 10 years. I think I got them on a deal at Sam's Club. I can't believe how great they've held up.
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