What to Buy and Avoid at Harbor Freight: A Comprehensive Guide
Harbor Freight Tools are a popular source for budget-conscious DIY enthusiasts and professionals. While the company is known for offering a wide range of affordable tools, not all items are created equal. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore what you should never buy at Harbor Freight, what makes their tools worth the investment, and how to identify the right tools for your needs.
Never Buy These Items at Harbor Freight
At Harbor Freight, there are certain items that, despite their affordability, are not worth the purchase due to poor quality or limited functionality. One major example is the D-size batteries they offer. When the author purchased them for their portable fan, they found the entire pack to be dead, and the cost of returning them did not justify the potential inconvenience. Similarly, the company explicitly warns that avoid buying essential tools that you will use daily. Tools like battery power drills, saws, and wrenches should be considered for higher quality brands since they will see extensive use and need to be reliable.
Another item to skip includes gasoline generators or compressors. These tools, while affordable, often come with a limited lifespan and can pose safety risks. It's not worth the gamble to purchase them for frequent or critical use.
Lastly, avoid purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, or respirators. These items need to be of the highest quality to ensure your safety, and Harbor Freight offerings typically do not meet the necessary standards. Investing in reliable PPE is crucial for any workshop or building project.
What Makes Harbor Freight Worth Buying?
Harbor Freight still has a broad range of high-quality and cost-effective items that are perfect for DIY projects, particularly those who require a large variety of tools. Here are some of the items that are more than worth the investment:
F-Style Clamps
For those who perform large-scale glue-ups or projects that require a lot of assembly, Harbor Freight's F-style clamps offer excellent value. A 6-inch F-style clamp can be purchased for around $5, whereas name-brand options from Jorgensen or Bessey can cost over $30. Since these clamps are used extensively and regularly damaged, it’s more cost-effective to replace them frequently rather than invest in expensive alternatives that will likely break just as often.
Squeeze Clamps
Another standout item is the squeez clamps. These offer a similar value proposition to the F-style clamps, with a larger size—the Vice Grip-style—selling for around $6 or $7. The author owns two dozen of these clamps and has found that they are far more affordable than comparable name-brand options. Even though high-quality squeeze clamps are available, they proved too expensive to justify the purchase when Harbor Freight’s alternatives were readily available.
Parallel Clamps and Bar Clamps
Parallel clamps and bar clamps from brands like Jorgensen or Dubuque are durable and long-lasting, while still providing a good return on investment. The author has fewer of these tools, often preferring the convenience and affordability of Harbor Freight's offerings. For those on a budget or strapped for cash, these clamps are a solid choice.
Deadblow Hammers
The deadblow hammers from Harbor Freight are another standout item. These hammers last for years and can be replaced easily when they break. The author uses them frequently and has found them to be a reliable and cost-effective solution for tapping and drilling tasks. The 1-pound hammer lasts around one to two years, while a 2-pound hammer can last five years. Replacing them is straightforward and affordable, making them a no-brainer for any budget.
Mallets
While the author prefers to make his own Osage Orange mallets, the deadblow hammers offer a convenient and cost-effective alternative, especially for light-duty tasks. These hammers are great for bashing cabinets together and can be repurchased whenever they break, making them an easy and affordable option.
Striking the Right Balance Between Quality and Cost
Purchasing tools is more about the tool itself than the brand. A great tool won't automatically make you a great carpenter; a good carpenter can achieve acceptable results with cheaper tools. However, the tools must be reliable and functional for the tasks at hand. The key is to know what you want and what you need, and to gauge whether the quality of the tool justifies the cost.
The author’s experience with Harbor Freight tools underscores this point. While some tools from the store may not be the best in terms of quality compared to name brands, they still provide significant value. For instance, a skilled carpenter can maintain and repair their tools, ensuring they continue to perform well over time. This extends the lifespan of the tools and reduces the need for frequent replacements, thus saving money in the long run.
Ultimately, the quality of tools comes down to the owner. Investing in high-quality, durable tools is essential for setting and maintaining high standards in your work. For DIY projects and occasional use, Harbor Freight offers a plethora of cost-effective tools that can meet your needs. However, for daily and critical use, it's often best to stick with name-brand tools that offer superior performance and reliability.
By carefully considering your needs and the quality of the tools, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your investment pays off, allowing you to maintain a high level of craftsmanship and safety in your DIY projects.