[TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't

[Dan Brewer]

It depends on what you are doing with the tools.  If you are making your
living using them I would avoid them like the plague.  If you are a
hobbyist then they are an option.  If you are in the trades where your
tools find a way to move from your tool box to someone else's  tool box
then they are an option.  mI have some harbor freight tools that have been
working for 10 or more years.  and some that dont work out of the box.  I
do not make my living with them so the amount of use is not that great.
But when I need a tool for a one off job I will get a harbor Freight tool
and use it once and then sell it .


Dan  in Auburn


On Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 10:51 AM, Ron Childers <ron at munlaw.net> wrote:

> Well stated, Ries; back when I was poor (-:]> I bought used name brand
> tools such as real Vice Grips (1960's) , Milwaukee Chop saw (1980?),
> Delta drill press (1955), an old Milwaukee Porta band (all metal,
> 1980'S?) and a sears band saw circa 1950's.. My dad bought a lathe, a
> table saw, scroll saw, joiner, etc. from Sears in the late 40's and
> early 50's. The Paslode nail gun has built two barns and remodeled
> several houses needing nothing more than a $2 spring. All these tools
> still work fine. Unfortunately, most of my locally owned hardware stores
> from which I bought the new stuff have been displaced by the blister
> packs. The really good drill bits, bimetal blades, taps and dies, etc.
> are sold by a local business, Holly's, Inc. Buddy took over the business
> from his father. As you said, it's good to do business with people who
> know their business.
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net
> [mailto:theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ries Niemi
> Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 12:48 PM
> To: Blacksmithing List Sponsored by ABANA
> Subject: Re: [TheForge] HF- what works and what doesn't
>
>
> There is nothing they sell that I cant get for slightly more at my local
> full service hardware store- the one that is locally owned, has adult,
> knowledgeable salespeople, and gives me 30 days to pay.
>
> I have never bought anything from Harbor Freight, or Walmart, and try my
> damnedest to stay away from Lowes and Home Depot, too.
>
> As a small american owned business, I tend to try to buy american things
> from small american owned businesses.
>
> Luckily for me, I only live a half hour from one of the best hardware
> stores in the country-
> Hardware Sales, in Bellingham Wa.
>
> http://www.hardwaresales.net/
>
> I bought my forklift there- they let me pay 30/60/90.
> I buy almost everything there that I would buy from Harbor Freight-
> except the service, and quality is better.
> They sell Carhartts and Light bulbs and rope and rigging straps, tools
> and plumbing supplies, and they let me use the bathroom.
>
>
> Ries Niemi
> Industrial Artist
> www.riesniemi.com
>
>
>
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