I like Harbor Freight tools.
Sure some things are cheap low quality.
BUT, other things are very high quality and certainly good enough for amateur mechanics like us.
I especially like HF sockets, and wrenches. I have various ratcheting wrenches, stubby wrenches, and both metric and SAE versions.
I also use HF Torque Wrenches - $10/each on sale is not bad. I checked the calibration using some weights and they seem close enough.
I also find HF AC gauges and vacuum pump nice.
I still like my Craftsman Ratches though.
My Engine Hoist works well.
The transmission jack I purchased bent when I dropped the Transmission/Transfer Case assembly on my SUV but it was the cheapest HF version and I should have known better and purchased their more heavy duty one.
My HF Earthquake lug wrench doesn't seem to have the torque I was expecting but maybe I should test drive another vendors to be sure.
My $89 HF wire welder that I modified to work as DC works great for me to learn how to do welding. Still have it and it will weld some light to medium duty needs but not for structural welds. But for $89, what do you expect, and also you need to be proficient at welding to take advantage of more expensive welders.
My assessment ... yes Harbor Freight is a "happy place" for guys like us.
Sure some things are cheap low quality.
BUT, other things are very high quality and certainly good enough for amateur mechanics like us.
I especially like HF sockets, and wrenches. I have various ratcheting wrenches, stubby wrenches, and both metric and SAE versions.
I also use HF Torque Wrenches - $10/each on sale is not bad. I checked the calibration using some weights and they seem close enough.
I also find HF AC gauges and vacuum pump nice.
I still like my Craftsman Ratches though.
My Engine Hoist works well.
The transmission jack I purchased bent when I dropped the Transmission/Transfer Case assembly on my SUV but it was the cheapest HF version and I should have known better and purchased their more heavy duty one.
My HF Earthquake lug wrench doesn't seem to have the torque I was expecting but maybe I should test drive another vendors to be sure.
My $89 HF wire welder that I modified to work as DC works great for me to learn how to do welding. Still have it and it will weld some light to medium duty needs but not for structural welds. But for $89, what do you expect, and also you need to be proficient at welding to take advantage of more expensive welders.
My assessment ... yes Harbor Freight is a "happy place" for guys like us.
