Why I hate most HF tools

[JHZR2]

Agreed, Trav. Im not saying that jcwit's points are wrong. Everything stated is true, and given fixed income and all that, I can certainly appreciate the desire to keep costs down. I still would not trust that type of tool, which WILL have poorer quality control,quality assurance and materials utilized, for something with stored energy. To each their own. I would not chance it. If others will, then so be it.

 

[Errtt]

Oh man (been away awhile).
Few days ago I bought another roll-away tool box/chest set. I bought a craftsman.
I guess I should go buy a HF tool box set just to put my HF tools in so I can distinguish my HF tools from the others. (jk)
Actually, I didn't like the HF lower line tool boxes, but they also carry "US General" which didn't seem to bad. At least it had roller bearings for the drawers while the lower line box didn't.
Some of the HF tools I'm okay with, some I like, but on the same note there is some I won't buy. All depends what it is, how much/little I'll be using it, and application on what I'm using it for.

I also bought some more Craftsman tools. I think the ratcheting wrench set was $99. Some folks won't put that much out for a set of wrenches. Few months ago I bought the GearWrench ratcheting wrench set (less-7pcs) at Napa on sale for something like $25. What I like about the GearWrench set is that the handles are twist for a flat handle grip/leverage, and the ratcheting action seems smooth.
Now if I couldn't afford that, but was building a variety of tools to serve a variety of needs, then more of my tools would be HF. Maybe a rarely used tool might be HF, but when it comes to critical or something that's going to take a beating, then I want quality. What gets confusing, is my older HF impact sockets have taken a beating and not one has broken yet. I wish I could say the same for some of the other HF tools, but on the same note I have had high dollar tools fail to - like last weekend I had a Craftsman socket crack/split. Although in the process it might have loosened the bolt somewhat, it failed and I finished the job with a HF socket. But on the same note, the Craftsman socket has performed for years. Who knows how long and how much use I'll get out of the HF socket.
I am liking some of the HF ratchets though - they are building a variety of them.

 

[jcwit]

Now that was a sensible post about tools. With my obviously feeble attempt explaining why I purchase H/F tools I failed to mention I also own Craftsman, S/K Wayne, Snap-on, Starrett, Tesa, Mitutoyo. In fact one on the best wrench sets I own was bought back in the latter 50's and made in Japan, (this was when Jamanese products were considered junk) its brand unknown to me but has served me well for 60 years.

All manufactures have failures and alot depends on how one uses their tools. Years ago I worked part time as a tool & die maker and learned quickly to NEVER EVER abuse ones tools. No, I've never dropped a mike or a caliber or a test block.

Thanks again for the explaination and post Errtt

 

[demarpaint]

I always felt buying from a HF catalog was a gamble. Now that they opened a store locally it is pretty easy. Anyone who has worked with tools can judge quality easily. Being able to actually handle the tool makes buying from them very easy for me now. HF has some fairly decent tools, and some real junk.

Buying screw drivers or hammers for business use from them is a no brainer for me. If a guy abuses a tool or forgets it on a job I don't feel bad at all. As I've already mentioned their composite ratchets, and breaker bars seem to be a good value. Some of their other tools aren't bad either. Reading reports here and on other sites makes the buying process easier, and using their coupons helps save some cash.

To say all their tools suck would be wrong. As with any purchase let the buyer beware.

 

[pondfishr]

I bought a HF floor jack once.... It wouldn't raise up unless you jacked it without any weight on it. I learned it was pretty much a waste of time and money to buy anything from them. You are better off buying the best you can afford no matter what you buy. HF makes minimal use disposable tools at best. There Chicago brand is really bad too....

 

[jcwit]

Originally Posted By: pondfishr
I bought a HF floor jack once.... It wouldn't raise up unless you jacked it without any weight on it. I learned it was pretty much a waste of time and money to buy anything from them.


I bought a HF floor jack once.....In fact it was around 10 years ago now, works like a charm, I've used it for everything from small compact cars ie; Geo Metro, to full sized fans loaded. I learned it was a pretty good value for dollars spent and yes I would buy another.

BTW the cost for the jack was $15.00 at the time.

 

[jcwit]

Originally Posted By: pondfishr
I bought a HF floor jack once.... It wouldn't raise up unless you jacked it without any weight on it. I learned it was pretty much a waste of time and money to buy anything from them. You are better off buying the best you can afford no matter what you buy. HF makes minimal use disposable tools at best. There Chicago brand is really bad too....


I bought a brand new Chevy Camero back in 1972, drove it home, approx 4 blocks to my driveway. Went out about an hour later and the engine wouldn't start.

Did I learn it was a waste of time and money to buy anything from GM? No, I had a defective product that the the warrenty took care of. In the course of the 6 months I owned it, boy did I learn how defective it was tho.

GM makes minimal use disposable cars at best. Not really because 2 cars later, my Corvette was just fine.

 

[K20FA5]

I like their jacks for the money! I've had a HF 2 ton "racing" jack for about 8 years now (little blue and aluminum one), works great and never had any problems with it. I needed a new one since that little one wouldn't lift high enough for my truck. Bought another 3 ton from them and it's been great as well.

I wouldn't say that everything they have there is good, but if your smart and LOOK and FEEL what you want before you take it home, you should be OK. I know I have been over the years.

 

[Errtt]

This evening I went to HF and bought another tool box (cabinet) which is labeled "US General". I saw it last week but last week I bought a Craftsman roll-around box instead. Trying to clear some tools off of shelf's, hip boxes etc.

Anyway the US General that HF sells seems decent. The box (Item # 90320) weights over 300 pounds (heavier than the Craftsman I bought last week). For the sale price of $399.99 ($200 off) it seems as good as some of my more expensive boxes.
Time will tell but I'm feeling this is one of the better buys I got from HF. They were sold of the chest that fits on top, so I'll have to snagged that another time. Reading the reviews got me to go back and get this box. Getting some tool weight in the drawers help smooth the rollers. Not bad for the price.

 

[Trav]

I bought an solid oak work bench from them a few months ago.
It is solid and stable and has a nice finish.
Their cheap large blast cabinet is great if you buy the vacuum built for their expensive model that is only sold on line.
It needs a bit of creative adapting to work on the cheap one but once its set up it works fantastic.

I suppose if you know what your buying and are prepared to modify things you can build some decent stuff.
Their electric tools and anything that pulls,pushes,compresses,cuts,drills or grinds etc is not on my shopping list from HF.

On the other hand their hand tools are good enough for a road box,loaners,working out in the snow,modifying to make a special wrench and so on.
My favorite cheap HF tool is the plastic vernier caliper,its not accurate enough for fine work but perfect for measuring watch cases to fit straps and measuring the crystal.You don't want a hardened steel caliper touching a soft SS or 18K watch case.

 

[demarpaint]

Their composite ratchets are very good, I now own the 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". These slim ratchets are very good as well, Part # 67993 1/4" & 3/8" [7"-long]
Part # 67994 1/4" & 3/8"[14"-Flex Head], thanks Errtt! The 1/2" Impact sockets and extensions are nice, thanks Trav!! The 25" 1/2" drive breaker bar is very nice too. They'll be running it on sale in March for under $10, I'm going to grab another and keep it in my Jeep for changing a flat tire. It beats the heck out of a crow bar!

As I've said before and others have said, having a local store where you can actually go and touch the tools makes a big difference. I would never have bought any of these tools w/o seeing them first.

 

[Errtt]

^^^ I got a bit of use on the 1/4" composite ratchet today.
All I can say is I'm satisfied with it, a good value, and handy on some battery and electrical motorcycle work.
It went in a drawer along with other ratchets in one of my new main roll boxes instead of in one of my junk boxes. I'll have more use for a composite ratchet. Good on sale buy.

 

[Mr Nice]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Originally Posted By: Steve S
Most all of the tools are worth what you pay for them.

Also there are those who do not require the most expensive tools to get the job done.


I did field service for GE for 10 years and I got an allowance to buy necessary tools and I always purchased HF tools cause they were low cost and were of decent quality.