Harbor Freight called me after my last video! Here is what we talked about...

I also heard from someone who works in a factory in Asia that builds tools for companies like Harbor Freight and they had some very interesting insights as well.

#tools #harborfreight #harborfreighttools

Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts.

Here is a list of some of the tools that I use in my DIY projects:

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you I may earn a commission. Know that I only recommend products and tools that I’ve personally used and/or believe are genuinely helpful, not because of the modest commission I may receive should you decide to purchase one of them. Most of all, I would never advocate for buying something that you can’t afford or do not need.

[donmcgimpsey]

What I respect - in this case - is that you found a company that is willing to listen and find out areas to improve.

[antoinebugleboy]

I'm impressed that Harbor Freight called to have an honest discussion with you instead of going to some cease-and-desist or other heavy-handed method. That speaks well of the company. Plus, it sounds like you had a non-confrontational, informative conversation wtih all involved.

[terry_willis]

HF aside, you make EXCELLENT videos. Clear, easy to understand, no annoying background music/noise, no silly extended intros, no infantile pop-up photos, I wish others did this.

[justintime]

I've been a Harbor Freight shopper for a number of years, and I've really seen an remarkable improvement in the general quality of their tools. I still tend to go for name brand power tools.

[MagaRickn]

Good video! I stopped in the middle to make this statement. As a 72 year old guy restoring a 56 Chevy, after having a house fire many years ago and losing all my tools, Harbor Freight is a God Send!! I am able to stock my new small shop with all the tools I need to restore my Classic Chevy and not have to break the bank like I use to when I bought my tools off a tool truck! If it were not for Harbor Freight, I would not be able to enjoy my retirement project! :)

[danielcharrie]

I am impressed that HF called you and talked with you in such a honest way!!

[bclev]

I have shopped at H.F. for a couple of decades at this point and have seen a remarkable transformation in the quality of their tools. Many of the tools they sell now I believe to be superior to tools sold by legacy tool makers. The price point is always better.

[ValentinArzola]

Their 3 ton floor jack is also an amazing purchase. I have been using one for past ten years no problems, no hydraulic leaks, still going strong. I've seen those floorjacks in several professional garages.

[mastersfan]

I'm a service plumber. I bought and continue to buy my "beater" tools from harbor freight. I have noticed that their hand tools have improved dramatically in the last 5 years. I have also noticed that on some occasions the HF tools have been better than Home Depot. And in some instances, for example my close quarters pipe cutters, were the exact same thing, but $12 cheaper

[christophertstone]

I've used HF tools for decades. With this follow-up, I think you've hit the nail on the head. I buy HF when I need a cheap tool, especially a specialty tool for highly-occasional use. My workhorse tools are premium (frequently Hilti or Milwaukee). Most HF tools represent a good value if you keep your expectations in check and read reviews. I was just there last weekend, and will be again.

[randymaddox]

Yeah, the quality of tools has been improving over time, but what I like best is that they offer the good, better, best options so you can decide depending on your needs.

[Greg]

Today's cheap tools are head and shoulders better than cheap tools 20 years ago, when I started my career Craftsman was the norm for a beginner professional mechanic and there weren't any viable cheap options that weren't absolute garbage, nowadays the us general wrenches and sockets are on par with those craftsman professional from them and are perfectly serviceable for someone starting out as a mechanic
My nephew came to me a few months ago asking what tools he should buy starting out at his first mechanic job and I pointed him towards a harbor freight wrench and socket set, the guideline I gave him was whenever he breaks something to then replace it with a higher end replacement, that way he hasn't wasted money on expensive versions of tools that rarely see and use or abuse, because every mechanic has those tools in his box that haven't ever been used. I wish someone had given me the same advice a long time ago probably would have saved enough to buy a car at this point lol

[houndsmanone]

Yes, I do think the quality of HF's tools and accessories has improved compared to years ago. I have HF items within my tool arsenal. I do not misuse my tools and so far have not had any problems. Thanks for this video. I am impressed that HF reached out to you and kudos to you for creating a video explaining to viewers "the rest of the story". I will continue to support HF. After viewing your video, I have a deeper repsect for HF. Have a fine week and have a prosperous New Year. Conrinue to be truthful, thoughtful, and fair. Full-watch. 👍🏽🤠 12/26/22

[arsenicjones]

HF has improved over the years. It’s always been about being selective w your purchases based on the job you need to do. That said there is still plenty of room for improvement. Personally I recently needed a pole saw to do a one time tree trimming for a local landlord. That saw lasted to the end of the job and then had to be returned. I got the job done and got paid tho and the replacement one is holding up just fine. Moral of the story is don’t forget your good tools and you won’t have to use a $20 pole saw from HF.

[GunnyPhillips]

I like the way this interaction went, overall. You expressed your opinion in a public forum, which is your right to do. The company took some issue but, instead of overreacting with a cease and desist order, they contacted you and in a non-confrontational manner. My belief is, if they have made major strides in quality, etc., then it will eventually be reflected in the marketplace and with influencers such as yourself.

[ShaneReynolds]

They’re getting a lot better every year. It’s impressive.

[davidt]

I have shopped at Harbor freight tools since the mid-80s. I started out ordering from the catalog until they open their first store near me and I definitely believe the quality has gone up tremendously from when I first started buying tools from them, especially their cordless tool line. I love to shop there, because they almost have everything that a DIY’er would need around the home.

[gdubtub.]

You do a great job of providing thoughtful, unbiased reports - thank you Dave.

[danalaniz]

Another great well reasoned and thought out video. You are a great consumer advocate for us and I'm glad your previous video had such an impact. Keep up the great work!

[mapleholler]

My two sons used to give me a hard time about buying at Harbor Freight. But as both came of age and started raising their own families, they've come to realize the need to buy smart. If you aren't going to use something all the time or work the tool hard, get the least expensive. You also aren't losing much, when you loan it out. I bought a Bauer hammer drill a couple of years ago and used it twice so far. My neighbor borrowed it last year to bust up concrete in his cellar and a slate deposit down thru his yard, to put in a new sewer line. I got it back to use a few weeks ago and it's definitely showing significant wear and tear, but it still works. He has it back again. This isn't a jack hammer....it's a large hammer exactly what it was intended for, my cousin has an auto shop and he told me years ago that he stopped buying Snapon screwdrivers and such, because of the price and started buying HF, because they lasted about as long. My oldst son has a small business building IR lights for ghost investigations and he now has numerous HF tools, including the combo disk and belt sander shown in the video. We all three have HF floor jacks have no complaints about them. I figured out years ago, that when you look at reviews for various brands of a given tool, you're going to find a certain number of one and two stars for any of them. A certain percentage of people are idiots and don't know what they're certain percentage of tools, no matter what brand, are going to have design or manufacturing flaws. As the consumer, you have to weigh the available data against your needs to make an educated decision about your purchase. As far as country of manufacture, I buy American if available and if I can afford it, figuring sooner or later, my sons will get it. But they'll get the HF ones too. And most name brands are made in China too,
Thanks for the video. Very informative and well done.