Anybody buy tools from Harbor Freight?

**James** · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2006, 06:10 AM

I have seen some contractors that are buying the "Chicago" brand sawzalls at around $19.99 a piece and they are telling me that they do work, well in fact. But they do say they burn a few up.

Have you had any experiences with them? Have you bought any tools there for your projects?

demobud · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2006, 09:33 AM

I buy from them all the time. It's more economical to buy cheap stuff when your guys are prone to leave them lying around. I usually make a trip once a week for small hand tools etc. I did buy a nail gun that crapped out pretty quickly though, so some of their products are so-so in reliabilty but for expendable items, it's a pretty good source. They have a large distribution center and outlet off of I95 in the Carolinas (I can't remeber if it is N or S) that I stop at when I am over in that area.
I 'd give a strong 7 out of 10 overall.

**James** · #3 (**permalink**) 09-05-2006, 06:49 AM

I could see that, especially for those "walk-off" tools. I have bought only one thing from there, but nothing major, just a driver set.

I would love to hear if anymore of you buy anything there.

ALLPRO · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2006, 04:39 AM

I buy some things like hammers,maw's,wrecking bars, things that are hard to hurt! But I have found that some of the items are built to cheap and I hate being on a job and have tools shut you down. Every one on this site should know what I mean by that. So I watch what I get from them.

demobud · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2006, 01:38 PM

Yeah, I did try to go cheap on a framing nailer, it lasted for about 30 nails and all of the packing rings blew. I got my money back and got a better one.