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Wow, a tool thread!

giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
How do we not have this for standard tools? Crazy

I've had a long time relationship with my craftsman hand tools. My milwaukee battery tools have been a great replacement to my Dewalt tools. But I now have a kid learning the industrial mechanics trade. I have found that spending my money in harbor freight hand tools to be well worth it. Craftsmanship of the tools has really come a long ways. I would rate them higher than craftsman tools today. Even the tool boxes are better crafted than the craftsmans I just purchased. They were also a little more expensive, but I have doubted myself for buy the craftsman since I did. I guess time will tell on that. I bought kody the harbor freight brand a couple of months ago. He is also in his all day at school. So we should have a good idea in a couple of years (if this thread grabs traction) of what was better.

Could the battery tools be along the same line? Looking at them online and reading it seems like the Hercules line would be what I purchased him for Christmas. Thinking he needs a 12V rachet, 12V 1/4" impact, and some 20V impact drivers 3/8 & 1/2". I can't bring myself to spend the money on milwaukee if this is the better band for the buck. I can buy all 4 tools cheaper than the milwaukee 1/2" impact, lol.
 

hickslawns

Dignitary Member
Supporting Member
40,266
288
Ohio
Harbor Freight has their place. For years the only thing I bought from them were disposable items. Electrical tape, zip ties, etc. Will also buy one time use tools, tools I will be modifying, or tools for my guys to lose in the field. I will speak very highly of the US general toolboxes. They have been excellent. I have also noticed some of their hand tools have come a long way. They have some higher end lines available.
 

Bankfish

Junior Member
765
71
I recently bought the Hercules impact and hammer drill, as well as an oscillating tool. Was never a fan of Harbor freight but these tools seem very well built, heavy, and the 20v battery charge lasts a long time.
 

Hedgelj

Senior Member
Supporting Member
8,213
189
Mohicanish
I have a blend of harbor freight and ryobi. I find that they work well enough for my uses. I'm not a big tool guy though.
 

Sgt Fury

Sgt. Spellchecker
Harbor freight has some good stuff, but I suggest you avoid anything made by Chicago electric…..I bought a grinder/cut off wheel to cut through a couple pieces of rebar….burned one out after getting half way through the first one. Thought it was a lemon and went back for a second. Burned that one up also….and I was going easy on it. Their hand tools and tool boxes are great. Also odds and ends like tie down straps have a good selection.