Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Professor Marvel]

5 hp 60 gal air compressor
bought a sears air compressor of similar size and when I got it wired up the motor threw a stream of sparks/fire out. Went to them and I wanted to just change the motor out so I didn't have to take the whole thing back. They said nah you have to bring the whole thing back then went back to talking like they didn't care so I took it back.
A friend suggested checking out HF. I thought NO I don't want any of that cheap *** stuff. THEN I THOUGHT ABOUT IT. You know it looks like all you get any more anywhere is Harbor Freight quality stuff so WHY SHOULD I PAY MORE THAN HF PRICES?
I did a little research on this compressor and got the HF compressor 8 months ago and have been using it ever since for sandblasting stuff. Unit has no air leaks at any connections or piping and so far works great. It has already been way better than the Crapsman compressor I replaced. And for all my life I have always counted on Sears as a solid retailer. No more.

 

[IslandTractor]

It's all about marketing, pricing, and finding the niche that is sustainable. No doubt when the big brands bring to market their next Gen product via their own R&D, or more likely through acquisitions, HF and the like, will capitalize on the commodity no longer protected by patents.

I agree that is a general strategy of theirs. Witness the Fein oscillating tool knock off that came off patent and HF sells for $20 rather than $400. However, lithium batteries cannot possibly be protected by patents these days as they are found in even the cheapest crap devices. My $2.99 solar walkway lanterns have lithium batteries.

 

[downsizingnow48]

There are now three HF stores within 5 miles of here. One was here when we moved in, the second opened last year, and the third a few months ago.

 

[dragoneggs]

I agree that is a general strategy of theirs. Witness the Fein oscillating tool knock off that came off patent and HF sells for $20 rather than $400. However, lithium batteries cannot possibly be protected by patents these days as they are found in even the cheapest crap devices. My $2.99 solar walkway lanterns have lithium batteries.

You may be surprised. And if you want to read a bit on latest ones...

Patent Picks: Lithium-Ion Batteries | April 28, 214 Issue - Vol. 92 Issue 17 | Chemical & Engineering News

 

[sleepybozo]

There are now three HF stores within 5 miles of here. One was here when we moved in, the second opened last year, and the third a few months ago.

I wish they'd spread them out a little. I live the other side of Placerville, and it's about the same distance to all of them. Too darn far, especially if I have to return something (which happens too often with their stuff; go back once or twice to get a good one). I (and others I know) would like one in Cameron Park, or even Rancho Cordova. I know, population density and all that, but I think a store up the hill could draw a lot of business, just from a wider area.

 

[dragoneggs]

I wish they'd spread them out a little. I live the other side of Placerville, and it's about the same distance to all of them. Too darn far, especially if I have to return something (which happens too often with their stuff; go back once or twice to get a good one). I (and others I know) would like one in Cameron Park, or even Rancho Cordova. I know, population density and all that, but I think a store up the hill could draw a lot of business, just from a wider area.

Probably been mentioned before but I often open and inspect boxed items before leaving the parking lot. I'm 40mi away and kinda glad there isn't one closer otherwise my impulsive tool buying would take a turn for the 'worse'.

 

[IslandTractor]

You may be surprised. And if you want to read a bit on latest ones... Patent Picks: Lithium-Ion Batteries | April 28, 214 Issue - Vol. 92 Issue 17 | Chemical & Engineering News <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=478138"/>

Interesting article but it seems to say that most of the new patents are to tweak performance. Sony brought out the first lithium battery in 1992 so I'd say that the basic technology is now out of patent. I know for example that Makita keeps bringing out more and more powerful batteries (they're up to 6amp/hrs at 18v) but I find for home duty the 3 amp/HR batteries are more than adequate. If HF brought out a 3 amp/HR battery that fit their existing tools they'd have a winner.

 

[/pine]

Interesting article but it seems to say that most of the new patents are to tweak performance. Sony brought out the first lithium battery in 1992 so I'd say that the basic technology is now out of patent. I know for example that Makita keeps bringing out more and more powerful batteries (they're up to 6amp/hrs at 18v) but I find for home duty the 3 amp/HR batteries are more than adequate. If HF brought out a 3 amp/HR battery that fit their existing tools they'd have a winner.

Cordless (battery) technology has always been about batteries...from phones to laptops and everything in between and beyond...
Electronics is/was easy to master lowering power consumption...improved tools etc. have taken longer...
At any rate we have NASA and the ISS/Shuttle program for the development of both (batteries and technology)...

Would there be anything kooler for a tool guy than to have one of the cordless tools the astronauts use...with all the attachments...?

 

[sixdogs]

Probably been mentioned before but I often open and inspect boxed items before leaving the parking lot. I'm 40mi away and kinda glad there isn't one closer otherwise my impulsive tool buying would take a turn for the 'worse'.

This is a must with any of the tool boxes or tool chests. Even if the cardboard box looks good, unwrap 100% of it to check for dents.

 

[vulcancowboy]

Picked up a 44" tool cabinet today. So far, I'm very happy with it, and the $347.99 price is hard to beat.