Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[California]

Come to think of it I've seen a lot of smoke from my HF compressor when it couldn't keep up with a HF die grinder claimed to use less air than the compressor spec. I've only had to replace the pressure switch in some 10 years occasional use. That smoke didn't seem to hurt it.

I don't recall smoke from anything else. But the $9.95 angle grinder got even noisier than usual, then eerily quiet. Turns out its internal fan disintegrated. I cleaned out the debris and it continues to run fine - but I don't use it for more than moments now. That probably was a parts failure due to heat.

 

[crazyal]

Does anyone have the plastic storage bins? What is the plastic like? Does it seam like it would break easily if it was dropped or over loaded? I have too many nuts, bolts, and other assorted small items and for several years I have added them to my Christmas list with no luck. I'm at the point now where I'm just ready to buy a couple. I didn't want to buy one on-line (unless it was a name brand $$$) without seeing it or at least hearing what others, not the reviews on HF, have to say. Today's plans have changed and I could be going sort of close to a store this afternoon so I was thinking of making a detour but was hoping to hear from what people have to say.

 

[Midniteoyl]

You mean like this one? 4 Bin Organizer with Full Length Drawer

Pretty much the same as anywhere else as far as I can tell.

 

[Ford850]

Does anyone have the plastic storage bins? What is the plastic like? Does it seam like it would break easily if it was dropped or over loaded? I have too many nuts, bolts, and other assorted small items and for several years I have added them to my Christmas list with no luck. I'm at the point now where I'm just ready to buy a couple. I didn't want to buy one on-line (unless it was a name brand $$$) without seeing it or at least hearing what others, not the reviews on HF, have to say. Today's plans have changed and I could be going sort of close to a store this afternoon so I was thinking of making a detour but was hoping to hear from what people have to say.

I either bought, or compared several of the bins from HF to other places. The trays and the boxed drawer varieties are all on the low end of the equality scale compared to others. I ended up buying most of mine from Menards. The HF plastic is thinner, distorts, and cracks easier if fill with heavy hardware. For lighter use or a few screws/bolts, they work fine.

 

[newbury]

You mean like this one? 4 Bin Organizer with Full Length Drawer

Pretty much the same as anywhere else as far as I can tell.

Or this one? 3 Bin Wall Mount Parts Rack

I've got two of the latter. I can put almost a full box of 1/2" x 3" bolts in the bigger bin. They seem flimsy but have held up ok for a few years.

 

[Peter 315]

I like this style they last forever Buy Bin Units - Free Shipping over $5 | Zoro.com

 

[lostcreekranch]

A couple of years ago, Tractor Supply was selling the Akro-Mills bins for $12.99. I bought several in two different sizes. I had some similar Akro-Mills bins that I bought back in the early 70’s that were showing some wear.

Akro-Mils Drawer Bin Cabinet, 6-3/8 In. D, 2 In. W 1124 | Zoro.com

Akro-Mils Drawer Bin Cabinet, 6-3/8 In. D, 2 In. W 1164 | Zoro.com

 

[crazyal]

I ended up getting the 74 bin floor stand model. I figure I can assemble it without the feet and screw it to the wall. With a 20% off coupon it was only $60. They didn't have it out on display so I couldn't see it so hopefully the plastic isn't too bad.

While there I picked up some more 4 1/2" cut off discs. I also picked up a couple of these to try out since they were cheap. You can never have too many bar clamps. I'm curious how the aluminum will worked compared to the steel version.

 

[ronjhall]

I have several of the Clamp/Spreaders in various sizes. Used a couple of the to hold a glued in wall panel in place while glue and caulk dried. They work good for light to medium projects. Easy to convert from clamp to spreader.

 

[Travelover]

I have several of the Clamp/Spreaders in various sizes. Used a couple of the to hold a glued in wall panel in place while glue and caulk dried. They work good for light to medium projects. Easy to convert from clamp to spreader.

HF was giving these away as freebies a while ago and I can't say as I had much luck with them. Even used gently they seemed to crack and die. I guess they were worth what I paid.