HF and Northern

[rcowan]

Is there a "real" difference between HF and Northern or do they sell the same equipment?

 

[3RRL]

I get promotional emails from both of them. Once you compare the items side by side, (to me) a lot of the stuff is the same thing and about the same price.

 

[CurlyDave]

My unscientific "gut" feeling is that Northern has a larger selection, but higher prices.

In general, if Harbor Freight carries it, I usually buy it there, but if I can't find it at HF, I look at Northern.

 

[ragkar]

My observation is that HF sells mostly seconds, discontinued and house brands of imports (Italian). Northerntool sells better quality and more expensive gear.
I would never buy expensive (over $100), cutting or items that I wanted to last from HF.

 

[yankeerider]

Seems to me most Harbor Freight stuff is cheap Chines copies of Northern Tools products.

I got the new Northern catalog yesterday, and browsed through it last night. Many major brands in there- Milwaukee, Ingersoll-Rand, Hobart to name just three. I don't think you'll find that at HF. Yes, Northern does have their own brand to compete with HF's Central pneumatics, etc, so they probably have comparable stuff, too.

Northern can be expensive, and frequently is not the best place to purchase the name brand stuff.

 

[weldingisfun]

Seems to me most Harbor Freight stuff is cheap Chines copies of Northern Tools products.

I got the new Northern catalog yesterday, and browsed through it last night. Many major brands in there- Milwaukee, Ingersoll-Rand, Hobart to name just three. I don't think you'll find that at HF. Yes, Northern does have their own brand to compete with HF's Central pneumatics, etc, so they probably have comparable stuff, too.

Northern can be expensive, and frequently is not the best place to purchase the name brand stuff.

Don't forget that you also get to tack on the S&H. Most of the time that is the deal breaker.

 

[flusher]

Is there a "real" difference between HF and Northern or do they sell the same equipment?

Don't think so. Northern sells tractors and implements. HF doesn't.

HF hand tools are throw-away stuff from the Orient although, IIRC, HF has some kind of lifetime hand tool warrenty.

Some HF power tools are not too bad. I have one of their metal cutting band saws that's OK.

I have several HF air tools that are OK.

HF stick welders are not very good (low duty cycle).

Bought a Chinese sliding compound miter saw from Northern. It lasted about 4 years until some of the non-repairable plastic parts started to break. Can't complain. It did what I asked of it for quite a while.

 

[EddieWalker]

It's pretty rare that I buy anything from Harbor Frieght, but there are a few things that they sell that are worth the money. Their grinding wheels are a very good bargain.

Northern Tool has a very good selection of just about anything that you could ever need. Their website is easy to navigate and you will find allot more things online then in their catalog. Even their hard cover catalog, that I just received the latest version of yesterday, doesn't cover everything. They sell name brand tools as well as their own brand. Sometimes I'll find what I'm looking for on their website, then try to find it cheaper. Ebay is good for this if you have a model number and know exactly what you want. but ebay is not always cheaper then Northern Tool. Especialy when you figure in shipping charges. Amazon is another good source for researching tools, but tough to find the best price there.

If I was only to buy from one place, it would probably be Northern Tool. You can't beat them in taking care of business and getting you what you order. I've spent thousands of dollars with them and haven't regretted any of it. I've spent a fair amount of money with Harbor Freight, and most of the time, wish I had spent a little more someplace else.

Eddie

 

[scott_vt]

My observation is that HF sells mostly seconds, discontinued and house brands of imports (Italian). Northerntool sells better quality and more expensive gear.
I would never buy expensive (over $100), cutting or items that I wanted to last from HF.

Mornin Ragkar,
Ive allways kind of felt the same way ! Mostly just some observations on my part, but I think Northern has a better grade of equipment in general !

If your really serious about making a purchase on a tool, there is nothing better than some research on what your looking for and if you can go to a local store pickup the tool and see how it feels ! This also gives you a chance to compare price while your there !

 

[ninefinger]

Impact sockets, if you watch the sales can be had for about a buck a piece from HF. Mine have been abused and have held up. All air tools are HF and have given very good service. There is a Northern and HF close by but the people at Northern act as though you are an inconvience, the people at HF are friendly and helpful. Unless HF does not have what I need I am reluctant to darken the doors at Northern.