[mediocrechris]

(This post was intentionally cross-posted in the Engine Forum and the General forum.)

First and foremost, I am in no way affiliated with Harbor Freight.

Now that I have a BMW, I am under the impression that I will pretty much have to become an amateur mechanic because taking the car to the shop for every single thing adds up super fast; and, moreover, there are a lot of things a layman can do to the car with just a few tools and can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars.

Case in point, yesterday, I repaired the rear seat heater switch from where it had gotten mashed in and no longer worked.

The point of this thread is two fold. Yesterday, I went to Harbor Freight to buy the trim removal tools so I could fix the rear seat heater switch and they gave me a coupon for 25% off any item on July 4th. Well, I don't really have any tools and I am under the impression I'm going to need tools soon.

So all that said:

The Harbor Freight question:
Does anybody have any stories/anecdotes/information/input to help me decide whether I should start buying tools and equipment from Harbor Freight for the purpose of working on my F10.

The Harbor Freight heads-up:
I made a purchase yesterday and they gave me the coupon for 25% off on July 4th at the register. I don't know anything about Harbor Freight so maybe it's super easy to get coupons from them, but I just wanted to give you all a heads up in case this is a big deal and in case anybody needs anything from Harbor Freight.

[wcr3d]

Let me just say cheap tools are cheap for a reason.

[TZ]

I have many Harbor Freight tools and no complaint with them. They are not supreme. But for light use, they are good for the money. I would buy the one rated for next level. For example, you need 2 ton jack, buy the 3 ton one. I got a 3 ton low profile jack from Harbor Freight. It serves well for all my 3 cars, including a 5000 lb SUV.

[Cvx5832]

I have tools from Harbor Freight. My favorite racing jack that doesn’t bleed, an extendable 1/2” ratchet that i can (literally) stand on, extensions, wobblies, sockets, ratcheting wrenches, support bar, polisher, shop supplies... you get the picture. Haven’t broken one yet. For that matter I’ve had more issue with Craftsman tools than HF. And of course it doesn’t hurt that they’re dirt cheap.

HF has its place. In the case of torque instruments for example I don’t play games so I leave those to Snappys and CDI’s. Although I’ve tested a couple HF cheapos and they click within fractions of my other wrenches. You can also use their reviews feature. People usually shit on their stuff that doesn’t work so great.

Here’s my log. If the type of wrenching you intend to do is something like this then HF will do just fine. Just be smart about it and use their reviews feature, or just avoid them completely for mission-critical items.

Good luck and welcome to the fold.

http://motorlogbook.com/cvx5832/luckylady

[lsturbointeg]

no no...if you don't use an Authentic Snap On trim tool removal that cost $100-150 than you're not doing it right and you're not doing the job with quality tools. Do you really think a $5 trim removal tool from Harbor Freight is gonna give you the same quality result than a Snap on $100-150 tool?

[TEF]

If one is a professional mechanic, of course Snap On tools might be the best choice, but for a weekend mechanic that changes oil or switches from summer to winter tires, the HF stuff works well. Not sure how much better a $60 breaker bar would loosen a nut versus an HF one costing less than $10.

Another consideration in tool buying for professional mechanics is credit. Dealers of high-end tools often extend credit to mechanics, so they have the use the tools while paying them off over an extended period.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

no no...if you don't use an Authentic Snap On trim tool removal that cost $100-150 than you're not doing it right and you're not doing the job with quality tools. Do you really think a $5 trim removal tool from Harbor Freight is gonna give you the same quality result than a Snap on $100-150 tool?

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

So many YouTube videos on this. I never knew how many Snap On Fanboys there are. I think if you're a full time mechanic or it's your career than yes, you gotta have quality tools. But for the average joe or the Weekend warrior, the DIY'er HF has some pretty decent tools at prices people can afford.

[Surly73]

HF stuff has served me well for occasionally DIY. I have more stuff and "just in case" tools because they don't cost a fortune.

[JDMSteven]

I have a shop setup in my 2 car garage for a printing business so there is no room to park my car in there sadly, and living in Florida where it's over 100 degrees during the summer and heat indices approaching 120 degrees F (49 C), I decided to buy a 10x20 carpro tent from HF and I will probably be putting it up during the 4th of July. It seems to be constructed fairly well with a full steel frame and for $160 with a full 2 year replacement plan I couldn't beat it really

[addy27]

Originally Posted by Surly73

HF stuff has served me well for occasionally DIY. I have more stuff and "just in case" tools because they don't cost a fortune.

Best purchase I did from HF was their yellow Daytona jack. That is a beast and you can find a ton of great reviews on YouTube. It's heavy but it's a beast. Next jack stands. From their tools, the only tool I got was an urgent need, a battery powered ratchet which has done well so far. Lastly of course, their gloves and the torque wrench sets that work just fine.

[BurrNinja]

Most my tools are from Walmart, harbor freight, advanced Auto, ecstuning and fcp euro. Never had a problem with them. Harbor freight has warranty on all tools so no biggie there.

[airframer84]

Originally Posted by lsturbointeg

So many YouTube videos on this. I never knew how many Snap On Fanboys there are. I think if you're a full time mechanic or it's your career than yes, you gotta have quality tools. But for the average joe or the Weekend warrior, the DIY'er HF has some pretty decent tools at prices people can afford.

This is an accurate statement in my opinion. I am an Aircraft Mechanic, have been for 13 years. At work all of our tools are Snap-On or similar quality.

At home I have a mix of Craftsman and Harbor Freight tools. I have broken some HF tools, but they have a lifetime warranty now so oh well, besides when u get a socket set for under $10 and one breaks u really can’t complain.

[mediocrechris]

I appreciate every response. Based upon your responses, I decided not to purchase any tools from HF and instead I'm researching other brands before I make any serious purchases.

[lsturbointeg]

Originally Posted by mediocrechris

I appreciate every response. Based upon your responses, I decided not to purchase any tools from HF and instead I'm researching other brands before I make any serious purchases.

I've used only HF tools when I lifted my truck. Used HF tools on my BMW. It'll get the job done

[Luky]

Harbor freight is always my first stop for hand tools and supplies like sandpaper, drill bits, zip ties, etc. My air tools, nail gun, tap and die sets are all harbor freight. My impact wrench is HF and at least 17 years old (got it before my son was born), still works fine along with the air hoses . If you are looking for power tools it is probably worth buying something better quality. Although I have a 14" band saw (20 years old but have had to replace tensioner parts to keep it running), bench grinder and belt/disc sander that all came from harbor freight and have been fine for years since I only use them once or twice a year... craftsman is shit anymore and I wouldn't spend the money they cost. Black and Decker, ryobi on the low end and dewalt or Milwaukee in the middle range for power tools. For the home mechanic or someone just building a tools set, harbor freight should be your first, second and third stops. You can always buy better stuff when you find you really need it.

[kohsin]

80% of my tools are from HF. Never had any issues with weekly use. Just picked up a set of 3 ton floor stand for $20 with tax. Can't beat the price.

[whinojosa]

Echoing the sentiment that HF tools get the job done at an affordable price. I have tons I've accumulated over the years. Only thing I've broken was bent the snot out of a three jaw puller getting a bushing off an E46 control arm.