Best Tools at Harbor Freight
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 05. 2020
- This video will dive into the best gunsmithing tools you can get at Harbor Freight. Whether youre a newbie just starting out or a grizzled veteran looking for some spare tools, Harbor Freight offers some fantastic basic tools that will force multiply your bench!
Good Luck to all! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Hey all... just a heads up, the giveaway has already ended. Stay tuned, we will have another one coming up soon in a new video.
Do they sell trigger gauges
they call them the Icon line.
Aw. Man over ((Dam)
With the exception of the torque wrench, digital calipers and vise, all of your recommendations I have and also purchased from HFT. Precision reloading demands precise measurements and consistency and that's the reason I ponied up the $240+ USD for the Mitutoyo calipers. Got the Wheeler wrench. That magnetic parts tray has cut my cussing down by at least 75% since I first got one!
Bummer
Glad to see that someone else has already done the research and made up the tool list. Another use for the Ammo Can - shoot it with white spray paint, and keep First Aid supplies in it. It's waterproof, crushproof [unlike fancy plastic kits] and large enough to be able to find in the dark. If you ever need a towel and a tourniquet instead of a Band-Aid, you'll be glad of the capacity, and who ever heard of an overstocked First Aid Kit. We call it the "Corpsman in a Can".😊
Great idea!
@@Xiphos0311 Have one for bandages only, to stop bleeding, other box for a more general purpose set of supplies
I got sick of walking out to the garage to grab tools everytime I wanted to clean or work on a rifle, so I built a small gun smithing tool box using Harbor Freight tools. Awesome to see that someone else had a similar idea. And those long punches are amazing! They look like they cost so much more than they actually do and work great.
Same. I like to have different sets of tools for different use.
That's how I started. Now I have a full armory.
A small bit of unsolicited advice...
Using a torque wrench to secure a barrel nut is completely acceptable, but a torque wrench should never be used to remove one. For the sake of prolonging the life of your tool, and maintaining its precision, only use it for tightening. Use a breaker bar for loosening.
Good video. I love me some Harbor Freight crap! We just got one close by. I can't walk in there without leaving with something I never knew I needed. 😄
Yeah that was a mess up on my part. You're 100% correct. And also correct about buying stuff you never thought you needed....lll
breaker bars are cheap
I try to limit my visits to Harbor Freight. I can't leave that store without spending money.
Erik Rimes i know....i feel your pain.
I hear ya. I get to the counter and she asks if I found everything alright. I unload my arms on the counter and tell her that I wasn't even looking for all the shit I'm about to buy.
@@sedition4267 I have the same problem. If I tell my wife I'm going to Harbor Freight she will ask: "Don't you already have everything that they sell?
@@cyrilculton1181 Don't be me and leave her in the car like a Poodle and say you will be right back. Because your lying. You will be a while.
Exactly what I said when they asked if I wanted a rewards card
don't believe you should ever use a torque wrench when removing a nut. that's what ratchets and/or breaker bars are for.
Yeah you are right
Hey G2. Went to Harbor freight today, and bought most of the items on your list (minus semi-big dollar machines, drill press and router). All the other stuff I got, even the Amazon throw in. Just about $100 spent, but many of these tools are replacing older tools, and a few extras (w/kits). Was fun to shop. Thanks for putting this video out.
Nice!
Harbor Freight is a Man's Walmart.
Bernie Jackson luckily mine is right next to walmart and the grocery store...the little lady does the shopping and I go to Harbor Freight!
@@G2niverse My wife waits in the car and sets a timer when we go to Harbor Freight.
Yep
I would say more like the men's version of Hobby Lobby.
Walmart? Grown mans Toys R Us. Lol
2 years old but still a very informative video thanks!
Thanks for the list & I never thought of using the ammo box as a tool box for firearm tools. Makes total sense 🙌🏼
Found your tool selection very comprehensive and I pictured a number ways to use this with other weapons that could make shooting more fun. Thank you.
Thanks Robert Noles for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
As a mechanic I have been to HarborFreight a time or two but I never really thought about buying range tools there. It’s a great idea thx!
Thanks Chico Durham for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Great info. That really helps a lot. I’m new to ur channel, but will definitely be watching, and recommend it to friends.
Thanks man... welcome!
Terrific info thanks. I'm new to all of this so these Harbor Freight tips will definitely help me to get started in the right direction without
breaking the bank.
Youre very welcome. Thanks for watching and best of luck building your bench.
Glad they finally opened a Harbor Freight in my hometown. I bought their larger cross slide vise for my CM drill press for doing 80% lowers,very happy with the results.
Thanks for the info as I am getting ready to do this. I already have most of these items. Please keep up the great work.
Nice! I didn’t know they had ammo cans. I’d also recommend those long cotton swabs. Quick way to do a deeper cleaning without having to completely disassemble.
Great suggestions on tools. I will use Harbor Freight tools because they are good enough for home projects. not really for massive home building but occasional do-it yourself projects.
DC Rogers yeah sometimes good enough is just that...good nuff
Thanks G, you helped me stay a lil more organized 😎 love Harbor freight!
Good Video , a good reminder to me that I can get all of those items at HF , most of which I already own but I can go get the rest of them and have a complete set . Thanks for posting !
When using the torque wrench with the armors tool you should do the calculation to allow for the extra leverage. 1 or 2 inches makes a difference. We don't want to over torque.
Tony DePalma yeah i never thought of that...physics wasnt my strong suit in school.
you just need to make sure it is at a 90 degree angle
If it is 90 deg off center to the crow foot, they is no difference in torque.
We have both Harbor Freight and NorthernTool in my area. prices are very competitive. I like your
suggestion as these are tools I already have for the most part and keep handy when I go fishing or
out in my boat. They are also handy if and when I have to work on or clean my weapons and are
many things on my vehicles.
James Maxwell nice. Are they the BEST...no. But their warranty and replacement policy is awesome so you can get familiar with the tools, see how they work. Many are just as good as big box retailers, some aren't, but try returning a 2 year old drill press to home depot after it breaks without a receipt.
I bought 6 ammo cans and loves 'em,all the tools you showed I already bought from H/F.I love H/F I been buying from the for 45+ years. and only had 3 problems with stuff I bought and H/F was very quick and happy to take care of me.Oh I just subbed buddy.If I do win I consider that a great win...like I said I love H/F ,and I also dealt with Craftsman.These are the only 2 types of tools I have besides a few of the custom tools you need every so often,you know specialty stuff.ThanX 4 your video.
Hey man, appreciate your video. Never thought about Harbor Freight in this way!😊
Thanks for the video harbor freight haven’t ordered from them since I was in my teens but they look like they have a lot of stuff I can use thanks for the tips. God bless America🇺🇸
Yeah...I had no idea theyve been around for as long as they have. I just recently moved and saw one. Never had any by my old house. I walked in and was immediately in heaven. Obviously some things are just crap, but you can find some great deals...and save that money for when you go to the big box store for the other stuff.
HF also has plastic Apache weatherproof protective cases that are similar to Pelican Cases but at a fraction of the cost. They come with the pull apart foam included. For a single pistol case with room for a few magazines, it is only around $12.99 and the large rifle case that can fit two rifles goes for $159.99
Slowpoke_6 I use them all the time. I have the bigger one in my vehicle to store my ICE supplies.
Ya beat me to it. I've got an Apache 3800 case for my Glock 45 and it works just fine. The pull-a-part foam can be shored up by spraying plasti-dip on it after you have it shaped out. There are a few vids here that show how it is done-simple.
Thank you for the information; I had never thought about Harbour Freight Tools before.
James A. Williams thanks for watching
Excellent! Thanks for taking the time to teach!!!👍😎🇺🇲
Outstanding video. Thanks for putting it together for us. Liked and subbed.
Thanks Jim D. for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
The only shooting related HF stuff I've bought are the ultra sonic cleaner and double drum rock tumbler. I thought I'd only use the tumbler for cleaning brass but I've used the heck out of it for other stuff from cleaning car parts to mixing paint & glue.
A really nice selection of tools. Love the video! 👍
Here is my rule on Harbor Freight. One project use, take a chance for the price. If you every break the tool, you will know two things. Exact which tool or tool size need and if you'll every use it again. If it does break because you keep using it, then buy a better made tool.
Usually, I find that if I have a tool, I'll find other projects because I have the tool.
I only had one failure using Harbor Tools, and that was a pipe die set.
Great list of gun smithing tools, and you gave me some ideals that I should all ready have on the work bench for other projects.
Dwayne 73 You make a great point!
I need that for sure. Just started Stratford gunsmith school... Great info thanks
Nice...congrats! Keep it up.
Congrats
I have used that magnetic tray on tons of jobs, as well as the torque wrench. Both great values.
Thanks Chris Sewell for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Do any of the parts become magnetized after using the tray? I ask because another CZcams channel talked about checking for magnetic Bolt Carrier Group parts and de-magnetizing them.
I grabbed one of the wife’s old used Tupperware container to put parts in. The containers you get when you order To-Go food works good too. 👍
thanks for taking the time to help and share!!!
My pleasure!
Thanks, need several of these. GREAT INFO
A couple of comments: 1) microfiber towels are great for cleanup, but don't use them on blued or other delicate surfaces. The towels are made from polyester and can cause light scratches. Go buy a box of cut flannel towels that painters often use. 2) On torque wrenches remember to turn the setting to zero when done. If you store the wrench, set above zero, they will lose accuracy.
My favorite for cleaning is the box of Wiping Rags. Usually 100% cotton.. also useful for "cut them yourself" cleaning patches
Good video. I agree with all your recommendations and would add 1. For those of us who cannot yet afford to buy the Hornady Hot Tub for deep cleaning of large parts, the HF ultrasonic cleaner is a great compromise. It is fairly small but has a multitude of uses. I cowboy action shoot and use it for cleaning my revolvers. My friend says it works like magic fir him to clean his suppressor. Less than $100 it’s well worth it.
Great idea!
Great job on the video! Very helpful information!
Thanks for the good tips on HF. I need to go there now!
Tyler Multi-Sax lol meet ya there!
Very nice range kit with ammo can. Very well thought out.
Thanks ken Thurman for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
I've used their bolt extractors before, given they were $30 a set, not half bad and they worked like a charm
Great setup Good Luck with your Channel!
Great job and I went and picked up a few of your suggestion. Be safe
Awesome! Thank you!
Cool video. It’s about time someone did a video like this. Just took years to get to recommend.
Thanks wheelstandr for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
I bought most of these things from H.F. - so this was a major vindication video for me! But I didn't have the pick sets so I had to get those too :)
jackobthesnakob they are great for cleaning and if youre into doing your own camo patterns...
Excellent video! Practical useful recommendations!👍🏼
Thanks Andrew Stevens for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Outstanding tips! Thanks! ( down here in South East Texas, no one's quarantined, nor has been...)
Thanks Joshua Simmons for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Bought a 1/2 inch torque wrench there for my AR builds...very happy with it...
Very nice!
Just picked up a couple of plastic storage boxes that are perfect for pistol mags.
Removable dividers and clear top so you can see what you have in there. Have about 24 glock mags in each box nicely organized. Think they were less than 5 bucks each.
john shockley love that idea
This is a good looking kit. Lots of thought went into it.
Very, very good advice!! THANK YOU!
Glad it was helpful!
Good job brother! Thank you!
Thanks America The Free for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
This has been very helpful because I didn't know Harbor freight had all of this stuff
Dale Stearns welcome!
Great info! I love Harbor Freight for saving money on gun tools!
Thanks TeamMosin, be sure to take a look around at other videos we have put out. Theres a bunch out there. If you like what you see or want to see something specific, join the community and make a request!
I have several items from HF that you show in this video. Thanks!!!
Bought a router to remove stumps. Went to Lowes to get bigger bit. I have cut down two stumps. Had to replace a electrical brush that fell out due to vibration. Works great, did not expect it to last.
Thanks jackel19 for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
They just opened up Harbor freight in Poway and live in Ramona so it’s just right down the road how convenient is that for me!
Eriberto Acedo awesome! enjoy your new toy store.
I’m near Poway and didn’t know there was one so thanks for bringing it up
My Grandparents lived in Ramona for decades, until they got fed up with the states politicians and moved to Texas.
I love California. I just wish California loved the American Constitution.
In my opinion, that’s the best Harbor Freight in all of San Diego county. It is cleaner than all the other locations & the staff are so well mannered & they have whet everyone at a tool shop should have, knowledge about the items you are selling. Let me just say the one in El Cajon is absolutely the exact opposite of what I just described, they are rude & completely obnoxious, I will say there are a couple of make employees there that I can see are good employees that are just put into a shitty work environment & over time that stuff just eats away at you. The one In lemon grove is way better of a place to shop at compared to El Cajon.
🅟🅢. The one in El Cajon had 3 women that work there that are shamelessly racist. They haven’t been racist to me before but I have over heard them say some nasty nasty things about people when they thought nobody was around to hear.
Wow! I deal with HF all the time for generators to pump water on our Arizona ranch. I never thought of looking for stuff like this there! I will definitely look for all this stuff next time I go in.
Rick Taylor thanks!
I just subscribed and would love to have that kit and keep up the great work. Thanks again
Neat presentation. I enjoyed it much. Too bad I missed that give-away, "by that much." Stay well and stay safe. Semper Fi
R. Mercado dont worry, we will have more.
There a offset math you can do?? I just feel probably close enough after what i read on factory uppers??? Be aware don't go nuts...love math wizard chime in..
Great video and a awesome tool presentation thanks for sharing
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, Nice video, will look into these items
That’s REALLY NICE!!!!
Just started doing my own gun smith work and would really be nice to have!!
Thanks Duane Walterscheid for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Admittedly I have a few Hazard Fraught tools scattered through my gun/reloading bench and in my shop. If I wear something out, I replace it with a quality tool. That means i use it. HF is a good way to figure out WHAT you need out of a tool while giving you functionality in the mean time. Also great for loaners and beaters.
Matt Fleming absolutely correct. Its like try before you buy. Yes buy once, cry once is the best policy but for something like this there can be a learning aspect to the tool as well, so why not learn on something you dont mind breaking? So i agree with you 100%
@@G2niverse Not to mention that 2/3 of those tools i figured i'd replace later are still around, so they really aren't bad. Also some tools i'll never NEED a "pro" version of. I.e. i picked up a HF airbrush kit (the metal one) just for the purpose of painting rifles. Airbrush puts on a thinner coat and has a more flat finish with flat paints (even when using paint extracted from rattle cans) so it typically looks better and is easy to top dress as the seasons change. 20 bucks.
Why spent 150 bucks on something I'm going to use 5-10 times a year? I'm not going to start doing t-shirts by the beach. There is a usage case for everything. For me that WAS a buy once cry once. As someone who has a lot of nice tools, I can't emphasize enough how much HF has a place to the hobbyist!
Other HFT items to consider:
Gasket or hole punches for punching out muzzleloader wads.
Needle files, work great for rounding off rough edges.
Dutch oven for melting lead.
Welding gloves to protect hands while melting lead.
Safety glasses.
Dead blow or soft faced hammer for knocking open sprue plates on bullet molds.
good adds
Some good idea’s..
Thanks for the info..!
No problem! Reaper Ronin
First time seeing your CZcams info-video. Love this Harbor Freight.. I got 2 of the ammo cans.. love them.. very happy. Too bad I subscribed this late. Keep up the videos coming.
Thanks J-maddog for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
I bought a harbor freight torque wrench years ago and was curious as to how accurate it was. I torqued a few bolts and then a buddy with his snap on torque wrench came back over them and checked them and they were spot on to his snap on.
Justin B You make a great point!
Those magnet trays are essential for bench work with small screws, parts etc , however the magnets always pop loses from crappy china glue . What I do is pop the magnets lose then I apply silicone adhesive on each magnet and let cure over night and they never pop lose again 😁
Hammer Slammer You make a great point!
My reloading/ gun work bench is from Harbor Freight. I replaced the top of the bench with a nice piece of 3/4” plywood, and my press, and other prep tools mount securely, and it’s held up really well. Has an overhead light (added a brighter L.E.D.) 2 drawers, and lots of storage underneath. Pegboard back holds all the tools and supplies I need.
Great idea... the 1/4" press board mine came with is def not enough support. I braced the legs (kind of thin metal) with 2x4s all the way around. Gives it a much sturdier platform to work on. Plus then you can get swivel casters and screw them right into the 2x4s if you need it mobile.
Great summary and one stop shopping!
Thanks Herman 66MI for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
I recently converted a spare room in my house to my "clean" work room. I got the 4" bench vise as described and mounted it on the Universal Bench Grinder Stand. This setup was more than strong enough to do barrel nuts. I use the BEV Block and Crow's foot with the same torque wrench (I've had for 15+ years). I can move this setup where ever I need to without any hassle.
I also go the 48" Lighted work bench. Took a minute to put it together, due to the 130+ screws, but for light to medium duty it's fine. I use it for gun work, guitar work and building & repairing tube guitar amps. Don't try to mount the bench vise on this bench, it's not designed for that heavy type of work. The pegboard back holds some of your more commonly used tool (hooks not included). The three plug outlet helps for your light to medium duty power tools. Two drawers and a storage shelf to round out it's usefulness.
The last two months I've done one build, a rebuild and numerous cleanings. I've worked on a couple guitars, done a couple speaker swaps on amps and cabinets and currently have '62 Fender tube amp build on it, getting wired up. I've got a gun cleaning mat (from my daughter who used to live in this room) for when I do gun work. I have a neoprene mat for guitars, so they don't get scratched and a homemade stand for the amplifier chassis, that I can move around as needed. It's been great to work in a climate controlled area and not using the kitchen table! :-D
Jack F I have the same table...and I agree the fiberboard top can no way handle a vise...plus the light was a little weak, so I switched it out for a few brighter ones. If you havent seen this video, check it out...its great for vise mounting! czcams.com/video/dAPC8qZsqqg/video.html
I'm at Harbor freight often enough that I have my own parking spot! Gotta get the long pick set! Thanks for the info!
Thanks LegARmaniac for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
That's not a 1/4 torque wrench.... That's a 3/8s square in the AR 🔧.
Awsome wouldn't have thought of them, thanks
Excellent video!! Thank you for putting this together, just subscribed!
Thanks for the sub!
I really like this channell.Great ideas
Thanks Frank Abbott for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
If you reload one of the vibration tubs work great for cleaning the brass and is way cheeper than the one sold at your reloading center . The cloth tool bags work great for a range bag and cheeper . Have fun shoot straight and often .
George Deeds not words You make a great point!
The rock tumblers are great for getting into wet tumbling brass as well
Great stuff you out iut there I have some of them but now getting the rest . Thank u
Thanks Christopher Dilustro for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Thanks for the video... Very helpful
Glad it was helpful!
'A good workman never blames his tools'
"Yeah, but a good workman didn't buy his tools at Harbor Freight." -Ian McCollum.
Not trying to knock HF, or the people who shop there (myself included), just fit with the subject.
Joshua Bessire i do have a sense of humor you know...lol
Boy have they gone up. They were like $4.-$5. Thanks for the info.🇺🇸
Thanks Pat L Smith for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
A LOT of the tools and supplies at harbor freight have gone up in price big time!.
I couldn't believe how much I spent my last couple of trips there Last year as compared to just a few years ago..
Still, when you need something and can't afford the crazy inflated prices for snap on or whatever, harbor freight will get you by.. some of their stuff is actually good quality, but obviously some stuff is absolute garbage and lucky to be able to finish one job with.. just gotta pay attention to what you're buying..
Agree. I’ve had good success with Harbor Freight products. Cheers!
Watched the whole thing. good report!
Great suggestions, one just open not far from me, I already hace the Allen set and the orange hood pins, but I didn't know about the ammo box, I know where I'm going this weekend,
JP Prieto LOL they come in handy for sure.
If it's the one I'm thinking of, don't plan on filling it with ammo. I would keep the weight down in order to fully trust it.
Those nitrile gloves are double that price now. Thanks, Dems!
Yes they are!
You mean central bankers ?
They can’t keep from printing money 🤦♂️
Very cool! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Love it Thank you for the info specially me being a beginner it really helps God bless
You are so welcome! Tex Koelsch
Good stuff
Thanks for the visit
Harbor freight has really come up. In fact have some of the best quality tools now. Their pro line is fantastic. In fact their pro line 1/2 torque is superior to snap ons. Much closer to actual spec.
jimmy james You make a great point!
Superior to snap on? 😆 harbor freight has come a long way no doubt but to say they’ve surpassed snap on is ridiculous.
AWESOME VID! many of those items, i have identical, and have picked up through out the years. as I built my shop with small engine work, wood work, etc to include : purchased the vise, plus the a few different types of vises they offer, the hex keys, the picks, caliper, mallet, assembly, tweezers, punches, 70$ drill press, towels, rubber gloves all type, I even got the red dish magnetic holder, the torque wrench ( but switched it to a different brand later on )
thanks
Great Video and I have the Vise and it’s been a life saver, I made different bolt on inserts for the Jaws using 1/2 inch treated plywood and thick rubber and cut to fit and they bolt right up to the Jaws with recessed Bolts I picked up at Lowe’s. Great Video and stay safe Semper Fidelis
Thanks WTrax71 for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Their ammo boxes are a must.
Teabagonyou 100% agreed
On the torque wrench it’s a 1/2 “ connection not 1/4 “, like you said, also you left off the ultra sonic cleaner which is important for cleaning parts. Harbor Freight makes one for 1/2 price of others and it works good enough.
They also have rotory and vibratory tumblers for reloading.
D Carlton you are right...ive been known to say things are smaller than they actually are...that way the ladies are surprised..lol
@@G2niverse
That’s a good idea, I’ll try it the next time my wife let’s me go on a date. Great video and I actually have everything you mentioned.
If the thing you are trying to torque is not in the same plane as the wrench it will not be accurately torqued. Think like adding an extension. In this configuration it is offset. It would still work but not be technically torqued correctly.
@@stevenweede7184 question Sir... every barrel nut wrench I've ever seen(wether a dedicated, or component of an amorors wrench as shown) has a receiver hole for a torque drive to fit it it... all of these would be considered offset. Are all of these then, out of spec?.... are there other products I haven't seen, that prevents this?... and finally, how 'out of spec' would it be (ie, close enough, or this is a problem)?...
I'm not a mechanic... just a DIY guy, but I've never heard this, so just trying to get smarter... lol
Thx.
Great place to shop and great points you have shared
Thanks Rick Staples for being a subscriber...love hearing from you guys!
Their "watchmakers hammer" has been my go to for a long time. Keep one brass and one nylon end on it and its ready to persuade anything into place.
Perfect for those little ar pins
I agree with all of your suggestions. A lot of things from hf aren't really worth it, however a lot of things are perfectly useable and considerably cheaper than buying elsewhere. Like the mini pick sets. Why would I spend $50 on a set from snap on when the $2 set works just as well? I have multiple sets of them that I've had for years. I think I melted a handle on one a few years ago, the rest are all still going strong.
One thing I would not buy from hf however is an american flag. When buying flags I always make sure they were made in the usa.
Just a personal thing for me.
Z287899 I totally agree with that. Great point.
100%agree on the American flag but ironically the pick set is the exact thing I was thinking about as something I'd never buy from harbor freight again for gun stuff from when I did trigger work on an ak with it
It kind of sickens me that an american flag could be made in a place other than the USA. Of all the tools he listed, the picks are not one that id use for working on a firearm. I work as a machinist and have broke the tip of the point off. Granted i may have been asking more from them that i should have, picking broken taps out for my coworkers.
Great video, and I already have most of the HF items. As an aside, Academy Sports and Outdoors usually runs a special on .50 cal ammo cans around the holiday season in Nov/Dec for $10 each, and they come on the usual OD plus blank and tan..
Mark Monse nice
Nice gift idea to!! Good info for new owners
Aaron S. yeah good idea.
Good picks. I've got everyone except for the router. And that's on the list of tools I need to get.