5 Must Have Tools for the Shop from Harbor Freight [and Elsewhere]
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- Not Sponsored and Not and Ad. We went to Harbor Freight and spent our own money to buy some tools that think should be in every tool box. They may not be a necessity, but they can make your life easier and/or more comfortable. Whether you buy them from Harbor Freight, Amazon, Home Depot, or Walmart, these are 5 Must Have Tools for any shop. Let us know if you think we missed something. #tools #harborfreight #notsponsored
Keep current with our great content:
CZcams: / shoptoolreviews
Instagram: / shoptoolreviews
TikTok: / shoptoolreviews
Facebook: / shoptoolreviews
Twitter: / shoptoolreviews
I was at the Snap On training center in Ft Worth a few weeks ago. I’ll promise the crew at Harbor Freight is 100 times friendlier than the Snap On staff.
Unfortunately, we understand and recognize your remark. Our several conversations with Snap-on corporate have not been successful. The Snap-on truck guys are great, and they want to take care of their customers...for the most part. Thanks for watching.
Snap on is a scam. Literally harbor freight and snap use the same makers 😂😂😂
Ive never bought from snap on only because the truck guy never said hello or any kind of greeting. He walked around the shop asking for people who owed him money but never introduced himself to new techs.
@@lmora91 they infest my work also, i take breaks when they show up
@@dancearoundtheworld5360 my coworker would pay him 100 one week, (even though the minimum was like 25 or something) to get ahead on his payments and the next week the guy was asking for money again like damn dude.
The little piece you put back in the nozzle of the pressurized sprayer (Sure Shot) is for a fan pattern. You take that out and you get a solid spray. No need to drill out the nozzle.
I thought everyone knew that.
I'll add to this list. If you just have to have a few Crescent style Adjustable wrenches in your box , and you want to buy new... The Doyle line of Adjustable wrenches are the best New HD wide jaw traditional adjustable wrenches you can buy that aren't being sold on a Tool Truck. Wide beam handles and a Huge actual true Buttress threaded ,and sprung Knurl/Thumbscrew! They are every bit as good as the last USA made wide beamed Armstrong, Proto's and Crescents before they all stopped production in the US. The three sizes they sell the 10",12" and just released 15" are all very good quality and are reasonably priced. I work in Heavy Machining (30th year) and use adjustables daily for confined space setups where sometimes it's better and safer to just take an adjustable onto the job for setups and fixturing. I still love my well used collection of modern slim Spanish Adjustables like my Kliens and Channellock adjustables for tight space jobs but these Doyle's have allowed me to retire my irreplaceable vintage USA made Adjustables and let them have a relaxed life at my home shop versus having them be damaged or having them walk off.
I’m with you on the flush cuts and zip ties. That sharp end sticking out is my biggest pet peeve.
Yes I’m in hvac and when you have those ends sticking up on the lineset or wires. That shit hurts on your arm
@@TheBushey they make zip tie guns just for that purpose fairly cheap also
these are fun considering people will wrap a zip tie around a roll of tape and use the point to cut the tape.
I would love a part 2+ for people like me who don’t have the essentials in their shop
Those silicone parts trays have been a lifesaver! I have a large one and that small one, use them all the time. You can put them on a hot engine without melting and they stay put. If someone ever decides to mold them with a few magnets in some of the compartments, they'll sell a million.
OR... you could get a pack of the business card magnets for a couple of bucks and fit them yourself. I had considered this myself but the bowls work just fine for me.
tech tip. buy silicone or plastic trays for engine work. a lot of these newer cars are sensitive to magnets i.e. chrysler tone rings on the cams will become damaged if introduced to a strong magnet.
To be fair not many people are putting magnetic trays directly on aluminum engines.
LET'S GO 🏁 TJ
The silicon trays will hold fasteners really well too... they're great
Yes, you are correct, they are great for fasteners and parts. Won’t scratch the paint either. Thanks for watching.
I use a 1 gallon Hudson stainless pump sprayer , have 2 one with purple power 1 with solvent works great also a 2 gallon plastic with just water as a mobile mechanic.
Put water or any water based fluid in the pressurized sprayer and it is guaranteed to stop working. The American made SureShot sprayer has a warning not to use water based fluids in it as well. It’s a sure way to wreck them.
I have those flush cutters. Excellent. I have several of those cheap pick sets. I got them for free as a HF promotion years ago. All i need. I don't have those particular pressurized sprayers but they are handy. Somebody gave me a gallon of WD40 so I had an excuse to go buy one. 😉 I've lost track of how many magnetic trays I have. In basement, in the garage, out in the shop. Incredibly handy. I do like those silicon trays as well.
Buying stuff at Harbor Freight you should always wait for one of their coupons you can save 20 to 30%
I agree 100%. I only buy the Icon with coupons.
Those coupons are getting few and far between around here.
@@dougbowen4685 I see 15% now. It's oK I will just stop buying.
Coupons are not a thing anymore at harbor freight.
@@dylano7242 I still see them. If not I will not go.
I’m looking at you spraying the brake clean and I’m smelling it, haha. It’s a smell you can’t forget.
Went to HF today, surprised to see they actually also had Toughbuilt knee pads.
Typically they'd only be at Lowe's, which was what was a bit eye opening to me lol.
Edit: item(s) I've found that are worthwhile at HF have been their 18" USG magnetic holder (cheaper than the ones at Walmart or HD & perform as well). Small ¼" security bit set - nothing special but for $5 it gets the job done for my use case. Giant roll of blue shop towels, and I can't remember what else but if others have more please add! :)
Those plastic bags are the best must have tool from harbor freight. They really come in handy.
11:47 my knipex flush cutters broke too, after about 6 months and i only used them on zip ties. I was really surprised because all my knipex pliers and cutters are awesome, maybe it was a defect or something.
Don't care who makes it if u use it ,it will wear out or break
There is a gun/ tool for Zip ties that leaves a flush or below the surface tail. The pressure sprayer has doubled in price since I purchased it. Been using soft jaw pliers since my Navy days working on cannon plugs and electronics. Used to get stainless parts trays with magnetic bases for free back when Harbor Freight did 20 percent coupons.
nothing is better than a tensioning tool for zip tie courtesy. Those cutters are a close second
I’m a fisherman and the soft jaw pliers are great for loosening graphite reel seats that are stuck… and they get 12:49 stuck if you crank down on them.
I love harbor freight. I bought a shitload of tools over time. Even their Pittsburg brand is more than enough for most jobs. There are a lot of CZcams videos on which HF tools you should avoid. I have never bought the ICON brand, but I have bought some of the Doyle and they seem like a step up and I practically ever tool I bought was bought on sale or with a coupon. I actually don't use the tools that often. Many, of them I have never used, but I got tired of wanting to do something and I didn't have the tool that I needed. Now my only issue is finding where I put the tool.
The Doyle flush cutters are the best compromise between Icon and $hittsberg.
Used to work for a place where snap on would constantly come. Guy asked what I did and I told him “facility maintenance” asked what tools I used and I said most of my stuff is from harbor freight. (Had to provide my own hand tools). I told him I couldnt afford to buy from him at the moment. He laughed and said “you obviously don’t care to spend money on quality tools” and then said something about “quality work”. Smh.
The Doyle line at Harbor freight is really good brand and will stand up to SNAP On Craftsman.
Agree and Usually made in Taiwan not china
The Maddox sprayer works great for bulk WD40, which will destroy the O-Rings in a pump type pressure sprayer.
Several sets of those cheap snips are perfect to keep with a box knife in the shop and in the house just for opening packages
I made my own pressurized sprayer out of a fire extinguisher,a valve stem and an igniter,filled it with Lighter fluid and had a home-made flame thrower! Works real good
HarborFreight today is not the junk it was 10 years ago. They are now better than all the big box store house brands and they have lots right up there with snap on , matco or Mac
Man do not drill out the tip on that sprayer just take the little needle thing out
The pressure sprayer also works great for power bleeding brakes! always apply the brake fluid from the wheel cylinder up to the master. You won't have to pump the peddle and waste your time!
Thought I had a lifetime supply of different pick sets and then going thru a desk looking for something the other day found another set, now I'm sure I'm set for life.
Or at least untill you use 'em once ...
what maniac does not have several pick sets?
I use the Klein Flush cutters; not a superstar, but they work
I’ve bought a ton of Icon tools and they’ve been worth every penny. I wrench on things more then the average person but by no means am I a professional mechanic. Don’t need anything else
Klein has really nice flush cutters for $13.
Knipex are the best 😊
Not HF but the Channellock #410 nut buster pliers are an essential mechanic tool for removing rounded bolts and around $20?
Don’t cut the wire tie use pliers and twist you will gut a smooth surface
that was exactly enough brakleen for demo purposes
The icon flush cuts are overkill and clunky for zip ties. The cheap are better, the Doyle are spring loaded and are perfect for zip ties. The icons are for finish nails and staples.
The Pittsburgh picks are trash. I have the icons, but husky from HD are a better value.
Most underrated tool at HF are the wobble impact socket extensions, that little bit of play the wobble allows makes a huge difference. I wish you could get a pack of the 3 inch ones. Way better than any universal
You can’t beat HF for disposable gloves when they are on sale. Typically 2 to 3 months between the good sales. So stock up. Approximate what you use in the time frame and get some extra. I use the 5 mil for sealants and oil changes the 7 or 9 for working
The small roll of rags is a rip off the big roll and dispenser to keep debris off is comically large but a good value and reduces the chance of ruining the roll.
My Knipex flush cuts broke also… same jaw. Haven’t warrantied them yet.. not sure if they will need the piece that flew off to I don’t know where…we will see. 😂
Harbor freight tools are good for the price.
Are the tips the same as air nosel tips that come in those small air compressor kits
I have them for plastic models kits.
That's perfect for cutting those pieces out of the matris without any stickout on them. Great idea! Thanks for watching.
Would buy a USA pic set for the same price like mayhew or channel lock brand instead of the Taiwan ones.
don't have to drill out the internal brass fitting just remove it to create a stronger stream, do not use water in the pressure sprayer it will rust the housing they are for solvent or oil based
By pressing the trigger lightly on the pressure canister it’ll spray a straight stream, or you could have just taken the tip off😂
My primary hand tools are HF. I build GM crate motors into marine engines, My battery power tools are Dewalt.
That's great to hear and thanks for sharing. We're assuming that if you have a tool failure, you just visit your nearest HF and return it or replace it?! Can't argue with that. Thanks for watching.
@@Shoptoolreviews Considering I'm building new, and not taking apart old and rusted, I don't have to use enough force to break a tool. Only ever broken tools on my personal projects.
I have the orange pick set n they paid for themselves 1000000x over
What is the non pressurized brake clean formula? Or does it come sold as brake-clean in a bottle like that?
Did drilling it make it less of a stream lol?
Harbor freight is just fine. I make a living using these tools. Dewalt tools are getting bad reviews just to name one of a few tools. So people keep using Harbor freight tools there just fine. Try hart tools, baur tools and more.
Kind of deceptive to pretend that if someone gives a Dewalt tool a bad review, that is a reason to choose a HF instead, considering that by any rational criteria, the HF alternative would have more negatives. I get it though, Dewalt's tools are pricey for a DIYer who doesn't use them all day long.
Knipex cuts steel and stays sharp.
China Freight is great for certain things that don't see heavy daily use aside from their USG tool cabinets; those are great. The ICON flush cutters are legit though. Cheers!
I use Icon ratcheting wrenches daily building marine engines.
I would argue that the Knipex 72 01 160 is a far better flush cutter than the ones you showed broken.
Maybe, but we have two sets of these Knipex flush cutters and both broke doing easy work.
@@Shoptoolreviews
Have you tried the 78 03 140, that’s the pair I have and never broke as of yet anyway..
You must’ve been cutting a fungused up big toe nail lol..?
@@Shoptoolreviews
Heck the pair the other guy mentioned 72 01 160 are pretty much the heavy duty style flush cutters
Check the pricing on bulk brake clean? It’s cheaper to buy it in the cans. The bulk stuff is a lot more money.
Bulk brake clean in 5 gallon buckets comes out to the equivalent of about $2.30 per can, vs $3.56 or $4.19 at Walmart and AutoZone respectively for single cans. Technically cheaper, but after taking into account the inevitable spills, mess, and hassle, plus the cost of the sprayer, it's probably not really worth it unless you're a shop going through crazy amounts of the stuff.
He said cheapies next to Icon lol!!!!!!!
What are good uses for brake clean?
sticker adhesive removal
$25 for Icon flush cut pliers is criminal. I've had the $1.50 Pittsburgh that work great, but I also have legit brand name ones for $9
Royal king is best on the silicone trey get3 for 24.99
Mind you. HF has the best return policy of any hardware company there is.
I'm disappointed at Harbor Freight for not shipping to US territories like Guam. I'd love to order tools from the website.
Do not put water in the sprayer as it will rust and destroy it. Those sprayers are GREAT!
$5 for those parts bowls is nuts. I just took some magnets from old speakers, and epoxied them onto the back of trays and bowls, and have a few more that I keep on a toolbox and parts cart. Seems like Harbor Freight has stepped up their quality game but also, fewer deals to be had. I'm pretty sure that once upon a time ago, HF had coupons where you get a free stainless magnetic parts bowl, just showing up at the store and presenting the coupon (because I have one of those too).
Ok I gotta ask, what are the sharpest, best cutting flush cutter's? I use some hobby ones for my models, but they are over priced, and break waaaaaaay too often.
Anything name brand is plenty sharp enough for their purpose, seems like you are using the wrong tool for the job if you are breaking them. However the HF ones in the video at $25(?) are built heftier than most.
@@stinkycheese804 they are thin blade ultra sharp hobby nippers. They just break/wear out often.
The quality of steel is not comparable
What in the world did you try to cut with those Knipex flush cutters, I have the exact same one?
Many many people have had the exact same issue, cutting only zip ties.
do the pressurized sprayers have dip tubes, internally?
Yes, they do have a dip tube, so it's picking up the fluid from the bottom of the can. Thanks for watching.
@@Shoptoolreviews Thank you for the video AND the response!
nail clippers, chapstick, nail file and a hair brush :D
I have both sets and the HF are better than the snap on sad but true story.
Harbor freight is better than snap off that’s what CP the tools addict taught me did you know he’s the same guy that does the tool bear channel
Yea harbor freight is for the people!
Cp and den of tools are 2 diff people... Cp is not a HF fan lol...
@@YuoGotOwn3d duhhh they are brothers and they both love harbor freight CP hates Matco and snap on. I swear some people say they love CP but I’m sure they don’t even have CP saved to their hard drives
All the Harbor Freight hand tools have a lifetime guarantee, even the Pittsburgh line, which is their least expensive.
I don't think the "all H.F. Tools have a Lifetime Warranty" is correct.
Some, not all.
@@geraldf.1222 That’s not what I typed, you literally put quotes around something I didn’t say.🤣🤣 Reread it, I said HAND TOOLS. Here’s a copy and paste of their warranty information directly from their website.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty
We guarantee our Hand Tools to be free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. Limitations apply. Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser. In the event an identical item is not available as a replacement: Harbor Freight Tools reserves the right to substitute a substantially similar item in its place. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
Eventually you're going to find out that a warranty against defects in material and workmanship, is not the same thing as a no questions asked warranty for *any* reason. I know that HF interprets their warranty liberally at the moment, but free from defects is not really a warranty at all, every single thing sold in the US is required to be fit for marketed purpose without any express warranty statement and you can demand return for refund if a product does not meet that standard. Granted, you have a limited time window to do so but frankly, any tool that has such a defect, I'm going to find that out right away. ;)@@donnie017
Me always using a razor knife to cut off zip tie ends. If i had to bleed so does the next guy🫡
Bad thing about the cheep pick set, they're really flimsy and may break on you. A better choice is the Kobalt ones from Lowes. They come with a comfort grip handle, they're a tiny bit larger than the Pittsburgh, but MUCH stronger. They're not as big and beefy as the Icon ones but IMO, the Kobalt ones are what everyone starting out should buy. They're tough and affordable. IIRC only like $10 for a set of 4
Never leave soapy water in the sprayer
THOSE PLIERS LOOK LIKE CUTTERS TO ME... plastic cap is to reduce bending if tips when you look at 'em.
the canister sprayers you cant get a part for so are throw away my friend said.
Just order good tools online, probably waiting on parts anyway save yourself a second trip
The trouble with those orange handle picks is the handles pull off super easily. Way TOO easily
Yep the 90° spins in the handle when you try to use it, have super glued mine in and fixes it for now
Fit, maybe for Joe "I can fix Anything fo FREE" ( see 2,974 EuTubo Videos). Designed un USA but fabed with low grade steel over there. ? No TANKS ! Even their stainless is magnetic and rusts
!
Way WAY tooooo MANY ads!
I use God Hand plier for cutting zip ties. If you use it correctly and don't cut stupid stuff that's not plastic, it works great. Made in Japan no cheap shit.
Seems like a waste, to overpay for something that you merely use to cut zip ties and other plastic. Paying a premium for flush cutters really only makes sense if you either repetitively use them all day long and a particular model has better ergonomic grips to save your hands from arthritis or repetitive stress injury, OR the other case that due to better metallurgy and hardening, the blade edge holds up better when you are cutting something harder, for example the leads on discrete electronic components.
not really
NOT WATER!
Good point, will probably rust
@@Shoptoolreviews We've got your back! Keep up the good work!
Livestream
Those flush cut pliers are a direct Snap-on clone. Buy Snap-on instead, Made In America and only $84 😂
Harbor Freight is going to keep on and they are going to lose their "cheap junk king" title.
I get the budget thing but why support cheap Chinese knock off junk that won't last half the time the other good American made tools would last have some pride in youre peoples work
Waste of time
There is absolutely no must have tool from HF. Have some pride and buy American at least German
The icon flush cuts are the only tool I’ve ever bought from HF and they are awesome.
Stfu 😂😂😂😂 no one cares
Buying American is a lot tougher than just shopping at places other than Harbor Freight. When you pick up a tool, from ANY brand, do you look to see where it is made? A tool made in America is a rare find. At least in the last year I've seen more and more tools not made in China, but still not made in America. When I see a tool actually made in America I often buy it just to send my tiny message to the store that American tools do sell. Yet another reason to buy tools I don't need😊
Amen to that
That’s why Tim added “and elsewhere” to the title, he wasn’t meaning solely Harbor Freight! If you’re gonna use “pride” in your comment then you should have left out the German part.
Made in American owned by Americans employe English speaking people good luck
Buy at these stores , China needs a retailer to dump their junk. No customer service. 20$ restocking fee . Some liftime warranties. But how trips do you want to take it back to the store . If your dumb enough, you might buy more .😢
Taking to long😖
Change your watch speed to 1.5. 😁 That’s what we do.
Zip ties are exactly where you don't want to use flush cutters. Why? Because if you don't flush cut them, it is much easier to pop them open with a knife blade or needle, etc. and be able to reuse them. You might think "why do I want to reuse them when they are so inexpensive?", but the reason is, nobody can possibly have all their supplies with them everywhere and you'll end up coming across some that you need to temporarily remove and then reuse because you don't have any spares on your person at the moment. Will leaving the little bit sticking out scratch your hand? Pfffft! That would be the mildest hand scratch I could manage to get from all the work I've done over the years. Wear gloves if scratching your hands up is a problem.
Harbor freight junk
Leave out the gold needle to get an actual stream on the sure shot can