DIYbanter - View Single Post - Quality of Harbor Freight and Chicago Electric tools

wrote:
On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 02:36:21 GMT, ender (Jeffrey
J. Kosowsky) wrote:

Harbor Freight seems to have some very attractively priced power
tools, particularly those under the "Chicago Electric Power".

What has been your experience with Harbor Freight in general and with
the Chicago Electric brand in particular?
- How does the quality and value stack up?
- If one is a serious hobbyist who doesn't have unlimited money to
spend on tools, is it better to buy fewer name-brand, high-priced
tools or go for a broader range of Chicago Electric brand tools to
fill out my home shop?

Presumably you never get something for nothing so I imagine the
quality of a 29.95 sawzall type tool can't be as good as a $200
Milwaukee version... but that being said, is it worth buying this
stuff?

Please share your experiences and advice from a hobbyist perspective
(I know that if you use your tools professionally 8+ hours/day then it
pays to buy the best).

Thanks

I have never bought from H. F. simply because there is not one nearby.
I have a distant friend who says their stuff is not top quality, but
swears their stuff holds up pretty well, for the price.

I HAVE purchased from another company called Homier Distributors.
They are mobile merchants and set up a sale in a tent in different
towns. I have never been so dissatisfied with any other purchases.
Their stuff is total junk, and once they got your money, forget about
getting any help or being able to return defective items, or even
having an email returned. This is the worst company I have ever dealt
with. However, this same friend has also bought from Homier and says
he has gotten a few deals from them. Of course too, he just putters
around. I tend to really use tools, and those homier tools have all
broken within one day or less.

I might consider buying from Harbor Freight if I have access. I will
NEVER buy from Homier again.

I probably did not really answer your question, but this is just some
personal experience.

Mark

I bought a sliding Miter Saw from them to replace the one I had stolen
off the back of my truck. It's a knock off of the Makita but not built
as well, but it only cost $99.00. I only use it off the back of my
truck. Matter of fact it's chained to the back of my truck now. If it's
stolen its not a big deal. The one I had stolen was a Dewalt. I replace
it with another higher end Dewalt but it stays in the shop. The saw so
far has worked ok but a little gutless. I spent 1/2 as much for a blade
( 50.00 Frued) for the saw which helps. I too bought their cheap tile
saw and it's worked pretty good. I didnt expect to use it for long since
I dont do tile everyday.

The tools I use everyday a Porter Cable 14.4 cordless drill and their
combo brad and finish nailer with compressor, a Milwaukee sawzall and
corded 1/2 drill, Mikata grinder, and a old Craftsman circular saw. I
would never even think about replacing these with a HF for the obvious
reasons. I USE THEM EVERYDAY!!! I'm really impressed with the grinder,
it only cost $60.00 and it's really powerful and the Sawzall for $125.00
on sale.

Rich
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