wrote in message
ups.com...

A firm with ethics like this deserves special reconition! While I can't
get into the products that they sell, I really have to respect their
business ethics, and now feel almost obligated to buy something from
them, not because I want the product, buy just to show them my respect.

You don't have to feel guilty about buying from Harbor Freight. While some
of their stuff is definitely crap (particularly cutting tools like saw
blades and drill bits), they also sell some things that are just fine and at
a great price. It's up to you to be a discriminating buyer.

For example, you could get a brass or copper head hammer from them and it
will be as good as most other similar hammers at more expensive outlets
(probably even made by the same manufacturer). Or you could buy some welding
supplies. Or a shop crane. Or even a decent Chinese mill-drill (not as good
as the true Taiwanese Rong-Fu, but probably as good as any other Chinese
mill-drill of that design).

And Harbor Freight does stand behind many of their products. I bought a pair
of bearing press plates from HF a number of years ago (in Southern
California). Recently, a piece broke off the thin edge. I took them up to
the local HF (in Northern California), and without a receipt, they exchanged
the broken set for a new pair.

And lest you think HF only sells cheap Chinese tooling, you should know that
they also sell name-brand tools at good prices. I bought a high-end
Ingersoll Rand air impact wrench from them a while back at a very low sale
price.

Give HF a try, not just because they practice good business ethics, but
because they offer a good value for your tooling dollar.

(Standard Disclaimer: I have no interest in HF other than being a satisfied
customer.)

Regards,
Michael