Quality??

[Ed62]

Not sure if this should have been posted here or on the bargain alert forum.

We have a HF not too far from us, but I've never bought anything from them. Looking at their flyers, I see a lot of things that have prices seeming too good to be true. So my thinking is that the overall quality of their merchandise leaves a lot to be desired. Are there any of their power tools that are worth considering if they won't be subjected to heavy use? Does anyone have something like this they're happy with? I know the saying "Buy the best tools you can, and you'll only cry once". But what if it's something you'll only use once in a while?

Ed

[final_t]

The DC and 14" BS are considered a good buy from HF.
I have the hang-on-a-wall rotery tool and it's pretty good for the price.
I do buy a lot of latex gloves from them - they actually are *better* than what Lowes sells, and cheaper.
The cotton power tool covers are very nice, as are the general use tarps.
Other than the DC, the only other power tool I've bought was their little fixed speed lamnite trimmer, before Bosch & Rigdid had their VS models out. It was ok for the $10 I spent on it, but never liked the body lock on it (similar to Ridgid's model).
WMMV.

[bigfoot]

I have bought an angle grinder which is more than suitable for my uses, and a touchup spray gun and an airbrush that also suit my needs and were cheap, which makes the wife happy.

[maxparot]

My rule is to never pay full price for a HF tool. Most of their tools are reasonable values when on sale. I'll try to buy on sale and with a coupon. Doing this has served me well over the last 20 years of being a HF customer. That said some of the tools they sell are total junk while others are jewels. Use your own good judgement and you'll do fine purchasing from HF.

[Ed62]

It's good to hear that they have some things worth buying. Thanks for the replies.

Ed

[MilDoc]

Have to agree with the above. I have the HF angle grinder, dust collector, F-clamps, and others. I consider a lot of their products Chinese junk, but many are well worth the cost. But I wait for anything I want to buy to go on sale. never have to wait long!

P.S. -- never buy HF "painters tape." Pure junk!

[Ed62]

P.S. -- never buy HF "painters tape." Pure junk!

Another good tip. Thank you.

Ed

[LinuxRandal]

I bought a pancake compressor from them for my nailers and for the portability. It needed one of their $5 regulators, because the tank doesn't have one, however, it has been my most borrowed tool.
I believe several people here have also bought their Jointer, it seems to receive decent reviews for it's price.

[jhart]

A while back, someone had posted a HF list that rated various HF stuff. Anyone remember that and still have the list?

[crokett]

It's good to hear that they have some things worth buying. Thanks for the replies.

Ed

Be careful. Quality is spotty. I've had bad experiences with HF power tools as has my Dad. I decided not to shop at HF anymore after he had to return a compressor twice before getting one that worked.

[Mrk67mark]

Are HF and Cummins pretty much the same? There have been Cummins truck sales around here since Hurricane Katrina and I was thinking of picking up the 1hp DC for $99. BTW they have 4 BT3100's reconditioned for $199.

[John Hunter]

I have the following HF tools that I am very happy with.

1. 2 HP dust collector.
2. 14" Band Saw
3. 6" Jointer
4. 6" Belt 9" Disc Sander.
5. 40" Lathe
6. 8" Grinder
7. Numerous air framing nailer, brad and pin nailer guns.

Also love many of their clamps.

[Knottscott]

I love the Pittsburg bar clamps...they go on sale about twice a month for 1/2 price. I'm also pleased with the mortiser to $100, but I wouldn't pay more. Their routers look scary cheap, and I'm fairly concerned about the router bits too...I've seen carbide cutters leave a bit and embed itself in a wall. The jointer and DC have it's fans, as does the BS, but I read more complaints about the BS than the DC or jointers. I've even read some good things about their $300 contractor saw...it goes on sale for ~ $240 sometimes, but I'm not sure I"d want to fuss with it. Their digital calipers are an awesome bargain on sale.

Just approach each item with some skepticism and make an individual decision on each...if you're gut's telling you not to get it...don't. If it's not a critical item and the price is good, give it a try...their return policy is very generous. Watch their flyers and coupons and you'll save alot.

[ironhat]

Just my two cents worth. I tend to buy here when the item is *not* intended for hard use... Spare tools for having on hand at the cabin or an occassional use tool. I do have the DC which included none of the appropriate hardware which was easily remedied with about $2 worth of bolts, nuts and washers. The biggest downside for me, at least, is that the closest one is one hour away and by the time I can get there on an off day the clamps on sale are gone.
Later,
Chiz

[LCHIEN]

Not sure if this should have been posted here or on the bargain alert forum.

We have a HF not too far from us, but I've never bought anything from them. Looking at their flyers, I see a lot of things that have prices seeming too good to be true. So my thinking is that the overall quality of their merchandise leaves a lot to be desired. Are there any of their power tools that are worth considering if they won't be subjected to heavy use? Does anyone have something like this they're happy with? I know the saying "Buy the best tools you can, and you'll only cry once". But what if it's something you'll only use once in a while?

Ed

About every 6 months someone starts a "What's the best bargains from HF" thread. They're hard to searcch for because the search engine does not like two letter acronyms. Here's a couple:

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ighlight=items
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...ighlight=items