Harbor Freight is the go-to for countless DIYers and quite a few professional auto mechanics for quality tools at affordable prices. But not every tool that the retailer offers is one that’s worth buying.
What are the 5 tools you should never buy from Harbor Freight?
If you’re shopping for new tools, you’ll want to steer clear of the following:
- Reciprocating saws
- Drill bits
- Drills
- Cheap welders
- Cheap generators
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s some straight talk from automotive guru Scotty Kilmer about which tools you should never buy from Harbor Freight. Read along as we go into detail about each tool Kilmer mentions in his informative video.
Scotty Kilmer’s 5 Harbor Freight Tools to Avoid
1. Reciprocating Saws
Scotty’s experience with a $29 corded reciprocating saw wasn’t exactly a pleasant one, but at least it was short-lived. His Harbor Freight saw only lasted a few months until it shorted its own internal wiring during a cutting job, tripping Scotty’s circuit breaker in the process.
The cheaper the cutting tool, the more likely the manufacturer might cut some corners to save costs, as Scotty learned first-hand. Going with a well-known name brand like DeWalt has proven a much better experience for the automotive expert.
2. Drill Bits
See a set of drill bits for a rock-bottom price? You might want to pass up on the offer. As Scotty mentions, drill bits are definitely a case of getting exactly what you paid for.
Compared to more expensive drill bits, the cheap ones you’ll find at Harbor Freight are made from cheap metal. This makes them more prone to deform or even snap apart while drilling through metal or any other tough material.
So, unless you’re drilling in something soft like wood, you should stick with a quality drill bit that’ll last longer and be safer to use.
3. Drills
As Kilmer says, he’s also used cheap Harbor Freight drills in the past, and they’ve all burned out eventually. He’s had better success with a DeWalt drill he’s used for years without any issues. Again, it’s a matter of getting what you pay for.
4. Cheap Welders
While Harbor Freight makes plenty of good-quality welders, Scotty recommends not going too cheap. He compares a $99 welder to a $300 welder, noting that the more expensive welder puts out more power and overall does a better job than the $99 welder.
5. Cheap Generators
Again, Kilmer warns against choosing the absolute cheapest product, especially when it comes to generators. He found out the hard way that his $89 generator couldn’t power as many devices as the more expensive $500 generator he later picked up.
So, which tools should you buy? Kilmer mentions a few Harbor Freight products, including a high-quality OBD-II scan tool, his 20-ton press and the numerous low-profile jacks he’s bought over the years.
Treat Your Ride Well
Good tools aren’t the only thing you’ll need to take great care of your car. You’ll also need to knowledge that comes from checking out its Vehicle History. Learn everything there is to know about your vehicle, including detailed specs, recall information and reviews from other owners.
