Have you tried the Halfords “Professional” and “Expert” tools? Decent prices and a lifetime warranty on them. I’ve got a few of there tool sets and they’ve all been good quality so far.
I have used harbor freight tools and have always had great luck with them plus since their store is only about 35 mins away if anything goes wrong i can always take it bk and exchange or get another one without any questions
Hey little brother Kenny, thank you for taking us on a shopping trip to Harbor Freight. Hopefully the line to check out at your Harbor Freight is not as long as is mine. I have learned to avoid Friday afternoon or the weekend if I need something. You made some good choices and thanks for explaining why. Take care. It's good that you referred to Camilla as granddaughter. I like that.
Harbor Freight has received a small fortune from me as well. I purchased a new generator for our travel camper/home backup and a new trifold aluminum ramp this weekend! Great video, Kenny!
Had very good luck with their tools and warrenty. The Doyle and Quinn brands are very good and I’m an ITC member and get some great discounts. Just received another $15 rebate from them. I have three of their tool boxes and the carts are great. If I don’t go there once a week, they call me to make sure I’m doing ok. Just picked up the Daytona self jacking car Dollie’s as I decided I’m worth it. 8-)
You say Doyle and Quinn are good. You mean on par with their Icon and Hercules brands? Im pull my drill out every 4 months, so I am super casual, but I do want to get a few more tools for home DIY.
Bought a hub puller at HF, decade and a half ago; maybe a few years more. Have used that on a regular basis (less lately) to pull rear brake drums mostly. Been a great tool and never failed.
For anyone who works in a shop and uses their tools daily and lots of brake cleaner, the Maddox can that’s at 13:35 is really good. 6 months in so far with mine and no complaints. $40 I believe but I got mine on sale for $25. Feels the same as the $80-100 ones off the tool trucks imo.
Hi Kenny great video! A few years ago I got fed up with the high price of hand cleaner, and it didn't matter what brand. So for the heck of it I tried an old wives tale of corn or vegetable oil and liquid dish soap. It worked as good as the best in cleaner I have ever used even when I worked in a gas station back in the 70s. You first apply a little corn or vegetable oil to your hands....1 ounce if that...just enough to coat your hands. The oil emulsifies the grease, etc. Almost immediately. Now apply a few drops of the dish soap..... If is also a surfactant which not only breaks down the oils but causes them to lift as well....... With a very light scrubbing your hands are spotless in 2 minutes or less. The skin doesn't dry out either nor is left with a greasy feeling.....and a heck of a lot cheaper than any of the hand cleaners.
Thats an old "recipie" form decades ago,, also, do what your doing but add a small spoonful of Granulated sugar, it abrades gently but oh boy your hands will really feel soft and be cleaner. I have been doing this for years but now use liquid hand soap as I have certain allergies that dish soaps aggrevate, after drying my hands thouroughly I have a perfume free moisturiser, I am prescribed mine by my doctors, that stop my hands getting dry and sore,, our bricklayers here in the U.K, used to use it a lot, stops the hands cracking in winter.
Another great hand cleaner is the tire lube that is used for mounting tires....works better than any hand cleaner out there...its like a 5 to 1 mixture 5 parts water to 1 part of the tire lube....put it in an empty soap pump dispenser for the shop sink.
I bought that tool cart and floor jack both in Orange just 2 days ago. And yes even after 39 years as a Master Tech I wanted an organized home (small/ basic) set . I have a rule of not doing side work at home but there’s always the occasional personal car or really great neighbor that needs a little help. (I don’t charge them, that way I’m not married to a car for life) take care and thanks for another great video plus the grand daughter she’s cool. Both of my adult children are really rapped in their careers so I don’t see any grandkids soon. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽. I myself only wear the latex gloves In dirty jobs but have never worn those Mechanix gloves ( I’ve never seen an actual certified mechanic wear them). And I’ve worked with probably hundreds in my 39 years
Vids like these are really useful, since my pops paste away 2 years ago I’ve been buying all the tools i would barrow from him. These vids make it better on choosing tools! I work on my own vehicles (hondas) so really dont need to break the bank! Thanks!
Kenny is like a kid in a sweet shop. Selection is awesome in HF. Can't think of any chain in UK with selection anywhere close. All I've got is Halfords and B&Q !
I have the Icon ratcheting wrenches. Use them daily in building GM crate motors into marine engines. The edges are more rounded over than Bluepoint (Snap On's budget line), fit more comfortably in my hand. The extra length gives additional leverage to ensure my fuel fittings don't leak.
I never manage to get out of the Harbor Freight Store without spending more money than I planned. The place is also a good spot to stock up on, what I call, stack-drawer hardware; E-clips, O-rings of all types, cottar pins, roll pins, plastic trim fasteners. Seems like so many times an e-clip that ran off, a roll pin I no longer trust, or some broken trim push-connectors end up being a face-palm-part that messes with a task right in the middle of the job. I also keep an eye on that bargain shelf Kenny saw. I've gotten some killer deals on things marked 'open box' with no defects and it only got a 30-day rather than a 90-day warranty (never been a big deal if it was one month or three).
My first small set of tools I purchased in a auto parts store and was SK Wayne. The next time I needed tools I went to Sears. Most of my tools are Craftsman as Sears was close by and the price was better. I also watched for sales to add on to my collection. I buy from HF now that the Sears hardware stores closed up. HF bought the Sears hardware store that I got my tools from and made it easy for me to switch to them for my tool purchases. For my Craftsman replacements I go to Lowes. Your granddaughter is a real cutie. Happy Motoring.
Yep, Kenny, I buy lots of stuff from Harbor Freight. You just have to know which items are good and which are questionable. Take care. Enjoy your videos! Tom
Ive used Pittsburgh ratchets for the last 9 years as a field machinist in refineries and industrial settings. I use a lot of HF tools and consumables. The ratches might not be top notch but they hold up to a beating especially the 1/2 extendable. Their locking extensions are definitely my favorite. Ppl just have to find out wat works for them and for me id take spending 20-30 on a ratchet thats gonna get abused and can easily be replaced than 60-120 on a truck especially with how much i travel for work.
I ordered the Pittsburgh ball joint tool back when harbor freight was just a catalog in the mail. I used it at work for many years and finally the threads stripped out. The guy at HFT gave me a Maddox in exchange. Say what you want but I like the service and have been pretty satisfied with what I buy there.
Thanks. I have not been in a Harbor freight in several years, and as you say, they have come a long way. With the passing of sears, looks like they may, for a lot of things, be an alternative to Northern Tool.
you can never have enough tools i have been buying them for the last 57 years and still buy them and i love antique tools and i have had snap on tools but the thieves like them too much so now i buy good tools other than snap on i still have a few left though the ones the thieves missed thanks for the video
Some of the harbor freight stuff is as good as you need. A lot of it has made its way into my shop. I have that cart in gray. $200 can’t go wrong. Good video. Thanks
i have the red socket organizer for the 1/4 to 1/2 inch chrome sockets and have no problems with it, i also have the magnetic socket organizers for my short and long impact sockets. all my impact sockets are from harbor freight. stay away from the 34 dollar creeper and the plastic wire brushes.
HF has some straight up nice things in the last few years. Just gotta find 'em. Doyle and Quinn is good enough for what I do. My daughters like Harbor Freight more than my son does.
Thanks for the tour of harbor freight Kenny. Harbor freight warranted a 1/4" Pittsburg torque wrench for me, no hassle , no questions asked. Cant wait for them to make a 1/4" Icon Torque wrench.
I bought an extendable 3/8 ratchet from menards a few years ago and Ive used it for everything and abused it. The only issue its had is a screw fell out and I use a ziptie to hold the head together, but other than that its been fantastic.
I think the ‘Kid in a Candy store’ idea would apply to ALL of us gear heads. I can’t think of any ‘tools only’ stores like that over here in the UK just smaller stores with a limited selection and the option to “Order it in”. I agree with your Personal preference idea, my preference for my Good tools tends to be the ‘Professional’ range from a store called “Halfords”. I managed to strip the splines of a couple of my Torx bits and they replaced them for free. They were the socket mounted type which they didn’t have in stock so they posted (mailed) them to my home address. There are other stores I use that do sell decent ‘cheap’ tools but I always look at those ones as ‘disposable’ so if they break it’s not an issue.
Maybe I got my Pittsburgh Pro extendable half inch ratchet early on. But I've had nothing but success. I've had that thing 12 or 13 years and I've really pulled on it and it's been great, I still have it.
I'm a field mechanic and I use the magnetic socket holders. I notched the plastic trays that my 1/4 drive Snap On sockets came with so the magnetic would be up against the plastic where the sockets sit. The sockets stay in place even on rough roads.
Weeks ago I visited a NAPA dealer for tools and they sent me to Harbor Freight for Icon tools. I've been happy Butt there always seems to be another tool. One of the things I like about ICON is they don't skip sizes.
I bought that same Pittsburg 3 ton jack back 6 years ago was a great choice being I can get it further under low profile cars was great but & love it much..
I remember when Spitir AreoSystems bought us some of those US General tool rollaways and I wasn't sure about their quality. Turns out it was about the best bang for the buck Tool rollaway I ever had. I used mine for the last 4 years before my retirement from aviation
I found HF before they started increasing the quality. Back then, all I bought were things I thought I would only use once or twice. Over the years, though, they have really upped their game. Now it is dangerous for me to go into the store, because I could fill three carts of stuff I'd love to have with no problem! I use the cheap Pittsburg wrenches and impact sockets all the time, and they are perfectly fine for a higher level DIY guy. And their tools also make for affordable emergency tool kits.
Most people don't know the best quality and the best ones to have it's great you taking the time to share this information for everyone have a whole bunch of harbor freight tools never had a problem with any thing their portable sandblaster is a life saver it's a great tool to get
Regarding ICON tools. I bought an 1/2" drive ICON torque wrench from HF and, when I torqued my wheel nuts, it just didn't feel right. It felt like it was clicking too soon. So, I got a calibrated digital torque meter and tested the ICON against my 30 year old Craftsman 1/2" drive. I tested with 10 pulls on each wrench at 50lbs, 75lbs and 100lbs, just to get a good sampling. Both of the wrenches are advertised to be accurate within ± 4%. For the 50lb pull, the Craftsman was within 4% every time, with the worst being 1.4% out. However, half of the ICON pulls were out of spec, with the worst being 9% out. At the 75lb pull, again the Craftsman was within spec on every pull, with the worst being 2.4% out. The ICON was again out of spec 50% of the time, with the worst being 6.4% out. Finally, at 100lb the Craftsman was again always within the 4% spec, with one pull coming close to the limit of the spec at 3.6% out. However, the ICON failed my test 75% of the time, with several pulls that were more than 10% out of spec. To be fair, I may have gotten a bad sample, but torque is too important in may cases, so I took it back and got a refund. I have other Icon tools that are just fine, where accuracy isn't a factor.
Love the video. I will say, I bought Husky screw drivers for $35 (not the ones with the plastic cap) that are very nice and seem to be just as nice as the ICON.
Check out vessel screwdrivers. A bit pricey but I know a guy that only has snap on tools in his box, except the screwdrivers. He swapped the snap on for vessel.
Thanks for the tip. I will check them out. The best screw drivers I have ever had was a set from Ikea that I purchased in Sweden. Sadly, i only have a few of them left. Thanks for watching. Keep wrenching 🔧
I had to do the auto like button. I'm idk 15 seconds into the video but I love a good old fashioned family man. No matter what we all do for a living and fun on the side. NOTHING I'd more important then our family and people close to us! Love it thank u sorry I love a new uploaded video!
Hey Kenny. Great video, so many brands we've not had down under. On the subject of the tire plug kit, glad to hear yours just nearly went through your hand, because mine did punch a hole on my palm when it broke 😬
My brother was working in a shop back in 2009 out of totes, his boss got tired of watching this so he bought him a Blue Point 5 drawer tool cart off the Snap On truck for $850. I noticed the Harbor Freight carts were almost identical except for a few bells an whistles, both brands are made in China probably in the same plant. ;-)
Some of the HF tools are excellent!! I saw you mention the Icon drivers and i can also add that my newer Milwaukee screwdrivers are absolutely my favorites and i have everything from old Craftsman USA/Wera/Wiha/Vessel/MAC/Crescent/etc and i use the Milwaukee more than anything else!
I used to have to call in an order to California and wait for the mail. I temember when our first Harbor freight opened in Tulsaback in the late 90's , They are everywhere now.
Will say as well I got a lot of tools as "good used", mostly from either auctions or car boot sales. But you have to be aware of what prices are, and not get caught up in the hype. Plus job lots of assorted are often better, plenty of times I bought an entire lot really cheap, just for the one or two items I wanted in it. Then put them right back up for the next week, no reserve. Sometimes got my money back and more, even after the auction fees.
The quality of Harbor Freight products has improved. More often, I buy tools on the internet. Snap On tools are typically high quality but at a high price.
I just subscribed to your channel. I like your content. I have a Harbor Freight 10 minutes from me and that place saved me a bunch of money. Thanks for sharing your outing with us.
I watch ur videos all the time and I notice u work on the 5.3 LS motors and I was wondering if u can answer or give me ur thought on a oil pressure issue I changed the pump, pressure sensor and still no luck thanks
Good video Kenny, nice to see you are sensible in the tool choice and not a tackle tart that has to have all of the latest Snap on or other really expensive brands.
That was interesting, thank you! I haven't bought a lot there, I do have an upright air compressor, some ramps, one wrench set and a small floor jack. I need to make a shopping trip there one of these days.
Thanks Kenny for the shopping trip.Your local store sure is well stocked, there are 2 here in my area but when i want a specific item i have to web search between the two in order to find out which one has or doesn't have it in stock. That sucks. Found out though that in some cases they keep popular items in a back room so they don't get the stock wiped all in one day, just an fyi. Hope this helps others.
I bought the 72 in us general box and the icon fuel pressure test kit both on sale at 25% off both seem good quality however i also have to snap on boxes that make this box look like junk but the price differnece is like 2500$ more for the snap on box used
Hi Kenny Great video. You have a big Harbor Freight. I recently stoped by in my local HF. They have a lot good tools and great prices. The Icon brand looks and feel as good as the “tool Truck stuff”. Too bad they were not around when I put my tool box together. I could have saved a lot of cash! General tool boxes are great.
I can vouch for protecting your hearing from a young age. If I knew then what I know now I would have done things a lot differently. I good Respirator is also a good thing.
Id recommend the daytona over the pittsburgh floorjack, its a little more expensive but its nearly identical to the snap on floor jack, its so close to the snap on that snap on tried to sue them but they dropped it since it was bad for PR.
HF US General "boxes" are going away the best value items they have. They are awesome. I have a several year old 44" roller and top chest as well as the drawer service cart. Unbeatable quality at that price point. For a young guy starting out as a tech this is the way to go instead of a 30 year mortgage on a Snap On. That can come in time if that becomes a career. While most of my "main" tools in my home shop are 30 + year old USA made Craftsman I do have my share of HF stuff for a little used (hopefully) tool bag in my cars as well as a smattering of basic tools at a second home. I would advise not to get the Pittsburgh screwdrivers but overall my experience with HF as little used "just in case" tools has been fine. I do need another set of wrenches and will definitely look at Icon. Over time quality of offerings have improved at HF with Icon, Doyle, Quinn, Daytona, etc. For those on a budget or just needing tools occasionally, hard to argue with HF items.
Your Harbor Freight is incredible! Mine is old and small. I miss the coupons they used to send, though. I've got several of their flashlights and other "freebies."
i also got the 5 drawer on sale, blue, worth every penny of $200, im not a mechanic, tho i do take some tools seriously as a sparky, others i dont, LOL
the icon screw drivers are verry good imo i have that set and i also have a snapon set they feel very similar quality. i think unless you use them every day i would get the icon or klien because the snapon set doesent even come with a #3 so if you add that to the price the icon is 1/5 the price for a very similar quality
Did you actually go to harbor freight and not shop with a bunch of coupons? The onmy tool i have bought at full price was the oil filter wrench. And that was because i needed it then and it was like $5. But my floor jack, jack stands, buckets, torque adapter, ratchet, etc. Have all been with coupons. Never buy for full price unless you need the tool right then and there.
I wish we had stores like that in the U.K. Mind you I’d spend an absolute fortune on stuff I don’t really need!
Most of their stuff is cheap crap. Yes, some Icon stuff is good but historically their stuff sucks.
Have you tried the Halfords “Professional” and “Expert” tools? Decent prices and a lifetime warranty on them. I’ve got a few of there tool sets and they’ve all been good quality so far.
@@simonatkinson1107they are buy have you ever tried warranty claiming.? I have very poor response.
Thats ok. Some of us do that here anyways
I have used harbor freight tools and have always had great luck with them plus since their store is only about 35 mins away if anything goes wrong i can always take it bk and exchange or get another one without any questions
Being a professional technician/ shop owner for 42 years even my wife knew you could never have too many tools, if it’s shiny I want it. 😂😂
Harbor freight is like going to Costco, you can never leave without stuff you don’t need. 😂😂😂
And, you leave with five times as much as you need and not enough space to put it when you get home.
@@markanderson2904 … and then you start renting storage space for all that stuff. It’s a first world problem.
Hey little brother Kenny, thank you for taking us on a shopping trip to Harbor Freight. Hopefully the line to check out at your Harbor Freight is not as long as is mine. I have learned to avoid Friday afternoon or the weekend if I need something. You made some good choices and thanks for explaining why. Take care. It's good that you referred to Camilla as granddaughter. I like that.
Harbor Freight has received a small fortune from me as well. I purchased a new generator for our travel camper/home backup and a new trifold aluminum ramp this weekend! Great video, Kenny!
Had very good luck with their tools and warrenty. The Doyle and Quinn brands are very good and I’m an ITC member and get some great discounts. Just received another $15 rebate from them. I have three of their tool boxes and the carts are great. If I don’t go there once a week, they call me to make sure I’m doing ok. Just picked up the Daytona self jacking car Dollie’s as I decided I’m worth it. 8-)
You say Doyle and Quinn are good. You mean on par with their Icon and Hercules brands? Im pull my drill out every 4 months, so I am super casual, but I do want to get a few more tools for home DIY.
Bought a hub puller at HF, decade and a half ago; maybe a few years more. Have used that on a regular basis (less lately) to pull rear brake drums mostly. Been a great tool and never failed.
For anyone who works in a shop and uses their tools daily and lots of brake cleaner, the Maddox can that’s at 13:35 is really good. 6 months in so far with mine and no complaints. $40 I believe but I got mine on sale for $25. Feels the same as the $80-100 ones off the tool trucks imo.
Hi Kenny great video! A few years ago I got fed up with the high price of hand cleaner, and it didn't matter what brand. So for the heck of it I tried an old wives tale of corn or vegetable oil and liquid dish soap. It worked as good as the best in cleaner I have ever used even when I worked in a gas station back in the 70s. You first apply a little corn or vegetable oil to your hands....1 ounce if that...just enough to coat your hands. The oil emulsifies the grease, etc. Almost immediately. Now apply a few drops of the dish soap..... If is also a surfactant which not only breaks down the oils but causes them to lift as well....... With a very light scrubbing your hands are spotless in 2 minutes or less. The skin doesn't dry out either nor is left with a greasy feeling.....and a heck of a lot cheaper than any of the hand cleaners.
Thats an old "recipie" form decades ago,, also, do what your doing but add a small spoonful of Granulated sugar, it abrades gently but oh boy your hands will really feel soft and be cleaner. I have been doing this for years but now use liquid hand soap as I have certain allergies that dish soaps aggrevate, after drying my hands thouroughly I have a perfume free moisturiser, I am prescribed mine by my doctors, that stop my hands getting dry and sore,, our bricklayers here in the U.K, used to use it a lot, stops the hands cracking in winter.
Another great hand cleaner is the tire lube that is used for mounting tires....works better than any hand cleaner out there...its like a 5 to 1 mixture 5 parts water to 1 part of the tire lube....put it in an empty soap pump dispenser for the shop sink.
I bought that tool cart and floor jack both in Orange just 2 days ago. And yes even after 39 years as a Master Tech I wanted an organized home (small/ basic) set . I have a rule of not doing side work at home but there’s always the occasional personal car or really great neighbor that needs a little help. (I don’t charge them, that way I’m not married to a car for life) take care and thanks for another great video plus the grand daughter she’s cool. Both of my adult children are really rapped in their careers so I don’t see any grandkids soon. 👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽. I myself only wear the latex gloves In dirty jobs but have never worn those Mechanix gloves ( I’ve never seen an actual certified mechanic wear them). And I’ve worked with probably hundreds in my 39 years
Vids like these are really useful, since my pops paste away 2 years ago I’ve been buying all the tools i would barrow from him. These vids make it better on choosing tools! I work on my own vehicles (hondas) so really dont need to break the bank! Thanks!
Kenny is like a kid in a sweet shop. Selection is awesome in HF. Can't think of any chain in UK with selection anywhere close. All I've got is Halfords and B&Q !
We're real poor on decent tool suppliers m8
I have the Icon ratcheting wrenches. Use them daily in building GM crate motors into marine engines. The edges are more rounded over than Bluepoint (Snap On's budget line), fit more comfortably in my hand. The extra length gives additional leverage to ensure my fuel fittings don't leak.
Thanks! I was wondering about the ICON brand.
Snap on is Gucci
Icon is like Nike
Both work the same lol
@@ssjdavid But for the work done to my wallet, Icon is the better choice.
I would be like a kid in a sweet shop. You would never get me out of there! Another great video Kenny. 👍
I never manage to get out of the Harbor Freight Store without spending more money than I planned. The place is also a good spot to stock up on, what I call, stack-drawer hardware; E-clips, O-rings of all types, cottar pins, roll pins, plastic trim fasteners. Seems like so many times an e-clip that ran off, a roll pin I no longer trust, or some broken trim push-connectors end up being a face-palm-part that messes with a task right in the middle of the job. I also keep an eye on that bargain shelf Kenny saw. I've gotten some killer deals on things marked 'open box' with no defects and it only got a 30-day rather than a 90-day warranty (never been a big deal if it was one month or three).
Love Harbor Freight and sometimes just go there to look for ideas of what may be possible. 😅
The extendable Pittsburg I’ve bet the crap out of and they are actually nice quality
My first small set of tools I purchased in a auto parts store and was SK Wayne. The next time I needed tools I went to Sears. Most of my tools are Craftsman as Sears was close by and the price was better. I also watched for sales to add on to my collection. I buy from HF now that the Sears hardware stores closed up. HF bought the Sears hardware store that I got my tools from and made it easy for me to switch to them for my tool purchases. For my Craftsman replacements I go to Lowes. Your granddaughter is a real cutie. Happy Motoring.
Yep, Kenny, I buy lots of stuff from Harbor Freight. You just have to know which items are good and which are questionable. Take care. Enjoy your videos! Tom
Ive used Pittsburgh ratchets for the last 9 years as a field machinist in refineries and industrial settings. I use a lot of HF tools and consumables. The ratches might not be top notch but they hold up to a beating especially the 1/2 extendable. Their locking extensions are definitely my favorite. Ppl just have to find out wat works for them and for me id take spending 20-30 on a ratchet thats gonna get abused and can easily be replaced than 60-120 on a truck especially with how much i travel for work.
I ordered the Pittsburgh ball joint tool back when harbor freight was just a catalog in the mail.
I used it at work for many years and finally the threads stripped out.
The guy at HFT gave me a Maddox in exchange.
Say what you want but I like the service and have been pretty satisfied with what I buy there.
Thanks. I have not been in a Harbor freight in several years, and as you say, they have come a long way. With the passing of sears, looks like they may, for a lot of things, be an alternative to Northern Tool.
HB is slowly stepping up their game. The ICON line of tools it really good stuff.
HB?
I think he means HF?!@@loveydovey4u
Tekton make made in USA screw drivers and they are not expensive and they have a great warranty process
you can never have enough tools i have been buying them for the last 57 years and still buy them and i love antique tools and i have had snap on tools but the thieves like them too much so now i buy good tools other than snap on i still have a few left though the ones the thieves missed thanks for the video
Some of the harbor freight stuff is as good as you need. A lot of it has made its way into my shop. I have that cart in gray. $200 can’t go wrong. Good video. Thanks
I licked up the 3 ton low pro….. one of best things i ever bought! Idk why i waited so long as much as i lifted vehicles over the years!
Skipped over Doyle. They're very exceptional pliers. Knipex copy and a very good one at that for the price.
i have the red socket organizer for the 1/4 to 1/2 inch chrome sockets and have no problems with it, i also have the magnetic socket organizers for my short and long impact sockets.
all my impact sockets are from harbor freight. stay away from the 34 dollar creeper and the plastic wire brushes.
HF has some straight up nice things in the last few years. Just gotta find 'em. Doyle and Quinn is good enough for what I do. My daughters like Harbor Freight more than my son does.
Thanks for the tour of harbor freight Kenny. Harbor freight warranted a 1/4" Pittsburg torque wrench for me, no hassle , no questions asked. Cant wait for them to make a 1/4" Icon Torque wrench.
Lifetime guarantee om all hand tools. Cant beat that.
Who woulda think you could be Breakin Bad at your local Harbor Freight !! 😅
Good stuff Kenny !
Meant to say Thunk ...darn auto correct ! 😅
I bought an extendable 3/8 ratchet from menards a few years ago and Ive used it for everything and abused it. The only issue its had is a screw fell out and I use a ziptie to hold the head together, but other than that its been fantastic.
I think the ‘Kid in a Candy store’ idea would apply to ALL of us gear heads. I can’t think of any ‘tools only’ stores like that over here in the UK just smaller stores with a limited selection and the option to “Order it in”. I agree with your Personal preference idea, my preference for my Good tools tends to be the ‘Professional’ range from a store called “Halfords”. I managed to strip the splines of a couple of my Torx bits and they replaced them for free. They were the socket mounted type which they didn’t have in stock so they posted (mailed) them to my home address. There are other stores I use that do sell decent ‘cheap’ tools but I always look at those ones as ‘disposable’ so if they break it’s not an issue.
Maybe I got my Pittsburgh Pro extendable half inch ratchet early on. But I've had nothing but success. I've had that thing 12 or 13 years and I've really pulled on it and it's been great, I still have it.
I'm a field mechanic and I use the magnetic socket holders. I notched the plastic trays that my 1/4 drive Snap On sockets came with so the magnetic would be up against the plastic where the sockets sit. The sockets stay in place even on rough roads.
The double head low profile Pittsburg ratchet that you showed is one of the most used tools in my tool box.
Weeks ago I visited a NAPA dealer for tools and they sent me to Harbor Freight for Icon tools. I've been happy Butt there always seems to be another tool.
One of the things I like about ICON is they don't skip sizes.
I got some ratcheting cargo straps from Harbor Freight cheap and they have been serving well for years.
I like your basic Pittsburgh tool set for behind the seat of my truck. It's a great travel set
I love my tekton wrenches. Those icon ratcheting wrenches look sweet for sure.
I bought that same Pittsburg 3 ton jack back 6 years ago was a great choice being I can get it further under low profile cars was great but & love it much..
I remember when Spitir AreoSystems bought us some of those US General tool rollaways and I wasn't sure about their quality. Turns out it was about the best bang for the buck Tool rollaway I ever had. I used mine for the last 4 years before my retirement from aviation
Big problem with the Pittsburgh is they are notorious for "skips."
Apparently that Daytona Jack is way better than the Pittsburg according to reviews.
Wow...she's a beauty...family channels are the BEST!
I found HF before they started increasing the quality. Back then, all I bought were things I thought I would only use once or twice. Over the years, though, they have really upped their game. Now it is dangerous for me to go into the store, because I could fill three carts of stuff I'd love to have with no problem! I use the cheap Pittsburg wrenches and impact sockets all the time, and they are perfectly fine for a higher level DIY guy. And their tools also make for affordable emergency tool kits.
Most people don't know the best quality and the best ones to have it's great you taking the time to share this information for everyone have a whole bunch of harbor freight tools never had a problem with any thing their portable sandblaster is a life saver it's a great tool to get
I never thought to use a moving blanket for fender proctor thanks Kenny
Regarding ICON tools. I bought an 1/2" drive ICON torque wrench from HF and, when I torqued my wheel nuts, it just didn't feel right. It felt like it was clicking too soon. So, I got a calibrated digital torque meter and tested the ICON against my 30 year old Craftsman 1/2" drive. I tested with 10 pulls on each wrench at 50lbs, 75lbs and 100lbs, just to get a good sampling. Both of the wrenches are advertised to be accurate within ± 4%. For the 50lb pull, the Craftsman was within 4% every time, with the worst being 1.4% out. However, half of the ICON pulls were out of spec, with the worst being 9% out. At the 75lb pull, again the Craftsman was within spec on every pull, with the worst being 2.4% out. The ICON was again out of spec 50% of the time, with the worst being 6.4% out. Finally, at 100lb the Craftsman was again always within the 4% spec, with one pull coming close to the limit of the spec at 3.6% out. However, the ICON failed my test 75% of the time, with several pulls that were more than 10% out of spec. To be fair, I may have gotten a bad sample, but torque is too important in may cases, so I took it back and got a refund. I have other Icon tools that are just fine, where accuracy isn't a factor.
The 301 piece tool kit is easily the best tool kit available for under $200. It has all the sockets
I use the largest jack stand that will fit without lifting the adjustment head upwards. That way nothing will slip a fall down.
Love the video. I will say, I bought Husky screw drivers for $35 (not the ones with the plastic cap) that are very nice and seem to be just as nice as the ICON.
Check out vessel screwdrivers. A bit pricey but I know a guy that only has snap on tools in his box, except the screwdrivers. He swapped the snap on for vessel.
Thanks for the tip. I will check them out. The best screw drivers I have ever had was a set from Ikea that I purchased in Sweden. Sadly, i only have a few of them left. Thanks for watching. Keep wrenching 🔧
Hello,Kenny. Your granddaughter is so cute! Glad to see you get some new tools! Have you got a chance to try our our jump starter JS2000?
Shopping with Kenny, LOVE IT .I never get to look around ,my wife always says come on ,hurry up.. Thanks, I enjoyed the video..
I had to do the auto like button. I'm idk 15 seconds into the video but I love a good old fashioned family man. No matter what we all do for a living and fun on the side. NOTHING I'd more important then our family and people close to us! Love it thank u sorry I love a new uploaded video!
Hey Kenny. Great video, so many brands we've not had down under. On the subject of the tire plug kit, glad to hear yours just nearly went through your hand, because mine did punch a hole on my palm when it broke 😬
My brother was working in a shop back in 2009 out of totes, his boss got tired of watching this so he bought him a Blue Point 5 drawer tool cart off the Snap On truck for $850. I noticed the Harbor Freight carts were almost identical except for a few bells an whistles, both brands are made in China probably in the same plant. ;-)
Some of the HF tools are excellent!! I saw you mention the Icon drivers and i can also add that my newer Milwaukee screwdrivers are absolutely my favorites and i have everything from old Craftsman USA/Wera/Wiha/Vessel/MAC/Crescent/etc and i use the Milwaukee more than anything else!
Oh Kenny! She gave all of us a Mona Lisa smile!!! Thanks for the video!
I got a couple of the ICON flexhead ratchet with 25 percent coupon, a life changer. But I think most their hand tools are great and fairly priced.
The compression test kit works great, I've had mine for probably 8 years and would recommend
I love Harbor freight! It looks like yours carries WAY more tools than mine.
I'm jealous!
I used to have to call in an order to California and wait for the mail. I temember when our first Harbor freight opened in Tulsaback in the late 90's , They are everywhere now.
Will say as well I got a lot of tools as "good used", mostly from either auctions or car boot sales. But you have to be aware of what prices are, and not get caught up in the hype. Plus job lots of assorted are often better, plenty of times I bought an entire lot really cheap, just for the one or two items I wanted in it. Then put them right back up for the next week, no reserve. Sometimes got my money back and more, even after the auction fees.
I got the smaller cart for $170. Don’t forget to check for coupons. 😊 You can’t miss with the parking lot sale.
Several years ago I purchased the US General compression gauge set. It is terribly inaccurate. It reads between 25 and 50 lbs. low.
The quality of Harbor Freight products has improved. More often, I buy tools on the internet. Snap On tools are typically high quality but at a high price.
I really like the Pittsburgh dual drive ratchets. I have the pair where one is both 1/2 and 3/8, and the other is 3/8 and 1/4.
Nice video, thanks for taking us along. Some of HF tools are cheapy, but have pulled me out of a pinch many times.
THose Pittsburgh Pro extendable Rachets are amazing. I have the 1/4/3/8 one and the 1/2. They are great but a lot of stress on them.
I just subscribed to your channel. I like your content. I have a Harbor Freight 10 minutes from me and that place saved me a bunch of money. Thanks for sharing your outing with us.
Thank you, friend. As I have said before you are a talented gentleman that lives next door.
I watch ur videos all the time and I notice u work on the 5.3 LS motors and I was wondering if u can answer or give me ur thought on a oil pressure issue I changed the pump, pressure sensor and still no luck thanks
Good video Kenny, nice to see you are sensible in the tool choice and not a tackle tart that has to have all of the latest Snap on or other really expensive brands.
I like your common sense approach to everything you do.
That was interesting, thank you! I haven't bought a lot there, I do have an upright air compressor, some ramps, one wrench set and a small floor jack. I need to make a shopping trip there one of these days.
Thanks Kenny for the shopping trip.Your local store sure is well stocked, there are 2 here in my area but when i want a specific item i have to web search between the two in order to find out which one has or doesn't have it in stock. That sucks.
Found out though that in some cases they keep popular items in a back room so they don't get the stock wiped all in one day,
just an fyi. Hope this helps others.
I have to give them credit for their US General tool boxes. They are not to be taken lightly. Damn good product!!
I bought the 72 in us general box and the icon fuel pressure test kit both on sale at 25% off both seem good quality however i also have to snap on boxes that make this box look like junk but the price differnece is like 2500$ more for the snap on box used
Hole saws are brilliant, I never used them for decades but wouldn’t be without them, wouldn’t bother with the carbide ones.
Hi Kenny Great video. You have a big Harbor Freight. I recently stoped by in my local HF. They have a lot good tools and great prices. The Icon brand looks and feel as good as the “tool Truck stuff”. Too bad they were not around when I put my tool box together. I could have saved a lot of cash! General tool boxes are great.
I can vouch for protecting your hearing from a young age. If I knew then what I know now I would have done things a lot differently. I good Respirator is also a good thing.
Id recommend the daytona over the pittsburgh floorjack, its a little more expensive but its nearly identical to the snap on floor jack, its so close to the snap on that snap on tried to sue them but they dropped it since it was bad for PR.
HF US General "boxes" are going away the best value items they have. They are awesome. I have a several year old 44" roller and top chest as well as the drawer service cart. Unbeatable quality at that price point. For a young guy starting out as a tech this is the way to go instead of a 30 year mortgage on a Snap On. That can come in time if that becomes a career.
While most of my "main" tools in my home shop are 30 + year old USA made Craftsman I do have my share of HF stuff for a little used (hopefully) tool bag in my cars as well as a smattering of basic tools at a second home. I would advise not to get the Pittsburgh screwdrivers but overall my experience with HF as little used "just in case" tools has been fine. I do need another set of wrenches and will definitely look at Icon.
Over time quality of offerings have improved at HF with Icon, Doyle, Quinn, Daytona, etc. For those on a budget or just needing tools occasionally, hard to argue with HF items.
Wow you bought a lot of stuff! 👍
Great job again & thanks for peaking my interest in photography again as well.
Well one thing to realize is that 301 peice kit the trays sit very well in 5 drawer cart
Awesome! Thanks for watching & keep wrenching 🔧
Your voice sounds exactly like the guy from the TH-cam channel The Den of Tools and I love it
Your Harbor Freight is incredible! Mine is old and small. I miss the coupons they used to send, though. I've got several of their flashlights and other "freebies."
I bought two more of the 5 drawer boxes. If they go on sale again will add another. 😊 and two of those low profile 3 ton jacks. Hard to pass up.
The Daytona jack is the same product as the snap on jack. Just rebranded but same part numbers and everything
i also got the 5 drawer on sale, blue, worth every penny of $200, im not a mechanic, tho i do take some tools seriously as a sparky, others i dont, LOL
the icon screw drivers are verry good imo i have that set and i also have a snapon set they feel very similar quality. i think unless you use them every day i would get the icon or klien because the snapon set doesent even come with a #3 so if you add that to the price the icon is 1/5 the price for a very similar quality
That's the best selection I've ever seen at a harbor freight
IKR?
Did u notice tons of empty pegs while others are over stuffed?
Great video!! Great for some of us that are worried about buying crap that doesn't know about what to buy
Good evening Mr Kenny 😊, she's adorable, hope y'all had a wonderful weekend
One of the 3 ton Daytona jacks has a 3 year warranty. It sells for $290, but goes on sale for $240-$250.
You are at my favorite store! Does what I need, with a warranty. Break a ratchet? Go exchange it.
Did you actually go to harbor freight and not shop with a bunch of coupons? The onmy tool i have bought at full price was the oil filter wrench. And that was because i needed it then and it was like $5. But my floor jack, jack stands, buckets, torque adapter, ratchet, etc. Have all been with coupons. Never buy for full price unless you need the tool right then and there.