What They Don't Want You to Know! Insider Secrets and Tips to Shopping at Harbor Freight
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 พ.ค. 2024
- Check out Part 2 here: • What They Don't Want Y...
Harbor Freight is a great place to buy tools, but let's face it-Harbor Freight can be a confusing mix of coupons, club memberships, and other shopping tactics that can leave you scratching your head wondering if you are getting the best deal. That's where I come in! I reached out to a bunch of current and former Harbor Freight employees to unearth the insider secrets that'll supercharge your next visit to Harbor Freight.
In this video, we'll explore the hidden tips and tricks to make the most of your shopping experience at Harbor Freight. We'll cover everything from coupons, returns, warranties, clearance items, and even some surprising insights about what happens to damaged inventory.
If you want to hear more tips or have any experiences or questions to share, be sure to leave a comment and subscribe to our channel. I appreciate your support, and we'll see you in the next one!
#tools #harborfreight #harborfreighttools
Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for watching. If you liked this video be sure to subscribe and check out the other videos on my channel. th-cam.com/users/diywithdave?s...
Contact: dave@diywithdave.com
Here is a list of some of the tools that I use in my DIY projects:
Kreg Pocket Hole Jig - amzn.to/3p7TcRG
Kreg Clamp - amzn.to/3pa12ug
Kreg Concealed Hinge Jig - amzn.to/3G7Dtdh
Kreg Shelf Pin Jig - amzn.to/3p4AKtZ
Dewalt Cordless Drill/Driver - amzn.to/3eE1qvX
Dewalt Compound Miter Saw - amzn.to/2I8M1s1
Sears Craftsman Jointer - vintagemachinery.org/photoinde...
Craftsman Jointer Replacement Blades - amzn.to/38mAj7w
Titebond III Wood Glue - amzn.to/3k93eyo
Dewalt 735 Thickness Planer - amzn.to/2IfKujC
Wen Track Saw - amzn.to/3lbSJNY and Track - amzn.to/314617W
Bosch Jig Saw - amzn.to/3rbG3dV
Japanese Pull Saw - amzn.to/3CZfMSh
Irwin Clamps - amzn.to/3CVdBiI
Shaker Rail and Stile Router Bits - amzn.to/3DWGuMM
Bosch Benchtop Router Table RA1181 - amzn.to/314kHnw
Bosch Mini Router - amzn.to/3HVdibb
Porter Cable Router - www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE...
Plunge Router Base - amzn.to/3nTK2tx
Rockler Dovetail Jig - amzn.to/3nY7mqa
Porter Cable Brad Nailer - amzn.to/3lcwmrO
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you I may earn a commission. Know that I only recommend products and tools that I’ve personally used and/or believe are genuinely helpful, not because of the modest commission I may receive should you decide to purchase one of them. Most of all, I would never advocate for buying something that you can’t afford or do not need. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Tip suggestion: be polite, friendly, and genuinely likable when interacting with any staff member. This is a good idea in ANY store, but the folks at my local HF are particularly chill, happy people. In return, they give honest advice, tips, and can stretch some of the store policies. Kindness pays for itself~
Great advice!
Kindness is contagious and often leads to the recipient going the extra mile to helping you save money and having a positive influence on someone else's day. Win, win!
Truely the tip of life in general.
This is the advice for ANY physical store you go to. The nicer you are, the more likely people are going to bend the rules for you. If you go in full-bore Karen mode the only thing you will get in a restaurant is extra spit in your food.
My store in WV is filled with good dudes and sweetheart ladies that really make shopping there a GREAT experience!
Hey, ex harbor freight employee here. Everything you said is on point though there are a few things I would like to add. With the clearance items with the purple tags, a lot of those items like you said are being clearanced out. Though we do lower the prices on those items typically every 2 weeks if they haven’t sold to make sure we don’t have stuff piling up back there. Practically everything back there is brand new and was used as displays. In my experience as well you can typically be able to haggle the prices down even lower, though you do need a supervisor or higher to be able to do this. I’d recommend asking logistics supervisors as we tend to just want the Shit gone because it’s annoying to deal with. The orange tags we can’t do anything about, they were all returns and we can’t change the price even if we wanted too because corporate gets really pissy when we do. I’m my experience I don’t touch anything in that table because it more often than not isn’t salvageable. For hand tools about 90% of them have a lifetime warranty on them, we will return or replace them for any reason and when I say any reason I mean ANY. We one had this older gentleman that shopped at my store and I thing he owned and bought a set of every single icon tool we carried. When they were first introduced they all had a matte finish, well we ended up releasing most of the sets later with a glossy finish. I shit you not he brought in every single icon set he had and exchanged them out for all the new ones that had the gloss finish. It took forever but we did do it. We don’t need a return if you are just swapping out hand tools for another set, only if you are trying to outright return the. Also if you have a socket set or a ratchet wrench set for example and one somehow breaks. Just exchange the the entire set instead of just the piece that broke, it’s just easier for everyone if you do it that way. We really don’t like having to deal with a brand new set of tools with one missing piece missing just to toss a purple sticker on it and have to deal with it later. As far as the hand tools go you can’t really go wrong with any of them, all of them I barely see returned. Though if you want the little bit nicer ones I would go with the Quinn but the Pittsburgh usually hold up just as well. The only tools that i would stay away from that you haven’t already brought up are the air tools. I’ve never seen anything returned as much as those, absolute shit. Needlers, grinders, sanders are dog shit don’t get them. They have tried really hard to improve their product lines but the air tools have just been untouched. Great video.
I bought a air nailer. It worked for an hour. then nothng. Yep, ait tools are junk
Great comment, very appreciated🙏
Thanks for taking the time to share your insight!
Thanks for the extra information. As far as the air tools go, I look at it like if I need a specialty tool for a particular project. Then I know the cheaper brand isn't an heirloom type tool. so if I get a week out of it, and never need it again. it's better than spending twice as much for a name brand tool that will be used maby twice a year. and I don't have to deal with rental rates and hassles.
Dude i appreciate your honesty. Theres no better advice than the one given to you from a former/ex employee of the store you're gonna shop at. Thanks for the solid advice.. P.S. the air tools are dog shit there man. Lol
One thing I can say about Harbor Freight is that you have to remember that the people who work there are people. Treating them right can make a world of difference. I'm always friendly with them when I go in for something and often joke with them (When our local store first opened I went in to see what they had, one associate asked if I needed help finding anything. I decided to have some fun... I asked where the pipe stretchers were. She didn't catch it and asked over the radio for a pipe stretcher. The manager heard this and decided to sit back and watch. This is where it got good... almost all of the employees were looking for a pipe stretcher before I broke and told the little gal to think about it... how do you stretch a pipe? It got a good laugh all around and i built a rapport with the employees there where we would joke around as friends when I went in. A few years ago when HF discontinued the big 60 gallon upright compressors they had the floor model marked down gradually from $999.99 to $599. I asked the manager, whom I'd gotten to know as I was a regular, how long he'd have to look at it before they had some room to work. (I'd already gone down with my trailer intending to buy it anyway). He said, let's take a look. He looked at the tag and asked if I'd do $300. Before I could answer, he offered to extend my ITC by another year. Needless to say, I was all over that and when the employees were helping me get it loaded and secured on my trailer he came out with a package of ratchet straps (on the house) and told the employees to make sure it was strapped down well and wouldn't go anywhere. I'm sure that the fact that I have spent a lot there helped too (I've bought a couple of the big toolboxes and a lot of tools to fill them), but I attribute a good share of it to my taking the time to be nice when I am in there.
Another time I was getting ready to buy a floor jack and an employee told me not to buy it unless I really needed it right then. He then went on to tell me that it was going on sale in two days and I could save on it then. I chose to wait and thanked him. When I went back to buy it, he even took it out to my pickup and loaded it for me.
Don't hesitate to ask the employees thoughts on a tool and tell them what you're wanting it for either. They don't work on commission so they aren't going to try to push one tool over another. They know what comes back most and won't steer you to something you'll have problems with. They generally aren't experts, but they normally are willing to help you in making a decision.
These are just a couple of examples of the great service I have gotten there (Including a very thoughtful card from the entire store staff when they found out I was fighting cancer... thanks guys, that meant more than I can possibly say). My point is though, remember that the employees there are people. They have good days and bad days too. It costs nothing to be nice and not have an attitude with them and make their day a little brighter and if you treat them right, they will do all they can to make your experience with the store a great one. It costs $6 to get a box of donuts where I live. I've dropped a couple of boxes off over time for their break room. Just general being nice on my part. That sort of thoughtfulness can go a long ways towards making their day a little brighter and if you can't afford a couple of bucks for a box of donuts, you really shouldn't be buying a bunch of new tools anyway.
Damn, you say that about pipe stretchers but if you go google "exhaust expander tool", you'll literally see a pipe stretcher 😆 I read that and went "uhhh yeah, one of those exhaust tools, what's the joke?" lol
Thanks for these Great experiences! I haven't had ONE yet...
Very true about being nice to people and you'll be treated nice. My father always said be nice to the people who handle your food and cut your hair!
@leeg4728 smart man
And, as a current cashier, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to all of you who give us a smile and a friendly conversation when you come through.
I work very hard to make each person feel welcome and happier when they come in. When I get a grump who refuses to be friendly, it saps so much out of me. But those of you who smile back - you make ALL the difference!
I always treat people who have to deal with the public all day as a part of my day. Someone who is important to me. Respect and a smile can be the difference between a perfect day and driving home angry.
Just remember, a lot of the grumpy customers are simply upset that their thing is broken, which forces them to go to where you are. Many of them would probably be lovely people if their day didn’t just fall apart around them.
Just know you’re helping someone every time, even if they’re grumpy. You might be the one who makes someone’s day survivable. hahah
The cashiers at HF are always friendly! Thank you!
I work in the public retail market (Kenworth trucks), so I know all too well what employees have to go through with their customers. I will always treat others with dignity and respect.
😁
Ok check it out Valerie. I have worked plenty of service, retail, restaurant etc. I, like yourself strived to make sure the customer was always satisfied. No matter how good you are at putting a smile on someone else's face, you will always, ALWAYS, get those people who are simply unhappy. When you see them enter the store you already know they are going to try to ruin your day. They carry it in their sleeve. They are unhappy people and their goal no matter how polite and nice you are to them is to wipe the smile off your face. They are unhappy so it kills them to see you happy, their only solution is to be an asshole in hopes you won't be smiley and bubbly and cheerful. This is the most important part. The absolute best thing you can do when one of the soul suckers come in is put on your cheesiest biggest smile and be overly nice and positive. It will piss them off so much. NOT TO ENCOURAGE NEGATIVITY! But I will tell you now, when you put on the super smile and stick to the cheerful OVERLY cheerful attitude, they will fume! They can't bring you down, fight their grumpiness with happiness. It will win every time. Trust me girl! I've used this tactic for over 25 years now and it never fails. It will actually make your fake smile real because you will see them try harder to upset you. TRUST ME, TRY IT! It's all about love my friend.
I've found HF employees to be awesome. I needed to make a huge purchase from areas all over the store during the pandemic, & the employees were great, helping me find each item, getting them up to the register, making sure I had coupons, getting stuff out to the vehicle & loaded, etc~ just everything! As a disabled person, who'd never been there before, they made it the greatest experience ever & earned my loyalty, not to mention the products have been great... Kudos HF!
Agreed,there are some mighty fine employees, and there are some who are just killing time till payday.LL&P
Totally agree
You must've been stealing from them during the pandemic
@@jamesslade64 he is disabled, you think he hid the stuff in his wheelchair? Im guessing you didnt mean steal in the literal sense.
Where did he say that he was in a Wheelchair? @@johnlucier5654
1, the purple tags are open box items and orange is clearance items.
2, Warranty - I have a lot of the Hercules 20V Brushless tools, including the reciprocating saw. (The Hercules Brushless have a 5 year warranty) After 5 months of using the saw hard, cutting steal oil tanks everyday, mine started making squealing noise & not cutting right. I stop by HF on my way home, put the see on the counter, asked for a warranty exchange. Clerk asked for my phone #, found the receipt, & told me to grab a new one from the shelf, scanned it, had me sign the warranty receipt, and put the door i went. All in less than 5 minutes, never even asked why.
@rickswoodham
I hear ya Mr. Thurogood.
That was 1wiskey, 1bourben and 1sawsall. Right😉
This is a great reason to use HF....although I haven't had warranty issues, many people say the same thing, getting a replacement tool for one that's broken is quick and easy and they don't hound you with questions, they simply replace it for you. Hercules right now I think has the longest warranty of any HF tool outside of Pittsburgh, Quinn, and Icon which have lifetime warranties. A 5 year warranty for a battery powered tool is pretty reasonable, I think the Hercules batteries have a 3 year warranty.
@wildbill23c The hercules warranty is the best power tool warranty, period, except for milwaukee, and you will pay a ton more for milwaukee.
@@waltschannel7465ridgid has a lifetime warranty. I used them for 8yrs roofing and always got mine fixed no questions asked.
When you make $8 an hr why would you care?
I went to my local store and looking in the open/returned items, there was a Maddox wheel bearing press kit(complete). It was marked from $140(or so) down to $95 for being used. I seen the manager and I asked her, "are them prices set in stone, or are you open to offers?" She ask what I was thinking. I said "I'll give you $80 for that bearing press kit." She said "take it" without even giving it any thought...
And that kids is.. How I met your mother.
If you are like me.... you might walk out with something you do not think you needed.. Not always!
A lot of years ago, we had a house fire. I lost every tool I ever owned! So for about 20 years, I just did not mess with my vehicles. But, since Harbor Freight came to town, I got my old 56 Chevy out of the pasture, built a shop with a lift and have stocked it to the brim with HF tools!! THank you HF! If it were not for you, I would not be able to afford to restore my old car. :) :)
As an aircraft structures & sheet metal mechanic, I normally want higher quality tools than what Harbor Freight offers. However, there's something about Harbor Freight that's addicting. When I go in, I _want_ to buy stuff, often stuff I'll never use! Maybe I'm a tool enthusiast? But Lowes tool section doesn't do this to me, or Home Depot, Northern Tools, not even aviation-specific stores like The Yard or Brown Tools have this effect. I've pondered this feeling I get at Harbor Freight but haven't figured it out. I think they have some secret going on that makes people want to empty their wallets there!
I concur...maybe the communists put something in that "China smell" coming from HF tools that create a sense of needing to buy something I don't need.
I believe it's the chemical smell that hits the brain, causing you to want the things you see. 😂
Agreed, it's the first thing that hits me when I enter the store. Like, literally hits me. Stayed away entirely in the early years for that reason alone. Only go now when in a pinch.
But, I do get the gotta empty my wallet syndrome everytime I walk through the tool section anywhere. Started way back at Sears in the waning "made in USA" days.
It is the psychological trickery with the prices and their return policies.
Essentially, they have cheap, cheaper, and cheapest items. That pricing structure hits all of our unconscious internal decision-making points. With those three-price points we can afford something. We know some of their items are basically disposable, but the price points make it acceptable. So we buy, even when we don't need it but we might need it someday... HFT does a great job of pricing for sales.
@@DelRounds YUP! I just spent several hundred on a beautiful, huge, orange U.S. General rollaway tool cabinet! Damn the sale price looked incredible! I did it! I would normally use a rollaway at work as I'm an aircraft structures mechanic, but my current job (Lockheed Martin working on F-35s) doesn't require employees to bring & use their own tools. I justified this awesome rollaway by thinking I'll be working on an airplane or a Datsun 240Z in my garage sometime in the next few years _so I freaking need it!_ I've grown out of my old Craftsman rollaway!
Part 2 please! I became a hater when the coupons went away and thought they were crazy to do so, but they proved me wrong. I now actually love them and go more often.
For me it’s almost Everytime I buy a big ticket thing I get a coupon within a day or so lol. Never fails
@@user-gx1uk4ur2l still have coupons. There on your phone. There is a app someone made makes it really convenient. Just scan whatever and it will search and pop up the coupon. Works really well. I got a 600$ motorcycle lift table for 368$ out the door after coupons.
I used to go like once a week. Now I haven't been in about 6 months
I used to go to Harbor Freight all the time when they sent out the coupon magazine, especially when they had the freebies coupons. I would brose through the magazine and find stuff that I thought that I might need in the future and go buy it to get the free item. No more, I only buy now when I need it, and I don't necessarily go to Harbor Freight to get it either. I will wait for sales at Lowes or Ace and get name brand tools if necessary. Harbor Freight left me when they did away with the coupon mag.
@@MtHockeySame here. I've been to harbor freight twice this year versus stopping by every month on my way home from work when they sent the catalogs with the coupons.
Former employee here, great tips and all legit! If I may add my 2 cents to this it would be: Dumpster diving is fine, but wait until after the dumpster has been emptied, we would toss stuff the next day so over the next week it would be covered up with actual trash to discourage dumpster diving. The extended warrantee is most defiantly worth it on heavily used or abused items such as the mid/upper tier hand tools, jacks, pneumatic tools, etc...If you know it will get beat up, get the warrantee. The purple tagged items are usually discontinued items and are incrementally marked down, meaning they are scanned once a month and may be marked down. If you see one have a cashier scan the price, it may be lower than what the tag says.
Big fan of HF. One tip I have is to go online and before buying something read all the reviews on what you are buying. I have found them to be more "genuine" as opposed to companies like Amazon reviews. Something else is when I get home I always scan my receipts and put them in a file.
The part about the barcodes only is something I didn't know. I will from here on out always be snapping pics of my coupons and scanning to electronically file my receipts (also a great idea). I hate trying to keep track of the paper as its often just shoved into my pocket, and so many places today don't even need one.
sign up for online account, if you provide phone number linked to it at checkout, you'll have receipt emailed to you
@@wildbill6976 thanks for the info, appreciate it!
Dave, I like your style, direct, to the point in a great easygoing style. Many TH-camrs could learn from you. Yes I would love to see part 2. Keep up the good work!
That is a great compliment. Thank you so much!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Back about 10 years ago I went to harbor freight and was looking at an open box 21 gallon air compressor. They had it marked $110 down from $150 but they wanted me to take it bad and offered it for $55. I still use it all the time and has served me well.
I got one like that as well for $80 when they still had their real side walk sales. Got one of the shorter floor drill presses for about $80 as well. Just a few parts missing that I just made and it works great.
I got one too, but at retail price. Total screw over! Lasted about a year and burned out.
Great tips here! I had such a good experience at Harbor Freight today. I’m a member and shop there all the time. Today I went in for a rolling tool bench that had been on sale. No one in Western MA or Connecticut had this item. I was so bummed because I really needed this and it was pretty much all I could afford.
The cashier said she could look up within 100 mi on her computer and found 1 . She called the store, and they saved it for me and I drove two hours down to get it. When I got down there they had my name on it and they were ready to load it in my car.
Both stores were so over the top nice, I just wanted to shout out East Springfield and Saugus MA stores.
Thanks for the updates
On the dumpster diving issue.. I have on many, many occassions, checked my local HF dumpster and yielded a LOT of good items which worked fine and I think were victims of the "rental tool" scenario where someone bought the item, used it, brought it back claiming "it didn't work" and got their money back. Fuel Pressure test tool, wooden workbench, jewelers toolbox, Diesel fuel pressure test kit, shop presses, dollies, liquid siphoning tool, complete tap and die sets, (same dive, got metric AND SAE versions) and the list goes on and on. Things have been slim pickings lately, but I suspect that is just because so many people check the dumpster! Most definately have gotten thousands of dollars of stuff from their dumpster.
If you are signed up with your phone number at Harbor Freight and give them the number every time you check out, you would not need your receipt to do a return, they can look up purchases from your phone number.
yes, and if you're already getting the coupon emails from them, they now send you digital receipts after every purchase, so paper coupons aren't really needed anymore (I still keep mine, though). I've made purchases at HF and checked my email on my phone in the parking lot and the receipt email had already arrived in my inbox.
Go ahead and make the part 2. I learned a lot from part 1.
Yes !!! Definitely would love a part 2 .
Dave thanks for the tips and thanks for just giving the facts!!!!! No stupid jokes, no satire no stupid memes just a great run down. You had a lot in there so anything in part 2 would be a must watch. I appreciate you making this with so much info. Worth the time to watch. THANK YOU!!!!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html Thanks for the compliment!
Dave need to put da fork down and hit da gym fo his heart gave out
agree 💯 percent.
You have to be older to know this, but HF started out as a liquidator of damaged and distressed merchandise coming off West Coast ships from Asia. They eventually concentrated more on machinery and tools, but their biggest boost was the sourcing of regular tool lines just when Sears went away. Their early reputation was tarnished by offering whatever China made for them, but now they're big enough to commission their own lines and specs. The limited quality in the lower lines is deliberate. Long ago Black and Decker did a survey and found the average homeowner uses a drill for a total of 20 minutes over their lifetime. That's when B&D went plastic everything.
I remember those old days, and they deserved the terrible reputation they got. That was lonnnng ago, though, and they have some really great tools these days. None of mine have died, even with some abuse.
My first drill was a black and decker drill i bought in 1980 . It was $19.99 at T.S.S . It was plastic , but it was a good tool. All drills including sears had alot of plastic on them at that time. It was the quality of the . motor that counted. Im a home owner, and the bigger my house got the more i used the tools. Ryobi, Milwaukee, bosch. All owned bybthe same company and the lower end stuff is sold at home depot to the homeowner.
Very interesting.
I had heard that the expected life of the original Black and Decker drill was only about 20 minutes. But because the average homeowner only used it so infrequently it lasted a lifetime for him. Now my cordless tools last longer on a single charge. 🤷
Me too. Back in the 80s.
Definitely would be interested in a part 2!!! Great informative video thank you!!!
Nice tips! Would definitely like to see episode 2. Also, I now get ‘Manager’s because we miss you’ 25% off coupon about once every two weeks, ever since I put the Apex winch in my wish list. Now I always keep something higher priced in there and they keep the coupons coming.
The staff are indeed helpful. The only product which was helpful were the plastic tarps. A pair of sound protectors were so small they barely covered the outside of my ears. I can find no valid reason to shop there. A Fool's Paradise.
@@MakerBoyOldBoyyou must not work on cars then. If you’re compression testing a car you’re not gonna spend hundreds for a snap on version. If you need a slide hammer for your pilot bushing you’re gonna go to harbor freight. If you’re buying parts trays, break clean, shop towels or any specialty car tool that you don’t use very often you’re gonna go to harbor freight.
The only good stuff at harbor freight is hand tools, disposable stuff, specialty tools and air tools. Also their boxes are amazing, I’ve never met a mechanic in my life who didn’t have a US general box or roll cart even if it’s just a secondary box to their massive snap on box.
I got the "we miss you" 25% off no exclusions coupons before as well. I had been planning to buy an air compressor, found the one I wanted at my local HF (on clearance, no less) and was able to pay about $200 less than normal price. Score!
Thanks for your comment! Genius tip! Part two is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Great video Dave. Side tip: allow them to email you your receipts that way they are just a search away. And as for the dumpsters - yes it is a thing - I returned a green house because the plastic was so thin it would have blown away even put up where I live - but I watched them roll it into the dumpster - box and all. (no I didn't even think of going back for it)
I am a wood worker. I don't work on my own cars, ever. About four years ago, I joined the ITC club for a year, however, most of the ITC discounts applied to auto work or metal work tools and I never bought enough wood working related products to recover my ITC membership fee. So now I just use coupons. I really am impressed by the Hercules line and will stick to those when possible. This was a great video and has terrific information worth saving.
Excellent, Dave! Yes, please keep the tips coming on this subject.
Make that part two, love the videos Dave!
Are you in a home depot giving a review on harbor freight? 😂😂
Harbor Freight lighting was too cheap. 😜
The as is table is great. Recently my local HF had a tile saw priced around $110, down from $190. At checkout I applied a 40% off coupon and got it for $65. Got it home and it worked fine with no missing parts. It hadn't even been used. It's the best buy I've made at HF so far.
I'm a big-time HF customer, and I find most of their coupons won't allow further reductions on clearance or returned or damaged items. I shop HF in the northern middle Tennessee, southern middle Kentucky areas, and they won't allow coupons to further reduce these items. Anyway, who wants a set of socket wrenches that's missing the most used couple of sockets; not me?
@@markjennette909 I was surprised they applied the 40% off coupon to the saw. I wasn't expecting them to, but figured it was worth a shot. I was going to buy it anyway.
Never seen 40 percent off coupon
Made in China for $10. So they still made a decent profit on it.
My experience with the as is stuff is that it's not a steep enough discount to justify the no warranty, potential for missing parts, and often if you can wait for a coupon that's a better deal
I used to have a lot of success at Harbor freight on the scratch and then type stuff. But the local stores in my area have moved away from that model. Because it was getting so common it discouraged people from buying their new merchandise. The other problem with dumpster diving is although it is legal, the harbor freight stores in my area locked down their dumpsters, and so it is not possible. Because of the homeless problems in the big cities we have around here, they also discourage it because they don't want people getting hurt dumpster diving.
Haven't bought a ton of stuff from HF. But every time I've gone in over the years the employees have been helpful. And I usually find something else I need. Thank you for the tips!
I think their “thin” tarps are great. They make great “wheelbarrows” for leaves and grass clippings. I have been trying to wear one out for about 3 seasons now. Have a larger on that I cut halfway through to lay around bushes and trees when trimming.
A lot of the cheaper stuff, I consider single or limited use. I don’t see it now, but they used to have an electric paint sprayer. With coupon it was around $20. Used it to stain a fence. Then it went into the trash. Why would I even try to clean it, especially when I didn’t expect it to have a very long life expectancy.
Used mine for a leaf taxi today.
Odd fashion but that works
Had the same sprayer, was a great deal as a single use/project item. Over the years I've bought a couple of them. The last one I actually saved and cleaned out.
Yep, I keep several tarps on hand. Had a huge years-old one that was real raggedy but still usable. Offered it to the roofer next door for catching roofing scraps.
all box store thin tarps are crap; canvas tarps are the only ones any count for long term usage
I’ve gotten tons of freebies from the dumpster that had little to nothing wrong with them. I always check the dumpster on every visit!!
Ready for part 2 great video
I have bought two air compressors from Harbor Freight both are portable units that are capable to air up semi truck tires without any problems at all both of these compressors are over 4 years old and work great .
I have a 29 gallon 2HP air compressor from HF, I think its around 8 years old, its belt driven and oil lubed....does a great job for home diy stuff. I wouldn't say its great, but it works....the new version has a dual voltage motor, but slightly less HP. For what I do, this one works just fine. Airing up tires, running air tools occasionally, etc. Would I buy it for a dedicated commercial shop compressor, absolutely not LOL. But, for home use, its great.
I first started shopping at a HF store in the early/mid 90's near where my best friend lived at the time, about 20 miles from my house. Bought what they sold at the time which was mostly simple hand tools, a floor jack for my cars, hand trolly, that sort of stuff. And most of it I still use to this day.
That's awesome. The first time I went to a Harbor Freight was back in 2015. There wasn't one near me before then.
Would love to see a part 2 . I love harbor freight and recently found out that the managers have the power to offer you items returned or sold as is at a lot lower of a price. And I love the track membership. They always tell me things like “ oh come in this weekend because of your membership status you can just walk in and get this, this or even this! No purchase required. What other stores do that ? Just happened onto your video . I loved it ! Was not overly long but full of helpful tips . Thanks 👍
Cool video . Thanks for the heads up on the tips
🎉
Glad you liked it!
ITC member here. Love shopping at Harbor freight. Very informative video. I bought a Vulcan Protig 205 back in April w/ the extended warranty. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to weld correctly. So I boxed it back up and returned it. I had the receipt and they offered to upgrade at no extra charge. I swapped it for the same model and the extended warranty restarted on that date even though I'd had it for several months. Very friendly and helpful employees.
Part 2 video would be great.
I do the extended warranty on high dollar items, and have yet to use it on any of the stuff I've bought, but it brings a piece of mind I guess having a couple years of warranty in case something does fail...but typically that will happen within the first use or shortly thereafter. Out of all the HF stuff I've bought I have had 2 tools fail, one was a drill bit sharpener, the other was a belt sander...both failed the first time I tried to use them, in the trash they went...wasn't worth the gas to drive 35 miles back to the store to exchange them.
I have the ITC membership as well, bought a Titanium multi-process welder and saved enough to pay for the ITC membership for 2 years LOL.
Thanks for the comments! Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
The amount of research for this video is absolutely incredible. Respect. Much appreciated. Subd!
This video KILLED! Great work!
An employee actually told me that I could use a saws all and bring it back no questions asked after he only could find one rechargeable. I had zero intention on doing that but it's nice to know. I may not use the tool often (Why I wanted HF to start with) but when I need one, I need one. Very useful information Dave. Thank you!
"Free rental" is a common problem in retail. I worked at an office supply store and we once had two women buy 20 8' plastic folding tables on a Friday and they returned all 20 for a full refund on Monday. One of the employees overheard them talking about their family reunion that weekend.
Lol. That’s crazy
A few years ago I seen a woman returning 10 carpet driers (air movers) at home depot two days after a terrible storm in Dallas.
Clearly the table ladies were just theives
GREAT content and tips. I would like to see a Part Two very much. Thank you for your efforts in providing the content that you do!
Thank you. The response has been great so far. I'll start working on a part 2!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Outstanding job!
Great info. Keep it coming.
My son has two storage lockers full of dumpster diving treasure. Alot of it from Harbor Freight. They were the place that got him hooked on dumpster diving. I cant get him to stop!
Good job. Very helpful information and so refreshing to find a tool guy who just gets to the point and delivers the information without trying to act cute or crack stupid jokes. I'm going to check out your other videos just for that reason alone! Please do make a part 2!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for the compliment!
Great work ty
fantastic video! Thank you.
Thanks for watching!
Very precise and helpful. I will feel 100% more empowered the next time I shop HF. Thanks so much for getting the background information from former/current employees. The clear pictures of the pricing and coupons are great. I would love to hear more of the tips you have.
Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful! I'm working on the part 2 now.
sus
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
I'm a big fan of HF. On top of the staff being really nice, I actually was able to pay for my membership with only a couple of purchases. Clamps and speed squares at a fraction of the price of the orange or blue stores. Same with tarps and drop cloths. Their little Dremel knock offs were affordable enough to buy a couple so I don't have to change bits as often.
Thank you, Dave, for a very comprehensive and informative video.
One of my biggest resources for best pricing is the Harbor Freight cashier. They do their best to get me the best deal, and are usually super friendly.
Looking forward to part two…
Awesome info brother thanx
7 years ago I bought a 1 1/2 ton Pittsburgh low profile floor jack. 70 lbs of steel, still works today. Part 2 please.
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Sears tools craftsman closing down changed a lot
Craftsman is made in Taiwan now.
GREAT VID! I'd be down to watch a part 2!
Yes, please do a Part 2. Great tips.
Glad you like it! Heres a link to part 2: th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Definitely more more... PART 2 For sure! The handiest tip I learned from that was the warranty trade up. That's sweet! I will use that from now on when I feel like I need the better tool after all. The receipt pic was great also! Thanks.
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html I'm glad you found the video useful!
Returned HF tools for a higher price at a Ross! That’s amazing.
Great video. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent! Thank you!
Yeah, part 2 please, good stuff, bro.
You can see part 2 here: th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
This was a great video, I'm looking forward to part 2!!! Just found this channel and plan to go through your video list, outstanding presentation!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you so much for the compliment!
Waiting on part 2
Fantastic video 😊
Thanks! You can see part 2 here: th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
All excellent, helpful, info. Glad that you took the time to interview resources available to you...past employees. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Yes! Part 2 would be great. I'm a big HF fan, especially since they just built a brand new store 15 minutes from my house, and I'm learning new things through your video.
I'm glad you found it useful! Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Part 2 Please. 🙏🏿
I'm glad you found the video useful! I would love to make a part two. We'll see if people like this one!
I second this motion. Part 2 please.
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Thanks part 2 please!!
Great video thank you
As your newest subscriber, as of this moment. I appreciated this video on Harbor Freight. They’ve certainly improved dramatically on their quality of the past few years. Hard to beat their prices. Inside track club is definitely worth it in my opinion. Paid for itself in 3 visits to the store. Plus I’ve acquired enough free buckets that everyone is getting one for Christmas!!
Thanks for the video and would love to see more
I am the newest at this moment. lol
@@shakahkahableI am newest at the moment!
I unsubscribed and resubscribed just now to be the newest. Try again folks lol
Ive had an employee apply a one item coupon discount to the entire transaction. They did without me asking. That was really cool of them 👍
Great inside information!!!
Feel free to share more please. And YES for part 2! Thanks
Thanks! Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Great info, thanks!
Glad you like it!
I’ve never had any issue with my HF power tools. due to their price point, I never was as diligent in taking care of them, but they’ve endured regardless.
While I probably wouldn’t recommend them for commercial use, they’re definitely more than enough for household diy
Really good tips man! I love going to HF and searching for deals. You earned a new subscriber 😊 looking forward to part 2!
Thanks! Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
GREAT CONTENT THANKS
Well done, informative, interesting, thanks
This video is exceptional! Thanks so much for all the tips. I love harbor freight and had no idea you could get these discounts. Thanks for the great content and please make more!
Glad you liked it! I'm working on part two now.
Part two is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Ooh, I can help you out, with the dumpster diving laws. I was just researching it. Dumpster diving is legal in all 50 states.Trespassing is NOT legal, however! If there are "No Trespassing" signs, or if the dumpster is locked, or it is enclosed behind a fence, wall, or gate, you are no longer dumpster diving, you are trespassing and can get in a lot of trouble. Here's the run-down on the law: A landmark US Supreme Court case in 1988 (California vs. Greenwood), ruled that if a company or a person has discarded anything in a public place, they have abandoned their ownership rights. Hence, they can’t file a complaint against anyone who’s taken anything from a public dumping place.
Most states have affirmed that ruling in state law. Just a tip from a retired paralegal! Great info on your channel - I'm really enjoying the content.
Thank you so much for lending your expertise! Great info!
@@DIYwithDave You're welcome 😊
What about recycling bins on the street? Homeless people always come by every week early on pickup day and take all the bottles and cans for themselves. 😮
@@creativity.studio4967 Yes, recycling bins are treated the same as dumpsters under the law. If they're next to someone's house or garage, they're off-limits. Once they're put out on the curb of a public street, the dumpster laws apply. It shouldn't matter to the homeowners, the cans and bottles are being promptly recycled 🤔Who knows? It may even be slightly more efficient than the public service.
@lindacgrace2973 - But our tax dollars are being offset by the income it gets from.those recyclables ♻️. If the homeless take them, that's taking away from out tax dollars
Awesome video, thanks…
Yes! I like your tips! Please give more!!
You can see part 2 here: th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Air compressors and pressure washers were the 2 items I saw returned a few times. That was years ago. I used to go quite often, but I grew less concerned about price and more concerned about where the tool was mfd. Ex: I just purchased a few Channellock pliers - Made in America and probably double the HF price from something comparable. I like that they typically have a good - better - best option for many of their tools. I just wish that they would try to source more tools in the USA and charge accordingly. It is def a great option for that tool you expect to use rarely (if ever).
Irish tradesman here. I avoid all Chinese made tools and buy tools made in Western countries. Buying Chinese is slitting your own throat.
Good, Better, Best, old Sears M.O.
Love to see part 2!!
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Great video thank you!!
Very good info. Would love to hear more about Harbor Freight. TY
My only suggestion on coupons is to watch them and track the items you want most. In the case of a tool box that was couponed for $219, also was couponed down to $199. So track coupon rates. Secondly- always consider opening a credit card as this takes an additional 10% off the first purchase. Would be great to pair this up with a 20% off coupon for a US General or Icon tool chest. Great savings their too.
Thanks, and yes please do a part 2. ITC member here, and it paid for itself the day I signed up for it, because I needed so much stuff and the discounts are often pretty steep.
Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
Thank you for all that great great info.
Thanks for the tips🎉🎉🎉
I used to go a couple times a week when they had the coupons for free items. I think I've been a total of 5 times since they stopped. At first I was unhappy, but I have been saving a lot of money because I am no longer impulse buying things I dont really need twice a week just for a free flashlight, tape measure, multimeter, or whatever.
Harbor Freight still does free promotions, along with many other great promotions, like a 5 day use coupon for 15% off a single item no exclusions for ITC members, (3 day use for nonmembers), or an additional 40% off clearance items,
Yes. I bought a large tool set and the discount was so significant by joining that i basically got inside track for free and saved about 5 bucks as well over the standard price. So by signing up for the club i saved only 5 dallars at that time but got the club for a year
Great Video! Everything I always wanted to know about Harbor Freight! Thank you.
I would like to see part 2, thank you for part 1😊
Dave, please do a part 2. Thank you for the Tips.
Thanks for watching! Part 2 is up now! th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
I've had success with dumpster diving. I don't do it routinely, but will check one out if I'm there.
For instance, went to Tractor Supply to fill propane cylinders. Went to their dumpster to get rid of some trash in the jeep. Pulled out a chainsaw that was returned for throwing chains (said so on the tag). $400 chain saw that just needed a chain. I imagine it was a 'weekend rental' kind of deal.
Great video Dave! I have definitely learned a lot and plan to be more strategic when shopping there. Thanks!
Looking forward to part 2!
Part 2 for sure!
You can see part 2 here: th-cam.com/video/cezv-gDIiBk/w-d-xo.html
@@DIYwithDave Thanks!