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.
@0077alfie8 ай бұрын
I bought a air nailer. It worked for an hour. then nothng. Yep, ait tools are junk
@axelvega28998 ай бұрын
Great comment, very appreciated🙏
@mariakathleen10648 ай бұрын
Thanks for taking the time to share your insight!
@nickjenkins16638 ай бұрын
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.
@jimmyromero20398 ай бұрын
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
@Bandrik10 ай бұрын
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~
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
Great advice!
@christopherschissler167510 ай бұрын
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!
@bobkucharski942510 ай бұрын
Truely the tip of life in general.
@SirReptitious10 ай бұрын
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.
@jjuggernaut32189 ай бұрын
My store in WV is filled with good dudes and sweetheart ladies that really make shopping there a GREAT experience!
@valerie39559 ай бұрын
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!
@heatshield9 ай бұрын
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
@ColonelBumButt9 ай бұрын
The cashiers at HF are always friendly! Thank you!
@robertemmons22609 ай бұрын
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.
@HwyRyder9 ай бұрын
😁
@toeverypredatoryouaremyprey9 ай бұрын
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.
@Vixen86ed465 ай бұрын
Former employee here, best time to check the dumpsters is if you can find a new store that's opening, we literally threw out tons of useful accessories and hardware for the floor model displays!! Always be sure to check local laws, never climb inside a dumpster, and never touch one's that are locked or behind a gate even if it's left open. Honesty is usually appreciated, getting the owners approval and rules goes along way, as well as cleaning up after your done. DON'T LEAVE A MESS BEHIND IT'S DISRESPECTFUL AND RUINS OPPORTUNITY FOR OTHERS!!
@crooked-halo10 ай бұрын
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!
@danrose323310 ай бұрын
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.
@jamesadkins54959 ай бұрын
I believe it's the chemical smell that hits the brain, causing you to want the things you see. 😂
@bigdfig60839 ай бұрын
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.
@DelRounds9 ай бұрын
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.
@crooked-halo9 ай бұрын
@@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!
@leahrowe84710 ай бұрын
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!
@lloydscharf68979 ай бұрын
Agreed,there are some mighty fine employees, and there are some who are just killing time till payday.LL&P
@alext88289 ай бұрын
Totally agree
@jamesslade649 ай бұрын
You must've been stealing from them during the pandemic
@johnlucier56549 ай бұрын
@@jamesslade64 he is disabled, you think he hid the stuff in his wheelchair? Im guessing you didnt mean steal in the literal sense.
@matthewronson52189 ай бұрын
Where did he say that he was in a Wheelchair? @@johnlucier5654
@MasterRoad698 ай бұрын
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.
@EYOUTz19938 ай бұрын
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
@dporrasxtremeLS37 ай бұрын
Thanks for these Great experiences! I haven't had ONE yet...
@leeg47287 ай бұрын
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!
@rjy83186 ай бұрын
@leeg4728 smart man
@Brett_Gill8 ай бұрын
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...
@ChosesinWon6 ай бұрын
And that kids is.. How I met your mother.
@rbrown55185 ай бұрын
If you are like me.... you might walk out with something you do not think you needed.. Not always!
@highlandermachineworks57958 ай бұрын
Back in time before y2k. I worked in a store that sold tools and other chinese chit. They also sold real tools like Starrett, Ingersoll Rand, Cp, and many other high quality American made tools. Some European tools as well. Some of the low end brands were MiT, Grip, Puma, and King. Being paid around $7/hour and training to become a machinist I couldn't get much. My precision tools were all High end. Where it counts. So after, I blew most of my pay on Starrett and other high end stuff I was basically broke. So when it came down to the air tools and hand tools i was only buying cheap stuff. I used to combine returned stuff in the basement of the store to be able to buy it at a discount. Like all my 6 ton jack stands, 3 ton hydraulic jacks, socket sets, and other tools. Today I still have many of them. I can say with absolute certainty that the 1/2" drive impact sockets from china are nearly bulletproof. I've removed thousands of rusted on bolts from 1/4" up to 2-1/2" and in that time ive only broken a half a dozen or so impact sockets. Meanwhile I killed 2 snapon, 3 china no name, one Mit and soon I'll be done with a Matco 1/2" impact wrenches/guns. I'm hard on tools because I don't have time to play around. If you want quality that you don't want to return/exchange on a regular basis, Taiwan or better is the way to go for most everything. Ill list out how I have seen it since the early 90's. Worst to best 1.India Pakistan Indonesia vietnam hongkong 2. china 3. Taiwan 4. Japan 5. Canada 6. Mexico 7. Germany 8. Poland sweden france spain Italy Switzerland 9. Japan 10. USA I could go on and break it down further. And many of the listed countries could swap spots depending on product type. Like Pakistan makes really good stainless products. But their cast iron or aluminum products are terrible. China makes good impact sockets. But most everything else is mediocre. Unfortunately here in the USA we take too much pride in making tools. So we can't compete with the chinese crap. Even our lowest end steels are better than most top end steel from china. We priced ourselves out of the market. That and the re**rded environmentally ill protection agency is ruining American manufacturing with their over zealous laws based on fudged numbers and propaganda. I may do a side by side video of tools that have lasted me many decades and those that don't. Give me time because it takes a lot to do a decent job of it. Again as a machinist, mechanic, welder, fabricatior, inventor, and excavation equipment owner I don't know everything, but i do know tools. I've got thousands of them. And I'm 💯% not brand loyal. I just expect quality. LAST TIP!!!!!!!!!! Be very wary of anything with these phrases or words: Heavy duty High strength Industrial quality Industrial strength Super Aircraft strength Aircraft grade Military grade Military secret Designed in USA German engineering Swiss design Patent pending As seen on tv Lifetime warranty Commercial grade ......... And one last thing "dinosaur brands" ie. Rockwell
@thedizzydj66239 ай бұрын
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.
@vibesmom9 ай бұрын
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.
@MagaRickn6 ай бұрын
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. :) :)
@rickwoodham457010 ай бұрын
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.
@marshallcollins863410 ай бұрын
@rickswoodham I hear ya Mr. Thurogood. That was 1wiskey, 1bourben and 1sawsall. Right😉
@wildbill23c10 ай бұрын
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.
@waltschannel74658 ай бұрын
@wildbill23c The hercules warranty is the best power tool warranty, period, except for milwaukee, and you will pay a ton more for milwaukee.
@brandongeorge56825 ай бұрын
@@waltschannel7465ridgid has a lifetime warranty. I used them for 8yrs roofing and always got mine fixed no questions asked.
@Mike_Greentea4 ай бұрын
When you make $8 an hr why would you care?
@stanellis780510 ай бұрын
Part 2 please! I became a hater when the coupons went away and thought they were crazy to do so, but they proved me wrong. I now actually love them and go more often.
@Scummy_shovel10 ай бұрын
For me it’s almost Everytime I buy a big ticket thing I get a coupon within a day or so lol. Never fails
@Scummy_shovel10 ай бұрын
@@user-gx1uk4ur2l still have coupons. There on your phone. There is a app someone made makes it really convenient. Just scan whatever and it will search and pop up the coupon. Works really well. I got a 600$ motorcycle lift table for 368$ out the door after coupons.
@TheCarpenterUnion9 ай бұрын
I used to go like once a week. Now I haven't been in about 6 months
@MtHockey9 ай бұрын
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.
@ebenezerwheezer29579 ай бұрын
@@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.
@stuartmarkman7692 ай бұрын
As a retired person I try too save money on everything I buy, and I have been aa Harbor Freight customer for years. I have never had a tool break and I don't buy their best just their regular tools. I have a mig welder that cost just 129.00 and it is great too have in the shop to repair my yard tools and equipment. Don't underestimate their quality.
@clarkabrpi34287 ай бұрын
Go ahead and make the part 2. I learned a lot from part 1.
@ybloodyangely10 ай бұрын
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.
@MrSwinefuzz10 ай бұрын
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.
@MrJohnnyboyrebel9 ай бұрын
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.
@kenfrutiger24712 ай бұрын
I purchased a roll pin set about 6 months ago. I finally needed a 5/16" x 2" roll pin so I got out my set, found the 5/16" inserted the roll pin in the hole and it fell straight through onto the ground! I got my calipers and measured all the 5/16" roll pins. They averaged .303" to .306" diameter, 5/16" is .3125" and they should have been approximately. 010" over .3125" or .3225" diameter max! The manager said I needed to call the corporate office myself because the corporate office didn't listed to employees, only to customers!
@TomCrockett-ip5rf9 ай бұрын
As an Inside track member I find the employees are courteous and friendly .
@clyde8drive10 ай бұрын
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!!!!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html Thanks for the compliment!
@wildestcowboy26688 ай бұрын
Dave need to put da fork down and hit da gym fo his heart gave out
@nickjenkins16638 ай бұрын
agree 💯 percent.
@cdy29110 ай бұрын
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.
@darylw79210 ай бұрын
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.
@glasslinger8 ай бұрын
I got one too, but at retail price. Total screw over! Lasted about a year and burned out.
@blupir5 ай бұрын
One day my buddy and I decided we wanted to “straight pipe” our vehicles, we didn’t have any tools to cut it so we went down to harbor freight bought a pack of cutoff wheels and the cheapest angle grinder we could. (This was 4 years ago yes I know a sawzall is a much better tool for such a task) we broke 6 of them and only paid for one and a pack of cutoff wheels. Had to drive back 6 times and every time the guy at the counter kept smiling harder and harder. I only buy tools from there now and if they fail I buy nice ones
@frankdivincenti19146 ай бұрын
I agree with you! If you are a construction person or use your tools for a living, perhaps stay clear of some HR items. Example: I bought a HF reciprocating saw in 2010 for $17 to keep at the deer camp. It is used like maybe 40Xs per year to cut through pelvic bones, limbs and necks. Today 2024, still a charm with same blade. I know for sure if we used it daily to cut through 2 X 4"s it would not be alive today. For your average DYI, HF is the way to go but do not complain. I once needed a concrete hammer drill to drive some anchors for home project. HF product was working but it was a struggle. My neighbor heard the cursing and came over with his high end tool. It was like busting butter. So easy. There was or more expensive Impact drills from HF but I picked the cheapest one. The drill I purchased is fine going into mortar. Concrete was a struggle. Hand tools, grinding tools, cut off wheels and cut off machines are awesome from HF. As you said, careful on the power tools and do not complain.
@ebayscopeman10 ай бұрын
Dave, I like your style, direct, to the point in a great easygoing style. Many KZfaqrs could learn from you. Yes I would love to see part 2. Keep up the good work!
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
That is a great compliment. Thank you so much!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@RalphMickey10 ай бұрын
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)
@davidcox30765 ай бұрын
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!
@davekeller2798Күн бұрын
There is always a friendly employee that can help you
@smokinwithskruggs9 ай бұрын
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.
@kinderdm5 ай бұрын
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.
@wildbill69764 ай бұрын
sign up for online account, if you provide phone number linked to it at checkout, you'll have receipt emailed to you
@smokinwithskruggs4 ай бұрын
@@wildbill6976 thanks for the info, appreciate it!
@trjb176717 күн бұрын
some reviews are not posted I had an air compressor die after 18 months I tried twice to.write a review but the marketing dept.sgut me down my review was thoughtful and respectful etc etc
@kevinsommer554710 ай бұрын
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.
@PearComputingDevices9 ай бұрын
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!
@100vgКүн бұрын
I bought a Central Machines short-stand drill dress from HF. Being so heavy, the shipping box was damaged and its internal Styrofoam packing which holds the parts to be assembled was cracked to pieces, and the motor starter capacitor cover was dented. I called and asked for a replacement motor starter capacitor cover, and they sent me whole new motor for free, including shipping. I was very surprised and pleased. The motor and starter capacitor (the whole drill press) worked fine, so I've been using it as received and I have a complete spare motor if I ever need it. They did this for me without question, but I was very polite about asking. So getting replacement parts when something is bad is another tip you can add to your list.
@garyfreida650410 ай бұрын
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 .
@wildbill23c10 ай бұрын
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.
@user-xw4ml1yl8x10 ай бұрын
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.
@wildbill23c10 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Thanks for the comments! Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@sstimac9 ай бұрын
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.
@markjennette9099 ай бұрын
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?
@sstimac9 ай бұрын
@@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.
@codybollendorf79999 ай бұрын
Never seen 40 percent off coupon
@reidsimonson9 ай бұрын
Made in China for $10. So they still made a decent profit on it.
@GeoffreyVonbargen9 ай бұрын
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
@doom33809 ай бұрын
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 👍
@waltschannel74658 ай бұрын
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.
@Name.LastName2 ай бұрын
Thank you Sr. Very useful info. No trashy graphics or crazy effects or any of the Photoshop madness: just 100% useful info. Great! Thank you! Thumbs up 👍🏻 !
@marks744510 ай бұрын
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.
@dougtaylor77249 ай бұрын
Used mine for a leaf taxi today.
@pyrojason9 ай бұрын
Odd fashion but that works
@0oJoe9 ай бұрын
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.
@sandy-rr1by8 ай бұрын
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.
@wildbill69764 ай бұрын
all box store thin tarps are crap; canvas tarps are the only ones any count for long term usage
@emilylewis76429 ай бұрын
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!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html Thank you so much for the compliment!
@caroldragon75459 ай бұрын
Dave, I stumbled across your site while I was just browsing. I was really impressed with your style and quality of information. I'm past most of my DIY days, because I'm 83, but I do things occasionally, just usually nothing heavy. I want to put a word in for the Warrior drill. I purchased their drill on sale about five years ago for about twelve bucks because it was lightweight and made it easier to work overhead. I found that it not only did that, but it's weight was great for craft work. I bought another one to keep upstairs for easy access. Not only that, when I put up my HF greenhouse three years ago, I used my Warriors so I didn't have to change bits. I discovered that they were quite capable tools. Batteries lasted quite long in spite of being small, and I was able to do some heavy drilling with them. I don't have any other Warrior tools, but I wouldn't hesitate to try one if I needed another tool. My tool inventory is actually pretty complete, though. I subscribed and will be surfing your older sites to see what interesting topics you've covered before. Again, your style is great.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for your comment. I'm glad you liked it! 😀
@46motogpgirl7 ай бұрын
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 👍
@danalaniz731410 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
Thanks! I'm glad you found it useful! I'm working on the part 2 now.
@austin5089 ай бұрын
sus
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@mariodesmo10 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
That's awesome. The first time I went to a Harbor Freight was back in 2015. There wasn't one near me before then.
@user-mh2zp9iv7l9 ай бұрын
I use to pick up old cardboard box from a harbor freight. there were many times that tools were left inside. New and not visibly damaged.Yes the staff was always Awesome 👌
@TomRolfson4 ай бұрын
The single product I see most people buy there is the Predator series generators/inverters. A great value, but put a magnetic dipstick in it BEFORE STARTING. It's Chinese machining and one sliver of steel can tear-up a lot of aluminum.
@robertstephanek70639 ай бұрын
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!
@indysaab9 ай бұрын
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
@shakahkahable9 ай бұрын
I am the newest at this moment. lol
@gunztommiegunz9 ай бұрын
@@shakahkahableI am newest at the moment!
@indysaab7 ай бұрын
I unsubscribed and resubscribed just now to be the newest. Try again folks lol
@DIYServiceTech-ij6bl8 ай бұрын
My best deal so far has been a $100 Hercules 13 amp angle grinder which was on sale for much less and I bought it using a no restrictions coupon. I got it for $39. I'd have to say that the Inside Track membership cost has paid for itself at least four or five times this year for my purchases. I must be pretty smart because I've been using most all of your suggestions having figured it out for myself...except the dumpster diving.
@ChrisTigani8 күн бұрын
Make part 2! Thanks for the tips. We appreciate it!😊
@MotorSickles019 ай бұрын
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.
@MakerBoyOldBoy9 ай бұрын
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.
@JohnNeo199 ай бұрын
@@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.
@dieselngrease9 ай бұрын
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!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Thanks for your comment! Genius tip! Part two is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@Pushrod_Criff10 ай бұрын
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!!
@davekeller2798Күн бұрын
I have found that alot of Harbor Freight merchandise is not that much of a bargen, even when on sale. I appreciated the information about product disposal .
@natilyfe9 ай бұрын
I love harbor freight. Obviously if you're a professional you might want higher quality tools for durability purposes but for just doing work around the house or car you can save so much money at harbor freight.
@ScottyDrake10 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
I'm glad you found it useful! Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@waynemiller60709 ай бұрын
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.
@frankpeck14489 ай бұрын
Great and very informative video, Dave! Although I've been a longtime and loyal customer at Harbor Freight, I'm always happy about learning something new. As an example, whenever purchasing anything that's pricey, such as a lawnmower, you really need to do your 'homework', and always look at the 'Big Picture'. Last spring I decided to purchase a power rotary mower, and at first, I almost bought it at Harbor Freight. But after adding up the costs of everything, and comparing it to a mower at Costco, it turned out to be a No-Brainer, since the HF version did NOT include the batteries or the charger, which would have cost me an ADDITIONAL $126 MORE than the Costco unit, which were included. Timing was everything, as the Costco mower was on sale for a short time, with $100 off! Thanks again, for your stellar video!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching!
@JBBRAD92679 ай бұрын
Harbor freight has been in my town for 8 or 9 years now. It has been super handy. They always have deals. 60% or more of my tools are from there
@lindacgrace297310 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for lending your expertise! Great info!
@lindacgrace297310 ай бұрын
@@DIYwithDave You're welcome 😊
@creativity.studio49674 ай бұрын
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. 😮
@lindacgrace29734 ай бұрын
@@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.
@creativity.studio49674 ай бұрын
@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
@dm74710 ай бұрын
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!
@DIYwithDave10 ай бұрын
Thank you. The response has been great so far. I'll start working on a part 2!
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@TheTrollTrollyYeti9 ай бұрын
I think you covered the 1 thing pretty clearly. Always buy the higher end items, it's cheaper in the long run. Never get anything hand tools. I've had impact sockets explode, yes explode, on me. I've had wrenches seize within a month. I do love their jacks and as the employee said, they're bombproof. Why? Because it's the same supplier Snap On uses.
@nickminneti8258 ай бұрын
My HF tip... don't forget you can't get parts. They exchange items, but if you just bust a thing, HF won't be providing parts. So, here's the tip: a lot of this stuff is the same as other tool stores. I had a 10k jack combo set...the one with the ram and all kinds of bars and ends for pushing and pulling. I broke the 90 degree end. The EXACT same jack kit was sold by northern tool and they DO sell spare parts. Voila..new end was an exact match. Yeah!
@trentthompson292810 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@MtlCstr9 ай бұрын
"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.
@christhepotato9 ай бұрын
Lol. That’s crazy
@carlosvillegas87758 ай бұрын
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.
@brucedale44654 ай бұрын
Clearly the table ladies were just theives
@nitroburn725 ай бұрын
All excellent, helpful, info. Glad that you took the time to interview resources available to you...past employees. Thanks!
@DIYwithDave5 ай бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@geno9292 күн бұрын
Nice video. Have sort of forgotten about Harbor Freight for a while. Maybe I'll give them another shot, especially for new discounted tools! Thanks for the tips!
@davidsteinberg80249 ай бұрын
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.
@ctpctp9 ай бұрын
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.
@anthonygallo35768 ай бұрын
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.
@lindsey6078 ай бұрын
Very interesting.
@ClipperDays8 ай бұрын
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. 🤷
@CROTCH_ROCKET_JOE8 ай бұрын
Me too. Back in the 80s.
@BearDen-v5z16 күн бұрын
I’m a previous HFT employee. We never threw away anything. Instead, our “scratch-and-dent tools” were sold at the parking lot sales, and you can haggle with the managers. I can’t advise checking the dumpsters out back (unless you’re already there for some reason….)
@user-lr8yi2jf6k6 ай бұрын
Dumpster digging at harbor freight is key. Have gotten a lot of awesome items. For example: Concrete Mixer, torque wrenches x5, tap and die set, tire changer, ball joint press x2, dollies x7, foldable truck, 5" table vice, ratchets, wrenches, caster wheels, and several other items.
@alexford52149 ай бұрын
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.
@Menuki10 ай бұрын
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
@TheClapper43 күн бұрын
Please make part two I have bought there for years and finally they got one close to me
@trishaporte9 ай бұрын
Though I don’t shop at HF often. The tools I buy are not heavily used. On one occasion we had heavy rains for days and I was bucketing water away from my door. I was exhausted. Exasperated I went to HF to get “something” to pump the water from my back door. My clothes were soaked. I explained what I needed and this young man (employee) said I needed a sump pump. I told him THE WATER IS NOT IN MY BASEMENT, I’m trying to keep it out!! He quickly shifted gears understanding the urgency, and sold me a pump that he said couldn’t run if it was in a dry area with a lot of debris. Since it was outdoors he told me to place something that would filter out the debris and check it frequently. It worked GREAT! Wonderful idea!! I will almost always go to HF!
@gaspuppygarage37829 ай бұрын
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
@user-fu6hm7dh2k8 ай бұрын
I remember shopping the first ever store in Camarillo CA.
@jimmyhaynes601110 ай бұрын
Are you in a home depot giving a review on harbor freight? 😂😂
@DerAptrgangr4 ай бұрын
Harbor Freight lighting was too cheap. 😜
@chrispowell4251Ай бұрын
Checkout :48 into the video, I think he's in his shop.
@garyr70272 күн бұрын
He's trying to get fired.
@keithosterkamp62074 ай бұрын
I really like the employees at my nearby store. Always helpful in locating an item in the store. I’ve looked over the entire place and they walk me right to it. I’ve only broken one item in all the items I’ve bought there. A small tailpipe expander. One of the cast rails just snapped. It was exchanged without question. Great value tools for those times when you need it once or twice and it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune.
@380.motorsports9 ай бұрын
Those “No Expiration Date” coupons do eventually die out. I’ve had the 20% Vulcan coupon for years and used it many times until about a month ago. When scanned the register popped up a message to force the clerk to call a manager. They then informed me that coupon was no longer valid but at least gave me one last 20% off on that purchase and then kept the coupon.
@Coyote555510 ай бұрын
The amount of research for this video is absolutely incredible. Respect. Much appreciated. Subd!
@JPLeady-lw2kc9 ай бұрын
Regarding tip 25. If you notice the purple tags, sometimes you will see a purple tag on top of another purple tag. The manager at my harbor freight told me they will go up to three purple tags as the price gets lower. After the third purple tag they dispose of the tool. So if you see three purple tags stuck together, that is definitely the final price
@robertemmons22609 ай бұрын
First off, the ITC (inside track club) is well worth the annual 29.99 membership fee. I've saved hundreds each year having the ITC. I was at my local HF just an hour ago. They have the deal if you buy a Bauer 20V 5ah battery, you get a free Bauer tool. I already have two batteries and a small selection of Bauer 20V tools, so this is just a nice addition to my tool collection. Besides, I've already used many of these tools, some of which I've used multiple times, and they are just as good as many name brand tools that I've owned over the last 35 plus years. The employees of HF all seem to be happier, less stressed, than most any other big box store like Ace, Lowe's, Home Depot, and such. HF seem to treat their employees with more respect than many other stores do. Always look at the weekly ads, even if they may not pertain to you for many weeks. But, much like this current ad, you will benefit from having seen the ad and being alerted to certain products that are on special.
@SEMO_dad5 ай бұрын
I gotta say, I went back and forth for a long time before ever purchasing from Harbor Freight because of all of the mixed reviews. I finally decided to try it out with something where quality would be instantly obvious on delivery: a new tool belt. WOW! It is such high quality, and was so cheap that I felt like I stole it. After watching your video (and realizing they just opened one about 45min away) I can say with certainty that I'll be buying regularly. Thanks for the info! Great stuff and well laid out. Just subscribed and I look forward to more of your videos.
@dorhocyn310 ай бұрын
Sears tools craftsman closing down changed a lot
@jessyhavron25486 ай бұрын
Craftsman is made in Taiwan now.
@richardkelshaw208510 ай бұрын
A few years ago I purchased a small drill press. When I was at the counter the cashier kept telling me that I needed to purchase the extended warranty. I tried to refuse but he insisted. Finally, he showed me the price with the warranty was lower than without.
@hungpham10 ай бұрын
how was that possible?
@RadicalKanu9 ай бұрын
Purple tags I've see are the damaged missing items not clearance. And typically when I've seen them I can get the same parts cheaper with a coupon than the tagged price. Or the same price complete.
@curtwhitley76938 ай бұрын
Part two would be awesome! 1 - For anybody looking at ITC, they offer 1 year for $29.99 or 2 year for $44.99. (Not sure why that was skipped?) 2 - You can still use regular coupons when you have an ITC account. Whenever they have coupons like "5 items - 30% off $10 or less" for non-ITC and "5 items - 30% off $20 or less" for ITC going at the same time, you can deny telling them your number to use the standard coupon. Then follow up with another transaction using your ITC in the same trip and place in line. Just need to mention your check-out will be more than one transaction and which items on what receipt. 3 - Always double check what coupons got applied and where. The cashiers are human too and make mistakes sometimes. I got double charged for a battery charger and had to "return" the item (I didn't even leave with). Super chill guy, honest mistake.
@DIYwithDave8 ай бұрын
You can see part 2 here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@DIYwithDave8 ай бұрын
Great tips, btw!
@doug.ritson10 ай бұрын
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).
@briancarton180410 ай бұрын
Irish tradesman here. I avoid all Chinese made tools and buy tools made in Western countries. Buying Chinese is slitting your own throat.
@cargobobb9 ай бұрын
Good, Better, Best, old Sears M.O.
@jammer652410 ай бұрын
Yes, wait till you want to buy a big ticket item before you join the club membership. I'm a Harbor Freight club member maybe 1 year out of 3. P.S. Well done Dave.
@brianchester21224 ай бұрын
I will say I have never watched a video that gave me better advice about a store that I tend to purchase from. Dave a "tip of the hat you" to you sir. Well thought out presentation. I never heard a sentence that did not have my attention. Yes I subscribed. Thanks Dave.
@DIYwithDave4 ай бұрын
Wow, what a compliment. Thank you! You can check out part 2 here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@arthurnevarez76145 ай бұрын
I’ve bought many many tools at harbor frt in the past and all the the tool that I broke are replaced like now . Now to tell I own my own semi and work on it myself so there tools work very well for me and my truck and tele thanks you harbor frt I save a lot of money
@benjaminreinhardt25910 ай бұрын
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.
@Diesel_west10 ай бұрын
One thing i found with HF is that the "as is" table is not always the best price. Found a 1/2 air impact marked on one not too long ago at $68.99. After wandering around the store for a few minutes i stumbled across the same exact tool new in box on clearance shelf in the back of the store for $59.99. same tool, new for cheaper. Always be sure to be thorough when bargain hunting. Also, most retail stores have 2 dumpsters, one for trash and one for recycling. It appears the the ones you took pictures of are for recycling. Try the smaller dumpster next to it. Most stores have a larger recycling dumpster due to the amount of boxes and such. Also check enclosures, fenced in areas and corrals nearby if there are ones. They're usually a bit of a catch-all for discarded larger products
@cargobobb9 ай бұрын
ask Mike the scavenger 🤪
@stevenbaca34707 ай бұрын
All that will get you cop checked…. Do you really want to try to explain? Who needs that smoke?
@publico224 күн бұрын
YES … more please! You do an excellent job!!!
@JimmyAnwar4 ай бұрын
Harbor Frieght is great, they won me over when they replaced a broken tool I bought 2 years ago with no questions or hassle.
@jeromebecigneul291110 ай бұрын
Yes, I think Part 2 would be fun to see and will educate us on how HF operates. And if it saves us money all the more reason to do a Part 2. Thank You.
@kcolombo4910 ай бұрын
I just did deep dive on KZfaq regards HF...All your info is there; the good the bad the ugly.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Thanks for watching! Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html
@johnkanan572710 ай бұрын
My wife and I bought their floor nailer about 15 years ago. We were putting in hardwood floors in our house. We ended up using it to replace 5 floors over the years, just take care of your tools and they will last. last.
@localppc2429 ай бұрын
Yes, great advice. But 15 years 6 flooring jobs is not very much work on the tool. Now if you said we use twice a week for flooring jobs for 15 years then that would be awesome.
@bobcole6128 ай бұрын
I’m building a pressure washing trailer, so I opened a Harbor Freight credit account, and caught a $50 off coupon on a Predator 459 engine, and used my 10% discount on my entire first purchase. I bought the Predator engine and a Predator 1400w generator, and saved around $100. So far I’ve been pretty happy with them.
@user-me5cb7gk4e6 ай бұрын
It's the common problem we all have when we're entering the store as we're saying to ourselves that I'm not spending a lot of money here on shit I don't need right now. As you're sitting in the first aisle and looking and thinking in your head saying damn I haven't even gotten to the 2nd aisle, and it's already been a half an hour. Then what I think and then convince myself to go ahead and buy it cuz one day that neat little gadget may come in use when I need it. DAMN YOU HARBOR FREIGHT
@jpol38089 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html I'm glad you found the video useful!
@davidsellon458010 ай бұрын
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.
@DIYwithDave9 ай бұрын
Part 2 is up now! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/mcuqqZCYqa_Ncp8.html