Type of usage and personal quality standards will make these choices completely non-scientific but below are some of my purchases from Harbor Freight that I consider worth buying. However, never pay full price for any of them and always buy these items when they are "on sale".

#38391 12V Jump Starter
#44914 Trim Router
#97869 2 HP Dust Collector
#68303 Multi-Function Tool
#68022 23 Gauge Pin Nailer
#94803 Pneumatic Impact Wrench
#96289 Heat Gun
#68029 20 Gauge Stapler
#00623 1" Dial Indicator
#05645 Magnetic Base
#94138 Metal Detector
#93897 Retractable 50' Hose Reel
#96210 6" Bar Clamp
#96214 12" Bar Clamp
#04067 3-Way Edge Clamp
#96238 Vertical Toggle Clamp
All Sizes of C-Clamps
#08848 12/3 Extension Cord, 10' Long
#66690 Wire Stripper (Only Because Of the Warranty)
#41796 1LB Dead Blow Hammer
#47257 6" Digital Caliper
#67512 Metric Nut Driver Set
#42305 Metric Box Wrench Set
#97825 Magnetic Parts Holder
#42288 Magnetic Pick-Up Tool
#43768 Noise Reduction Ear Muffs
#46319 Pneumatic Roller Seat
#67599 Aluminum Carrier/Hauler
#94635 Anti-Fatigue Mat
#95061 600# Hand Truck/Dolly

I am by no means suggesting that these items will satisfy everyone but for me they all work well for my needs.

Nothing to go wrong with that, but some of their regular hammers have loose heads.



I got lots of clamps there too. I got those wood hand screw clamps, they are less than half the price of the name brands and they work just as good.


I got one for $10, and they asked me if I wanted an extended warrenty for $10.
I would never buy a power tool there, but for $10 its worth it.
I also would not buy something that requires fine tuning or accuracy, such as a hand saw or plane.
For a circular saw to be used for cutting concrete (and expecting the dust to damage the saw) I may get a cheap one just for that purpose and not worry if it gets destroyed.

I would not buy their generic CFL bulbs, wire nuts, surge protectors, GFCI's, etc., there seems to be too much suspision as to who makes them and their quality. Even if UL listed I am guessing that the chance of counterfit listing labels are greater there than at the big name stores.

I used to visit the nearby store in SoCA and get a couple items every now and then. Never had a complaint. One item I remember offhand was their disposable paint brushes or "chip" brushes.

Anything there made in USA??????? Just curious.

Yeah, a pile of money for HF.

I'm sure that there are more than just this but they do sell Made In USA Goodyear air hoses. Although much of its inventory is foreign made it is still an American owned corporation that employees US citizens all across the country.

Some of their power tools cost less than one hour of an American worker's wage. I bet they are all made by someone earning a dollar a day in China. Its funny how their power tool brand is "Chicago Electric Tools", I don't know their connection to Chicago, but it sounds better than naming it after a city in China. At least at Harbor Freight they are passing the labor cost savings on to the consumer. I guess they are selling good, there are two Harbor Freights near me and they are always very crowded (unless half of the people are there for returns).

"Chicago Electric Tools" some of their hand tools "Pittsburg"

I guess they want to appear to be made in the USA.

I'm sure they're fooling a lot of people.

i think they want to be confused with Chicago Pneumatic.

I need to pick up a couple "at least 26in" clamps. Looked at Lowes...would need to get 36" for $16. I keep saying I'm sure they will be cheaper at HF.