Harbor freight is still a decent place to get inexpensive tools, but no longer do I feel that the price is cheap enough to consider it disposable. Since the warranty for most items is only 90 days, I can often find a tool somewhere else with a longer warranty that only costs slightly more.
I've started using Ridgid cordless tools because of their lifetime service agreement, and lifetime battery replacement. Tool costs aren't too bad considering you are getting a tool that you can get replaced or repaired for the life of you owning that tool, as well as getting free replacement batteries if one fails. Those costs alone are worth the few extra bucks spent upfront. Even if you don't register the tools on the Ridgid website, you still get a 5 year tool warranty and a 3 year battery warranty. Looks like Dewalt has a 3 year warranty for the most part, with certain exclusions that have a 1 or 2 year warranty, and a select few of their tools have a 7 year limited warranty.
Rigid has a great warranty and Hercules hf tools have a really easy warranty process go in and swap it out 5 years on the tools which is about when ya want to upgrade!
I bought a couple of those furniture dollies in 2012 when I was in the military to move my household goods. They were $9.99 when not on sale. If there is a barcode on the ad, it is a coupon, with HF the coupons for less expensive items are normally 10-15% off, and super coupons 20% off. Edit: Just checked the coupons now, the 18"x12" furniture dolly is on sale for $7.96. Less expensive than the sale price 10 years ago. After scanning all the coupons, those items that are on the "good" level have not really changed, the "better" and "best" where they have put the developement in are what have gone up.
I just went to the brand new harbor freight tools in our town. All the prices were ridiculously expensive. Menards and Walmart are way cheaper. Harbor Freight was $15 for a 12oz. can of R-134 and $10 for a can of WD-40. Menards is $10 and $5.76 for the same cans! I am sticking to Ebay for all my tools.
The Harbor Freight speed clamps are the best I've ever used. I never reach for my Irwins any more. And, they can be reversed and used as spreaders, so even better. These are the new ones I've talking about, btw.
The death of Sears seemed to have caused HF to up their game a bit with regards to quality in order to gain Sears customers. That probably came at an increase in cost. IMO the Quinn line of tools is a good example of offering a "Craftsmanlike" quality tool at a better price....but more expensive than in the past.
All while the Craftsman brand lives on and actually slid downmarket to compete more aggressively with HF's brands. Some of the imported "Craftsman" hand tools actually performed better than similarly priced tools from HF's line of tools. With the economy struggling, the cheap tool market is getting very aggressive.
Hi Dave 😮thank you for your content. I however did notice that you were only showing the Sale prices on the old ads and only showing the current prices with no sales price. A lot of the items look like they are still priced the same in the old flyer if you read the real price. I hope that this makes sense. Thank you again for everything. Blessings,Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
Let's go his list quickly with recent coupons: That dolly is currently for $7.96 with coupon. Regular price listed as 12.99. Bigger dolly coupon is $13.99. Drill bits were on coupon in October 2023 for $9.96. The last time clamps were $1.99 was in 2015. Since then it is $2.99 Jacks changed a lot in recent years. Not the best item for comparison. Anyway, new version of 3 ton rapid pump in red is now $89.97. McGraw compressors are a bit of an upgrade of an old Central Pneumatic version. 3 gal hotdog an package are $49.99 with coupon. Heat gun coupon price is $9.99 It jumped from 8.99 in 2021. Battery maintainer was recently for $6.99 (January coupon). Ramps have recently jumped on coupons between $69.99 and $64.99. Alert system is $9.99 with coupons since 2017. Warrior drill and flashlight combo still shows for $18.99-19.99 on coupons. They are harder to find these days, HF is now promoting better tools from Bauer and Hercules. Toolboxes changed so much it is not comparable at all. They did increase in price, but at the same time in volume and quality. HF is very hard to beat if you compare quality vs price to other stores.
They are going up a lot of things but when they do those Sidewalk sales you can still buy that same item pre inflation price. Example I bought a Heat Gun for $9.99 a while back now it's $12.99. But go on a sales date and you can still get it for $9.99.
Bruh. Just found your channel today and love the Harbor Freight series. I am a retired stockbroker/ trader/ financial advisor who was licensed by the SEC and FINRA. Your explanation of inflation and how the economy works was SUPERB! I don't know your background, but Son, YOU KILLED IT! I know MANY people who have degrees in finance, economics, and MBA's and they would struggle to explain these concepts as clearly and succinctly as you have. Now, my experience with Harbor Freight has been a mixed bag. I have had a FRANKLIN 17 ft. Reach, Type IA, 300 lb. Multi-Task Ladder for years and it awesome and I love using it. But it is about 60% more expensive than what I paid for it in 2017. But that is still a bargain compared to a Little Giant. I have an oscillating tool that I bought in 2015 and it still gets the job done. But for example I bought a PORTLAND 14 Amp 1-1/2 in. Capacity Corded Electric Chipper Shredder and it was boo-boo. Ended up setting it out by the road to let whoever came and take it after one season. Thanks for the great content. Subbed.
It's a good video but I remember buying some of those old items and the regular price was higher by usually 10-25% than the sale price. The game back then was whether the sale price or the 20% coupon off retail was the better price. Then the coupon went away. So as prefaced in the video, it's not a true indicator of inflation. Compare sale to sale or retail to retail. And even the sale prices vary. Once or twice a year they throw out those big discounts. But I only get the low end (Chicago etc) tool if they don't have at least a red instead of blue (power) tool. I like to pick up the sales before I need the tool instead of paying full price when I need the tool. And the bargain tables can empty a checking account if restraint isn't a thing...
You may be right, but it is tough to tell whether it is indeed a "sale" price or just an "advertised" price. I would argue that it is an advertised price and that is because the "regular" price is so inflated that there is no way that this was the price on a daily basis.
That same dolly is 7.96 on coupon today. A little research will confirm you are comparing a 10 year old sale add to a regular price item that is on sale for the same price today
Yeah, even comparing “list” price, the old prices are equal or even slightly more expensive than current. This is a bad comparison video using flawed logic
I have only noticed what I would consider to be ordinary increases on most things I get at HF. Corporate Greed has caused others to lower their quality more than the HF tools, in my opinion.
If Harbor Freight keeps raising their prices, I will just switch back to shopping at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Although many tools from those stores are also made in China, Harbor Freight has less consistent quality control. I suspect the whole narrative around Icon tools being "better" than top-tier brands like Snap-On is just a way for Harbor Freight to justify price hikes.
Can't really compare coupon prices to every day prices. Those dollies actually are $9.99 quite often. Those drill bits also go to $9.98 during big sales. (April 8th spring black friday) Clamps also have $1.99 coupons regularly. The 3 ton low pro jack was just on sale for $89 and will be again for April black friday starting on the 8th. 3 gallon mcgraw will be $49.99. Heat gun $9.99 coupon. I'll just stop there.
Hey, @popwaromie. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you correcting me. I've got a question for you. Please send me an email when you have a moment: dave@diywithdave.com
I’ve done a mix over the last couple of years, revamping my shop. Being retired, the longer I wait, the more things cost; so I’m trying to buy early. I got a T170 welder, I’m on my 5th C125 gas bottle; building vs buying stuff.
I've been shopping at HF for many years, but the price increases have definitely forced me to mix up my tool buying needs across more stores these days. Sockets, wheels, disposable batteries, tarps, etc are still by and large cheaper at HF, but there's a much bigger list of stuff that's not, and that is the big downside. I renewed my 2-year Inside Track Club membership recently and have also noticed those deals are far fewer than they used to be. There are some days where an entire aisle will be devoid of any blue stickers, which is kind of shocking. The experience just isn't what it used to be.
Great video! A few points though.... Harbor Freight has greatly improved a lot of their products over the years. I have been shopping with them since the mail order days. All of therir stuff used to be be single job junk, but it was cheap. They still have some of that stuff (drill master and Warrior lines), but they also have some pretty decent stuff at a fair price. I agree with the others, not fair comparison to look at sale or coupon prices from 2012 to "regular" prices today. The floor jack you showed is on coupon today for $99.99, which is considerably less than the $129.99 "regular price". Still not the $69.99 from 2012, but not quite as bad.
What everyone needs to compare also is the price increases of the other major brands as well. Most likely if someone dove deep into that comparison people might realize that ALL tools have gone up significantly in the past 12 years and that would still make Harbor Freight comparatively cheaper just like it was back in 2012. Just a thought 😉
Harbor Freight recently opened a store in my hometown. I was afraid to go in there for a few months. You know, the discipline to resist stuffing the card. But, what I found is that they have different grades of the same product at different price points. Some cheap, some not so much.
The quality has gone up dramatically. Also, prestige, if that's a thing. In 2012 if you showed up with Central Pneumatic, you'd get laughed at, but showing up with Hercules or Bauer is just as good as showing up with Ryobi or Porter cable. Not the best, but not a joke.
Just need to know when to go and keep an eye out for coupons. I just got the Hercules table saw 10inch blade 15 amp rack and pinion that compared to a $600 dollar dewalt on sale (normally $400) for 300, then stacked a coupon to get it for $270. plenty of great deals when you time it right!
Prices are always going up because of whatever excuse they can sell you on. I miss the coupons they used to put in publications in additions to their flyer 20% coupons. I recently broke one of the old style clamps and took it to them to ask if they would cover it under warranty. They said it wasn't a Harbor Freight clamp. I know that it was. I don't think the old ones were warrantied any way. The newer design does look stronger but I haven't bought one. I wish we would learn to manufacture our on stuff.
@@DIYwithDave I don't like to download apps or allow texts because I get inundated with unwanted promotion crap. Guess I'll just have to keep wishing. I do get the email ads which occasionally have a good offer.
Everything is available on their website in couple clicks. If you don't want to manually check give them your free spam email account and get everything in your inbox. No need to share private info. You spread so much disinformation in your video I suspect someone from competition paid you. Magically my comment where I pointed all your examples vanished.@@DIYwithDave
Also, their prices are up because their quality is way better as they are competing with Home Depot, Lowes, and other Pro-Sumer brands. (Think Hercules & Daytona). And I would still put the US General line up against Husky or similar boxes any day. HF is still the best deal on most homeowner-grade tools today IMO..... Great vid. 👍
They are going up a lot, especially when they're gerting rid of most of the Pittsburgh Professional yools and replacing them with the Doyle and Quinn, both are great brands but cost twice what the Pittsburgh stuff was with the same warranty
The clamps are very good quality and I use them on various project all the time. having a couple of extra hands help me work faster and not have to make multiple Trys to get stuff together. the rubber pads do Strach after many uses, and I will need to use some adhesive to keep them attach so I don't misplace them.
This is the natural progression of discount retail. Undercut your competitor, remove your competitor from the field, increase your prices over time. I'm not criticizing Harbor Freight, I love them. I have been an ITC member for a long time, and continue to spend a lot of money there annually. I still believe it to be very affordable. the quality is good enough for me and on most tools an unbeatable warranty.
Its been a while, but Harbor Freight used to be the place you could buy that weird socket or star bit size you needed...one socket or wrench at a time. Now, in those situations, its an exercise in seeing which complete set might have what you need...and generally the weird sizes are only included in the larger sets. So that's a little disappointing.
I buy those throwaway drill bits when they are on sale but I sure wish they still came in those red metal boxes. Too easy to bust a hinge on the new plastic storage boxes if one bit isn't seated down far enough.
All things being equal I would agree their prices are going up faster - however there are other factors as well including the increase in minimum wage. I don't know where the HF in question is located, but if in California, Florida and some other states, the minimum wage has increased which would be separate input factor on cost and would compound across the economy. Add to that the volatility of fuel, perhaps availability from overseas etc. I'd still buy a cheap one time tool at HF than buy an expensive one time tool at the other boxes.
Harbor Freight’s products have increased in price because of all the reasons you’ve outlined; not least of which has been supply, demand, and quality of materials and workmanship (hence higher production costs). Yet they still are the least expensive option in most purchase decisions. In my area (SE Idaho), my options for tools are Ace Hardware, CAL Ranch, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. I’ve only been here for a year but in my couple of dozen trips to buy tools, Harbor Freight has been less than any of the others. Ace still has the best customer service and often the best advice. CAL Ranch is the least option rich but they decidedly have the most robust gear. Ranchers don’t like things that break when they’re out in the field; that can lead to dangerous circumstances. Lowe’s still offers military 10% discounts, even for retired military whereas Home Depot allows individual store GMs to decide whether they will honor military and first responder discounts. Lowe’s employees are helpful and knowledgeable for the most part and I’m a big fan of their DeWalt and Kobalt tool offerings.
The HUGE increase in cargo container shipping costs from China when the pandemic cooled off is what probably caused a lot of their price increases along with inflation in general and, typically, once prices go up and they get people to pay them, they don't come back down to where they started.
I like these clamps secure and easy to use I have 10 of these. The tools that they do have gotten improved to the point where the price reflects the quality. So if you add inflation and improvements to the tools I think the pricing is fair
Another fair comparison would be to compare how much other more "brand name" big box tool & supply hardware stores have gone up in same time frame to see if Harbor Freight is still within the same discount range compared to those big box stores that they compete for.
The jack you compared doesn't really have an equivalent now. All the jacks they have now are lower clearance, with a higher max lift, and almost all, if not all of them are rapid pump. The heat gun you show is the poor quality one from years ago. Dunno if they still make that one, but the newer ones don't show it, just the bauer (mid) and hercules (best) tier.
It depends on what you buy, we have brands now that are stepping up the quality of the old "one and done, use and dispose of it after". Icon, Hercules, Predator, Even U.S General is aiming square at the budget pros and so with that comes and increased cost.
I’ve been working a HTF for a couple years now. It is possible that they used to fudge the numbers but I can tell you that nowadays, the reg price shown on the coupon is the true price. They don’t suddenly jump the prices before the sales. If it says 50% off, it’s actually 50% off so this comparison is really not good at all for showcasing current prices. You should compare coupons with coupons instead but even then, they don’t always give the same deals. However, don’t trust the ‘lower price’ tags. Most are misleading as they are literally the same price. Only a few of those are actually cheaper. As I said, it can very well be possible that they employed scummy discount tactics but you should try to confirm that first. Perhaps by finding employees that worked at the time or customers that bought items you see on that list (preferably not during the sale)
You should have found recent sale prices to compare to 2012 sale prices. The list price was the normal store price back in 2012 if you want to compare to non-sale current prices. That said, I do feel that HF prices have often gone up faster that inflation though the quality seems to have improved as well.
Back in the day especially when they offered coupons on pretty much everything i got some good deal but nowdays not so much and why would i spend $30. bucks to join the members club to shop there .
And when tool shopping I search between HF and amazon, today I bought from Amazon a 21 piece multi tool blade set $16. I think HF 4 piece set was $8. best to shop around.
Thst was a very interesting survey on the price of all those items, you are lucky to have more than one major hardware chain to choose from, I would very much like to go through a few big US hardware stores, bext regards from Australia
There are increases in many HF products but what company has lower prices over the same time period? HF is a good provider if you do your research you can definitely save money.
The McGraw air compressors "better" catagory are a superior product to the Central Pneumatic compressors which are the "good" catagory. I agree that the tool storage solutions would be impossible to compare as 10 years ago they were generation 1 and today they are generation 3 and while they also offer a "best" line of storage, the generation 3 are far superior to their older generations of storage solutions.
They have lost their damn minds. I just went to look at a orbital palm sander, and the charger and battery were both separate purchases. The charger was $10 more than the tool itself. When an item with no moving parts is more expensive than an item with electronics and moving parts, there is something seriously wrong. It would have been $154 dollars just for a palm sander. If I'm paying that, I'm buying DeWalt or Makita.
I think there the leader for lower prices yes stuff cost more but there also better quality now too example back in 2019/2020 I went in the snap on truck to get ratcheting wrenches I I think 10-19 mm it was a 100 dollars off and then you get 6-9mm for free yeah it was still over 500 the next day I bought Pittsburg ratcheting wrench’s mm then both sae and metric flex head ratcheting wrenches for 60 bucks and at that time icon I believe wasn’t out yet that or it just started and so there were barely anything on the shelves yet
Yeah I think we have a lot of that "free" money that we're all still paying for. I think if you know the product well that your looking for HF still has some decent deals and I agree the quality in some areas has come up to the higher dollar stuff of other competitors.
🤔 If one's income, savings, or overall net worth is not 33% more today than it was in 2012 then everything that costs more than the 2012 prices is more expensive for them today.
Mr. Dave, I notice that you are comparing one item with a coupon and then when you go to today it is at the regular price if you notice the coupon has a regular price and the discounted price it is not a fair way to compare them
Man, I usually like your stuff, but this one missed the mark by a lot. Every item in that flier has a coupon bar code. In addition, one can tell it's a coupon because there's a quantity limit on all of them. Clearly, you're comparing that price to the current full retail price. Without the coupon the drill bits were $24.99, and today they are $19.99. The case is now plastic, but they are regularly reduced to $9.99 with a coupon, or as ITC deals. The Pittsburgh 3 Ton Rapid Pump jack was $139.99. Today it's $139.99. The Central Pneumatic 3 gal 100 PSI air compressor was $79.99. It's discontinued, but the improved 110 PSI McGraw is $59.99. The alert system Then $29.99. Now $16.99 Dolly then $14.99. Now $12.99 The Drill / Flashlight kit was $39.99. The Warrior kit is $24.99, and $19.99 for ITC members. Obviously, a lot Harbor Freight prices have actually gone down, not up.
The quality of many of the HF tools has grown dramatically, but their prices are still not at the big box level. So the answer to your question is "NO".
Talk about backasswards, $1.00 in 2012 is NOT worth $1.33 now. That's saying that a buck would buy a 12 oz. can of beer in 2012, but the same buck would buy a 16 oz. (1/3 larger) can of beer in 2024. I shut off the video at that point.
I agree that some items are more expensive, buuuut you are comparing the old sale price to the current not sale. Sorry but that is not fare. Examples: I just bought last week in their "parking lot sale" three of the drill bit sets for $9 something, when the old sale price was $11 something. I also bought the heat gun for under $10. Yes, their sales are not as frequent as they used to be, but some items are still almost the same price. It is their medium quality stuff that is not worth the price, and their high end are almost as expensive as everyone else.
You’re comparing coupon prices to today’s regular price. They still have that same heat gun, yet you compared it to their new “ pro level “ line instead of the warrior. They do still have that same air compressor for that price. I found an old add from 1992. The one that would show what they had without sale prices. Prices have barely changed since then. You didn’t even try to compare apples to apples 🙄
You should compare a Wendy’s or an Arby’s ad from 2012…………EVERYTHING costs more. If you’re in Californistan it costs a LOT more. Low interest rates?????? Where?? 25% of Realtors cannot afford their office rents today. Vote buying is Uber inflationary. I went to Harbor Freight today. And I have NO complaints. Most things I bought had Coupons. I did buy some clamps comparable to Irwins $3.99 for a 12”. Same Clamp at Lowes today? $32.98. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse!…………..Cheers. PS I just remembered. I saw Gasoline at Chevron after I left Harbor Freight. It was $5.79 a Gallon. And it was 40 miles to my house. Let’s go Brandon.
You are comparing a 10 year old sale price to today's regular price. That furniture dolly is on coupon right now for $7.96. Its misinformation like this that gives HF a bad name. This whole video is irrelevant.
Great video but you forgot about corporate greed also influencing inflation or Greedflation. Not trying to be a hippie over here but it is a fact of our current economic situation.
As always, this is a well thought out and factually based presentation that is loaded with pertinent information. I hope people realize that your explanation of the causes and effects of inflation apply to all goods and services and that is why everything is more expensive. Thanks again for producing videos that are no fluff and very informative. I have been comparing a Hercules 12" sliding miter saw with a Lowe's Kobalt brand one and I don't see any reason why the Harbor Freight one is more expensive. Maybe they are actually feel that some of their tools are now totally competitive with other national brands.
This video is full of bad examples. He should spend the 15 min doing homework and compare coupon prices to coupon prices. In that case, his whole narrative of "HF is now expensive" is simply not true, as prices mostly stayed the same over the years. Increases are in items using lots of steel, eg. jacks, jack stands, trailers, tool boxes, etc. At the same time bunch of items got a lot cheaper, eg. titanium flux welders, many Bauer tools, etc.
Lmfao. Everything is getting more expensive. Harbor frieght is not imune to inflation. I also have an old add from harbor frieght add with Makita tools. Do you see makita tools at the store? I didnt vote for this. I just live with it.
HF lists the regular price along with the coupon price and that regular price is accurate. Put in a little effort and check the prices on current coupons against the regular prices on the website and you will see this. You might also notice that they have become much better with comparing apples to apples with their listed competitor prices. Might be time for you to stop trying to cash in on the HF name and their success as you are obviously not objective.
Video does not make sense at harbor freight i use a lot of coupons and i am an inside track member. You have to compare harbor freight coupons to coupons and compare to big box stores. Harbor freight is a cheap place to shop at.
Harbor freight is still a decent place to get inexpensive tools, but no longer do I feel that the price is cheap enough to consider it disposable. Since the warranty for most items is only 90 days, I can often find a tool somewhere else with a longer warranty that only costs slightly more.
I've started using Ridgid cordless tools because of their lifetime service agreement, and lifetime battery replacement. Tool costs aren't too bad considering you are getting a tool that you can get replaced or repaired for the life of you owning that tool, as well as getting free replacement batteries if one fails. Those costs alone are worth the few extra bucks spent upfront.
Even if you don't register the tools on the Ridgid website, you still get a 5 year tool warranty and a 3 year battery warranty. Looks like Dewalt has a 3 year warranty for the most part, with certain exclusions that have a 1 or 2 year warranty, and a select few of their tools have a 7 year limited warranty.
Rigid has a great warranty and Hercules hf tools have a really easy warranty process go in and swap it out 5 years on the tools which is about when ya want to upgrade!
I bought a couple of those furniture dollies in 2012 when I was in the military to move my household goods. They were $9.99 when not on sale. If there is a barcode on the ad, it is a coupon, with HF the coupons for less expensive items are normally 10-15% off, and super coupons 20% off.
Edit: Just checked the coupons now, the 18"x12" furniture dolly is on sale for $7.96. Less expensive than the sale price 10 years ago. After scanning all the coupons, those items that are on the "good" level have not really changed, the "better" and "best" where they have put the developement in are what have gone up.
I just went to the brand new harbor freight tools in our town. All the prices were ridiculously expensive. Menards and Walmart are way cheaper. Harbor Freight was $15 for a 12oz. can of R-134 and $10 for a can of WD-40. Menards is $10 and $5.76 for the same cans! I am sticking to Ebay for all my tools.
The Harbor Freight speed clamps are the best I've ever used. I never reach for my Irwins any more. And, they can be reversed and used as spreaders, so even better. These are the new ones I've talking about, btw.
That's great! I've never used them. I'll have to pick some up.
@@DIYwithDave I have 2 sets and want 2 more sets...get the 12 inch one they are only $.60 more per clamp Vs the 6 inches currently.
The death of Sears seemed to have caused HF to up their game a bit with regards to quality in order to gain Sears customers. That probably came at an increase in cost. IMO the Quinn line of tools is a good example of offering a "Craftsmanlike" quality tool at a better price....but more expensive than in the past.
I think you hit the nail on the head with Sears. I think that HF has really taken a ton of Craftsman's customers.
All while the Craftsman brand lives on and actually slid downmarket to compete more aggressively with HF's brands. Some of the imported "Craftsman" hand tools actually performed better than similarly priced tools from HF's line of tools. With the economy struggling, the cheap tool market is getting very aggressive.
Harbor Freight is still my go-to. Between inflation and better quality I think the increases are fair.
I think you are right. The real question is how it compares to other similar tools sold today.
I always use a coupon or get in on their deals- plus, I always pick up one of those clamps. I love those clamps!
Hi Dave 😮thank you for your content.
I however did notice that you were only showing the Sale prices on the old ads and only showing the current prices with no sales price. A lot of the items look like they are still priced the same in the old flyer if you read the real price.
I hope that this makes sense.
Thank you again for everything. Blessings,Carlos ✝️🙏❤️😊🇺🇸
Let's go his list quickly with recent coupons:
That dolly is currently for $7.96 with coupon. Regular price listed as 12.99. Bigger dolly coupon is $13.99.
Drill bits were on coupon in October 2023 for $9.96.
The last time clamps were $1.99 was in 2015. Since then it is $2.99
Jacks changed a lot in recent years. Not the best item for comparison. Anyway, new version of 3 ton rapid pump in red is now $89.97.
McGraw compressors are a bit of an upgrade of an old Central Pneumatic version. 3 gal hotdog an package are $49.99 with coupon.
Heat gun coupon price is $9.99 It jumped from 8.99 in 2021.
Battery maintainer was recently for $6.99 (January coupon).
Ramps have recently jumped on coupons between $69.99 and $64.99.
Alert system is $9.99 with coupons since 2017.
Warrior drill and flashlight combo still shows for $18.99-19.99 on coupons. They are harder to find these days, HF is now promoting better tools from Bauer and Hercules.
Toolboxes changed so much it is not comparable at all. They did increase in price, but at the same time in volume and quality. HF is very hard to beat if you compare quality vs price to other stores.
He said it was "today's" ad, where are you comparing which dates to which dates?
Their tool and product quality is far better than it was. I definitely like their tools a lot more now.
They are going up a lot of things but when they do those Sidewalk sales you can still buy that same item pre inflation price. Example I bought a Heat Gun for $9.99 a while back now it's $12.99. But go on a sales date and you can still get it for $9.99.
That is a great point. You can still find really great deals at Harbor Freight.
I was there today and if you compare HF prices to Lowes and Home Depot they are way lower. Are there exceptions yes, but it happens very very rarely.
Bruh. Just found your channel today and love the Harbor Freight series.
I am a retired stockbroker/ trader/ financial advisor who was licensed by the SEC and FINRA. Your explanation of inflation and how the economy works was SUPERB! I don't know your background, but Son, YOU KILLED IT!
I know MANY people who have degrees in finance, economics, and MBA's and they would struggle to explain these concepts as clearly and succinctly as you have.
Now, my experience with Harbor Freight has been a mixed bag. I have had a FRANKLIN 17 ft. Reach, Type IA, 300 lb. Multi-Task Ladder for years and it awesome and I love using it. But it is about 60% more expensive than what I paid for it in 2017. But that is still a bargain compared to a Little Giant.
I have an oscillating tool that I bought in 2015 and it still gets the job done. But for example I bought a PORTLAND 14 Amp 1-1/2 in. Capacity Corded Electric Chipper Shredder and it was boo-boo. Ended up setting it out by the road to let whoever came and take it after one season.
Thanks for the great content. Subbed.
Glad I'm not YOUR client. $1 in 2012 is not worth one-third more in 2024.
It's a good video but I remember buying some of those old items and the regular price was higher by usually 10-25% than the sale price. The game back then was whether the sale price or the 20% coupon off retail was the better price. Then the coupon went away. So as prefaced in the video, it's not a true indicator of inflation. Compare sale to sale or retail to retail. And even the sale prices vary. Once or twice a year they throw out those big discounts. But I only get the low end (Chicago etc) tool if they don't have at least a red instead of blue (power) tool. I like to pick up the sales before I need the tool instead of paying full price when I need the tool. And the bargain tables can empty a checking account if restraint isn't a thing...
Seems like you are compairing sale prices from 2012 to regular prices today.
You may be right, but it is tough to tell whether it is indeed a "sale" price or just an "advertised" price. I would argue that it is an advertised price and that is because the "regular" price is so inflated that there is no way that this was the price on a daily basis.
That same dolly is 7.96 on coupon today. A little research will confirm you are comparing a 10 year old sale add to a regular price item that is on sale for the same price today
Yeah, even comparing “list” price, the old prices are equal or even slightly more expensive than current. This is a bad comparison video using flawed logic
Don't forget the increased tariff rates on Chinese imports that went into effect just after that ten year old flyer was printed.
the tariff increase was 25% on China made product
yes the trump tax it's 25% on top of the original duty of about 5%
I have only noticed what I would consider to be ordinary increases on most things I get at HF.
Corporate Greed has caused others to lower their quality more than the HF tools, in my opinion.
That is a great point, Harbor Freight tools have improved over time while other tools have gone down in quality.
If Harbor Freight keeps raising their prices, I will just switch back to shopping at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Although many tools from those stores are also made in China, Harbor Freight has less consistent quality control. I suspect the whole narrative around Icon tools being "better" than top-tier brands like Snap-On is just a way for Harbor Freight to justify price hikes.
Can't really compare coupon prices to every day prices. Those dollies actually are $9.99 quite often. Those drill bits also go to $9.98 during big sales. (April 8th spring black friday) Clamps also have $1.99 coupons regularly. The 3 ton low pro jack was just on sale for $89 and will be again for April black friday starting on the 8th. 3 gallon mcgraw will be $49.99. Heat gun $9.99 coupon. I'll just stop there.
Hey, @popwaromie. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you correcting me. I've got a question for you. Please send me an email when you have a moment: dave@diywithdave.com
I’ve done a mix over the last couple of years, revamping my shop. Being retired, the longer I wait, the more things cost; so I’m trying to buy early. I got a T170 welder, I’m on my 5th C125 gas bottle; building vs buying stuff.
they have a 3 tn jack on sale coming up for 59.99
I've been shopping at HF for many years, but the price increases have definitely forced me to mix up my tool buying needs across more stores these days. Sockets, wheels, disposable batteries, tarps, etc are still by and large cheaper at HF, but there's a much bigger list of stuff that's not, and that is the big downside. I renewed my 2-year Inside Track Club membership recently and have also noticed those deals are far fewer than they used to be. There are some days where an entire aisle will be devoid of any blue stickers, which is kind of shocking. The experience just isn't what it used to be.
Great video! A few points though.... Harbor Freight has greatly improved a lot of their products over the years. I have been shopping with them since the mail order days. All of therir stuff used to be be single job junk, but it was cheap. They still have some of that stuff (drill master and Warrior lines), but they also have some pretty decent stuff at a fair price. I agree with the others, not fair comparison to look at sale or coupon prices from 2012 to "regular" prices today. The floor jack you showed is on coupon today for $99.99, which is considerably less than the $129.99 "regular price". Still not the $69.99 from 2012, but not quite as bad.
What everyone needs to compare also is the price increases of the other major brands as well. Most likely if someone dove deep into that comparison people might realize that ALL tools have gone up significantly in the past 12 years and that would still make Harbor Freight comparatively cheaper just like it was back in 2012.
Just a thought 😉
Harbor Freight recently opened a store in my hometown. I was afraid to go in there for a few months. You know, the discipline to resist stuffing the card. But, what I found is that they have different grades of the same product at different price points. Some cheap, some not so much.
Yes we try to do a "Good, Better, Best" with products.
The quality has gone up dramatically. Also, prestige, if that's a thing. In 2012 if you showed up with Central Pneumatic, you'd get laughed at, but showing up with Hercules or Bauer is just as good as showing up with Ryobi or Porter cable. Not the best, but not a joke.
Just need to know when to go and keep an eye out for coupons. I just got the Hercules table saw 10inch blade 15 amp rack and pinion that compared to a $600 dollar dewalt on sale (normally $400) for 300, then stacked a coupon to get it for $270. plenty of great deals when you time it right!
Prices are always going up because of whatever excuse they can sell you on. I miss the coupons they used to put in publications in additions to their flyer 20% coupons.
I recently broke one of the old style clamps and took it to them to ask if they would cover it under warranty. They said it wasn't a Harbor Freight clamp. I know that it was. I don't think the old ones were warrantied any way. The newer design does look stronger but I haven't bought one. I wish we would learn to manufacture our on stuff.
They still send out coupons. But not in the flyers. You need to either download their app or give them your phone number for texts.
@@DIYwithDave I don't like to download apps or allow texts because I get inundated with unwanted promotion crap. Guess I'll just have to keep wishing. I do get the email ads which occasionally have a good offer.
Everything is available on their website in couple clicks. If you don't want to manually check give them your free spam email account and get everything in your inbox. No need to share private info.
You spread so much disinformation in your video I suspect someone from competition paid you. Magically my comment where I pointed all your examples vanished.@@DIYwithDave
Comparing old super coupon prices to current regular prices is not a fair comparison
Great Point...Working on fixing it.
Also, their prices are up because their quality is way better as they are competing with Home Depot, Lowes, and other Pro-Sumer brands. (Think Hercules & Daytona).
And I would still put the US General line up against Husky or similar boxes any day. HF is still the best deal on most homeowner-grade tools today IMO.....
Great vid. 👍
They are going up a lot, especially when they're gerting rid of most of the Pittsburgh Professional yools and replacing them with the Doyle and Quinn, both are great brands but cost twice what the Pittsburgh stuff was with the same warranty
The clamps are very good quality and I use them on various project all the time. having a couple of extra hands help me work faster and not have to make multiple Trys to get stuff together. the rubber pads do Strach after many uses, and I will need to use some adhesive to keep them attach so I don't misplace them.
This is the natural progression of discount retail. Undercut your competitor, remove your competitor from the field, increase your prices over time. I'm not criticizing Harbor Freight, I love them.
I have been an ITC member for a long time, and continue to spend a lot of money there annually. I still believe it to be very affordable. the quality is good enough for me and on most tools an unbeatable warranty.
Its been a while, but Harbor Freight used to be the place you could buy that weird socket or star bit size you needed...one socket or wrench at a time. Now, in those situations, its an exercise in seeing which complete set might have what you need...and generally the weird sizes are only included in the larger sets. So that's a little disappointing.
I buy those throwaway drill bits when they are on sale but I sure wish they still came in those red metal boxes. Too easy to bust a hinge on the new plastic storage boxes if one bit isn't seated down far enough.
All things being equal I would agree their prices are going up faster - however there are other factors as well including the increase in minimum wage. I don't know where the HF in question is located, but if in California, Florida and some other states, the minimum wage has increased which would be separate input factor on cost and would compound across the economy. Add to that the volatility of fuel, perhaps availability from overseas etc. I'd still buy a cheap one time tool at HF than buy an expensive one time tool at the other boxes.
HF’s prices are the same in every store, regardless of location, which I found to be very surprising
Harbor Freight’s products have increased in price because of all the reasons you’ve outlined; not least of which has been supply, demand, and quality of materials and workmanship (hence higher production costs). Yet they still are the least expensive option in most purchase decisions. In my area (SE Idaho), my options for tools are Ace Hardware, CAL Ranch, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. I’ve only been here for a year but in my couple of dozen trips to buy tools, Harbor Freight has been less than any of the others. Ace still has the best customer service and often the best advice. CAL Ranch is the least option rich but they decidedly have the most robust gear. Ranchers don’t like things that break when they’re out in the field; that can lead to dangerous circumstances. Lowe’s still offers military 10% discounts, even for retired military whereas Home Depot allows individual store GMs to decide whether they will honor military and first responder discounts. Lowe’s employees are helpful and knowledgeable for the most part and I’m a big fan of their DeWalt and Kobalt tool offerings.
The HUGE increase in cargo container shipping costs from China when the pandemic cooled off is what probably caused a lot of their price increases along with inflation in general and, typically, once prices go up and they get people to pay them, they don't come back down to where they started.
I like these clamps secure and easy to use I have 10 of these. The tools that they do have gotten improved to the point where the price reflects the quality. So if you add inflation and improvements to the tools I think the pricing is fair
Another fair comparison would be to compare how much other more "brand name" big box tool & supply hardware stores have gone up in same time frame to see if Harbor Freight is still within the same discount range compared to those big box stores that they compete for.
Comparing sale price to regular price? The small dolly is frequently about $10 on sale, compared to $8 is not as steep an increase over time.
Steel prices have increased way above other prices. Look at the price of utility trailers that use a lot of steel in their builds.
I don't know if HF sales reads these comments but what drew me in was the free items they would have with any purchase or no purchase.
The jack you compared doesn't really have an equivalent now. All the jacks they have now are lower clearance, with a higher max lift, and almost all, if not all of them are rapid pump.
The heat gun you show is the poor quality one from years ago. Dunno if they still make that one, but the newer ones don't show it, just the bauer (mid) and hercules (best) tier.
It depends on what you buy, we have brands now that are stepping up the quality of the old "one and done, use and dispose of it after". Icon, Hercules, Predator, Even U.S General is aiming square at the budget pros and so with that comes and increased cost.
The US General stuff just keeps getting better. It's still an insanely good deal compared to any of the big names and the quality is really good IMO.
I’ve been working a HTF for a couple years now. It is possible that they used to fudge the numbers but I can tell you that nowadays, the reg price shown on the coupon is the true price. They don’t suddenly jump the prices before the sales.
If it says 50% off, it’s actually 50% off so this comparison is really not good at all for showcasing current prices. You should compare coupons with coupons instead but even then, they don’t always give the same deals.
However, don’t trust the ‘lower price’ tags. Most are misleading as they are literally the same price. Only a few of those are actually cheaper.
As I said, it can very well be possible that they employed scummy discount tactics but you should try to confirm that first. Perhaps by finding employees that worked at the time or customers that bought items you see on that list (preferably not during the sale)
You should have found recent sale prices to compare to 2012 sale prices. The list price was the normal store price back in 2012 if you want to compare to non-sale current prices. That said, I do feel that HF prices have often gone up faster that inflation though the quality seems to have improved as well.
I think H F quality has gotten better over the last 10 years. The improvement in the stores is a lot better. They were dingy and grimy in the past.
I still check around when I buy "good enough" tools, Vevor is a great alternative.
Back in the day especially when they offered coupons on pretty much everything i got some good deal but nowdays not so much and why would i spend $30. bucks to join the members club to shop there .
And when tool shopping I search between HF and amazon, today I bought from Amazon a 21 piece multi tool blade set $16. I think HF 4 piece set was $8. best to shop around.
The 5 drawer cart is great at $200- something but it was excellent at $129.
Thst was a very interesting survey on the price of all those items, you are lucky to have more than one major hardware chain to choose from, I would very much like to go through a few big US hardware stores, bext regards from Australia
There are increases in many HF products but what company has lower prices over the same time period? HF is a good provider if you do your research you can definitely save money.
Actually looks like most items are either the same as the regular prices then and now, or a little higher. a few were even cheaper.
Yeah I mean they have totally great sales still but I do know that a grinder I bought just over a year ago is not $5 anymore
I think your numbers are correct, however I also believe that the quality of products being sold today is higher and may justify the higher price.
The McGraw air compressors "better" catagory are a superior product to the Central Pneumatic compressors which are the "good" catagory. I agree that the tool storage solutions would be impossible to compare as 10 years ago they were generation 1 and today they are generation 3 and while they also offer a "best" line of storage, the generation 3 are far superior to their older generations of storage solutions.
The old HF ad you were using to compare to today’s prices were super coupons. Not really a fair comparison.
Their quality has Vasily increased, I like a lot of their products now, I thought it was junk before.
They have lost their damn minds. I just went to look at a orbital palm sander, and the charger and battery were both separate purchases. The charger was $10 more than the tool itself. When an item with no moving parts is more expensive than an item with electronics and moving parts, there is something seriously wrong. It would have been $154 dollars just for a palm sander. If I'm paying that, I'm buying DeWalt or Makita.
Comparing old sale price to current retail price, makes for some drama.
Harbor freight is beginning to give coupons and have sales again. It’s because sales are declining as inflation destroys the dollar.
I think there the leader for lower prices yes stuff cost more but there also better quality now too example back in 2019/2020 I went in the snap on truck to get ratcheting wrenches I I think 10-19 mm it was a 100 dollars off and then you get 6-9mm for free yeah it was still over 500 the next day I bought Pittsburg ratcheting wrench’s mm then both sae and metric flex head ratcheting wrenches for 60 bucks and at that time icon I believe wasn’t out yet that or it just started and so there were barely anything on the shelves yet
Yeah I think we have a lot of that "free" money that we're all still paying for. I think if you know the product well that your looking for HF still has some decent deals and I agree the quality in some areas has come up to the higher dollar stuff of other competitors.
all i know is it will take me a couple years to just afford the two big ticket items at todays prices.
🤔 If one's income, savings, or overall net worth is not 33% more today than it was in 2012 then everything that costs more than the 2012 prices is more expensive for them today.
How do they compare to northern tool?
Mr. Dave, I notice that you are comparing one item with a coupon and then when you go to today it is at the regular price if you notice the coupon has a regular price and the discounted price it is not a fair way to compare them
Man, I usually like your stuff, but this one missed the mark by a lot. Every item in that flier has a coupon bar code. In addition, one can tell it's a coupon because there's a quantity limit on all of them. Clearly, you're comparing that price to the current full retail price.
Without the coupon the drill bits were $24.99, and today they are $19.99. The case is now plastic, but they are regularly reduced to $9.99 with a coupon, or as ITC deals.
The Pittsburgh 3 Ton Rapid Pump jack was $139.99. Today it's $139.99.
The Central Pneumatic 3 gal 100 PSI air compressor was $79.99. It's discontinued, but the improved 110 PSI McGraw is $59.99.
The alert system Then $29.99. Now $16.99
Dolly then $14.99. Now $12.99
The Drill / Flashlight kit was $39.99. The Warrior kit is $24.99, and $19.99 for ITC members.
Obviously, a lot Harbor Freight prices have actually gone down, not up.
Some items, Harbor Freight has really improved quality and others not.
The quality of many of the HF tools has grown dramatically, but their prices are still not at the big box level. So the answer to your question is "NO".
I've seen projects completed satisfactorily and very cost-effective using only Harbor Freight tools.
Talk about backasswards, $1.00 in 2012 is NOT worth $1.33 now. That's saying that a buck would buy a 12 oz. can of beer in 2012, but the same buck would buy a 16 oz. (1/3 larger) can of beer in 2024. I shut off the video at that point.
Prices ain’t coming down soon 😢
don't forget tariffs. 🙃they are, however, definitely gouging. i used to buy a lot from them but no longer.
That is a great point and definitely part of the equation.
Sir, this is Home Depot. You cannot film your blogs here.
I agree that some items are more expensive, buuuut you are comparing the old sale price to the current not sale. Sorry but that is not fare. Examples: I just bought last week in their "parking lot sale" three of the drill bit sets for $9 something, when the old sale price was $11 something. I also bought the heat gun for under $10. Yes, their sales are not as frequent as they used to be, but some items are still almost the same price. It is their medium quality stuff that is not worth the price, and their high end are almost as expensive as everyone else.
You’re comparing coupon prices to today’s regular price. They still have that same heat gun, yet you compared it to their new “ pro level “ line instead of the warrior. They do still have that same air compressor for that price. I found an old add from 1992. The one that would show what they had without sale prices. Prices have barely changed since then. You didn’t even try to compare apples to apples 🙄
You should compare a Wendy’s or an Arby’s ad from 2012…………EVERYTHING costs more. If you’re in Californistan it costs a LOT more.
Low interest rates?????? Where?? 25% of Realtors cannot afford their office rents today. Vote buying is Uber inflationary.
I went to Harbor Freight today. And I have NO complaints. Most things I bought had Coupons. I did buy some clamps comparable to Irwins $3.99 for a 12”. Same Clamp at Lowes today? $32.98. A nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse!…………..Cheers.
PS I just remembered. I saw Gasoline at Chevron after I left Harbor Freight. It was $5.79 a Gallon. And it was 40 miles to my house. Let’s go Brandon.
You are comparing a 10 year old sale price to today's regular price. That furniture dolly is on coupon right now for $7.96. Its misinformation like this that gives HF a bad name. This whole video is irrelevant.
I agree. EVERYTHING is more expensive. EVERYWHERE. Harbor Freight is the industry’s punching bag and videos like this aren’t helping.
I just bought 2 of them. As far as the clamps go, it is worth a little bit more money for better clamps.
Everything's going up in California because of all the rate increases of everything
Are we really comparing oranges tools no offense but like we're not children here
you should have been comparing prices in a current sales flyer not regular pricing. so your survey is comparing apples and oranges.
Great video but you forgot about corporate greed also influencing inflation or Greedflation. Not trying to be a hippie over here but it is a fact of our current economic situation.
As always, this is a well thought out and factually based presentation that is loaded with pertinent information. I hope people realize that your explanation of the causes and effects of inflation apply to all goods and services and that is why everything is more expensive. Thanks again for producing videos that are no fluff and very informative. I have been comparing a Hercules 12" sliding miter saw with a Lowe's Kobalt brand one and I don't see any reason why the Harbor Freight one is more expensive. Maybe they are actually feel that some of their tools are now totally competitive with other national brands.
Great job Dave 😊 Thank you Brother 😊❤
Glad you liked it!
Good job, Dave!
Thank you for this video.
Gla you liked it!
This video is full of bad examples. He should spend the 15 min doing homework and compare coupon prices to coupon prices. In that case, his whole narrative of "HF is now expensive" is simply not true, as prices mostly stayed the same over the years. Increases are in items using lots of steel, eg. jacks, jack stands, trailers, tool boxes, etc. At the same time bunch of items got a lot cheaper, eg. titanium flux welders, many Bauer tools, etc.
Inflation is 100 percent in 15 years.
Lmfao. Everything is getting more expensive. Harbor frieght is not imune to inflation. I also have an old add from harbor frieght add with Makita tools. Do you see makita tools at the store?
I didnt vote for this. I just live with it.
lol bruh everything is more expensive than 2012, idk what to tell you. are they still way cheaper than home depot and lowes, yes.
I prefer to buy tools from HF
The problem with this video is, everything cost to dam much 😂
Main reason is sleeping jo........
HF lists the regular price along with the coupon price and that regular price is accurate. Put in a little effort and check the prices on current coupons against the regular prices on the website and you will see this. You might also notice that they have become much better with comparing apples to apples with their listed competitor prices. Might be time for you to stop trying to cash in on the HF name and their success as you are obviously not objective.
I think the new(er) tigger in the kitchen is Vevor.
Horrible comparisons dude. You’re comparing old sale ads to current everyday prices. Of course they’re going to be vastly different.
He said he found it "today" , day of video. It was very quick at the beginning. But yeah. Not old ads.
I went to harbor freight one time. Maybe a year ago. They had tool names that I've never heard of at prices comparable to Lowe's.
Not to mention you are comparing 10 year old SALE prices to to modern regular prices. Everything in your video is invalid.
I keep skipping on the videos because he kept jibber jabbering.
Harbor freight sells a lot of junk and I only buy a tool from them that is a one time job tool.
higher than a kite
Video does not make sense at harbor freight i use a lot of coupons and i am an inside track member. You have to compare harbor freight coupons to coupons and compare to big box stores. Harbor freight is a cheap place to shop at.