I’m an electrician and work for the railroad fixing trains. I use that 3/8s extendable ratchet every day had it for over a year it even doubles as a hammer sometime! That thing is seriously the best ratchet I’ve ever owned
Easily the best tool they sell. I recommend the non comfort grip one. Just because my jack handle fits over the end. Breaker bar and Pittsburgh jack are easily the 2 best items they sell
Pittsburgh Swivel Pad C-Clamp Locking Pliers - I love these things. I use them all the time, I've thrown them around a bit, they've fallen off work benches, and they just continue to work. Love those things!
I saw that 1/4- 3/8 ratchet and said that is so neat I have to buy it. Turns out it is one of the most used ratchets in my garage. Nothing like having a long handle ratchet to bust those tough 1/4 nuts! The impact sockets work great as well. Shine on!
between the cars & the garage, ive got 4 of those 1/2" braker bars & if someone out there has legitimately broken one, without a huge cheater bar, id be impressed... cause they are darn near indestructible! thanx bear & god bless dude
I had to break a flywheel on a jetski engine the other day, thing was torqued to 185flbs +the damn thing was rusted and corroded on there. I had the break bar and then maybe another 2 feet of a cheater. Breaker bar was flexing and I told my buddy to back TF up but ya know what, the damn thing didn't break haha! For less $20 (when I picked it up) those things are great.
Me too. My scissors are now collecting dust. Trying to find some use for the scissors. I also need to go get my haircut fixed when I tried to get a different use out of them. Attending a wedding in 2 days. Wife is still mad. Lunchables to the rescue.
I lucked out and picked up the Gold Icon Ratchet on Friday. The store I went to just got them in and they only received 2. I got 1, and one of the employees bought the other one.
Buddy I just stumbled into your channel and I love it. I love Harbor Freight and anything tool related. My wife loves the talking bear so much that she'll sit and watch it with me. Good stuff. I am subscribed
There's a combo impact set metric & sae they sell, comes with impact extensions and impact grade 3/8to1/2 & 1/2to3/8 adapters... Six point sockets, kit was about 35-40$
I have the socket set and the extendable wrench in 1/2 inch and the 3/8-1/4. Those extendable wrenches are fantastic. Great for low torque stuff like oil plugs, valve cover gaskets, even brake calipers. That way I have just one wrench instead of multiple and if I needed some breaker bar power, not too much obviously, I just extend the handle, bam, more torque
One tool that I like from Dollar Tree is the small pry/crow bar. I have two and came in clutch for changing axles on a fwd car. Nothing else would work. For a dollar you could buy ten and not worry if you broke one or two. But they are rarely in the store.
The tap and die set was an excellent call. Few people need one very often but a real life saver when changing faucet washers or dealing with any old plumbing fixtures or elderly vehicles.....saved my behind a time or two. Shine on!
Gotta agree on Doyle. I needed really big ChannelLock jaws for a job, but not super strength. Bought the largest Doyle and it looks like a red ChannelLock. Works great for occasional big jaw jobs. I still search for old U.S. made Vise-Grips, but I admit to using a few HF locking pliers for many lighter jobs. And I do have their 3 and 4 lb. hammers, but check how well they are hung. Catch the digital calipers on sale, then always take the battery out when not using. They eat batteries and the dead ones leak. My old vernier calipers are more accurate, but I’m to the point I need glasses or magnifier to read a verier to .001 these days.
I love the 4-in-1 hammer. I do a ton of furniture assembly, wall mountings & other handyman/DIY work and that’s a very versatile tool to have in your bag.
My policy is, if I find tools that are made in Taiwan at harbor freight, I'll pretty much buy them. They will eventually go up in price, then get relabeled as "professional grade" with 2-3X price tag, and then get replaced with Made in China/India items. I've been shopping at Harbor Freight since the 90's and I've seen it many times. So those Doyle pliers (made in Taiwan) are a no brainer
@@puregsr You could publish a book on the historical marketing practices throughout the shifting generations. I'll get the audiobook so long as there is a free trial available to me from Audible or somethin'...
Has Taiwan always made quality tools? I didn't realize until the not so distant past when I was sorting a toolbox full of sockets that used to be my Dad's. Most have seen at least a couple decades and any labeled "Taiwan" were in far better condition than the Chinesium ones. Same also for those stamped USA or JAPAN of course.
@@robertcortright It's just like everything around the world. Started off with cheap quality, then as time progresses, labor cost/environment concern rises, R&D increases, ultimately quality improves. Same can be said about Japanese made products from the 60's compared to the 80's. For example, back in the 80's, I think Taiwan made most of the bicycles around the world (think Giant), Japan made the midrange bikes. Then as factories move to China/India to save cost, you can't find a made-in-Taiwan bicycle for at least 300 dollars in the 90's, now probably at least 1200 dollars. Unfortunately, bias against Taiwanese products is still pervasive due to Chinese propaganda around the world, so people who are actually informed can scoop up Taiwanese products for a bargain. Overall, you have to pay a fortune for USA/Germany made tools and God knows if it's 100% truly made in the US or not, the law can be quite vague. Japanese tools are rare in the US and just like the term "made in the USA," made in Japan is often faked/counterfeited. So I find Taiwanese tools to be the most consistent in terms of overall quality.
The Doyle stuff is by enlarge made by Apex Tools, and is good! I have turned quite a few of the fast adjust “ knypix “ style for Through the lock as well as the Bremen locking pliers and made tons of entries with them
Totally surprised me at how many of your "chosen" tools I already use in my shop for work. Woodworking clamps - some of which are for welding , tap and die for re-doing pieces which don't quite fit right and preparing to tap threads in wood for special circumstances, the hammers for "adjustments", and those calipers - where were these when I began. Good call on so many.
You'll spend a pretty penny, but the Irwin metric/SAE tap and die set is quite excellent. Same thing as the Snap-On or Mac tools one, but lower pricing.
I bought an all steel Pittsburgh hammer for under $9 and it works great. It’s held up very well for the rough duty it’s seen. If I need to I’ll buy another one but don’t think that’ll be any time soon. It’s estwing quality with Pittsburg pricing
The composite material handled hammer is great for the tool box and general use especially at $6. The wood handled one though is made from balsa. I broke the handle with zero effort pulling a nail. I bought a new handle from ace hardware and now I have a perfectly acceptable $15 hammer.
My new hand tools go-to for 'truck box tools' is the Quinn line. Quality and looks to work on a truck in the parking lot or the woods. Someone breaks in and takes the tools...a reason to go back to HF.
My best recommendation is the Professional Flip Utility Knife by Doyle. It's identical to the Milwaukee Fastback in terms of performance. I have both and say get whichever is cheaper.
After seeing your video on the gold plated ratchet I ordered one online. It came in a week ago. There is just something about those gold collectors tools I like. I have Craftsman, MAC and now Icon.
I absolutely love my icon half inch ratchet with the flex head it’s an absolute beast and I have literally stood on it and bounced to break a bolt and it took it like a champ mind you I’m 350 pounds and that ratchet still works like new
I call my 3lb sledge the “attitude adjuster”. And I love having a digital torque wrench. The one I have is the Kobalt, but would love to pick up the HF brand just to compare it.
I am driving at 3am and your wit and advice is keeping me wide awake. Entertaining af. That last purchase suggestion is hilarious 😆🤠 THE GOLDEN RATCHET!!!
for gentle persuading, i prefer a drilling hammer over an engineers hammer. they are typically a hair lighter and the shorter handle helps with precision a bit more.
I purchased the orange dead blow hammer from Harbor Freight when I was putting in a Luxury Vinyl Plank floor. It was 1/3 the cost of the same one at Lowe's and Home Depot.
I have used the set to make axles, I had no problem cutting quality threads into medium steel round stock. As for the Taps I had no problem threading holes into half inch cold rolled diamond plate. The key to longevity when using these tools is to use them correctly, using cutting oil, and rocking the taps, and dies back and forth cutting small portions with each sweep.
The click type torque wrenches can be had for $10 when there’s a coupon or sale. Though, make sure you get a “Made in Taiwan” version (no shrink wrap around case, usually). There are some differences in material quality/build and the Taiwan versions are heavier than the Chinese ones. At a glance, the made in Taiwan version reminds me of the Tekton torque wrench that I have (may be made by the same manufacturer, who knows).
You made me laugh on this one! I had to buy the gold plated icon from your first video. I showed my wife and she just shook her head, cursed, and walked off. By that, I knew I chosen well.
I ran across one of the ten best and ten not to buy videos. A few years old. Need to do more. Top 10 power tools, and other things plus the 10 worst. Not just HF. I have the torque adapter, works great and it's FUN! The gold ratchet would make a great retirement gift for a mechanic.
There’s supposed to be a new Harbor Freight store moving into my area I’m really hoping they put it in sometime next year I don’t know the exact date yet.
I have a 1/4 and 3/8 extendable...it works well. It’s also stronger then you think. I had the torque adapter..it was wonderful...it was so good it got legs and walked away lol. I tell people Harbor Freight hand tools are not as bad as they once were. They have really upped their game on tools
I have the multi head hammer. The threads wear out after a while and the head won't stay on. Probably could be fixed with blue loctite. It's a good tool if you only use it once in a while.
I have been turning wrenches for the better part of 40 years and have used named brands to downright cheap pliers, get the Doyle, they are excellent pliers and especially for the money. I have not had any issues with them and used them fairly often. They are not the quality of the other more expensive name brand tools, but they are close enough.
Harbor Freight's bar clamps are good and are a great asset to be able to bring to bear on a project, but I've also recently become a true believer in the Masterforce F-clamp. The throat depth is almost twice that of the HF clamp, and the overall construction is clean and heavy duty. The price is two to three times that of HF's, so I don't have a swarm of them the way I do with the cheaper ones. Still, they are just the tool for the times I've needed a powerful clamp with a big bite.
I've since ppurchased the gold ratchet - and then a second, so I can use one and put the other on display because it looks so good, but it also works incredibly well too
Hey Bear, I have just about all the hand tools you listed plus a hell of a lot more, plus their tool chests to put everything in. Never regretted a single purchase. As always you reviews are spot on. Plus I worked there so the employee discount was a plus but would have bought them anyway. Anywho, have a question about harbor Freight’s linkable shop lights. How reliable are they? Do you need a make to male electric plug to link them together? Can they hooked up to a regular 120v light switch or do you have to use the pull chain? They don’t give that much info on their website. How about doing a review on this rascals in the new future. Remover I reserve the right to arm bears. Shine on.
Red, the only complaint I have about those HF F Style Clamps is that I beat them up so bad that first, the pads have a seriously awful time staying attached to it. Second, the little "paper clip" spring is prone to failure. FINALLY, this newer version sometimes spins off the rubber handles on the screw. But like I said, I beat them up a lot..... and at $2.99 retail EACH, I can replace any of the sixteen 6 inch ones I have...
I was really wondering about that Pittsburgh ratchet for a while now. Wasn't sure how that 3/8 and 1/4 heads would work in some spaces. I did see that Shadetree America had a video out about a $5 off any Pittsburgh ratchet coupon that he says that never expires and they will still honor so I may just have to give it a whirl now.
I got the tap and die set about 2 years ago haven't broken a tap yet, it doesn't compare to the mac tools tap and die set but will do. I would give it a 5/5 very good.
I got the two each of the 1 5, the 3, and the 4 pound dead blow hammers to use as substitute Indian clubs for exercise (I refuse to pay $75+ for narrow neck bowling pins) but guess what, they are excellent dead blow hammers. When I needed to hand chisel out a divot, the 3 lb was perfect!
The only downside to their ryoba is that it doesn't have a rip cut side, both are sharpened as crosscut. I picked up a cheap Irwin ryoba from Lowe's, and it's got the ripcut teeth on the course side, but the harbor freight is still my go to for cuts in thicker posts
The Allen keys are soft, on my set that doesn't get used much(I'm a woodworker) most of the smaller ones have either rounded off or the ball heads have just snapped off. On the bright side 10 seconds on the sander or grinder and you are down to a new tip!
The digital calipers are fine, but pull the battery and leave it in the case if they aren't used much. The biggest difference between high end calipers and junk is the passive draw when they are off, cheap ones are always dead when you go to use them
I really like their levels, especially the longer, more heavy duty ones. They look great (that bright yellow), and also work well as a straight edge for my circular saw. I have about 3 of them and they perform very well.
Picked one up the other day for $11. Don’t use levels much but need a long one on the occasion we set up scaffold for roofing. Gets the job done and don’t need it perfect just close so I’m not worried too much about perfect bubble level haha.
Harbor freight stuff is decent for the most part. I have all tool brands at the shop with a few harbor freight tools (stethoscope, impact screwdriver come to mind) but at home I have a ton of harbor freight with a few tool truck tools. I get the same amount of work done with the harbor freight stuff generally. If I could only have one obviously I’m going with my high dollar set of tools, but if i was just wrenching in the garage on weekends I would be fine with harbor freight.
I'm a new tech and love the videos thank you for all the great information. Never heard of tekton before your videos definitely got me wanting some now.
I'll have to look into those digital torque wrench adapters. I got the wrenches but I see the appeal. I love the Harbor Freight F clamps, used them today. Now I'll have to get more for welding, great tip! The Harbor Freight needle-nose "locking pliers" (vise grips) I got on clearance a few years ago are pretty crummy, they twist and don't stay locked. But hey now that I can weld, I'll use them for that. I got those deep well impact sockets, half inch drive, from Harbor Freight, because prices elsewhere are extreme... They're great so far, though I did have to go buy the missing 15mm socket from my kit. Cost me like $7 at Menards, so like a third the price of the whole set... I waited way too long before getting a dead blow hammer. Such a great "move, dang it" tool - the fluorescent whacky stick. (My breaker bar is an Allen brand, pretty sturdy. I also have Crescent brand vise grips, and Stanley adjustable wrenches and channel slip pliers. I apparently never buy the tool from the company that made it famous.)
They have a skinny Pittsburgh dual head ratchet that I like a lot. It isn't something you'd want to use all day but it fits in everywhere which is a high priority for an car tool bag.
I have to agree with most of the tools listed. I have a semi truck I have to work on because I can't afford to pay a mechanic to and Harbor Freight is great for decent large 3/4" and some 1" tools needed for the large equipment and fitting sizes. PS: my engineers hammer is what I call my attitude adjustment hammer!
One thing (or many be depending on how u look at it) is those little plastic containers with screws/nuts/bolts/ Fasteners and what not, you should get. They have a great Selection and are normally way cheaper then anyone else
I bought the Pittsburgh metric 1/2 socket set before I found Tekton, but I haven’t any complaints or need to switch out right now and I traded the ICON stubby metric wrench set, that I bought and never used, for the ICON 1/2” breaker bar; that item has had plenty of use. I know...I know I could’ve traded for the Pittsburgh Pro version and had money left over, but I don’t regret it.
No luck with the cheap HF torque wrenches. Also had the HF 1/2" digital torque wrench years ago but it broked, like it alot while it was working. Happy with higher quality Kobalt and Craftsman torque wrenches.
The only reason for a 20mm socket, is for the lug nuts that fit 19mm but because of the cheap design you need a 20 mm to accommodate for the swollen lug nuts. I work at a Ford dealer, I use my 20mm as much as the 21mm and 19mm. Also 22mm is needed for the truck lug nuts too. And sometimes you need a 19.5mm or 21.5 mm which is more specialized. To add to my comment, I have the Icon stubby ratchet wrenches, and while I don't use them too often. I am thankful I have them when I need them.
I have the Pittsburgh ½" drive 25" long breaker bar w/comfort handle and it handles everything I've thrown at it. It boggles my mind why someone would buy a more expensive breaker bar than that especially w/ the lifetime warranty that it comes with.
I’m an electrician and work for the railroad fixing trains. I use that 3/8s extendable ratchet every day had it for over a year it even doubles as a hammer sometime! That thing is seriously the best ratchet I’ve ever owned
That breaker bar is no joke. I put a floor jack under the end to break stubborn suspension bolts.
it sounds like you’re in a rusty area too. I’m in Pennsylvania.
Easily the best tool they sell. I recommend the non comfort grip one. Just because my jack handle fits over the end.
Breaker bar and Pittsburgh jack are easily the 2 best items they sell
Pittsburgh Swivel Pad C-Clamp Locking Pliers - I love these things. I use them all the time, I've thrown them around a bit, they've fallen off work benches, and they just continue to work. Love those things!
I saw that 1/4- 3/8 ratchet and said that is so neat I have to buy it. Turns out it is one of the most used ratchets in my garage. Nothing like having a long handle ratchet to bust those tough 1/4 nuts! The impact sockets work great as well. Shine on!
Missing the 20off coupon. Was great for these items.
I started buying more Tekton.with 10% back and free shipping and no tax.
between the cars & the garage, ive got 4 of those 1/2" braker bars & if someone out there has legitimately broken one, without a huge cheater bar, id be impressed... cause they are darn near indestructible! thanx bear & god bless dude
I had to break a flywheel on a jetski engine the other day, thing was torqued to 185flbs +the damn thing was rusted and corroded on there. I had the break bar and then maybe another 2 feet of a cheater. Breaker bar was flexing and I told my buddy to back TF up but ya know what, the damn thing didn't break haha! For less $20 (when I picked it up) those things are great.
Went to HF yesterday to get a dust collector, felt so wrong to check out without any coupons😭
I feel ya. I miss them a lot. I wish they would bring them back
I like the new instant savings. But the 20% coupon was nice.
Me too. My scissors are now collecting dust. Trying to find some use for the scissors. I also need to go get my haircut fixed when I tried to get a different use out of them. Attending a wedding in 2 days. Wife is still mad. Lunchables to the rescue.
I lucked out and picked up the Gold Icon Ratchet on Friday. The store I went to just got them in and they only received 2. I got 1, and one of the employees bought the other one.
The Harbor Freight in North Charleston, SC is very picked over, and every shelf is almost empty. They raised a lot of their prices too.
The doyle demo screw drivers are quite nice. I get a lot of use out of those
I got the 1/2 impact sockets mainly for the the 27mm. That is the size of the rear axle nut on my dirt bike. Best thing ever!
You missed the Quinn linesman pliers there awesome
Buddy I just stumbled into your channel and I love it. I love Harbor Freight and anything tool related. My wife loves the talking bear so much that she'll sit and watch it with me. Good stuff. I am subscribed
I ended up getting all 3 torque wrenches for under $30. But I will definitely be looking into the HF digital solution as well. Nice work bear 🐻 👍🏻
I have the doyle needle nose pliers, love them and use them almost exclusively for daily proffesional use.
There's a combo impact set metric & sae they sell, comes with impact extensions and impact grade 3/8to1/2 & 1/2to3/8 adapters... Six point sockets, kit was about 35-40$
I have the socket set and the extendable wrench in 1/2 inch and the 3/8-1/4. Those extendable wrenches are fantastic. Great for low torque stuff like oil plugs, valve cover gaskets, even brake calipers. That way I have just one wrench instead of multiple and if I needed some breaker bar power, not too much obviously, I just extend the handle, bam, more torque
Great to see and hear Da Bear on Sunday. For chrome sockets it is texton I was in the craftsman camp also but no more.
One tool that I like from Dollar Tree is the small pry/crow bar. I have two and came in clutch for changing axles on a fwd car. Nothing else would work. For a dollar you could buy ten and not worry if you broke one or two. But they are rarely in the store.
The tap and die set was an excellent call. Few people need one very often but a real life saver when changing faucet washers or dealing with any old plumbing fixtures or elderly vehicles.....saved my behind a time or two. Shine on!
Gotta agree on Doyle. I needed really big ChannelLock jaws for a job, but not super strength. Bought the largest Doyle and it looks like a red ChannelLock. Works great for occasional big jaw jobs. I still search for old U.S. made Vise-Grips, but I admit to using a few HF locking pliers for many lighter jobs. And I do have their 3 and 4 lb. hammers, but check how well they are hung. Catch the digital calipers on sale, then always take the battery out when not using. They eat batteries and the dead ones leak. My old vernier calipers are more accurate, but I’m to the point I need glasses or magnifier to read a verier to .001 these days.
I love the 4-in-1 hammer. I do a ton of furniture assembly, wall mountings & other handyman/DIY work and that’s a very versatile tool to have in your bag.
Malco is making the US made locking pliers. About $37.00 on Amazon.
Doyle pliers ROCK! Ignore the cheaper ones a foot away on the rack...pretend they aren't there and you'll not be disappointed.
My policy is, if I find tools that are made in Taiwan at harbor freight, I'll pretty much buy them.
They will eventually go up in price, then get relabeled as "professional grade" with 2-3X price tag, and then get replaced with Made in China/India items. I've been shopping at Harbor Freight since the 90's and I've seen it many times. So those Doyle pliers (made in Taiwan) are a no brainer
@@puregsr You could publish a book on the historical marketing practices throughout the shifting generations. I'll get the audiobook so long as there is a free trial available to me from Audible or somethin'...
Has Taiwan always made quality tools? I didn't realize until the not so distant past when I was sorting a toolbox full of sockets that used to be my Dad's. Most have seen at least a couple decades and any labeled "Taiwan" were in far better condition than the Chinesium ones. Same also for those stamped USA or JAPAN of course.
@@robertcortright It's just like everything around the world. Started off with cheap quality, then as time progresses, labor cost/environment concern rises, R&D increases, ultimately quality improves. Same can be said about Japanese made products from the 60's compared to the 80's.
For example, back in the 80's, I think Taiwan made most of the bicycles around the world (think Giant), Japan made the midrange bikes. Then as factories move to China/India to save cost, you can't find a made-in-Taiwan bicycle for at least 300 dollars in the 90's, now probably at least 1200 dollars.
Unfortunately, bias against Taiwanese products is still pervasive due to Chinese propaganda around the world, so people who are actually informed can scoop up Taiwanese products for a bargain.
Overall, you have to pay a fortune for USA/Germany made tools and God knows if it's 100% truly made in the US or not, the law can be quite vague. Japanese tools are rare in the US and just like the term "made in the USA," made in Japan is often faked/counterfeited. So I find Taiwanese tools to be the most consistent in terms of overall quality.
The Doyle stuff is by enlarge made by Apex Tools, and is good! I have turned quite a few of the fast adjust “ knypix “ style for Through the lock as well as the Bremen locking pliers and made tons of entries with them
Irwin at Lowe’s sells a 2 pack fir cheaper, $20) I buy yearly cuz I lose em working
Locking flex head ratchets would be nice. Icon is catching on with pro mechanics. A lot of my co workers have them
This this this. Especially since they recalled the 3/8 icon flex head and never brought it back.
Totally surprised me at how many of your "chosen" tools I already use in my shop for work. Woodworking clamps - some of which are for welding , tap and die for re-doing pieces which don't quite fit right and preparing to tap threads in wood for special circumstances, the hammers for "adjustments", and those calipers - where were these when I began. Good call on so many.
I absolutely love my 1/4x3/8 dual drive ratchet picked it up as soon as I saw it
This
, but with the extendable handle. 🙌 Life saver.
Liked mine so much I bought one for my Mom.
I have the ones with the black and green handles. They are pretty handy to have around
You'll spend a pretty penny, but the Irwin metric/SAE tap and die set is quite excellent. Same thing as the Snap-On or Mac tools one, but lower pricing.
I bought an all steel Pittsburgh hammer for under $9 and it works great. It’s held up very well for the rough duty it’s seen.
If I need to I’ll buy another one but don’t think that’ll be any time soon. It’s estwing quality with Pittsburg pricing
I'm a huge fan of the Pittsburgh double end flex head ratchet! (item 67994) 1/4 inch drive on end & 3/8 on the other.
The composite material handled hammer is great for the tool box and general use especially at $6.
The wood handled one though is made from balsa. I broke the handle with zero effort pulling a nail. I bought a new handle from ace hardware and now I have a perfectly acceptable $15 hammer.
My new hand tools go-to for 'truck box tools' is the Quinn line. Quality and looks to work on a truck in the parking lot or the woods. Someone breaks in and takes the tools...a reason to go back to HF.
My best recommendation is the Professional Flip Utility Knife by Doyle. It's identical to the Milwaukee Fastback in terms of performance. I have both and say get whichever is cheaper.
After seeing your video on the gold plated ratchet I ordered one online. It came in a week ago. There is just something about those gold collectors tools I like. I have Craftsman, MAC and now Icon.
What are you going to use them on?
@@codyzellner Nothing. They are strictly for show. I collect them.
I absolutely love my icon half inch ratchet with the flex head it’s an absolute beast and I have literally stood on it and bounced to break a bolt and it took it like a champ mind you I’m 350 pounds and that ratchet still works like new
Those pull saws are great. I keep one in the tool box. Cheap and sharp. Cut through a 4x4 with one.
I call my 3lb sledge the “attitude adjuster”. And I love having a digital torque wrench. The one I have is the Kobalt, but would love to pick up the HF brand just to compare it.
I bought that engineers hammer and put it next to my 24" pipe wrench
I am driving at 3am and your wit and advice is keeping me wide awake. Entertaining af. That last purchase suggestion is hilarious 😆🤠 THE GOLDEN RATCHET!!!
for gentle persuading, i prefer a drilling hammer over an engineers hammer. they are typically a hair lighter and the shorter handle helps with precision a bit more.
Shaved my dome this morning. Wore a hat to a birthday get together. Took off my hat and said " Shine On!" Nobody got the joke. 😆
I purchased the orange dead blow hammer from Harbor Freight when I was putting in a Luxury Vinyl Plank floor. It was 1/3 the cost of the same one at Lowe's and Home Depot.
Hey Den, ever considered using an iPhone pro / iPad pro for tracking ? Those LiDar scanners are some serious Beans.
Good video. Question, how do you rate the 60 piece tap and die set SAE and Metric in the case? Keep up the good work.
I have used the set to make axles, I had no problem cutting quality threads into medium steel round stock. As for the Taps I had no problem threading holes into half inch cold rolled diamond plate. The key to longevity when using these tools is to use them correctly, using cutting oil, and rocking the taps, and dies back and forth cutting small portions with each sweep.
The click type torque wrenches can be had for $10 when there’s a coupon or sale. Though, make sure you get a “Made in Taiwan” version (no shrink wrap around case, usually). There are some differences in material quality/build and the Taiwan versions are heavier than the Chinese ones. At a glance, the made in Taiwan version reminds me of the Tekton torque wrench that I have (may be made by the same manufacturer, who knows).
I think I got one of the chinese ones a few years ago, but only recently pitched it across the driveway when the teeth in it started jumping
You made me laugh on this one! I had to buy the gold plated icon from your first video. I showed my wife and she just shook her head, cursed, and walked off. By that, I knew I chosen well.
Lmao
I ran across one of the ten best and ten not to buy videos. A few years old. Need to do more. Top 10 power tools, and other things plus the 10 worst. Not just HF. I have the torque adapter, works great and it's FUN! The gold ratchet would make a great retirement gift for a mechanic.
There’s supposed to be a new Harbor Freight store moving into my area I’m really hoping they put it in sometime next year I don’t know the exact date yet.
I have a 1/4 and 3/8 extendable...it works well. It’s also stronger then you think. I had the torque adapter..it was wonderful...it was so good it got legs and walked away lol. I tell people Harbor Freight hand tools are not as bad as they once were. They have really upped their game on tools
Great. Just great. Now I have a whole other shopping list at Harbor Freight.
I would add the QUINN 3 piece insulated pliers set. They're not great but they're very cheap and get the job done.
I have the multi head hammer. The threads wear out after a while and the head won't stay on. Probably could be fixed with blue loctite. It's a good tool if you only use it once in a while.
Who makes the best locking pliers - AKA - ones with the least play.
I have been turning wrenches for the better part of 40 years and have used named brands to downright cheap pliers, get the Doyle, they are excellent pliers and especially for the money. I have not had any issues with them and used them fairly often. They are not the quality of the other more expensive name brand tools, but they are close enough.
i literally lol'd at the space shuttle bit ... great stuff
tht 3lb engineers hammer and pitts. ball joint separator saved me a bunch of aggravation with frontend suspension jeep tj repairs
Doyle and Bremen are fantastic. I bought all new impact sockets, 3/8 and 1/2, in the old Pittsburgh Pro line.
Tool bear there was a comparison between the icon and pittsburgh breaker bars other than the pittsburgh having a soft grip handle they appear the same
So the icon is made from chalk too?
Harbor Freight's bar clamps are good and are a great asset to be able to bring to bear on a project, but I've also recently become a true believer in the Masterforce F-clamp. The throat depth is almost twice that of the HF clamp, and the overall construction is clean and heavy duty. The price is two to three times that of HF's, so I don't have a swarm of them the way I do with the cheaper ones. Still, they are just the tool for the times I've needed a powerful clamp with a big bite.
I've since ppurchased the gold ratchet - and then a second, so I can use one and put the other on display because it looks so good, but it also works incredibly well too
The digital torque and impact driver sockets got me.. thx! 👍👍
Hey Bear, I have just about all the hand tools you listed plus a hell of a lot more, plus their tool chests to put everything in. Never regretted a single purchase. As always you reviews are spot on. Plus I worked there so the employee discount was a plus but would have bought them anyway. Anywho, have a question about harbor Freight’s linkable shop lights. How reliable are they? Do you need a make to male electric plug to link them together? Can they hooked up to a regular 120v light switch or do you have to use the pull chain? They don’t give that much info on their website. How about doing a review on this rascals in the new future. Remover I reserve the right to arm bears. Shine on.
Red, the only complaint I have about those HF F Style Clamps is that I beat them up so bad that first, the pads have a seriously awful time staying attached to it. Second, the little "paper clip" spring is prone to failure. FINALLY, this newer version sometimes spins off the rubber handles on the screw. But like I said, I beat them up a lot..... and at $2.99 retail EACH, I can replace any of the sixteen 6 inch ones I have...
I was really wondering about that Pittsburgh ratchet for a while now. Wasn't sure how that 3/8 and 1/4 heads would work in some spaces. I did see that Shadetree America had a video out about a $5 off any Pittsburgh ratchet coupon that he says that never expires and they will still honor so I may just have to give it a whirl now.
I really like this channel!
If you need to start or a complete set of wrenches for your truck the 301 piece set, is good. The stubby combo ratcheting set is a butt saver
I was at HF Tuesday getting tempted by the long shank drill bits and the brad point drills in 64th increments. What do you think of those bits?
I got the tap and die set about 2 years ago haven't broken a tap yet, it doesn't compare to the mac tools tap and die set but will do. I would give it a 5/5 very good.
I got the two each of the 1 5, the 3, and the 4 pound dead blow hammers to use as substitute Indian clubs for exercise (I refuse to pay $75+ for narrow neck bowling pins) but guess what, they are excellent dead blow hammers. When I needed to hand chisel out a divot, the 3 lb was perfect!
Something else that could be on this list is the HF ryoba Japanese pull saw. Really works well.
It was between the pull saw and the Japanese saw. Honestly it was a tough call.
The only downside to their ryoba is that it doesn't have a rip cut side, both are sharpened as crosscut. I picked up a cheap Irwin ryoba from Lowe's, and it's got the ripcut teeth on the course side, but the harbor freight is still my go to for cuts in thicker posts
Thank you, really needed this for stuff around the house.
The Allen keys are soft, on my set that doesn't get used much(I'm a woodworker) most of the smaller ones have either rounded off or the ball heads have just snapped off. On the bright side 10 seconds on the sander or grinder and you are down to a new tip!
I own 9 ratchets at work, a few more at home. I have one of those Pittsburgh ratchets, it's fairly handy
The digital calipers are fine, but pull the battery and leave it in the case if they aren't used much. The biggest difference between high end calipers and junk is the passive draw when they are off, cheap ones are always dead when you go to use them
I have all three of the torque wretches. I couldn't have passed on the sale, back when they had the flyers going out.
Hey, I'm resorting a space shuttle I'll need a good digital calibers.
I bought the tap and die sets separate, they are 20$ each for sae and metric but you get a lot more sizes than the combo kit.
I really like their levels, especially the longer, more heavy duty ones. They look great (that bright yellow), and also work well as a straight edge for my circular saw. I have about 3 of them and they perform very well.
Picked one up the other day for $11. Don’t use levels much but need a long one on the occasion we set up scaffold for roofing. Gets the job done and don’t need it perfect just close so I’m not worried too much about perfect bubble level haha.
Harbor freight stuff is decent for the most part. I have all tool brands at the shop with a few harbor freight tools (stethoscope, impact screwdriver come to mind) but at home I have a ton of harbor freight with a few tool truck tools. I get the same amount of work done with the harbor freight stuff generally. If I could only have one obviously I’m going with my high dollar set of tools, but if i was just wrenching in the garage on weekends I would be fine with harbor freight.
Impact sockets are a “hand tool”? I suppose you could use them that way.
I have an impact driver you hit with a hammer and these can be used with those sockets
I'm a new tech and love the videos thank you for all the great information. Never heard of tekton before your videos definitely got me wanting some now.
I'll have to look into those digital torque wrench adapters. I got the wrenches but I see the appeal. I love the Harbor Freight F clamps, used them today. Now I'll have to get more for welding, great tip!
The Harbor Freight needle-nose "locking pliers" (vise grips) I got on clearance a few years ago are pretty crummy, they twist and don't stay locked. But hey now that I can weld, I'll use them for that.
I got those deep well impact sockets, half inch drive, from Harbor Freight, because prices elsewhere are extreme... They're great so far, though I did have to go buy the missing 15mm socket from my kit. Cost me like $7 at Menards, so like a third the price of the whole set...
I waited way too long before getting a dead blow hammer. Such a great "move, dang it" tool - the fluorescent whacky stick.
(My breaker bar is an Allen brand, pretty sturdy. I also have Crescent brand vise grips, and Stanley adjustable wrenches and channel slip pliers. I apparently never buy the tool from the company that made it famous.)
Engineer’s hammer is good for pounding stakes (tent, shelter, etc.)
I just got that digital torque adapter. Its awesome
At the end did the bear say die on ?
They have a skinny Pittsburgh dual head ratchet that I like a lot. It isn't something you'd want to use all day but it fits in everywhere which is a high priority for an car tool bag.
The torque wrenches are ok. But after a year I noticed that the calibration was way off. Will be getting the digital one next week 👍
Great update will pass on the Goldfinger rachet and Shine on!
I like your reviews. Mostly agree but even when I don't you give good reason. Going by what you say I know
What to give a look. Keep it . Thank you
I have to agree with most of the tools listed. I have a semi truck I have to work on because I can't afford to pay a mechanic to and Harbor Freight is great for decent large 3/4" and some 1" tools needed for the large equipment and fitting sizes. PS: my engineers hammer is what I call my attitude adjustment hammer!
For all you professionals the Icon line is the absolute bomb.
One thing (or many be depending on how u look at it) is those little plastic containers with screws/nuts/bolts/ Fasteners and what not, you should get. They have a great Selection and are normally way cheaper then anyone else
hey Red. any recommendation on a good drum sander for a good price? I'd like to use it to sand down cutting boards. Thanks!
I bought the Pittsburgh metric 1/2 socket set before I found Tekton, but I haven’t any complaints or need to switch out right now and I traded the ICON stubby metric wrench set, that I bought and never used, for the ICON 1/2” breaker bar; that item has had plenty of use. I know...I know I could’ve traded for the Pittsburgh Pro version and had money left over, but I don’t regret it.
No luck with the cheap HF torque wrenches. Also had the HF 1/2" digital torque wrench years ago but it broked, like it alot while it was working. Happy with higher quality Kobalt and Craftsman torque wrenches.
Hey Bear do you know if Harbor Freight will be giving out any 20% coupons for ITR members in the future . I’m looking into buying the 72” top chest.
This is a good question.
The only reason for a 20mm socket, is for the lug nuts that fit 19mm but because of the cheap design you need a 20 mm to accommodate for the swollen lug nuts. I work at a Ford dealer, I use my 20mm as much as the 21mm and 19mm. Also 22mm is needed for the truck lug nuts too. And sometimes you need a 19.5mm or 21.5 mm which is more specialized.
To add to my comment, I have the Icon stubby ratchet wrenches, and while I don't use them too often. I am thankful I have them when I need them.
In my experience with the F clamps, they're ok, but definitely light duty. The handle on mine stripped the first time I used it.
Engineering hammer, everyone calls it mini sledge. I use it for pounding pins mostly.
I have the Pittsburgh ½" drive 25" long breaker bar w/comfort handle and it handles everything I've thrown at it. It boggles my mind why someone would buy a more expensive breaker bar than that especially w/ the lifetime warranty that it comes with.