Is this store better than Harbor Freight?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 сер 2023
- As someone who’s been covering Harbor Freight for nearly 7 years now, people constantly ask me what I think of Northern tool. Sadly, we don’t have Northern tool stores in our area, but in our recent road trip across the Midwest I got a chance in Nashville to stop by and check out one of their stores and here’s what I thought,
- Навчання та стиль
Northern tool seems to cater more to the small construction companies, facilities maintenance, and farmers. HF seems to cater more broadly to homeowners and increasingly mechanics. NorthernTools clearance section can hold some amazing values. My local NT is clearing out high end Ingersoll Rand air tools for maybe 25% of retail.
Yes, northern tools are better than harbor freight.
This is exactly what I was going to say. There is some overlap but I think they are targeting slightly different markets. My Northern Tool is in an industrial park right next to Graybar.
They sell a really nice welders table for the home welder.
The NT in Omaha is expensive by comparison to HF. Clearance items are not always clearance caliber prices. I have enjoyed some very good deals but they’re few and far between.
Price are just to high at Northern. Very rarely I buy anything there .
I have shopped Northern Tool for years. They are a very good "mail order" store. They don't compete with Harbor Freight for the "low end DIY stuff". If you are doing Northern Tool, you are looking for quality that will last for years, not just a one timer. Each store has it's place in what you need. With that said, I love Harbor Freight for all my home DIY stuff!
hf stuff does last years now, it isn't year 2000 anymore
had more tools break from northern tools then from harbor frieght, and their prices are higher.
@@RobertMillerJustme Why would they make tools last anymore. 4 tool brands own the entire market. One other reason I shop at harbor freight is not just the lower price. I've been very happy with the quality of harbor freight.
@@Kameron-The-Crafter - I have a bit of their stuff some dispoible made some decent.
I have their drill press three winches, grinder and will be getting a tool box soon waiting on a sale, I did go with the California air compressor this past summer My black max was just too loud, I found that on their clearance page on eBay and price wise they beat Harbor frieght I am also a pros member of theirs, I have been for years. I also have dewalt and Ryobi hand tools just because when purchaced HF still had the old styles.
@@RobertMillerJustme I use harbor freight stuff their independent I like that.
The big Northern Tool catalogs are shipped everywhere, no need to have a physical store near you. That I think is the best thing about them. I remember growing up turning the pages in that catalog wanting everything on the page.
Northern is good for select items but i can’t help but to appreciate Harbor Freight for what they do. There’s quite a number of hand tools that both Northern AND HF sell but Northern marks the price a good deal up
I needed a tow behind sprayer. The one from NT has great reviews, so I went that route. I walk into the store thinking I'm about to get a 25 gallon; well they had the bigger 31 gallon for the same price on sale. I left with the bigger one. It made my day. NT is always worth the stop in. I'm still an HF junkie, but NT definitely has its place.
I've got that same one, works great
NT is just a more expensive HF that sales milwaukee and Klein tools lol
My favorite part of Northern Tool is going through all the miscellaneous stuff in the bargain bins. There’s a lot of junk but usually I can find something unique that I’ve never seen before.
I've never been in a Northern Tool store but, I have ordered online. They used to send me big catalogs but, I haven't ordered anything in a while so, I don't know if they still do that. From what I could see from the catalog listings, a lot of what they sell is similar, if not identical to that product at Harbor Freight but, usually priced slightly higher. The one thing that I appreciate about Northern over Freight is their selection of hard to find bearings, pillow blocks etc. When I need something like that, Northern Tool is the first place I look.
Same here. I've ordered from Northern but never saw the inside of a store before this.
I used to get the catalog years ago, but not anymore.
I definitely wouldn't compare Northern Tool to Harbor freight, more to a Tractor Supply with less farm specific feeling. Or like an ace but with better pricing... I went into one the other week for the first time in a while and was surprised by all the solid brands they now had. Even knipex on the shelves. They've always been a little out of the way for me so I haven't frequented there much but Northern Tool is definitely worth a walk through.
Agreed. 👍
Their Klutch tools are way better than junkie Job Smart tools
At work we get a bunch of pallets full of returns or damaged goods that can’t be sold in store. We go through all the stuff and take what we want. Man I’ve got so many free air compressors, welders, generators, tools, tool boxes, floor jacks, etc, etc. The best part about things that have been returned that have a small motor like air compressors and generators is that 90% of the returns are because the customer didn’t realize they have to add more oil after they get it in order for it to start and run. So it’s still brand new when I get it. People also like to panic buy generators when there’s a big storm coming but then return it afterwards once they realize they didn’t need it.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned is Northern Tools has, at least in the Charleston store, a very complete small engine and equipment repair facility. They do much more than just engines. I have a driveway/sidewalk cleaning tool for my pressure washer that quit turning and wouldn't work. They fixed it in about a week with a new O-ring and some cleaning. Worked great. Ever wonder where Lowes or Home Depot send their yard equipment for repair? Northern Tool down here. Very cool!
THANKS for posting this, Brother! I was wondering if there was a Northern Tool nearby, and I found one over in Pensacola!! I purchased (years ago now) one of the BEST battery powered tools I ever owned in an 18v Milwaukee Impact Gun, and I have been looking to replace it forever. I bought it at Northern Tool, and now I might be buying its replacement from the same store thanks to your great video! Thanks!
I had never heard of this store, until I started shopping online to replace my floor jack. Northern tool has one called a "strongway" that is a head to head competitor with HF's Daytona. There was not an ounce of difference between the two, and I ended up going with the strongway because I happened upon a free shipping deal.
But before that, I did not even know this chain existed, much less that they had a location one town over, in Greensboro.
**** 3:54 Right there. the blue one. That is the one I ended up buying online.
This was like 2 years ago, but I was pretty happy about a purchase from their website. I got a Milwaukee mid torque 3/8 impact wrench with two 6ah batteries for 219!
Looks like an awesome store, Jeff. I have one an hour away I've never been to but it looks like I may need to visit. Thank you 👍 for the heads up. 😊
Been buying from Northern Tool since the 1980s. I have never been disappointed in anything I have purchased from them. My local retail stores are well run. They are many steps above HF with regard to overall quality BUT they are a bit more expensive. Their power equipment, generators, pressure washers, compressors, are top shelf in their price range.
had more tools break from northern tools then from harbor frieght, and their prices are higher.
You're stuck in early 2000s harbor freight. If you were to go there tomorrow and give it an honest look around you will find that a lot of their brands are now competing with deWalt Milwaukee Makita and others. They still have cheap tools which is great because you use it, it does its job, you take it back get your money back. Or if it has a little chip you take it back and swap it out. Personally I barely ever bring tools back to harbor freight unless it breaks. And that has only happened on one or two occasions and that was because I was being harder than hell on it there was no way I was going to spend a bunch of money on something I knew I was going to abuse the shit out of one time. If you got money to burn.... Absolutely Northern tool is the place for you. I will say there are times when you do want to spend the extra money. Although again harbor freight has gotten a lot better so if you do want to spend the extra money on a quality tool they usually have you now. And will still be cheaper than Northern tool. I moved down to Florida from Iowa, and I got to say I miss Menards. Menards over Northern tool all damn day
Wow! 2 weeks ago, you were in my hometown! Pretty cool. This store is 20 minutes from me. Might check it out soon. Shine on!
It looked like that northern tool was missing two floor jacks. They were running $50 off a low profile strongman 3 ton jack this weekend 8/11 for $149. They also had a 3 ton standard profile jack $20 off for $149 or something close to that deal. I scooped up the low profile jack.
I don't shop there as often as I did a year ago, but they do offer a great military/veterans discount. It can also be used when ordering something in the store and also on sale items.
Iowa born and raised and while I’ve heard of northern tool, I’ve never seen a store… even in my travels anywhere. It kind of reminded me of HF with a real king/fleet farm/ theisens/ farm and fleet along with a tractor supply vibe. Interesting to see how the other half lives, appreciate the tour.
Thanks for the walk thru. I've always wanted to go to a northern store.
I’ve shopped at northern tool for years. Like you, being from Nevada I never had access to a store but I was able to order from them through their catalog but nowadays there’s the web which makes it easier. Now that I live in kansas we have a store in Wichita and it’s so much easier to just walk in and grab the stuff
Thank you for sharing, i have shopped at bith, they do complement each other. Everyone stay safe, happy and healthy. From Henrico County Virginia
I would love to check out a Northern Tool and Equipment store, but' unfortunately' they have no stores in the northeastern section on the U.S. yet. Thanks for showing it to us!
Hey Bear, appreciate the virtual walkthrough. I've been an occasional online NT customer over the years, as there is no physical stores near Emmett-ID...but I do have a nearby Harbor Freight Ontario-ORegon store location that I frequent, primarily due to no Sales Tax!
I love Northern Tool! There are no stores near me so I shop online. I shop at HF, too. There are some overlaps in products. I just purchased some 8 inch casters from NT after looking at HF's casters. The price was more than double but I like the quality (I'm building a lumber storage cart, so it will be heavy). I'm an advantage member - $38/year - so I get free shipping and some better pricing.
Nice store! thanks for the walkthrough, sorta big box store sorta HB, could easily spend a hour or two just wandering around checking it out!
One just opened in my area. Thanks for the tour.
Looks like they compliment Harbor Freight .
Kinda' got the Tractor Supply customer in mind as well...
You were right when you said it reminded you very much a Princess auto up in Canada. Almost everything I saw in your video I’d find in Princess auto, except maybe there’s a bit more of the brand names in northern tools. Hope you have a great vacation, Mike from Montreal.
Top of the line stuff , please continue w/ Northern tool !
Since there’s a Northern Tool about a half mile from Harbor Freight in Murfreesboro Tn I end up shopping both some times. Northern Tool also rotates displays based on seasons; Winter they bulk up on heaters,wood burning stoves, etc, summer its fans, garden tools/hoses. You can get a screaming deal on overstocks when they change.
Order a catalogue to see their full lineup, including tractors, small dozers, 2 & 4 post car lifts….the list goes on.
I used to receive their catalogs. Prices are high plus I’d pay shipping. I can go to Tractor Supply, Harbor Freight and the big box stores 30 minutes from home. I have purchased from Northern but stopped when their customer service gave me a hard time over a lost in transit problem.
I like Northern Tool they have open stock hand tools in their brand, they have name brand tools including power tools and more. In some segments they do compete with Harbor Freight especially with their house brands. At times it's difficult find the specific tool you're looking for from brands like Milwaukee or Dewalt at HD, Lowes or even Ace so having a local Northern Tool store gives you another option and is definately a plus. Like you pointed out they have many items that compete with stores like Tractor Supply and more. I find Tractor Supply to be lacking in many areas even in items you would think they would carry so Northern Tool is another option in that segment also. I'm happy to have them in my region and I do shop there.
got a northern tool about 30 minutes from me & a harbor freight, a lowes, & a home depot, all about 5 minutes from me... so honestly, i like going there, but i rarely "need to" ...but its a cool store to have around when u need something u cant get anywhere else. thank u & god bless
Holy smokes......I know we have one down the street from our harbour freight but I have never been down that way. I will have to take a stop by. Looks like a lot of good selection on some harder to find items
Looks like a great store. I'd happily shop there.
In Kingman Az they are right next door to each other in a small strip mall. Very convent, never a wasted trip.
Trapped on the west coast. I've never been in a Northern store but I've ordered from them. Also never seen what Menard's is all about. Holy mackerel there's a lotta stuff in that store. Thank you for sharing.
I havent been to our NT in a while and went a few weeks ago, liked the selection and prices. 👍
Pretty cool store. I didn't even know they had stores. I thought it was online only. But then again I too live in the southwest. And the only thing we have apart from Home Depot and Lowes is Harbor Freight which is good enough for me. Still, if we had a Menard's or Northern Tool store, I'd definitely go and check it out. NT definitely has a great selection of a lot of things.
Yeah there are no NT stores further west than El Paso, TX currently. I learned they just opened a new distribution center in Vegas last year to help ship to the west coast faster than before, that might mean an expansion of retail stores in that area in the future. They have many stores in Texas and Florida, and a decent number in the midwest. I think it's good to have options and NT does have good deals now and again.
Another great store. need to open even more
I have been into that store many times. I always make it a point to stop in there on the way back to western Kentucky. I have purchased a push mower, trailer parts, and some odds and ends. I drop my wife off at Old Pottery Barn just north of that location so I have extra time to look. They have a large selection of power washers. The last time i was in they had a portable power washer kit on a trailer. The entrance is odd, but I am know how to get in and out without any problem. There is another store on the outer side of town. I didn’t see the Areins zero turns the last time was there. Love that store!!!!!!
They just opened up this pass summer in the Northern KY area. Of which I think is awesome.
Absolutely our shop at Northern Tool equipment had been doing it for years and then they went out of business now I have to order it online🎉
We have a Northern store near me in Lafayette , Louisiana ...... 3 total on I-10 and 2 in southeast La. Preciate the video Mon Ami ....
Northern tool is one of my favorite stores here in Columbia South Carolina. They also carry a pretty wide selection of Knipex products, which is pretty cool being able to see them in person.
But definitely not really comparable to Harbor freight.
Wow it looks awesome!!
I have a store further up north where I live, I’ll definitely check it out.
Acme Tools stores are truly a wonder to behold they've got a great one in Duluth, they'll even send reps out and deliver to construction sites sometimes within the hour.
Camera seems real smooth u be using a gimbal?
Interesting , Thank You
I had a old friend that was a heavy equipment mechanic and he loved their Klutch tools
While I don't shop at Northern Tool a lot, they do definitely fill holes that do exist in Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home Depot, and Tractor Supply. For Example: Harbor freight had a bench mounted Sheetmetal Shear 15 years back that was simply detestable (they have since discontinued it), but Northern Tool had a Killer bench mount unit.. well built, very high level of quality for just a few $ more. They also had Bondhus Allen wrenches.. definitely 5 cuts in quality above Harbor freight's wrench sets. Just a couple of many examples, and in short, NOT the cheapest, or the most selections, but have yet to be disappointed with purchases.. I agree it is worth the trip and time (especially if you're not getting satisfaction with the big box store selections).. thanks for giving them a shout out!
I have been ordering from NT way back in the 80's. I didn't get introduced to HF until like 2002 by a neighbor. I stepped foot in my first NT in 2023. With the combination of TSC and HF I can get just about any home project done. But I would live to have a NT locally for more options.
I think Northern Tool complements HF (especially) and the 2 big box stores to a lesser extent rather than being a direct competitor. One thing I notice is wider aisles in NT than you might see in Harbor Freight....at least in the HFs near me. Would love to have a NT near me. Aside from HF, only a Tractor Supply is relatively close ( aside from Home Depot and Lowes of course)
Like some others have mentioned, the NT house brand stuff is often identical to HF, but a different color and higher price. For example, HF used to sell the Haul-Master 4x8 folding trailer with 12" wheels for $299 (SKU 62666, was often $249 with coupon, but is now $520). NT sold the identical Ultra Tow trailer for $500, but in black (seems unavailable now). Something pretty cool, though, is that they sold an aluminum version for $800 along with other variations. It seems NT only sells the aluminum version now (SKU 49803) for $900, which doesn't seem terrible since the HF one has doubled in price.
The things i value NT for over HF is their "similar/same" import stuff. Shop equipment that HF used to sell, but phased out due to lack of interest or sales, can still be found at NT. A good example I can think off the top of my head is the 1000lb lifting cart. The HF one is nice and goes on a really good sale about 3 times a year. However it only has one set of scissors under the platform. Meaning it can only lift 34". (This isn't always ideal, but i understand the safety aspect) The same cart can be had at NT but can go higher at 54"... that will definitely help you get things in and out of your pickup truck bed or up on a 4' high surface. I can't tell you how many times I've used it like a helping hand when installing or removing heavy items by myself.
Never say this store. It's awesome, would shop here for sure. Hope they come to Buckeye AZ!!!
My dad used to order a ton of stuff from Northern by phone to use on the farm. It would be some tools, but more often parts. I've not shopped them much myself, but their prices on national brands tends to not be super competitive. I would like to look into their store brands that I just became aware of a few months ago, just to see how they stack up.
If you come back through Sioux Falls, there is a Northern Tool and a Harbor Freight within a block of each other on 12th St right off I29 at exit 79. We have a Camping World too. Safe travels!!
They just opened a brand new one in northern Kentucky just outside of Cincinnati and it's really beautiful!
Can you do a Menards, Fleet & Farm, and Runnings store overview ad well?
Ironically, "Northern Tool" isn't "Northern." Their stores are in the South. It is their corporate headquarters that is in Minnesota.
I had never heard of them until a few months ago I was looking online for a specific item. It popped up as what turned out to be their house brand "Ironton." It turns out that not two weeks earlier they had just opened a store in a downtrodden strip mall in a close-in suburb of Chicago. It would be a 25 minute drive for me, but as a long-time HFT shopper, I was bit by the curiosity factor. The video tour here is exactly what I found there. Such a varied mix of stuff that I couldn't figure out who their target market is. I don't think it is me, though, as I find what I need at HFT and they are closer. It does seem that Northern may be looking to expand in the "North." This store itself is going through new-store opening pains as I couldn't find the item and it was listed as in stock on their website. Took employees 15 minutes to find it "in the back" but they were very helpful and friendly.
Great Video, the more brick and mortar the better!
Have not been to a NT store but have done mail order. Decent prices and good selection. I would hit both HF (10 min drive) and NT (if they had a local store).
Yep i have both here in fort wayne Indiana its great
Those NorthStar pressure washers are a staple in oilfield shops. They are cheap, work well, and disposable.
Our area in Minnesota has two places that you rarely visit, Menard's and Northern Tool. I shop both of those, also Harbor Freight and Home Depot. We don't have a Lowe's nearby. Each has their place...I shop Menards more than the others. Northern has a huge over 400 page catalog and small mailers that include coupons for $5, $10, or $25 off depending on size of purchase.
Intresting store and i have to agree with some of the other people seems like small contractor focus and entry level reminds me of some of the one off big hardware stores in my area of nj but would love to have this around me
You managed to find a Northern Tool that was quite large compared to the stores I see in my area. I go to probably 3 different NT stores, and they aren't supplied with as much selection as you are showing here. That being said, we have a NT and a Harbor Freight right next to each other, so you can hit one then the other if you need to. NT used to keep you supplied with coupons, but have done away with that in my area over the last year or 2, so I haven't been in the NT stores for months. HF stores are kind of new around here, at least having one around that is convenient, so I have usually spent my time in the NT stores, up until they dropped the coupons.
I've been buying from them since they were Northern hydraulics they started off with specializing in log splitters and pressure washers a long long time ago
I get the NT mail catalog. I've bought a few things from them, including their Gravel Gear jeans - very good by the way. If there were one in my town (Flagstaff) I'd stop in and shop. We have 2 Home Depots, a Cal Ranch, a HF, an ACE and a Tractor Supply, I've never been into. I like looking at the NT mailers and E-mails I get - Once in a while I do an order. I don't think they are like HF, each is an option to the big boxers though maybe not a replacement.
I drive for ODFL as a local P&D driver in the PacNW. Northern Tool does a booming online business. A day rarely goes by where I don't see something from Northern Tool cross our dock headed to either to a residential delivery or a small business. It's also not just one type of product either.
Should spell out what the initials stand for
@@busman2050 Old Dominion Freight Lines
Never been to a northern!? It is similar but with some name brand stuff. The klutch welders are nice. My first inverter welder was a klutch and welded beautiful
Well I will say I am impressed. I have shopped at Northern for many years, (Great place for Pressure washers and hoses, et), but mainly catalog. The reason is that while I live in middle TN the closest stores to me were Murfreesboro, or Knoxville and both were out of the way, older, dirty, dingy places that honestly you didn't feel really good about going in. This looked, nice, new and clean. I don't often go to Nashville anymore but next time I do I would stop in. What part of town was it in?
I have a Quincy air compressor it’s great no complaints
i like my northern tool. got their pallet jack and the alum. 3 in one hand truck for years. pallet racking goes on sale I have 8 of them...i see the new weatherguard tuck boxes @4:50 nice
I used to buy from NT a lot. But i also hold a grudge. The experience i had after purchasing a drill press there several years ago put me off and I haven't been back. Maybe one day.
Seems like a good selection for most people. Seem to find good brands for their customers.
You NEED to stop at a Acme Tools on the way back to montana. Absolutely great tool store!!
You were in my hometown. I have spent plenty in that exact location.
I used to shop NT decades ago via catalogs I would get in the mail. That was mostly pre-internet and before HF had stores in northern Ohio. At that time, HF offered free shipping on any order over $50. I'm sure they lost their butt on the vise and the pipe wrench set I bought from them. Of course, when the pipe wrenches were like $25, I had find another $25 worth of other tools to buy on that order.
Now, I found NT had good stuff, and more made-in-USA items, BUT I also found they tended to be more pricey. I would from time to time check them out online, and didn't find any reason to change that evaluation. If they had a store in my area, I would definitely go look them over.
Lastly, I really agree with you about not liking to shop HD or Lowes. They have a huge parking lot to walk through both ways. Then the store is huge to find things in and finding and getting help is hit or miss. And, then finding someone knowledgeable is also another matter. I will drive twice as far to get to an ACE hardware if I'm confident they have what I need. And, surprisingly, Ace Hardware's prices are very competitive.
Wish they had one in the Northeast (NH) but very similar to Runnings Stores, which are awesome, and at least there is one within 45 minutes of me.
Living in middle Tennessee going to Northern Tool is like a candy store for men. Harber Fright is like a corner store compared to Northern Tool. I drive by two HF stores to get to the Northern. I primarily go the website route only because of the 1.5 hour drive.
Thanks for doing the video.
Lol, sorry about Nashville highway layout. It is getting better, so they say.
Your comparison with HF is right on. When the two overlap directly, HF usually has lower price.
They are different not really a one better than the other. I go to each for different things. But I don't go into northern without the coupons they mail out every month or so.
They aren't big into the floor jacks like HF. That one typical of all Northern tool stores. Northern does have some good clearance prices from time to time. Northern also has allot of the low end tools that you see at the swapmeets.
Did you get the coupons etc I sent you before your trip?
There's a harbor freight about 3 mi from that northern tool. And I work kind of in the center so I go back and forth between the two
I actually have 2 within driving range. WIll have to swing by sometime.
Did you happen to see any die cast collectable construction equipment? I used to love getting the NT catalogs and they had like 3 pages dedicated to “toys”
Didn't look for them but I'll keep my eye out in the future.
Lots of nice stuff. I always forget about them because HF is a 15 minute walk from me.
There's a Northern Tool in Birmingham AL and I shop at both Harbor Freight and Northern Tool. To me they're not in competition with each other, they seem to coexist very well.
1:22 "they've got some really high end stuff..." as the camera pans to Milwaukee, "...and then they've got some really low end stuff" as the camera pans to Dewalt 😂
Living in Minnesota most of my life northern tool has been go to but now u gotta monitor the sales to enjoy the best of northern tool
Northern Tool is where I got the adapter and hoses to connect from my grill tank to big buddy hearter
I shop both Northern Tools and Harbor Freight as well as the big box stores. There are things they have that I can't find anywhere else.
I’ve bought from Northern since they were just the Northern Hydraulics catalog, and dealt with HF since they were only a Harbor Freight Salvage catalog. Too bad they have no stores in Washington State, but if they did I’d definitely shop there.👍
Where I live in Texas, Northern Tool opened a new store one hour south of me, they sent out advertisements, but their prices aren’t in my DIY/weekend Warrior budget.
The store you went to here is showing a lot, but there are a lot of empty shelves compared to others I have been to. When HF talks about their utility trailers, you may find one or two there, and forget finding one if they are on sale. But you can find stacks of trailers in a NT store. They are usually fully stocked at these NT stores.
We have one nearby. IMO it seems as if it catered to contractors more than the individual. Its been several years since I've been there but last time I went I bought a hand truck with neumatic tires some of their brand AA batteries and some tarps. The hand truck is good and I still use it, forget what I paid at the time, maybe $30 for the hand truck, the batteries were inexpensive as were the tarps.
Many years ago we ordered tools from a company called Northern Hydraulics which I think became Northern Tool. It's always been tools and stuff for farming, logging, construction, mechanics, etc. The stores I've been to in the Kansas City area are small, not very extensive and disappointing. A store stocked like the one you are at would get a lot of business from me.
I wonder if they will ever open any stores in the high desert of Southern CA