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From: mike@leadsv.UUCP (Mike Saboff)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Tools from Harbor Freight Slavage
Message-ID: <394@leadsv.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 21-Mar-85 17:04:56 EST
Article-I.D.: leadsv.394
Posted: Thu Mar 21 17:04:56 1985
Date-Received: Wed, 27-Mar-85 04:09:33 EST
References: <118@nvuxb.UUCP>
Organization: LMSC-LEADS, Sunnyvale, Ca.
Lines: 38

> 
> 
> Periodically, I have been receiving advertisments
> from Harbor Freight Salvage Co., Camarillo Ca. for various tool
> offerings (hand tools, predominantly) at fairly attractive prices.
.
.
.
> I was wondering
> if anyone out in netland has purchased such tools from Harbor
> Freight Salvage and what their experience with them (Harbor and
> the tools) has been. As a basis for comparison, how does the
> quality of their tools compare to the Sears Craftsman line?
> 
I have purchased from Harbor Freight.  They delievered promptly
considering I paid by personnel check (~1.5 weeks).  I bought:
	Set of screw drivers (wood handled)
	~29 piece drill bit set w/case
	1" english micrometer w/nice wooden box
	Set of allen wrenches w/cheap plastic pouch
	A set of pin punches w/cheap plastic pouch
	SAE tap and die set w/cheap plastic box

    Except for the drill bits, everything was made in the near east.
(The drills were made in India)  All of the companies (ie Central
Forge) that Harbor Freight handle seem to be "clearing houses" for
foreign producers.  The tools were OK with the following flaws.
	Some of the screwdrivers are not mounted straight in their handles.
	Some of the drill bits have points off center.

    The tools are quite usable. As far as quality compared to
Craftsman(tm),  Craftsman wins hands down.  I bought the Harbor
Freight to put into a second car.  I have a set of Craftsmen that
I use all the time.

    You get what you pay for.  For me, the price was worth it for a
second set of tools.  Will I buy from them again?  I don't think so,
I will wait for sales at Sears or discount tool stores.