RIP Harbor Freight

"Zaphod's Heart of Gold" (anavriniv)
10/01/2020 at 12:08 • Filed to: None

Yesterday that box was $499 so 40% price bump, and that’s just one of thousands of examples. The bastion of cheap tools has jacked prices across the board. Their hard line tools are now as much or more than a set from Gearwrench or Tekton. Their storage has moved into Homak and Masterforce territory. Their cordless power tools now match prices of Milwaukee/Makita/Dewalt.

Once the value prop of HF is gone, what’s the point?

DISCUSSION (98)

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:20

If it’s not cheap there’s n o point.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:21

They’re everywhere and have a good warranty. Since the lifetime craftsman warranty isn’t a thing anymore, I’m okay with HF quality (actually really good, I haven’t broken a single hard tool) so I’ll still buy stuff there.

The only power tool I’ve gotten from there was a battery drill. Junk, but it was like $8 and does what I would need an $8 drill to do.

Brickman > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:21

Could be steel or supply shortage?

For Sweden > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:21

Kinja'd!!!

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t
10/01/2020 at 12:22

Agreed 105%. I just got some new Tekton tools that are generally accepted and incredible value, and they are now the same price as base Pittsburgh tools (not even the pro models), and way cheaper than ICONs that are both new and questionable (because HF). Why would I ever go back to HF if they offer no value prop?

The Ghost of Oppo > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:22

Damn, the Banks nail gun I bought last month for $105 is now $142. I wonder if the prices of consumables have gone up.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Brickman
10/01/2020 at 12:23

More likely tariffs on a full slate of Chinese imports

boredalways > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:24

It’s the cost of foreign freight and customs due to the pandemic. The pricing will return to normal once we get to the “new normal”.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:24

I think my floor jack I bought there 20 years ago was $85, now they are >$200 and have not changed a bit. I was amazed at how expensive things have gotten at HF. Shit my local ACE has better value o n hand tools than HF.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
10/01/2020 at 12:26

For the same money as better products, I’ll buy the better products. I have the HF box shown (earlier series 1) with a side cab that I paid under 500 for about 6 years ago. Yesterday that setup would have cost me $690, today it’s $1000.

Why would I buy a Hercules branded drill set when my Makita set is now the same price? Why would I buy a Pittsburgh ratchet when my Tekton is cheaper with a lifetime warranty as well?

As we’ve learned from Craftsman lifetime warranties only last as long as the company or brand. I have a feeling HF is about to start a retraction period

benjrblant > boredalways
10/01/2020 at 12:27

i think we’re in “the new normal.”

Sovande > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:28

I’m a Tekton fan myself. I’m consistently happy with the quality as compared to higher priced, better known brands. As long as they come from the Taiwan factory they are very nice tools.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/01/2020 at 12:28

The daytona jack that everyone raves about went from $200 to $500. 150% increase is NUTS.

My Arcan XL from Northern has been going strong for 7 years now...I thought it was expensive at the time, now it looks like a steal

DipodomysDeserti > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:29

Their prices haven’t been that much cheaper than HD for a while. They carry a lot more random tools and nick nacks that I end up needing, so I’ll always check them after my local hardware store and before going to Amazon.

Chariotoflove > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
10/01/2020 at 12:30

Craftsman warranty is still a thing, but only for hand tools.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Sovande
10/01/2020 at 12:31

I just started on Tekton tools, have known about them for a while now. I bought 2 sets of ratchets, the standard 3-piece 1/2 3/8 1/4 and the long flex set with 3/8 stubby (7 total) and both standard and metric combo wrenches. Fit and finish is outstanding for the money

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:32

Well I'm glad I bought one when I did then. Jeez. What are they thinking?

Tripper > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:32

Yikes! This post really makes me miss my toolbox. I bought a $1200 26" snap on roll cab for $600 with my student discount...What arrived was a 53" box that retails for about $3,500...they said KEEP IT!

I used it during my days as a car stereo installer. Then sold it for $1601 cash and have missed it ever since.

I always say that I’m going to get another but even “cheap” boxes, aren’t that.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > DipodomysDeserti
10/01/2020 at 12:33

The closest ones to me aren’t the most convenient so I rarely go. But at this point I just don’t see the point in buying subpar tools at incredibly elevated prices.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:35

I was planning on buying one of them this month, too. Damn.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Tripper
10/01/2020 at 12:35

That was an absolute steal, and you even managed to make a grand off it even if it’s worth more in hand. Kudos

Sovande > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:36

I have a couple sets of wrenches and a couple sets of 6 point sockets and I would buy any of them again. I like the wrenches more than Gearwrench and the sockets are good quality. I also have a couple screwdrivers I bought to keep at my house and while they weren't overly cheap at $8 each, they are very nice with great handles. I'm glad the brand exists, it's nice to not have to spend stupid money for well made tools.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
10/01/2020 at 12:38

The current version of my Arcan (3.5 ton low profile) is currently $150. I have used it on all kinds of vehicles over the past 6-7 years with not a single fault after blowing out 2 Torin aluminu m jacks in a year. At least 3 of my friends have the same one with varying amounts of time on it, no issues across the board. Highly recommended

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200345429_200345429

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Sovande
10/01/2020 at 12:41

I may buy a set of 6 point 3/8 sockets just to have them. My older USA (danaher, not Williams unfortunately) Kobalt 12 points have been fantastic for the past....12 years? Damn time flies. My Taiwan Kobalt metric wrenches were okay but not as nice as the Tektons, my SAE set has some broaching issues that cause fit issues on some of the box ends.

boredalways > benjrblant
10/01/2020 at 12:41

Not even close. There hasn't been an adjustment yet to the pandemic in the U.S. Just coping and keeping up appearances. We aren't even done with the first wave of infections. Plus, Disney and 2 major airlines have planned mass layoffs of ~50000+.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Chariotoflove
10/01/2020 at 12:44

One stipulation when Lowe’s took over as the main distributor of Craftsman tools was that they did not have to honor warranty on tools purchased before sale of the company. That was a death knell to a lot of people, even if the lower quality was not.

subexpression > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:45

L ots of th eir stuff is made in China and they probably depend on volume . Trade war , pandemic , economic downturn hitting the exact people who buy cheap semi-disposable tools .

As for the point... it’s possible that they’re just the first one to raise prices all at once on a large scale and in a few months they’ll be a (relative) value again .

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:48

On a semi-related note, why is it that those toolboxes are so expensive? Maybe it’s just my ignorance, but it seems like the raw costs aren’t that bad. Is the shipping from China the most expensive part?

shop-teacher > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:49

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Wow. I bought that box back when they’d let you use 20% off coupons on them, and it was on sale at the time . I paid $320 or $340 for it.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Chariotoflove
10/01/2020 at 12:52

Interesting, I though it was dead. Do you think I could warranty the ratchet my dad bought three decades ago that I stole from him and broke?

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > BaconSandwich is tasty.
10/01/2020 at 12:54

Shipping and storage are expensive, yes, but they are also solidly built boxes for the price. They are for sure not tool truck quality but they are accepted as much better boxes than Craftsman or Husky that run as much or more money for thinner gauge material and lower quality bearings.

My only issue with my box is the drawer detents that will not hold a heavy socket drawer well on my very slightly declined garage. Other than that my very well loaded box has held up fantastically, no slide issues, no bowing of the drawer bottoms, I can easily wheel it around the garage (I don’t but I can) despite the 1000+lbs of box and tools

Kinja'd!!!

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:56

I wouldn’t buy a HF box or their power stuff. I’ve yet to have a single issue with any of the HF sockets, ratchets, or wrenches I’ve bought over the years, and at the time they were cheaper than anything else.

I think the extendable 3/8 drive ratchet I got was like $20, and I use it as a breaker, no issues yet. The hand tools are quality. I wouldn’t say they’re worse than a Craftsman set. I’ve broken Craftsman stuff, though.

ibRAD > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 12:58

I like the low profile on that. Would be nice to not have to drive my cars up onto ramps before I can jack them up like I do with the jack I have now.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
10/01/2020 at 12:59

Being better than current Craftsman is a low bar to clear. I’ve bought only a few tools from HF and they have generally been crap. Learned my lesson, don’t even consider them now.

The boxes OTOH are generally fantastic for the price (ICON excluded...they are crazy expensive). I have the box shown with a side cab and it has been incredibly sturdy and durable for the price I paid, which is half what it would cost me today. For the money today I would spend more on a used tool truck box or a new Homak Pro

Nothing > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:00

That box still has a “super coupon” for $449 until 10/31, which is what it’s been. It’s also still listed at $499 in their monthly catalog. I’ll be curious to see what happens after 10/31.

But yeah, if there’s no value at Harbor Freight, there’s no value in going to Harbor Freight. Admittedly, all I have from HF is one of the smaller boxes (I do like it, significantly better than the equivalently priced Craftsman I had before) , some impact sockets, and a breaker bar.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > ibRAD
10/01/2020 at 13:00

I still have to drive my car on ramps but the front jack point is behind the engine so the jack has to go well into the handle to hit it...and the top grease fitting does not clear my under shield. My car is lowered. The jack is fantastic.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Nothing
10/01/2020 at 13:02

The box is just an example because I knew the price off hand. It’s everything else that jumped 50-150% that will make their sales a bit difficult to hit

ibRAD > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:03

Will it lift with very small strokes at the start? My current jack actually fits under everything I have, but same problem as you-way back and no room left to move the handle without hitting the front fascia.

Nothing > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:05

Oh, I understand. I’m sure after 10/31, the plethora of items in that catalog will then reflect the new pricing. I’m sure that box will have a super coupon for $649!

Basically, here’s your 30 day warning, go get what HF stuff you want now! If they wanted to figure out a way to go bankrupt, this seems like a good plan.

HammerheadFistpunch > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:06

It’ s hard to run a lowest denominator business long term, they need to move up market at some point. Someone else will fill the gap left by HF. That being said, I Think they are going to have a long road ahead of them for brand perception.

HammerheadFistpunch > DipodomysDeserti
10/01/2020 at 13:10

I usually find myself buying only the things they can undercut the competition on (cheap stuff) and to check to see what neat things they have locally that other places don’t. Their small parts organization bins are really good.

MM54 > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:14

To be clear, they have always sold borderline-scrap but sometimes that’s all you need.

The only benefit I can see to a harbor freight if they are no longer home-of-everything-cheap (or you have an addiction to plastic fumes) is that they often have, albeit crappy, tools that nobody else locally carries. Need an exhaust pipe flaring tool to fix that dinged tailpipe that won’t go back together after you dropped it? How about a 3-jaw puller at 7pm on a Sunday because your good one was borrowed? Need to do some job once that takes a special tool? That’s where their value is.

It’s not enough to sustain their current size/s pread if they don’t have bulk cheap-tool sales.

DipodomysDeserti > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:16

For the most part, the tools are all made by the same places, and with the ongoing trade war with China, prices are going up everywhere.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:19

Oddly, there’s none of these stores in the Northeast or Ohio. Shipping on that is $65

Michael > Tripper
10/01/2020 at 13:20

Explain why it was $160 1 please

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > ibRAD
10/01/2020 at 13:22

It will. It will tap the bottom of the bumper (which used to have a scrape guard that has mostly been scraped off) but it will pick up on very small pumps. Slowly, but it gets there.

DipodomysDeserti > HammerheadFistpunch
10/01/2020 at 13:22

Same. It’s the random stuff like organization bins and random tools I won’t use all the time that I use them for . Recent purchases include a cheap riveting tool which I used to fix the muffler on one of my motos, and a transmission jack which I needed for a clutch replacement. The transmission jack ended up also being a good moto jack.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:24

I get the more expensive Pittsburgh wrenches. No complaints. They do have the cheapo chinesium brand, but I’ve never bought them.

I looked at the one box they have that was like $300 and had a wood work top on it . If I needed a bench, I might have gotten it . But there’s better ways of getting a workbench.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > HammerheadFistpunch
10/01/2020 at 13:26

Sure, but they have been moving upmarket with new brands. Perception of the old ones is what it is, the fans will buy it because it’s cheap and they like it, and others will buy it only because it’s cheap. The upmarket stuff will have a high barrier to entry trying to beat out existing companies with the general perception of HF but with good quality and strong reviews eventually they would make it.

I have a hard time seeing them simply move upmarket by selling their cheap tools for higher prices...that feels like a recipe for losing sales all together.

Tripper > Michael
10/01/2020 at 13:28

Ebay bid to win the auction. Guy paid me 16 $100 bills and 1 $1 gold coin

Urambo Tauro > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:33

Bold move after that whole jackstand fiasco...

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Urambo Tauro
10/01/2020 at 13:37

Have to pay for that warranty snafu somehow I guess..

Sill need to take my stands back. They’re not the recalled ones (by PN) but I still don’t have much faith in them.

HammerheadFistpunch > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 13:38

To be fair, they are pouring money into making their tools much higher quality, even the cheap stuff...its just now they realize they can no longer charge cheap prices for it.

Michael > Tripper
10/01/2020 at 13:41

That’s pretty cool. What did you use the coin to buy?

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > HammerheadFistpunch
10/01/2020 at 13:43

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the pro line tools but for (now) more than the price of Taiwan manufactured Tektons I’m not the market

Tripper > Michael
10/01/2020 at 13:44

I think it’s still around somewhere, maybe at my parents . I paid off the last of some frivolous credit card debt with the other $1,600.

Chariotoflove > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
10/01/2020 at 15:04

Yup. They don’t need receipts or anything. The only catch is if they have a comparable replacement in stock. I tried to do that with my Allen keys at the Sears, and they didn’t have them. But, apparently Lowes now carries Craftsman and is supposed to honor the warranty.

Chariotoflove > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 15:05

I was told they would honor it. I haven’t tried it yet though.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Chariotoflove
10/01/2020 at 15:08

I doubt the person working the returns counter at Lowe’s will know or care but I believe the agreement at corporate was no longer acknowledging the previous warranty on items purchased at not Lowe’s. Bring in a broken flat panel from 1983 and see what they say

Chariotoflove > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 15:11

I’ ll be bringing in my set of Craftsman Allen wrenches.

Grindintosecond > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 15:36

I’m very happy with my gearwrench set I got for Christmas last year. Starting January I’m gonna really wring them out on the old mini. Finally. Then the wife wants the basement done, and then...I get to start building an airplane. A fine time for Gearwrench.

lone_liberal > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 15:46

I just saw a report about it being a website error. They said the store prices are still right but the website is screwed up and that it should be fixed later today. HF can’t exist without the low prices.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > lone_liberal
10/01/2020 at 15:59

Good and bad news I guess....I figured if HF went that way it was only a (short) matter of time before everything else did too.

I still won’t be buying from them except for occasional disposables but good to know things are a bit more stable

lone_liberal > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 16:02

Now whether they go back to what they were is probably a different question.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 16:37

A sick and twisted part of me wants to make one from scratch. It could be an interesting exercise (in frustration).

Thecadean > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 16:41

Remember those tariffs that China was going to pay...yea. We are all paying

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > Thecadean
10/01/2020 at 16:43

Anyone with a basic understanding of economics knew that was bullshit. My understanding of economics only barely hits the level of “basic” and I’m probably in the top 20 % of knowledge in this area. People just don’t understand, at least the ones that believed Mexico was going to pay for that wall

dogisbadob > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever
10/01/2020 at 18:01

The 3-ton steel jack is listed at $75, and the 1.5 ton aluminum jack is listed at $80, the same regular price it’s been for awhile. The coupon price is usually $60

The Daytona jacks are listed from $137-$229

dogisbadob > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 18:02

Which jack is it?

The ones on the site no w range from $137 to $229

dogisbadob > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 18:06

It’s listed as $499 now

check it out

shop-teacher > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 19:18

Whoa!!! That is INSANE! I'm glad I bought one last year, because it would s a very good jack.

Smokinaces87 > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 20:14

Good disposals....my corded impact took a dump 'spun a bearing' after my lift kit install on my 1500. Period. It's a hand rattling device now. Never even took it back for the warranty. Lmao!

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > Brickman
10/01/2020 at 20:27

Probably jackstand shitshow

facw > I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker
10/01/2020 at 21:03

In theory Loews is supposed to replace Craftsman tools that they stock, even if you didn’t buy them there.

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > For Sweden
10/01/2020 at 21:36

Was kind of hoping for a no deal brexit last year for a crash course for those that want trade to return to the 70s

For Sweden > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
10/01/2020 at 21:43

We needed Corbyn to win for that

gmporschenut also a fan of hondas > For Sweden
10/01/2020 at 22:14

Its interesting how Boris seems to be well on his way to the same place but f or different reasons

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/01/uk/eu-legal-action-brexit-intl-gbr/index.html

They have 2 weeks to knock out a trade deal, to still have time to send it the member states for ratification, before some assemblies go on fall/winter break.

For Sweden > gmporschenut also a fan of hondas
10/01/2020 at 22:15

The man is not for turning

Gerry197 > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/01/2020 at 23:18

I only go there for free flashlights or $2 flashlights, occasionally $10 volt meter, box of disposable gloves, maybe a $20 torque wrench that is surprisingly accurate.

Even if that price wasn’t a typo, they will be just fine :)

mlpnola > Thecadean
10/01/2020 at 23:26

What tariffs exactly are you referring to? You should have read some of the other comments prior to making a poorly informed comment. Like the other comment stated the prices on the web site were incorrect today due to a technical problem while the prices at the stores have remained correct.

SBA Thanks You For All The Fish > HammerheadFistpunch
10/01/2020 at 23:39

They’ve been at it awhile... the “Bauer”and “Hercules” series of cordless tools, batteries and accessories are much more robust than their entry-level junk.

Not “DeWalt” by any means, but still quite serviceable.

FLIP > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 00:08

Yout guys don’t work in manufacturing. See, the tariffs bring work back state side in the form of manufacturing. Creating jobs and wealth. Companies that once left the states to make a larger profit on $ per hour. Lose their profits do to imports and cargo. Therefore, the companies are forced to produce at home.

Jack > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 00:23

Kinja'd!!!

$449, even cheaper on sale!

BigCheeseStick > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 02:10

Bullllshit tariffs don’t work. Bunch of dumb asses. Why do you think Harbor Freight had to raise prices? Because they’r e paying higher tariffs! The idea here is to make it more appealing to buy American. Well, nobody here is taking a 90% pay cut to make that happen. So the only way is to make Chinese products cost more. DAMN YA’LL STUPID! O.O

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > HammerheadFistpunch
10/02/2020 at 06:46

I just paid $24, including tax and shipping, for a 10mm Hazet combination wrench. Hazet is a top German hand tool brand... I can’t really quantify it, but the good tools feel good in your hand, and the cheaper ones do not, in many cases. HF is great for things like clamps and other goodies, but not for hand tools that a professional would use on a daily basis.

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > FLIP
10/02/2020 at 07:01

Oh, I didn’t realize these higher prices were getting me American made tools now. Guess I should drop in and see that USA stamp on everything they managed to re-source locally in the past 8 months.

Or maybe they're using the same manufacturers that are paying the same wages they were before and passing the savings directly to the consumer

Harbor freight smells like ass and cosmoline > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 08:21

Here us the average response

We may of destroyed our economy in the long run. Harmed national security, allowed a brutal authoritarian government to expand its in fluence and power. Yes we cant even make a smart bomb or missile without buying shit from china, they can access all of our infrastructure at any time because they build all the equipment and hide back doors.

But hey I got cheap jack stands that will kill me out of it.

DonT tell me for a second its allbtarrifs you can get shit off of Amazon cheaper than harbor freight ever was, fuck even walmart has hyper tough

The Ghost of Oppo > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 08:23

Apparently the prices were a glitch, the box is back to $499

Zaphod's Heart of Gold > The Ghost of Oppo
10/02/2020 at 08:30

Yeah, the news came out yesterday afternoon. A computer glitch is much less interesting than them actually raising prices across the board but it is a better indicator that we’re not all about to be exponentially fucked

Venom2164 > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 08:39

I remember Having a Northern Tool Store close to me back in the day that sold the same quality tools as Harbor Freight for the the same prices as Harbor Freight. Northern Tool eventually went upscale leaving Harbor Freight as the only tool store selling inexpensive items. Now Harbor Freight is going upscale with it’s merchandise. That will leave the door open for a new competitor to emerge. I used to buy a tremendous amount of items at Harbor Freight. Since all the price increases, exclusions of most things from their 20% off coupons and the ever disappearing free items, I have turned to Amazon and Ebay that carry most of the same tools as Harbor Freight at the old Harbor F reight prices or cheaper. I do still shop at Northern Tool every now and then, but each time I am in the store they have 2-3 customers while I am there. Before they went upscale it was packed like Harbor Freight.

JCB > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 09:20

Why is this still a story? Has nobody at Kinja ever heard of a delete key? Sad. Fail.

PhantasticOne > FLIP
10/02/2020 at 09:43

Way back in the day, I was chastised for buying a Japanese car. My friends and relatives said that I should support American workers. At the time, I knew a guy working at the local Ford stamping plant as a janitor. He was union and was making $15.50 an hour for sweeping floors. He laughed at me because I was only making $10.00 an hour as an auto mechanic. That is why I bought my Japanese car. BTW, he got laid off about a year later when Ford closed their plant and found out that janitors were being paid $6.50 an hour elsewhere. I put over 150,000 miles on that little Toyota and that was back in the early ‘70s when most American cars had trouble making it to 80,000 miles before they needed a new engine. My point is that, sometimes, you just are forced to buy what you can afford to get the job done. That’s why places like Harbor Freight exist.

bernynhel > The Ghost of Oppo
10/02/2020 at 15:00

There’s a coupon in the HF Oct catalog for $449 on this chest.

bernynhel > Zaphod's Heart of Gold
10/02/2020 at 15:07

Absolutely not! As soon as Trump imposed those tarrifs HF immediately cancelled all of their outsourced orders and began construction on their mega factory in Utah right outside Richfield in a a town called Koosharem. The first U.S. made ballpeen hammers in over 40 years should be just about ready for the the Xmas rush.

MM54 > DipodomysDeserti
10/02/2020 at 15:08

The scissor-lift style one? I have one and use it way more often than I’d have expected to.

MM54 > BaconSandwich is tasty.
10/02/2020 at 15:10

I think with patience, a decent brake, and enough 16ga sheet you could make a damn nice toolbox... or a bunch of scrap. Probably not much middle ground.

DipodomysDeserti > MM54
10/02/2020 at 15:51

Yep. Swapped out my fork gators.

Kinja'd!!!

Destron Combatman > FLIP
10/08/2020 at 11:56

Or, you know... just close plants and relocate to even sketchier factories in India - or go bankrupt entirely. Alternative #3 is that sub-par US made cars and motorcycles reach “luxury” price points and just end up not selling, passing the buck further down the line and needing to be bailed out in another 4 years (or risk losing even more american jobs).