Quote:
Originally Posted by TalonFiero
I'm with ya. Harbor Freight is junk and Northern Hydraulics was awesome back in the day but now as Northern tool they suck.
I bought one tool from Harbor freight and it lasted not even 10 minutes. I didn't even bother going back to have it replaced, I learned my lesson.
Oiled air compressors are best, two stage are awesome.
|
About the only thing I like from HF is their tool bags, and their little crappy micro mill and micro lathe since you can use the mill or the lathe to make replacement parts for themselves and make them better. Their female air fittings are CRAP, they leak brand new.
Northern Tool still sells some good stuff. The big cast iron meat grinder I got from them rocks. It will do 600 pounds of chicken backs, bone and all, in 1 hour (for the dog). And they have some brand name stuff. They carry Pratt-Read screwdrivers, which are the best on the planet (get the mechanics series with the red/black handles, Fleet Farm also has them). Here's a link:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...4478_200314478
Some of their generators are the best bang for the buck if they are for occasional use. I wouldn't buy a permanent backup generator from them though, I'd get a Kohler from Costco.com. And I wouldn't get something that I used on a daily basis.
Acme Tools in plymouth... now that's a store with some GREAT tools. Pretty much everything is stellar quality in that store, but you'll sure pay for it. It's worth it though. If I buy $20 circular saws that die every 2 years, or spend $100 on one that lasts 20 years, I'm saving money and frustration on the second option. And I'm probably getting something that is more accurate, easy to use, and probably safer.
I'm not a contractor, but I love my tools, and I love working in the garage. And if I have something that sucks, it makes it a whole lot less fun.