Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experience. I agree that Harbor Freight has alot of good quality tools that are anywhere from half to a third of the cost of some of the other “big brands”. It is a great place to pickup a large assortment of tools for anyone that is just getting started or on a limited budget. In fact, there are very few tools that I have purchased from Harbor Freight that have failed me or that I regret buying over the years. They also come in handy for putting together kits for your truck, boat, atv, etc where you might not use them all the time or could become lost/stolen. Best of luck in your new career!

I quickly found that the tools I had been using for 20+ years were not adequate, yet had very slim funds to get more and better.

Harbor Freight was impossible to beat.
The impact and sockets, the hammers, and the multitude of hand tools that I needed quickly surpassed the $1000 mark.

I am working in a shop with multiple established mechanics, and three tool trucks come by each week.

I did need to make a few ‘small’ purchases from the trucks, as Harbor Freight does not carry some things that I needed.

As far as the socket sets that skip sizes, this is annoying, but individual sockets can be purchased at a hardware store.

Yes, it sucks that they don’t all match, but I have to remind myself that these tools are not there for anything other than to be used, and used harshly.

And actually, I have been more than happy with my investment.
I have broken a few bits, and a flex head ratchet gave way under a ton of strain.
But I have seen even the expensive tool truck tools break.

Most of the guys have at least a few things from Harbor Freight, and all but one or two don’t have some Harbor Freight impact sockets.

As far as breaking a flex head ratchet, I shiuld have been using the ½ inch drive instead of the ⅜ drive- it was my own fault.
The screw on the ½ inch drive has come loose before, but has not broke like on the ⅜.

I use ½ inch drive most of the time anyway, except for when space is a concern.

I have never had a problem taking anything back for replacement, even if the tool is not mine but someone else in the shop.

I wouldn’t have half the tools I have now if it wasn’t for Harbor Freight!

Greg, Thanks for your comment and I do have an update. Harbor Freight did give me a complete refund for the jack stands on a Gift Card. To be clear, this was always an option that Harbor Freight offered but since I was not in a rush I was waiting on the new stands to do an exchange.

There is no truck coming. There doesn’t need to be one.

I’m always an advocate for anyone who is not treated right for a proper recall process.

Joe, you can try and color fill the markings on the sockets with white paint/nail polish. Another option would be to take a look at sockets that are laser etched like the Tektons, here is a link to some options: Impact Socket Sets

If you use your phone number, Harbor Freight will keep a record of all your purchases. This can come in handy for warranty issues. Regarding the Pittsburgh 3/4 inch ball joint separator, that is part of the Pittsburgh Automotive line that is covered by a 90-day guarantee. Per the Harbor Freight website “We guarantee this product to be free from defects in materials and workmanship 90 days from the date of purchase. Limitations apply.”

Good to hear! I have had good luck with alot of Harbor Freight tools so far. Regarding their Impact Sockets my only concern was that some of their kits have “gaps” in their sets where some sizes are missing.

I have another article on Impact Socket Sets here

However, the warranty with Harbor Freight is hard to beat. Especially if you have a local store where you can replace a tool the very same day should an issue arise.