Harbor Freight - Gems and Junk

tmj91 said

Things I have that are great:
Heat Gun
Engine hoist
Welding cart
Pneumatic rolling stool
earthquake impact
Parts washer
Step drill bits
mig welding pliers

Things that have been junk:
Clutch alignment tool
Welding helmet (lasted 2 years then stopped working)
air body saw
dent puller

welding wire

Click to expand...

Funny you mention the welding wire. I was warned away as it being made in China. Well, I checked my Hobart roll and it was made in Italy. I looked at a roll of Lincoln wire at the shop, it was made in Italy. (The other was made in Mexico). I bought a ball joint press kit and was looking at the mig wire, it is made in Italy. Did some internet hunting and it appears that the Italian MIG wire at HF is made in the same plant as the Lincoln and Hobart stuff.

Oh, and I just bought the HF 1000 lbs engine stand and it works great. (I swapped out the bolts for grade 8 hardware, though.

Funny story.
I had a local auto chain store here advertising a AC Delco storable engine hoist for about $350. I showed them a HF ad for a similar folding engine hoist for much less and actually got them to price match it.

The Delco one is way beefier.......