My Harbor Freight Brand Pittsburgh Tool Beats Snap-On!

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Don't pay Snap-On $333 for one important tool all DIY garages must have that Harbor Freight recently bested in a new tool review…that only cost me $40!

I Shop Harbor Freight More Than Any Other Tool Supplier

It’s no secret that I shop at Harbor Freight more than any other tool supplier. Harbor Freight provides many of the tools I use for auto repair and rebuilding. However, to be clear, that doesn’t mean that the majority of my tool expenses are from shopping at Harbor Freight. In fact, looking over my past year’s expenses, Summit Racing is where my kid’s inheritance goes.

Summit fills that empty space where I need tools that HF does not supply or supply with the tested level of quality and accuracy that I need for engine work. But it does cost more…a lot more at times.

Harbor Freight is No Longer “Harbor Fright”

In past articles we’ve learned that there is no shame in buying tools from Harbor Freight and that in fact it makes sense in many cases to choose a tool from “Heart Break” ---one of the more strained monikers I’ve heard---over many other name brand tools that promise quality at a price.

Other nicknames for the HF brand include:

• Harbor Hate
• Harbor Fright
• Bottom of the Harbor Freight
• China Fright
• The Chinese Cheesecake Factory

But is this fair and accurate? Nobody would deny that there is an element of risk and even perhaps danger with some HF products---and I have one nearly lost eye photo to prove it. But as with all things you have to be smart when you buy anything by doing your research, apply a little common sense…and wear proper safety equipment whenever in the garage. Or as Homer Simpson says, “D’OH!”

Case in point: online you will find some items that are no brainers when it comes to “Things to Never Buy from Harbor Freight” such as:

• Bullet proof vests
• Parachutes
• Elevators
• Birth control devices
• Fire Extinguishers
• Pacemakers
• Vaccines

My Pittsburgh Creeper Bested Snap-On

A recent Project Farm YouTube channel tool review of mechanic’s creepers confirmed my past purchase of a $40 Pittsburgh brand creeper from Harbor Freight that has served me well over the past three years.

Not only did a positive user review of the creeper during a tool search and its low price close the deal for me when I bought it, but the fact that it had an adjustable head rest made it a necessity for me. If you have ever spent time on your back under a car, you will soon discover that a little head elevation at the neck relieves a lot of the strain.

Project Farm Gives a Thumbs Up to Harbor Freight (This time)

If you are in need of a new mechanic’s creeper for your garage or have been wanting to replace your old one, here is a very useful Project Farm mechanic’s creeper review that shows not just Harbor Freight, but a few other brands as well make much more sense to buy over an over-priced Snap-On.

Best Mechanic’s Creeper? Daytona vs Snap On! Let’s Find Out!

For additional articles related to tool reviews from the Project Farm YouTube channel, here are three for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: Protect Yourself When Buying a Used Car Warning

Image source: Deposit Photos