Harbor Freight's Dirty Little Secret Response by Harbor Freight Execs
Harbor Freight's Dirty Little Secret
In an earlier Harbor Freight-related article, I directed readers to a video from the DIY Dave YouTube channel where Dave discusses what makes Harbor Freight so successful and how those tools can be sold so cheaply in comparison to brands found at Lowes, Home Depot and other stores.
Furthermore, he also provided advice that tool shoppers should heed when trying to decide whether to risk a purchase from Harbor Freight or go with a more expensive brand tool seller.
I chose to alert readers to his video due to---IMHO---the value of watching his video is that he is spot-on with his assessment and advice that can save DIY and professional mechanics a significant amount of money.
Related article: Best Floor Jack Comparison Tests Reveal Which Harbor Freight Jack to Buy and Which to Probably Avoid
Harbor Freight Execs Were Not Amused
As it turns out, however, wind of what became a very popular video caught the attention of the Harbor Freight executives and they in turn contacted the host of the DIY Dave YouTube channel and had a discussion with him about his video. In short, they had some issues with it.
Here’s a summary of what was discussed as well as what some overseas manufacturing insiders had to add about how HF tools are made. In the video you will hear about:
• The claim that HF uses lower quality materials and poor-quality control
• Tools Harbor Freight considers to be high quality
• How Harbor Freight places the blame of bad tools on their customers
• Whether Harbor Freight tool ratings are being manipulated
• How HF works with Asian manufacturers for their tools
• Why the cost of HF tools is affected more by features than by the quality of materials used
Harbor Freight called me after my last video! Here is what we talked about...
And finally…
For additional Harbor Freight-related articles, here are a few for your enjoyment and help in choosing the best tools for your budget:
• Harbor Freight Makes the Top Ten List of Top Tools for 2022
• Mechanic Responds to Harbor Freight Tool Shaming
• The Harbor Freight Gift Every Car Owner Needs
COMING UP NEXT: The $10 Harbor Freight Tool That Can Save You From a $1,000 Scam
Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.
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