Harbor Freight tools are designed for the lowest common denominator. That is, the most common tools, cheaply made, for the single or very occasional use. If they don't include a size, it's because some bean counter has determined "not enough" people use it. As the phrase goes, "it is what it is." If you need something they don't offer, buy a quality tool - not at all a bad idea for banging on control arms.
OT - Harbor Freight Rant.
What is it about Harbor Freight and 16 & 18mm tools. Their wrench and socket sets are always, without exception, missing both those sizes. I could see it being a smart marketing ploy is they sold those sizes individually, but they don't... I was in today and they have a really nice set of long handle wrenches for around $25. But guess what sizes they are missing... Yep! They also have a nice set of ratcheting wrenches also missing both 16 & 18mm. Both set would have been nice for control arms, except the whole control arm job is basically 16 & 18mm wrenches.... What world do they live in that doesn't require thos size wrenches?
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It's not just HF, many sets are missing the 16/18mm sizes.
Most "basic" socket sets do not include 16 and 18 mm - you'll need to look a little to find sets that do.
HF has some good stuff and some lousy stuff, but I don't think that they are purposefully withholding those two sizes, they are not the most common fastener sizes...
My "secret" to buying tools from HF is to shop with a smartphone in hand to read the reviews of the specific product I'm thinking of buying ( and remember to change the sort order from "highest" to "most recent".)
My "secret" to buying tools from HF is to shop with a smartphone in hand to read the reviews of the specific product I'm thinking of buying ( and remember to change the sort order from "highest" to "most recent".)
HF imports its tools almost 100% from Chinese made suppliers. The Quality/Price ratio in most cases is low. I've bought several tools from them but have stopped. I rather invest in a quality tool that goes for a long time than buying cheap stuff. But that's me I know for many price is the most important factor and quality of tool is less.
Are they the best? No. But I find their hand tools about equal to Sears.HF imports its tools almost 100% from Chinese made suppliers. The Quality/Price ratio in most cases is low. I've bought several tools from them but have stopped. I rather invest in a quality tool that goes for a long time than buying cheap stuff. But that's me I know for many price is the most important factor and quality of tool is less.
Virtually all tool sets are missing 16 & 18mm sizes. FYI - 5/8" is the same as 16mm and is usually included in most SAE sets.
I do NOT. If you buy Sears Craftsman (they do carry cheaper) the quality is probably in the top 10% out there. All the stuff I've bought from Harbor Freight (maybe some items are better) has been in the bottom 10%....But I find their hand tools about equal to Sears.
True. I routinely interchange 5/32" with 4mm, 5/16" with 8mm, 7/16" with 11mm, 5/8" with 16mm, and 3/4" with 19mm. I also use a larger SAE socket to remove the oil cooler. I did have to buy an open stock 18mm wrench, which I never needed until I became a VW/Audi owner, which also forced me to buy a set of triple squares.... 5/8" is the same as 16mm ...
Their brake caliper retractor set has served me well, although I admittedly had to replace the pin that secures the end tool to the shaft.HF imports its tools almost 100% from Chinese made suppliers. The Quality/Price ratio in most cases is low. I've bought several tools from them but have stopped. I rather invest in a quality tool that goes for a long time than buying cheap stuff. But that's me I know for many price is the most important factor and quality of tool is less.
HF is fine if you need something for occasional use. I have bought several items from them. They are pretty cheap and quality is low but for some items, they are fine. I also had to replace the pin in the brake tool, but I use it several times a year. For items I use often, I have gone with better tools. Craftsman is usually pretty good stuff, not quite professional quality, but good enough in most cases. Northern Toll was also pretty good but I think they have changed their tool brand and I have not tried the new stuff.
The Craftsman "Evolv" series tools seem identical to the Pittsburgh tools carried at HF. just saying...
HF is fine for an occasional use tool, I kind of view them as throw-away..
Something I'm going go use more often I'll usually buy a Craftsman. Having said that, the newer Craftsman are made in China and are inferior to my older USA made Craftsman tools. But at least they're still guaranteed for life, so can get a replacement when they do break.
Something I'm going go use more often I'll usually buy a Craftsman. Having said that, the newer Craftsman are made in China and are inferior to my older USA made Craftsman tools. But at least they're still guaranteed for life, so can get a replacement when they do break.
If you want the good old made in the USA Craftsman tools they do not sell them at Sears. Strange but true.
"Craftsman Industrial" tools is the good stuff now. Summit Racing has some of them.
SnapOn's Bluepoint line is not a bad way to go. Although the selection Is limited.
I just wish Harbor Freight would have sales more often and send send a few more emails.
Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
"Craftsman Industrial" tools is the good stuff now. Summit Racing has some of them.
SnapOn's Bluepoint line is not a bad way to go. Although the selection Is limited.
I just wish Harbor Freight would have sales more often and send send a few more emails.
Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App
Funny, because if you'd bought the 101pc Craftman Evolv series sockets like I did you'd have a 16 and 18 mm socket.... But I find their hand tools about equal to Sears.
The evolv series isn't as good as their 'pro' series but you still get a lifetime warranty exchange with your receipt. I don't know about you, but I'll hold on to a piece of paper if it'll save me $20+
I've bought some great stuff from HF (most noteworthy is a screwdriver set that's outlasted my Snap-On I got as a gift).
Some of their stuff is "scrap metal in a pretty shape", some is okay for occasional use (great for tools you'll use just a few times in your entire life), other stuff good for a dedicated DIY-er, and still other tools are just as good as the best on the market for a much higher price.
I wouldn't buy stuff blindly, but armed with reviews, you can do pretty well predicting which tool is in which category.
Some of their stuff is "scrap metal in a pretty shape", some is okay for occasional use (great for tools you'll use just a few times in your entire life), other stuff good for a dedicated DIY-er, and still other tools are just as good as the best on the market for a much higher price.
I wouldn't buy stuff blindly, but armed with reviews, you can do pretty well predicting which tool is in which category.
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