Harbor Freight tools gets a bad rap, as many craftsmen equate the store’s low prices with even lower quality.
While that may be true for some Harbor Freight tools, it’s not for all of them. In fact, I use quite a few at my shop on a daily basis, and couldn’t be happier with the results.
Here are 5 Harbor Freight upholstery tools that definitely don’t suck:
1. Drill Master Heat Gun
Every trim shop needs a good heat gun. In my shop, we use the Drill Master 1500 Watt Dual Temperature Heat Gun from Harbor Freight. For only $10, you’d be hard pressed to find a cheaper gun that works just as good.
The gun’s high/low feature lets you choose how hot you want it to blow — and quite frankly, that’s about the only feature I need from a heat gun. What I like most about this gun is that it has a simple design that does the job and isn’t easy to break.
Seriously, what more could you ask for from a heat gun?
2. Central Pneumatic Spray Gun
Buying this Central Pneumatic Heavy Duty Multi-Purpose Air Spray Gun was the best decision I’ve ever made for my shop. And it only cost $19.97.
For years, we used a 2 gallon pot with long hoses to spray glue, and it caused us a lot of frustration. The gun and hoses would constantly clog, forcing us to spend hours disassembling and cleaning parts. Finally, one day I said “screw it” and decided to try one of those cheapo suction-feed spray guns at Harbor Freight. I’ve never had a problem since.
Sure, the 32-ounce cup means I have to refill more often and it can be a pain to spray in tight spots, but relieving myself of clogged hoses makes it all worth it.
What’s more, these guns are built like tanks. I’ve dropped them on the ground, banged them into walls, dented their cups and still they keep on spraying. Beyond cleaning the tip with solvent, I’ve never had any issues.
I replace guns every 2 to 3 years, which isn’t bad at all considering the price.
3. Pittsburgh Aluminum Rulers
Harbor Freight carries a decent range of Pittsburgh aluminum rules that’ll cost you less than a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
I purchased a 48″ ruler for $5 and a 40″ ruler for less than $3. Both are everything a good ruler should be: straight, accurate, legible and their markings don’t easily scratch off. Best of all, the 40” one is the perfect size for making piping.
I would prefer if the markings were only in SAE instead of both SAE and metric, but that’s not a big enough issue for me to not use them.
Trust me, for the price, you won’t find better rulers.
4. Pittsburgh Steel Square
I know it sounds silly to compare squares, but hear me out.
Harbor Freight’s Pittsburgh 16” x 24” Steel Square only costs $10, but is comparable to ones that cost a whole lot more.
The steel is rigid, the markings are etched and the finish doesn’t wear off. And yes, of course, it’s a perfect 90-degree angle.
So why pay more for a square when you don’t have to?
5. Panel Clip Pliers
These Pittsburgh Panel Clip Pliers are great for removing interior panel clips without causing damage.
Simply slip the pliers behind a clip just as you would with any other clip tool. But instead of prying, just squeeze the handles together to pop out the retainer.
For $9, these pliers are a steal. Before discovering them, I paid almost three times as much for a brand-name set that’s handles were so uncomfortable I had to stop using them.
If you’re unfamiliar with panel clip pliers, you definitely need to add them to your tool box. They won’t disappoint.
@3.14covers here being fresh in the upholstery gig I went to Harbor freight for a moving blanket to protect my chity work. I ended up leaving with the blanket rollers square clip pliers and the 15$ spray gun (have 2 one for glue one for acetone to clean after every use) best decision I ever made being a broke sob. Year later everything is still 93.14% in perfect order. Best 50$ ive ever spent!
rulers not rollers…. yep im that guy
Icon wrenches sold at Harbor Freight are super.
They are the best wrenches on the market short of spending ridiculous amounts of cash for very little in terms of upgrade,
Try the metal shears. Chicago Electric. The ones with the tiny blades. FANTASTIC for cutting panelboard.
The saws all too
I’ve used the Harbor Freight spray guns as glue guns for years and as you mentioned, they have been dropped banged around and still work. I’ll have to check out the ruler and square.
I use harbor freight spray guns and have for years as I have,used Chicago heat guns drop them all the time they keep working, plus I have their 48 in ruler
Vote TRUMP 2020
Dump Trump
Dump them all and start over.
Dude, This is about harbor freight, not failed, fascistic, tiny-handed, daughter-perving, presidents. Go back to your maga hole.
Thank you!!
Why? Time for a change.
Fuck u and trump
No fuck you, you liberal piece of shit
Amen! Prayers go out to OUR President for a speedy recovery from the CHINESE virus.
Trump makes too much money to be shopping at HF! let’s leave politics outta this great store!
Does he though? I mean, before he started holding all the government events at his properties and charging the American people for it.
I like the jack stands
Be careful they had a recall on the 2 tons I think. Google it
Then had a recall on the ones they replaced the recalled ones with. First ones, the dog would pop out of position if the load shifted. The 2nd ones would break right down the weld on the side
I am thinking about picking up their Bauer 10 amp portable band saw its on sale now for $99. the reviews seem solid all suggest getting good blades. lenox and Milwaukee I think. wanted to get some more input good and bad.
Don’t do it unless you need it for a one-time use. No bushings in the wheels they wear out fast then the blade comes forward and cuts through the shield. Went through three then had a buddy at a machine shop install bronze bushings which are an odd size to boot. Then of course the reduction gear bearing seized up. Or buy extended warranty and keep exchanging them.
I use many of there tools for the price its gets the job done i have bought expensive tools n they break just the same
I bought a miter saw stand there for 55 bucks after discounts. It’s much more than expected at this price point! I won’t buy their power tools! I need reliability in the field. Makita or Hilti for my power tools.
The personal 3 way shop fans they have are really good as well I just bought one with the Chicago electric power tools heater attachment and it has worked wonders in my room.
Fuck Trump, driving this country in the dump, dumbass chump!
So you’d choose Biden whose “recovery plan” is tax the wealthy and let Antifa and BLM run? People like you are the reason Poptarts have instructions.
I thought they were fake feed backs at first until I the trump crap popped up
Ya…f*ck off a*shole….there are PLENTY that are really good…
Trump2020
That’s my favorite place my favorite store nothing’s wrong with harbor freight they have good customer service they have great service and they always answer your question they’re there for us all so what that’s harbor freight making price what they want a price I love my store that’s why I buy most of my tools and things I do would work and they got everything that you need at their store I like the quality I love the tools because you always can take it back if it messes up I’m the customer and they treat me right they always there for you and get you tight thank you