Cheap tools on Harbor Freight

Dalton Masterson · August 06, 2009, 03:29:48 PM

Howdy Guys. Was just browsing the tools on harbor freights site, and found these. Look just like the Craftool ones I have now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=98051

Ned Buckshot · August 06, 2009, 03:35:14 PM

Exactly like the old ones I've got. And at that price use them till they're dull and throw them away!

Ned

cowboywc · August 06, 2009, 03:59:49 PM

That is cheaper than my cost from Tandy. I think I will order them to resell here in the store.......
WC

Slowhand Bob · August 06, 2009, 07:10:43 PM

They have been selling the leather punch sets like this for several years now. Last time I was at the local flea market there was a guy selling a twelve piece punch set for under $10, marked Pittsburgh brand. How many companies are splitting up these sets and selling the individual parts for higher prices?

Springfield Slim · August 14, 2009, 03:33:07 PM

OK, I bought and received these tools from Harbor freight. Cost about 17.00 delivered. The edger needed some smoothing on the bottom and then it worked OK, takes off more leather than my Tandy edger. The groover was dull as heck, needed quite a bit of work on my stone and then my strop, and finally got it to work decent. But the adjustable groove, no way it will work as is. How in the world do they expect it to work with the cuttng hole so far down the blade, or whatever you call that part. Just isn't gonna happen. I plan on drilling a larger hole and then grind off the blade until the hole is near the end like it is suppossed to be. See pic of tool as delivered.

Dalton Masterson · August 14, 2009, 03:55:00 PM

Wow, SS. That hole is a long way up the shank. I wonder if we should rename this post "cheap handles on harbor freight".

So these might not be the best option for someone just starting? Sharpening tools is part of it, but having to rebuild them when you dont really know what they need to do could make folks more frustrated than needed.

Thanks for the review Slim.
DM

Ned Buckshot · August 14, 2009, 04:09:59 PM

Howdy Slim

That type of blade is available from Tandy and isn't all that expensive. It might be cheaper than your time.

Ned

cowboy316 · August 14, 2009, 09:44:45 PM

thanks for the info pards just bout got some today but i think ill pass and get the good stuff instead
Cowboy316

Springfield Slim · August 16, 2009, 01:00:11 AM

I'm gonna experiment with it and maybe make a tool for grooving a larger/deeper groove. Might come in handy, ya never know. I thought Tandy was the bottom of the pile, but looks like I was wrong. I think I'm gonna go back to my rule "No Chinese Tools!".

Ace Lungger · August 16, 2009, 07:40:49 AM

Howdy Slim,
I am going to agree with you about the Imported Tools! Like most people starting out you buy your stamps from Tandy, and that is what I have done, except I bought a couple people out and got USA made Tandy tools, and sold my extra Imported stamps on ebay! The USA stamps just leave a better impression and they have more definition! I do have a few OLD Imported stamps (not Tandy) that are real good!
Just thought I would share that thought!
Later
ACE