TP Tools vs. Harbor Freight

[MikeBJ7]

Hi -
Are TP Tools any better than Harbor Freight tools? They look very similar on the outside but what lurks inside might be another question. TP's are more expensive.

Currently, I'm looking at TP's 3/8" air belt grinder that they sell for $89; HF's is $30 less 20% discount. Any experience with this tool?
Thanks,
Mike

 

[DavidApp]

Harbor Freight seems to be improving their products.

No experience with the 3/8" belt sander. Who manufactures it? TP and HF selling the same tool?

David

 

[Gliderman8]

It wouldn’t surprise me if the tools are made by the same Chinese factory and just rebranded.

 

[TR3driver]

It wouldn’t surprise me if the tools are made by the same Chinese factory and just rebranded.

Me either; but even being made in the same factory doesn't mean they are the same.

The Chinese are quite capable of producing a quality tool (at this level of sophistication anyway); but the actual quality depends on several factors including
1) A reseller (eg TP or HF) willing to pay for the extra effort in design, process monitoring, manufacture, inspection and quality control; etc.

2) A reseller that also does the inspection and feedback necessary to ensure that the factory actually does what they got paid for in step 1).

I also agree that HF has gotten a lot better; but it's still quite possible to pick up 3 or 4 "identical" tools and see that they aren't really identical at all. For example, I looked at 4 of these https://www.harborfreight.com/9-1-2-half-inch-wire-crimping-tool-36411.html in the same store at the same time, and they were all different in the fit in the crimping area.

 

[MikeBJ7]

Thanks all for your feedback. Just as I sense...same shell, but you can't tell the inner workings unless you pull it apart.

I'm going with HF since 1) the store is local, and 2) I can buy three of theirs for less than one of TP's..that's my insurance!

Thank again!
Mike

 

[JPSmit]

what is TP? this is a new store name for me.

 

[Gliderman8]

what is TP? this is a new store name for me.

Nope, not going there

 

[MikeBJ7]

Nope, not going there

Very funny Elliot, didn't even think of it.

TP Tools is an auto restoration supply shop in Ohio. www.tptools.com They handle some quality equipment like Skat Blast cabinets, so I was considering other tools from them. I don't mind paying more if I know I'm getting fair value/quality.

 

[Gliderman8]

When I was doing the resto on my TR6 I went to HF to buy a reciprocating saw. They had two models that looked the same; when I asked about the difference in price the salesman told me that the more expensive one had "bearings" in the motor shaft and the other one just had "bushings". Looking at them you would never know the difference.
By the way... Welcome to the BCF Mike!

 

[JPSmit]

Nope, not going there

Don't worry - I did. just wasn't up to the clarification paragraph so thought I might just hang it out there. :grin:

 

[JPSmit]

Very funny Elliot, didn't even think of it.

TP Tools is an auto restoration supply shop in Ohio. www.tptools.com They handle some quality equipment like Skat Blast cabinets, so I was considering other tools from them. I don't mind paying more if I know I'm getting fair value/quality.

looks like just one store - and I guess mail order

 

[DavidApp]

They have a good selection of tools, sanding products, etc.

Just got a spray gun and rolls of sticky backed sand paper for the in line sander.

David

 

[Basil]

Nope, not going there

Why does Bevis come to mind?