I might be starting a job where I'd need to provide some of my own tools. I might try to source most from HFs higher end brands.
It will probably impact them some, but Ace has way more variety of things than HF. Harbor freight is more of just a tool store rather than a hardware store. You're not going to go there and pick up all the supplies you need for a house project.hWhile a nice addition to that side of town, have to imagine that's going to impact that Ace thats been there for an eternity.
I know that Ace still has paint, grills, etc but their hand tool area, plumbing, etc will take a hit.
US general is also one of the best values on the market with toolboxes
I was unaware we had so many poor handymen on CF.
I own a heavy duty repair business. Harbor Freight tools are fine for the most part. The icon brands are just as good as other brands out there at big box stores. Tool truck tools are higher quality, but I honestly quit buying from tool trucks.I might be starting a job where I'd need to provide some of my own tools. I might try to source most from HFs higher end brands.
I love Ace. Still has the feel of a small town hardware store vs. the giant stores of Home Depot or Lowes where it takes 30min. to find what you're looking for, then another 30min. to decide which part actually fits what you need.Ace Hardware is a block from where I live and Harbor Freight basically another block. What to do. Ace does have caramel corn on Friday. Ace is just too darn convenient for me.
I think most people think of HF as "cheap Chinese tools."I've shopped at Harbor Freight for years and have had almost zero issues. It's cheap and it works. I think most people who hate on HF do it because other people do it, not because they've actually had an issue with their products.
When I tiled our house, I needed most everything including a 6 ft level. I went to Home Depot and the level was $80. At Harbor Freight it was $11. Excluding the saw, I bought EVERYTHING I needed at Harbor Freight including the level and it cost me less than just the level at Home Depot.I think most people think of HF as "cheap Chinese tools."
Sounds like many are happy with the Icon brand.
To me, I think about something like a tarp, work gloves, bungee cords; this would be a gold place to go for that stuff.
I've shopped at Harbor Freight for years and have had almost zero issues. It's cheap and it works. I think most people who hate on HF do it because other people do it, not because they've actually had an issue with their products.
I think there is a new one opening in CR on the NE side too. Where Bed, Bath, Beyond used to be.I see Harbor Freight will be opening a store in Ames. I have been going to them in eastern Iowa for close to 20 years. They are OK for low cost items. Not exactly commercial quality, but their upper brand tools are good for home use. At least it gives another option, and are comparable to low cost tools at Menards, Lowe's, etc.
Fastest-growing hardware retail company plans store at North Grand Mall
A fast-growing company is coming to Ames and the North Grand Mall. The tool company recently opened its 1,500th location.www.amestrib.com
I have some connections to Ace. I thought the same thing. That sucks for them. But honestly I don’t always go there due to stupidly high prices on some things. If you are in a pinch though and need some weird screw or something, they are a life saver.While a nice addition to that side of town, have to imagine that's going to impact that Ace thats been there for an eternity.
I know that Ace still has paint, grills, etc but their hand tool area, plumbing, etc will take a hit.