4 Tips for Shopping at Harbor Freight

harbor freight toolbox

Harbor Freight is a well known place among mechanics, carpenters, electricians, contractors, builders, do it-yourselfers, etc. Essentially anyone who needs a tool for something or likes working with their hands has gone to Harbor Freight at some point.  If you don't know about Harbor Freight… just don't go! Seriously once you know about it it essentially impossible not to go there.

You won't believe some of the discounts and prices they have on tools there. Mostly everything is imported from China, but when you need a tool you need a tool.  Harbor Freight is great if you need that tool only once or some spare odds and ends.  You know like gloves, small flashlights, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.  Here are my 4 Tips for Shopping at Harbor Freight.

  1. Always use Coupons: Harbor Freight frequently circulates flyers, ads, and emails with coupons on many of their products. It would be stupid to not utilize them as much as possible. Paying regular prices for a lot of their product is too much for what you get. You can find 20% off coupons for any item in the store.  Of course a lot of items are excluded for these 20% off coupons.  Typically you can also find HF coupons in the back of magazines. You can also find coupons when you get items for Free, just for making a purchase. There are lots of mega threads for Harbor Freight coupons on forums all around the internet.  Do a search and you can print some out.  (I print them out in Black and White to save color toner.)
  2. Make a List: Inevitably if you go to Harbor Freight without a list, you will spend more than you really want to. Obviously this is how they want it, but don't fall for this trap. Try to make a list of necessary tools, items, and equipment you need. Try not to get too distracted by things you don't need, since there will probably be a lot.
  3. Pay with Cash: When I make a trip over to my local Harbor Freight in Parkville, I try to only pay with cash and what's on me. If I use my card, I would probably spend a ridiculous amount of money everytime I go. This allows me to say “I will only spend this much today. I can come back and get that later if needed.” It's easy to spend only a small amount of money for different and various items you need but easy to spend a lot on items you don't.  If you are buying a larger item and expensive item, such as a toolbox, you can obviously break the rule and use a credit card as that would be easier (and safer) than bringing cash.
  4. Check Reviews: If you look on a lot of forums and sites around the web you can find reviews of what you should and should not buy at Harbor Freight.  I would recommend checking them out as I have found people have written reviews for almost anything there even down to small screwdrivers sets.  This has made it so that I have made good buying decisions at Harbor Freight, like my toolbox, and avoided bad items there.

I know a lot of you have a love-hate relationship with Harbor Freight, like I do, but sometimes you just need to go there.  It's a guy thing I guess! 🙂

If you think my list of tips is good, please leave a comment below and let me know.  If you think something should be added about Harbor Freight also leave a comment.

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Videos from my Visit to Rocky Mountain National Park

For those that follow my blog closely you probably remember my epic roadtrip from Irvine, CA to Baltimore, MD.  On my roadtrip I saw a lot of really cool places, people, and things.  One of the highlights of the roadtrip was my visit to the Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes Park, Colorado.  A truly beautiful place!

Even though I took a lot of pictures at the Rocky Mountain National Park, some of which you can see here, I finally uploaded videos I took during my visit last summer!

All the videos were taken driving up Trail Ridge Road and as I took in all the sights, sounds, and views of the stunning park.  Getting higher gave you a better view and experience of the nature and surroundings.  Of course driving up the narrow roads with 300 foot drops off the side can be a little nerve-racking.  It was fun as well though!  I highly recommend you go visit if you ever get a chance.

Took me long enough and hopefully I will get around to uploading more pictures and videos I that have languished on my laptop for a long time.  Watch the videos below at least and let me know what you think!

DIY Sunshade Update

DIY Sunshade

It's been hot for last few weeks! Sufficient time to test the Adams Auto Advice DIY Sunshade. My Stepdad has reported that it has been working well in his Volvo S40, and fits quite well. It keeps the car cooler, and is a great talking point with people. I was actually surprised by how well it seemed to work. I encourage others to make their own DIY Sunshade. Your car's interior will appreciate it more than you will!

Adam’s Awesome DIY Car Sunshade!

If you want to have a little fun, you can make you own Sunshade. I made one today, and it came out pretty well. It only took me a few minutes.

Here is what you'll need:

  • Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil
  • Cardboard or Cardboard Box
  • Measuring Tape
  • Scissors
  • Duct Tape
  1. I'd measure your windshield and see how big a piece of Cardboard you might need in your car. I just cut a section of an old moving box we had in the basement.
  2. Stretch the Aluminum Foil over the cardboard. The Aluminum Foil fit well over the piece of cardboard box I cut.  Remember to have the Shinier side facing outward, since it will be more effective.  If your piece is large, try to cut and position the Foil to cover the spare areas.
  3. Use the Duck Tape and tape up the back. I'd also suggest back-taping the flat areas of the Aluminum Foil.
  4. Put it in your Car!

I'd suggest using Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil, because the normal type will most likely ripe. Also, if you don't already have these materials lying around, it's probably better to just buy a Sunshade. Of course, I had a lot of fun making mine! These pictures should help you make your own DIY Sunshade.

Sunshades can Keep Your Car Cool on Hot Summer Days

Since it's Summer I'm sure you've experienced getting into your hot car, when it's been sitting out in the sun all day. Well there's a simple solution to this … Sunshades.

Sunshades are something I bet you've seen in lots of other peoples cars. I'm sure in a store you've considered getting one. Sunshades are worth the money during the brutal parts of Summer. They keep your car much cooler. I wouldn't say the claimed “44 degrees” on sunshades labels is accurate. It's definitely at least 10 degrees, probably more. That doesn't seem like a lot, but that's the difference between being unbearable in your car and warm. They help not only reflect sunlight out, but give the car shade.

If you want to buy one for your car they are available in all sorts of big-box stores, convenience stores. and auto parts stores. They sell for about $10. I wouldn't buy a Sunshade at those stores though! They are available at Dollar Stores, and usually sell for about $3.

Below are Sunshades we've had for years. They've lasted a long time, and work well. I personally prefer these Panel Sunshades, to those Fold-Up Accordion type. The Panels can fit easily under a seat.