Biggest Bargain in Hand Tools Revealed by Toyota Mechanic

Tools for Every Budget

In past articles we’ve learned that there is no shame in buying tools from Harbor Freight for automotive work. Furthermore, we’ve also learned in multiple cases some Harbor Freight tools test just as good if not better than higher priced name brand tools.

However, sometimes we discover that some Harbor Freight tools do not always compare pricewise and performance-wise as good choices in tool comparison tests as shown on the trusted Project Farm YouTube channel.

In other words,  it’s still a mix when it comes to HF tools; however, HF is continuing to improve their quality of Quinn, Icon,…and dare I say it…perhaps even their much maligned Pittsburg brand that are the cheapest of the cheapest HF offers in automotive tools.

A Confession

Even though I buy tools from HF, I am still a bit of a tool snob. In the past few years I’ve switched from Craftsman tools to Harbor Freight’s ICON line. Last Christmas I decided to go one level lower and purchased a few sets of Harbor Freight’s Quinn brand out of curiosity and because the holiday prices were just too good to pass on. However, I steered clear of their lowest of the low―the Pittsburgh brand. My last Pittsburgh tool was a Pittsburgh ¼ inch drive Torque wrench that I have ambivalent feelings toward.

A search on how others feel about Pittsburgh tools revealed no overall consensus one way or the other; only a confusing range of either loving it or hating it. But what I did notice from the search and comments about Pittsburgh tools is the suspicion that human nature being what it is, is that it is much easier to blame the tool than it is to blame the nut at the other end of the wrench.

In other words, I suspect Pittsburgh might not be such a bad brand of tool after all as long as we keep our expectations within reason and do not overly abuse the tool by trying to make it work harder than it should. For example, fitting a long pipe over the handle of a wrench or ratchet for added leverage.

A New View of the Pittsburgh Brand

What got me thinking along these lines was a recent Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel episode where the host revealed his latest tool purchase to replace his ailing Craftsman ratchet―a ¾ inch drive Pittsburgh Flex Head Green Line ratchet for $22.99!

I was shocked!

Not so much by the price mind you, but that one of the most popular online Toyota mechanics should choose to buy the questionable Pittsburgh brand for a tool he would count on every day.

Related article: Toyota Mechanic Unhappy with This Harbor Freight Product

This put me into an existential crisis. Now I have to rethink my tool values and choices in life.

Until then, however, here is a video of the tool discussed by the Toyota Maintenance host that just might question your tool buying decisions as well.

Furthermore, as mentioned in the beginning of the article, if the ratchet appeals to you, now is a good time to snatch one up as Harbor Freight tool prices appear to be rising; and, sometimes quantities run out whenever a Harbor Freight tool makes the news and becomes a popular item.

Biggest Bargain in Hand Tools Today?

For more articles on buying tools for automotive work, here are a few for your consideration:

• Toyota Corolla Must-Have Tools for Changing Spark Plugs
• 25 Tools Under $15 Every Toolbox Needs from Harbor Freight
• Save Money with This Best “Made in USA” Tool Test Review

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on  “Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair” website, the Zen Mechanic blog and on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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