Harbor freight rant

For a front yard project I needed a stronger drill than my 3/8ths models. Got a half inch chuck from HF that did the trick of drilling 3/8ths holes through 2x4 so I could pound 24 inch rebar down into the ground. I will soon be drilling into concrete to set bolts to hold up scenery pieces in my long delayed theater conversion project. Need to set some TV/Film style theatrical flats to create a back stage area and want it to be well planted in the concrete. I will also try to brace it to some brackets on the back wall to make sure it stays upright. Have to also put in some side wings of some sort so people can't see back stage. Also need to hang a few extra lights because the stage is pretty wide.

I purchase four more theatrical lights a year ago and gave it to someone at the local little theater. They aren't using them, so I'll try to get them back. The price went up almost double since then and I'd really like to install all four for a total of 9 lights

Finally found my missing 8 ft ladder so i can work on the 10 ft ceiling to hang lights and some drapery. There is a black drape across the back of the stage, set about 2 ft from the back wall so actors can cross sides without being visible. Won't have a front curtain, so it will be used mainly for music performances and one-set plays or one act plays.

The seating is with free standing chairs, but they are thick padded and more comfortable than conventional theater seats.

It will be nice to get back to that project.

First off, I feel your pain. It has happened to me a few times and then I learned...

There are some things I just won't buy from HF. Mostly it's power tools I want to use more than once.

I will however buy: crappy screw drivers, drill bit sets, gloves (nitrite and work), rags, dust control (I have their 2hp for 3 years now, good buy), RO sander (another lucky buy), compressor (yet another lucky buy), sand paper, their freebies are good for gift boxes and a few other disposable items.

I did however buy the grinder you are talking about if it's the Orange one. Mine works fine for me, but I am not a professional and it doesn't get that much use.

And I agree, always check the reviews before investing in their power tools. For example: they have a Hercules table saw on sale next month $279, however lowes has a Kobalt for a few dollars more. Since I have a Kobalt Miter saw and know the quality, I'd pay a few dollars more and not get the Hercules (Hercules is also excluded from their coupons).

Also if I were a professional, I would consider all HF power tools throw aways since it would be tax deduction anyway