I have picked up a few things from HF that have made me sad but were nec for the completion of a job.
I just bought a trans jack for this Focus job. Its actually better built than I was expecting. I have seen some TOTAL crap come out of HF too.
I also bought an engine support bar there. Honestly, unistrut and some creative hardware could have done the job BUT I ended up using the large handles to adjust the engine when I mated eng/trans. THESE handles worked great! Easy to crank with greasy hands!
The thing is, I'm not doing this professionally BUT I need it to be safe so I try to be fussy. I replace cheap hardware when I think I need to etc.
The trans jack works ok but the knobs that tilt the transmission "table top" were clearly designed by a knob.
They are damned near impossible to turn with weight on the jack.
The worst part was the release for the hydraulic jack.
It seems spring loaded to release so much that with oil on my hands, I was unable to lock it and needed a pliers.
The jack came with a chain that was cute and likely deadly.
I use a ratchet strap to tie the transmission down. No slipping, no terror!

Its the stupid details that leave me disappointed with these buys.
I bought a cheap "rotary tool" (it rotated a few times).
I bought it for the bits on a whim while buying something else there and I never noticed that the collet size was wonky and would not fit my Dremel brand tool.
Buying things THAT way gets me inti trouble because I didn't research and read reviews. I purchased a sad face that day.
ALL of that said, in some instances I will NOT budget buy.
I have a Brannick 7400 hanging on my garage wall because I'm terrified of cheap ass strut compressors. NEVER!
I bought it used in great shape!
If I can buy a "good brand" over elcheapo supreeemo hecho en China ebay sketch or if its flimsy looking at HF, I won't buy it.
If anyone is needing a cheap field rotary tool, the one I picked up is 12v and could easily be powered by your car with some soldering and a jack or a couple alligator clips.
It works fine, just my bits were "incompatible"
Its getting warmer out now! I think I see sun!



