Opinions on Harbor Freight's "Fahgettaboutit" knockoff?
02-16-18, 04:06 PM
#26
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Maybe if you told him 9 years ago when the post you're replying to was made....it would have helped.
02-16-18, 04:44 PM
#27
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Nice zombie thread!
In the 9 years since this thread was started I've actually bought one of these chains from Harbor Freight. Mine didn't come with a lock. I use the chain to secure bikes to my hitch-mounted rack when I'm going to be away from the car for more than a few minutes. The rack has a built-in cable lock which I'll trust in a safe neighborhood long enough to run in and buy something from a convenience store if I can park in a place where I can watch my bike while I'm in the store. I use the beefy-looking chain for longer stops, like if I'm in a safe neighborhood and want to run in to a restaurant for a meal.
I found a video back when I bought it where a guy was cutting various security chains and there was a lot more to it than just how thick they were, so I suspect the one from Harbor Freight isn't terribly secure. BUT it looks intimidating, and I think that's the main thing you need from a lock. If the thief is ready and willing to cut a beefy chain, the only thing you can do is stay with your bike. What you want (what I want, at least) is a lock that a potential thief will look at and decide it's not worth the risk, and I think in many situations the Harbor Freight lock will accomplish that very well.
In the 9 years since this thread was started I've actually bought one of these chains from Harbor Freight. Mine didn't come with a lock. I use the chain to secure bikes to my hitch-mounted rack when I'm going to be away from the car for more than a few minutes. The rack has a built-in cable lock which I'll trust in a safe neighborhood long enough to run in and buy something from a convenience store if I can park in a place where I can watch my bike while I'm in the store. I use the beefy-looking chain for longer stops, like if I'm in a safe neighborhood and want to run in to a restaurant for a meal.
I found a video back when I bought it where a guy was cutting various security chains and there was a lot more to it than just how thick they were, so I suspect the one from Harbor Freight isn't terribly secure. BUT it looks intimidating, and I think that's the main thing you need from a lock. If the thief is ready and willing to cut a beefy chain, the only thing you can do is stay with your bike. What you want (what I want, at least) is a lock that a potential thief will look at and decide it's not worth the risk, and I think in many situations the Harbor Freight lock will accomplish that very well.
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02-17-18, 12:00 AM
#28
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^^Yep! The HF lock and chain combo looks plenty tough, and will ward off the opportunists. I wouldn't hesitate to use it on bikes of lesser financial and sentimental value, to lock up for reasonable periods of time.
02-20-18, 10:19 AM
#29
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You want a good one to compare to, try Yost or Wilton.
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02-21-18, 07:39 AM
#30
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That said, I do buy stuff at HF, and the quality of a lot of their products is acceptable if you understand and accept the limitations. The $10 three jaw puller I use once a year is great, and I'll probably never wear it out, but it would never last in a commercial shop. The quality tool equivalent might be $70.
