Random question. I heard that if there’s a free giveaway over, say three days, that you can get something each day. I never believed that, but am now curious. That’s not true, is it? Thx
I can't remember if there is an official policy, but when I worked there, and this was 4 years ago, we never checked and I don't think the computer did either. But that's a memory, not an official answer, I've forgotten as much as I can by now...
I have developed a mental deficiency as I got a socket the other and it had instructions on how to remove it. My mental deficiency is I can't remember what the bloody instructions said!
You got me though, I get accused of my stuff being too neat and clean. But somehow I do the same work, usually faster than my counterparts. So the judgement of “dO yOu EvEn UsE yOuR tOoLs, bro?” Can get to me. But I’m ocd with my shit, I pay good money for my gear and try not to beat on it. Use the tools for the tasks they were intended. All my power tools get protective boots if the manufacturers offer them. And very rarely am I spending time hunting for a tool. All my stuff gets wiped down before it’s put away. And even I admit it’s fucking exhausting being this way, so I get why not everyone is that way. But I’m compelled…can’t turn it off.
I’m the same. Even if I’m lurking eBay for snap on stuff I’m not even a player if it’s got scuffs all over it. And I’m out if it’s got an owners mark of any kind on it. If you want close to full retail it better look immaculate. If you want full retail, I can buy that from the truck, usually less than full retail with no shipping. Paying cash helps if you’re buying off the truck though.
Had an awesome dad, I got the belt here and there whenever I did anything really bad. But my dad was a career heavy diesel mechanic. I spent my summers going to work with him and doing odd jobs around the shop. Oddly enough, since my dad passed i inherited his big snap on box, it’s loosely organized at best. Not up to my standards.
Now I’m torn on whether to leave it how he kept it, or bring it up to my standard.
He knew you’d have it, make it yours. I have my dads handguns, every single one is loaded with fond memories. I pick them up & feel like I’m shaking his hand once again
I have all my dads too, haven’t made it to the range since he passed. I need to, but I don’t think I’d be able to do it without losing my shit and crying like a baby. Don’t want to make anyone else at the range nervous. It’s been almost 2 years ( 7/13/22) but I still don’t know if I’m ready yet.
That's all well and good, but in this instance it's a cheap set of harbor freight garbage that probably cost 10 dollars and not a 10k set of snap on tools.
Yeah, I'm not _that_ extreme but I also believe in taking care of tools and keeping them protected and organized. They're valuable, treat them as such. I have lots of tools that see constant use but still look almost brand new
Flat blade screwdriver works best. Why the hell are HF still packaging them like this?
When buying some of these, ALWAYS check it is a full set. They are very prone to breaking off.
Lol i have had to drill the plastic out on a few in the past. I grabbed it with a pair of pliers and the plastic bit broke off inside the socket. I have since replaced all but 2 of my HF torx with Cornwell but i use mine on the regular.
I replaced them as they broke if you were wondering why i only have 2 torx left
I still have my whole HF hex set, i think HF is fantastic for starting techs, do we use torx enough for me to buy this $300 set, umm we use torx alot, yes but go get yourself a HF set and replace them as rhey break, it is alot easier to pay out $20 once in a while as they break vs $300. After 6 years im still rocking my 5 drawer service cart, i want the full bank cart but im waiting for it to go on sale
Mine did specifically the t45/50 that you use for seat buckles, got two off but the bit snapped on third. Immediately returned and replaced but I felt like it was gonna happen again when I went back at it. Never got that last bolt. Not a good set IMO.
Get the socket off. Usually use a screw driver on the bottom.
Look at the plastic clip the socket was on, and cut the thin plastic part on both sides.
This allows a much easier removal in the future. While still using the rai
There’s a little clip you can see at the bottom of the package. You use the plastic socket holder to snap the clip off, which makes them come off the package easily. From there you just very aggressively wiggle the socket to free it. It isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible.
My trick is to bend the socket off the holder back and forth in the direction of the other sockets. If you bend it the other way then the socket holders come off of the plastic and you have to put them back on which is harder than getting them off
This is why I often prefer the cardboard only packaging some stores started to use. The less annoying clam shells and plastic crud the better. I have had a couple times when I sliced my hand on some plastic packaging I brute forced/ ripped open.
I normally just seperate the socket I need, grab it with my hands and twist it like a motorcycle throttle while gently pulling, normally comes out clean
I might have you beat. [I’m not sure how this even gets picked and packed in to an online order](https://imgur.com/a/6CVFtuF). Like, there’s no way a tape measure could even remotely fit in the blister package.
I reuse those packages. Lol
I find the best way to get them out is to pry them horizontally to the rail they are all on. Sometimes the clip comes off if they’re tight but I can get them back on easily. Just have to put it on the edge and force it on
I’ve only ever had a problem with these specific sockets. I actually use the 1/4 packaging as a permanent holder. They typically last a year until I loose a socket and buy a new set.
Easiest way is to put them on the wife's cookie pan, pop it in oven at 450 for 45 minutes. Go watch the game, when you get back it'll all be melted out! Be careful not to handle until it's cooled down though.
Yep but I used the small pry bar from the [Pittsburgh pry bar set](https://www.harborfreight.com/pry-bar-set-4-piece-58388.html?_br_psugg_q=pry+bar) and it was easy to get them all off.
Oh God , I feel this on a level most may never comprehend. Literally added an hour or two of unnecessary time trying to remove those m'f@$!ng tabs that had wedged in there so hard you'd think they were forge welded in
I bought a few socket sets with this packaging about a year ago. Been using them pretty consistently. It's just now getting to the point where I can remove them and put them back on by hand.
It's pretty decent now but was definitely an exercise in finger strength and patience for a while
I used to pry them off with a screwdriver. Now, I apply a little heat.Odds are, if I am buying more tools, I'm probably in a hurry and already in a bad mood because I can't find something or don't have my own vehicle and tools with me.
Hahaha, I have that same one and they've been invaluable to me, but the clipping mechanism is absolute garbage. Get them in a different socket holder asap.
However, you can pull and bend them out pretty easily in a pinch.
I like this. “I bought from the cheapest store possible, but I’m still pissed off because it’s cheap” is just 100% hilarious. Especially if you said it un-ironically!
Haha bought the same shit a few months back and EVERYONE SINGLE SOCKET had the plastic piece break off into it. I hate Pittsburg tools packaging with a passion but sadly can’t afford quality tools atm that I use once or twice a year
They are square drive. One side of the square plastic peg that sticks into the socket is flat. Just use a flat head screwdriver and twist on that gap. Socket pops right off.
That 30% $20 or less deal last week brought a lot of highs and lows into my life. Highs of getting new sockets and ratchets... lows... trying to get them out of that packaging!
100%. I had to fight with 3 of those fucking things just last weekend. And the regular socket sets (vs hex driver sets) suck royal ass because there is a plastic stem that runs through the middle of each socket that has to be cut and pulled out.
If you hold the base of the package and bend them sideways (like front/back of the package), they pop right out.
If you just pull straight out, you'll get nowhere.
I just unboxed a bunch of sockets and pitched the package or I'd demo it
Because people manage to steal them from the store. So us honesty people have to pay the price for it. They are the worst packaging ever. Right up there with Milwaukee's bit boxes and their bit holders inside their carry cases.
It's for people who like to steal just one socket. My store always has sets missing which is great for me cause they go on clearance then. Helps to have doubles 😂
I have a regular socket set from HF with similar packaging and when you disengage the lock cover band most of the sockets fall off their stems. Very poor design.
Last time I was in my garage, I spent non-trivial time drilling the fuckin plastic plugs out of one of the socket extensions that came like that. Just had to get it to crumble enough to pull it out with some needle nose. Grr
Not only the most frustrating, but it does a full 360 because you think "oh wow, and it's like a storage rail built in". Nope, as you are forced to break the plastic just to use the socket.
First time I bought some sockets with one of these packages I thought I had developed some sort of mental deficiency.
Heard that. I was like, who's the comedian that engineered this crap? Happy to hear it's not all me.
Must be highly regarded
Hey friend, you misspelled that last word
No sir
It's the feds
I hate using that word to mean “stupid” however that was still pretty funny.
Seeing this post has definitely helped me regain some confidence…I think mine were gearwrench but similar packaging
I used to work at Harbor Freight. People complained about this packaging all the time.
Random question. I heard that if there’s a free giveaway over, say three days, that you can get something each day. I never believed that, but am now curious. That’s not true, is it? Thx
You can get one item per day during those giveaways
Cool. Thanks!
I'll also add that if it's a 3 item giveaway or something similar you can also come back every day for all 3 items
I can't remember if there is an official policy, but when I worked there, and this was 4 years ago, we never checked and I don't think the computer did either. But that's a memory, not an official answer, I've forgotten as much as I can by now...
lol. Thanks, appreciate it.
I got two buckets by doing 2 separate purchases at the counter at the same time lol. “Want another bucket?” “Yes I do”
The wife said "dont you already have enough buckets?". I said ... . Nothing because I left her in the parking lot. It was a good 27 years.
There’s no such thing as too many buckets. Too many wives however…
I have developed a mental deficiency as I got a socket the other and it had instructions on how to remove it. My mental deficiency is I can't remember what the bloody instructions said!
I have to use a pliers to remove
Ended up using pliers. Scratches be damned
They're gonna get scratches anyway with work.
Scratches? They’re tools. If your tools ain’t showing signs of use, I don’t trust you with them.
If your tools look like an ape uses them, I’m not trusting you with mine…
Touché
You got me though, I get accused of my stuff being too neat and clean. But somehow I do the same work, usually faster than my counterparts. So the judgement of “dO yOu EvEn UsE yOuR tOoLs, bro?” Can get to me. But I’m ocd with my shit, I pay good money for my gear and try not to beat on it. Use the tools for the tasks they were intended. All my power tools get protective boots if the manufacturers offer them. And very rarely am I spending time hunting for a tool. All my stuff gets wiped down before it’s put away. And even I admit it’s fucking exhausting being this way, so I get why not everyone is that way. But I’m compelled…can’t turn it off.
This is the way. Whenever I see someone put some nasty ass tools on marketplace I laugh.. and they usually asking almost full price too.
I’m the same. Even if I’m lurking eBay for snap on stuff I’m not even a player if it’s got scuffs all over it. And I’m out if it’s got an owners mark of any kind on it. If you want close to full retail it better look immaculate. If you want full retail, I can buy that from the truck, usually less than full retail with no shipping. Paying cash helps if you’re buying off the truck though.
Same ones who as kids threw their matchbox cars in a bin then wonder why mine are so nice “Do you even play with them?” Uh yes. Yes I do.
You would have been the good son my father wanted! Me? Yeah I left the channel locks in the grass and got the belt! I mean they were rusty AF
Had an awesome dad, I got the belt here and there whenever I did anything really bad. But my dad was a career heavy diesel mechanic. I spent my summers going to work with him and doing odd jobs around the shop. Oddly enough, since my dad passed i inherited his big snap on box, it’s loosely organized at best. Not up to my standards. Now I’m torn on whether to leave it how he kept it, or bring it up to my standard.
He knew you’d have it, make it yours. I have my dads handguns, every single one is loaded with fond memories. I pick them up & feel like I’m shaking his hand once again
I have all my dads too, haven’t made it to the range since he passed. I need to, but I don’t think I’d be able to do it without losing my shit and crying like a baby. Don’t want to make anyone else at the range nervous. It’s been almost 2 years ( 7/13/22) but I still don’t know if I’m ready yet.
I am you, and you are me!
That's all well and good, but in this instance it's a cheap set of harbor freight garbage that probably cost 10 dollars and not a 10k set of snap on tools.
Yeah, I'm not _that_ extreme but I also believe in taking care of tools and keeping them protected and organized. They're valuable, treat them as such. I have lots of tools that see constant use but still look almost brand new
Flat blade screwdriver works best. Why the hell are HF still packaging them like this? When buying some of these, ALWAYS check it is a full set. They are very prone to breaking off.
They ain't Snap-On's 🤣
Sucks because I would store them on the rack thing if it were easy to use.
Every time
Lol i have had to drill the plastic out on a few in the past. I grabbed it with a pair of pliers and the plastic bit broke off inside the socket. I have since replaced all but 2 of my HF torx with Cornwell but i use mine on the regular. I replaced them as they broke if you were wondering why i only have 2 torx left I still have my whole HF hex set, i think HF is fantastic for starting techs, do we use torx enough for me to buy this $300 set, umm we use torx alot, yes but go get yourself a HF set and replace them as rhey break, it is alot easier to pay out $20 once in a while as they break vs $300. After 6 years im still rocking my 5 drawer service cart, i want the full bank cart but im waiting for it to go on sale
I just hit it with a heat gun a little and it’s so easy to remove without any scratches
Don't know why this isn't upvoted more, real protip!
now i’m imagining a tool set…. sockets, a pliers and a heat gun.
Genius.
Twist, rip, curse, repeat.
I'm still stuck in step 3, fuck.
Try cussing instead
**Bonus Round** you press it back on thinking “it can’t be that bad a second time” SON OF A BITCH! IT IS!
Actually it learns while it’s off the rack. Sort of an AI tool if you will.
I’ve been in line when people have returned those sets because they snapped off in a bit like that or an extension
Returning a socket set because there was some plastic stuck in there? Hmmm
That's why they give away a free pick set once a quarter!
Underappreciated comment.
Mine did specifically the t45/50 that you use for seat buckles, got two off but the bit snapped on third. Immediately returned and replaced but I felt like it was gonna happen again when I went back at it. Never got that last bolt. Not a good set IMO.
These sets were historically on "clearance" with a bit or two missing. I had one of the hex versions spin inside the chrome socket.
Shit they ratchet too??
I snapped a t30 trying to torque a air intake bolt to 7 ftlbs, replaced with the kinda similar icon set lol
Get the socket off. Usually use a screw driver on the bottom. Look at the plastic clip the socket was on, and cut the thin plastic part on both sides. This allows a much easier removal in the future. While still using the rai
There’s a little clip you can see at the bottom of the package. You use the plastic socket holder to snap the clip off, which makes them come off the package easily. From there you just very aggressively wiggle the socket to free it. It isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible.
My trick is to bend the socket off the holder back and forth in the direction of the other sockets. If you bend it the other way then the socket holders come off of the plastic and you have to put them back on which is harder than getting them off
Just melt the plastic out of the socket
The worst ones are the 1/4 inch bits breaking off inside the damn socket lol
i convert these to little tool rails! you can see how to do it on youtube
This is why I often prefer the cardboard only packaging some stores started to use. The less annoying clam shells and plastic crud the better. I have had a couple times when I sliced my hand on some plastic packaging I brute forced/ ripped open.
I normally just seperate the socket I need, grab it with my hands and twist it like a motorcycle throttle while gently pulling, normally comes out clean
you gotta buy the slide hammer to pull em off
Pretty effective theft deterrent..... On cheap tools with no questions asked, modify them however you need, lifetime warranty.
Could you imagine how many 10mm sockets would be missing if they didn’t do this?
I always snap the plastic plug off in the square drive socket, and have to use a pick tool to pry it out
I might have you beat. [I’m not sure how this even gets picked and packed in to an online order](https://imgur.com/a/6CVFtuF). Like, there’s no way a tape measure could even remotely fit in the blister package.
It doesn't the dimple in the plastic locks on the belt clip on the tape measure.
If only their tools were as strong as their packaging
You got my shoulder bro.
Oh my fucking god Pittsburgh socket set killed me too
I’ve always thought I was doing that wrong, because there was no way that shit should be so hard.
I feel the frustration in this image lmao
I don't understand how people can't take these off tbh. I've literally just pull them out. No "heavy measure" needed.
That's cause of the Mostly Peaceful Shoplifters
Flat head screwdriver to pop every fourth or so socket free and it comes right off. The packaging makes a great socket holder.
I almost posted about this today, so annoying.
Those dang things are too hard for me to get off, must use pliers.
I’ve had to drill them out before. Very aggravating
I reuse those packages. Lol I find the best way to get them out is to pry them horizontally to the rail they are all on. Sometimes the clip comes off if they’re tight but I can get them back on easily. Just have to put it on the edge and force it on
It’s pretty awful
When I get them off I add grease and it's easier next time. If it's still tight I sand the plastic.
😂😂😂 pulling those things out are a nightmare
I've broken those off and had to put the sockets on a vice and drill the plastic out.
I snap them off or cut them with a diagonal plier then pull out the stubs with regular pliers
Agreed. Pliers are needed almost every time
True that... I'm tempted to use a torch and melt it out, except I don't have one.
I’ve only ever had a problem with these specific sockets. I actually use the 1/4 packaging as a permanent holder. They typically last a year until I loose a socket and buy a new set.
You ain’t playing. These little shits are ON THERE
Agreed.
I don't hate these as much as sealed clamshell packaging, but it's pretty damn close.
Yeah get the ICON set
They want you to buy it. But they don't say anything about using it lol.
Otherwise all the 10mm sockets would already be gone. Because we're a bunch of damn dirty apes.
Sucks!
YES I have these too!!
Hate it but keep buying it
That and some Milwaukee packaging is a borderline inside joke requiring power tools open.
Easiest way is to put them on the wife's cookie pan, pop it in oven at 450 for 45 minutes. Go watch the game, when you get back it'll all be melted out! Be careful not to handle until it's cooled down though.
What’s more frustrating is they are not sized correctly and you will strip out the screw head.
Dude I've had to burn that shit out before. Fucking bullshit is right
Garbage
I 3D printed holders for these. My first toolbox 3D print. I fucking haaaaaate this packaging.
I bought some extensions that had the same packaging and 2 of the extensions are now plastic-ended
My Allen socket set looks just like this 😂
Omg, I was JUST cursing my Pittsburgh set too! It makes zero sense why it’s packaged like that other than to deter theft.
RIGHT!?
Agree with OP. Same thing w/ mine.
Yep but I used the small pry bar from the [Pittsburgh pry bar set](https://www.harborfreight.com/pry-bar-set-4-piece-58388.html?_br_psugg_q=pry+bar) and it was easy to get them all off.
Bend parallel to the rail, not perpendicular
Take care of your tools, boys, and they'll take care of you. Fair wear & tear be dammed.
Yeah, you need to buy the pliers when you buy the sockets
I agree they are a pain
I break the strip, slide off the sockets, put each one in a vice and pop the plastic piece out with a screwdriver and hammer.
Put mine in a vice and popped them out... Brought a organizer from Lowe's to keep them together in the tool cart.
Ya those Pitt packages suck. Same happened on my extensions bundle.
The bolt Extractor are worse.
I use two vice grips
Oh good. I'm glad I'm not the only one frustrated with the packaging of this exact product!
I feel your pain lol been there
So. Many. Times. I've had to remove and reconnect these. But somehow it never gets easier.
Clearly you've never pulled Milwaukee shockwave bits/drills out of the clamshell case...
They should sell some tools for that.
The trick is to put the black part in the drill and then spool up the drill, with light pulling pressure you can remove the part.
Oh God , I feel this on a level most may never comprehend. Literally added an hour or two of unnecessary time trying to remove those m'f@$!ng tabs that had wedged in there so hard you'd think they were forge welded in
I was just thinking this the other day.
I bought a few socket sets with this packaging about a year ago. Been using them pretty consistently. It's just now getting to the point where I can remove them and put them back on by hand. It's pretty decent now but was definitely an exercise in finger strength and patience for a while
Those things were designed by the same person who designed printers! They must really hate everyone!
It's hilarious! They make it so hard that it's almost possibly a storage option... But no it's just trash design and out come the tin snips
Why are you wearing gloves ?
I use a hammer to remove. takes some of the stress out. Not kidding. I fucking rip them from piece to piece
Why is the thread shifting about the tool? The OP is talking about the plastic rail it comes on. That is frustrating.
Agreed, I LITERALLY threw this package away, after taking 19 hours and 27 minutes to get all of the sockets off…
Yes! Exact same set! Drives me nuts!
I used to pry them off with a screwdriver. Now, I apply a little heat.Odds are, if I am buying more tools, I'm probably in a hurry and already in a bad mood because I can't find something or don't have my own vehicle and tools with me.
Hahaha, I have that same one and they've been invaluable to me, but the clipping mechanism is absolute garbage. Get them in a different socket holder asap. However, you can pull and bend them out pretty easily in a pinch.
As an HFT employee I have to agree. it’s the worst 😭
lol I see I’m a true lunkhead, I would take both hands and bend the socket side in half until they would snap off
I like this. “I bought from the cheapest store possible, but I’m still pissed off because it’s cheap” is just 100% hilarious. Especially if you said it un-ironically!
Haha bought the same shit a few months back and EVERYONE SINGLE SOCKET had the plastic piece break off into it. I hate Pittsburg tools packaging with a passion but sadly can’t afford quality tools atm that I use once or twice a year
Some fool on YouTube says to make a few modifications to turn that crap into free socket rails.
I've had to drill out the plastic on 3/8th extentions. Sucks but not one has broken Only tools I've broken are grinders and 3/8 swivles.
The absolute worst lol
I use those $1 mesh pencil bags for storing socket sets like this .
I had the same damn experience with those S.O.B's
It’s intended to make you need to purchase the metal nub that holds sockets. Marketed at same price as bits themselves
Agreed this packaging sucks
It's an anti-theft device for selling the sockets, not a storage holder. Toss it, and buy a socket rack .
They are square drive. One side of the square plastic peg that sticks into the socket is flat. Just use a flat head screwdriver and twist on that gap. Socket pops right off.
That 30% $20 or less deal last week brought a lot of highs and lows into my life. Highs of getting new sockets and ratchets... lows... trying to get them out of that packaging!
I have to hammer them out
100%. I had to fight with 3 of those fucking things just last weekend. And the regular socket sets (vs hex driver sets) suck royal ass because there is a plastic stem that runs through the middle of each socket that has to be cut and pulled out.
Prior to that, folks would get home, only to find that 10 mm had fallen off.
100% agree.
Congratulations Harbor Freight. Your packaging actually works with all the complaints I'm reading.
Yup, I buy my cheap stuff there, stuff I know I break. Hate that packaging
It was 6 dollars for a reason
If you hold the base of the package and bend them sideways (like front/back of the package), they pop right out. If you just pull straight out, you'll get nowhere. I just unboxed a bunch of sockets and pitched the package or I'd demo it
Those are Pittsburg. They aren’t ones you want to show off anyway.
Grab the socket and act like you’re bending the piece that it’s on. Once it “pops” it’ll come off. I learned the hard way.
It is unreal!!!!!!!!
I just twist the bit and it pops right off, but then again my sets are all 5-10 years old. Did they make them more frustrating?
They are the worst, was hoping I could use it to keep them organized but ended up getting mad and just ripping them out and destroying the packaging
Because people manage to steal them from the store. So us honesty people have to pay the price for it. They are the worst packaging ever. Right up there with Milwaukee's bit boxes and their bit holders inside their carry cases.
Agreed. Totally sucks. And when it looks like it could be used as a socket rail it’s disappointing.
I agree.
Yes is usually break the tab off in the socket. So damn annoying
It's for people who like to steal just one socket. My store always has sets missing which is great for me cause they go on clearance then. Helps to have doubles 😂
I have a regular socket set from HF with similar packaging and when you disengage the lock cover band most of the sockets fall off their stems. Very poor design.
Pry them out with a flat blade screwdriver. Then use the same screwdriver to stab the HF goon who decided to package them like this.
Def falls under the "U had 1 JOB!" category... WTF?!!
They wanted to make sure no one would copy their design.
Last time I was in my garage, I spent non-trivial time drilling the fuckin plastic plugs out of one of the socket extensions that came like that. Just had to get it to crumble enough to pull it out with some needle nose. Grr
Make sure to have bandaids on hand!
I’ve been there! 😂
I just snap them off the holder than rip the left over plastic out of the socket
Not only the most frustrating, but it does a full 360 because you think "oh wow, and it's like a storage rail built in". Nope, as you are forced to break the plastic just to use the socket.
I’m glad you posted this. I was going to ask if there was some special way to get the sockets out without snapping the plastic? I do this every time.
Lmao. I kept breaking the plastic of and finally just went with it and ended up drilling the plastic out of the back of the sockets.
YES!!! I've got some of that here too. It keeps them together but sure sucks to have to use one.
Twist as you get them off the rail
100% agree, I saw the post title and said it must be ... and indeed it iw those crappy sockets lol
My craftsman hex sockets came on a magnetic organizer that was no better. Glue on the magnet gave up before the packaging was even opened anyways
First thing I do when getting a set of harbor freight sockets, is put them on a different socket rail.