3/4" Harbor Freight Pittsburgh Socket Set

[amishman]

Stay very far from this set. I just purchased the set as it was on sale at HF for $49.99 and with my 20% discount, was only $39.99. After buying it and shopping at other stores later in the day, I decided to return it same day. While my wife was in a scrapbook store, I decided to open and check out the set. One word, "caveman". I think the 1st tool a caveman made is superior quality and finish than this set. This set is China made, not Taiwan. The ratchet it comes with barely rides in the 3 tooth gear inside and the finish of every piece of this set look like busted knuckles written all over it. I suppose if you had an already loose nut it could work but my need was for using the breaker bar and the 46mm socket to get a axle nut off. I came to my senses and decided to quickly return the set, no mater how cheap it was. It may have worked, but I am not going to take any chances. I then decided to get a decent Craftsman breaker bar and a good brand 46mm socket. Heck with the rest of the sizes. If I need another huge socket, I will get that size later.

Anyway, here is the set in question.

http://tinyurl.com/6rwtj5

HF also has a set in a metal box. The one they had in stock the metal box was all beat to hell so I did not get it. The sockets inside did look a little better than the China set but still, I decided to move on.

So, stay clear. Crap.

I still like HF for a few other things but tools, I think I have smartened up and will get Craftsman for some other named brand from now on. I still like my HF Swivel Ratchets as I think those are real sweet but this 3/4" set, yuck.

tj

tj

[yellowbox]

yeah h.f. can be hit and miss on their items , shop wise and beware

[goodfellow]

yeah h.f. can be hit and miss on their items , shop wise and beware

That's for sure -- it depends on the manufacturer and batch. These contracts are renegotiated every few years and will go to varying manufacturers. Some do a good job while others fail miserably. Just look at the variability of the HF orange electric grinders.

The older HF 3/4" sets were produced in Taiwan and were consistently decent quality. The new Chinese sourced sets are spotty. Wait a few months and the quality might get better. It's a crap shoot with that socket set.

[wrenchr]

I looked at that set and the points of the sockets are so soft it looks like they will just spin on the nut!!

[goodfellow]

I guess the only real good use is as a mandrel for the hydraulic shop press. They come in quite handy for that purpose.:beer:

[billymade]

amishman, I recommend looking at flea markets and the used market in general for a older USA made set; they come up from time to time and I think 3/4" sockets by themselves sell for pretty cheap most times! I'm starting to buy them one by one and will build a set from cheap purchases individually used. I think I would prefer old USA made used tools over poor quality imports anyday! Keep your eyes peeled; you never know what you might run into! :)

[Jay H 237]

I have the Craftsman 3/4" drive set and it's decent.

[Valsmere]

For a 3/4 set check ebay if I'm not mistaking the is a Wright or Williams set on there right now.

[64merc]

amishman, I recommend looking at flea markets and the used market in general for a older USA made set; they come up from time to time and I think 3/4" sockets by themselves sell for pretty cheap most times! I'm starting to buy them one by one and will build a set from cheap purchases individually used. I think I would prefer old USA made used tools over poor quality imports anyday! Keep your eyes peeled; you never know what you might run into! :)

I think I am going to do the same thing. I found an old 3/4 drive SO breaker bar the other day, so now I need sockets to go along with it. I was actually tempted to get that HF set in question, so I'm glad I didn't waste my time. They do have a 3/4 drive impact socket set too. I wonder how that was is?

[amishman]

I think I am going to do the same thing. I found an old 3/4 drive SO breaker bar the other day, so now I need sockets to go along with it. I was actually tempted to get that HF set in question, so I'm glad I didn't waste my time. They do have a 3/4 drive impact socket set too. I wonder how that was is?

I have heard some good things on the impacts but probably like this 3/4 regular set, open and inspect before you buy them.

At least I came to my senses while I was still down there 45 minutes from home.

tj

[MAD]

my need was for using the breaker bar and the 46mm socket to get a axle nut off.
tj

For VW bus axles, this tool has always worked for me. Put a pipe on the breaker bar and have your wife stand on the end while you slog the wrench tool with your drilling hammer. This is a Caveman tool that really works and is great family fun.


HEAVY DUTY AXLE NUT REMOVAL TOOL, 46MM
Easy to use by simply placing tool over the axle nut,
inserting 1/2 inch breaker bar, and while applying pressure
strike the tool with a hammer knocking the nut loose.
Provides greater force than an impact wrench to loosen
frozen axle nuts.

http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=5749&Category_Code=Tools

[amishman]

For VW bus axles, this tool has always worked for me. Put a pipe on the breaker bar and have your wife stand on the end while you slog the wrench tool with your drilling hammer. This is a Caveman tool that really works and is great family fun.




http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=5749&Category_Code=Tools

I have one of those, but I prefer my wife not having to jump up and down on that pipe and use that skill for later that evening. :drool:

tj

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I think I would prefer old USA made used tools over poor quality imports anyday! Keep your eyes peeled; you never know what you might run into! :)

You KNOW you prefer old USA made tools over poor imports! :lol_hitti

Seriously, that's a good idea...picking up older quality 3/4" sockets and making a set that way. :pimpflash

[autoace]

You can get a very good Taiwan 3/4 inch set. I have these from Northern tool, hard to tell from the picture, but the extensions, and fit and finish are very good. These are a happy medium between cheap and high end.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200314027_200314027

[Russell]

I need a 46mm socket to replace the front hubs on my BMW E36. I was going to pick up that set from HF ($59) as opposed to buying a single socket from Sears for $35 and then looking for a 3/4 to 1/2 adapter ($?)

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[chrislehr]

needs a merge...

[Jim Stabe]

I got my set several years ago and no complaints with the quality. I have undone C4 Corvette rear axle nuts (165 ft lbs installation torque) using a long cheater and they hold up. Maybe the later models are poorer quality.