Harbor Freight ratchets and sockets

[stickshift]

Are HF ratchets of sufficient quality for an amateur weekend wrench who is looking to do routine maintenance on his car?

Do the sockets pose significant risk of rounding off fasteners (which adds a new level of difficulty to a task) such that it's worth the extra cost of better sockets? Maybe Craftsman sockets? Or would I have to go higher up the brand ladder to get better quality sockets than what HF sells?

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I have used cheap sockets in the past, but honestly I would spend a few extra bucks and at least get craftsman sockets..I do really like (and use) the Pittsburg rubberized ratchets and I usually grab them before my Snap-On's and others..They are real comfortable and seem to be holding up pretty well..I do have a bunch of HF impact sockets, that seem to be holding up ok for occasional use..

 

[pipsters]

I have used HF sockets before and they are at least comparable if not better than Craftsman. Their chroming is significantly better than Craftsman, and another issue with Craftsman is the detent holders are all punched at different depths. I have a dozen or more that when you place them on a quick release ratchet, the detent is so close to the top that the socket doesn't latch onto the ratchet or the socket just slides in and out and wobbles on the ratchet instead of locking in place.

Using my sockets I am discovering more and more plating irregularities. I can cope with a few but many many sockets have plating that catches your fingernail. While it doesn't appear to be flaking yet on most, the plating isn't coating the steel and will lead to issues down the line. The finishing process is horrendous on something that is so important (you are buying plated sockets for pete's sake).

At first I was thrilled about the Craftsman large socket set I bought but it is becoming more and more apparent that quality is really lacking. Frustrating and I am a Sears cheerleader.

One good thing about the Craftsman sockets is their broaching - they are very very tight and fit well.

 

[powertrip]

Craftsman would be the best choice. USA made, best quality for the price, easiest warranty in the tool world and probably all you would ever need. Take care of them and they last a lifetime unless you rarely break one then warranty it. Its a matter of time before someone suggests snapon, just ignore that person.

 

[pipsters]

Also to add, I think there are definitely some great offerings at Sears. Prybars, raised panel wrenches, deep offset polished wrenches, extensions (I really like the locking ones even if they are plastic, due to the low clearance), ratchets like the thin profiles, screwdrivers which are fine for homeowner use, ball pein hammers, professional snap ring pliers sets, punches/chisels, adjustable wrenches, impact sockets, picks, crowsfoot, beam torque wrenches, and their bolt out sets are all examples of products I own that are made here in the US and are excellent quality.

I love the dual marked socket idea but just can't get over the crappy plating on a portion of their sockets and lack of quality control in the detent process. They need to get their stuff together over there at Danaher/Apex, I would gladly pay more for a higher quality socket.

 

[twincam00]

Ive had no problem with pittsburgh (HF) sockets, I dont use them as my main set tho. The only thing that puts them behind craftsman is the warranty, my local harbor freight requires you to have the receipt for warranty issues which is a PITA but honestly Ive only broken one socket in my life

 

[stickshift]

The only thing that puts them behind craftsman is the warranty, my local harbor freight requires you to have the receipt for warranty issues which is a PITA but honestly Ive only broken one socket in my life

I've heard of people just walking in with the tool and getting it exchanged, no receipt required and no questions asked. I wonder if the policy varies by store?

But I'm less worried about breaking a socket than I am about rounding off fasteners. A broken socket is quick and easy to replace, even if it's not warrantied. A rounded off fastener turns a simple job into a headache.

 

[ajchien]

I've heard of people just walking in with the tool and getting it exchanged, no receipt required and no questions asked. I wonder if the policy varies by store?

But I'm less worried about breaking a socket than I am about rounding off fasteners. A broken socket is quick and easy to replace, even if it's not warrantied. A rounded off fastener turns a simple job into a headache.

I think the policy varies by cashier/manager on duty. I've had "No warranty without receipt", "No problem" and "No problem as long as it has 'pittsburgh' stamped on it."

I have *MINIMAL* experience with HF ratchets and sockets, but if I having your question, I'd consider the Pittsburgh Pro line of ratchets and 6 point sockets.

 

[DTB]

I don't know much about HF tools,but I think the use to skip a few of the sizes.Do they still? I would just buy craftsman,atleast for sockets.Or Gearwrench,they have a decent line of tools,not just ratcheting wrenches.

 

[mossyboy6]

get HFs 301 pc kit.

 

[blarf]

Pittsburgh is ridiculously cheap, but probably very serviceable. I just don't see the benefit of saving money like that. For stuff that you'll be using regularly, why not get the best you can afford? Not necessarily the most expensive (hey I'd love a set of Hazet sockets), but in your price range. If HF is what you can afford, go for that.

If you want a premium Chinese brand, go for Toptul (but the service is going to ****). Actually, the Craftsman 3/8" set is on sale for a lower price right now ($5, 11 pieces) at ACE. An S-K set runs about $30 more than the Craftsman set, but the chrome finish is typically very nice (IIRC Craftsman aren't chromed anymore).

Me, I like to keep the jobs in countries with decent labor and environmental laws so I like the idea of buying USA made (Craftsman, S-K, Wright, etc). Unfortunately Sears makes that difficult with the continued offshoring of Craftsman production and inconsistent quality. The one thing I do wonder is whether or not the HF sockets are "flank" drive (will they apply force to the corner or sides of the fastener). Most sockets are now adays, but it's not hard to check...

 

[SeanM]

Honestly, I have used them and I didn't mind them. I really think there are too many tool snobs out there that think that snap on, matco and mac are the best. I have an average mans annual salary in those brand tools and I will willingly admit I like the majority of my craftsman tools better.

I have had 6 of my snap on ratcheting wrenches replaced and 0 of my craftsman.

 

[IanG]

I would get one of the Sears Craftsman black friday deals. The price is gonna be hard to beat. That being said, Pittsburgh Pro (HF) > Craftsman in terms of quality IMO. I own both the 154 and 255 Craftsman mechanics sets and quite a few Pittsburgh Pro ratchets/sockets/impact sockets. The best indicator is if it is made in Taiwan then you are set. However, HF's regular prices now are not very appealing so unless you got coupons, I wouldnt bother.

For a DIY/Weekend Warrior, you will be perfectly fine. If you want to this on a regular basis or pass them down to your kids, then maybe I would step up to a bit higher quality.

 

[diesel research]

Honestly, I have used them and I didn't mind them. I really think there are too many tool snobs out there that think that snap on, matco and mac are the best. I have an average mans annual salary in those brand tools and I will willingly admit I like the majority of my craftsman tools better.

I have had 6 of my snap on ratcheting wrenches replaced and 0 of my craftsman.

Is a snob anyone who says go with a certain brand as opposed to another brand? If so, I see a lot of people trying to shy him away from HF and iun support of craftsman. Are they "snobs"? One even suggests not to listen to any recommendations other than craftsman, not directly, but alluding to it. There are a LOT who suggest craftsman is the best. Sounds snobbish.

Anyways, to answer the OPs question, there is a test done for this:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73245

While I do not see a HF socket in there, the basic test gives you an idea on how to conduct your own test.

After attending Rusted and Broken Fastener University
for many years, I still have not graduated, but have learned a few things from the course. Just because a tool is STARTING to slip does not mean you are doomed. You have other options at that point. Spiral sockets, spline sockets, pound-on sockets, certain types of pliers, etc.

There are things that can be done to prevent it such as heat, penetrating oil, proper alignment of the socket, choosing the correct size in the first place (not always the size prescribed in literature, sometimes fasteners are produced with poor/mixed size)

Some people will tell you heat doesn't help with rounded bolts. It certainly does. Deal with it on a regular basis. Rounded 12pt driveshaft bolts. By heating, locktite and rust bond is broken, making them thread out very easily, at a lower torque threshold than required to slip with some sockets or locking pliers. Often can help prevent the problem in the first place...

 

[Jim85IROC]

Is a snob anyone who says go with a certain brand as opposed to another brand? If so, I see a lot of people trying to shy him away from HF and iun support of craftsman. Are they "snobs"? One even suggests not to listen to any recommendations other than craftsman, not directly, but alluding to it. There are a LOT who suggest craftsman is the best. Sounds snobbish.

Anyways, to answer the OPs question, there is a test done for this:

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73245

While I do not see a HF socket in there, the basic test gives you an idea on how to conduct your own test.

After attending Rusted and Broken Fastener University
for many years, I still have not graduated, but have learned a few things from the course. Just because a tool is STARTING to slip does not mean you are doomed. You have other options at that point. Spiral sockets, spline sockets, pound-on sockets, certain types of pliers, etc.

There are things that can be done to prevent it such as heat, penetrating oil, proper alignment of the socket, choosing the correct size in the first place (not always the size prescribed in literature, sometimes fasteners are produced with poor/mixed size)

Some people will tell you heat doesn't help with rounded bolts. It certainly does. Deal with it on a regular basis. Rounded 12pt driveshaft bolts. By heating, locktite and rust bond is broken, making them thread out very easily, at a lower torque threshold than required to slip with some sockets or locking pliers. Often can help prevent the problem in the first place...

Those are all great solutions, but by far the best solution, is to avoid the problem in the first place.

 

[woody 73]

I like the sockts from HF but the socket sets having different colors tends to wash off very fast (speed of light). If my hands have any chemicals on them even the tools with all the printing comes off.
just my two cents (which will not buy a coffee),if I misplace or lose a HF socket then it is not the end of the world; but if I lose that snap on socket it is the end of the world.

 

[SeanM]

Is a snob anyone who says go with a certain brand as opposed to another brand? If so, I see a lot of people trying to shy him away from HF and iun support of craftsman. Are they "snobs"? One even suggests not to listen to any recommendations other than craftsman, not directly, but alluding to it. There are a LOT who suggest craftsman is the best. Sounds snobbish.

Anyways, to answer the OPs question, there is a test done for this:

I didn't mean to offend anyone by this statement. I was trying to convey the thought that the most expensive tool is not the best. I am actually a die hard craftsman fan and they are a great tools for the weekend warrior.

 

[stickshift]

Thanks for all the input. Clearly there is no consensus on HF vs. Craftsman sockets, though there seems to be some consensus that HF ratchets will be fine for DIY/weekend warrior type projects.

I'll try and pick up those Craftsman sockets on sale at Ace Hardware, and also pick up some HF sockets and see how they compare in use.

 

[ishiboo]

I think for the homeowner who does auto work/etc., the HF ratchets and sockets are great.

The only thing I'd avoid as a primary set are the cheap plastic-cased sets you find with a generic name everywhere. The ratchets are noticeably awful, and the sockets **** as well. For example:

The disadvantage is HF does not sell individual sockets/etc. in the stores. IMO for your average homeowner/shadetree, the HF sockets/ratchets are probably the best investment. I standardized on Kobalt - not from a quality standpoint, but I loose individual sockets/parts on a REGULAR basis and I can pick them up locally in Lowes. The fit/finish is also great.

 

[diesel research]

Those are all great solutions, but by far the best solution, is to avoid the problem in the first place.

Totally agree. That is why I mentioned ways of preventing it in the first place. It's not all in the socket branding. It is also in how the particular tool is aligned to the fastener. Lots of times someone will hold a socket on there at an angle for whatever reason, and initiate the rounding. The heat works great BEFORE the socket is even worn, and may often prevent it, for reasons mentioned above (reducing amount of force required to turn).

Then again, it is bound to occur someday, and you gotta know that you still have options and not to give up quite yet.

I experience it on a regular basis due to previous circumstances. Mechanical contact, collision-type damage, or previous installer. When a driveshaft lets go, it spins and contacts the bolts. When a driver rubs over rocks, barriers, other vehicles, etc, fastener wear may occur.

 

[diesel research]

The disadvantage is HF does not sell individual sockets/etc. in the stores.

Yes they do. Have quote a selection of open stock.


OP, here is another thread to read:
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71734

 

[wornoutoldman]

Since you won't be buying 100s of sizes try ebay for snap-on. The engraved (marked) tools go for cheap...

 

[powertrip]

Since you won't be buying 100s of sizes try ebay for snap-on. The engraved (marked) tools go for cheap...

Never fails

 

[Black89LX]

http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html

have a set in each car. $24 with a 20% off coupon. great deal and theyre strong...

 

[twincam00]

The one thing I do wonder is whether or not the HF sockets are "flank" drive (will they apply force to the corner or sides of the fastener). Most sockets are now adays, but it's not hard to check...

The Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets are flank drive, or whatever the generic name for it is

 

[Davefr]

Are HF ratchets of sufficient quality for an amateur weekend wrench who is looking to do routine maintenance on his car?

IMHO, yes.

Do the sockets pose significant risk of rounding off fasteners (which adds a new level of difficulty to a task) such that it's worth the extra cost of better sockets? Maybe Craftsman sockets? Or would I have to go higher up the brand ladder to get better quality sockets than what HF sells?

Craftsman is not "going up the brand ladder" relative to HF. At one time you could make that claim but HF has been improving quality while Craftsman has been going downhill.

I'd skip both brands and try and move up in quality.
(ex) used SO, Cornwell, MAC, S-K and use and Advanced Auto coupons, Wright/Williams/Proto, etc.

 

[powertrip]

Why is it that a new wrencher is looking for a first basic tool set and names two affordable good quality brands they are considering to use at home and wants the opinions of GJ members and he gets suggestions to not buy the affordable quality brands he has his eye on but rather he should spend a huge sum more to buy the upper end most expensive brands that are available that would perform just as good as his original choices?
Excuse the long run on sentence, but it just doesnt make any sense.

 

[toolmaker1]

well when I was 16 my dad got me the old style hf metric socket set 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" in the metal boxes and from the time I was 16 till I was about 25 those were all I had and the consensus is that the quality is much better now than then and I did everything I needed to do on my old clunkers with that set and a set of the old india made raised panel hf wrenches. I'm 40 now and have since upgraded all my tools and probably have $20,000 in carpenters and mechanics tools but I'm proud to say In all these years including the times I only had HF "junk" I've never had to pay a mechanic to do anything other than state inspections and tire changes. So I would say get the Pittsburgh professional sets and fill in any missing sizes with HF or craftsman and be done with it.

 

[Davefr]

Why is it that a new wrencher is looking for a first basic tool set and names two affordable good quality brands they are considering to use at home and wants the opinions of GJ members and he gets suggestions to not buy the affordable quality brands he has his eye on but rather he should spend a huge sum more to buy the upper end most expensive brands that are available that would perform just as good as his original choices?
Excuse the long run on sentence, but it just doesnt make any sense.

Because some GJ members place more value on quality then the price tag. Not everyone strives for the lowest cost.

There a continuum of options that span between HF/Craftsman and new truck tool brands.

 

[ajchien]

Because some GJ members place more value on quality then the price tag. Not everyone strives for the lowest cost.

There a continuum of options that span between HF/Craftsman and new truck tool brands.

Off topic ...

I kind of look at it as time risk vs. money.

HF is a store where I will spend very little money, but higher risk I might be "using my time" on a product that I have to return, warranty, or replace.

"High end name brands" are an item I will spend a lot of money, but there is much less returning of the item. They tend to last longer, and warranty is less frequent.

Craftsman is a tweener for me.

A few months back, I looked at my tool purchases for the last 2 years. It seemed that I returned/warrantied/threw away roughtly 15% of the HF products I bought. I returned/warrantied roughly 3% of the craftsman products I bought. I didnt return or warranty any "high end brand".

Sometimes I have the feeling that HF purposely makes things that wear out so you have to return/warranty it ... as a method of getting you back into the store to buy more ...

Back on topic, I have the dual headed 1/4-3/8 PPro ratchet and a set of PPro 1/2 impact sockets that have worked just fine. They're part of the 85%.

 

[plinker]

Why is it that a new wrencher is looking for a first basic tool set and names two affordable good quality brands they are considering to use at home and wants the opinions of GJ members and he gets suggestions to not buy the affordable quality brands he has his eye on but rather he should spend a huge sum more to buy the upper end most expensive brands that are available that would perform just as good as his original choices?
Excuse the long run on sentence, but it just doesnt make any sense.

Nothing wrong with giving an opinion based on thier experiance. Sometimes you can find other brands for a better price used. And if that something is only a few dollars more, why not buy it?

If you want to spend the extra on a different brand, then do so and you likely wont regret it. If you dont you still likely wont regret it for a especially weekend user. Buy what makes you happy and and from where you get good service after the sale.

As far as what to get is concerned, I have no experiance with Harbor freight stuff (No local store). I'd buy Craftsman myself anyway, even if there was a local HF just because most Craftsman tools are still made here.

I have Craftsman and S-K for my main socket sets (started out with them) and have had few problems with either brand. I do have some other brand sockets, but to me all sockets are pretty much the same in general, depending on access issues (socket too thick, too tall, ete...).

If your looking for a 1/4 drive set, check out Cripe dist as they have a very complete set for 26$ Napa brand (same as Gearwrench) I have one for my vehicle tool kit and it's very nice.

http://cripedistributingstore.com/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/6882/s/napa-56-pc-1-4-socket-set-deep-shallow-90927-ro/

 

[michael murder]

I think it depends on the batch and where they are made if the sockets are hit or miss. I bought a set of deep SAE sockets off their website, they were really great, had a good finished, overall a nice product for the money. I decided to get a metric set they were reall awful in comparison, the chrome was really cheesy and peeling in places. The metric set was made in India and the SAE set was made in Taiwan. So if you could buy them in person I saw go for it!

 

[Notwerk]

Like any brand, HF makes some good things and some junk. The ratchets and sockets in their Pro brand are of excellent quality and test very well against expensive competition. I'm not sure that I buy the argument that somehow, buying HF tools is going to cause you downtime, etc. (not that it even matters for a home DIYer).

The pictures are gone, but read this:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71734

The HF Pro (Taiwan) ratchets have 72 teeth in them and are made very well. The Craftsman stuff these days still use a coarse tooth mechanism and generally feel much cheaper and, IMO, worse than the HF Pro ratchets. Craftsman does make excellent ratchets, but you have to look to their higher end stuff -- the thin profiles and premium lines.

The only conceivable argument I have for using a "higher-end" brand is if you're concerned about where the tool comes from. But spending more doesn't even assure that (MAC has been outsourcing plenty, and rumors about other brands persist).

I'd suggest Williams USA as a better option than Craftsman, but while Williams is, in my view, a great value for a USA tool, you won't need to spend that kind of money to get tools that get the job done.

Basically, the HF stuff does what you need it to. You won't need tool-truck brand ratchets to change your oil.

I don't like their wrenches, pliers, etc., but that's another matter.

 

[diesel research]

Why is it that a new wrencher is looking for a first basic tool set and names two affordable good quality brands they are considering to use at home and wants the opinions of GJ members and he gets suggestions to not buy the affordable quality brands he has his eye on but rather he should spend a huge sum more to buy the upper end most expensive brands that are available that would perform just as good as his original choices?
Excuse the long run on sentence, but it just doesnt make any sense.

Why is it every thread that mentions something other than craftsman, people have to get bent out of shape about it?

If it is some brand cheaper than craftsman, people will try to talk them into spending a "little more". If it is more expensive, they will start complaining about all kinds of things, and suggest the OP disregard any other opinion than craftsman.

Double standards anyone?

 

[blarf]

Why is it that a new wrencher is looking for a first basic tool set and names two affordable good quality brands they are considering to use at home and wants the opinions of GJ members and he gets suggestions to not buy the affordable quality brands he has his eye on but rather he should spend a huge sum more to buy the upper end most expensive brands that are available that would perform just as good as his original choices?
Excuse the long run on sentence, but it just doesnt make any sense.

Because higher quality isn't a huge sum of money. And, yeah, I don't doubt that HF is higher quality than a lot of the recent Craftsman stuff.

The S-K socket set (9pc I think) is about $50-$60 after shipping and they are noticeably better than Craftsman. That's not a huge sum of money IMO. The Craftsman just happen to be on sale below cost, and that makes them (more) attractive.

Same thing with the ratchets. Epsteins has fine tooth, strong Wright ratchets for $25. Yeah, you'll need to lubricate them, and yeah, that's about 2x the price of an HF ratchet. But it's hardly an ungodly sum of money.

IMO buying the best you can now is a good idea since it'll lessen the chance of damaging the fastener or yourself with lower quality tools.

 

[blarf]

Oh, and as far as ratchets go, yeah the HF ones test pretty well (search for the ratchet shootout on GJ)... but with one big caveat: they're big for what they are. The OP will be working on a Honda where I'd imagine space is at a premium. The SK Tuff 1 (of which there are a couple for sale in the classified forums here) and Wright ratchets have fairly small heads, the SK Pros aren't half bad either (and they even make a 3/8" drive ratchet in a 1/4" body for those who need the extra space). The Craftsman thin profile wrenches are pretty small too IIRC (but I think they still have the junky Danaher mechanism).

HF doesn't do that. Spending a bit ($15) more to get a tool that will be easier to use seems like a better value to me than simply going for the cheapest tool.

Sure, Hazet, SnapOn and the other truck brands make smaller ratchets too... but at a significant premium over the mid-grade stuff. And if you really want a SnapOn ratchet, didn't someone here post pictures of the Williams unit that's sold at a comparative discount, but otherwise shares the guts with the SO units?

Best value doesn't mean cheapest.

 

[stickshift]

Just because a tool is STARTING to slip does not mean you are doomed. You have other options at that point. Spiral sockets, spline sockets, pound-on sockets, certain types of pliers, etc.

dr, this is good to know, thanks.

 

[stickshift]

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=71734

Very interesting. Seems pretty clear to me now that HF PPro is a good price:quality balance for my needs. Plus, HF is closer to me than Sears, and when I stopped by HF today, I had a good shopping experience.

well when I was 16 my dad got me the old style hf metric socket set 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2" in the metal boxes and from the time I was 16 till I was about 25 those were all I had and the consensus is that the quality is much better now than then and I did everything I needed to do on my old clunkers with that set and a set of the old india made raised panel hf wrenches. I'm 40 now and have since upgraded all my tools and probably have $20,000 in carpenters and mechanics tools but I'm proud to say In all these years including the times I only had HF "junk" I've never had to pay a mechanic to do anything other than state inspections and tire changes. So I would say get the Pittsburgh professional sets and fill in any missing sizes with HF or craftsman and be done with it.

Yep, that's what I'm going to do. Will look to get those on sale.

Oh, and as far as ratchets go, yeah the HF ones test pretty well (search for the ratchet shootout on GJ)... but with one big caveat: they're big for what they are. The OP will be working on a Honda where I'd imagine space is at a premium. The SK Tuff 1 (of which there are a couple for sale in the classified forums here) and Wright ratchets have fairly small heads, the SK Pros aren't half bad either (and they even make a 3/8" drive ratchet in a 1/4" body for those who need the extra space). The Craftsman thin profile wrenches are pretty small too IIRC (but I think they still have the junky Danaher mechanism).

Noted. The HF ratchets are inexpensive enough that if I run into this problem, I won't feel bad if I have to buy a smaller ratchet.

Side note: I stopped by Ace Hardware and picked up one of those Craftsman 3/8" drive 11pc metric socket sets for $5 (SAE is also $5). Only 2 of each when I went there, so if you want 'em, better get them soon (the guy who rung me up was surprised at the price and said he was going to buy some himself).

Thank you all for the input.

 

[powertrip]

Just gets kinda old on here when a person wants to spend a small amount of money for whatever reason and then states his choices of inexpensive but worthy brands and gets told to buy snapon. Snapon has its place with some users but not with the member who wants a first tool set from HF or Craftsman.

Stickshift, make sure to use 20% off coupons for everything you can. Alot of times you can catch an item you want on sale then use the coupon.

 

[stickshift]

Stickshift, make sure to use 20% off coupons for everything you can. Alot of times you can catch an item you want on sale then use the coupon.

I live near a HF, so even though they limit use of the 20% off coupon to one item per day, I can swing by when running errands and use a 20% off coupon each time to pick up something I need that is hopefully also on sale.