Anyone here have a HF socket or wrench failure?

[thool]

From normal use? Like no cheater bar, no beating it with a sledge, etc?

I'm asking because I'm looking to build up a wrench and socket supply in their 44" base cabinet, and have heard their tools have come a long way. Over the span of 30+ years I've had a few of: craftsman, husky, kmart, ace, fuller. The only ones that have failed were the Husky ratchets, from Home Depot and they were made in USA. The replacements from China are still rocking.

So will HF sockets and wrenches hold up as well or better? I like the polished ones.

 

[Tim37]

The pro series is better than any thing husky or kobalt is putting out and beats the import crapsman.

Quality my not be any better but HF is a lot cheaper so it wins.

 

[panknuckshovel]

IBTL, popcorn, here we go again, and all the other standards.

EDIT!! I forgot turtles.

 

[defektes]

Theres a drain at work where all the failed HF wrenches/sockets from the loaner box go. If we ever have to go in there I will take a photo for you. There is actually a cut out someone made to fit the tools over the grate. The drain goes to a water runoff ditch on our property, the consensus is the rust will give nutrients to the ground.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Theres a drain at work where all the failed HF wrenches/sockets from the loaner box go. If we ever have to go in there I will take a photo for you. There is actually a cut out someone made to fit the tools over the grate. The drain goes to a water runoff ditch on our property, the consensus is the rust will give nutrients to the ground.

Whoa!!! bad idea, as much as HF ***** the wrenches and sockets have to be good enough to fork up plumbing.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I've purposefully tried to rust a $7 set of HF metric combo wrenches in a high humidity environment. They aren't even any different then when I first put them there. They are made in India.

The "failures" I've seen are more along the lines of the tools does not fit correctly. I'm not a pro but I use the right tool for the job.

If you're "building a set", then I would suggest that you invest in the core tools that you will use all the time. Last thing you want to skimp on is something that you use often and don't want to worry about warranty or buying another one as backup. Where will that get you?

 

[ChevyEFI]

If you're "building a set", then I would suggest that you invest in the core tools that you will use all the time. Last thing you want to skimp on is something that you use often and don't want to worry about warranty or buying another one as backup. Where will that get you?

Price-wise, buying two sets of cheap stuff you know will last a while puts you fiscally ahead.

If buying a set as backup, having an extra means you're ahead time-wise, since you don't have to buy a replacement immediately.

Now, when the "lesser" product fails, upgrading makes sense. Leaving it to a qualified failure to make the purchasing decision is smart.

 

[defektes]

Whoa!!! bad idea, as much as HF ***** the wrenches and sockets have to be good enough to fork up plumbing.

It's a big pipe.

Some one mentioned the india wrenches, those are actually better fit/finish than the Chinese ones. Biggest issue we have with HF are the bit sockets, and the open end of wrenches not to spec/spread too easy.

 

[kctyphoon]

From normal use? Like no cheater bar, no beating it with a sledge, etc?

I'm asking because I'm looking to build up a wrench and socket supply in their 44" base cabinet, and have heard their tools have come a long way. Over the span of 30+ years I've had a few of: craftsman, husky, kmart, ace, fuller. The only ones that have failed were the Husky ratchets, from Home Depot and they were made in USA. The replacements from China are still rocking.

So will HF sockets and wrenches hold up as well or better? I like the polished ones.

No they will not break, yes they will hold up just fine. even if you slam them with a 14 pound sledge hammer, the lifetime warranty will get you new ones, no questions asked.

 

[jd_1138]

If that's all you can afford, they are OK. Better than having an empty toolbox. You can always replace them later with better stuff and relegate the HF stuff to a portable set.

 

[thool]

I should have mentioned, most of my tool work is along the lines of occasional minor auto repair (brakes, oil, dash panel pulls), work on lawn tractor, appliances, bikes...that's about it. I currently have a pretty good socket set from Husky, and some other odds and ends, that have held up well and suit my needs.

In another thread, I mentioned plans to put my current hand tools in my basement work area, and assemble a more comprehensive set in my garage. The plan is to use my basement tools for most indoor work, and the garage tools for all the rest.

I also failed to mention that I am in upstate NY and we get cold winters. My garage is unheated. So the tools I'm asking out here would go in the garage and have to hold up to changing temperatures and humid conditions (humid during summer, and damp in the winter with wet salty cars in there). I'd likely coat them with LPS-2.

It sounds like the HF tools would be a good fit for my case. I have none of their hand tools, although I do have their 3 ton low profile jack, a bottle jack, the impact sockets, and a few odds and ends. My concern is partly price, but also safety: I don't want a wrench shattering and me getting injured.

 

[F-Bobby]

I've been using HF 3/8ths impact sockets as my standard socket for the past 2 years. Kept in my unheated garage and used in all conditions, beaten on, Impacted with 3/8ths and 1/2 inch guns. They haven't quit yet.

 

[dede2897234]

teddymines,

Here is a link to GJ's Harbor Freight Pass/Fail Thread: HF Pass/Fail.

Once you find on HF.com the interested socket or wrench set model #, go to the above thread and search by that HF model # (use the "Search This Thread" feature). You will hopefully get back a number of search results from past GJ members commenting on their experiences with that specific HF hand tool set.

From what I read on this board, your best bet is to purchase from the Pittsburgh Pro line. They're the most durable and have the best manufacturing tolerances.


Dave

 

[MrGiggles]

I've had the HF 64 piece socket set now for 2 years. They have been my main 3/8 sockets since I bought them.

After countless nuts and bolts, and electric impact use, the only "failure" that I've encountered is the chrome starting to flake on the 12mm. It doesn't affect the functionality but it will eventually rust. They are being relocated into my mobile box, since I am replacing all of them with Gearwrench sockets tomorrow.

I have encountered some HF wrenches that have a very poor fit on the box end. There are some pretty good mid range wrenches on the market though.

 

[ihatelaramie]

I keep my big box in a buddy of mines shop. It's pretty well equipped. Most of what we work on over there is either my F250, his F350, or something ag related.
Most of my stuff is a mix of old American iron like Wright, Mustang, Plomb, & Blackhawk, etc., with some Snap On, Mac, Matco, Cornwell and so on. Sprinkled across the top of that is taiwanese **** to fill the empty spaces.
I have quite a few 1/2 drive HF sockets (chrome) that have survived impact duty, and honestly, I haven't broken one yet. The dollar store stuff is what breaks, for me at least.

 

[malykaii]

To answer your question and cut the bs half this thread is full of... No [failures, as a pro mechanic]

 

[John in OH]

If that's all you can afford, they are OK. Better than having an empty toolbox. You can always replace them later with better stuff and relegate the HF stuff to a portable set.

+1 !! Most of us here on GJ, me included, are often guilty of being tool snobs! It kind of adds to the fun of the forum! But, hey, seriously, if you are just doing miscellaneous home owner repairs and/or minor mechanic work on your car, truck, tractor, mower, etc., the HF Pittsburgh Pro stuff should be quite adequate.

And, as JD1138 points out, if a tool does fail you aren't out much in investment and you can readily get a warranty replacement or make the decision (if you so wish) to upgrade that tool to a better quality tool (Wright, SK, Proto, Carlyle, Armstrong, Williams, etc.).

 

[bczygan]

No they will not break, yes they will hold up just fine. even if you slam them with a 14 pound sledge hammer, the lifetime warranty will get you new ones, no questions asked.

Just make sure you hit your HF wrench with a HF sledge.

That way, whichever one breaks.....You're covered!

 

[bczygan]

I should have mentioned, most of my tool work is along the lines of occasional minor auto repair (brakes, oil, dash panel pulls), work on lawn tractor, appliances, bikes...that's about it. I currently have a pretty good socket set from Husky, and some other odds and ends, that have held up well and suit my needs.

In another thread, I mentioned plans to put my current hand tools in my basement work area, and assemble a more comprehensive set in my garage. The plan is to use my basement tools for most indoor work, and the garage tools for all the rest.

I also failed to mention that I am in upstate NY and we get cold winters. My garage is unheated. So the tools I'm asking out here would go in the garage and have to hold up to changing temperatures and humid conditions (humid during summer, and damp in the winter with wet salty cars in there). I'd likely coat them with LPS-2.

It sounds like the HF tools would be a good fit for my case. I have none of their hand tools, although I do have their 3 ton low profile jack, a bottle jack, the impact sockets, and a few odds and ends. My concern is partly price, but also safety: I don't want a wrench shattering and me getting injured.

Perfect solution.

I used to think I would never go in a place like HF. And when I did, the smell almost got me gone.

Now I go every chance I get.

Always go with the hfqpdb.com website on your phone, for coupons.

 

[tweedlestan]

I know for a fact that HF chrome sockets are more durable than the Snap on I used to own.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I've never had a failure in my limit use of their tools but after picking up a set of line wrenches to use in a pinch while I was traveling, I found them to not fit worth a damn. The small travel socket set I bought though worked good, I donated it to my uncles limited tool collection after I was finished.

 

[1950mercury]

Theres a drain at work where all the failed HF wrenches/sockets from the loaner box go. If we ever have to go in there I will take a photo for you. There is actually a cut out someone made to fit the tools over the grate. The drain goes to a water runoff ditch on our property, the consensus is the rust will give nutrients to the ground.

You union guys use scab tools...wtf...,kidding

I have broke a couple of 3/8 metric deep wells. But i think they were a fluke because they broke easy and the replacements have been fine.

 

[Flivver250]

IMO HF is low class junk I would not own. You can find Craigslist and garage sale tools made in America for pennies on the dollar and have something that lasts forever. Maybe I am a snob, but there is something that is just downright embarrassing about them. You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

 

[defektes]

You union guys use scab tools...wtf...,kidding

I have broke a couple of 3/8 metric deep wells. But i think they were a fluke because they broke easy and the replacements have been fine.

lol, not union, just a cheap *** company lol.

Thank god we provide our own tools, just basics in the shop tool box. Wrenches, bit sockets, sockets, and craptastic screwdrivers.

 

[MilwaukeeFish]

You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

Are you f*cking kidding me?! Really?!

I've read some asinine comments on the forum but this takes the cake imho.

No one is going to say sh*t except from a tool snob. If it gets the job done and does it for the right price then absolutely no one will care what tool did the job except for a dyed in the wool snob or someone who 'thinks' they know what good tools are.

I agree that well made used US tools can be had for not much money as long as you don't have a yen for the tool truck stuff. Even used in decent shape, people still want dumb money for it unless it's completely shot.

 

[zkling]

I've had
A 1/2" impact extension explode on me.
A pair of slip joints jump and smash my finger good.
A flip socket crack.

Don't think I have ever used their wrenches.

 

[stihlntime]

I've had a pipe wrench fail. Part of it must went 100' up in the air but in fairness we had two of us on a 4' cheater pipe giving it all we had. Doubt a Rigid would have fared much better.

 

[AmishFury]

i wouldn't trust the HF combo wrenches... i've witnessed a few failures... my favorite was the box end that deformed... i'll have to try to see if the guy still has the picture of it

the sockets are ok, the ratcheting wrenches (if you get taiwan coo) are ok but the india made combos just leave them on the shelf and spend a bit more to get some kobalt or tekton (make sure the tekton is the newer taiwan sets not the older sets)

 

[1950mercury]

IMO HF is low class junk I would not own. You can find Craigslist and garage sale tools made in America for pennies on the dollar and have something that lasts forever. Maybe I am a snob, but there is something that is just downright embarrassing about them. You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

Dude you need help....hf pro sockes tare better than the last 5 years or so of craftsman usa sockets.,....go get a starbucks coffee, drink it at the tatoo shop before you get your beard trimmed at the hipster barber....how was born free 7?

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

IMO HF is low class junk I would not own. You can find Craigslist and garage sale tools made in America for pennies on the dollar and have something that lasts forever. Maybe I am a snob, but there is something that is just downright embarrassing about them. You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

I don't usually defend HF or cheap tools but my eyes have been opened lately with their capabilities. I have seen many people with the cheap basics that use their saved money to build some awesome cars.

 

[erswill]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850&highlight=mechanicnamejohn

read this thread

 

[bdk1976]

Unless the quality has improved recently, I'd avoid the line wrenches. I've had one snap under normal use removing a non corroded fitting. Not surprising since these things looked suspect from day one.

X2 on quality brands from garage sales for next to nothing.

 

[redmondjp]

Unless the quality has improved recently, I'd avoid the line wrenches. I've had one snap under normal use removing a non corroded fitting. Not surprising since these things looked suspect from day one.

X2 on quality brands from garage sales for next to nothing.

OK on getting good deals on tools at garage sales - definitely a yes. But on our local CL, no way! People want almost list prices for Snapon, even if they are worn out, and still ask crazy prices for cheapo hand tools randomly scattered in various low-grade toolbox drawers. For multiple reasons I think many of these people must be on drugs.

 

[mowersplus84]

In my personal option . hf is good for home use . but if you wrench for 40hours a week
the only thing i would trust from them are the new professional ratchets . i big problem i see with hf is they are not consistent with the quality one guy can buy a set of sockets and they work grate standing up to heavy abuse and another guy and buy the same set and he looks at the sockets and they break. until they can produce decent products time after time. i wouldn't trust it . but if your looking for cheap sockets why not gearwrench there priced fairly.

 

[John in OH]

I will add that I have had some HF pliers and "channellock style" groove joint pliers that were terrible. The fit was very poor, jaws mis-aligned, and they were real finger-pinchers. I guess that I would recommend you steer clear of the HF pliers and spend the money necessary for some true Channellock brand pliers.

 

[dmw16]

I also failed to mention that I am in upstate NY and we get cold winters. My garage is unheated. So the tools I'm asking out here would go in the garage and have to hold up to changing temperatures and humid conditions (humid during summer, and damp in the winter with wet salty cars in there). I'd likely coat them with LPS-2.

The garage/temp conditions are a non-issue (especially for hand tools). The kind of temps you are talking about even in the most extreme NY winters will have no effect on steel.

 

[6MocoA]

IMO HF is low class junk I would not own. You can find Craigslist and garage sale tools made in America for pennies on the dollar and have something that lasts forever. Maybe I am a snob, but there is something that is just downright embarrassing about them. You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

LOL.

CL is fully of guys like you, selling ****** 40 year old SAE tools for stupid prices.

HF sells a serviceable tool for pennies on the dollar compared to what high end tools cost. Sure HF wont be as durable or as precise, but its an 85% solution at 5 or 10% of the cost. More than fine for the home mechanic or the pro just starting out.

Anyone that would be ashamed of the tools that they use to get a job done the right way is not someone I would want to work with or work for and anyone that would look down on someone's tools just because of the brand is an *******.

 

[sberry]

Not everything is stellar, the slip joint plier has been copied forever and like the vise grip hard to duplicate exactly. I am not sure why its such a problem other than cost, vise grips have always been priced right as has been the Channelok. The clone of the adjustables are as good or better than the real thing.

 

[Mpower5266]

I have a mixed bag of tools and I have had everything from hf to snap on fail me. I tend to buy higher end tools if its something I am going to use a lot, like a 1/4" ratchet, but for the odd ball stuff hf has served me well. Although I tend to grab my long handled 3/8 hf ratchet more often than my snap on 3/8. For what you are doing OP Hf, craftsman, kobalt, huskey, etc etc will be fine and you can always upgrade later on if you want. I would avoid craftsman ratchets though, I have had 3 fail in the last month. Two 1/4" and a 3/8".

 

[thool]

You certainly couldn't show them to friends and family without them speaking in hushed tones behind your back.

I'm the new guy here, so I'm not sure if this is a serious post. FWIW, I'm not the kind of person who cares what other people think, so I'm ok having non-premium tools for what I do.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=67850&highlight=mechanicnamejohn

read this thread

Will do, thanks.

The garage/temp conditions are a non-issue (especially for hand tools). The kind of temps you are talking about even in the most extreme NY winters will have no effect on steel.

I am more concerned with the changes in temperature forming condensation, especially in a damp garage.