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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

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Abbott

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Michal said:
Had the same problem! used it 20 minutes got very hot and tripped a breaker, tripped one after 5 seconds every other time I tried. Although mine was the 7 inch version.
Click to expand...

I have a 4 1/2" and a 7" orange grinder and they both work fine. I have had them a couple of years each, you got a bad one.

As a side-note Home Depot has a real nice Ryobi 4 1/2" grinder with a trigger for $39.00. I picked one up a couple of days ago and I was presently surprised by it's quality. I have 4 grinders and it's the most comfortable grip of any of them.
 
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Indy_500

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Appleton, WI
Abbott said:
I have a 4 1/2" and a 7" orange grinder and they both work fine. I have had them a couple of years each, you got a bad one.

As a side-note Home Depot has a real nice Ryobi 4 1/2" grinder with a trigger for $39.00. I picked one up a couple of days ago and I was presently surprised by it's quality. I have 4 grinders and it's the most comfortable grip of any of them.
Click to expand...

Ryobi does make some nice affordable products. I got the cordless drill and cordless circular saw for x-mas. my mom paid $50 on black friday and the reason she picked it is because she liked the grip on the drill. She looked at a 2nd battery because it only came with one and HD wanted $35 for a 2nd battery so she just bought another set for $50.
 
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Stick Figure

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6530 said:
I'd worry about using this tool from HF - if it lets loose you're toast. And I say that as a heavy HF shopper...
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i used those in a pinch to change out the springs on the front of my 4runner. I picked up two sets and destroyed them both 100% before the day was done (two struts 4 springs). I used a minimum of 3 at a time to keep me from getting hurt, and even then i was unsure of those things. Absolute JUNK. I will stick up for a lot of HF product being okay for the money or even pretty decent quality overall (tool boxes for instance) but pullers spring compressors, and tail pipe expanders are all in the don't waste your money catagory.
 
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subarub4

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S

subarub4

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Stick Figure said:
i used those in a pinch to change out the springs on the front of my 4runner. I picked up two sets and destroyed them both 100% before the day was done (two struts 4 springs). I used a minimum of 3 at a time to keep me from getting hurt, and even then i was unsure of those things. Absolute JUNK. I will stick up for a lot of HF product being okay for the money or even pretty decent quality overall (tool boxes for instance) but pullers spring compressors, and tail pipe expanders are all in the don't waste your money catagory.
Click to expand...

I guess I better go with the sping compressors on ebay then if the HF one is that bad..

I've got a whole set to compress.
 
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MechanicNamedJohn

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subarub4 said:
I saw one of these in a HF store on Saturday and wow if I had a house and a large area that case was awesome! the finish on it is really good!
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This finished is textured PC, looks ok, but it's a ***** to clean. I plan on blasting it, and painting it.
 
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SocketDeviler

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1-1/4 Gallon Sprayer

PASS. Used this about 10 times in the last two months to take care of bugs and weeds. Has performed well every time (cleaning it out after each use has probably helped). Respectable length of spray when the tank is fully pumped. Nozzle is adjustable. Cost was about $8.00 at the time of purchase.
 

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beelsr

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:thumbup:

It's what I used to make my brake bleeder. Don't know how the nozzle works, I just found it behind the tool cabinet while looking for a lost So wrench (but that's a different thread)...

SocketDeviler said:
1-1/4 Gallon Sprayer

PASS. Used this about 10 times in the last two months to take care of bugs and weeds. Has performed well every time (cleaning it out after each use has probably helped). Respectable length of spray when the tank is fully pumped. Nozzle is adjustable. Cost was about $8.00 at the time of purchase.
Click to expand...
 
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Stick Figure

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Omaha, Ne
subarub4 said:
I guess I better go with the sping compressors on ebay then if the HF one is that bad..

I've got a whole set to compress.
Click to expand...

If you can't afford a decent one, try checking with the local auto parts stores, they used to rent tools like this (for free) or just pull the strut assemblies and have a shop w/ a nice wall mount unit swap the struts/springs for you.
 
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MechanicNamedJohn

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HF sells the wall mount Strut Comps also. I don't remember the price, but I think it was only $60-80. Curious if anyone has one?
 
H

hedjhawg

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Apr 4, 2010
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Green Bay, WI
jabberwoki said:
How about the general name big bottom tool boxes? any good
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I have the 72" 67428 - and it is AWESOME. I own top and bottom boxes from Snap-On, Craftsman, Kennedy, Homak Pro, Mastercraft and Harbor Freight. This 72" chest is the best of them all.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=67428

Northern Tool sells them for around $2,600. Sears sells them (n Black) under the brand "Wolf" for $4,000. I had a few gift certificates and a 20% off coupon, mine was out the door for $1,300. And, did I mention... It's AWESOME!
 
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subarub4

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Stick Figure said:
If you can't afford a decent one, try checking with the local auto parts stores, they used to rent tools like this (for free) or just pull the strut assemblies and have a shop w/ a nice wall mount unit swap the struts/springs for you.
Click to expand...

Don't all the tools have to be returned within 24 hours or something like that? I might be swapping a few times so it's a hassle to keep going to the store to pick them up.
 
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SocketDeviler

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beelsr said:
:thumbup:

It's what I used to make my brake bleeder. Don't know how the nozzle works, I just found it behind the tool cabinet while looking for a lost So wrench (but that's a different thread)...
Click to expand...

You just twist the nozzle one way or the other for a finer or wider spray. If you spraying a liquid mixed with a powder (such as Diatomaceous Earth) you will want to do this to prevent clogging. Glad to hear of its other uses.
 
L

lipadj46

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subarub4 said:
Don't all the tools have to be returned within 24 hours or something like that? I might be swapping a few times so it's a hassle to keep going to the store to pick them up.
Click to expand...

No you buy them then get a refund when you return them.
 
D

dclassical

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subarub4 said:
Don't all the tools have to be returned within 24 hours or something like that? I might be swapping a few times so it's a hassle to keep going to the store to pick them up.
Click to expand...

I asked last time I rented a few tools and they told me I could keep them up to a month. I prefer the convenience of having my own tools, but for a few things it is a great service.
 
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beelsr

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Ha. :headscrat I meant that in a "review of the nozzle" sense. I've got a half-dozenish other sprayers for all the chemicals I use on my fruit trees, pumpkins, around the house perimeter, weeds, etc...

But your comment about DE reminds me I need to pick up a new bag - chicken coop has some carpenter ants on the rotting window frame and I need to take care of that... :thumbup:

SocketDeviler said:
You just twist the nozzle one way or the other for a finer or wider spray. If you spraying a liquid mixed with a powder (such as Diatomaceous Earth) you will want to do this to prevent clogging. Glad to hear of its other uses.
Click to expand...
 
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SocketDeviler

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beelsr said:
Ha. :headscrat I meant that in a "review of the nozzle" sense. I've got a half-dozenish other sprayers for all the chemicals I use on my fruit trees, pumpkins, around the house perimeter, weeds, etc...

But your comment about DE reminds me I need to pick up a new bag - chicken coop has some carpenter ants on the rotting window frame and I need to take care of that... :thumbup:
Click to expand...

Gotcha! :) Good luck with those ants. I just can't get rid of them around here. Seems the best I can do is keep them at bay.

I'll also give a Pass to the US General Mechanic's Gloves. When I noticed all the mechanic's gloves I looked at were Made in China (but were more expensive) I decided to give these ones a shot. I've been using them for a wide variety of tasks for about 8 months now and they have held up quite well. Saved my hands a few times while we were moving in February. Definitely a good deal when they go on sale.
 

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K

Kool Coe

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Jun 21, 2009
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colt340 said:
I have this same welding cart. It to has the powder coating peeling off.
I believe it's because they never cleaned the rust off before coating.

FAIL
Click to expand...
I have had this cart for 5 years now without any peeling or rust. I swapped out the crappy casters and rear tires for some nice pneumatic tires and heftier casters. I have my Hypertherm plasma cutter on the bottom and my Lincoln weld pak welder on the top shelf.
 
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subarub4

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3 wheel dolly minor pass

67208.gif


this thing really needs ball bearings in it

I picked up 4 of them from a local HF to move a 462 Lb organ and on carpet the wheels don't want to rotate so easy and on a vinyl floor it's the same the wheels get hung up.
 
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subarub4

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M

mkirkpatrick

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Big Sky Country
subarub4 said:
3 wheel dolly minor pass

67208.gif


this thing really needs ball bearings in it

I picked up 4 of them from a local HF to move a 462 Lb organ and on carpet the wheels don't want to rotate so easy and on a vinyl floor it's the same the wheels get hung up.
Click to expand...

The wooden ones are better, I had the ones above and busted the **** out of them. I bought 4 of the wooden ones like that and moved a pool table with them. they are still going strong.
 
T

Taylor J.

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May 12, 2009
Messages
273
I went to the website today and looked through the clearance section, I found a magnetic tray and some pickup tools for just a few bucks. I printed off my shopping cart and took it to the store, they matched the price no problem. I also picked up the impact sockets and 1/2" torque wrench based off the many positive reviews that I have read here. Also picked up the heat gun for $7.
Thanks for the many great reviews of these and many more items! I will put these to use and give more potential buyers more feedback.

I also saw the swivel head ratchets but didn't pull the trigger today, maybe next time. But they sure felt great!

Cheers,

Taylor
 
M

mrholeshot

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Jun 22, 2010
Messages
8,043
Roto head ratchets-pass (very nice)
Digital calipers -pass (read the same as my Starrett)
Dead blow hammers- pass (only the orange ones)
brass hammer-Pass
US General tool boxes 40 inch -pass (super box but not crazy about the finish)
magnetic trays -pass (better than Blue-point)
Stubby Flex ratchets- Fail
Angle wrenches-Fail
Drill bits-major fail
Unibits- pass for now but the jury is still out
1/4 3/8 1/2 combo socket set- Fail
Black chrome socket sets- pass but only come in shallow
ball pein hammers -fail (either wood of F-glass)
welding hammer-pass
Big battery load tester-pass
Fuel pressure gauge set (small set) Fail
Fuel pressure set large-pass
Any harbor freight pullers-fail fail fail
casters =pass great deals
US General roll carts 550&750 models- passX2
Pittsburg extra long wrech set- pass
3/4 inch drive set-pass (never tried the ratchet)
laser temp sensor-pass
Screwdrivers-fail (not a good set in the house
3 pc pry bar set-pass
Extra long needle nose orange handle pliers set-pass
5 pc pliers set-major fail
 
K

kythri

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Jan 3, 2007
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Location
Lebanon, OR
Picked up a bench-grinder stand last week for $20 - this one here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html

Assembled it today (I Loctite'd the bolts), mounted my Craftsman grinder to it - incredibly sturdy, doesn't vibrate or shake around. Quite happy with it, especially for only $20 (gotta love that 20% off coupon!)

(Edited to add: Don't want to steal anyone's thunder, but check the 20% off coupon I've linked - it doesn't expire. Like the others, it's just on a single item, but still - it's a good thing to save and hang on to. I just wish they'd throw out a "20% off entire purchase" coupon again!)
 
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B

Bolster

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Mexifornia
kythri said:
Picked up a bench-grinder stand last week for $20 - this one here:

http://www.harborfreight.com/universal-bench-grinder-stand-3184.html

Assembled it today (I Loctite'd the bolts), mounted my Craftsman grinder to it - incredibly sturdy, doesn't vibrate or shake around. Quite happy with it, especially for only $20 (gotta love that 20% off coupon!)
Click to expand...

i'll be interested in longevity....I bought a new ryobi grinder at that price, was thrilled with the deal, and the dang thing started to run backwards after a couple months. Hopefully your luck will be better.
 
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