My flex-head ratchet has gone "limp" over the years. Basically, the head is too flexible and tends to flop around. Is this something normal with flex heads or is mine broken?
Favorite Harbor Freight tool
- Thread starter scott37300
- Start date
My flex-head ratchet has gone "limp" over the years. Basically, the head is too flexible and tends to flop around. Is this something normal with flex heads or is mine broken?
Threadkiller
Well-known member
Mine went limp as well ha, I used a manual hand impact driver, the one you hit with a hammer to tighten it back up.
The freebie meters are OK but the test leads last about 5 minutes. I found some WAAAY better ones on ebay for a buck a shot, which was about as much as I was willing to invest for a free meter.I was struggling to figure out what my "favorite" HF tool is, but you reminded me of why I like that multimeter. I was a professional electronics tech and manufacturers rep for 30 years or so, using Fluke's products. But now gone from that business, I own several of those HF multimeters thinking if one went bad I would use another one. After a few years of owning those I have yet to see one go bad, or even be out of calibration for my needs. They are easily my favorite tool.
Steve
Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Thanks for mentioning the tap handle. I've needed a new one for a while, and I had no idea that Harbor Freight even had a ratcheting style available!
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
1/2" drive extendable ratchet and the deep wall impact sockets are my top favorites. An honorable mention is the 99cent sunglasses, every time I get a coupon I buy 4 or 5 pairs. No more worrying about losing or breaking a $20-30 pair of sunglasses. Hang one on the mower, one in each car, one in each toolbox, and I'm set for anything.
Greeny
Well-known member
90 Amp flux welder
20 Ton hydraulic press
SAE and Metric combo tap and die set
20 Ton hydraulic press
SAE and Metric combo tap and die set
lol now I need to buy a HF impact driver to fix my HF tools. I tried manually tightening it up.
ScottsGT
Well-known member
OK, but don't look near the tap and die sets for it. For some reason they keep it separated down the end of isle from the sets. I had to ask the clerk where it was kept.
Threadkiller
Well-known member
Ha, I tried the same. Manually didn't work. I guess it needs that hit. I just ended up twisting some torx
DFB
Well-known member
I've had one for decades, it works good always been happy with it IIRC it may not hold real small taps I was going to list it but didn't even know if they sold it any more
Plus the original OP on the thread had asked to keep it down to 3 so I only went with my 3 newest
Moparman390
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2016
- Messages
- 437
619DioFan
Well-known member
I have this light and like it. wish the sliding head was designed to stay where you put it vs moving.
kctyphoon
Banned
1/4” drive, “original style” composite ratchets.. unbreakable (almost)
Next best is the 1/2” extending ratchet. Everyone should have one in the car for tire changes.
Next best is the 1/2” extending ratchet. Everyone should have one in the car for tire changes.
M_George
Well-known member
Get a Carlyle ratchet, no more problem.
1Garageman
Well-known member
OK, sorry if this takes us a lot of space.
I am a weekend working man, so i don't need any fancy tools and HF is very good and affordable for me. I use these tools/devices all the time!
Pneumatic Roller Seat
Less than $19
Tool set for our camper. Needed something to have when we need it while camping. This kit has everything, and it is very affordable!
My wife and I use this all the time though out the house.
Changing light baulbs, cleaning, it just comes in handy.
I use the impact sockets, and extentions all the time. They are very affordable at HF and they work just as well as expensife sockets. I don't have a $1000 impact wrench that will break them, so no use buying $100's worth of sockets. HF get the job done!
And the extension set is also an awesome deal!
Sorry for taking up so much room. I am just thinking as I type this how many tools and objects I use from HF all the time!
I am a weekend working man, so i don't need any fancy tools and HF is very good and affordable for me. I use these tools/devices all the time!
Pneumatic Roller Seat
Less than $19
Tool set for our camper. Needed something to have when we need it while camping. This kit has everything, and it is very affordable!
My wife and I use this all the time though out the house.
Changing light baulbs, cleaning, it just comes in handy.
I use the impact sockets, and extentions all the time. They are very affordable at HF and they work just as well as expensife sockets. I don't have a $1000 impact wrench that will break them, so no use buying $100's worth of sockets. HF get the job done!
And the extension set is also an awesome deal!
Sorry for taking up so much room. I am just thinking as I type this how many tools and objects I use from HF all the time!
PhantomEB
Well-known member
I don’t know how the 44” 22” deep US Generals can not be the overall favorite HF tool of all time!
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
The impact swivels. They broke in my hands while I was at the shelf, preventing me from wasting my money. Most of the time they at least last until the first time I really am counting on them.
oh god, those are hands down the worst thing I ever bought at HF>
After nearly twenty years I've finally found a HF tool that meets my criteria:
- Must have 4 stars or higher reviews
- Can't cut
- Can't be electric
- Can't risk injury upon failure
- Can't have moving parts
Here it is:
This towel has amazing absorption capacity. I could dry my entire F150! It's only $6.99.
- Must have 4 stars or higher reviews
- Can't cut
- Can't be electric
- Can't risk injury upon failure
- Can't have moving parts
Here it is:
This towel has amazing absorption capacity. I could dry my entire F150! It's only $6.99.
Those really are total dog ****!
nord
New member
Hi,
I like the:
- Quantum 215 Lumen Magnetic Pocket Worklight (Not really a pocket light, but throws a ton of light for its size and has a magnet on the base)
- Quantum 65 Lumen Pocket Flashlight - This is a true pocket light. Nice amount of light for a pocket light.
- 1x30 belt sander - Great for sanding and sharpening. One tip - once you get it home, make sure you examine it close and run it through its paces. I had to return my first one because the belt was drifting too much - the replacement I got was perfect. The return was easy and hassle-free.
- 7mm Nitrile Gloves - Great disposable gloves that last a long time. Buy a size larger, as they tend to run on the smaller side.
Anyone try the Vulcan multi-function welders? I'm taking a hard look at them - seem to get pretty good reviews..........
N-
I like the:
- Quantum 215 Lumen Magnetic Pocket Worklight (Not really a pocket light, but throws a ton of light for its size and has a magnet on the base)
- Quantum 65 Lumen Pocket Flashlight - This is a true pocket light. Nice amount of light for a pocket light.
- 1x30 belt sander - Great for sanding and sharpening. One tip - once you get it home, make sure you examine it close and run it through its paces. I had to return my first one because the belt was drifting too much - the replacement I got was perfect. The return was easy and hassle-free.
- 7mm Nitrile Gloves - Great disposable gloves that last a long time. Buy a size larger, as they tend to run on the smaller side.
Anyone try the Vulcan multi-function welders? I'm taking a hard look at them - seem to get pretty good reviews..........
N-
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mbshop
Well-known member
On the hf 1x30 belt sander I hated the rocker switch. So I installed a toggle sw. Positioned it so towards me was on and away from me is off. Sooo much better now.
M_George
Well-known member
The Quantum magnetic work light. It handy working under the car.
Last week I forgot and left it under the car and drove out for parts. When I returned, it was still there...
Last week I forgot and left it under the car and drove out for parts. When I returned, it was still there...
MushCreek
Well-known member
I'm late to this thread, but will add my $.02. My favorite HF item is the 5 drawer cart, especially with the new colors and upgraded lid supports. I have an older red one at work, and recently picked up a yellow one (to match my Miata) for home use. I also bought an LED flashlight with adjustable focus that is BRIGHT. I also like their parts organizers that many here have made cabinets for.
I've bought a lot of stuff at HF over the years. Some (most) was ****, some was useful, some of it (but not much) is pretty nice.
I've bought a lot of stuff at HF over the years. Some (most) was ****, some was useful, some of it (but not much) is pretty nice.
sberry
Banned
I don't get a lot there but everything i ever use worked as it should, most better than I thought it would and some downright impressive.
jdlong
Well-known member
Harbor Freight makes it feasible for the home mechanic to keep beater cars on the road. A fair amount of the **** stuff works for light household tasks.
JulianMorrow
Banned
Cheap five buck Cen-Tech Multimeter (oh yeah!). ChrisFix used this multimeter in one of his repair videos.
snyder
Well-known member
If you like this flashlight. Get a cheap rechargeable lithium battery that replaces the aaa carousel. Makes this light awesome...
I am sorry I did not put the battery number originally.
The 26650 replaces the aa carousel and the 18650 replaces the aaa carousel
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Lucky13driver
Well-known member
pioneer1
Well-known member
What lithium battery will replace the aaa carousel?
Cheap five buck Cen-Tech Multimeter (oh yeah!). ChrisFix used this multimeter in one of his repair videos.
You paid actual monies for this pile?
Moparman390
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2016
- Messages
- 437
I've heard about that and I think I'm gonna try it sometime. It's a heck of a value as is though.
Super Mech
Well-known member
I agree with this. Most stuff is ok especially in the last year or so. Some stuff really exceeds expectations believe it or not.
JulianMorrow
Banned
I noticed yesterday on the HF website they were giving this multimeter away with any purchase. Hey, if it's good enough for ChrisFix, then it's good enough for me!
There seems to be a split on this forum regarding HF quality. Just yesterday people were recommending HF jack stands for me to crawl under. They're trying to kill me, right?
JulianMorrow
Banned
My opinion regarding HF: if i'm buying a tool that I've never used before, like a Multimeter, I'll go with a cheap HF brand. I'll teach myself how to use that tool, what to do with it and what not to do. If & when I destroy that tool with a newbie mistake, very little money is lost. The second time I buy that tool, I'll "trade up" and try to find something of better quality.
Having said that, I'm sure there's real value with some HF tools & equipment. YouTube's HonestMechanic admits that his favorite breaker bar is a Harbor Freight.
Having said that, I'm sure there's real value with some HF tools & equipment. YouTube's HonestMechanic admits that his favorite breaker bar is a Harbor Freight.
GeoRoss
Active member
Don't leave that free HF multimeter in your car over the summer. I got one for free to keep in the car tool kit. Come time to use it after it had been in there over the summer and it won't turn on. I'm thinking it is the battery, so I pull the cover. It was a melted pile of goo in there.
JulianMorrow
Banned
Ok, wow. That HF multimeter is in my truck as I write this. Luckily it's January. Oklahoma summers are...let's just say you don't want to vacation here in July.
What multimeter did you pick up to replace the HF one?