Harbor Freight Rant

[Kingcreek]

I know, I shouldn't have high expectations. Honestly it was only the 2nd time I've ever been in one.
I had a small project and really needed a glass bead blaster. Couldn't locate one to borrow and didn't want to invest a lot of cash right now. So I go online and check out a small portable abrasive siphon blaster at HF. I also have a 20% off coupon so it looks like it might actually be worth the 1 hour drive each way. I arrive at the store and finally locate the only unit they have in stock. I wait in a long slow line and eventually make my purchase- blaster and media, head for home and open it up.
It was about what I expected, quality wise, but the dang ceramic nozzle set screw was over tightened and the nozzle had shattered into a dozen pieces! I called customer service and eventually talked to Bashrahmi Pingodoosh(?) who assured me they could help me but I had to call back after 24 hours since my transaction had not been uploaded yet.
I called again today and spoke to Bashrahmi's female counterpart and was told that they can't just send me a new nozzle. I have to return the whole unit! I explained that it is an hour drive each way and finally got them to pay for shipping this one back and another one out but how long is that going to take?
and what if it arrives the same shape as this one?
Sometimes, it just ain't worth the trouble.
[rant off]

 

[Mohawk Dave]

oh yes...what is that great saying...."Buy once, cry once".

I got 99 problems, but a HF blaster ain't one.

 

[ibedayank]

while you were at the store you did not buy an extra set of nozzles?
Or just order a new set online?


you did buy cheap knowing or should have known most things with any sort of moving parts come in kit form... mods needed for desired operation

cabinet it's self is nice now the gun and lights **** we replaced ours with better

 

[Durka]

Sometimes it pays to open the box and check it out first. I hate doing that, - specially if you don't have your pocket knife on yuh.

BUT, 2 hour round trip! I may have made a point of it.

 

[AndrewH]

Even though I only live 20 minutes from HF, I always always check whatever I'm buying to make sure it's not broke or dented or whatever. That's just one of the realities of shopping at HF.

 

[Jacobson]

Is this the item?
http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-abrasive-blaster-kit-37025.html

 

[Kingcreek]

Is this the item?
http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-abrasive-blaster-kit-37025.html

Yup, that's it.

 

[jakemac]

I have that set-up. You need to keep your medium VERY dry or it will clump and clog the line. In addition, I had to continuously shake the hopper to get the sand to flow. It was almost more trouble than it was worth.

I also noticed that after sitting on the shelf for a while, the hose is now cracked and will have to be replaced. I didn't use it much and I got it cheap, so I suppose I'll keep it for now.

 

[Kin Creed]

I like the Freight, but the motto "buyer beware" needs to be modified to "buyer double check everything before, during and after and then cross your fingers!"

Good luck with the blaster!

 

[Kingcreek]

Atleast it wasn't 2 hours of drive time for this alone. My wife rode along and she got a new pair of shoes (not at HF) and we had lunch and picked up some wine.
I just figure my project is on hold for atleast 2 weeks.

 

[methomas70]

Sometime back when I was in my 20's, I learned a valuable lesson with a similar purchase. The lesson is this: I can't afford cheap.