HF pass-fail-gems thread for professional use.

[strelnik]

Im not a guy!

There are few things more delightful in the world than a woman who owns and likes tools

Somewhere or other I have a thing about pink Snap-On tools, got to dig it out, just never knew anyone who might have a use for it.

 

[Indy_500]

I've used their screwdrivers and a few other things.

Have you tried their green and orange pro screwdrivers? they're actually pretty good, all the rest of them are junk.

 

[diesel research]

Big orange deadblow - Pass

13 drawer roll cabinet - Pass for home use but fail for pro use.

Did it fail while you were in a shop environment?


Deadblow-pass
5 drawer cart-pass
"heavy duty" test light-pass
prybar-barely very marginally pass (won't pry with them, just use it to "pop" drum brake springs)
air cutoff tool-marginal pass. It slices and dices but not with the power of good ones. May also bog and "stick" unless "kick started" occasionally
1pc torx socket-passes enough for trim
breaker bar-superior
long pattern v-groove wrench - pass for various fittings or backup wrench against an impact (TI-max)


I bought them "experimentally" even though I have better tools. For the most part, even the ones that pass have either a more comfortable, durable, or effective alternative.

 

[FoMoCoPower]

I highly disagree with the impact sockets. I bought a set once because they were cheap,4 of them shattered the first time I used them. Gave the rest away.

 

[RAYJAY]

Red 5 drawer service cart
Fiberglass handled yellow ball pein hammers



What about the guy that owns said purple socket?

the yellow handled 5 piece ball pein hammers rock

 

[09-JK]

I like all the Earthquake Air Tools. They seem well built and priced well....

How long have you used them and in what type of application?

 

[Toolhorder]

chicago pneumatic air hammer (refitted w/Mac quick release head) PASS

Got over 5 years on it and still works. I don't use their bits though.

Hand riveter FAIL

Used exactly 2 rivets on it before the inside part snapped in half and broke.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

I have the kids on the lube rack test out hf tools

 

[RangerDaleXp]

How long have you used them and in what type of application?

The oldest is around 3 years or so and used in engine tear downs and anything else truck or car related. Bought some of them to replace much older IR models from the 80s that were getting tired. A friends of mine that works on caterpillars has some and recommended them to me 3 years ago.......

 

[Vinny]

Someone mentioned the black gloves and I have to agree, they are a FAIL. Nothing I love more than working in a greasy environment only to find the fingers tips of the gloves tore. Even simple things like I was getting the grease out of some old CV boots and found the gloves ripped due to the friction on the rubber. Maybe double up on them, but then you're getting half the amount.

 

[shampoop]

Did it fail while you were in a shop environment?

yes, but it's more like a "failing" It's just wearing out faster than it should. Things like the handles and drawer detents. The locking mechanism acts up too. I've only had it like 2 years? My craftsman ball bearing griplatch stuff has seen a lot more use with zero problems or wear.

Both would completely satisfy a DIY homeowner though.

 

[powertrip]

The $160 is the coupon price, ace.

Not be be used with any other coupons nor price reduction offer.

It's right there in teh fine print.

You misunderstood. You dont have to use the cart only coupon that has an expiration date. You can use a 20% off coupon any time bringing the price down to $160......... ace.

 

[greybeard]

I'm not a professional but my son is. He is a fleet mechanic for a medium size city. He works on everything from street cleaners to backhoes. I asked him about HF hand tools just the other day and this is what he said. "It is OK but don't expect it to hold up like a Snap-on or even a Craftsman." he went on to say that he did like some of their specialty tools as they were reasonably priced and as long as they didn't require a lot a stress that they were fine and that they have gotten him out of a jam more than once. Take it for what it is worth. If I were a professional mechanic, I'd buy tools with the lowest failure rate. I wouldn't want to be stuck under a snowplow in the dead of winter and have a tool break off in my hand as he has complained about more than once. Believe it or not, he prefers Craftsman. Says that Snap-on hurts his hands.

 

[jjjrmx5]

You misunderstood. You dont have to use the cart only coupon that has an expiration date. You can use a 20% off coupon any time bringing the price down to $160......... ace.

But that's not what your post implied. Or at least to me. I just wanted GJers to be clear.

And IIRC, the $159 coupon for that cart is in most of the car mags this summer.

I apologize for my snarkyness, but riots and just basic GJ public panic has been known to result from misinformation or erroneous information re: HF coupons and coupon policy.

I guess no good deed goes unpunished.

 

[powertrip]

But that's not what your post implied. Or at least to me. I just wanted GJers to be clear.

And IIRC, the $159 coupon for that cart is in most of the car mags this summer.

I apologize for my snarkyness, but riots and just basic GJ public panic has been known to result from misinformation or erroneous information re: HF coupons and coupon policy.

I guess no good deed goes unpunished.

No problem. All is well.

 

[earlthegoat2]

....but to me that is not the same as working in a repair environment working on flat rate.

I work in a repair environment 40 hrs a day not on flat rate. Does that count?

 

[earlthegoat2]

Im not a guy!

That is just too convenient then.

In your case you may need to find more purple and pink tools. It will mean more tools in your tool box.

 

[Cheapskate]

attack your boss ..demand better pay so you can buy proper tools lol

I have the kids on the lube rack test out hf tools

You may want to familiarize yourself with this post that Bull(I believe) stickied.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=109158

Particularly this part:

2) If you don't like HF tools or don't want to find out more about them, Stay out of the Harbor Freight Threads.

Don't want to see you get sent to Banned Camp.

 

[Kev442]

# 94757 6 Piece Star Bit Screwdriver Set (torx) PASS
I bought these to replace a worn out Craftsman set because they are magnetic and longer. Still going strong 4 years later to repair office equipment. The only bad thing is they are not marked by size.

 

[american lockpicker]

Have you tried their green and orange pro screwdrivers? they're actually pretty good, all the rest of them are junk.

Nope not those. Also isn't Walmart carrying those now?

 

[countryroad82]

HF die grinders have held up well for me, I have an engine hoist that is about 15 years old and pulled muliple engines and truck beds, engine cradles are good, I bought a 24" 3/8 drive breaker bar awhile back that is awsome on frozen bolts that you can't get 1/2 drive sockets to (will either pop the socket or break the bolt loose, I call it the socket buster!!), the tool cart I bought is great, I also have some car dollies that ok. I tend to get things from them that are idiot proof.