HF pass-fail-gems thread for professional use.

[back2class]

So, what are the HF items you have TESTED and have held up in a serious professional enviornment over time? I am not talking about the professional car stereo installer who thinks their sockets are great. Lets only hear about tools that have been pushed hard and held up over time and proven to be of high enough quality to be more tha just for the hobby user. I will admit I was a complete HF hater at one time. But while I still think most of what they sell falls uner complete ****, or "good enough for the once or twice I will use it" umbrella, I have also learned some will do the job just as well day in and out as units costing 10x as much. A good deal more while still not "as good" as the best money can buy, still are true pro quality.
So let's hear some pass fails on mechanics tools that have been tested, abused and put away wet. We get many new techs here and it would be a huge help for them too. The old one is congetsed and not great for those that want only high quality tools.

NONE OF THIS "GOOD BECAUSE IT WAS $1 ****" Let's see what's good because it is well made and proven it holds up and gets the job done.

 

[King Bojack]

Don't we already have a thread for this?

 

[back2class]

Do we? I will just say bring that to the top and delete mine.

 

[american lockpicker]

It all fails in my book.

 

[back2class]

I feel the HF universal brake piston compressor kit is as good as any truck item.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-97143.html

 

[Cheapskate]

So, what are the HF items you have TESTED and have held up in a serious professional enviornment over time? I am not talking about the professional car stereo installer who thinks their sockets are great. Lets only hear about tools that have been pushed hard and held up over time and proven to be of high enough quality to be more tha just for the hobby user.

It all fails in my book.

So you've TESTED IT ALL , everything they sell and you have yet to find anything that has stood the test of time. Thank you for your input.

 

[Mad40er]

So you've TESTED IT ALL , everything they sell and you have yet to find anything that has stood the test of time. Thank you for you're input.

 

[Danglerb]

Orange deadblow hammers, when used for a soft face application they are as good as any.

1/2 ton and 1 ton engine stands, used in shops all over.

1 ton and 2 ton shop cranes.

Composite ratchets.

Swivel head ratchets.

Breaker bars.

Tool chest drawer liner.

Moving dollies.

Socket rails and trays (new ones).

Goodyear air hoses.

Service carts, rubbermaid type, red one, all the General brand boxes.

Storehouse storage boxes, same as I think Stanley.

100 bit security bit set.

Wheel lug sockets, most impact sockets.

Lots of other things are good, but YMMV, they aren't 100% good or good enough for professional put up with no issues good. I like the $8 on sale CFL work light, but for less than $50 I can get ones I like even more, so I suspect few pro's would tolerate the difference.

Lots of things are junk. I won't touch anything like fuses, wire nuts, crimp connections, most electrical devices.

 

[bmxr4life87]

It all fails in my book.

This post contributes nothing to the thread
The 25" 1/2" breaker bar has held up to cheater pipes and being kicked and stood on repeatedly

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I have to do this...

It all fails in my book.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

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

 

[CommonRail]

Anyone use the swivel impact sockets professionally? Im curious how they would hold up to a 2135Ti or a MG.

 

[CommonRail]

Don't we already have a thread for this?

It would be nice to have a thread for professional/heavy use though.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

It would be nice to have a thread for professional/heavy use though.

I agree with this......

 

[TransAmFSAS]

1. 3 lb Neon Orange Dead Blow Hammer --- PASS

2. 24 oz. Ball Pein Hammer --- PASS

3. 18" Heavy Duty Pry Bar --- PASS

4. 3/8" Drive 17" Breaker Bar --- PASS

5. blue nitrile gloves --- PASS

I use these every day in an auto repair shop.

 

[ChrisStarks]

Cut off wheel is a pass. Abused for years, and will not die. Has never been oiled! The little **** just will not give it up. Been wanting a "nice" cut off wheel, and as soon as the HF is dead...
Got a set of HF ratcheting zero offset metric wrenches about 7 years ago. I bought them to abuse, and they have been abused. Have not stripped one, or broken one in half, but have lots a couple of them. Also have US Craftsman flex ratcheting wrenches, and SO offset ratcheting wrenches. The HF wrenches are in-between the two in terms of quality.
Their wheel dollies **** hard. Any crack or imperfection on the floor, and there goes the casters.

 

[hammergodthor]

#41800 4lb. orange dead blow, 2yrs. no problem.
#52848 angle head, front exhaust angle die grinder, 2yrs. no problems.
#66173 8 piece heavy duty screwdriver set 2yrs. "as good as craftsman"
#67936 3 pc. impact adapter set. Had a 3/4 torque wrench set to 600ft/lbs. and a HF 3/4 to 1/2 reducer and the reducer survived!

My HF advise for new techs: don't pay retail for anything at HF.
1. They keep raising prices. Some items have doubled in price in the last 2-3 years, but they go on sale at the old retail price (wow 1/2 off!!) all the time.
2. They have parking lot sales, online coupons and coupons in the local paper all the time. (YMMV) Just my 2 cents.

 

[back2class]

Swivel head ratchets.

QUOTE]

I have to disagree on this one. I purchased one in 3/8 and it broke the first time I used it. When I straightened the handle to use it as a big screwdriver handle to undo some bolts in a tight spot the plastic handle tore loose. Just some glue and a 2 tiny nub/wings keeping that plastic handle from stripping loose and turning on the shaft. Perhaps a defect, but on mine they were about 1/42 of an inch! Basicaly a scratch! Has they cast some deeper "wings" to embed in the plastic it would be great. Head is very well made (once used it as a lug wrench)and other than the handle issue it feels top shelf like the better tool truck ratchets to be sure! By the way, I am only 5'6" and wear small gloves so it definately is a design flaw not used by the incredible hulk.

 

[ncfh]

The HF pneumatic rivet gun is just as good as the Blue Point version. They both **** (all non aerospace rivet guns ****), but at least I can beat the snot out of the HF without feeling bad. The Blue Point was definitely my worst tool truck purchase ever.

The only differences between the Blue Point and the HF, the BP came with an airline swivel and a fancy box. Otherwise they both function, or is that malfunction, at the same rate.


And another nod for the 1T engine hoist. I've picked plenty of heavy stuff, exceeded the rated capacity occasionally, and it continues to live.


The multicolored deep sockets are the ultimate loaners. Hand a man a purple socket and not only will he NEVER borrow anything else ever again, the walk of shame and ensuing harassment from the other guys are priceless.


I've also been using one of their little black canvas tool bags for years, toting my various welding gloves, sleeves, glasses, soapstones, files, pliers, tape, flashlight, etc. My "quicky" bag. The metal zipper handle flexes every time I pull on it, but it never breaks. Hasn't burned up or popped a hole either, and I'm not exactly gentle on my welding stuff.


Oh, and I think I bought a ball of twine there that wasn't half bad.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Red 5 drawer service cart
Fiberglass handled yellow ball pein hammers

The multicolored deep sockets are the ultimate loaners. Hand a man a purple socket and not only will he NEVER borrow anything else ever again, the walk of shame and ensuing harassment from the other guys are priceless.

What about the guy that owns said purple socket?

 

[sselander]

Red 5 drawer service cart
Fiberglass handled yellow ball pein hammers



What about the guy that owns said purple socket?

FYI -
The five drawer servce cart will be on sale for $160.00 August 26-28th.
I am looking at the flyer right now.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I can only reply to the post with a caveat. Actually a GIANT f%^&*%$ caveat.

I don't see tools bought at HF designed and held to long term consistent and high standards as regular practice. At least not for a tool one desires to hold up and make a living with. You may buy it one week to find out the next month there is a different design. Or a different supplier with noticable changes to quantity or QC . Still the same Chinese COO, but no way of verifying is the new stuff is as good as last months stuff. Heck, I doubt even corp. can say that, and I'm sure the standards are set to a bare minimum vs. a safe-gap std. and random testing.

Steel gets thinner. What was once metal is now plastic. It happens, but few places have i seen it happen so unscheduled as HF.

That said--Industrially in a really ****** workplace "tried-and-true" for me:

Orange deadblow hammers
Pry bars (black handle and the alignment tools)
Tool chest drawer liner.
Socket rails and trays (new ones).
Goodyear air hoses.
Service carts
100 bit security bit set
1/4" straight pnuem. air grinder
1/4" 90 degree pnuem. air grinder
Sharpening stone

I'm not trying to be a "Debbie Downer", but shop any Aldi's or stores that mainly offer "house brand goods" and what was awesome during one purchase turned out to be a turd the next due to lack of consistancy in products, QC, supplier or cost control changes.

It happens. And for the price of HF tools, it's an acceptable risk, at least for me on a limited scale. But seldom if ever do I walk in there going, "Man, I'm soooo happy I'll never have to buy this tool again.

 

[kcaz507]

Here is the list of things I can think of at the moment:

Pittsburgh 2 Piece 11" 20° Offset & 45° Angle Long Reach Needle Plier Set -- Item 33202 – Pass

Pittsburgh 16 Piece Metric Combination Wrench Set -- Item 541 – Only really used 17mm, 19mm, 24mm, and 32mm. I would assume the rest are of the same quality – Pass

Pittsburgh 18 Piece T-Handle Ball Point and Hex Key Wrench Set -- Item 96645 – Pass

Central Pneumatic 1/2" Pneumatic Impact Wrench – Item 95310 – Fail for Professional Use

Pittsburgh 8" Steel Pipe Wrench – Item 39641 – Pass

Central Pneumatic 3/8" Air Ratchet Wrench – Item 47706 -- Fail for Professional Use

Central Pneumatics 25 Ft. x 3/8" PVC Air Hose – Item 91525 – Pass

Pittsburgh 8 Piece Right Angle Screwdriver – Item 92630 – Pass

Pittsburgh 4-in-1 Screwdriver with TPR Handle – Item 98899 – Pass

8 Piece Magnetic Screwdriver Set -- Item 7386 – Pass

Pittsburgh Pro 6 Piece Mini Pliers Set – Item 94931 – Pass

Pittsburgh 4 Piece Steel Adjustable Wrench Set – Item 903 – Pass

Pittsburgh 15" Jumbo Adjustable Wrench – Item 39619 – Pass

U.S. General 13 Drawer Red Industrial Quality Roller Cabinet -- Item 90320 -- Pass

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

It all fails in my book.

Nothing like an unbiased opinion. You've probably never used a HF tool in your life but you saw the need to post here.

 

[jeepfan93]

Pittsburg line wrench sets in metric and SAE. FAIL
Pry bar set pass
flat ratchet FAIL 7/16" first use.
I do have lots of other HF items that work well though.
I do agree lack of consistantcy is an issue.

 

[powertrip]

FYI -
The five drawer servce cart will be on sale for $160.00 August 26-28th.
I am looking at the flyer right now.

You can use 20% off coupons on the carts any day. Their computer accepts them. Don't let the manager or employees tell you they don't work. They do, just have a cashier scan it. The acceptance of a coupon is according to the item being scanned or bought.

 

[jjjrmx5]

You can use 20% off coupons on the carts any day. Their computer accepts them. Don't let the manager or employees tell you they don't work. They do, just have a cashier scan it. The acceptance of a coupon is according to the item being scanned or bought.

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.

 

[GoBlue]

There are two types of 1/2 impact swivel socket. The new style has the external spring. These are great. My 800 ftlb gun beats on them and they continue to work well. The older style with the internal spring blow. They blew up the first time i used every one of them...warranty on every one with new style. Their impact sockets non swivel are also great. I love their air ratchets, air hammers, dead blows and die grinders. Chrome sockets and impact extensions are good...All else *****. Tested professionally. To drive the average cheap tool buying person here crazy i will say that Sears average tool is light years better than HF's...from experience.

 

[keen]

serpentine belt tool kit - PASS (true that the crows feet that come with it are not so great, but the two bars are great for the price, esp for $10 on sale..)

4.5" angle grinder - PASS - I actually grab these (have 2 now) instead of any of my makitas most of the time. the more you have, the less you have to keep changing tools.. I've only tried the orange (CE) one, not the black (DM) though. and if you burn one up every now and then (I've burned up a few makitas, too, over the years), $25 (or less) is easy to swallow...

air fittings - FAIL - need I say more? Just buy milton (or find your own favorite), not worth the time spent on them.

good year air hoses - PASS

orange air hoses - PASS - I like them, though quality has varied over the years. sometimes they've been the same amflo hoses everyone else sells. I finally started to get a wart on one - after 12+ years of not gentle use.

blasting media - PASS - generally easy to get, OK prices, better selection now than a few years ago, and easier to get to than TSC for me.

pressure pot media blasters - PASS - but I could never justify any of the non-chinese pressure pots, so nothing to compare to.

hose clamps - FAIL - just pure trash. don't bother.

nitrile gloves - FAIL - compared to a good kimberly clark or similar product, just not worth the money. you'll burn through 4 or 8 of them in the span of time that you -might- kill 1 KC glove.



well, that's off the top of my head.

 

[williaty]

Considering my utter agreement with the "It might be fine one week and **** the next" comment another poster made:

1) Orange plastic deadblow hammers: Total, utter pass

2) 1/2" Drive, 24" long breaker bar: Total, utter pass. It'll bend but it just won't break. I've applied over 1200ftlbs of static torque with it and it just didn't care.

3) Compression tester kit: Pass. Fits easily, reads consistently, smells terrible. Hey, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.

4) 5-drawer red service cart: ****** awesome pass

5) 13-drawer roll cabinet, top chest, and 7-drawer side cabinet: Pass. Awesome value. Fully loaded drawers open and close a hundred times a day with no problem

6) Brass plumbing fittings for compressors: Utter, terribly dangerous fail. One of them cracked and blew up at pressure. BIIIIIG bada boom.

7) Black disposable gloves: Bitter, angry fail. A year ago they were awesome. Now, they're thin, easily torn ****.

8) Clamp Ammeter: Utter fail. Lights are on but nobody's home.

9) Impact Absorber Air Hose (to jump from wall to compressor): Fail. Ruptured in about 6 months.

10) Blue Aluminum Racing Jacks: Meh. They worked long enough to justify the $70 or $120 I paid for them before they died, but they always felt like **** and were annoying to use.

11) Pittsburg 1/4-3/8-1/2-drive Male Hex Socket Set: Pass for non-high-torque (under 200ftlbs) non-impact use. WAAAAAY better than the Craftsman. At high torques (say 250ftlbs or more on the 10mm), they have a tendency to round out the head of the fastener due to the slightly dodgy fit. At "sane" torques, they work just fine and don't constantly snap like the Craftsman ****.

 

[american lockpicker]

Nothing like an unbiased opinion. You've probably never used a HF tool in your life but you saw the need to post here.

I've used their screwdrivers and a few other things. Also I should note that while I only use the best European tools I can find now it wasn't always that way. When I first started it was all cheap chinese/taiwan/hong kong/etc tools and thats why I hate them so much. Pure **** that people only buy because its low cost and with used US tools often being lower cost than new HF or similar tools I can't see why people keep buying them.

Sorry for the thread jacking I thought it would be closed.

 

[williaty]

That reminds me:

a) "Ergo"/SoftGrip Screwdrivers: Fail. Great JIS fit but **** for durability
b) Hardhandle Screwdrivers: Meh. Good JIS fit, decently easy to told, decent durability, but just can't like them.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I think we need to first agree / determine on "Professional Use", in my opinion Professional Use is a mechanic who works 40 hours a week on repairing cars, trucks and the like, not someone assembling bicycles or swingsets. There are those people who will work on their car or friends cars at their personal garage, but to me that is not the same as working in a repair environment working on flat rate.

TheGrooveking

 

[shampoop]

Big orange deadblow - Pass

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

 

[Danglerb]

I think we need to first agree / determine on "Professional Use", in my opinion Professional Use is a mechanic who works 40 hours a week on repairing cars.

TheGrooveking

Wow, that could really reduce the number of "qualified" posters,lots of the mechanics I know may be employed 40 hrs a week, but "working" 40 hrs ... maybe in billed time.

I don't see the need to limit who posts, electricians wear out screwdrivers faster than any auto mechanics, same must be true of plenty other tools and trades. Hard use and need for dependable tools should be plenty of qualification.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Wow, that could really reduce the number of "qualified" posters,lots of the mechanics I know may be employed 40 hrs a week, but "working" 40 hrs ... maybe in billed time.

I don't see the need to limit who posts, electricians wear out screwdrivers faster than any auto mechanics, same must be true of plenty other tools and trades. Hard use and need for dependable tools should be plenty of qualification.

I agree, but I think the tool is to be used by someone who is making their living with it, that way the weight of relying on it becomes a higher priority, hence a factor in deciding if the tool meets the requirements and lasts.

TheGrooveking

 

[ncfh]

What about the guy that owns said purple socket?

Im not a guy!

 

[MNRZR]

I have to disagree on this one. I purchased one in 3/8 and it broke the first time I used it. When I straightened the handle to use it as a big screwdriver handle to undo some bolts in a tight spot the plastic handle tore loose. Just some glue and a 2 tiny nub/wings keeping that plastic handle from stripping loose and turning on the shaft. Perhaps a defect, but on mine they were about 1/42 of an inch! Basicaly a scratch! Has they cast some deeper "wings" to embed in the plastic it would be great. Head is very well made (once used it as a lug wrench)and other than the handle issue it feels top shelf like the better tool truck ratchets to be sure! By the way, I am only 5'6" and wear small gloves so it definately is a design flaw not used by the incredible hulk.

I just picked up one of these in 1/4 and 3/8 and they now have a green handle. Haven't had a chance to try them out much, but I wonder if the green handle is attached any better? Kind of doubt it, though.

 

[strelnik]

I buy the sets and replace the casters as soon as I get them with 6" wheels, they work fine then.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

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