HF socket put to the test!!!

[wrenchr]

All I did to break the hf socket was tighten a fender bolt down, tighter than normal but the socket did fail.................Very badly I might add!!!

I noticed the wall of the socket were real thin so I wanted to see how hard it would be to break it.

 

[Merkava_4]

That's frickin' pathetic ... is that from China or India?

 

[wrenchr]

How about chindia!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wrenchr]

I think india, it was a 20 something piece set on sale for like $2.00 so I bought it do do some testing. They failed badly!!!!

 

[bchee]

Is that Pittsburgh brand? It doesn't look like HF

 

[wrenchr]

Not sure on the brand but I did purchase this from HF.

 

[Merkava_4]

You can go ahead and edit that first picture out; the second one is much better and doesn't hurt my eyes. After you do so, I'll delete this post.

 

[bchee]

To be fair to HF, that socket looks like the kind you could find in any grocery, drug, or dollar store. I've seen those sets for $5 at auto parts stores, or even free with the purchase of a case of oil. They are like the cheapest tools ever made.

If it were HF's own Pittsburgh brand, that would be different.
I didn't want people to get the impression that HF sells inferior quality tools.

 

[dxdexter]

To be fair to HF, that socket looks like the kind you could find in any grocery, drug, or dollar store. I've seen those sets for $5 at auto parts stores, or even free with the purchase of a case of oil. They are like the cheapest tools ever made.

If it were HF's own Pittsburgh brand, that would be different.
I didn't want people to get the impression that HF sells inferior quality tools.

I agree that they look like dollar store sockets, but I have to say that I don't even have a Harbor Freight store here in Canada and I get the impression that they sell inferior quality tools all the time, just by reading the many threads and postings on this board related to HF.

 

[Merkava_4]

... I have to say that I don't even have a Harbor Freight store here in Canada and I get the impression that they sell inferior quality tools all the time ...

They do! If you were to never walk into an HF store during your whole entire lifetime, you'd be doing yourself a favor.

 

[nissan_crawler]

eh, I have lots of harbor freight stuff that has never given me a lick of trouble.

 

[eschoendorff]

eh, I have lots of harbor freight stuff that has never given me a lick of trouble.

Same here. When you buy tools - from any source, be it Snap On, Sears, HF - follow the advice I was given by a young mechanic friend:

"If the tool looks and feels cheesy and cheap, then it probably is."

Which is why this thread baffles me... the OP knowingly bought a $2.00 socket set, and noticed that the socket in question was thin. he then proceeded to crank on it until it broke. WHAT DID HE THINK WOULD HAPPEN????!!!

So thank you for pointing out the obvious. I fail to see how this makes all HF tools bad.

Merkava's sentiments regarding HF tool stores are also unsettling. Has he ever been to an HF store? Does he realize just how many HF tools are used professionally in shops every day? Does it matter if the tool has a Blue Point or a Northern Tools or a HF sticker on it???

The who HF thing is getting ridiculous and it is becoming more and more obvious that the people who want to launch torpedoes at the HF containers do not live in the same reality as the rest of us.

 

[wilbilt]

Just to make a point...there was a time when ALL HF tools looked like that and failed like that.

I realize that is no longer the case, but I have personally experienced many socket failures of the type pictured, and at least one required a trip to the ER for stitches.

These were socket sets I bought, both standard and impact, from HF before they had any retail stores and were mail-order only.

For many people, old opinions remain.

 

[eschoendorff]

For many people, old opinions remain.

You are right.... but the world has changed around them. There used to be an old opinion that the world was flat too...

 

[wilbilt]

You are right.... but the world has changed around them. There used to be an old opinion that the world was flat too...

Oh sure...and now you're going to tell me that Santa Claus doesn't exist.

 

[nissan_crawler]

Walking into HF is like looking for an old chevy with 100,000 miles that's in good condition, you just have to watch what you're getting. Is it as nice as that BMW? No. Will it get you there just the same? Yes.

I have a HF cherry picker, HF pipe bender, HF press, some HF hex sockets, some HF air tools, and some of the wrenches in small sizes to modify, and some of the large ones just to use.

Are they as pretty and perfect as snap-on or other high dollar equivalents? No. Have they done the job the same as the others without letting me down? Yes.

Ask yourself what matters at the end of the day:

1. That you have high dollar Snap-On, etc., branded tools that have perfect fit and finish that hurt the wallet to show off to your friends, or,

2. That you have a tool that functions the same as the high dollar one, saved you money, and at the end of the day, did the same job.

If you fit #1, don't bother with HF. If you fit #2, you can find things at HF.

Again, to those that have the money to spend on the high dollar stuff, take no offense. I would too if I had the extra cash. I just would know it was more more looks and such, than function (with the basic equipment).

 

[l_bilyk]

These threads are getting old. You can get better sockets at HF. But what do you expect when you pay a couple cents for a socket?

 

[nissan_crawler]

These threads are getting old. You can get better sockets at HF. But what do you expect when you pay a couple cents for a socket?

Bingo, Caveat emptor

 

[Merkava_4]

2. That you have a tool that functions the same as the high dollar one, saved you money, and at the end of the day, did the same job.

You seem to think like Mr. Schoendorff: a tool is just a means to an end; no matter how it's made, where it's made, or who it's made by. What a shame.

 

[Jononon]

I didn't want people to get the impression that HF sells inferior quality tools.

There's an 'only' missing in that sentence. Clearly that is an inferior tool - perhaps it's from their new replica tool range, like the taps and dies that can't be used on metal

You seem to think like Mr. Schoendorff: a tool is just a means to an end; no matter how it's made, where it's made, or who it's made by. What a shame.

A tool is just a means to an end. I like owning the best tool available for a particular job, irrespective of where it's made or who it's made by, but I'm not going to buy a set of Stahlwille sockets or a Facom ratchet just to throw them in the back of the car and go to the scrapyard.

That being said, there's a world of difference between a low cost tool and a valueless one.

 

[nissan_crawler]

You seem to think like Mr. Schoendorff: a tool is just a means to an end; no matter how it's made, where it's made, or who it's made by. What a shame.

What's a shame to me is to needlessly waste money on expensive tools when a cheaper one does the same job just as well, and you can use the money saved to get another tool to perform another job.

I get paid to do a job. If I bought all Snap-On tools, I wouldn't have the tools I need to get the job done. It's that simple. I can only afford to spend $x on tools a year. If it was all Snap-On, that would mean affording 1/3 the tools, and only being able to to 1/3 of my job, like many guys at work. Me, I have Craftsman, etc., and only buy Snap-On where necessary, and as such, I have all the tools to do all the jobs.

When it comes to tools, I'm not a Mercedes guy, I'm a Chevy guy. I don't care if the chrome is gorgeous and I can see myself in it, I don't wash my tools, I don't baby my tools. My tools are there to get the job done, and only to get the job done, they aren't there for a fashion show. In the end, my $15,000 of tools at work does the exact same job as $45,000 of Snap-On tools, except I have $30,000 ($36,000 if you count the toolbox) more to spend on other things, such as school loans, the house, etc.

My philosophy doesn't change at home, either.

Again, if you want Snap-On, pay for it. I don't care. Just don't try and convince me that the Snap-On wrench will turn a bolt any different than my Craftsman wrench, because it doesn't.

 

[Merkava_4]

That being said, there's a world of difference between a low cost tool and a valueless one.

I agree with you on that one. I'd much rather have a lower cost tool like a Proto or an Armstrong rather than something made in China or Taiwan; that way I can save a little money and keep my patriotism too.

 

[paramudduck]

You know I had a series of epic failures like that recently. Tacking fan shrouds off of early 90's Blazers. I broke five (5) Mac 10mm sockets.
My worse case of needing stitches from a tool failure was caused by a brand new Snap On ratchet failing on it's first use.

 

[billymade]

I think there are allot of junk tools out there, regardless of who makes them; the point is, avoid them at all costs no matter the price! Hopefully, in our discussions we can let everyone know which the good tools are, that we have used through experience and help everyone get good stuff that gets the job done, no matter what the brand! I think what depresses me is the quality of tools in general, has gone down and so its harder to find quality in the market place. Maybe I'm wrong, it seems the "midline" tool quality that seemed so easy to find in the past, has now developed into two extremes: low quality and high quality. The middle ground seems hard to find. This is definitely why I like flea markets; I like finding high quality stuff at dirt cheap prices, plus I am addicted to the process of finding that "Snap-On" among all those rusted out taiwan sockets in a huge bucket! I got a Snap-On socket for 50 cents this weekend and it just puts a on my face! I am also discovering and learning about brands that in the past I would not have chosen in the past; Proto for example has now gone up on my list of flea market brands to buy. This brand is more plentiful, then my normal Snap-On purchases and so far I am happy with the quality I have seen. Knowledge is power and I hope we all can share what good tools are out there and maybe save some some dough in the process!

 

[RAYJAY]

I agree that they look like dollar store sockets, but I have to say that I don't even have a Harbor Freight store here in Canada and I get the impression that they sell inferior quality tools all the time, just by reading the many threads and postings on this board related to HF.

that is not true at all about HF tools ,

yes they have some really poor quality stuff

but if you research what they sell you can find some great tools at great prices

there is just HF haters on this board and even if the tools were great (and some are ) they would never admit it


Jeff

flame at will

 

[MarkH]

There is one group everybody is missing in this conversation since it should be obvious what they use and why. The group, it absolutely positively has to work, daily group.

Its planting time, on a couple of the farms, it is 90 to 120 miles one way to get replacements, it better work the costs of the risk is very high. I have had seasons where we just barely finished through rain and snow. Adds up to you could buy the snap on truck cheaper and have them parked as spares, we do not want to do that. We also carry the liability if it injures anyone, we pay, regardless how stupid the choice was. We have, there is reason's I state the lifetime warranty only covers the tool not what else was broken or crushed.

Sometimes in the get it as cheap as you can vs get the highest price the third group can get lost and may end up with some bad decisions.

That is why I was looking at one thread re ratchet testing and hanging a load. No you figure out how to drop the weight from 10 feet and see what breaks. A little closer to real life testing.

 

[MAD]

Here are the good ones:

 

[T56 Impala]

These threads are getting old. You can get better sockets at HF. But what do you expect when you pay a couple cents for a socket?

+1, I'm with ya. Its obvious now who does and who doesn't like HF. Again, I have some Pittsurgh Pro stuff that is very nice. I would say it is as good as Mac or Craftsman.

I would bet that the socket in question was from India not China. Not that I'm defending China here, it just seems that more an more of the Indian **** is making its way into HF and into our country. It is sad that there is actually something out there that makes the cheap Chineese stuff look good though.

Oh, and people with limited numbers of tools............

 

[T56 Impala]

I agree with you on that one. I'd much rather have a lower cost tool like a Proto or an Armstrong rather than something made in China or Taiwan; that way I can save a little money and keep my patriotism too.

Lower cost????? Whose cost? Have you looked at the stupid prices Armstrong is asking for their tools? There is NO WAY Armstrong tools are any better than, say, Craftsman, yet they want 2 to 3 times as much for them or more! You must have money to burn or something.

Craftsman 28 pc Pro set ~$200, Armstrong 31 pc SATIN finish set ~$3200. Now, how in the world is that a CHEAP tool?

 

[wilbilt]

Lower cost????? Whose cost? Have you looked at the stupid prices Armstrong is asking for their tools? There is NO WAY Armstrong tools are any better than, say, Craftsman, yet they want 2 to 3 times as much for them! You must have money to burn or something.

Armstrong is an approved supplier of tools to the US Govt. I suspect that is why their list prices are so high.

Remember the $200 hammer fiasco? Uncle Sam has deep pockets.

 

[Deafautotech]

What's a shame to me is to needlessly waste money on expensive tools when a cheaper one does the same job just as well, and you can use the money saved to get another tool to perform another job.

I get paid to do a job. If I bought all Snap-On tools, I wouldn't have the tools I need to get the job done. It's that simple. I can only afford to spend $x on tools a year. If it was all Snap-On, that would mean affording 1/3 the tools, and only being able to to 1/3 of my job, like many guys at work. Me, I have Craftsman, etc., and only buy Snap-On where necessary, and as such, I have all the tools to do all the jobs.

When it comes to tools, I'm not a Mercedes guy, I'm a Chevy guy. I don't care if the chrome is gorgeous and I can see myself in it, I don't wash my tools, I don't baby my tools. My tools are there to get the job done, and only to get the job done, they aren't there for a fashion show. In the end, my $15,000 of tools at work does the exact same job as $45,000 of Snap-On tools, except I have $30,000 ($36,000 if you count the toolbox) more to spend on other things, such as school loans, the house, etc.

My philosophy doesn't change at home, either.

Again, if you want Snap-On, pay for it. I don't care. Just don't try and convince me that the Snap-On wrench will turn a bolt any different than my Craftsman wrench, because it doesn't.

I am agree with you... i do own craftsman tools and snap on tools with 450 dollars KRL1203 and 3,500 dollars KRL1001. it is service me good. if i need the tool to do the job then either i am look for craftsman or used snap on tool unless i am use it every day like ratchet or else then i would get little better one because i am easy to break or crack the craftsman tool. it is choice between craftsman or snap on which one prefer... if it was me then i would make choice between snap on or craftsman because matco are same with craftsman... Mac are starting to go oversea and my mac guy tried to sell at retail price all time so i am avoid it...

the last thing is i had lot and lot of tools than two techs in Chrysler shop and they keep ask me if i have it to borrow... but I am second tech with lot of tools in Crossroad service dept because the tech who working as technician for almost 30 years had matco top and bottom four bays with locker. he will do lot of works than me but it is all about expriement... i am still buy tools but it is for work not collection... what i need for work then i buy tool instead i write down the paper to tell my boss that i cant do because i dont have the tool to do.... i won't do it... if i need it then i had to buy (buy new one or used one but it still work same as lost money or save money either way....)

 

[Mr. Welsh]

You seem to think like Mr. Schoendorff: a tool is just a means to an end; no matter how it's made, where it's made, or who it's made by. What a shame.

In any marketing 101 class they'll teach you that drill bit companies sell holes, not drill bits.

 

[krusty the clown]

In any marketing 101 class they'll teach you that drill bit companies sell holes, not drill bits.

in reallity 101 you have to consider cost per hole. and like MARKH stated the cost of loss of productivity if far greater then the cost of the tool.

 

[Mr. Welsh]

in reallity 101 you have to consider cost per hole.

I agree. So if the premium brand costs 3x more than the general competition, then it must deliver 3x the holes. Factoring in lost time or whatever will complicate the calculations tremendously, but the gist is the same.

 

[krusty the clown]

I agree. So if the premium brand costs 3x more than the general competition, then it must deliver 3x the holes.

well drill bits aren't the right comparison if you want to defend HF (not that you are). drill bits are not one area i would sacrifice quality for price.

for the record, the only thing i have ever bought from HF that i wasn't disapointed in was thier master ball joint adapter set. the other items i knew going in were marginal quality but thought they were worth the cost......now i'm not sure.

 

[Mr. Welsh]

Perhaps not, but that really is the common metaphor used in Intro Marketing classes.

That being said, these arguments aren't just based on value, they're also based on emotion. It's just tiring that so many of the threads here go the same way...it's an endless circle that accomplishes nothing.

My personal beliefs are moderate, as with most people here. Everyone has to start somewhere, and most people aren't going to be able to afford to start off buying premium tools. I would prefer that the extreme brand loyalists stop stirring the pot.

 

[Fedwrench]

Can't we all just get along? All tools break sooner or later. I went through a spell where I kept snapping 8mm sockets made by Snap on the first time or two that I used them. It must of been a bad lot, I don't know.
Anyway that's not the point.
Instead of saying your brand ***** and my brand is superior, why can't we just report observations from using a particular tool. It's strengths and weaknesses, what you like and don't like from actually using the tool (polishing and public displays of affection don't count), without getting into a brand war. I think information would flow much better without beating brands to death.

 

[hamburglar]

[...............

 

[strizzy]

Here are the good ones:

For what its worth, the impacts I have from HF are not branded Pittsburgh. I have yet to have any problems with them and only bought them because I saw them perform much beyond my expectations.

 

[AutoTech]

I think india, it was a 20 something piece set on sale for like $2.00 so I bought it do do some testing. They failed badly!!!!

Really what did you expect from a $2.00 set of sockets? If you had bought there Pittsuburg Professional sockets that would have been a better test! JMO