The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[wrenchin]

Truck/RV Dual Head Tire Gauge: FAIL

I immediately thought this was a little sketchy the first time I went to use it. Just one of those things that when you picked it up you kind of chuckle to yourself "yeah, right"..the scale not staying in the body (what would be considered zero, I suppose) didn't help. On the second day the two halves separated when I attemted to get a pressure reading on a truck tire. Trash can. I ended up getting a Milton equivalent off a tool truck like a big boy.

1/4" Heavy Duty Composite Ratchet: PASS

Bought this for a specific purpose: Battery boxes. Not too much I can say about it. It's a ratchet - sockets don't fall off, feels pretty good in the hand, mechanisms aren't sloppy.

Also have to give another PASS vote for the orange HF dead blow hammers.

 

[Xtremetalworks2]

Have bought 2 sets of transfer punch sets .062-.562...-pass work great both sets were made in INDIA have used them for about 4 yrs now

 

[theamcaddict]

Previous statement redacted. Pittsburgh 69053 : too early to tell

 

[Rakoprtr]

Good to know. I just picked this set up with a 25% off coupon.

(69238) 7 Piece Metric Nut Driver Set, Pass. My only complaints are it doesnt list the size on the handle, & the size is lightly stamped into the metal, so you can barely read it.

(46526) Face Shield, Pass.

I took a label maker and made labels for my nut driver set they been holding up decent just wrap em around the metal part

 

[jdmstr]

Pittsburgh Pro 1/4 Composite Ratchet Item#66312


http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-heavy-duty-composite-ratchet-66312.html

Pittsburgh Pro 1/2 25" breaker bar Item#67933

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-67933.html

 

[Wangstang]

For occasional home use...what's the opinion on the Automotive AC guage sets?

The HF website reviews are all over the map, but the lower rated reviews seem to be from pro shops that used the guage set for more than a year on a daily basis or they were bad sets right out of the box.

Thanks
Wes

 

[tcianci]

Just bought a pair of the one piece perforated steel loading ramps to put my snowblower on and off the truck. These things worked great light weight enough but they're rated at 1000 lb capacity. Traction for the machine was perfect with the way the ramp is perforated.
They're galvanized too and with the 25% coupon they were less than 45 bucks Definite PASS

 

[Shadowdog500]

For occasional home use...what's the opinion on the Automotive AC guage sets?

The HF website reviews are all over the map, but the lower rated reviews seem to be from pro shops that used the guage set for more than a year on a daily basis or they were bad sets right out of the box.

Thanks
Wes

I've used mine maybe a half dozen to a dozen times for home use and it is a pass so far. If you plan to use the little bottles you are going to need a tap like this $7 one from advanced auto.http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/we...=google&utm_campaign=gpla&utm_content=9016279

Chris

 

[Provincial]

For occasional home use...what's the opinion on the Automotive AC guage sets?

The HF website reviews are all over the map, but the lower rated reviews seem to be from pro shops that used the guage set for more than a year on a daily basis or they were bad sets right out of the box.

Thanks
Wes

I have one of these sets and use it 2-3 times a year. The first year I converted five or six systems to R-134, so it got a workout that year! It still works properly, but like most HF items, you have to work around its weaknesses. Labels peel off and you have to wiggle the connections while tightening in order to get them to seal properly. The quick-connectors to the car system work properly, the valves seal properly, and the gauges seem accurate, which are the important items. I give it a DIY-level PASS.

 

[rwhughe]

I have a set I use occasionally and they work well except for one minor detail - the temperature scales are in Centigrade or whatever this years name is. This makes checking superheat difficult.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I have a set I use occasionally and they work well except for one minor detail - the temperature scales are in Centigrade or whatever this years name is. This makes checking superheat difficult.

Stupid question, but I use a 134a tempersture pressure chart(similar to the one below) for the low and high side readings. isn't that somewhat equivalent, but not as accurate as doing a superheat calculation for the exact temp?

Chris

 

[f575gtc]

Its kinda too late now since I own it, but I haven't used it yet sooo, I want to ask.

How is the Sandblaster cabinet they sell, the smaller one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-42202.html


I hear its good once its fully sealed with caulk? can anyone chime in?

I already have a bag of coal slag from Tractor supply which I hear works well, I just haven't setup the cabinet yet.

 

[Danglerb]

For occasional home use...what's the opinion on the Automotive AC guage sets?

The HF website reviews are all over the map, but the lower rated reviews seem to be from pro shops that used the guage set for more than a year on a daily basis or they were bad sets right out of the box.

Thanks
Wes

There you have it, some are DOA, some work fine, don't wait to try your set until after the warranty is over.

 

[Breen11]

I took a label maker and made labels for my nut driver set they been holding up decent just wrap em around the metal part

Thats a good idea. Ill do that.

 

[EdJack]

Rope Chain Saw.

FAIL

Binds up every third cut. Have to force it down, it then falls apart. Put it back together. Try again. It bends sideways and then is unusable. Bent it back, tried again, broke again. So 45 minutes later, and three cut strokes in total. Tossed it down, and went and got my ladder and pole saw. Complete garbage.

Oh. And did I forget to mention the blade is DULL. Maybe can cut 1/2 sticks, or sticks of butter maybe.

 

[Steelfab66]

How has the 65439 (U.S. General) trailer tongue toolbox worked out for you? Now they have another part number for it: 60302 (Haulmaster). The specs read the same so I figure it's the same box, just different name.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Its kinda too late now since I own it, but I haven't used it yet sooo, I want to ask.

How is the Sandblaster cabinet they sell, the smaller one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-42202.html


I hear its good once its fully sealed with caulk? can anyone chime in?

I already have a bag of coal slag from Tractor supply which I hear works well, I just haven't setup the cabinet yet.

I was gonna say for the price, just get the larger one, but looks like you already have it.. I bought the larger one on sale and used a 25% off and got it very cheap. $125 I think..

I really like mine..

 

[Breen11]

92079 Fluorescent Work Light. Pass, but it can easily be a Fail. 1st time I turned it on the bulb was flickering. I figured another useless product from HF. I checked to see if the bulb was loose in the socket & it wasnt. I took the bulb out & put it back in, turned it on & no more flickering.

I got a 2nd 1 today & I lightly tapped the housing & the light turned off. I did the samething like I did before & it still didnt work. So I took it back to get a replacement. Before leaving the store I checked to see if the light worked. I found 3 in the store that the bulb flickers/turns off if you shake it, or tap the light. If you may want to get 1, try the light out in the store before you buy it.

 

[Fastbird]

Item number 66220 - Ratcheting Band Clamp -- HUGE pass.

Been using a "Pony" brand frame clamp, but when you do something rectangular, the forces aren't exerted evenly and it makes it very hard to get a good straight clamp for an outer frame.

the HF item is freaking awesome. ZERO complaints, especially at $4.80 with the 20% off coupon ($5.99 regular, and I'm buying a few more).

 

[Engine]

5 Piece Metric Double-End Flare Nut Wrench Set Pittsburgh - item#68866 Fail

Almost every review of these wrenches on their site is bad. I really need them so I took a chance.

Below is the review I posted on their site: (To their credit, they actually posted it and it's still there after about 7 months.)
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-double-end-flare-nut-wrench-set-68866.html

REVIEW:
When I read the reviews, I thought there was no way that this many 10mm wrenches could be flawed -- but I was wrong.

I took a chance and bought these today as I needed the metric flare nut wrenches to complete my set. After I read all these bad reviews I took my set out to my truck to try them out on a few nuts, and my 10mm wrench broke one jaw off on the very first try. Just like everyone else, I was turning it with very low torque. Maybe ten lb-ft or less. I tighten screws more than that. What is it with the 10mm wrenches?

I will return the whole set tomorrow. I just hope the other wrenches I bought from HF are not this bad. I will keep the SAE set I bought since they "appear" to be OK.

Note to HF: Do you think there may be a problem here?

 

[owenst7]

5 Piece Metric Double-End Flare Nut Wrench Set Pittsburgh - item#68866 Fail

Almost every review of these wrenches on their site is bad. I really need them so I took a chance.

Below is the review I posted on their site: (To their credit, they actually posted it and it's still there after about 7 months.)
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-double-end-flare-nut-wrench-set-68866.html

REVIEW:
When I read the reviews, I thought there was no way that this many 10mm wrenches could be flawed -- but I was wrong.

I took a chance and bought these today as I needed the metric flare nut wrenches to complete my set. After I read all these bad reviews I took my set out to my truck to try them out on a few nuts, and my 10mm wrench broke one jaw off on the very first try. Just like everyone else, I was turning it with very low torque. Maybe ten lb-ft or less. I tighten screws more than that. What is it with the 10mm wrenches?

I will return the whole set tomorrow. I just hope the other wrenches I bought from HF are not this bad. I will keep the SAE set I bought since they "appear" to be OK.

Note to HF: Do you think there may be a problem here?

I wonder if there is a few different makes of these floating around. I bought an SAE set three to four years ago, and a metric set about two years ago. They appear to be the same, and came with a red rubbery holder for them. Mine have been fine, albeit bulkier than my Snap-Ons. I have heard nothing but bad things about them from many others, but mine have been fine. I've used them frequently on old vehicles (bought them for the junkyard/trail toolbox), but I also religiously use Kroil on flare nuts as I've had to deal with many rounded ones over the years (ironically, not with my HF ones)

 

[Trucky]

Some of the "best uses" for those flare nut wrenches... oh man.

 

[Engine]

5 in. Multi-Purpose Vise Central-Forge - item#67415 Pass
A little tight in the lead screw, but seems to be good quality. I have used it a lot with no problems.

8 Piece Metric Offset Box Wrench Set Pittsburgh - item#32042 Pass
Finish is rough, but they seem to fit the nuts and bolts well. Have not seen hard use yet.

6" Dial Caliper Pittsburgh - item#66541 Pass
An accurate caliper. The gear rack is not as smooth as my Mitutoyo, but it's a lot less money too.

7 Piece Metric Professional Nut Driver Set Pittsburgh - item#69238 Fail
The shafts on some of these are inserted off-angle and the sizes are just printed on a plastic insert on the handles. It makes them hard to read and will probably rub off in no time.

4-Sided Diamond Hone Block Diamond Life - item#92867 Pass
Very good sharpener for the money. I have used this one a lot over the last year and it is holding up well.

Split Leather Safety Colored Work Gloves 5 Pair HARDY - item#66291 Fail
The worst gloves I have ever used. Liner leaves bits of material on your hands and the dye colors your hands black after a few minutes of use. Tossed the whole pack in the trash the day after I got 'em. Not worth it to return them.

0.035" E71T-GS Flux Core Welding Wire, 10 Lbs. Chicago Electric Welding - item#44876 Pass
Good wire. Try to get it when you have a 25% off coupon and it's a good price.

4-3/4'' Multipurpose Magnet HolderChicago Electric Welding - item#1938 Pass
Very good welding magnet. As good as some other brands that cost 4x the price.

 

[ndr1968]

7 Piece Metric Professional Nut Driver Set Pittsburgh - item#69238 Fail
The shafts on some of these are inserted off-angle and the sizes are just printed on a plastic insert on the handles. It makes them hard to read and will probably rub off in no time.

Maybe you just got some bad ones. Mine are all fine and work pretty good. Also, the sizes are stamped on them around the actual nut holding portion low down on the tool. I really like the padded handles on these as well as the pro screwdrivers. I'm getting arthritis worse as time goes on and these things help me "get a grip" on that!


4-3/4'' Multipurpose Magnet HolderChicago Electric Welding - item#1938 Pass
Very good welding magnet. As good as some other brands that cost 4x the price.[/QUOTE]

I have the smaller (2.5"??) versions of these. I thought they were OK too until I had one a little too close to a tricky weld yesterday and it caught on fire! Yep! The insert holding the two metal parts together is plastic! Just a heads up. Be careful about placing them too close to your weld. Otherwise I agree and will probably buy some of the larger ones when they go on sale for a dollar apiece later this month ("Dollar Days!" sale: January 21st through February 3rd).

 

[ABADWILLYS]

Hey guys, how is the 3/8ths by 50 foot retractable hose reel?

 

[UtilityMech]

Pittsburgh 3/4 Drive Jumbo Socket Set SAE- PASS

don't use this often but have gotten it out several times over the last 2 weeks breaking some large bolts loose on some Air Relief Valves. No problems with slipping/breaking. Have used with extension and cheater bar w/ 2 men on it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-sae-3-4-quarter-inch-industrial-quality-socket-set-40996.html


edit: should point out that these are 12 point. I would prefer them to be 6 point

 

[Provincial]

Hey guys, how is the 3/8ths by 50 foot retractable hose reel?

I have had good luck with them. The hoses are a little bulky and have 3/8" male threads (which is one size larger than standard quick-connect fittings), but they seem to hold up fairly well. I had to shorten one hose about a foot after a year of heavy use.

 

[daparrothead]

I just picked up one of the HF 7 drawer side boxes today, damn well built box for $180. I may go back and pick up another one. I can buy two of these for less than half the cost of one from Snap On. I will be putting this on my Snap On kr-557 roll cabinet.

 

[f575gtc]

Has anyone ever used their compressor pumps?

http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi-5-horsepower-twin-cylinder-air-compressor-pump-60754.html

Im in the market to replace my older pump that just doesn't flow enough CFM.

 

[Wangstang]

I just picked up one of the HF 7 drawer side boxes today, damn well built box for $180. I may go back and pick up another one. I can buy two of these for less than half the cost of one from Snap On. I will be putting this on my Snap On kr-557 roll cabinet.

Please post photos and some info on fitment issues you may run into.

Thanks
Wes

 

[Danglerb]

Has anyone ever used their compressor pumps?

http://www.harborfreight.com/145-psi-5-horsepower-twin-cylinder-air-compressor-pump-60754.html

Im in the market to replace my older pump that just doesn't flow enough CFM.

Couple good reviews, bigger pump will need a bigger motor.

 

[f575gtc]

I have the proper motor its a 5hp continuous duty cycle, I see the reviews are 50/50, they have a similar 145psi pump with a different model # that has worse reviews.

Anyone know why HF has the same item with different model # from time to time? is it due to replacement models?

 

[jakemac]

Anyone know why HF has the same item with different model # from time to time? is it due to replacement models?

It probably has to do with regional regulations. Each number may have a minor design change to meet local regs.

ie - California vs Oregon vs the rest of the sane world.

 

[Wangstang]

The item numbers also change depending on the supplier/manufacture. HF will often times have more than one factory turning out what appear to be identical or nearly identical products and the item numbers help them keep track of which one you have.


Info request:
Any one have a preference on one metal brake over another? Any advice on which size brake to go with?

Thanks
Wes

 

[subarub4]

Anyone know why HF has the same item with different model # from time to time? is it due to replacement models?

Been wondering about this as well

 

[ndr1968]

Been wondering about this as well

I've noticed several numbers associated with the free 1"x25' tape measures. I have several and close inspection reveals different cases and details etc. I think they're actually different models/manufacturers of the same basic item. I suspect that the Chinese mfg. concerns are very competitive and there's probably lots of duplication like this that happens all the time. Just like here, there are several brands you can buy of any common item be it a tool, peanut butter, bread, coffee or whatever.

 

[soloz2]

Went to get a goodyear rubber air hose yesterday only to find out that all the hoses sold were made in China... They had a green hybrid hose that seemed similar to the Flexzilla whip I have so I grabbed one.

Got home, it's way more flexible than my cman red pvc hoses, but also much easier to pinch. It's not as flexible as the Flexzilla and the side walls aren't as strong either.

I was at TSC today and they had Flexzilla for $30. Tomorrow I'll try to get a better comparison of the two. Not sure either anyone has used this hose yet or not.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk 4

 

[usmc_noma]

If you go to Northern Tool, the Goodyear hoses are on sale. I bought a 50' 3/8" for $25. I believe the sale is good till the end of the month. It comes in both red and black.

 

[soloz2]

Too bad I don't have a northern tool nearby.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

 

[PECVD2]

Absolute HF PASS. O'Keefe's at 20%.