The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[ineedtools]

I've used the HF helmets for a few years because the Jackson helmets were so expensive, then this one dropped to $85 back in May http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFJLRD4/?tag=atomicindus08-20, thank you camelx3 and I have to say it's night and day for seeing the puddle both in stick and mig although I bought it for tig'n aluminum. Just set up a camel camel camel alert for a good helmet and the amazon algos will eventually drop it.

 

[motorcyclist]

It never fails to dim for me. I have used it a lot and have never been flashed when welding with it. It does meet the safety standards needed for welding and states that on the hood. Enjoy.

Thanks! The only thing that the HF helmet I don't like is the solar power. They usually use cheap NiCad battery and cheap solar cell/circuitry to recharge the battery. I rather have a regular battery that I can replace. Well...

 

[92integra]

does anyone own any of the picklefork air hammer bits from HF i'm thinking about picking some up

 

[ineedtools]

does anyone own any of the picklefork air hammer bits from HF i'm thinking about picking some up

are you using them for ball joints? if so then these are a steal
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0267306

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products?term=0267307&searchMode=productSearch

 

[steed andersen]

HF impact sockets Pass, digital calipers-Pass, Western Safety Blue gloves-Super Pass, blue handled screw drivers with bolt heads-Pass,Earth Quake 1/2" impact Super Pass, mini bolt cutters-Pass,pliers-Fail, Predator 7hp engine-Pass,tap & die sets-Fail, 3/8" 18v impact-Fail,...

 

[warweapon762]

does anyone own any of the picklefork air hammer bits from HF i'm thinking about picking some up

I use them, they work really good.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Is the Harbor Freight welding helmet any good?

i had an auto darkening...until it failed me a couple years later. for now i have the regular one that came with the welder...i'll get a professional one soon...my eyes are too important to trust to hf again...it hurts when all of the sudden your mask fails

 

[blatterjr]

My rule regarding HF... if the tool/equipment fails, could I be seriously injured? If yes, get something else.

Ratchet? Cool
Bar Clamp? Nice
Paint Sprayer? Yep
Toolbox? Of course

Jack Stands? Nope
Welder's Mask? Heck no!

 

[1Garageman]

My rule regarding HF... if the tool/equipment fails, could I be seriously injured? If yes, get something else.


Jack Stands? Nope
Welder's Mask? Heck no!

Yep, SAFETY FIRST!

 

[lightning02]

How are the Pittsburgh pro chrome sockets? Also does HF sell them in singles? Was wanting to use them to fill in some of my missing sockets. As long as there good as USA cm sockets.

 

[fourtythree]

How are the Pittsburgh pro chrome sockets? Also does HF sell them in singles? Was wanting to use them to fill in some of my missing sockets. As long as there good as USA cm sockets.

I've abused mine and been very pleased. I feel they're as good as any other box store brand.

 

[Danglerb]

How are the Pittsburgh pro chrome sockets? Also does HF sell them in singles? Was wanting to use them to fill in some of my missing sockets. As long as there good as USA cm sockets.

No singles AFAIK, buy a set on sale with a coupon for the price of a few singles.

 

[Vinko]

Anyone use the furniture movers? I've heard good things and at these prices, why not:

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

they also have a few steel versions for about $20

 

[MNRZR]

Anyone use the furniture movers? I've heard good things and at these prices, why not:

http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html

they also have a few steel versions for about $20

I use mine all the time. As snowmobile dollies, one under each tire of the RZR to move it around the shop, etc.

Just be sure to check the casters before you leave the store. They are really hit or miss.

 

[ron350]

Harbor Freight Bar Clamp/Spreader

Any one here using the newer design bar clamps that have the grip on the front of the handle instead of on the palm side?

I picked up a couple of HF one-foot bar clamps the other day and have mixed impressions about them.

One is the #62123 (first picture) that seams to be made a little different from the #69222 (second picture).

The #62123 uses slide on gray clamp pads and the #69222 uses a larger gray pads that pop on and have a groves to hold parts centered.
The gray clamp pads look like they should interchange between these two clamps but the clamp faces are slightly different in size.

The #52123 clamp has a flat black steel bar that resembles the finish on an impact socket.
The #69222 clamp has a black bar that appears to be painted and has soft steel that dents on the lower edge when used.

It appears HF is replacing the #62123 with the #69222.

The stationary end of the clamp is held in place by a screw so you can remove it and put it on the other end to convert from a clamp to a spreader.
HF sells a little 4”clamp #62242 that is a nice scaled down version of the #62123 with a tough flat black steel bar that has rounded edges on the bar instead of square edges.

It takes a while to get used to releasing the pressure from the clamp with your thumb at the back of the handle.

 

[Danglerb]

Harbor Freight Bar Clamp/Spreader

Footlong has a free coupon, so I have a couple, haven't put them to real test, but I go through a few each time looking for ones that don't seem to have any issues.

IMHO if you want to apply any pressure get the screw type, the squeeze type will hold stuff together, but little more.

 

[silentpoet]

I'd say the helmet is pretty usable. I can't compare it to a higher dollar one, but it comes on nice and fast. Sometimes even just looking at a light bulb. I have my old helmet for backup, but I am really pleased with it.

At the same time I got the cheap SAE wrenches and they are decent. I also abused the heck out of a screwdriver trying to move a transmission crossmember on my truck. Yeah eventually it broke, but it lasted lots of tries before it did.

 

[LA1]

I just bought this at HFT, Really like it , got the generator for $88, 800 watts

also got these long handle wrenches for $18

 

[mikeceli]

are you using them for ball joints? if so then these are a steal
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0267306

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products?term=0267307&searchMode=productSearch

Thanks for posting. I bought a 17 and 19 MM puller. 85% OFF, I couldn't resist.

 

[cheechi]

those wrenches don't look like they ****. china or taiwan?

I'd be interested in long term usage info from anyone who has them. I have a few things a longer open end wouldn't hurt and that looks like the right size.

 

[Danglerb]

are you using them for ball joints? if so then these are a steal
http://www.fastenal.com/web/products/details/0267306

http://www.fastenal.com/web/products?term=0267307&searchMode=productSearch

Whats shipping like from Fastenal?

 

[MattVette89]

HF impact sockets Pass

I have broken multiple HF impact sockets on stubborn suspension bolts. I got rid of them after that. I wouldn't recommend them. Maybe the quality has improved since then as they do with some of the HF products.

 

[Scimmia]

I have broken multiple HF impact sockets on stubborn suspension bolts. I got rid of them after that. I wouldn't recommend them. Maybe the quality has improved since then as they do with some of the HF products.

The current Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets are far, far better quality than the regular line, which is all they used to have.

 

[warweapon762]

Footlong has a free coupon, so I have a couple, haven't put them to real test, but I go through a few each time looking for ones that don't seem to have any issues.

IMHO if you want to apply any pressure get the screw type, the squeeze type will hold stuff together, but little more.

These are great for holding together things that are curing with adhesive. ive used mine several times for installing weather stripping in cars.

 

[ineedtools]

Thanks for posting. I bought a 17 and 19 MM puller. 85% OFF, I couldn't resist.

no problem, I've shared it once but I'll share it again here, go to Fastenal and type clearance item in the search bar, then expand the categories and you'll find lots of good stuff super cheap, I bought some 6013 and 7018 rod for pennies on the dollar, plus some great deals on flux core too.

Whats shipping like from Fastenal?

Ship to store is the cheapest if you have one near you that you can pick up from

 

[MattVette89]

The current Pittsburgh Pro impact sockets are far, far better quality than the regular line, which is all they used to have.

That's good to know. This happened about 3-4 years ago so I am pretty sure the impacts I used were not the pro version.

 

[MattVette89]

So I realize the vast majority of these have been covered in the 300+ page thread, but thought I'd list a few of my experiences anyway.

One of my favorite items (part number 47246 is long discontinued) is the 3000 lb aluminum rapid pump jack. I've had it about 8 years and it's great. Doesn't really get high enough for big trucks but that's not what it was intended for.

Electric angle grinder - another thing I've beaten up (as a homeowner) pretty good for over 10 years and it's held up extremely well.

I believe this is the comparable current one:

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-91223.html

Oscillating multitool - I have owned this a while, too. The blades kind of ****, but the tool itself is great. Used it for installing hardwood floors several times with no issues.

http://www.harborfreight.com/oscillating-multifunction-power-tool-68861-8493.html

As far as pneumatic tools, I've had mixed results. The straight die grinder and right angle grinder are great. I tried the 3/8 air ratchet and it blew a seal within 5-6 bolts. I was not impressed with that.

I have not tried their pneumatic impacts as I already have several, but the electric impact is great for lugnuts, etc, if you don't want to turn the compressor on.

The cheaper set of taps and dies are garbage.

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-piece-sae-carbon-steel-tap-and-die-set-39391.html

I keep them around only in case I need to chase a hole and I don't have the right size in my better taps. They won't cut a thread in butter. I have heard the TiN taps are better but can't comment as I've never used them.

I have a few of the hand tools like the nut drivers (I like the handles on those but the tips sometimes seem shallow?) and I have some wrenches in my junk travel bag that I picked up super cheap that have never let me down. I also will get one time use tools there for household projects. I needed a basin wrench and picked it up there and it was fantastic, and way cheaper that a nearly identical one at Menard's.

Most recently I bought some toolbox trays and screw organizing trays and they are all of good quality.

http://www.harborfreight.com/abs-storage-organizer-95807.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-bin-portable-parts-storage-case-93929.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-drawer-organizer-set-99731.html

Overall my experiences at HF are 95% good. I think as long as you know what product you are buying and what to expect, you're in good shape.

Matthew

 

[mikeceli]

no problem, I've shared it once but I'll share it again here, go to Fastenal and type clearance item in the search bar, then expand the categories and you'll find lots of good stuff super cheap, I bought some 6013 and 7018 rod for pennies on the dollar, plus some great deals on flux core too.



Ship to store is the cheapest if you have one near you that you can pick up from

I telephoned Fastenal and was told ship to store was not available on the BJ pullers. Shipping to cali was $ 10 for 4 pullers.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

new 25er....

 

[youm0nt]

Pistol Grip Grease Gun
#66664
http://www.harborfreight.com/grease-gun-with-pistol-grip-66664.html
Worked fine for greasing the 2 ball joints on my SUV. PASS

14 Oz Sta-Lube® Sta-Plex® Extreme Pressure Premium Red Grease
#40710
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-oz-sta-plex-extreme-pressure-premium-red-grease-40710.html
Used this grease for the abovementioned ball joints. PASS

Scraper Set 4 Pc
#94036
http://www.harborfreight.com/four-piece-scraper-set-94036.html
Used it (extended scraper) to remove a registration sticker and parking permit sticker on my vehicle. Took my time and didnt use a lot of force to prevent breakage of the blade. PASS

60" x 80" Wool Blend Blanket
#92625
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-inch-x-80-inch-wool-blanket-92625.html
Bought this item to have in my vehicle. Haven't had to actually use it but I would rate it as PASS.

11 in. Tool Bag
#61168.
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-in-tool-bag-61168.html
Bought this for use as a toiletry bag. Size is just about right when I travel, usually for about 4 nights. PASS

 

[600SL]

***** Update *****

Tool died on day 3. Rating down graded to fail.

Update #2. Opened handle and tightened screws for chord. Completed all threading without issues.

Bottom line: for $153 delivered if you can deal with the kinds of issues I had its a pass. If you cant is a fail.

Original Post:
Portable Electric Pipe Threader

I'm only going to give it a pass because its so damn cheep and I was able to get it to work after shimming the dies.

See this thread for discussion.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274084

 

[kingstrider]

Chicago Electric 1/2 in. Heavy Duty Electric Impact Wrench #68099. I've had this a few months and used it several times when changing tires and when I did the suspension on my car. Pros: ample power for the jobs I've used it for. Electric powered so I don't need to fire up the compressor. Cons: Bulky and heavy, hard to get into certain spots. Short cord requires an extension. Overall I would give this tool a PASS.

13 Pc 1/2 In. Drive Impact Deep Wall Sockets; SAE Set #67903 and Metric Set #67904. These were purchased along with the tool above and to date I've only used the metric set for a couple of cars but it does the job. PASS.

 

[n8n]

also got these long handle wrenches for $18

A good deal, but look at the missing sizes! No 13mm is especially egregious, that has to be the most common metric size there is!

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Central Pneumatic body saw #91753.

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-speed-metal-saw-91753.html

Stalls under the slightest load even with more pressure than rated. I assume the identical looking/rated #60568 performs the same.

FAIL.

Tommy

 

[VC455]

Agree FAIL high-speed-metal-saw-91753

Central Pneumatic body saw #91753.

http://www.harborfreight.com/high-speed-metal-saw-91753.html

Stalls under the slightest load even with more pressure than rated. I assume the identical looking/rated #60568 performs the same.

FAIL.

Tommy

 

[toufue_yang17]

A good deal, but look at the missing sizes! No 13mm is especially egregious, that has to be the most common metric size there is!

And they forgot 18mm. But import cars uses everything but 13 and 18.

 

[yjWrangler]

A good deal, but look at the missing sizes! No 13mm is especially egregious, that has to be the most common metric size there is!

I rarely use 13

 

[Scimmia]

I rarely use 13

You must not work on many modern domestic cars. The vast majority of bolts on a GM are 10, 13, or 15.

 

[600SL]

You must not work on many modern domestic cars. The vast majority of bolts on a GM are 10, 13, or 15.

Europe and US use 13 all over. Japanese do not. If you work on Toyotas you will probably never see a 13mm. But I work on Mercedes and US cars and 13mm is my most common wrench.

 

[blunn]

Has anyone used the harbor freight pocket screw guide ? Pass,fail ,comments ?