The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[arvidj]

Anybody got one of the motorcycle lift tables?

Regretfully I have the one they no longer sell ... the one 1200lb with the air cylinder [not the manual foot pump] and the extra side wings ... that is no longer able.

I say 'regretfully' because I would recommend it 100% for ease of use, functionality, etc. ... but they don't offer it anymore.

 

[Bagherra]

Regretfully I have the one they no longer sell ... the one 1200lb with the air cylinder [not the manual foot pump] and the extra side wings ... that is no longer able.

I say 'regretfully' because I would recommend it 100% for ease of use, functionality, etc. ... but they don't offer it anymore.

pic?

 

[skulldrinker]

pic?

Here's a few pics of the current foot model. Mines about 2 years old. I changed the wheel chock to the black one you see. It cost about $59 extra. I also had to build my own wings out of wood. Because I can not ride up on the lift there is no room to plant your feet. The wooden wings remain on the ground. It's a little pain to store them but...I'm way to short to try and walk my bagger up by myself. I don't think the air model is necessary for home owner work. The foot pedal only takes 10 seconds to pump it up. I also bought the small scissor jack to jack up the frame for doing rear wheel work. Came in handy unloading my tool box when I left Firestone.

 

[wildbill23c]

I love how HF advertises prices in its flyer are "on sale" even though some items are cheaper in the store...

Or their "sales" aren't really sales at all, just the regular prices. They seem to think nobody notices that the list price or retail prices are actually never used, so they pretend that their regular prices are the sale price...sadly many people fall for it LOL.

I like using HF though when someone breaks or "borrows" a tool I don't feel so bad.

 

[skulldrinker]

Here's a Honda on it. If you look close you can see the scissor jack under the frame. I was putting a new chain on the Honda.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Anybody got one of the motorcycle lift tables?

Yup, bought one a couple months ago after researching heavily.

Paid $295 brand new with appropriate coupon.

Love it.

Haven't put my motorcycle up on it yet, but it is a breeze to work on everything else at waist height.

It's rock steady with everything I've put up on it so far, snow blower, horizontal band saw, tool boxes, me, admittedly nothing over a few hundred pounds. But I'm sure it will be solid with my 400lb motorcycle up there.

Every one of the downsides I read about while researching the purchase has been fixed as far as I can tell.

Same is true about the horizontal bandsaw I bought a few weeks ago. The damn thing cut a 2" x 3" rectangular steel tube perfectly square right out of the box, with the stock blade, and continues to cut steel angle without adjustment and the original blade.

I suspect the Harbor Freight owners read Garage Journal for their marketing research!

 

[paigej]

I love my lift. I just took the wheel chock off completely. I use front and rear stands to do all my maintenance. Just make sure you lube the grease fittings and make sure the jack has oil in it and it works great.

 

[arvidj]

pic?

Here is a picture of the model 94814 lift that I have ... http://hfreviews.com/item.php?id=3840 ...

I replace the front wheel clamp with this wheel chock ... http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcycle-stand-wheel-chock-97843.html ... which makes it much easier to use on a day-to-day basis.

I only use the add-on wings to work on the lawn tractor. It takes up too much garage space otherwise. But even without the wings the lift is wide enough that I can use my Pit Bull rear stand on the spools on the swing arm and front stand on the forks.

Though my experience is with a lift they no longer sell the construction appears to be similar to what is available now ... sans the air cylinder. I have no reason to believe that other will have any issues with them in a home user environment.

 

[ineedtools]

The motorcycle lift is one of the HF gems in my book, you can usually score it for sub $300 waiting for a sale and tossing a 20 off on that, worth every nickel.

 

[SalahHH83]

I picked up one of the 30 light LED rechargeable lights yesterday, charged it and gave it a try in my pitch black garage last night... It's terrible. Maybe it's just mine, but I'm returning the dang thing today.

 

[skidooby]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe I just got lucky but mine will blind ya!

 

[LLave]

I just got one of the retractable air hose reels, I must admit I fully expected it to leak right away. To my surprise it does not and in fact works very well. It does have a terrible rubber smell to it, but that should fade.

 

[Wizzard]

You shouldn't have given up as quick as the motor did!

I bought this cement mixer about 12 years ago. Got it all assembled (lots of nuts and bolts), turned it on and the motor just grunted and stunk. Not wanting to go through assembly again, I returned just the motor and they swapped it out. It is still going strong after mixing hundreds, maybe into the thousands of bags of cement. It is a big PASS.

You don't say which drill press you bought, but I have this one, the 20" 12 speed. I have had it for about 4 years, gets occasional use and works great. The table is bigger than most and has T-slots that accept Bridgeport type T-nuts. I got this set from Enco to use with it. I also changed the keyed chuck to a keyless one, cause I am lazy like that. This drill press is a big PASS.
-JP

I hear you. If it wasn't so heavy I probably would of tried for a second one, the 90 day warranty scared me away from opting for a second attempt as well. Don't remember the size but it was the second to largest standing one. I still don't have a drill press, maybe I will luck into an older USA made unit if I get lucky.

 

[SalahHH83]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe I just got lucky but mine will blind ya!

No worries! I figured it would be hit or miss anyway. We all know HF quality control isn't exactly at NASA's level

I just got one of the retractable air hose reels, I must admit I fully expected it to leak right away. To my surprise it does not and in fact works very well. It does have a terrible rubber smell to it, but that should fade.

I'd like to hear how this holds up with time/use. I've been wanting to get a couple so I have a clean way to access compressed air - the price is attractive but HF quality is always suspect.

 

[bwringer]

I'd like to hear how this holds up with time/use. I've been wanting to get a couple so I have a clean way to access compressed air - the price is attractive but HF quality is always suspect.

I've had a HF 25 foot retractible hose reel up in my garage for at least eight years of regular use. No leaks or problems. (firm mounting is crucial -- it's mounted to a 2X10 board attached to two rafters with lag bolts).

The red rubber hose is just starting to show some very fine cracks in the last two feet where it gets exposed and flexed the most. I definitely can't complain.

 

[Bronson]

I knew better, but bought it anyway-don't waste Your money totally ****.

Mini Grinder-I bought it for one very small job, it was not capable of doing that -FAIL.

 

[Sanny81]

Anyone try these:

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...inch-industrial-quality-socket-set-40996.html

Pittsburgh 3/4" "jumbo" socket set.

 

[AmishFury]

I knew better, but bought it anyway-don't waste Your money totally ****.

Mini Grinder-I bought it for one very small job, it was not capable of doing that -FAIL.

i also have one... it's almost ok for polishing up some rusty tools with the wire wheel

i laugh when i see the drill bits in the kit... maybe if you're drilling into some jello

 

[soj]

I knew better, but bought it anyway-don't waste Your money totally ****.

Mini Grinder-I bought it for one very small job, it was not capable of doing that -FAIL.

I tried a Drill Master 1/4 sheet sander a few years ago. It was so noisy (just running, not sanding) and vibrated so bad I almost couldn't hold it. I put it right back in the box and took it back. I have since noticed all the Drill Master stuff is the cheapest, bottom of the line stuff at HF. I don't even consider anything with Drill Master on it anymore.
-jp

 

[SalahHH83]

I've had a HF 25 foot retractible hose reel up in my garage for at least eight years of regular use. No leaks or problems. (firm mounting is crucial -- it's mounted to a 2X10 board attached to two rafters with lag bolts).

The red rubber hose is just starting to show some very fine cracks in the last two feet where it gets exposed and flexed the most. I definitely can't complain.

That's excellent! I'll have to pick one up. I'm debating either handing it from the ceiling (where I would do the same thing with a 2x10) or possibly from the center post in my garage. I actually moved the support a couple years ago and replaced the original 4x4 with a 4x6 in treated lumber so it is quite stout and has a good surface to mount on. I think overhead might be better though

 

[rabies]

grey pitsburg clamps. the screw type. super awesome. no complaints
not C clamps. the wood working type

 

[SalahHH83]

grey pitsburg clamps. the screw type. super awesome. no complaints
not C clamps. the wood working type

To piggy back off of this, the *********** C clamps bend. I would not recommend them. The regular C clamps are pretty decent but not great quality either. I wouldn't recommend them to be completely honest.

 

[joseph.a.owens.9]

Or their "sales" aren't really sales at all, just the regular prices. They seem to think nobody notices that the list price or retail prices are actually never used, so they pretend that their regular prices are the sale price...sadly many people fall for it LOL.

I like using HF though when someone breaks or "borrows" a tool I don't feel so bad.

I think its funny when people spend crazy money on coupons on eBay lol at most you save 10-15 buck when there product is on SELL lol

 

[soj]

PASS on the Portland leaf blower. I had a Toro blower for years, and the bearings wore out. This seems to put out just as much air as the Toro did. The vac mode works well also. Only problem with either mode is the blower and pickup tubes could be a few inches longer. I am 6'1", so that might not be a problem for some.

It looks like a copy of the Greenworks blower/vac.
-jp

 

[ineedtools]

FYI that motorcycle stand is in the parking lot sale for $299 and eligible for a 20 off on top of that making it $240 and tax.

 

[Scimmia]

The 20% off coupons specifically say they're not good for parking lot sales.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

Probably already covered but I bought the High Lift Riding Mower/ATV Jack and definitely give it a "PASS." It is heavy built, well designed, and perfect for its intended purpose. Assembly was very easy (mostly just push in a few pins), and it works great. I'd call it an amazing value for $88.88 with the Super Coupon.

Edit for link to the product: http://www.harborfreight.com/high-lift-riding-lawn-mower-atv-lift-60395.html

 

[wildbill23c]

Probably already covered but I bought the High Lift Riding Mower/ATV Jack and definitely give it a "PASS." It is heavy built, well designed, and perfect for its intended purpose. Assembly was very easy (mostly just push in a few pins), and it works great. I'd call it an amazing value for $88.88 with the Super Coupon.

Edit for link to the product: http://www.harborfreight.com/high-lift-riding-lawn-mower-atv-lift-60395.html

I've used mine a couple times since buying it last spring. It does work great, and far cheaper than the over-priced Mo-Jacks. Sure makes changing mower blades and cleaning the mower deck quick and easy.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

I've used mine a couple times since buying it last spring. It does work great, and far cheaper than the over-priced Mo-Jacks. Sure makes changing mower blades and cleaning the mower deck quick and easy.

I'm anxious to use it on the mower. I have a "real John Deere" (LX176) and there is no good place to jack on it. Keeping the blades sharp is a must and this will GREATLY help with that. I like to power wash the deck too, as I take good care of my stuff. I'm glad to hear yours works as well as I expected.

 

[wildbill23c]

I'm anxious to use it on the mower. I have a "real John Deere" (LX176) and there is no good place to jack on it. Keeping the blades sharp is a must and this will GREATLY help with that. I like to power wash the deck too, as I take good care of my stuff. I'm glad to hear yours works as well as I expected.

It will work great for your purpose as well. Its a great way to easily do the mower deck services.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: Pittsburgh Heavy Duty 3 Ton Floor Jack (Low Profile) Item 61253
I've been using it for a year with no issues. I regularly raise a Porsche 996 and a GMC Acadia. I only lift it enough to get jack stands under the car, so it is not supporting weight for any length of time, but it has been reliable for me.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 1/2 in. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench Item 239
I've been using it for about a year. It works well. Quite a bit of an angle required to hear the click and it is not always very loud at lower torque values. Recently on sale for $9.95.

 

[GromitInWA]

FAIL: 1/4 in. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench Item 2696
Not strictly speaking a fail since it does work but for me it is useless: ft lbs and meter kg are not useful to me - I at least want Nm.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 1/2 In Drive Digital Torque Adapter Item 68283
The first one that I got was a dud but the second one works. It works well and I like that I can set it to ft lb and Nm values. It is rather bulky so not useful for tight quarters, but attached to a wrench for tightening lug nuts, for instance, it is ideal.

Note that the case is designed in such a way that it is all too easy for the folded instructions to press down on the power button, causing the battery to be drained.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 1/2 in. Professional Air Impact Wrench Item 68424
I love this thing! It was the first air tool that I've used and it feels robust, does not leak and has plenty of torque for what I need it for. Follow the instructions and keep it lubricated and make sure that you use Teflon/PTFE tape around the coupling.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 3/8 in. Air Ratchet Wrench Item 47214
A good partner to the 1/2 in. impact wrench above. Feels robust and does not leak. Again, keep it lubricated and make sure that you use Teflon/PTFE tape around the coupling.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 3/8 in. x 50 ft. Retractable Hose Reel Item 93897
I have this mounted with lag screws to a column in my garage. It seems sturdy and has plenty of reach. I've not had any problems with leaks or issues with the hose retracting. A very useful addition that helps me make the most of my compressor, which is located right underneath it and never has to move.

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 21 gal. 2-1/2 HP 125 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor Item 67847
I did a bunch of research before buying this and was stepping up from a small 3 gallon pancake compressor. I followed the the break-in instructions and so far so good. It works reliably, has plenty of air on tap and cycles on and off as needed. It is loud, but not that bad. Since getting it, I've been surprised as to how much I've been using it - air tools are really addictive.
I did buy the purchase protection and was told that I should bring it back towards the end of the 2 years and get a new one...

 

[GromitInWA]

PASS: 40 ft. Retractable Cord Reel with Triple Tap Item 61558
I love this thing! I have it mounted on drywall in my garage but use toggler type anchors since they are under quite a bit of stress. It is a lot easier to use this than to have coiled up cords and I like that the auto-rewind spool mechanism distributes the cord across the circumference of the reel.

 

[NC-Shaun]

PASS: 1/2 in. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench Item 239
I've been using it for about a year. It works well. Quite a bit of an angle required to hear the click and it is not always very loud at lower torque values. Recently on sale for $9.95.

FAIL: 1/4 in. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench Item 2696
Not strictly speaking a fail since it does work but for me it is useless: ft lbs and meter kg are not useful to me - I at least want Nm.

PASS: 1/2 In Drive Digital Torque Adapter Item 68283
The first one that I got was a dud but the second one works. It works well and I like that I can set it to ft lb and Nm values. It is rather bulky so not useful for tight quarters, but attached to a wrench for tightening lug nuts, for instance, it is ideal.

Note that the case is designed in such a way that it is all too easy for the folded instructions to press down on the power button, causing the battery to be drained.

There is a little bit of info for these items for everybody.