The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[babewatcher]

The consumer models if you don't shut the engine down when you aren't spraying you'll quickly destroy the pump. I had one from Home Depot and used it 3 times and the pump failed. Never again will I waste money on a damn pressure washer, they're way over-priced and for no longer than the pumps last on them I wouldn't waste my money.

Until you get into the commercial grade ones with the oil-lubed pumps you'll never find one that will last. The commercial grade pumps are what to look for and you'll pay the commercial price too.

Don't waste your money on cheap $300-400 pressure washers, the pumps are garbage...and non-repairable and new pumps cost about as much as the pressure washer.

I have an old Craftsman Pressure washer, 2100 PSI, 6.25 HP Model 580.768.310 that's over 15 years old and still going strong. I've used the **** out of it. Never gave me a problem. Only thing is to hold the wand open when you start it. I guess they don't make them like they used to.

 

[skulldrinker]

I picked up this brake bleeder yesturday... Does anyone have any real world use opinions of this thing?

http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-69328.html

My pump leaks won't hold a vacuum. I returned the first one and the second one was the same problem. I'm just going to spen the extra and get the Mighty-Vac unit.

 

[NWphotog]

I have an old Craftsman Pressure washer, 2100 PSI, 6.25 HP Model 580.768.310 that's over 15 years old and still going strong. I've used the **** out of it. Never gave me a problem. Only thing is to hold the wand open when you start it. I guess they don't make them like they used to.

I took a consumer model with a failed pump and added a heavy duty pump. Works beautifully.

 

[Pythonater]

1/2 inch drive impact sockets: Pass
12 ton Jack Stands: Pass
Full Polished combo end wrenches: Pass so far
Grinders: Fail
Ratchet Straps:Fail

But the grinders are only $10! I buy one for each of the wheels I use so I don't need to change them... wire brush cone, wire wheel, grinding disc, grinding pad, etc. When the bearings fail just go get another one...FOR $10!

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I'm sure this has been posted before but the 7mil nitrile gloves held up great this weekend working on the car. The XL size fit fine with my large hands. They are a little pricey at $9 a box, but seem much better than the medical grade stuff from wally world.

 

[Bendibal]

I just bought the 1/2" Earthquake impact from the Parking Lot sale, $77.99 +tax. I know it is well regarded here and other sites but I was wondering the difference between older and newer models. I have not noticed anyone noting when they have purchased theirs when giving reviews. If anyone can offer suggestions or point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

 

[ineedtools]

But the grinders are only $10! I buy one for each of the wheels I use so I don't need to change them... wire brush cone, wire wheel, grinding disc, grinding pad, etc. When the bearings fail just go get another one...FOR $10!

I do the same, I have more trouble with the button stop breaking than the motors failing myself.

I'm sure this has been posted before but the 7mil nitrile gloves held up great this weekend working on the car. The XL size fit fine with my large hands. They are a little pricey at $9 a box, but seem much better than the medical grade stuff from wally world.

This place always has a good sale but you'll have to spend case money in order to save, they'll also send you free samples to test before you buy.
This is one of my favorites
http://shopping.medexpressgloves.com/Precision-Nitrile-Gloves_p_116.html

 

[sometoyotaguy]

I do the same, I have more trouble with the button stop breaking than the motors failing myself.



This place always has a good sale but you'll have to spend case money in order to save, they'll also send you free samples to test before you buy.
This is one of my favorites
http://shopping.medexpressgloves.com/Precision-Nitrile-Gloves_p_116.html

Those are only 4mil. Thanks though. I find that the thin ones tear easily when they catch on one of the many sharp edges underneath a vehicle.

 

[subarub4]

I just bought the 1/2" Earthquake impact from the Parking Lot sale, $77.99 +tax. I know it is well regarded here and other sites but I was wondering the difference between older and newer models. I have not noticed anyone noting when they have purchased theirs when giving reviews. If anyone can offer suggestions or point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

I have the older kind like 5 years old.. I really haven't used my air tools since I got my cordless Milwaukee M18 1/2" impact

 

[stage20]

Looks is about all I know on the impact. Did you buy the older version?

 

[subarub4]

Looks is about all I know on the impact. Did you buy the older version?

Like I said mine is 5 years old with the setting on the turn dial on the side and not the back like the new kind.

I've been impressed with my cordless Milwaukee I think I only used my compressor to sandblast

 

[popparoach]

Just an update on the small observations I have of some of my Harbor Freight offerings.

The pictures are all of items that sit in the same area and were not used much recently so they should have the accumulated wear and tear that can be compared. The bit is the control item here. It has never been used and is the standard bit that most people get just about anywhere. I believe COO is Taiwan.

So, the pictures will do that talking. The wrench set is #42304 and the pliers are the cheapest pliers that HF offers, which are the ones with the dark blue handles.

I'm giving a PASS to the #42304 plier set. I used them occasionally, but nothing hard or troublesome. They are a little on the short side and I'm not 100% positive that all sizes are really on par with what they should be, but they still fit good, even the box end. The chrome has held up and I have zero on mine.

You need some dessicant or oil on seldom used pieces.

 

[TauntDevil]

So many pages that I am not sure if it has been talked about but I am sure it has been.

HF Tube notcher, fail.
Gone through 6 of them in the past two months. Either the copper in them pops out or the bearings fall apart. But never have any of them at all been balanced or smooth. Always bouncy. So close to having enough money to fix my JD2 notcher.

 

[winlinmac]

Somebody comes in today to return a couple of 4 1/2" Angle Grinders (Chicago Electric); I thought they were decent, but noticed the customer in front of me complaining of the loose switches; machine wasn't powering on either. Thank goodness, I've disciplined myself to stay clear of their power tools.

 

[Virgil Cain]

Somebody comes in today to return a couple of 4 1/2" Angle Grinders (Chicago Electric); I thought they were decent, but noticed the customer in front of me complaining of the loose switches; machine wasn't powering on either. Thank goodness, I've disciplined myself to stay clear of their power tools.

Surprisingly enough, my brother has a HF 4 1/2 angle grinder that he's had for years. He's used the heck out of it and it just won't die. He does a fair amount of steel work and I'm shocked that it's still going.

I'm sure they've changed models between then and now though.

 

[OkRider]

The last two things I bought there were hammers. The large orange dead blow and the brass hammer. So far so good I guess, but they are just hammers.

 

[MNRZR]

You can source the tool from Harbor Freight, use it when you have project going on, then return it, and do the same in cyclical fashion. There really is no other way, but its a lot cheaper and cost-effective than going to Home Depot's Rent-a-Tool Center. And if you suddenly fall in love with Harbor Freight's Power Tools, keep the tool, and add a warranty if the total price doesn't exceed the cost of other brands.

That's just shady.

 

[Alchymist]

Have the orange 7" & 9" HF as well as the blue 4.5". 9" doesn't see much use, the 7" does get used occasionally, as does the blue one. But then I've had them for something like 7-8 years. Blue one used yesterday with a cutoff disk to slice a 1/2" X 4" piece of cast iron in two. Only complaint among all three is that the 4.5" has a very sticky slide switch. Not bad for that long a life.

 

[Muggzy]

That's just shady.

x2

That's good to hear, I had one as well (Chicago Electric) but returned it after a couple of uses due to a funky gunpowder odor that kept arising anytime the tool was in operation. Not saying the tool was bad, but couldn't risk loosing $20. I'm sure the cheaper Drill Master $10 grinder would have had a couple of uses before going ****. Fact of the matter is, I don't see the purpose of buying an additional protection plan from Harbor Freight; I'd rather just resort to Craftsman (next level up, and includes 1-year warranty) if I need something cheap to get the job done.

You can source the tool from Harbor Freight, use it when you have project going on, then return it, and do the same in cyclical fashion. There really is no other way, but its a lot cheaper and cost-effective than going to Home Depot's Rent-a-Tool Center. And if you suddenly fall in love with Harbor Freight's Power Tools, keep the tool, and add a warranty if the total price doesn't exceed the cost of other brands.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[ineedtools]

The blue 4.5" grinder, 65519, with the paddle switch has done well for me, gone thru a couple boxes of thin cut off wheels and a couple of grinding wheels with it. Was on sale for $24.99 and I tossed a 20off on top of that.

The large 7" grinder, 69454, has done really well too and I've completely abused it like it was a Milwaukee or DeWalt and it hasn't let me down yet either, got that for under $40 with a sale and coupon as well.

I used to get the thin cutoff wheels from there as well but the price went down a buck and the packing went from 10 to 5 so now I buy them off ebay for around 50 cents each on a box of 50, they/re .040 and work pretty well when I don't feel like firing up the plasma cutter.

 

[cheechi]

You can source the tool from Harbor Freight, use it when you have project going on, then return it, and do the same in cyclical fashion. There really is no other way, but its a lot cheaper and cost-effective than going to Home Depot's Rent-a-Tool Center.

That's just shady.

That's an understatement MNRZR

 

[dchawk81]

Central Pneumatic 47065.

It's an older model that I picked up used locally but I'd like to give it a pass in case anyone comes across one and wants a bargain. I paid a whopping $95 for mine.

It seems like the failure point on these is the pressure switch but they're only $15 and readily available on Amazon and eBay. Mine was leaking so I took it apart, cleaned and adjusted the rubber valve, and stuck a pen in the pressure release to loosen it (it was rusty from moisture and non-use). Still have the replacement switch as a spare.

Runs my newly acquired Nitrocat 1250K for up to 25 seconds before kicking back on @ 60PSI. It's not a long run time, but the gun is so powerful you're usually done with your fastener far sooner than that...which means it can do more with less air.

 

[cheechi]

You have a right to your opinion and to express it if you like. However at very least this is an off-topic discussion and has no place in this thread. I'll thank you to leave it alone from here on.

 

[CRXPilot]

Three-Jaw Puller set 3 Pc 69105; FAIL.

I broke the smaller two pullers trying to get the crank pulley off a Chrysler I worked on last week. These just scream "powdered metal". The silver paint may be what's holding them together.

Rented the correct Chrysler tool from the local parts house and ended up buying it. High torque applications and tight repair deadlines are two instances where I skip right on past the Harbor.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I need a creeper and am debating on the Plastic Creeper or the Metal Creeper. I am 6ft 245lbs, occasional usage.

I noticed a few bad reviews on the plastic version from HF and some mentioned the newer design was stronger. What part number is the newer one?

I would prefer the plastic style as it looks more comfy and I always ding my funny bone on the rails of the metal ones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-in-300-lb-capacity-low-profile-creeper-61916.html

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/oversized-low-profile-creeper-2745.html

 

[trentonmakes]

They **** and are uncomfortable as hell!
Personaly, I'd rather lay on some cardboard than either of those.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

 

[firedawg92]

11pc Snap Ring Pliers. FAIL

Needed to remove and replace a snap ring on my Harley clutch to replace the cable. Bent everyone of them to the point they were unusable. Had to go to sears and get the Craftsman version, no problems. The stamped steel of the HF set will not do any "heavy duty" work. No pics, trashed them after getting pissed off.

 

[Bro-Hio]

True. The Armstrong's don't look bad and I can get all three sizes on Amazon for $230.

 

[Brownsfan]

True. The Armstrong's don't look bad and I can get all three sizes on Amazon for $230.

I think you posted this in the wrong thread.

 

[NC-Shaun]

They **** and are uncomfortable as hell!
Personaly, I'd rather lay on some cardboard than either of those.

Sent from my LG-D801 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the feedback I guess the other option is a Lisle Jeepers Creepers model.

Opinions?

http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-92102.aspx

 

[DieselJH]

I need a creeper and am debating on the Plastic Creeper or the Metal Creeper. I am 6ft 245lbs, occasional usage.

I noticed a few bad reviews on the plastic version from HF and some mentioned the newer design was stronger. What part number is the newer one?

I would prefer the plastic style as it looks more comfy and I always ding my funny bone on the rails of the metal ones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-in-300-lb-capacity-low-profile-creeper-61916.html

or

http://www.harborfreight.com/oversized-low-profile-creeper-2745.html

FWIW, I'm on my second metal version. The first one didn't last 4 months of shop use.

 

[NC-Shaun]

FWIW, I'm on my second metal version. The first one didn't last 4 months of shop use.

Good info, Thanks for the heads up! What failed on the metal version?

 

[DieselJH]

Good info, Thanks for the heads up! What failed on the metal version?

The frame bent on it at one of the top casters. Also all the casters would loosen up so if they weren't checked regularly they would bend the post going through the frame. Which is probably why the frame ended up bending. One caster actually broke on me. It still worked when I retired it for the new one but it wasn't very fun to roll around on.

 

[NC-Shaun]

The frame bent on it at one of the top casters. Also all the casters would loosen up so if they weren't checked regularly they would bend the post going through the frame. Which is probably why the frame ended up bending. One caster actually broke on me. It still worked when I retired it for the new one but it wasn't very fun to roll around on.

Thank You, I had to replace all of the caster nuts and washers on my Harbor Freight roller stool with Nylok style nuts and proper fitting washers to rid it of the similar issues.

Maybe the metal one is worth a try if I do this fix immediately?

 

[DieselJH]

It could be worth a try. I think I'm going to see how that works on this new creeper if I experience the same problems.

 

[garandman]

I just paid $80 for 29 Dewalt Titanium coated drill bits. Get home and find a coupon from Harbor Freight for a 29 piece set normally $25 on sale for $20 and a SuperCoupon for even less - $10.

Good value or waste of money?

http://t.harborfreight.com/titanium...637.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

[winlinmac]

I purchased them for $9.99, they're good if you know when and how to use them. Works great with a 3/8 corded drill and gets the job done. Chances are the HF-branded sets are made in the same exact factories as Dewalt's, sometimes the reviews on Amazon provide decent feedback to justify a purchase or not.

http://www.harborfreight.com/titani...t-29-pc-62281.html#pr-header-back-to-top-link

I just paid $80 for 29 Dewalt Titanium coated drill bits. Get home and find a coupon from Harbor Freight for a 29 piece set normally $25 on sale for $20 and a SuperCoupon for even less.

Good value or waste of money?

http://t.harborfreight.com/titanium...637.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

[NC-Shaun]

I just paid $80 for 29 Dewalt Titanium coated drill bits. Get home and find a coupon from Harbor Freight for a 29 piece set normally $25 on sale for $20 and a SuperCoupon for even less - $10.

Good value or waste of money?

http://t.harborfreight.com/titanium...637.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

I have a set of titanium coated bits from HF I believe they are the 29pc but they came in a metal case. I used them during a custom bike build and found them to be good working bits and I really worked them, I use 3 n 1 oil or wd40 for cutting aids.

 

[AmishFury]

from what i've read the HF are a dice roll... you may get decent usable bits, you might get bits that will twist and bend*... i have yet to use the set i bought


*not my picture

 

[winlinmac]

Why didn't that coupon resize itself? It's taking up half the page on this part of the thread.