soloz2
Well-known member
I use lake country or CarPro pads. Try better pads.
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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
I have found that most of the time when anything foam, such as a polishing pad, da pad, etc. flies apart, it is because it is OLD. The foam gets crumbly. Not for sure, just my experience.Compound dual action polishing pad. Unfortunately a fail. Had one blow apart halfway through a car on its maiden voyage.
Finished the job with the 2nd one and it didn’t look so good either. Also noticed foam seemed to be flying off the blue polishing one.
Thought I was getting a good deal at $4, but the griots red ones even at 3x the price seem to last much longer and are the better long term value.
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Motorman55
Well-known member
HF #60643 Fluorescent Swing Arm Magnifying Lamp.
The 22w Daylight lamp is a very bright white and lights instantly when switched on. There's a clear plastic protective cover over the lamp bulb itself to prevent accidental breakage and a flip up dust cover/shield over the top of the magnifying glass. Magnifying aspect of is 1.75x magnification.
The lamp head swivels on its axis in multiple directions and is held in place with a large plastic handle screw. The table clamp comes separate from the arms and has a plastic insert where the lamps arms swivel pin drops into. The whole unit swivels with ease on the clamp.
The underside of the upper portion of the clamp has a pad to protect your table top's surface, but you would need to place a piece of wood or plastic shim between the metal set screw if you want to protect the underside of your table top.
The *********** cord measures approximately 5'6" long. The overall finish is a nice gloss white.
Regular price is $39.99. I paid $29.99 with an Inside Track Club coupon. If not a Club member you could use a 20%/25% coupon instead.
Like most anything else I'm sure one could find a better made unit with an even stronger magnifying lamp for more money. But overall I'm very satisfied with the lamp and it should work fine for my use. I give it an initial PASS.
The 22w Daylight lamp is a very bright white and lights instantly when switched on. There's a clear plastic protective cover over the lamp bulb itself to prevent accidental breakage and a flip up dust cover/shield over the top of the magnifying glass. Magnifying aspect of is 1.75x magnification.
The lamp head swivels on its axis in multiple directions and is held in place with a large plastic handle screw. The table clamp comes separate from the arms and has a plastic insert where the lamps arms swivel pin drops into. The whole unit swivels with ease on the clamp.
The underside of the upper portion of the clamp has a pad to protect your table top's surface, but you would need to place a piece of wood or plastic shim between the metal set screw if you want to protect the underside of your table top.
The *********** cord measures approximately 5'6" long. The overall finish is a nice gloss white.
Regular price is $39.99. I paid $29.99 with an Inside Track Club coupon. If not a Club member you could use a 20%/25% coupon instead.
Like most anything else I'm sure one could find a better made unit with an even stronger magnifying lamp for more money. But overall I'm very satisfied with the lamp and it should work fine for my use. I give it an initial PASS.
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_Riddle
Well-known member
6 Amp Reciprocating Saw - 62370
Pass - I needed this to cut the exhaust off an old BMW and it did it well enough for $24 after a coupon. I also used some HF blades that worked ok but I did burn through 3 of them cutting both pipes from the exhaust manifold. It struggled a bit towards the end and part of the blade started to glow red but this gets a pass from me since it's done the one thing I asked of it.
Pass - I needed this to cut the exhaust off an old BMW and it did it well enough for $24 after a coupon. I also used some HF blades that worked ok but I did burn through 3 of them cutting both pipes from the exhaust manifold. It struggled a bit towards the end and part of the blade started to glow red but this gets a pass from me since it's done the one thing I asked of it.
ndnchf
Well-known member
180 Lumen rotating magnetic work light- pass.
I have a steel hard top on my old jeep for the winter. With it getting dark early, I thought it would be nice to have a light added inside the cab. I was at HF recently and saw this magnetic, battery powered LED lamp. It seemed like just what I needed. The magnet is strong, and the light is bright and its adjustable.
I have a steel hard top on my old jeep for the winter. With it getting dark early, I thought it would be nice to have a light added inside the cab. I was at HF recently and saw this magnetic, battery powered LED lamp. It seemed like just what I needed. The magnet is strong, and the light is bright and its adjustable.
Attachments
https://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-57-amp-heavy-duty-dual-action-variable-speed-polisher-64528.html
Anybody have experience with this guy?
Anybody have experience with this guy?
57JoeFoMoPar
Well-known member
I've been buying a load of stuff from HF lately with great success.
To begin, all of the "Chief" branded air tools are a HUGE PASS. I bought #64278 the extended reach professional cut off tool and have been extremely impressed with it thus far. I was used to the Mac version I was using before it and personally I find no difference in quality. The HF tool is a bit heavier, the neck is a bit thicker, but it's stout and has been a real treat to use. I also picked up #64371 Chief die grinder and have been running it with a carbide burr. Also performing flawlessly and a steal at the price. I also picked up the Chief body saw #64678, which is basically a dead ringer for an IR and works about the same. I used it to saw up a 59 Ford dashboard I've been working on and it did a find job of it. It is a significant improvement over the Chicago Pneumatic HF version, as I have both and can compare.
I also bought the Predator 6.5 hp horizontal shaft engine #60363 to replace the Briggs on my TracVac. Also a PASS. It was literally a bolt on, everything fit, with the exception of the exhaust as the muffler on the engine was mounted in such a way that it hit the housing of the tracvac. I rerouted the exhaust and was done with it. It lit off on the first pull and took care of my 3 acres of leaves. To buy that engine for $99 is criminal, it's probably half the price of what a small engine repair shop would have cost me to fix the ****** Briggs engine that I threw in the dumpster.
To begin, all of the "Chief" branded air tools are a HUGE PASS. I bought #64278 the extended reach professional cut off tool and have been extremely impressed with it thus far. I was used to the Mac version I was using before it and personally I find no difference in quality. The HF tool is a bit heavier, the neck is a bit thicker, but it's stout and has been a real treat to use. I also picked up #64371 Chief die grinder and have been running it with a carbide burr. Also performing flawlessly and a steal at the price. I also picked up the Chief body saw #64678, which is basically a dead ringer for an IR and works about the same. I used it to saw up a 59 Ford dashboard I've been working on and it did a find job of it. It is a significant improvement over the Chicago Pneumatic HF version, as I have both and can compare.
I also bought the Predator 6.5 hp horizontal shaft engine #60363 to replace the Briggs on my TracVac. Also a PASS. It was literally a bolt on, everything fit, with the exception of the exhaust as the muffler on the engine was mounted in such a way that it hit the housing of the tracvac. I rerouted the exhaust and was done with it. It lit off on the first pull and took care of my 3 acres of leaves. To buy that engine for $99 is criminal, it's probably half the price of what a small engine repair shop would have cost me to fix the ****** Briggs engine that I threw in the dumpster.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I bought the $.69 tack cloth today and it's USA made and works fantastic.
I will buy these now instead of the 3M made in China one's that are twice the price.
I will buy these now instead of the 3M made in China one's that are twice the price.
Prospecter
Well-known member
I have the older CE version that looks the same to me for less $$$$. Not an exact match, but definitely a pass. The plastic cover thing did not attach very well and fell off after a while. But it runs and does what it is supposed to.
18 Gauge Combo Nailer/Stapler... a BIG pass 
I have 2, and bought the 2nd one with a coupon for way less than $24.
https://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html
Initially finicky as a nailer, until I found out it needs to be run WET, oiled/lubed everywhere.
Because it's a combo stapler, it leaves a wider dent in the wood when shooting braids/nails.
I bought a 2nd "gun" because I often changed nail lengths when building something and it's easier to have 2 setup with different lengths.
I had some concerns when I recently put some staples thru one gun.
Staples are epoxy coated, the nails are not, and I thought that would be a problem.
The epoxied staples ran as smooth as the nails
I used finish nails for small wooden projects/trim before I bought these nailers, now things go way faster...
I have 2, and bought the 2nd one with a coupon for way less than $24.
https://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html
Initially finicky as a nailer, until I found out it needs to be run WET, oiled/lubed everywhere.
Because it's a combo stapler, it leaves a wider dent in the wood when shooting braids/nails.
I bought a 2nd "gun" because I often changed nail lengths when building something and it's easier to have 2 setup with different lengths.
I had some concerns when I recently put some staples thru one gun.
Staples are epoxy coated, the nails are not, and I thought that would be a problem.
The epoxied staples ran as smooth as the nails
I used finish nails for small wooden projects/trim before I bought these nailers, now things go way faster...
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emeraldcoupe
Well-known member
Maddox harmonic balancer puller / installer set- pass
https://www.harborfreight.com/harmonic-balancer-pullerinstaller-set-52-pc-63740.html
works good and seems to be made pretty nice. i'm not a pro, using it at home.
https://www.harborfreight.com/harmonic-balancer-pullerinstaller-set-52-pc-63740.html
works good and seems to be made pretty nice. i'm not a pro, using it at home.
jseymour
Active member
Hercules Professional Rolling Miter Saw Stand, SKU 64751: PASS
I generally stick to "higher-end" tools, but, after doing my homework this looked like the way to go. Used with my Makita 10" sliding-table compound miter saw several times over the next couple of weeks. It has not disappointed. Looks like HF is upping their game.
I generally stick to "higher-end" tools, but, after doing my homework this looked like the way to go. Used with my Makita 10" sliding-table compound miter saw several times over the next couple of weeks. It has not disappointed. Looks like HF is upping their game.
I ran several thousand 1 1/4" staples through this on some 1/4" underlayment. I found I had to run it at higher pressure than they recommend to drive them flush. I bought the brad only gun because I got tired of the big indent the staple combo gun put in finish work. They were both less than $20 when I bought them, probably with coupons. No complaints on either one.18 Gauge Combo Nailer/Stapler... a BIG pass
I have 2, and bought the 2nd one with a coupon for way less than $24.
https://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html
Initially finicky as a nailer, until I found out it needs to be run WET, oiled/lubed everywhere.
Because it's a combo stapler, it leaves a wider dent in the wood when shooting braids/nails.
I bought a 2nd "gun" because I often changed nail lengths when building something and it's easier to have 2 setup with different lengths.
I had some concerns when I recently put some staples thru one gun.
Staples are epoxy coated, the nails are not, and I thought that would be a problem.
The epoxied staples ran as smooth as the nails
I used finish nails for small wooden project before I bought these nailers, now things go way faster...
619DioFan
Well-known member
1/4 inch drive rotohead ratchet. very much a PASS. just picked one up and have used it now for a few days. really works well and love the ability to use it to spin out the loose fastener. going to p/u the 3/8 inch drive as well.
BigSteve63
Well-known member
I have one of these and absolutely love it. Made a wall mount out of tubing and some pressed in flange bushings to get it off the benchtop. Makes it easier to rebuild small engine carbs when you can see what you are doing!
Steve
It seems like the bigger these are, the less useful they are. 1/4" must have, 3/8" OK, 1/2" almost never used.
619DioFan
Well-known member
I agree that the 1/2 inch drive rotohead might not be very practical , having used the 1/4 inch drive for a few days now i can see uses for the 3/8 inch drive where it would be a better choice then one of my flexhead style ratchets.
ndnchf
Well-known member
What is a rotohead ratchet? I searched the HF site for "rotohead" and found nothing. Can you paste a link or item #? Thanks.
ndnchf
Well-known member
Berger MIG pliers - Pass
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-in-mig-welding-pliers-63513.html
I bought these about 6 months ago. They seem to be properly hardened and work very well. They clip the wire cleanly, grip wire firmly and unscrew tips with no problem.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-in-mig-welding-pliers-63513.html
I bought these about 6 months ago. They seem to be properly hardened and work very well. They clip the wire cleanly, grip wire firmly and unscrew tips with no problem.
DFB
Well-known member
18 Gauge Combo Nailer/Stapler... a BIG pass
I have 2, and bought the 2nd one with a coupon for way less than $24.
https://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html
Initially finicky as a nailer, until I found out it needs to be run WET, oiled/lubed everywhere.
Because it's a combo stapler, it leaves a wider dent in the wood when shooting braids/nails.
I bought a 2nd "gun" because I often changed nail lengths when building something and it's easier to have 2 setup with different lengths.
I had some concerns when I recently put some staples thru one gun.
Staples are epoxy coated, the nails are not, and I thought that would be a problem.
The epoxied staples ran as smooth as the nails
I used finish nails for small wooden projects/trim before I bought these nailers, now things go way faster...
I recently took one of the new 2 n1 guns home with me from my summer tool table flips, I've moved a few of these stapler/nailers. They were only like $15 for the longest time with a coupon but I have noticed the price is up and maybe $18 has been the best price out the door for me.
Haven't had any time to use it yet and just recently took it out of the box (see I need to add my own quick connect fitting) and so when I do I can also give a performance review.
Ya they do leave a large mark so not all that great for stained finish work, no real biggie if ur painting over it though. I have had the original contractor series (purple gun) they once sold for many years now, have worked it hard too doing a lot of commercial renovation work at my job. But no matter how you adjust it, either with the adjustable depth setting or by air pressure it still leaves a pretty large mark in the wood. Oh well does it what it does. but still, they make a great home project gun hobby projects.
Never had problem with the fasteners that came with it as the kit, and HF stocks them now, but in the past some 18ga brad fasteners that cheapo Grip brand from HD gave me fits!
But I have used Senco and Paslode brands from my local lumber yard with no problem.HF does have a whole new lineup of nailers now and although this is a HF pass fail thread, the prices aren't really that cheap on them so I will recommend competitive and inexpensive 16ga nailer, the Numax.
Nice nailer I sourced mine thru Amazon for around $40 Its been flawless with thousands of 2" & 2 1/2" Dewally fasteners put thru it.
Made by the same company that makes Freeman guns. According to their website the major difference being the warranty length the more expensive Fremmans use a different material for o rings seals.
Attachments
DFB
Well-known member
ndnchf
Well-known member
Oh, a swivel head, not a rotohead - got it. Thanks.
No but it comes knocked down so not huge.
619DioFan
Well-known member
HF calls it a swivel head ratchet ( I have always heard them called a rotohead )
so far the 1/4 inch drive has been very usefull so I am going to get the 3/8 as well.
guitarbutt
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 29, 2017
- Messages
- 237
The Pittsburgh 1/4 In. X 3/8 In. Dual Drive Extendable Ratchet (item #62312) is super handy. I've used it many times without any problems. I can't imagine what a "better" one consists of because this one is great.
Brandon_oma#692
Well-known member
Edit need to try again since I'm an idiot.....
AMES DM1000 Electrician's HVAC Contractor TRMS Multimeter
https://www.harborfreight.com/dm1000-electricians-hvac-contractor-trms-multimeter-64019.html
Test leads fit loose out of the box. Opened up the "bananna" plugs a bit and it worked ok for voltage as long as you don't wiggle the wires. Plugged into an outlet it showed 120v but would drop to zero if I wiggled the wires or moved the meter much. I was thinking about keeping it and using some other leads with it until I noticed the socket labeled 10 amp is so loose the lead falls out if you turn it over.
Not sure if I expected too much or I got a bad one. Also backlight time on is way too short in my opinion. I do really like the dual display. Need to find another meter with a LoZ setting. Probably order a decent looking used Fluke 117 on ebay for around 120.
AMES DM1000 Electrician's HVAC Contractor TRMS Multimeter
https://www.harborfreight.com/dm1000-electricians-hvac-contractor-trms-multimeter-64019.html
Test leads fit loose out of the box. Opened up the "bananna" plugs a bit and it worked ok for voltage as long as you don't wiggle the wires. Plugged into an outlet it showed 120v but would drop to zero if I wiggled the wires or moved the meter much. I was thinking about keeping it and using some other leads with it until I noticed the socket labeled 10 amp is so loose the lead falls out if you turn it over.
Not sure if I expected too much or I got a bad one. Also backlight time on is way too short in my opinion. I do really like the dual display. Need to find another meter with a LoZ setting. Probably order a decent looking used Fluke 117 on ebay for around 120.
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Loose Ctrl
Well-known member
Mine has been fine. May be a bad unit.
Exchange it.
platypus20
Well-known member
My DM1010 has been flawless
Brandon_oma#692
Well-known member
Soooooo I went to take at back and the woman at the register pushed it in and click. Wtf? Well I feel stupid. I'll try it again. Not sure how I failed at attaching test leads to a multimeter?
giants
Banned
Thanks! Both terms and the tool are new concepts for me. Please tell me how the swivel head has been useful. Thanks!
TheLawnRanger
Well-known member
I just bought the 3/8 drive swivel head ratchet to help get to the rear spark plugs in a 2011 Impala. The reviews are great so I thought I'll give it a shot. I had the $5 Pittsburgh Pro ratchet coupon burning a hole in my pocket.
oilslick
Well-known member
Chief extended reach 4" air cut off tool. Awesome, powerful, and cheap if u catch when $99 coupon is going on.
I recently picked up the new 3 in 1 LED light that just came out. I would say it's a PASS for at least two of the three attachments. The folding slim bar and the flexible shaft light are great, but the traditional flashlight attachment is nothing special. Its a PASS.... especially if HF issues a good coupon that brings the full retail price down to around $30. (IMO)
Video:
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Video:
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Lol iput it in the trunk of my Honda Civic easily, after breaking the box down of course.
HF has been displaying these cabinets for a year or more but has not been able to ship them. I finally got a 30" x 72" for storing paints and other flammables. I'm really impressed with the quality, and the ease of assembly. I looked at a lot of others but couldn't find anything this sturdy for anywhere near this price. They did up the price to $249 but the 15% coupon worked.
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/harbor-freight-yukon-brand.192099/
https://www.riverdavesplace.com/forums/threads/harbor-freight-yukon-brand.192099/
fartymarty
Well-known member
Soooooo I went to take at back and the woman at the register pushed it in and click. Wtf? Well I feel stupid. I'll try it again. Not sure how I failed at _________________ (fill in blank
I know that hurts. I changed your quote so it applies to me as well.
DGersic
Well-known member
Picked up this 18” brake today. So far, it’s a pass. It does, in fact, bend sheet metal, within reasonable limits. I’m intending to use it with some minor modifications.
I’d love to have a bigger, nicer brake. That takes space I don’t have in a one car garage.
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