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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

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lwram

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Joined
Jan 25, 2010
Messages
79
Location
Loganville, GA
My latest from the dollar days promotion, pretty good for just under $13-

Magnetic Bit Holder-works fine. best thing was that i tried using the coupon but it wouldnt work because it rang up for 0.59. PASS

Electric Fly Swatter -This thing is friggin sweet, I have been running around like a crazy man looking for flying bugs to kill! PASS

Microfiber Towels, Pack of 4 Cheap and nice! PASS

4in magnetic parts tray Nice finish, strong magnet. PASS

7in bench brush Great for the price $2- PASS

fluid siphon pumpI have not used this yet so I cant give it a pass or fail, maybe someone else can enlighten us?
 

SnowBlaZeR2

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Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
961
Location
Texas
In my experience, wooden handled hammers do not qualify for lifetime replacement. Same goes with the rubber mallets. I have broken both and got this explanation when trying to get a replacement.

The fiberglass handle (min-sledge) and plastic (dead blow as opposed to rubber mallet I guess) ones do qualify though.

The warranty on their site says it has the lifetime replacement. The guy at HF when I bought it reminded me that it came with a lifetime warranty also. Where are you getting this from? I'm going to be pissed, because that's the only reason I bought it.
 

Tom2

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Joined
Dec 19, 2008
Messages
2,209
Flex Drive Compression Tester

PASS

This is very nice quality for the price. I don't know how accurate it is, but is is very repeatable.

Ughh.. That ticks me off. I spent $40 on a new one a few weeks back from Advance Auto. And I actually had another old one, but didn't have the right metric fitting to make use of it, so I bought a new one. Obviously I would have just bought that $8 one.. If anything just for the fittings.
 

Scotto

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Joined
Apr 8, 2008
Messages
998
Location
South Jersey
Ughh.. That ticks me off. I spent $40 on a new one a few weeks back from Advance Auto. And I actually had another old one, but didn't have the right metric fitting to make use of it, so I bought a new one. Obviously I would have just bought that $8 one.. If anything just for the fittings.

Most likely the Advance Auto one wasn't anything spectacular too. Worth saving some $$ on.
 

geaugafletcher

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 9, 2008
Messages
215
Big box part stores' quality has suffered whereas Harbor Fright has gotten better. They're p'urt'near matching now.
 

Abbott

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Joined
Apr 29, 2009
Messages
1,684
Location
U.S.A.
Big box part stores' quality has suffered whereas Harbor Fright has gotten better. They're p'urt'near matching now.

I would say that is pretty accurate. Harbor Freight, Sears, Home Depot and Lowe's are carrying a lot of the same stuff under different branding.
 

SnowBlaZeR2

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Joined
May 17, 2010
Messages
961
Location
Texas
:)

Of course, Harbor Freight doesn't sell brake rotors...

I have to admit, I think a lot more highly of their tools than I used to. There are still plenty of tools I pick up in there though that I would never buy. I was impressed with every single thing I bought the last time though. The socket trays were well made for the price. I just wish they would have been designed better.
 

IONH

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Joined
Feb 12, 2010
Messages
2,043
Location
Central Massachusetts
The warranty on their site says it has the lifetime replacement. The guy at HF when I bought it reminded me that it came with a lifetime warranty also. Where are you getting this from? I'm going to be pissed, because that's the only reason I bought it.
Worcester Massachusetts store told me that when I brought in a rubber mallet which had broken. Used it to set my paver stones for a walk way (doesn't take a significant impact) and it broke about 2/3 of the way through. Brought it back and they said that wooden handled tools do not count. I didn't complain because it was only a couple bucks. I also didn't buy another to force a replacement.

Their website does say it has a lifetime warranty though, as you mentioned. I may purchase another now and just print out the website if it does break again.
 

strnjss

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 5, 2010
Messages
322
Location
Boston Area
Worcester Massachusetts store told me that when I brought in a rubber mallet which had broken. Used it to set my paver stones for a walk way (doesn't take a significant impact) and it broke about 2/3 of the way through. Brought it back and they said that wooden handled tools do not count. I didn't complain because it was only a couple bucks. I also didn't buy another to force a replacement.

Their website does say it has a lifetime warranty though, as you mentioned. I may purchase another now and just print out the website if it does break again.

I go to the Worcester, MA one too. The workers there really know nothing about their own company. I was asking them about something HF sells, and advertises like crazy, and they had no idea what I was talking about. One guy at checkout was like "hey how do you get those 20% off coupons?" I really don't think they train them at all, so you may want to just email the company or something if you want your money back.
 

trbomax

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Joined
Mar 21, 2010
Messages
2,556
Location
starvation lake,mi.
The "hot knife",$12.95 os is a pass. Cuts 2" foam like butter,even complex shapes around switch and junction boxes.I'm useing it to cut foam to fit between studs and trusses.
 

fxt

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Joined
Jun 30, 2008
Messages
279
The "hot knife",$12.95 os is a pass. Cuts 2" foam like butter,even complex shapes around switch and junction boxes.I'm useing it to cut foam to fit between studs and trusses.


i used this to make cuts in my icf walls to run wires and install outlets.
 

nuclearlemon

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Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
117
Location
denver
just found this forum. gotta say, this is a very appropriate thread since i'm poor and need cheap tools, but i really get pissed off when they don't work. here's my harbor **** list of passes. hf is really only if you need a tool once and will never need it again. these are for multiple use

i saw someone already posted the 3lb orange deadblow...got a few of those and they've been treated very poorly by me and survived.

i've also got two of the small sledge hammers and they've lasted well

welding cart will need casters that don't ****, but it was on sale and i had a 20% off coupon, so for $38, i'd do it again, but anymore and i'd say build your own.

the hand brush for cleaning the bench lasted for about six years, but is now starting to loose all it's bristles. worth the money tho.
 

nuclearlemon

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
117
Location
denver

i disagree there. on mine the teeth weren't long enough on the gears and i would often have to crawl underneath and use pliers to turn it to lower my rig (underneath is not where i want to be at that time). i figured i could weld little extensions on, but they're made of butter. a friend gave me an otc jack and i'm in heaven. doesn't take four thousand pumps to get it up, doesn't leak oil and have to be bled all the time and has a much better way of turning (ujoint vs hf butter gears) to lower jack.


another epic fail are their consumables. the sandpaper falls apart in your hands and even worse, the cutoff wheels shatter very easily....thank god for good jeans.
 
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nuclearlemon

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Joined
Jul 10, 2010
Messages
117
Location
denver
Electric Pressure Washer - Epic Fail

I made the mistake of buying this turd a few years ago and it broke the second time I used it... not that it worked very well the first time, either. Complete ****.

mine made it about six times before it broke. i'll add to the epic fail.
 
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Tom2

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Dec 19, 2008
Messages
2,209
I was just in the store the other day and a guy was returning the electric pressure washer. He said he was on the 3rd one :wtf: You'd think he would have got the hint the first time..
 
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Abbott

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Apr 29, 2009
Messages
1,684
Location
U.S.A.
I was just in the store the other day and a guy was returning the pressure washer. He said he was on the 3rd one :wtf: You'd think he would have got the hint the first time..

I have a HF gas pressure washer that has been working fine for years. I never thought the electric ones were worth bothering with.
 

Danglerb

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Joined
Sep 6, 2007
Messages
9,736
Location
SoCal
I was just in the store the other day and a guy was returning the electric pressure washer. He said he was on the 3rd one :wtf: You'd think he would have got the hint the first time..

If you have the warranty, why not?
 

msmith

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 3, 2010
Messages
57
If you have the warranty, why not?

At some point it's just not worth the aggravation of dealing with a hose that kinks when you look at it and splits after one use, fittings that leak and a pump so weak that I could spit water through my teeth with more pressure. So, you chalk it up to experience, throw the sumbitch away and get on with life. :lol_hitti
 

Tom2

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Dec 19, 2008
Messages
2,209
Yea..and I'm not even sure he had a warranty. Just a receipt return each time. Could be wrong though.
 

Stick Figure

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Aug 3, 2009
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1,395
Location
Omaha, Ne
image_3731.jpg


7" Multipurpose Stainless Steel Scissors

Item # 97042

Picked these up to get me by while i see if Matco will warranty the ones i have from them, or if i need to send these to pops to sharpen up on his scissor sharpener. Initial impression is that they are pretty well built. They cut the package they came in very easily, as well as a few small tests at home, we'll see how they cut the hydraulic hose at work on monday. for today they are a PASS


image_4060.jpg


9 Piece 3/8" and 1/2" Drive Metric Hex Bit Socket Set

Item # 98229

Picked these up a few weeks ago. These are for home use, so i haven't had much chance to use them. Originally i figured i would use it to fill in the blanks as i found better pieces here and there. I started using them, and found them to be actually pretty damn nice. With out hesitation, i would place them above the Craftsman set. If for nothing else the 10mm and 3/8 sizes.

10mm Craftsman for example
00942679000


So far these would be a big PASS

one final thing on the hex sockets. HF sell a smaller set that is made in China, and this larger set that is made in Taiwan. The smaller set didn't seem to have near the same fit and finish on them as the larger set above.
 

crashbumper

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Joined
Feb 8, 2009
Messages
602
Location
Gilbert, AZ
^

I have those scissors, and have used them to cut cardboard, poster board, 3/16" rubber sheet, etc and every time it has been easy and smooth.

MAJOR PASS in my book.
 

Grand Marquis GT

Active member
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Messages
31
By your recommendations, I bought the cushioned screwdrivers mentioned above. I used the phillips today and it worked great. PASS so far! I also bought a set of the files. We will see how they work the first time I use them!
 

bmxr4life87

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 21, 2009
Messages
872
Location
Bixby Oklahoma
I have a large ******* file from HF marked india ithas very aggressive teeth but they have held up so far and they make short work of whatever I am shaping
 

z99702

New member
Joined
Jul 13, 2010
Messages
2
Location
Avondale, AZ
Recently I epoxy coated my garage floor. For the first half of the floor I did the "chemical clean / scrub with a brush / rinse / repeat" procedure for the prep (as specified in the epoxy kit instructions). It took 6 or 7 "repeats" to get it ready for coating. I decided that was too labor intensive. For prepping the second half of the floor I bought a HF 4-1/2" diameter diamond "turbo" grinding wheel and used my angle grinder to remove all the heavy deposits. This wheel is a BIG PASS (just make sure you wear a dust mask when you use it). It does a great job, 200 square feet on concrete cleaned and plenty of wheel left. They also sell a 7" wheel (if your grinder can handle it).
image_5714.jpg
 

Grand Marquis GT

Active member
Joined
Jul 8, 2010
Messages
31
Recently I epoxy coated my garage floor. For the first half of the floor I did the "chemical clean / scrub with a brush / rinse / repeat" procedure for the prep (as specified in the epoxy kit instructions). It took 6 or 7 "repeats" to get it ready for coating. I decided that was too labor intensive. For prepping the second half of the floor I bought a HF 4-1/2" diameter diamond "turbo" grinding wheel and used my angle grinder to remove all the heavy deposits. This wheel is a BIG PASS (just make sure you wear a dust mask when you use it). It does a great job, 200 square feet on concrete cleaned and plenty of wheel left. They also sell a 7" wheel (if your grinder can handle it).
image_5714.jpg

Thanks for the review! This will be GREAT for us doing the epoxy treatment on our floor like I am planning to :D
 

bchee

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 20, 2007
Messages
6,148
Location
Texas
Recently I epoxy coated my garage floor. For the first half of the floor I did the "chemical clean / scrub with a brush / rinse / repeat" procedure for the prep (as specified in the epoxy kit instructions). It took 6 or 7 "repeats" to get it ready for coating. I decided that was too labor intensive. For prepping the second half of the floor I bought a HF 4-1/2" diameter diamond "turbo" grinding wheel and used my angle grinder to remove all the heavy deposits. This wheel is a BIG PASS (just make sure you wear a dust mask when you use it). It does a great job, 200 square feet on concrete cleaned and plenty of wheel left. They also sell a 7" wheel (if your grinder can handle it).

I'm going to try one of these. Thanks
I assume it is designed to handle the typical high RPM's of a grinder?
 

Sanjuro82

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
8
image_3731.jpg


7" Multipurpose Stainless Steel Scissors

Item # 97042

Picked these up to get me by while i see if Matco will warranty the ones i have from them, or if i need to send these to pops to sharpen up on his scissor sharpener. Initial impression is that they are pretty well built. They cut the package they came in very easily, as well as a few small tests at home, we'll see how they cut the hydraulic hose at work on monday. for today they are a PASS

Got a pair of those as well. Very nice pair of scissors. So far I've used them to slice through cardboard, packaging, vinyl, paper, cloth, and a few other items. No problems to report. Solidly built. Pass


2 Piece Rubber Strap Wrench Set - 94119
image_2876.jpg


Got them on sale for under 5 bucks. Have only used the bigger wrench, but it has held up to my abuse. I used some sand paper to scuff up the strap, to gain a bit more grip/bite. They aren't the best strap wrenches I've ever used, but they are well built. For the price they are a Pass.
 

Sanjuro82

Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2009
Messages
8
9" Professional Long Nose Locking Pliers - 94285
image_2915.jpg


I bought both the long nose version shown above as well as the curved jaw version. Both are the new "Professional" series that HF has come out with recently. I have to admit these locking pliers seem really good. I've used both quite a few time over the last couple of weeks. Both pliers have preformed admirably. The fit and finish on these are quite a bit better than their normal locking pliers. The steel seems much stronger too. I've been pleasantly surprised by them. Major Pass Their normal locking pliers are fail, but these "professional" ones are great.

Over-sized Low Profile Creeper - 67449
image_2069.jpg


Used it on a my last oil change. worked great. Comfortable to lie on, and swivel caster rolled smoothly. Catch it on sale for under $20, and it's a great deal. It's a Pass
 

mojo_13

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Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
268
Location
Iowa
Over-sized Low Profile Creeper - 67449
image_2069.jpg


Used it on a my last oil change. worked great. Comfortable to lie on, and swivel caster rolled smoothly. Catch it on sale for under $20, and it's a great deal. It's a Pass

Just picked up one of those for $17 with a coupon and have rolled around the garage a bit. I'm 6' 2 and about 150lbs and it seems to work great for me. I think I'll like the storage on the sides.
 

Nix

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Joined
Sep 11, 2007
Messages
82
Location
Erie,PA
Just picked up one of those for $17 with a coupon and have rolled around the garage a bit. I'm 6' 2 and about 150lbs and it seems to work great for me. I think I'll like the storage on the sides.

I've had one of those for about a year. Only used is a half dozen times so far but it's worked great. Though I've lost a bit of weight recently I was up to 320 lbs when I was using it and never had a problem. At 6'4" I wish it was a bit longer but I certainly can't fault the creeper for my height.
 

3 at 8

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Joined
Dec 1, 2008
Messages
921
Location
N. E. Ohio
I've had one of those for about a year. Only used is a half dozen times so far but it's worked great. Though I've lost a bit of weight recently I was up to 320 lbs when I was using it and never had a problem. At 6'4" I wish it was a bit longer but I certainly can't fault the creeper for my height.

Nix,

I just saw this in an add, and was thinking the same thing about its length. I'm 6' 5", 275#. Is your **** on it at all, or does it end at your lower back?
 

Stick Figure

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Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
1,395
Location
Omaha, Ne
i must be the only one that bought that creeper and hate it. Middle drags on the ground for me. I'm in the 220-230# range. No i never said my board name described me.
 

Nix

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Joined
Sep 11, 2007
Messages
82
Location
Erie,PA
Nix,

I just saw this in an add, and was thinking the same thing about its length. I'm 6' 5", 275#. Is your **** on it at all, or does it end at your lower back?

It's currently on loan to my father about 45 minutes away but I think (and this is a very vague recollection) that it comes to about my tail bone. I can say It's never caused me any lower back pain and I have trouble with my lower back in general. Also, I have a long torso. At 6'4" my inseam is only 32-33". If I had it at home I'd get on it and give you a more detailed review. If your local HF isn't too far away, I'd head over and try it out. I dont' know if it's changed but when I bought mine they didn't come in a box or anything so I was able to try it out at the store before I bought.
 
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