The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[MechanicNamedJohn]

FAIL. I used a HF compression tester to check the compression on my snowmobile, compression checked at 95/105. Checked with a snap on tester and it reads 115/130.

This is hardly a fail. To me the exact numbers are irrelevant. It's the difference in the numbers that matter. You still got a 15psi difference with both testers, your conclusion is still the same.

 

[Hank McMauser]

just picked up one of the new green handled 3/8" roto head ratchets pittsburgh pro used it today on a few bolts holding the cover on the underside of my tahoe it worked well and seems as though it will hold up okay

 

[gnx547]

Snap ring plier set..FAILED! The end tips of 3 pliers broke off...Garbage!

 

[scott37300]

This is hardly a fail. To me the exact numbers are irrelevant. It's the difference in the numbers that matter. You still got a 15psi difference with both testers, your conclusion is still the same.

I would disagree with you on this. Yes for the most part all you need is to compare the numbers to see if one is lower than the rest. But there are times where the actual number is nice to know. Also if testing a chainsaw or small engine it is very important to know the exact number.

Also in my opinion you can not so "this is hardly a fail" when it can't give an accurate reading. The gauge is sold and advertised to read compression, if you are 15 PSI it is not working as advertised and should be a fail.

I'm not a HF hater, have my share of tools from there but I stay away from measuring tools and testers like a compression gauge from HF. Especially since prices are rising and getting closer and closer to US made quality products. Example would be cylinder leak down tester, HF one is 40 bucks and the US made star is 68 dollars at tooltopia. In my opinion the extra 30 bucks is worth it to get an accurate reading, not one that is 15 PSI off.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

I would disagree with you on this. Yes for the most part all you need is to compare the numbers to see if one is lower than the rest. But there are times where the actual number is nice to know. Also if testing a chainsaw or small engine it is very important to know the exact number.

Also in my opinion you can not so "this is hardly a fail" when it can't give an accurate reading. The gauge is sold and advertised to read compression, if you are 15 PSI it is not working as advertised and should be a fail.

I'm not a HF hater, have my share of tools from there but I stay away from measuring tools and testers like a compression gauge from HF. Especially since prices are rising and getting closer and closer to US made quality products. Example would be cylinder leak down tester, HF one is 40 bucks and the US made star is 68 dollars at tooltopia. In my opinion the extra 30 bucks is worth it to get an accurate reading, not one that is 15 PSI off.

I could agree where accuracy may be needed, but there are variables that can change the numbers; like a wet test.

Most likely the Snap ON tester is wrong... I would bet there is oil in the hose on the SO tester. Clean the SO tester and then compare to the HF tester.

 

[Beer:30]

Hi All, I'm a new member here - this thread is so great it just sucked me in!

Some Harbor Freight items have a place in my garage - and some don't...I am the first to admit that there is some real junk to be had from HF. There are also some good quality items that can be had at reasonable prices. Maybe not the best stuff on the market, but I am on a budget and if you shop smart (just like anywhere else) you can be in pretty good shape.

The bottom line for me is this: Thanks to HF, I am able to outfit myself with some tools that I could not normally afford in my shop. This gives me the ability to do more projects, etc that I could not do otherwise.... and expand my abilities.

And if something is junk, it goes back. They have never refused a return. Great customer service.

I never go in without a 20% coupon or two, and get some real deals! My wife thinks I'm mental the way I squirrel the coupons away in my wallet.

So here is some pass/fail, I am going FAIL first:

#5223 17pc slide hammer FAIL. The big end adapter broke. It is in it's element to tug a few dents out of sheetmetal now and then, but that's about it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/17-piece-heavy-duty-slide-hammer-kit-5223.html

Any abrasives: FAIL. It is just too hit and miss. I have had some good, some bad. This includes grinding wheels, sandpaper, cut off wheels, etc. Just too many variables. I gotta stick with a known brand on these.

#98580 Air shears mixed PASS/FAIL. The first one leaked air Real bad. Gave it another shot and it leaked real bad too, but it cut really well! Real well! Maybe I just got a couple bum ones. This is the only air tool from there I have had problems with. It went back and I purchased one from Northern instead (157795). Better quality but a bit finicky about cutting doesn't cut quite as well. If you can get a HF one that doesn't leak it would be perfect.
http://www.harborfreight.com/pistol-grip-air-shears-98580.html

A personal PASS/FAIL story: I bought the air punch #15826 from Northern for somewhere around $60. Then went to HF. The HF air punch #1110 is identical! and half the price. They look different in the pictures but are the same. D'oh!

And now for PASS:

Five drawer cart #95272 MAJOR PASS! I got this about a year ago at a "tent sale" it was $159 minus 20% = $130 ! ! ! The quality is great this is a no-brainer at even a higher price. I will buy another one when I can swing it.
http://www.harborfreight.com/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html

#38847 6 ton jack stands. PASS. Great quality. Great price. No problem with these being sturdy enough. I have two sets and have used the **** out of them.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-jack-stand-set-38847.html

#35915 Foldable shop crane: PASS. Used it at least a dozen times on a big block Mopar and has worked flawlessly. Cheaper than paying for two rentals. folds up and stashes away nicely.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-foldable-shop-crane-35915.html

#93608 40# blast cabinet. PASS. I use it almost every day it works great! A couple seams could use a touch-up on the sealing, but it's minor. The gun is a bit cheesy I will probably upgrade it soon. I also added a water trap at the cabinet to really keep moisture in check.
http://www.harborfreight.com/40-lb-capacity-floor-blast-cabinet-93608.html

some air tools, all PASS:

#67425 Cutoff tool 3" have used/abused it. It works well especially for the $7 I paid for it. I will buy another as a spare. No reason to pay more.

#96661 air nibbler. Works. Yup. Still working.

#90288 6" DA sander. HOGS air, but works okay. Not the best purchase ever, but a good knockaround tool and hasn't quit yet. I also have an Ingersoll Rand which hogs air too and is overall better quality but costs three times as much. The end result of the two tools is the same

#95159 blow gun kit. I love it. Perfect. Never has leaked.

Some other stuff:

#97078 Paint cups. PASS

Drill Master Unibits - PASS

#66205/66206 teardrop mallets PASS

#46779 Auto body hammer/dolly set. PASS. Works okay for my use. Not high-end by any means but gets the job done and the price is right

#65519 Paddle Switch Grinder. 6 amps. works. I have tried to kill it. won't die. happy. comes with extra brushes!
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-with-paddle-switch-65519.html?___SID=U

Blue Nitrile gloves: PASS. I use these like crazy.

Cheap LED flashlights: PASS/FAIL. Pass when they give them out free. About half of them have crapped out but they were free!!!! FAIL if I had paid anything for them.

I will add more reviews later.....

 

[Wingnut65]

Hi All, I'm a new member here - this thread is so great it just sucked me in!

Some Harbor Freight items have a place in my garage - and some don't...I am the first to admit that there is some real junk to be had from HF......

Welcome to GJ, Beer:30. Thanks for the in-depth reviews. Sorry to say, you are far from the first to admit some HF stuff is not worth the plastic its made from. But I agree with you fully, if it weren't for HF, my shop would have a little less variety of tools.

And, thanks to this thread, I now have some tools I didn't know I needed. I just bought the 2-ton Low Profile Jack 67022 with the $59.99 coupon. Man, that is nice. Its worlds ahead of my $20 jack from Wally-World (and that included jack stands that I won't use).

 

[scott37300]

I could agree where accuracy may be needed, but there are variables that can change the numbers; like a wet test.

Most likely the Snap ON tester is wrong... I would bet there is oil in the hose on the SO tester. Clean the SO tester and then compare to the HF tester.

MNJ, we sure have some different opinions today! Not trying to stir the pot, just a healthy discussion so nothing personal.

But curious why you would be so quick to call out the snap on tester the bad one? I'm not a die hard snap on guy or a HF hater but I would tend to think the snap on tester would be of higher quality. Might not always be true and there may be more to it like you say with oil in the line. Just curious why your so quick to say the HF is more accurate than the snap on?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

MNJ, we sure have some different opinions today! Not trying to stir the pot, just a healthy discussion so nothing personal.

But curious why you would be so quick to call out the snap on tester the bad one? I'm not a die hard snap on guy or a HF hater but I would tend to think the snap on tester would be of higher quality. Might not always be true and there may be more to it like you say with oil in the line. Just curious why your so quick to say the HF is more accurate than the snap on?

It's fine, I'm not bent, just giving my opinion. I'm not saying the SO tester is bad, I am just saying it may need to be cleaned. If both testers give a similar difference between cylinders than the conclusion is the same. In the event that you are testing a single cylinder engine, I would assume it may be necessary to perform a wet test or leak down test also; in this case either comp tester would work fine.

It is very possible that the SO tester has a small amount of oil in the hose which would give it a higher reading. If the SO tester is cleaned out, it may in fact give the same results of a new HF unit.

 

[motoguy]

#35915 Foldable shop crane: PASS. Used it at least a dozen times on a big block Mopar and has worked flawlessly. Cheaper than paying for two rentals. folds up and stashes away nicely.
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-foldable-shop-crane-35915.html

Can I use a 20% off coupon on this item? The limitations say nothing about lifts, and this would hardly be considered a floor jack, correct?

 

[Beer:30]

I used a 20% on it when I bought it, about a year or so ago. No problem. It was already on sale too!

 

[motoguy]

I used a 20% on it when I bought it, about a year or so ago. No problem. It was already on sale too!

It's on sale now, but HF has enacted new policies on coupon usage.

 

[Beer:30]

#99634 paint gun cleaning kit MASSIVE FAIL. When these brushes and stuff come apart all in your gun what do you use to clean THAT out?
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-spray-gun-cleaning-kit-99634.html

#47257 Digital Caliper PASS!! I love this thing! Very useful for measuring just about anything quick and accurately. I think I paid around $11 with a coupon. I keep a decimal to fraction conversion chart on the wall - it's really helpful. I however wouldn't trust it for anything requiring extreme precision...that might be foolish.
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html

#93486 mini grease gun. PASS! Paid $4. Buy the exact same one in an Ingersoll Rand package for $25 if you want to. I use this to lube my IR Impact. a 1# can of IR grease for my titanium impact gun was $17 on it's own and will last my lifetime.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-oz-mini-grease-gun-93486.html?___SID=U

 

[Beer:30]

Can I use a 20% off coupon on this item? The limitations say nothing about lifts, and this would hardly be considered a floor jack, correct?

I guess the thing to do would be to go to the store and ask. Worst thing is that they would say no. I don't think it counts as a floor jack. I see it says tool cabinets as well. That's too bad...

 

[jeffk14]

I guess the thing to do would be to go to the store and ask. Worst thing is that they would say no. I don't think it counts as a floor jack. I see it says tool cabinets as well. That's too bad...

The 20% coupons are no good on tool cabinets. The 4 and 5 drawer tool carts still get the 20% off.

 

[Beer:30]

The 20% coupons are no good on tool cabinets. The 4 and 5 drawer tool carts still get the 20% off.

Alright then.... Good to know! I am wanting to buy another 5 drawer cart, which I mentioned is GREAT.

 

[racer1735]

I used the 20% coupon on a motorcycle lift table. It is not (at least at my store) classified as a floor jack. I would have argued pretty strongly had they said it was!

 

[Kev442]

I bought the 4885 set over a year ago, and they're all still good with constant use/abuse. Don't think I've had to take the grinder to a single one to sharpen them up yet.

I've whacked my 4885's around a bit and they are starting to mushroom and I had to dress up a couple of them. Still worth the price paid though.

These are OK too:

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-long-drive-pin-punch-set-93111.html

I have the 12 piece set and I broke one so far over the last several years. From what I hear, all brands break the thin ones eventually.

 

[Kylecivicsi]

does anyone know when the next big parking lot/sidewalk sale is? I'd like to pick up one of those 5 drawer carts, especially if they ran them on sale for 150 - 20%.

Maybe I'm thinking too optimistically, and should just be happy with 200 - 20%.

 

[fatboyf150]

does anyone know when the next big parking lot/sidewalk sale is? I'd like to pick up one of those 5 drawer carts, especially if they ran them on sale for 150 - 20%.

Maybe I'm thinking too optimistically, and should just be happy with 200 - 20%.

March 11, 12, and 13th. The 20% of coupon can not be used on anything that is on the parking lot sale in march.

 

[bchee]

March 11, 12, and 13th. The 20% of coupon can not be used on anything that is on the parking lot sale in march.

Is that a new policy?
nllfreak said something like that.
IIRC last year you could use the coupon for sidewalk sale items (not referring to the new restrictions on jacks and boxes)

 

[sfckiddo]

if you clip and use a super coupon can you still use the 20% off one on the same item?

 

[scott37300]

if you clip and use a super coupon can you still use the 20% off one on the same item?

Cannot combine 2 coupons on one item.

 

[fatboyf150]

Is that a new policy?
nllfreak said something like that.
IIRC last year you could use the coupon for sidewalk sale items (not referring to the new restrictions on jacks and boxes)

it was all done at the same time on 08NOV10. Coupons now say "Use this coupon to save 20% on any one single item purchased when you shop at Harbor Freight Tools. Can not be used with any other discount or coupon. Coupon not valid on any of the following; prior purchases, gift cards, Inside Track Club memberships, Extended Service Plans, Campbell Hausfeld, open box items, Parking Lot sales, Blowout sales, Day after Thanksgiving sales items, Tent sales items, or online. Coupon can not be bought, sold, or transfered. Original coupon must be presented in-store in order to recieve the offer. Valid thru (exp date). Limit one coupon per customer and one coupon per day".

if you clip and use a super coupon can you still use the 20% off one on the same item?

no.

 

[racer1735]

Harbor Freight Item # 96279 Heat Gun....BIG PASS.



I will start by admitting I've only had this heat gun since Jan. 1. However, I purchased it with a coupon for $9.99. Used it to shrink wrap some wiring on on one of my motorcycles, then did some soldering with it. However, where it has been a true champion is in the past three days. We've had temps down to zero and below, with wind chills in the -20 to -30 range. A neighbor had some water pipes in his garage freeze, so I took the gun to his place, turned it on 'low' and within about 10 minutes his water was flowing again.

He didn't think to keep his faucet at a trickle that night and the next morning the pipes were frozen again. Back I went, minutes later the pipes were thawed (this time I left the gun with him). As he say's, its the 'gift that keeps on giving'. Considering that he was on the verge of taking his family to a motel until things thawed, to him the gun has saved him at least $75 on two occasions. Not bad for a $9.99 investment.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

March 11, 12, and 13th. The 20% of coupon can not be used on anything that is on the parking lot sale in march.

I understand HF will have this http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...al-shaft-overhead-valve-gas-engine-66015.html engine on sale for $89.99, is that true and if so can you scan the add?

 

[fatboyf150]

I understand HF will have this http://www.harborfreight.com/engine...al-shaft-overhead-valve-gas-engine-66015.html engine on sale for $89.99, is that true and if so can you scan the add?

I'm not at work today. I'll check it out tomorrow and also get a march flyer to scan.

 

[mrholeshot]

Coupons now say "Use this coupon to save 20% on any one single item purchased when you shop at Harbor Freight Tools. Can not be used with any other discount or coupon. Coupon not valid on any of the following; prior purchases, gift cards, Inside Track Club memberships, Extended Service Plans, Campbell Hausfeld, open box items, Parking Lot sales, Blowout sales, Day after Thanksgiving sales items, Tent sales items, or online. Coupon can not be bought, sold, or transfered. Original coupon must be presented in-store in order to recieve the offer. Valid thru (exp date). Limit one coupon per customer and one coupon per day".

So what we really have is some rough toilet paper that only removes 20%, lol

 

[DARK AGE 53]

I'm not at work today. I'll check it out tomorrow and also get a march flyer to scan.

Thank you very much sir.

 

[TireTracks]

How are there 1/2" electric impact guns?

 

[williaty]

I have an older orange one. It's served several years in professional use without any problem. Within the last two months, it's started getting a little reluctant to start sometimes. It'll require a small manual turn to get it to kick on. But, hell, I paid $24.99 for it and it's helped make probably a thousand times that, so I'm not complaining.

 

[TireTracks]

I have an older orange one. It's served several years in professional use without any problem. Within the last two months, it's started getting a little reluctant to start sometimes. It'll require a small manual turn to get it to kick on. But, hell, I paid $24.99 for it and it's helped make probably a thousand times that, so I'm not complaining.

Does it really put out close to 240ftlbs?

 

[williaty]

Does it really put out close to 240ftlbs?

Probably not, but they're not lying any more than other tool manufacturers do.

As a point of comparison, I have Milwaukee cordless impacts rated at 180lbf-ft and 450lbf-ft. The HF is noticeably (though not hugely) more powerful than the 180lbf-ft Milwaukee but way less powerful than the 450lbf-ft Milwaukee. The HF will typically remove bolts up to M12 with ease and will remove some M14 bolts.

 

[TireTracks]

Hmm. Might have to get one. Sometime.

 

[IanG]

Probably not, but they're not lying any more than other tool manufacturers do.

As a point of comparison, I have Milwaukee cordless impacts rated at 180lbf-ft and 450lbf-ft. The HF is noticeably (though not hugely) more powerful than the 180lbf-ft Milwaukee but way less powerful than the 450lbf-ft Milwaukee. The HF will typically remove bolts up to M12 with ease and will remove some M14 bolts.

I used the HF Corded Impact to remove the 32 mm Axle nut off my Accord along with all suspension nuts and bolts to remove the front driver knuckle. I had to hold it down maybe for 30 seconds but its not like it will run out of air. I also used it to break loose the nuts and bolts holding down the engine mounts. I am pretty sure it wouldnt break my crankshaft pulley bolt though no matter how long I would hold it down. Pretty BIG PASS for me but it isnt the lightest.

 

[TireTracks]

Are the CroMoly HF impacts made in Taiwan or china? I might get a set of INch ones along with the impact this spring.

 

[mhulbrock]

Painters tape sold at HF. Total FAIL. Cant even hold onto the wall for 10 min before falling off. Waste of money.

 

[air]

Harbor Freight Item # 96279 Heat Gun....BIG PASS.



I will start by admitting I've only had this heat gun since Jan. 1. However, I purchased it with a coupon for $9.99. Used it to shrink wrap some wiring on on one of my motorcycles, then did some soldering with it. However, where it has been a true champion is in the past three days. We've had temps down to zero and below, with wind chills in the -20 to -30 range. A neighbor had some water pipes in his garage freeze, so I took the gun to his place, turned it on 'low' and within about 10 minutes his water was flowing again.

He didn't think to keep his faucet at a trickle that night and the next morning the pipes were frozen again. Back I went, minutes later the pipes were thawed (this time I left the gun with him). As he say's, its the 'gift that keeps on giving'. Considering that he was on the verge of taking his family to a motel until things thawed, to him the gun has saved him at least $75 on two occasions. Not bad for a $9.99 investment.

I'll give that thing a +1 also. I used it to melt out some candle wax on some pewter candle holders that the wifey and I got for a wedding present. Damn thing got so hot it actually friggin melted the pewter itself, I'll have to get a pic of this so nobody calls BS. Needless to say the old lady was NOT happy. LOL. I was in the dog house for a few days.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Painters tape sold at HF. Total FAIL. Cant even hold onto the wall for 10 min before falling off. Waste of money.

Unless you paint really fast...

 

[Loanshark]

Anyone have the 301 peice mechanics tool set?