The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Danglerb]

I picked up this cordless drill today and I'm not sure if it's working as far as charging the battery.. I have it plugged in and the charger ontop of the battery but it's not charging it seems (no red light) but the power adapter seems to work.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-volt-1-2-half-inch-magnesium-drill-hammer-drill-kit-65949.html

DOA happens, but should be no issue after an exchange.

Sure not much making up the charger.

 

[subarub4]

what's odd is it works fine now I unplugged the power adapter and before I did I checked the voltage again and it was something like 16V when it should have an output of 21V so I plugged it in another outlet and I got a full 21V from it.. It's fully charged now... odd

 

[Warrenator]

Pacific Hydrostar 1600 PSI pressure washer Model 99741. Qualified Pass. I have had this thing for 2 years, and I did buy the 2 year extended warranty. I used it very occasionally to wash bricks, car, horse trailer, and loaned it to brother-in-law to wash gutters (you never are supposed to loan out a pressure washer because it will come back damaged, but mine didn't.)

It did work pretty well. It starts and stops as it should, developed enough pressure to do the job, the wand is adjustable to wide fan or pointy stream. Not enough pressure to strip paint, but I did use it for that purpose after softening some painted metal chairs with paint stripper and it took off at least the big stuff.

It did finally conk out after my wife spent an hour blasting continuously cleaning her horse trailer, it still works but the pressure just isn't there anymove. Took it back to harbor freight and traded it up for the gas one with 4 HP and a brass pump. GET THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, the electric ones don't last very long so you are really just buying a "subscription" to a pressure washer. I did like the thing while it worked, but I guess the pumps are just plastic and the seals wear out. HF was nice about the exchange.

 

[05CarbonDRZ]

It's a fail so far...

I can't get the red LED to glow when the charger is on top of the battery.


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Nothing like having to take apart a brand new tool before you even get to use it once

 

[timgr]

Picked up the composite ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8" on Saturday night. Haven't really used them much, but so far they get a major PASS from me. Very nice quality, fine toothed is great for small places, and it just feels good in the hand. Originally I was just going to use them for a toolset in my truck, but I think I like them a bit better than my craftsman ratchets.

Also got 2 sets of the socket rails associated with them. Also haven't managed to test them yet, so we'll see after the next few days.

Yes, I like them too. I have a 1/4" and 3/8" drive - they are my go-to ratchets for everyday stuff.

Be sure to check the plastic release button before you buy. I had to go through about a dozen of the 1/4" ratchets to find one that had not been smashed before it got to the store. Seems that's a vulnerable point on these ratchets.

 

[paullie]

i got a big FAIL for ya and it's kindda funny too, several years ago when we got our very own (Hobo Freight as i call it), my dad and i were in there lookin around and saw these plastic folding saw horses, they they held 350lbs, i'm about 300lbs so i said let just check and see if they will hold me, unfolded one and kindda sat on it, all was good, lifted my feet off the floor and BAM my big *** was on the floor with a broke saw horse, the manager came over asking if i was ok but we were laughing so hard we couldn't say a word, the manager walked off saying that not what they are made for, needeless to say we didn't buy any of em

 

[SQ is the SQUAD]

i got a big FAIL for ya and it's kindda funny too, several years ago when we got our very own (Hobo Freight as i call it), my dad and i were in there lookin around and saw these plastic folding saw horses, they they held 350lbs, i'm about 300lbs so i said let just check and see if they will hold me, unfolded one and kindda sat on it, all was good, lifted my feet off the floor and BAM my big *** was on the floor with a broke saw horse, the manager came over asking if i was ok but we were laughing so hard we couldn't say a word, the manager walked off saying that not what they are made for, needeless to say we didn't buy any of em

the only fail there is you...............................

 

[six-T-seven]

Nothing like having to take apart a brand new tool before you even get to use it once

I know what ya mean, it happened to me with a Snap On ratchet once. Had to wait 2 weeks for the SO truck ***** to come back around.

 

[Coach James]

i got a big FAIL for ya and it's kindda funny too, several years ago when we got our very own (Hobo Freight as i call it), my dad and i were in there lookin around and saw these plastic folding saw horses, they they held 350lbs, i'm about 300lbs so i said let just check and see if they will hold me, unfolded one and kindda sat on it, all was good, lifted my feet off the floor and BAM my big *** was on the floor with a broke saw horse, the manager came over asking if i was ok but we were laughing so hard we couldn't say a word, the manager walked off saying that not what they are made for, needeless to say we didn't buy any of em

350 lbs each or 350lbs in pairs?

Coach

 

[route246]

1500# Dollies

Unlike many others, I've got two pairs of these, jacked up my shed (2x4 studs, full asphalt shingle roof, 8'x4', a beast. Needed to unbolt it from the concrete and get it moved 4' out of the way to replace a fence. Works great so far.

Pass.

1500lb tire dollies http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ies-67338.html

 

[PT Doc]

350 lbs each or 350lbs in pairs?

Coach

Exactly. How would you place anything on 1 saw horse anyways? That would be some magical balancing act.

 

[bimmerZ5]

Exactly. How would you place anything on 1 saw horse anyways? That would be some magical balancing act.

well, for "paulie", one could straddle a single sawhorse like they use to do in the barbaric european torture practices.

 

[NWphotog]

well, for "paulie", one could straddle a single sawhorse like they use to do in the barbaric european torture practices.

I have to admit the mental picture of him setting on the floor with a busted saw horse around him laughing is funny!

 

[back2class]

NON Goodyear rubber air hose. FAIL FAIL FAIL. Should have purchased the goodyear. Within a few weeks the brand new rubber hose was all cracked on the last foot of each end and smaler cracks would appear if you bent any area much. Fillany blew out at about month 6 of light use. Think it was like $10 for 50ft. Buy the Goodyear. My black goodyear garden hose has been out in the sun and abused for 6 years and still is like new so that shows me they just used substandard rubber for the application. PISS POOR.

 

[pfred1]

91938 14" Cut Off Saw - Fail

Weak power, uncomfortable trigger, vibrates a lot, and motor burnt up and died.

What were you cutting with yours?

 

[Hiball]

NON Goodyear rubber air hose. FAIL FAIL FAIL. Should have purchased the goodyear. Within a few weeks the brand new rubber hose was all cracked on the last foot of each end and smaler cracks would appear if you bent any area much. Fillany blew out at about month 6 of light use. Think it was like $10 for 50ft. Buy the Goodyear. My black goodyear garden hose has been out in the sun and abused for 6 years and still is like new so that shows me they just used substandard rubber for the application. PISS POOR.

Yes.. I was gonna pick up the cheap Air hose from HF and the Store Clerk advised me upgrade to the GoodYear Hose, He told me that the cheap version is a daily warranty item and they have boxes full of them in the Back. Ive been using the Goodyear hose for over a year without issues.

 

[Aklass]

@SubaruB4 you own the 1/2 air ratchet right? I'm wondering if the 3/8 earthquake gear and pawls can be fitted into the 1/2 ratchet to create a cheap "pitbull" ratchet.. I already own the 3/8 so im trying to decide if I want to try it or not..

 

[subarub4]

Yeah I own the 1/2" air ratchet and I really don't know never tried something like that before.

 

[pfred1]

The problem I had with the HF vise grips is that soon after I used them they stop locking, and I found the curve in the jaw to never be right. It is just an uncomfortable tool for me. I soon went and bought a pair of Vise Grips made in the USA. Other items from HF have done well so far. Pittsburg long needle nose pliers and there metric impact sockets have held up so far. I use these in a part time job at a repair shop along with US General tool box.

Where did you find Vise Grips made in the USA? They haven't made Vise Grips in the USA for years now! Not even the genuine ones.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/2653161...t/workers-sorry-vise-grip-plant-moving-china/

Though I do have to admit the HF grips do blow. The cams are shaped incorrectly. I bought all of my grips back in the day when they were made in the USA I'm pretty set.

Some of my Vise Grips:
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/426/p9290008d.jpg

It is hard to gather them all together for a group picture.

 

[pfred1]

LOL.

The blades are the LEAST of your worries.
By the time you've exchanged your third or fourth air saw due to failure and hoard the blades they come with in exchange for "gas money", you'll never have to worry about them again.

I've gone thru around a half-dozen or so HF air-saws due to failure. All are were well oiled and cared for. Bad tolerances and weak parts. I keep 3 useable ones in my home box at all times. Out of warranty ones I use for parts.

Best option is Blue Point, IR or CP units, but then ur talking $100 to $300.

For home use, I just use the buy and toss (or strip for parts and toss) method.

I have a Snap On Blue Point air body saw and it crapped out on me I thought. So I took it apart and it turns out there was a manufacturing defect in it. The air screen by the air inlet was glued in with some sort of epoxy or something and it came loose and the dried epoxy acted like a cut off valve, basically starving the tool of getting any air to run on. As soon as I fixed that it was like new again.

Same as the Harbor Freight tool I'm sure, just cost another $100 to buy. But at $120 entrance fee lets just say I was a little more interested in getting it working again as opposed to just crying how bad it *****.

 

[williaty]

FAIL Harbor Freight brass pipe fittings for compressed air. Read the story of the incredibly dangerous failure.

 

[Quint]

Ruh Roh. My hose connection on my 150psi Cman was leaking, so i bought the HF barbed fitting w/worm clamp as a quick alternative to stop the leaking.

This thing does NOT leak at all...but hopefully it holds up. Sorry about your bad luck, and glad it didn't do worse damage

 

[freedomgli]

Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press Kit 38335

Harbor Freight Ball Joint Press Kit 38335

I bought this tool to press out the old rubber control arm bushings on my car like this

Bushing Removal Without Smoke

I lubricated the screw threads with synthetic bearing grease and then assembled everything with the smallest size receiver tube in place. I also took the blue wrench to gently apply some heat in an attempt to loosen the bond between the rubber bushing and the steel control arm before driving the bushing out with my 1/2" impact wrench. The first 8 or 10 bushings went smoothly. But eventually something got out of alignment and now the C-frame is bent so it slips off every time I try to tighten it down.

Unfortunately, this $70 tool only lasted long enough to finish the job on my car. On the bright side, the largest receiver tube just happened to be the perfect size for installing the rear axle seals in the uprights.

I don't think this product is a fail but you must take care in the way you use it. In the future, I would recommend replacing the plug at the end of the forcing screw with a 60° tapered point so that the screw remains centered in the bushing.

 

[kbuhagiar]

FAIL Harbor Freight brass pipe fittings for compressed air. Read the story of the incredibly dangerous failure.

Pictures?

 

[Kaervak]

A couple more recent purchases:


Adjustable Shade Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-shade-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-46092.html PASS
This thing is awesome. Very comfortable, light weight. The auto dark feature is very cool. The lens goes dark instantly when striking an arc, no lag that I can tell. VERY worth the price.


90 Amp Flux Wire Welder http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html HUGE PASS
I've never welded a thing before in my life before buying this welder. I've been playing around laying down beads and welding together scrap steel the past couple days and this welder is great. Yeah I know, it's quite a cheap welder and is mostly a toy but I'm having a blast using it and learning on it. The best part is I got it for $90 after a coupon, you can't beat that. Highly highly recommend it.

*addition* Before buying the welder I read a lot about it online and quite a few people said the included wire is junk, tons of splatter. I don't know if HF changed suppliers but the wire that came with mine has been fine. Very little splatter unless I'm going over an area that I've already laid a bead onto and haven't yet cleaned.


1/2" Drive Torque wrench http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-click-stop-torque-wrench-239.html PASS
Picked it up for torquing lug nuts and it works perfectly. Not 100% sure about it's accuracy as I don't have any other TW to compare it to, but I do plan on getting it calibrated just to be sure.

 

[diggerrick]

I've had that same helmet for several years. My complaint is that the auto-darken works TOO well - I've adjusted the shade control all over the place, but when I strike the arc I usually can't see where I am very well. Maybe mine's a defect?

I also had that welder a few years ago and it worked fine. I sold it because I didn't like the hot torch though - have they upgraded that now?

 

[Kaervak]

I've had that same helmet for several years. My complaint is that the auto-darken works TOO well - I've adjusted the shade control all over the place, but when I strike the arc I usually can't see where I am very well. Maybe mine's a defect?

I also had that welder a few years ago and it worked fine. I sold it because I didn't like the hot torch though - have they upgraded that now?

The helmet I bought was in a newer styled box so they may have changed things with it. I have no trouble seeing what I'm doing with it set to 10, 9 is good too but a touch too light when doing extended beads. I set it at 13 (maximum) and that was too dark. I still could see the arc, but I couldn't really see what I was doing very well.

Yes, the tip is still constant hot. Not that big of a deal to me since this is the only welder I've ever used so it doesn't bother me. I can see how someone that's used to a switch hot tip would get annoyed by it though.

 

[telewhacker]

The problem with buying anything from HF or China in general is that by doing so we are killing our economy one purchase at a time.

I give you Youngstown, Ohio as an example. The steel mills closed down in the late 70's and 80's and this once beautiful town has been in economic decline ever since. Much of the steel used for the domestic tools we covet probably came from towns like this. Youngstown was an all American town that people dreamed of raising a family in. They had a neighborhood called " Millionaires Row". This same neighborhood is now partialy boarded up and the big question in Youngstown is " who will mow my neighbors lawn"? Google it.

I know this blog was supposed to be a fun way to review HF Tools but this is something we need to talk about as Americans if we are going to fix it. Buying tools should not be like buying lottery tickets. How about this for a solution: pay more for Ameriacan tools or if you can not afford them buy used ones. Thats what I do. Some of my tools are pre war and still in service today.

 

[WhiteTrash]

How about this for a solution: pay more for Ameriacan tools or if you can not afford them buy used ones. Thats what I do. Some of my tools are pre war and still in service today.

How does buying used tools help American keep their jobs? They are not going to be using any new people to make them, deliver them to the store, unload them from the boat, etc. At least if I buy new tools from Harbor Freight, I am helping pay for the Americans working at that store, the American truck driver that delivered it from the docks to the store, and the American dock workers who unloaded it off the boat.

I am all for buying American tools and most of mine are. But buying used does nothing to help keep them employed. If anything, you are hurting it further. sending it in for the lifetime warranty, just means that they are losing more money. And Harbor Freight is still an American owned company. So now you want me to put them out of business and the thousands of Americans they employee by buying used tools that help no one?

 

[Indy_500]

The problem with buying anything from HF or China in general is that by doing so we are killing our economy one purchase at a time.

I give you Youngstown, Ohio as an example. The steel mills closed down in the late 70's and 80's and this once beautiful town has been in economic decline ever since. Much of the steel used for the domestic tools we covet probably came from towns like this. Youngstown was an all American town that people dreamed of raising a family in. They had a neighborhood called " Millionaires Row". This same neighborhood is now partialy boarded up and the big question in Youngstown is " who will mow my neighbors lawn"? Google it.

I know this blog was supposed to be a fun way to review HF Tools but this is something we need to talk about as Americans if we are going to fix it. Buying tools should not be like buying lottery tickets. How about this for a solution: pay more for Ameriacan tools or if you can not afford them buy used ones. Thats what I do. Some of my tools are pre war and still in service today.

Buying chinese tools is not the problem. Some Snap On Tools are chinese. Cars? That's another story.

 

[WhiteTrash]

And I am only assuming here, but I don't imagine you have an issue with buying quality tools from European countries? Germany makes some quality tools and a lot of the pro-American tool advocates are fine with purchasing from there. Why? Because they are great quality. So it is okay to buy from them, why not China if it is a quality tool? This thread is to find the quality tools offered.

And by the way, where was you computer made? Your cell phone? TV?

 

[ChrisF250]

Buying used tools is much WORSE for the economy than buying harbor freight. Also many used tools are warrantied which makes it even harder for those American companies to stay ahead. There are thousands of other things that need to be made in america before we reach tools.

 

[reedwesd]

Now back to the reviews please

 

[telewhacker]

I have no problem buying tools from any country other than China. I have Wiha screwdrivers made in Germany and I love them. True all the major tool companys now have product made in China. I refuse to buy that ****.

However, buying used tools does not hurt the economy. In fact it stimulates it because I purchase it from an American sometimes on Craigslist or Ebay.

As for my electronics, my cell phone is a Samsung made in Korea. My computer, TV, and other electronics are made in China. If I had a choice I would be willing to pay more for it to be made here. As it is on average I have to buy a Chinese product 3 times to last as long as a domestic product.

Towels were the last textile product to be made here. That went to China 10 years ago. I used to live in the South where you could not swing a dead cat and not hit a cotton field. Now you can't find one. And with our trade imbalance with China its not like they are buying cotton from us to make goods exported to the US.

Most companys have web adresses, phone numbers, and email printed on the packaging. The next time you purchase a tool made here why not call the company and tell them why you bought it? Do the same when its Chinese.

And if you need to be properly motivated someone started a thread posting pictures of your vise. There are some beautiful American made vises that made my mouth water. Can't say I have ever felt that way about a Chinese one.

 

[les_garten]

i have no problem buying tools from any country other than china. I have wiha screwdrivers made in germany and i love them. True all the major tool companys now have product made in china. I refuse to buy that ****.

However, buying used tools does not hurt the economy. In fact it stimulates it because i purchase it from an american sometimes on craigslist or ebay.

As for my electronics, my cell phone is a samsung made in korea. My computer, tv, and other electronics are made in china. If i had a choice i would be willing to pay more for it to be made here. As it is on average i have to buy a chinese product 3 times to last as long as a domestic product.

Towels were the last textile product to be made here. That went to china 10 years ago. I used to live in the south where you could not swing a dead cat and not hit a cotton field. Now you can't find one. And with our trade imbalance with china its not like they are buying cotton from us to make goods exported to the us.

Most companys have web adresses, phone numbers, and email printed on the packaging. The next time you purchase a tool made here why not call the company and tell them why you bought it? Do the same when its chinese.

And if you need to be properly motivated someone started a thread posting pictures of your vise. There are some beautiful american made vises that made my mouth water. Can't say i have ever felt that way about a chinese one.

You do know that there are other forums purposely made for this type of ********?

 

[Sancho]

97586 - 2-in-1 Combination Floor Nailer / Stapler -- FAIL

Ran the unit at 80 psi and oiled every 4-5 hrs of use, began leaking air at a unrestricted rate after about 1600 floor cleats. Got the job done as it worked great for the first two days, ended up having to set the last few hundred nails.

 

[TransAmFSAS]

1. 3 lb Neon Orange Dead Blow Hammer --- PASS

2. 24 oz. Ball Pein Hammer --- PASS

3. 18" Heavy Duty Pry Bar --- PASS

4. 3/8" Drive 17" Breaker Bar --- PASS

5. blue nitrile gloves --- PASS

I use these every day in an auto repair shop.

 

[Indy_500]

Been using my 3/8" air ratchet quite a bit. Hasn't missed a beat. Same with the 21 gal. compressor.... Loving it!

 

[SQ is the SQUAD]

super pass.

these did what all my other drill bits couldent do. i have a $20 one fron homefepot that snapped twice. these take a beating. for $4 you can go wrong. even at the usual $9 for 3 of them, its well invested money

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-high-speed-steel-step-drills-91616.html

 

[Quint]

Just had to chime in, that I'm Youngstown born, Youngstown bread! lol We're still doin alright in these parts!


Reviews:

Impact Screwdriver - PASS/FAIL - Broke all phillips head bits on my Honda rotors, but those suckers were STUCK on. Not the tools fault.

6in C-Clamp with quick-release slider - PASS! Obviously I did a brake job, and this thing worked beautifully pushing the piston back into the caliper. Plus the quick-release was a big bonus.


Anyone ever try the Pneumatic brake bleeder kit? I bought one,but have not had a chance to use it.