The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[dankicksass]

I'm sure this is a repost but...

PASS: 3000lb aluminum jack that has a coupon in every magazine ever printed

It's not as good as my other aluminum jack, but I could have a half dozen of these for the price of that one.

Pass for me as well, for now. Lifts my Mustang and my gf's Focus with no problems. Slow pumping, but that is to be expected. I store it with the valve open.

I use mine just about every day, though I favor my other jack this one does fine. I see mostly Volkswagens and Chevys in the shop... or in the driveway when I'm working outside. I work alone, don't like ramps much and I still don't have a lift.

 

[nuclearlemon]

after using an otc jack and having to routinely bleed my hf jacks and the poor release gears, i'd say fail. also i hate the pick sets...they spin in the handles. they're ok for very light duty or if you are pretty sure you're going to bust the tip doing what you're doing

i picked up the motorcycle lift and while it works, the cylinder won't lift all the way. i kind of wish i'd gone with a more quality one.

 

[midnightcruise]

Pittsburgh 21 Piece SAE/Metric, Go-Thru Socket Set
ITEM # 93150 MANUFACTURER: PITTSBURGH

Pass - With flying colors!

Several months ago, I was having trouble getting 2 spark plugs out (with the new headers installed). I have snap-on, mac, matco, gearwrench, and craftsmam sockets and wrenches of various configurations, but nothing would let me at those spark plugs. My son had purchased this set for $20 and said it might help. I was skeptical (since I typically refuse to purchase or use cheap import tools). This set worked way too well. i can't say enough positive things about the shape and fit of the sockets and ratchet. I bought myself a set and 1 for the neighbor (who is always helping me out).

I have been humbled by this and willing to try a few other cheap import tools, but still leery of the quality!

One more note... the gearwrench version of this uses a proprietary ratchet, but this HF uses a standard 3/4" nut shaped drive. You can even use a gearwrench or other wrench to drive these sockets.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Pittsburgh 21 Piece SAE/Metric, Go-Thru Socket Set
ITEM # 93150 MANUFACTURER: PITTSBURGH

Pass - With flying colors!

Several months ago, I was having trouble getting 2 spark plugs out (with the new headers installed). I have snap-on, mac, matco, gearwrench, and craftsmam sockets and wrenches of various configurations, but nothing would let me at those spark plugs. My son had purchased this set for $20 and said it might help. I was skeptical (since I typically refuse to purchase or use cheap import tools). This set worked way too well. i can't say enough positive things about the shape and fit of the sockets and ratchet. I bought myself a set and 1 for the neighbor (who is always helping me out).

I have been humbled by this and willing to try a few other cheap import tools, but still leery of the quality!

One more note... the gearwrench version of this uses a proprietary ratchet, but this HF uses a standard 3/4" nut shaped drive. You can even use a gearwrench or other wrench to drive these sockets.

+1 on the GoThrough. I love it. I had my first taste with the Matco Specials Forces air ratchet kit. I would love to have that again, but it's discontinued.

 

[coastierider]

HF Stud Finder.....Major Fail!! it couldn't find one stud..

 

[mrholeshot]

Pittsburgh 21 Piece SAE/Metric, Go-Thru Socket Set
ITEM # 93150 MANUFACTURER: PITTSBURGH

Pass - With flying colors!

Several months ago, I was having trouble getting 2 spark plugs out (with the new headers installed). I have snap-on, mac, matco, gearwrench, and craftsmam sockets and wrenches of various configurations, but nothing would let me at those spark plugs. My son had purchased this set for $20 and said it might help. I was skeptical (since I typically refuse to purchase or use cheap import tools). This set worked way too well. i can't say enough positive things about the shape and fit of the sockets and ratchet. I bought myself a set and 1 for the neighbor (who is always helping me out).

I have been humbled by this and willing to try a few other cheap import tools, but still leery of the quality!

One more note... the gearwrench version of this uses a proprietary ratchet, but this HF uses a standard 3/4" nut shaped drive. You can even use a gearwrench or other wrench to drive these sockets.

Ive been looking at the Gearwrench and Kobalt versions and the proprietary ratchet kind of bothered me. I've never used the thru ratchet but it's one of those things that I almost pull the trigger on each time I see one. The fact the HF unit uses a Satndard Hex makes it a bit more appealing. I noticed on the gearwech set it doesn't look like a 1/2 stud can protude through the 13/16 or 7/8 socket. It would make the concept useless in the larger bolts.

 

[mrholeshot]

HF Stud Finder.....Major Fail!! it couldn't find one stud..

Just wave it over one of my post

 

[lwram]

Just wave it over one of my post

Nice.......but you know it is not nice to lie



Anyway,

SAE Professional nutdriver set Pass
Metric Professional nutdriver set
Pass, but the first set i bought had 2 5mm, one with the 6mm handle so i had to take back and exchange.

If you buy these just make sure they are the right drivers on the handles first

 

[Poncho Villa]

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set - Pass
I replaced both front and both rear struts on a 98 Camry with no problems. The tool worked well despite my initial skepticism. Before using it, I just put a little bearing grease on the threads. To compress the springs, I used an air ratchet and just compressed each side a little at a time until the spring was loose. Just because of the design of the front springs vs. the design of the rear springs, the front springs were a little more challenging with regard to tool placement. However, it ultimately worked as intended.

 

[IONH]

HF Stud Finder.....Major Fail!! it couldn't find one stud..

Agreed. Worked (or rather didn't.. but then this sentence doesn't make sense) horribly.

 

[strnjss]

Pittsburgh 21 Piece SAE/Metric, Go-Thru Socket Set
ITEM # 93150 MANUFACTURER: PITTSBURGH

Pass - With flying colors!

Several months ago, I was having trouble getting 2 spark plugs out (with the new headers installed). I have snap-on, mac, matco, gearwrench, and craftsmam sockets and wrenches of various configurations, but nothing would let me at those spark plugs. My son had purchased this set for $20 and said it might help. I was skeptical (since I typically refuse to purchase or use cheap import tools). This set worked way too well. i can't say enough positive things about the shape and fit of the sockets and ratchet. I bought myself a set and 1 for the neighbor (who is always helping me out).

I have been humbled by this and willing to try a few other cheap import tools, but still leery of the quality!

One more note... the gearwrench version of this uses a proprietary ratchet, but this HF uses a standard 3/4" nut shaped drive. You can even use a gearwrench or other wrench to drive these sockets.

I wanted to get the HF version of this for a while. But when I went to HF, they said they never heard of it, and to check the website. I looked all over the store but couldn't find it.

So when I went to Sears, I found the GearWrench version. It's very nice. It cost like $50 though.

I've heard some of the HF ones are very loose and don't hold well in the ratchet. I guess like everything at HF, it's luck of the draw.

 

[beelsr]

If you paid $50 for that, you stole it!

So when I went to Sears, I found the GearWrench version. It's very nice. It cost like $50 though.

 

[midnightcruise]

I wanted to get the HF version of this for a while. But when I went to HF, they said they never heard of it, and to check the website. I looked all over the store but couldn't find it.

So when I went to Sears, I found the GearWrench version. It's very nice. It cost like $50 though.

I've heard some of the HF ones are very loose and don't hold well in the ratchet. I guess like everything at HF, it's luck of the draw.

When I went to HF to pick up my set, they only has 2 sets on the shelf and no real spot for them (no tag for them on the shelf). I purchased both sets... I have been back there a few times over the last 3 months (for cheap brushes we use to apply primer) and they were not restocked for at least 2 months. Also I don't have any fitment problems yet.

 

[tweety652]

When I went to HF to pick up my set, they only has 2 sets on the shelf and no real spot for them (no tag for them on the shelf). I purchased both sets... I have been back there a few times over the last 3 months (for cheap brushes we use to apply primer) and they were not restocked for at least 2 months. Also I don't have any fitment problems yet.

is it just me or do those handles resemble the old craftsman stainless rathcets from several years back?

 

[midnightcruise]

is it just me or do those handles resemble the old craftsman stainless rathcets from several years back?

Like this one... yep.

 

[Danglerb]

Go thru socket set, got mine for something like $15 sale and coupon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-sae-metric-go-thru-socket-set-93150.html

 

[strnjss]

If you paid $50 for that, you stole it!

Haha, nope that's the regular price. I actually got ripped off, because I later found it online for less.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930049000P?prdNo=2

 

[msmith]

9 pc. Magnetic Nut Setter Set: PASS
ITEM # 65806

On sale for $3.49... are you kidding me??? What a screaming deal. They're nicely made, flank drive design, have strong magnets and are supposedly impact-rated... haven't given them a thorough thrashing yet, but I bought two sets, because I'm constantly losing them.

 

[beelsr]

Wow, that's still a screaming good deal - even for the 1/4" & 3/8"

I didn't look to good and thought it was 1/2" & 3/8" but still.....

Haha, nope that's the regular price. I actually got ripped off, because I later found it online for less.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00930049000P?prdNo=2

 

[Dodge]

Bought the two handled tree pruner. The first use, the rivets that attach the handle to the cutter sheared off. Of course, threw the receipt away. I took them back anyway. I knew the date that I bought them. Told the cashier that, he asked what else I bought. I remembered a couple of things, his computer showed my purchase was for real. He gave me a new pair, no questions asked! I think that is pretty good. Cheap pruners, fail, but good customer service, Pass.

 

[subarub4]

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set - Pass
I replaced both front and both rear struts on a 98 Camry with no problems. The tool worked well despite my initial skepticism. Before using it, I just put a little bearing grease on the threads. To compress the springs, I used an air ratchet and just compressed each side a little at a time until the spring was loose. Just because of the design of the front springs vs. the design of the rear springs, the front springs were a little more challenging with regard to tool placement. However, it ultimately worked as intended.

Good to hear at least something good from this since the reviews in the pass have all been fail.

I need to get a jack big time... stupid me had my car roll off the jack 3 weeks ago and killed my scissor jack so it no longer folds down all the way.. PLUS I have a small air leak in my front left tire and now I have no way to put on a spare now. I think with the 20% coupon the light weight jack would be around $350- 40 something?

 

[Rickster55]

So I was looking at HF's closeouts online and saw 1001 piece of screws, washers and nuts with a case for 6.97. I ordered two and decided to throw in a 17 cent cent package of plastic wall anchors. I get an email saying the screws, etc. were backordered but my wall anchors were shipped. .17 plus 6.99 shipping. Okay, no big deal. When the rest of the order is shipped, they will ship free. I then get a notice in the mail that the screws, etc. is no longer available and they are cancelling my order for them. As it stands right now, I am paying 6.99 to have a .17 item shipped to me. When it arrives, it will go back. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

 

[strnjss]

So I was looking at HF's closeouts online and saw 1001 piece of screws, washers and nuts with a case for 6.97. I ordered two and decided to throw in a 17 cent cent package of plastic wall anchors. I get an email saying the screws, etc. were backordered but my wall anchors were shipped. .17 plus 6.99 shipping. Okay, no big deal. When the rest of the order is shipped, they will ship free. I then get a notice in the mail that the screws, etc. is no longer available and they are cancelling my order for them. As it stands right now, I am paying 6.99 to have a .17 item shipped to me. When it arrives, it will go back. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

They email you a return label to mail it back for free.

I've found that ordering from HF online is not a good idea. The stuff they send you is all like opened, returned broken stuff.

The people who package the stuff really don't look at it or even give a damn what condition the stuff is in. It's all the stuff people would never take off the shelves themselves.

At least that's my experience.

 

[ytlas]

I've found that ordering from HF online is not a good idea.

I try not to order from HF online either. Couple of years ago I ordered a couple of the solid 8" rubber tires for my hand truck. They shipped one and cancelled the other one. I had to go to HF to get the other 8" tire on a different pattern hub. Oh, the solid 8" rubber tire is a PASS, mismatched hubs and all.

 

[Scotto]

MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set - Pass
I replaced both front and both rear struts on a 98 Camry with no problems. The tool worked well despite my initial skepticism. Before using it, I just put a little bearing grease on the threads. To compress the springs, I used an air ratchet and just compressed each side a little at a time until the spring was loose. Just because of the design of the front springs vs. the design of the rear springs, the front springs were a little more challenging with regard to tool placement. However, it ultimately worked as intended.

I just bought and used this spring compressor on my MR2. Has worked great, especially for $10. I also greased the threads a bit so they don't wear out. Also, I used a hand ratchet instead of my impact gun just to prevent them from wearing out.

 

[Bolster]

I've found that ordering from HF online is not a good idea. The stuff they send you is all like opened, returned broken stuff.

The people who package the stuff really don't look at it or even give a damn what condition the stuff is in. It's all the stuff people would never take off the shelves themselves.

Oh, so THAT's what HF does with returns and defects...sell them online where they're a pain to return?

 

[scott37300]

Oh, so THAT's what HF does with returns and defects...sell them online where they're a pain to return?

There is a guy/store on ebay that sells harbor freight returns as lots. I see them all the time. He list a couple items together all the way up to pallets of items. He lists them as-is and untested.

 

[yiranhu]

There is a guy/store on ebay that sells harbor freight returns as lots. I see them all the time. He list a couple items together all the way up to pallets of items. He lists them as-is and untested.

There's wayyy more than 1 guy doing this. There are wholesalers who buy returned merchandise from stores like HF, sears, and so on. Then they auction off these merchandise in truck load of pallets to other resellers. These resellers sort through the merchandise to separate "good" condition items and parts salvage items. Generally the good items get auctioned off individually (or maybe paired up for easy sale). The salvage items are sold in small pallets. It's a huge business that I think is also beneficial since we're in fact recycling usable goods. I've bought a few impact wrenches from these ebay sellers for very good results.

 

[SCscoutguy]

There's wayyy more than 1 guy doing this. There are wholesalers who buy returned merchandise from stores like HF, sears, and so on. Then they auction off these merchandise in truck load of pallets to other resellers. These resellers sort through the merchandise to separate "good" condition items and parts salvage items. Generally the good items get auctioned off individually (or maybe paired up for easy sale). The salvage items are sold in small pallets. It's a huge business that I think is also beneficial since we're in fact recycling usable goods. I've bought a few impact wrenches from these ebay sellers for very good results.

Here in SC we have the largest HF facility in North American in Dillion. Every year they have a huge yard sale in which they have literally truck loads of stuff that is mail order returns that they sell by the pallet. I have purchased a bunch of returned and broken stuff for pennies on the dollar there just to take it back to my HF store in my town and return it to get new stuff. I even told the manager that I bought this stuff on clearance in Dillon and he flat out said he didn't care and went and got me brand new items in exchange.

 

[hedjhawg]

47016 Air Gravity Spray Gun

Fail.

I wasn't expecting top quality, but an old Windex bottle will do you better, at least on single-stage enamel.

 

[yiranhu]

Re: 47016 Air Gravity Spray Gun

Fail.

I wasn't expecting top quality, but an old Windex bottle will do you better, at least on single-stage enamel.

What's wrong it? I've seen reviews where this gun is said to be good despite being 10 bucks a pop.

 

[IONH]

Anyone ever used a HF air/hydraulic bottle jack? Thinking about replacing the one that came with my 20 ton press with this one... http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-air-over-hydraulic-jack-95553.html

 

[Jim Stabe]

Here in SC we have the largest HF facility in North American in Dillion. Every year they have a huge yard sale in which they have literally truck loads of stuff that is mail order returns that they sell by the pallet. I have purchased a bunch of returned and broken stuff for pennies on the dollar there just to take it back to my HF store in my town and return it to get new stuff. I even told the manager that I bought this stuff on clearance in Dillon and he flat out said he didn't care and went and got me brand new items in exchange.

I wonder how many times some of that stuff goes around. Someone else will buy it again at the next sale and exchange it for new. The circle of life continues.

 

[Indy_500]

Anyone ever used a HF air/hydraulic bottle jack? Thinking about replacing the one that came with my 20 ton press with this one... http://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-air-over-hydraulic-jack-95553.html

Mine worked great, until i took the air screw thing all the way out and out comes the oil, and now i can't get it to work again since i'm not very experienced with jacks, but it worked good before hand. It was a 10 ton btw.

 

[Rickster55]

So I was looking at HF's closeouts online and saw 1001 piece of screws, washers and nuts with a case for 6.97. I ordered two and decided to throw in a 17 cent cent package of plastic wall anchors. I get an email saying the screws, etc. were backordered but my wall anchors were shipped. .17 plus 6.99 shipping. Okay, no big deal. When the rest of the order is shipped, they will ship free. I then get a notice in the mail that the screws, etc. is no longer available and they are cancelling my order for them. As it stands right now, I am paying 6.99 to have a .17 item shipped to me. When it arrives, it will go back. Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Good outcome! HF reimbursed the entire shipping costs! Can't argue with that.

 

[Indy_500]

Good outcome! HF reimbursed the entire shipping costs! Can't argue with that.

!!!

 

[nhmercracer]

I bought the HF 13 Drawer Roller Cabinet based on all the good press here on GJ. I could not be happier. Much thicker steel than any other economy box I have seen locally. The finish feels like powdercoat, not enamel. I will eventually get one of the side cabinets at a later date.

 

[Hiball]

Mine worked great, until i took the air screw thing all the way out and out comes the oil, and now i can't get it to work again since i'm not very experienced with jacks, but it worked good before hand. It was a 10 ton btw.

Do you mean the Release screw? If so was it Pointed or flat on the end? If it was Flat the ball probably got pushed out with the oil. It needs a Ball in there to create a seat to block the oil, When you want to lift something.

 

[Indy_500]

Do you mean the Release screw? If so was it Pointed or flat on the end? If it was Flat the ball probably got pushed out with the oil. It needs a Ball in there to create a seat to block the oil, When you want to lift something.

are you serious? i found a little ball from like a ball bearing in one of my toolbox drawers and i kept it there, is that what it was from? lol and yes it wasn't flat on the end... i will try that tomorrow!

 

[Hiball]

are you serious? i found a little ball from like a ball bearing in one of my toolbox drawers and i kept it there, is that what it was from? lol and yes it wasn't flat on the end... i will try that tomorrow!

So we are on the same page, If when you unscrewed the release valve it "Was" flat on the end, there should be a ball in there. IF its tapered (needle like) it doesnt have a ball in there.