The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[dscheidt]

Interesting and good to know. I could have sworn you had to bring the whole set back to HF but maybe that is why they have all those sets in the clearance section missing a socket or wrench.

I had an employee tell me that. their manager told me the same thing, and told me too bad if I'd lost the other tools in the set. The person who called me when I wrote Eric Smidt a letter asking if that was the policy assured me it absolutely wasn't.

 

[JRC3]

https://www.harborfreight.com/impact-rated-hex-shank-titanium-drill-bit-set-7-piece-64896.html So far so good, used a dozen times or so. Of course I never really had a problem with the non impact ones but the seem stronger and the spiral is different. Pass.

https://www.harborfreight.com/spade-bit-set-6-piece-64744.html These work great and seem like they will last. I didn't think much of the red holder at first but then I realized how I could straddle it over the plastic end trays in my tool bag instead of cramming the loose bits in a pocket. The holder is pretty solid and not just for packaging. Pass.

 

[theoldwizard1]

HF is hands down the best when it comes to hand tool warranty replacement. No other store has been so easy to deal with. Sears was the only place to come close.

ACE Hardware warranties Craftsman hand tools no hassle.

A couple of issues:

• replacements won't be Made in the USA
• they may not stock the exact tool (typically, they only stock 12 point sockets), but they will order it for you !
• some wrenches/sockets just are not be made any more (metric double box end)

 

[iagsxr]

Anyone have this multimeter? I need one to keep in my race car trailer. All it will ever do is check DC voltage and continuity once in a while.

9-Function Digital Multimeter with Audible Continuity

Amazing deals on this 9-Function Digital Multimeter With Sound at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

So I picked this up today. Compared it t my Mac multimeter on the Battery Tender pigtail on my quad.





Need to see if they have an accessory kit for the leads, like alligator clips and whatnot. The contact ends are small on the leads. I had a little trouble getting a reading from the connector on the quad.

 

[BrandonV]

So I picked this up today. Compared it t my Mac multimeter on the Battery Tender pigtail on my quad.





Need to see if they have an accessory kit for the leads, like alligator clips and whatnot. The contact ends are small on the leads. I had a little trouble getting a reading from the connector on the quad.

Silly question but you did remove the plastic tips from the probes? It's a pretty common thing to overlook.

You probably want to use the 60V setting as well to check the voltage of a car battery. The 9V setting you're on is for testing a standard 9V battery (it's putting a slight load designed to test a 9V cell).

 

[bmdubya1198]

I have heard that Ace is typically very good about replacing Craftsman tools.

Silly question but you did remove the plastic tips from the probes? It's a pretty common thing to overlook.

You probably want to use the 60V setting as well to check the voltage of a car battery. The 9V setting you're on is for testing a standard 9V battery (it's putting a slight load designed to test a 9V cell).

Yeah, I was gonna mention that second part. Not sure how much of a difference in accuracy it'll make, but it would be the correct setting in this case.

 

[stonesfan68]

I had a Lowes’ employee tell me that they didn’t carry Kobalt. I’m like, ah, yes, you do. The clerk checked with a manager and then told me to go to the shelf and get a new tool set (it was a saw handle with multiple blades). They removed the handle from the new set and handed it back to me. They also rang it up as a “no receipt“ return which is pretty crummy considering that at some point in time they won’t take anything back from me without a receipt.

As others have posted, I think the process at Lowes is very store dependent.

 

[iagsxr]

Yeah, I was gonna mention that second part. Not sure how much of a difference in accuracy it'll make, but it would be the correct setting in this case.

I set it to the correct setting earlier today and retested. It read exactly the same.

It's now in the tool cart in my trailer where hopefully it will never get used. If it does it means either my race car or tow vehicle have an electrical problem. Just piece of mind to have along.

 

[bmdubya1198]

I had a Lowes’ employee tell me that they didn’t carry Kobalt. I’m like, ah, yes, you do. The clerk checked with a manager and then told me to go to the shelf and get a new tool set (it was a saw handle with multiple blades). They removed the handle from the new set and handed it back to me. They also rang it up as a “no receipt“ return which is pretty crummy considering that at some point in time they won’t take anything back from me without a receipt.

As others have posted, I think the process at Lowes is very store dependent.

Yeah, I can't stand that. That's how they always do it... hopefully they're able to make a note that these are warranty exchanges and I'm not a "return abuser."

 

[Zeus36]

For me, the ICON T-Handled Hex wrenches were a fail.​

I have several of the Klein Journeyman T-handle wrenches, but I thought I would try a full set from ICON. Not bad, but they look like several sets from a famous shopping website that are half the price. These are made in Taiwan, so an extra point for that. The portion of the handle stub that covers the longer end of the hex wrench are not bad on the smaller sizes, but way too bulky to grip between your fingers on the larger sizes. The handles are also quite bulky for me. The Klein fit my hands better - I wear a size 9 glove. I compared an ICON 3/16" T-handled wrench to a Klein Journeyman in 3/16". Klein wins for grip, finish and comfort. Klein also has the size etched into the side of the Allen wrench shaft plus on the top of the handle. The plastic tray is way too large compared to a standard vertical sheetmetal stand setup and takes up too much room in a tool box drawer. The ICON shafts vary in length, I'd prefer they were all a standard length for putting them in a DIY stand. The black oxide finish makes the keys look too cheap. Even though I got the ICON set with 25 percent off coupon, I returned them and picked up a full set of the Klein Journeyman in 6" length.

I'm sure many will disagree and sing praises for the ICON set, but I tried them and did a comparison.

 

[M635_Guy]

For me, the ICON T-Handled Hex wrenches were a fail.​

I have several of the Klein Journeyman T-handle wrenches, but I thought I would try a full set from ICON. Not bad, but they look like several sets from a famous shopping website that are half the price. These are made in Taiwan, so an extra point for that. The portion of the handle stub that covers the longer end of the hex wrench are not bad on the smaller sizes, but way too bulky to grip between your fingers on the larger sizes. The handles are also quite bulky for me. The Klein fit my hands better - I wear a size 9 glove. I compared an ICON 3/16" T-handled wrench to a Klein Journeyman in 3/16". Klein wins for grip, finish and comfort. Klein also has the size etched into the side of the Allen wrench shaft plus on the top of the handle. The plastic tray is way too large compared to a standard vertical sheetmetal stand setup and takes up too much room in a tool box drawer. The ICON shafts vary in length, I'd prefer they were all a standard length for putting them in a DIY stand. The black oxide finish makes the keys look too cheap. Even though I got the ICON set with 25 percent off coupon, I returned them and picked up a full set of the Klein Journeyman in 6" length.

I'm sure many will disagree and sing praises for the ICON set, but I tried them and did a comparison.

I get everything you said, but I'm not so sure that's a fail (i.e. they didn't break, work, etc) - more of a "I prefer what I already have"

They do look nice, and comes with a stand, which seems like a big miss for Icon.

 

[bmdubya1198]

I get everything you said, but I'm not so sure that's a fail (i.e. they didn't break, work, etc) - more of a "I prefer what I already have"

They do look nice, and comes with a stand, which seems like a big miss for Icon.

I don't really see a big need for these in my general auto technician field, but for on-bench work I could see them coming in handy. In which case, a stand would be great.

 

[Zeus36]

I get everything you said, but I'm not so sure that's a fail (i.e. they didn't break, work, etc) - more of a "I prefer what I already have"

They do look nice, and comes with a stand, which seems like a big miss for Icon.

I can see your point and agree with you. I checked the original post #1 as to what constitutes a PASS or FAIL.

That statement is:
"...A couple things to keep in mind:
1) If you have to fix it before it works, it's an automatic FAIL.
2) This thread is for identifying quality HF tools, and for warning fellow tool-heads away from low quality HF tools. It's NOT a thread for rejoicing about low cost..."

For most, these would be a PASS. For me to resolve my issue and have these tools stop hurting during use , I would have to put them in my lathe and remove or reduce the handle portion of the finger shroud over the long arm. This is a modification rather than a fix, but it would fix the issue I have.

 

[darkzero]

I don't really see a big need for these in my general auto technician field, but for on-bench work I could see them coming in handy. In which case, a stand would be great.

Same here. Personal preference I guess & of course depends on what you work on. When I worked in automotive I never like using T-handle hex, I always prefered using hex bit "sockets". I just started working in automotive again but not repair, still the same, I prefer hex bit sockets.

But at home for machining related & for other things, I like using T-handles. I still don't like my T-handles to be ball ends though. Ball ends do come in handy sometimes but I only have the ball ends for regular L-keys (long ones). I suppose maybe if I worked on bicycles & motorcycles that would be different.

 

[tez929rr]

Same here. Personal preference I guess & of course depends on what you work on. When I worked in automotive I never like using T-handle hex, I always prefered using hex bit "sockets". I just started working in automotive again but not repair, still the same, I prefer hex bit sockets.

But at home for machining related & for other things, I like using T-handles. I still don't like my T-handles to be ball ends though. Ball ends do come in handy sometimes but I only have the ball ends for regular L-keys (long ones). I suppose maybe if I worked on bicycles & motorcycles that would be different.

I bought a set of the Pittsburgh ball end T handles with the stand and I use them mostly for motorcycle work. I’ve been very happy with them. I have a small tool chest I wheel around and the stand is on magnets on the top.

 

[Hohn]

Did you exchange the whole set? If not, I have a hunch others will start peeling as well

Yes, the whole set. I think that's the only way HF will take them?

 

[M635_Guy]

Yes, the whole set. I think that's the only way HF will take them?

No. There is no requirement for the full set when it comes to warranty.

I'm guessing they may not warranty the rest of the set if it doesn't show signs of failure. Whatever compromised the chrome on the one socket may not have happened to any of the rest (the runs tend to be in one size at a time).

 

[Ton ton]

Metric impact sockets deep set is a fail because it doesn't thread an M12 bolt into the threads straight. 19mm socket. Pittsburgh brand. Thank you for your time.

 

[Hohn]

No. There is no requirement for the full set when it comes to warranty.

I'm guessing they may not warranty the rest of the set if it doesn't show signs of failure. Whatever compromised the chrome on the one socket may not have happened to any of the rest (the runs tend to be in one size at a time).

Good to know on not requiring the full set for warranty. That said, they took them all and had me grab a new set from the rack.

 

[kyrbz]

I bought the Eastwood surface conditioners for my old day gig. I always thought they were handy and wanted one for my personal shop. I believe when I bought the Eastwood ones, they were around $190. I recently picked up the HF Bauer surface conditioner on sale for $100 which also included 3 abrasive drums. It seems every bit as good as the Eastwood's. I'd even say the quality of the HF plastic and metal castings seemed of better quality than the Eastwood. I really envisioned using it mostly on motorcycle and car restorations but the first project I tried it on was stripping thick paint and and adhesive off of CMU. Most of this project I've used "environmentally friendly" strippers and power washers, but for various reasons power washing was a no go for this spot. I decided to give the Bauer surface conditioner a whirl. With the 40 grit drum it's doing a pretty amazing job removing the adhesive and paint without doing any damage to the block. It seems almost gentler on the block than power washing. Definite pass on the HF Bauer surface conditioner

 

[Hohn]

ICON offset double box end wrenches-- PASS. At least based on initial testing with some battery terminals and other 10mm fasteners (because 10mm seems fairly common )
Excellent fastener fit, offset angle of 60° seems reasonable (although I think the 45° of the Tekton is likely superior for most of my use).
Polish and fit and finish seem VERY good. But who knows if the chrome will flake off in a year. Given the warranty and other good experience with ICON tools, I will absolutely risk it.


If they disappoint, there's always the TEKTON I really was considering, which seems almost certainly a pass.

 

[mooman]

Metric impact sockets deep set is a fail because it doesn't thread an M12 bolt into the threads straight. 19mm socket. Pittsburgh brand. Thank you for your time.

How is that the socket's fault?

 

[Ton ton]

How is that the socket's fault?

Really sloppy milling. Or however they make their sockets.

 

[Zeus36]

U.S. GENERAL 25 lb. Magnetic Hook - Pass​

On sale for 4 bucks each, regularly $6.99 (with coupon)

Magnetic Hook has a Ferrite-neodymium magnet for 25 lb. of pull force to support tools and accessories.
The extra-large chrome plated hook swivels 360° for multiple hanging or cord-wrapping options.

• 25 lb. of magnetic pull force to support tools and accessories
• 360° swivel
• 2-1/2 in. diameter magnet fits most spaces
• Non-marring back prevents scratches
• Eight colors to choose from

 

[zendriver]

Needed a heavier angle grinder so went for this model paid $80 a while back. Never used one much before.

Using it almost new yesterday, Had a diamond cup, grinding pretty hard on some concrete edges. the head started getting pretty hot. WTF! a little research showed most all angle grinders get more than a little warm in the head, with heavy use. Used it about an hour non stop today. The head got a little less hot nothing special.

It's a real ripper. Pass.

13 Amp 4-1/2 in. to 6 in. Trigger Grip Angle Grinder

Amazing deals on this 4-1/2In 13Amp Angle Grinder at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[bmdubya1198]

U.S. GENERAL 25 lb. Magnetic Hook - Pass​

On sale for 4 bucks each, regularly $6.99 (with coupon)

Magnetic Hook has a Ferrite-neodymium magnet for 25 lb. of pull force to support tools and accessories.
The extra-large chrome plated hook swivels 360° for multiple hanging or cord-wrapping options.

• 25 lb. of magnetic pull force to support tools and accessories
• 360° swivel
• 2-1/2 in. diameter magnet fits most spaces
• Non-marring back prevents scratches
• Eight colors to choose from

These are great. I missed this coupon, I'll have to pick a couple up.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

These are great. I missed this coupon, I'll have to pick a couple up.

This weekend everything under $20 is 30% off. You can get a good deal on this.

 

[atch]

Magnetic trays;



I've got 8-10 of these. Currently the 6" ones are on sale for $2 each with a limit of four. Tomorrow when I go to town I'll be snagging 4 more.

In the very first post in this thread there is a note that "if it has to be fixed before you use it that's an automatic fail." None of mine had to be fixed right away, but after several years of mistreating them I've had to reattach the magnet on a couple of them. It was really no biggie as I keep a tube of epoxy on the shelf and I just squeezed the mixin's out right onto the bottom of the pan and mixed it right there, then just slapped the magnet back on.

So all in all I give these things a pass. I use them in the shop, the garage, the house, and wherever I'm taking screws or bolts out of anything. I even keep 2-3 inside the sandblast cabinet. Sure beats having to get down on the hands and knees to look for the one missing screw that I dropped.

 

[atch]

And speaking of handy magnetic HF tools, I bought one of these magnetic pick up tools about 10 years ago and have used it hundreds of times. The older I get the handier this thing gets.

 

[bmdubya1198]

I have sooo many of those parts trays. Probably 20-30. They’re endlessly useful. I used to get them with the free coupons every chance I could. My uncle had even more of them, we would always joke about it as he had been going through a bit of a Harbor Freight obsession and picked them up every chance he got.

 

[atch]

I have sooo many of those parts trays. Probably 20-30. They’re endlessly useful. I used to get them with the free coupons every chance I could. My uncle had even more of them, we would always joke about it as he had been going through a bit of a Harbor Freight obsession and picked them up every chance he got.

I did indeed get 4 more of the parts trays while I was in town today. Can't have too many of these. I'd have to round them all up to count them, but probably have 15 of them. If I go to town again before 10/1 (when the coupon expires) I'll probably snag 4 more.




And while there I got another 72 x 80 moving blanket. I've got a few of these and I give them a pass based on my experience. Yes, they are cheap and cheaply made, but I consider them pretty much disposable should I ever ruin one. However, to date, (and I've been using them for a number of years) they have held up remarkably well. Note: our two daily drivers are both SUV's and we have one of these folded to the right size laying in the "way back" in each. Even though these cars are getting some age on them the floors (under the moving blankets) are still pristine.

 

[Snapped-off]

Has anyone used this oil extractor? I just bought one, so I'll provide feedback after I get to use it. I couldn't find any of the plastic ones that were big enough.

 

[bubinga]

Pass: folding chairs (9242); blue https://www.harborfreight.com/foldable-aluminum-sports-chair-blue-56719.html or green https://www.harborfreight.com/foldable-aluminum-sports-chair-green-62314.html

For reasons you won't care about, I've got 7 of them. Try to keep a couple in each car.

Nice for fishing!

 

[atch]

Nice for fishing!

...and car shows; and watching the grandkids play football/baseball/etc.; and backyard get-togethers; etc.

 

[DGersic]

Surface Conditioning Tool is a definite PASS.



I’ve been using this one for several days now. out of the box, works great, and includes three drums.

The only very minor negative is that the variable speed control is too easy to hit accidentally and change. I put a piece of duct tape over it. Problem solved.

 

[GeoBruin]

Surface Conditioning Tool is a definite PASS.



I’ve been using this one for several days now. out of the box, works great, and includes three drums.

The only very minor negative is that the variable speed control is too easy to hit accidentally and change. I put a piece of duct tape over it. Problem solved.

I gave mine a workout last weekend as well. Finally starting to feel like the drum could use a change. I was affraid it would go through them like crazy but I got more mileage than I expected out of the first one.

 

[pelletman]

Really sloppy milling. Or however they make their sockets.

If you start a bolt or nut with an impact socket on a power tool you shouldn't own tools

 

[dchawk81]

Metric impact sockets deep set is a fail because it doesn't thread an M12 bolt into the threads straight. 19mm socket. Pittsburgh brand. Thank you for your time.

What were you doing exactly? I'm confused.

 

[saltwater4life]

I did indeed get 4 more of the parts trays while I was in town today. Can't have too many of these. I'd have to round them all up to count them, but probably have 15 of them. If I go to town again before 10/1 (when the coupon expires) I'll probably snag 4 more.




And while there I got another 72 x 80 moving blanket. I've got a few of these and I give them a pass based on my experience. Yes, they are cheap and cheaply made, but I consider them pretty much disposable should I ever ruin one. However, to date, (and I've been using them for a number of years) they have held up remarkably well. Note: our two daily drivers are both SUV's and we have one of these folded to the right size laying in the "way back" in each. Even though these cars are getting some age on them the floors (under the moving blankets) are still pristine.

I’ve bought over 200 of these blankets over the last two years. They will get the job done. They even stay together for the most part going 80mph down the interstate for 500 mile round trips. Cheap enough to throw away when they start to rip.

 

[saltwater4life]

Series 2 72 inch top and bottom. Had since the series two came out. PASS big time. Locker is a pass also