The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[craftsman creep]

The 18 inch US general magnetic tool holder is a pass for me
-Preston

 

[zendriver]

I've seen them laying around my entire life, never used or seen anyone use a "flaring tool". Broke down and got a simple flare tool a couple of years ago, ended up working unsuccessfully on a brake system (go figure) leaked. Never even knew there were dies to make different better flare ends.

Anyway, needed to make a short 5/16 flared fuel line for the backhoe, so I thought I'd give this one a try. Both wonderful and terrible reviews (big surprise).

First try didn't at all and I really can't blame the tool. Suppose to work with steel, but would not budge testing some pieces of Poly Armor, just pushed them down. Come to find out those are some composite steel tubing much harder than normal.

Ended up making a length using NiCopp tubing and things worked just fine.

PASS, glad I didn't spend more for the $70 Maddox kit.

Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit

Amazing deals on this Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[dchawk81]

I've seen them laying around my entire life, never used or seen anyone use a "flaring tool". Broke down and got a simple flare tool a couple of years ago, ended up working unsuccessfully on a brake system (go figure) leaked. Never even knew there were dies to make different better flare ends.

Anyway, needed to make a short 5/16 flared fuel line for the backhoe, so I thought I'd give this one a try. Both wonderful and terrible reviews (big surprise).

First try didn't at all and I really can't blame the tool. Suppose to work with steel, but would not budge testing some pieces of Poly Armor, just pushed them down. Come to find out those are some composite steel tubing much harder than normal.

Ended up making a length using NiCopp tubing and things worked just fine.

PASS, glad I didn't spend more for the $70 Maddox kit.

Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit

Amazing deals on this Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I'm sorry that you **** at life, bro.

Just teasing. I have a flare kit and it took me several tries to successfully repair my S10 years ago. I doubt I could make a profit doing it in a shop.

 

[M635_Guy]

"Pass" in this thread is good, as in pass or fail.

To be fair, my first post was a bit low-effort.

 

[zendriver]

I'm sorry that you **** at life, bro.

Just teasing. I have a flare kit and it took me several tries to successfully repair my S10 years ago. I doubt I could make a profit doing it in a shop.

I'm certainly no genius, I think 2ndgearrubber mentioned using NiCopp line, was the way to go and it seemed pretty forgiving.

Hopefully I'll never need it again. lol

 

[dchawk81]

I'm certainly no genius, I think 2ndgearrubber mentioned using NiCopp line, was the way to go and it seemed pretty forgiving.

Hopefully I'll never need it again. lol

I can't remember what I used but the successful try was definitely an ohhhhh moment.

 

[mrvm]

From the recent 30% off day I picked up a set of tool box corner guards. They have some bad reviews for staying on but some adhesive will work if they start to peel off. @ $9.97 clearance they work great to protect surfaces. I moved the handles to the outside on the cart for more storage space.

 

[M635_Guy]

From the recent 30% off day I picked up a set of tool box corner guards. They have some bad reviews for staying on but some adhesive will work if they start to peel off. @ $9.97 clearance they work great to protect surfaces. I moved the handles to the outside on the cart for more storage space.

They were kind of a fail for me on my old 5-drawer cart because of peeling off, but all I did was stick them back on and they'd stay for another few weeks/months (longer in winter)

Great idea on the handles

 

[bmdubya1198]

The Quinn preset lug nut torque wrench gets a pass! I picked it up last week on ITC sale for around $45ish, then used my HF money from my credit card so it was about $35. The extended reach is great, so there's no need for extensions. Easy to set, and it comes in a nice foam holder.
This is much quicker for torquing down wheels compared to setting my digital torque wrench, then over-torquing the lugs (too easy with a digital).

 

[atch]

I seem to remember someone posted these a while back. I give them a pass. The magnets are quite a bit stronger than I expected. And here is a coupon good for several more days.

 

[atch]

Please allow me to get sideways of the original intent for a second or two.

Firstly let me ask. Has anyone ever used HF batteries? I never have 'cause the very few times I've bought cheap batteries that's exactly what I got; cheap batteries. They seem to be a waste of money at worst and at best the total lifespan of a package of batteries per dollar spent more-or-less equals that of "real" batteries, but you have to be changing them out a lot more often.




Secondly, let me say that although mine didn't come from HF these little gizmos are really cool. If you have a battery powered drill they can save you lots of time and also make some jobs quite a bit easier. So I'm recommending you get a set to put in with your sockets. I can't imagine that where they come from makes much difference for these.



Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

 

[MOS3522]

I can never have enough of those little shank adapters, thanks for posting.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

@atch I have used their batteries. They seem to die faster than Duracell or Energizer. Options are change batteries often or buy good expensive batteries that last.

 

[Bigbird]

@atch - I got the batteries as a freebie with any purchase promotion. I keep them in my desk drawer for when my mouse needs a change. They have done well under that light load. I also grabbed the shank adapters. Great to have for my impact driver. PASS to both.

 

[JeepYJ]

I seem to remember someone posted these a while back. I give them a pass. The magnets are quite a bit stronger than I expected. And here is a coupon good for several more days.

These magnet hooks are great. The hook also screws into the magnet so there area probably some uses where you could screw something else the magnets to use them as mounts.

 

[bmdubya1198]

I've had good experiences with their alkaline batteries. The cheapo zinc chloride (yellow ones, the free w/ purchase ones) such, short battery life and they don't fit well in some devices. The newer "max" blue ones are good, far cheaper than the name brands and seem to be just fine. They last in my pen lights much longer than the cheaper ones.
I simply don't spend much money on batteries. Nowadays most things are rechargeable anyway, so there's not much of a need for them aside from TV remotes and such. And in those cases, cheap batteries are usually just fine... they use so little power.

 

[yellowbox]

OK well just bought the
3/8 drive hercules battery impact
1/2 drive hercules 1400 ft lb impact battery powered, heavy *****
1/4 drive hercules driver
Oh and I got their radio too
All items including the 5 a batteries so far are a PASS
Batteries have 3 yr warranty
Tools 5 yrs
Time will tell but yeah , I love em

 

[mrvm]

Firstly let me ask. Has anyone ever used HF batteries? I never have 'cause the very few times I've bought cheap batteries that's exactly what I got; cheap batteries. They seem to be a waste of money at worst and at best the total lifespan of a package of batteries per dollar spent more-or-less equals that of "real" batteries, but you have to be changing them out a lot more often.

My concern with “cheap” batteries have been the leakage and damage to whatever they’re used in. Several of the free HF LED flashlights came with “cheap” batteries and many of them failed from the leakage and corrosion. I’m sure the better brand batteries can leak too but I think the odds are less.

 

[zendriver]

I use the blue batteries they last about as long as any other brand. I’ll try these a whopping seven bucks

 

[bmdubya1198]

My concern with “cheap” batteries have been the leakage and damage to whatever they’re used in. Several of the free HF LED flashlights came with “cheap” batteries and many of them failed from the leakage and corrosion. I’m sure the better brand batteries can leak too but I think the odds are less.

I personally haven't had any leakage with the cheap batteries, but I'm sure it's more likely to happen with those than the better ones. In general, they're alright for very low drain devices.

 

[MOS3522]

My concern with “cheap” batteries have been the leakage and damage to whatever they’re used in. Several of the free HF LED flashlights came with “cheap” batteries and many of them failed from the leakage and corrosion. I’m sure the better brand batteries can leak too but I think the odds are less.

Even the branded Duracells leak at the drop of a hat these days. The only way to avoid leaks with AA etc is to get the lithium ones.

 

[M635_Guy]

HF batteries are decent in terms of cost for the power delivered, but they're not great in amount of power.

Costco/Kirkland scored very well, as did the house-brand from Aldi (of all places). They're very affordable too.

 

[bmdubya1198]

HF batteries are decent in terms of cost for the power delivered, but they're not great in amount of power.

Costco/Kirkland scored very well, as did the house-brand from Aldi (of all places). They're very affordable too.

Yeah I have to say those Aldi batteries are also really good for the price.

 

[JRC3]

I know HF has probably changed their batteries but I will never buy them again over all the leakages I had years ago. Even when they were giving them away for free I never accepted the offer. For inexpensive leak-free batteries you can get Exide at Rural King or Rayovac at Menards.

 

[66HertzClone]

These magnet hooks are great. The hook also screws into the magnet so there area probably some uses where you could screw something else the magnets to use them as mounts.

I repurposed those magnets as you suggested. I have a Kubota tractor that sadly is parked outside and I purchased a solar battery charger for it and for my quad which is also outside. I attached those magnets to both of these chargers and they mount to the arm of the front loader and rack on the quad.

 

[Steve_P]

I don't understand why people are still using disposable AA, AAA, 9V batteries when the rechargeable ones don't leak, and will last for many years. I'm definitely frugal, but this just makes no sense to me- to risk ruining even a $20 device with a leaking battery vs using a AAA rechargeable that costs about $1 and will probably last 10 years.

 

[SteadyC]

I don't understand why people are still using disposable AA, AAA, 9V batteries when the rechargeable ones don't leak, and will last for many years. I'm definitely frugal, but this just makes no sense to me- to risk ruining even a $20 device with a leaking battery vs using a AAA rechargeable that costs about $1 and will probably last 10 years.

Output/duration

 

[DGersic]

I don't understand why people are still using disposable AA, AAA, 9V batteries when the rechargeable ones don't leak, and will last for many years. I'm definitely frugal, but this just makes no sense to me- to risk ruining even a $20 device with a leaking battery vs using a AAA rechargeable that costs about $1 and will probably last 10 years.

I have mostly converted to rechargeables here. My IR thermometer seems to eat batteries, and I’ve been using it a lot lately. Other than that, yeah, they seem to work well.

 

[GeoBruin]

I don't understand why people are still using disposable AA, AAA, 9V batteries when the rechargeable ones don't leak, and will last for many years. I'm definitely frugal, but this just makes no sense to me- to risk ruining even a $20 device with a leaking battery vs using a AAA rechargeable that costs about $1 and will probably last 10 years.

I generally agree, but in some cases the difference between the nominal voltage of a NiMH battery and an alkaline battery is enough (especially when several batteries are used in series) that some devices will just not function properly, or they will only function for a short time until the voltage drops below some threshold.

Same scenario for lithium primaries but in the opposite direction. Nominal voltage too high causes devices to interpret the total voltage as being outside the allowable range and the device won't function.

 

[bulletpruf]

Daytona 3 Ton Low Profile Long Reach Floor Jack - Pass. It's $240, but $190 for club members.

It's large, heavy, sturdy, but I bought it because of the lift height - almost 24" - I needed it to get my car on the cribbing that I built. That's about 6" higher than my 2.5 ton aluminum jack would lift.

 

[bmdubya1198]

I love that jack. I've had mine for a few years now, and it's been great. I can't go back to using my older 3 ton Pittsburgh that I keep at home.

 

[Ford52PU]

Nice cribs, a little bit taller than the ones I made.

 

[308guru]

I will say......... "pass" in the context of this thread isn't clear at first. Like "pass it over, this thing *****", or it gets a "passing" grade? It took me a bit to figure things out, but but maybe that's just me.

 

[Mark_17]

Pass/Fail, like grade school. Don't over think it.

 

[driftpin]

I just got a Hercules portable bandsaw stand, haven't tried fitting it to my Rockwell *********** portable bandsaw, but will post it for results when I do.

I got a pneumatic 90 degree 1/4" shaft die grinder (McGraw), and will test that one too, I have an old one that has apparently bad bearings, and as cheap as these are, I don't think it's worth trying to remove/replace the races. The old one keeps binding-up every time I attempt to use it. Yes, I lubricate it every time I use it, and it rarely is used for more-than a short duration.



OK that was a short trial! The McGraw 90 degree pneumatic die grinder is a PASS! OMG, it works so-smoothly, the old one was stripped of its brass quick-connect, and has been sent to the scrap bucket. Or "the cornfield," if you recall Bill Mumy's role.



Another update:
My Rockwell portable bandsaw doesn't fit, so I'll see if I want to buy something that does, or look for a used stationary bandsaw. The used stationary bandsaw is probably a no-go, as I don't have room for something w/such a large footprint in a 2-car garage. It's Florida, so cars sit outside.

 

[atch]

These dollies are definitely a pass. Over the years I've accumulated 18 of them and nearly all of them are used to "semi-permanently" store something. i.e., a couple have 4-speed transmissions on them; a couple have totes/boxes of "I'll need this stuff someday" on them; etc., etc. Seems like when I need one (or more) I have to go buy more 'cause they are all in use. I bought four of them a while back to connect with 2x4's to use as a platform to move a Model A body around on but used them for other stuff before I got them put together. Guess I'll have to run to town and get more.

And right now they are on sale.

You can't buy the casters for this price, and then there's the labor and materials to build a dolly if you do buy the castors. I've never put an engine on one, but they claim to be able to hold 1,000 pounds which is more than just about any engine, short of diesels. I'm afraid the footprint isn't big enough to be very stable with an engine on one though.

 

[oni888]

I know HF has probably changed their batteries but I will never buy them again over all the leakages I had years ago. Even when they were giving them away for free I never accepted the offer. For inexpensive leak-free batteries you can get Exide at Rural King or Rayovac at Menards.

i get AC Delco at Gabe's. they ok for clocks and TV remotes

 

[Renegade1LI]

These dollies are definitely a pass. Over the years I've accumulated 18 of them and nearly all of them are used to "semi-permanently" store something. i.e., a couple have 4-speed transmissions on them; a couple have totes/boxes of "I'll need this stuff someday" on them; etc., etc. Seems like when I need one (or more) I have to go buy more 'cause they are all in use. I bought four of them a while back to connect with 2x4's to use as a platform to move a Model A body around on but used them for other stuff before I got them put together. Guess I'll have to run to town and get more.

And right now they are on sale.

You can't buy the casters for this price, and then there's the labor and materials to build a dolly if you do buy the castors. I've never put an engine on one, but they claim to be able to hold 1,000 pounds which is more than just about any engine, short of diesels. I'm afraid the footprint isn't big enough to be very stable with an engine on one though.

That same dolly is 9.99$ at home depot all the time, just bought a few.

 

[driftpin]

I've never put an engine on one, but they claim to be able to hold 1,000 pounds which is more than just about any engine

Don't bother trying the dollies for that kind of load. The long dimension will 'swayback' with time, and then your 'up-to 1,000 lb load' will be dangerous.

Buy the small dolly, remove the wood, and use 2x4 and 2x6" pieces through-bolted to the caster plates. Then you can place a 327 on one (that's what I did, until I sold it).

Something like this, but these are ball-bearing 4" casters, w/brakes. The particle-board platform was on there to provide a larger flat space for something bulky, and will not be staying.

 

[atch]

Don't bother trying the dollies for that kind of load. The long dimension will 'swayback' with time, and then your 'up-to 1,000 lb load' will be dangerous.

Buy the small dolly, remove the wood, and use 2x4 and 2x6" pieces through-bolted to the caster plates. Then you can place a 327 on one (that's what I did, until I sold it).

Something like this, but these are ball-bearing 4" casters, w/brakes. The particle-board platform was on there to provide a larger flat space for something bulky, and will not be staying...

Good job there driftpin. I've made several nearly identical to yours thus never needing to use the HF dolly for an engine. The one mistake I made on one of them is that I didn't have 4 "crazy wheel" casters and that one doesn't turn when I want it to.