The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[slipknot]

Ok, I've been through all 64 pages of this thread and couldn't find a Pass or Fail for the HF Auto darkening Welding helmets.

I bought Jack Olsen's old Hobart 140 and I will only be doing some sheet metal patching on my old truck with it. Occasional use at most. The HF website reviews are mostly positive with some negative thrown at the blue flame model. But I always wonder if those reviews are by shills anyway. So does anyone have any experience with these?

I got a $50 gift card from my daughter for Father's Day and its burning a hole in my pocket.

P.S. Please, no one recommend the **** ugly "skull" helmet with the teeth on it. I'm not buying that ridiculous thing no matter how good or how cheap it is.

a guy that was in my welding class had one i used it a few times fits good works great and is scary as hell from what has been said when you turn around after being taped on the shoulder

 

[mrholeshot]

My eyes are too valuable to chance using a cheap welding helmet. I don't mind risking a busted knuckle or two but when it comes to weld nothing less than my Speedglass 9000 for me. If I don't have one on hand I'll use the old fashioned permanant dark. In most cases I grab just a lincoln hand shield for really short jobs

 

[anodyne33]

Blue Flame auto darkening helmet = pass

If I end up welding more frequently I may step up to something more reputable, but my girlfriend and I recently used this to put some patch panels in her Jeep with no trouble at all.


3 in 1 u-joint/ball joint press = pass

I really wish I'd have had the correct ball joint cups for a Dana 30 to make it easier, and I did have to use an additional sleeve to make the press adapter deep enough to get an upper out, but I was able to successfully replace ball joints and one u-joint (the other was just too stubborn for a press) with it.

 

[Simplespeed]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

 

[subarub4]

has anyone tried item 39522 the Mityvac Vacuum Pump?

 

[subarub4]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

wow are you serious? I have a 1/2" deep socket and they are great they pretty much get high praise as well.. first I've ever heard of that.

 

[Indy_500]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

hmm mine work great. i got the 16 pc. set which is an older set and it was on clearance for $8.97, original price of $29.99

 

[scott37300]

has anyone tried item 39522 the Mityvac Vacuum Pump?

I used to have one but it got stolen. HF has their own vac pump on sale for 19 bucks right now, not sure how well it works. I am going to be getting a new mityvac but I am going to get the metal one that has more accesories. Tooltopia has them for 55 bucks, http://www.tooltopia.com/mityvac-mv8500.aspx.

 

[scott37300]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

I have a set I bought about five years ago in the black metal case that I have used pretty hard and they work good. Never broke one yet, maybe you got a bad batch?

 

[bchee]

Any feedback on this auto molding set for $5?
(3 good reviews on the HF site)

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piec...ce=retail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3310B

 

[lipadj46]

wow are you serious? I have a 1/2" deep socket and they are great they pretty much get high praise as well.. first I've ever heard of that.

Actually reports of the HF deep impacts failing have been posted here numerous times here, with pics even. I like my HF shallow impacts but they have their limitations. Put them side by side with any USA brand and it becomes apparent that they are under built. I've never had a shallow socket fail though, don't think I would buy the deep sockets though.

 

[subarub4]

Actually reports of the HF deep impacts failing have been posted here numerous times here, with pics even. I like my HF shallow impacts but they have their limitations. Put them side by side with any USA brand and it becomes apparent that they are under built. I've never had a shallow socket fail though, don't think I would buy the deep sockets though.

one thing I noticed on the website they have like 5 deep socket sets or maybe less.. but the deep impact sockets I have are item number 7383 the 11 piece set.

 

[subarub4]

I used to have one but it got stolen. HF has their own vac pump on sale for 19 bucks right now, not sure how well it works. I am going to be getting a new mityvac but I am going to get the metal one that has more accesories. Tooltopia has them for 55 bucks, http://www.tooltopia.com/mityvac-mv8500.aspx.

I've heard bad things about the HF version because of the brake fluid eating away at the piston and it just shattered. I was just asking about the mityvac because some people said they don't work good or they are just ok.. I need to get my brakes done this weekend my pad is already down to metal and it has torn my rotor to shreds.. which is why I don't want to wait for shipping for the motive power bleeder.

 

[Simplespeed]

This is the set i bought on sale for $9.99. The shallow sockets i have are CP Earthquake and they seem to be holding up real good.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-34683.html

This set says that it is cro moly steel and that it is %30 stronger than chrome vanadium, is this true?

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...f-inch-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-95470.html

 

[scott37300]

I've heard bad things about the HF version because of the brake fluid eating away at the piston and it just shattered. I was just asking about the mityvac because some people said they don't work good or they are just ok.. I need to get my brakes done this weekend my pad is already down to metal and it has torn my rotor to shreds.. which is why I don't want to wait for shipping for the motive power bleeder.

Here is a thread I started last week on mityvacs, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=72423

 

[Bolster]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

Interesting. From other reports, I thought the deep impact sockets were one of their quality good buys. I guess they're hit or miss, too.

Actually reports of the HF deep impacts failing have been posted here numerous times here, with pics even. I like my HF shallow impacts but they have their limitations. Put them side by side with any USA brand and it becomes apparent that they are under built. I've never had a shallow socket fail though, don't think I would buy the deep sockets though.

Wow I must have missed that. News to me. OK, I'm avoiding their impact sockets.

 

[dlc]

Interesting. From other reports, I thought the deep impact sockets were one of their quality good buys.

Yeah, me too. This is the first negative I've read about their impact sockets.

 

[dlc]

Any feedback on this auto molding set for $5?
(3 good reviews on the HF site)

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piec...ce=retail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3310B

I've used them many times. Still holding up well.

 

[dsaabm]

I've used them many times. Still holding up well.

Yep, I have this set and it has been great, about to pick up another just for the hell of it. I believe these are rebranded and sold by other companies. The blue set you are looking at is much better than the black set they used to sell, stronger plastic.

 

[cheap bastard]

Any feedback on this auto molding set for $5?
(3 good reviews on the HF site)

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piec...ce=retail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3310B

They work well. I've used a set working with a friend and they were decent. A bit more flex than truck brand tools, but that's not always a bad thing.

 

[Simplespeed]

Heres the 21mm.

and the 24. It cracked in 5places.

 

[Hiball]

Heres the 21mm.

and the 24. It cracked in 5places.

Thats U.. G.. L...Y...

 

[Simplespeed]

Yep. I just returned the set and got the thicker walled 14pc set. Still doesnt say what material its made of and they look really cheap. Ill see how they hold up.

 

[danc333]

The pittsburgh 1/2in. deep impact sockes ****. I used thr 21 and 24mm today and both cracked on the first use. I didnt expect much out of them but i did expect more than one use. The shallow sockets are chrome vanadium and are turning out to be the best 10 bucks i ever spent. Wish they had a deep set in chrome vanadium and with thicker walls.

Where the Pittsburgh sockets that cracked made in Taiwan on China?

 

[Simplespeed]

Where the Pittsburgh sockets that cracked made in Taiwan on China?

I believe they said taiwan.

 

[hedjhawg]

US General 99849 Ball Joint Separator

PASS!

Popped the ball joint off my AWD 300C in three seconds!

 

[mrholeshot]

350lb capacity saw horses. 47782
http://www.harborfreight.com/350-lb-capacity-sawhorses-2-piece-set-47782.html

Bought these to cut Plywood on. Rated at 350lbs. They are a complete and utter FAIL.

I've cut 8 sheets of 3/4 plywood on them (no cuts on the saw horses) and they are breaking apart like they have been run over. One is now completly unuseable and the other one is just about there. Garbage. They havent even made it through one project.

 

[scott37300]

Re: US General 99849 Ball Joint Separator

PASS!

Popped the ball joint off my AWD 300C in three seconds!

That's good to know, I was looking at those. Does this look like something that will hold up over time with stubbern ball joints? Or do you think a tough ball joint might wreck it?

 

[mikevango]

Fail. Power steering pump Pulley puller. Did not remove the pulley before the threads on it got fucked up. I didn't even have an impact on it just a 9 inch ratchet. Borrowed one from advanced auto, used my impact and it came right off.


http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-pulley-puller-66868.html

 

[Skin]

Interesting. From other reports, I thought the deep impact sockets were one of their quality good buys. I guess they're hit or miss, too.



Wow I must have missed that. News to me. OK, I'm avoiding their impact sockets.

Keep in mind HF sells 2 different sets. Theres the incredibly cheap thin wall ones with a polish to them, those type i wouldnt test past taking lug nuts off, then theres other ones that are thicker and similar in appearance/texture to GP or Sunex impacts ones for a bit more.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-1-2-half-inch-metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-34683.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-1-2-half-inch-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-95470.html


Guess i'll contribute

Ratcheting bar clamps similar to Stanley trigger clamps:

46807
46808

Big pass. Been using them for a bit now and they've been holding up great. Not the tightest clamping force but they absolutely work well enough for holding wood in place and keep pressure on things that were glued. For the few bucks they cost [vs $20 for the Stanley version] they're excellent.

Magnetic Parts Trays

Dont see the version i got on the site, perhaps they've been discontinued, but i found quite a few in the store which have the name "Storehouse" stamped into the metal.

97808 is the model of the bowl, cant recall the tray though i got one of them as well. They're the exact same as the type Lowes carries with the half hood to allow for parts to be held more securely when its stuck vertically. The magnet is very strong which is the key thing. They also sell cheaper models for $3 which are on the site and in the store which have totally **** magnets. Essentially stay away from the version in the cardboard boxes and purchse the ones in the clear carded displays that have "Storehouse" stamped in. For the $5 the bowl costs and $8 the tray costs they're excellent. Craftsman/Home Dope/Lowes brand go for about twice as much and of course they're all made in China.

 

[mkirkpatrick]

Re: US General 99849 Ball Joint Separator

That's good to know, I was looking at those. Does this look like something that will hold up over time with stubbern ball joints? Or do you think a tough ball joint might wreck it?

I got mine for 15 bucks, I really don't see it breaking. I wouldn't use a impact gun on it, as long as you use a hand wrench I don't think it will break, and grease the screw.

 

[Quint]

Not sure if it's been mentioned.
And it's not your typical Chinese knockoff, but HF sells it...

3M Healight Restore Kit.

MAJOR pass!!!!!!!! '00 Civic headlights never looked so good!

 

[Simplespeed]

Keep in mind HF sells 2 different sets. Theres the incredibly cheap thin wall ones with a polish to them, those type i wouldnt test past taking lug nuts off, then theres other ones that are thicker and similar in appearance/texture to GP or Sunex impacts ones for a bit more.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-1-2-half-inch-metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-34683.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-1-2-half-inch-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-95470.html


Guess i'll contribute

Ratcheting bar clamps similar to Stanley trigger clamps:

46807
46808

Big pass. Been using them for a bit now and they've been holding up great. Not the tightest clamping force but they absolutely work well enough for holding wood in place and keep pressure on things that were glued. For the few bucks they cost [vs $20 for the Stanley version] they're excellent.

Magnetic Parts Trays

Dont see the version i got on the site, perhaps they've been discontinued, but i found quite a few in the store which have the name "Storehouse" stamped into the metal.

97808 is the model of the bowl, cant recall the tray though i got one of them as well. They're the exact same as the type Lowes carries with the half hood to allow for parts to be held more securely when its stuck vertically. The magnet is very strong which is the key thing. They also sell cheaper models for $3 which are on the site and in the store which have totally **** magnets. Essentially stay away from the version in the cardboard boxes and purchse the ones in the clear carded displays that have "Storehouse" stamped in. For the $5 the bowl costs and $8 the tray costs they're excellent. Craftsman/Home Dope/Lowes brand go for about twice as much and of course they're all made in China.

The deep socket set that i got the second time around is a 14pc. I cant find it on the website but ill post a pic up tomorrow. Today while using them i noticed that they are not centered. The walls are thicket on one side of the socket than on the other. It wobbles when on the gun because it is unbalanced and off center. They havent cracked yet though.

 

[Bolster]

Ratcheting bar clamps similar to Stanley trigger clamps:

Big pass. Been using them for a bit now and they've been holding up great. Not the tightest clamping force but they absolutely work well enough for holding wood in place and keep pressure on things that were glued. For the few bucks they cost [vs $20 for the Stanley version] they're excellent.

Really?!?! I used a friend's HF ratcheting bar clamps and they were a solid FAIL due to insufficient pressure generated...? My friend's were well used, perhaps yours are new?

 

[Skin]

Really?!?! I used a friend's HF ratcheting bar clamps and they were a solid FAIL due to insufficient pressure generated...? My friend's were well used, perhaps yours are new?

define well used. i'm not a carpenter by trade or anything so i dont use them daily. They've stood up to around 9 months of random use for household projects and dont show any signs of failure and can certainly keep a couple of 2x4s together with sufficient force for nailing or screwing.

You know how HF likes to rotate production to the new lowest bidders though so maybe they've improved, or maybe i got better old stock or maybe your friend just used them a lot more than i have?

Really though i expected less from the $3.00 or whatever the cost me.

Today while using them i noticed that they are not centered. The walls are thicket on one side of the socket than on the other. It wobbles when on the gun because it is unbalanced and off center.

 

[OneTon]

Item # 41856 3/4 Ton Underhoist Stand

Item # 41856 3/4 Ton Underhoist Stand

PASS.

Very well built and on "clearance" right now for $39.99...

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...y-stand-with-fine-screw-adjustment-41856.html

 

[welpracing]

anybody use the 03233 Dent repair stud gun kit? i bought one but haven't had the chance to use it........pass or fail?

 

[mojo_13]

Guess i'll contribute

Ratcheting bar clamps similar to Stanley trigger clamps:

46807
46808

Big pass. Been using them for a bit now and they've been holding up great. Not the tightest clamping force but they absolutely work well enough for holding wood in place and keep pressure on things that were glued. For the few bucks they cost [vs $20 for the Stanley version] they're excellent.

I have used these before and would say huge fail too. Definately not enought clamping pressure to do much of anything. Their bar clamps on the other hand are a very good value especially when they go on sale. I would never buy the ratcheting ones though.

 

[Indy_500]

the 6 piece hex bit socket sets in both metric and SAE. They are made in china, but i just used them on my impact wrench and took off 96 rusted on studs out of a snowmobile track that are torqued to 60 ft. lbs. These are not impact hex bit sockets, they're the chrome ones and they worked AWESOME! MAJOR PASS

 

[subarub4]

item 34202 does anyone know if you can use soda blasting with this?