The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[marrt]

I'm sure this is been asked before, but I couldn't find the exact answer when I searched? Can you now use a harbor freight 20% off coupon (store coupon) when calling their 800 number? I've read that some people have success with this...yet others seem to fail.

 

[Tom2]

Thought it'd be worth mentioning - The one free scewdriver set is back - if you place an order through the website.

 

[allinon72]

I bought a set of SAE stubby ratcheting wrenches today. Needed a stubby 1/2" so I decided to give this set a try. The ratcheting action is not as smooth as a Gear Wrench but it feels like a quality set at less than half the price. $70 for the stubby Gear Wrench set which I think is outrageous.

I'll probably go back for a metric set.

 

[dlc]

The stubby metric ones are on sale for $9. I ordered a set last night.

http://www.harborfreight.com/mercha...iece-metric-stubby-gear-wrench-set-96581.html

 

[allinon72]

Wow no wonder they were out of the metric set at the store.

 

[mrholeshot]

The stubby metric ones are on sale for $9. I ordered a set last night.

http://www.harborfreight.com/mercha...iece-metric-stubby-gear-wrench-set-96581.html

I may buy a set just for the fact they are 9 dollars and I hate those things,lol

 

[nuclearlemon]

Looking at their 8 inch puller for a rear wheel bearing job on my Galant... anyone used this before?

yup...****. i threw it away after one of the legs broke in half

 

[nuclearlemon]

Then in my opinion you should be buying Snap On or another quality tool . .

because he thinks the tool should work as intended? i don't agree there. the tool is being marketed to do a job, regardless of how cheap it is, it should do it. i'll even add that it should do it more than once. you shouldn't have to fix anything out of the box for it to do something either.

i don't expect hf tools to last forever or be well abused like a decent tool, but i do expect them to do what they're supposed to do.

 

[nuclearlemon]

while cleaning the yard, i was reminded of a semi pass. the tire changer. bought it years ago for my old land cruisers. had to keep rebending it back and finally reinforce it, but i did use it hard and for the $35 i paid for it, i definitely got my money's worth out of it.

 

[subarub4]

Has anyone ever used the snap ring pliers? item 3316

First time I ever had to get something else other then HF.. I spent $21 for the same tool but the only thing it has over the HF one is I don't need to move the whole part to do a inner or outer it has a lever for that. but I spent $23 at HD :-/

 

[porcupine73]

I don't think I have those exact 3316 HF snap ring pliers. I have a set of like six different ones. I have used them a couple times on firearms and some other projects and they seem to be alright. Lisle has a fairly nice heavy duty snap ring tool with interchangeable 'tines'.

 

[Indy_500]

HF snap ring pliers ****


My impact died tonight, all HF air tools officially **** unless they are the earthquake ones

 

[Danglerb]

Has anyone ever used the snap ring pliers? item 3316

First time I ever had to get something else other then HF.. I spent $21 for the same tool but the only thing it has over the HF one is I don't need to move the whole part to do a inner or outer it has a lever for that. but I spent $23 at HD :-/

I am pretty sure those were reported as a FAIL, they bend at the attachment point.

 

[dede2897234]

HF Oil Filter Wrench. This one looks like a vise grip with curved jaws and adjusts with a knurled knob like a vise grip. It is the only one I use and will not crush a tight oil filter. It is a must have. PASS

Yesterday, I went to the Harbor Freight in Parma Heights and checked out the 6 to 10 locking oil filter wrenches they had in stock. I noticed the following manufacturing defects that disturbed me:

- sloppy casting where the last set of teeth met the inner jaw
- sloppy casting of the jaw tips that had apparent metal flashing
- noticeable misalignment of the upper and lower jaws evident when closing the jaws
- noticeable side to side play of both the upper and lower jaws


I wanted to purchase a pair based on the positive thread postings that I have read. However, I left the store without purchasing one.

To everyone who owns this hand tool, did you have to play with many oil filter wrenches (at possibly multiple stores) to find a decent pair?


Thanks,

Dave


3/1/2011 Update:

Out of the 6 different Harbor Freight stores (including Parma Heights and Erie, PA) I visited in the last 5 months, I looked at over 60 locking oil filter wrenches (item# 66568). Out of the 60 wrenches, I found 3 decent ones. I bought those 3 wrenches.

 

[mikebramel]

digital battery tester PASS works good on lawn mower to truck batterys, tells available cca, internal resistance, voltage, etc
6.5hp 3gpm pressure washer PASS starts on second pull has good power. traded in a wood lathe/sander for it (FAIL, no balls, lots of runout) and a yellow 700lb hand truck with a foldable platform (PASS)

 

[subarub4]

I am pretty sure those were reported as a FAIL, they bend at the attachment point.

Ah only thing it had going for it was the angled one.

 

[Randy_che]

Has anyone ever used the snap ring pliers? item 3316

First time I ever had to get something else other then HF.. I spent $21 for the same tool but the only thing it has over the HF one is I don't need to move the whole part to do a inner or outer it has a lever for that. but I spent $23 at HD :-/

The 3316 snap ring pliers are a FAIL. They are weak and flex too much taking off rings, often causing the ring to slip off of one pin on the pliers. The joint spring/pin is really lame and sloppy. I took it out and used a nut and bolt, and it was better, but still too flexible. I think they were $3 or $4, and are not worth it. There are other sets at HF that are better. I've had decent luck with #610 5 piece set. Some say the tips are weak, but I have not had an issue yet. They do not flex like the 3316 set.

 

[subarub4]

glad I checked out here before making that 50 mile drive!

Thanks!

 

[dlc]

digital battery tester PASS works good on lawn mower to truck batterys, tells available cca, internal resistance, voltage, etc

Part number?

 

[rayzor32]

the locking oil filter wrench looks pretty chincy to me, I use the red handled claw/channellock style one that ones a big PASS. All the HF snap ring pliers are giant FAILS.

 

[Racr350]

digital battery tester PASS works good on lawn mower to truck batterys, tells available cca, internal resistance, voltage, etc
(PASS)

x2 BIG pass. Put it up against a $800 Toyota Midtronics GR8 battery tester and saw marginal difference in numbers. I was blown away. $60 with a 20% coupon was a no brainer. Only downside is no available printer to attatch slips to RO's. But no biggie. I just write down the info for the customer...

Heres the Part # & Link:
66892-HHH
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66892

 

[rayzor32]

Niceee too bad about no printer though

 

[djb2]

...checked out the 6 to 10 locking oil filter wrenches they had in stock. I noticed the following manufacturing defects that disturbed me:

- sloppy casting where the last set of teeth met the inner jaw
- sloppy casting of the jaw tips that had apparent metal flashing
- noticeable misalignment of the upper and lower jaws evident when closing the jaws
- noticeable side to side play of both the upper and lower jaws

Thanks for the report. I was planning to buy one to remove CV joints -- some new replacements have only the tiniest lip, which easily rounds off when you try to pop them out of the transaxle. A u-bolt sometimes works, but often doesn't catch on the lip any better than a pry bar.

 

[scott37300]

Thanks for the report. I was planning to buy one to remove CV joints -- some new replacements have only the tiniest lip, which easily rounds off when you try to pop them out of the transaxle. A u-bolt sometimes works, but often doesn't catch on the lip any better than a pry bar.

You were going to use it for CV joints? If I understand what you are saying(pulling the half shafts out of the transaxle) I bought one of these and it works pretty good http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7507.aspx. Looking to get or make an extension for my slide hammer now.

 

[32rules]

Just purchased the 18.5 volt cordless drill for $14.99
Worked well right out of the box and seemed much more substaintial than a 14.99 tool.
5 clutch sttings, keyless chuck and 0-900 rpm tigger, reversible and comes compete witha 2 headed screw driver bit.
Bought 1/2 toque wrench for $9.99 (havent used it yet)
Brass welding paddle for $7.14
Soap stones 5 for a $1
Got out of the store for $35 including tax.

 

[Racr350]

Niceee too bad about no printer though

That would be pretty awesome if they had a printer you could buy too. But I feel thats a little too much to ask for from HF. Do you work at a Toyota dealership?

 

[subarub4]

Got to use item 92699 finally after sitting in the closet for about 6 months..

It did leak a little fuel from the gauge screwing into the T fitting but I also used pipe sealing tape on it too but I don't want to screw it down too far because it's aluminum.

if I get it to work without leaking I will post the final review.

 

[kc-steve]

x2 BIG pass. . . .

Heres the Part # & Link:
66892-HHH
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66892

Thanks for the link Racr, I have used the Cen-tech voltmeter I bought for $3 and was surprised that it worked at all for that price, but is accurate and hasn't failed yet after 20+ months. I was so impressed I bought three of them. So I'll definitely pick up the battery tester too.

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[rayzor32]

That would be pretty awesome if they had a printer you could buy too. But I feel thats a little too much to ask for from HF. Do you work at a Toyota dealership?

no i work at an independent shop. Even w/o the printer it could save you a bundle on batteries just bring it to the junkyard find the best battery and pay 14 bucks for a good battery instead of 70.

 

[Lkdelta]

1.I have the steel "trailer hitch carrier" and she has the aluminum carrier all pass
2.The better "maroon" sawz-all" in a lot better than the orange one
3.variable sp. autobuffer is a pass
4.I have 3 auto floor jacks, the 2&1/2 ton, and pair of 3 ton, all pass
5.The socket sets sae and mm, are good 1/4,3/8 & 1/2 including the allen set, star bit external & internal all pass
6.The chain saw chain sharpener is awesome, if you're cutting wood covered in dirt, can touch up the chain in about a half hour



1.The screw driver "on a handle" sets, shattered, major fail, would never trust any hi-speed bit (drill, router)after I saw that screw driver
2.the air fittings fail
3.

 

[djb2]

You were going to use it for CV joints? If I understand what you are saying(pulling the half shafts out of the transaxle) I bought one of these and it works pretty good http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7507.aspx. Looking to get or make an extension for my slide hammer now.

That's the same tool Autozone has in their loaner program. One of its uses is for pulling the passenger side CV joint on Toyotas. To get equal length half shafts, they have a two piece axle with a support bearing where it runs through the right engine mount. (Although this tool didn't work for me, despite many applications of PB Blaster and heat. I ended up taking off the engine mounting bracket and using a sledge hammer.)

That tool doesn't help remove a stuck inner joint. Since it grabs at the shaft it will only pull the inner joint apart, leaving the outer part of the joint still in the transmission. (These are tripod trunnion bearings. The only thing that keeps them from sliding apart is the boot.)

 

[Tornado]

3-1/2 Cubic Ft. Cement Mixer - Item # 67536 --- PASS

I have used this 4 times and mixed about 3 1/2 yards of concrete total so far. It has got the job done without issue. Don't forget to plug this into a GFI outlet or get a plug in type GFI since there will generally be water involved in mixing concrete.

 

[strnjss]

x2 BIG pass. Put it up against a $800 Toyota Midtronics GR8 battery tester and saw marginal difference in numbers. I was blown away. $60 with a 20% coupon was a no brainer. Only downside is no available printer to attatch slips to RO's. But no biggie. I just write down the info for the customer...

Heres the Part # & Link:
66892-HHH
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66892

The only other downside is that I can't find it anywhere! I guess they don't sell it online, and I have never seen it in a catalog, and I tried adding it from the item number, and it can't find it anywhere.

Guess next time I take a ride out an hour away to my HF, I'll try and spot one.

 

[subarub4]

x2 BIG pass. Put it up against a $800 Toyota Midtronics GR8 battery tester and saw marginal difference in numbers. I was blown away. $60 with a 20% coupon was a no brainer. Only downside is no available printer to attatch slips to RO's. But no biggie. I just write down the info for the customer...

Heres the Part # & Link:
66892-HHH
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66892

Thanks, always wondered about that nice to see it's worth it!

 

[Racr350]

The only other downside is that I can't find it anywhere! I guess they don't sell it online, and I have never seen it in a catalog, and I tried adding it from the item number, and it can't find it anywhere.

Guess next time I take a ride out an hour away to my HF, I'll try and spot one.

I do find it odd that the "retail" website doesnt have it, as my store did. It was in the electronics section with other electrical diag. products. Hope you find it, its a great buy

 

[GrantCee]

x2 BIG pass. Put it up against a $800 Toyota Midtronics GR8 battery tester and saw marginal difference in numbers. I was blown away. $60 with a 20% coupon was a no brainer. Only downside is no available printer to attatch slips to RO's. But no biggie. I just write down the info for the customer...

Heres the Part # & Link:
66892-HHH
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66892

My local store has 6 of them at $99 (!) Have they ever gone on sale?

 

[Steve_P]

These are a big pass, I have not used every size but have used them with an impact driver. The chrome and overall finish is great, made in Taiwan, cost like $8 each. The sizes are all over the place but I have not run into a situation yet where I needed another size allen wrench.

what are the part number on the screw tipped ones? I searched and could not find them.

I have HF inch and metric hex drivers like shown and they have held up very nicely although i did wear out one of the smaller inch ones doing failure testing on screws (long story)

 

[Steve_P]

two ply nitrile gloves- fail

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-100-mediumtwo-ply-nitrile-latex-gloves-45043.html

These are HF's third gen (at least) blue nitrile gloves. The first gen was the pale blue ones, which they still sell, and were ok to fair. next they came out with a really nice two ply (thick) nitrile-latex glove which I loved. It is what is shown in the above link and pic, but what they are selling now is not what is in the pic- or at least not what I got last time. I bought several boxes of the nitrile-latex gloves a few yrs ago and found them well fitting, comfortable, and lasted way longer than the latex gloves did for general use- well worth the 2X price over their latex glove. Recently I ordered some more of the nitrile-latex combos and now found a different glove- it's a darker blue than what they sold a few yrs ago and much thinner- light easily passes thru them. They do not last anywhere near the nitrile-latex glove they sold a few yrs ago. Very dissapointing as I really liked the other model

 

[Bolster]

Got out of the store for $35 including tax.

Welcome to GJ, 32rules. Please keep in mind this thread is for finding which tools at HF are quality. It's not for high-fives regarding how little you spent. Looks like you posted shortly after purchasing your tools. After you have thoroughly tested your tools, please report back on their quality. Thanks!

if I get it to work without leaking I will post the final review.

Again, guys, if you have to fix it before you can even test it, it's a fail. Seriously, new tools shouldn't have to be fixed before first use. That used to be common knowledge.

As a friendly reminder: This thread is for finding the quality tools sold at HF, and for identifying the ones to avoid. It's not intended to be a "look how little I spent" thread; I'm guessing that the majority of us already know that HarF tools don't cost much.

 

[RAYJAY]

Got to use item 92699 finally after sitting in the closet for about 6 months..

It did leak a little fuel from the gauge screwing into the T fitting but I also used pipe sealing tape on it too but I don't want to screw it down too far because it's aluminum.

if I get it to work without leaking I will post the final review.

have the same set it works flawless and YES i have used it a couple of times use it in a couple of SHO's and my older f 150 never a problem and subbarub4 you do have to tighten the gauge really good