The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[787B]

Bearing puller... pass. Worked great for pulling off the rear bearings for the Galant VR-4, which were very rusty after spending most of it's life up north. Not bad for $50 after 20% off coupon.

Galant VR-4? Whoa, most people don't even know what that mad little sedan is. This place is just filled with cool people!

Obligatory pass/fail content:

#47246 - 3000 lb Rapid Pump Aluminum Racing Jack - BIG PASS
This is their original aluminum jack, the one that goes 17" high and not the later, smaller, cheaper ones that only go 14" high. Ive had this thing for probably ten years, using it in my garage, dragging it to the road race track at least 10 times a year, and just generally using the hell out of it. I think I paid $99 for it mail-order when HF only had stores out west. It's never let me down. It has started to leak a little in that last year or two, but only if I leave the release valve open. I bought the 4000 lb jack next to it as a backup and because it's wider and lower. We'll see if it holds up as well.

 

[Tom2]

I bought the 3000lb aluminum jack too last week. Haven't used it enough to really rate it yet, but nice and light weight. I bought the warranty with it, just in case (since it was replacing my other jack that's not working right and only a few years old).

 

[SCscoutguy]

Lifetime warranty is only on hand tools, not the specialty tools they have. Wouldn't warranty out the forcing screw on my wheel bearing kit a while back.

They swapped out my ball joint press no problem when I took it in. Just about everything in the store they will replace if it breaks even if it technically doesn't have a lifetime warranty.

 

[anodyne33]

So is this a decent press if you don't use it backwards? Would you buy another one? And do they warranty this, is it considered a handtool?

I was looking at getting one of them and heard they were pretty decent for the price.

Yeah, it did a bunch of u-joints and ball joint for me without any issues (aside from a u-joint cap blowing up, not the press' fault). I bought a new version that has a few more adapters for 4WD applications but haven't installed the new joints yet.

The manager of the store I stopped at put the kaibosh on returning the old one. I actually had the receipt from '07. These have a 90 day warranty only. If I'd pressed the issue, maybe I could have gotten a new one free, or maybe if it'd been totally broken and not just bent.

Anyhow, the new one was $40 after the coupon, so I figure I'll stick with that over the $200 OTC or $600 Snap On.

 

[Homoudont]

So is this a decent press if you don't use it backwards? Would you buy another one? And do they warranty this, is it considered a handtool?

I was looking at getting one of them and heard they were pretty decent for the price.

I just used this Ball Joint press for the first time yesterday.. Can't really rate it, but it worked in getting the ball joint in and out of a 1996 dodge Grand Caravan. It was a little awkward because I've never used one before, but I eventually figured it out. The instructions are worthless though.

 

[sasquach]

I just bought that press the other day . A guy at work has one that he uses for pushing out anchor pins on brake shoes on buses . Thats what sold me on it .

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I just bought that press the other day . A guy at work has one that he uses for pushing out anchor pins on brake shoes on buses . Thats what sold me on it .

mine has done many ball joints and u joint with out an issue I did have to make some special spacers for some jobs though. ED

thumbs up for me.

 

[Venumb]

Harbor Freight Cen-Tech stud finder # 92375

HUGE FAIL

This p.o.s. was nothing more than a frustrating waste of time and money. I played with the calibration but never could get any consistency out of it. Ultimately, I trusted this tool and ended up with a bunch of holes in my wall where it told me studs were!!! I (tried) used it once..and threw it into the trash!

 

[Homoudont]

I’m contributing my review of the Central Pneumatic 3 HP 21 gallon 120 volt oiled air compressor model # 94667.

Performance
The performance of the compressor right out of the box was plenty fine to do what I consider light DYI automotive work. I normally use a compressor to take off lug nuts and loosen up suspension parts on the cars I maintain. Using a IR 231 ½ air gun proved to be more then robust with the factory setup. I had read that I could gain some improved performance by switching out the old plumbing for different stuff. So I had ordered a Campbell Hausfeld regulator and gauges off of eBay for a few bucks as well as a Milton pop safety valve. Installed all the new hardware with a Husky brand air connector and it seems to work slightly better than factory. I also added some normal 30 weight oil mixed with some Mobil 1 oil before I started the compressor.

Price
I paid $95 before tax for the compressor using a 20% off coupon during one of their tent / sidewalk sales. I added the extended warranty for an additional $20, so before tax I was out the door for $115. With the added Ebay items and stuff I had laying around I’m in for no more than an additional $25. So total for the setup (not counting oil) is $140.

Gripes
The biggest gripe I have is the wheels. They have to be the worst setup ever invented. I haven’t moved the compressor around since I moved it into it’s current place and don’t intend to move since I have a smaller compressor for my air nailers. The other gripe I have is the drain plug is a PITA to get too. I’ll have to extend the drain plug out so I can easily drain it after every use.

Overall I feel it’s an upgrade over my old 13 gallon oil-less Husky compressor and my 6 gallon Porter Cable compressor I use for my nailers. I consider the compressor fairly loud but slightly quieter then my oil-less compressors. For the price paid and for what I use it for I consider it a bargain. Perfect compressor for the DIY home mechanics that does just typical car repairs.
I've added some pictures so you can see the upgrades I've made to the compressor.

 

[subarub4]

Galant VR-4? Whoa, most people don't even know what that mad little sedan is. This place is just filled with cool people!

Obligatory pass/fail content:

#47246 - 3000 lb Rapid Pump Aluminum Racing Jack - BIG PASS
This is their original aluminum jack, the one that goes 17" high and not the later, smaller, cheaper ones that only go 14" high. Ive had this thing for probably ten years, using it in my garage, dragging it to the road race track at least 10 times a year, and just generally using the hell out of it. I think I paid $99 for it mail-order when HF only had stores out west. It's never let me down. It has started to leak a little in that last year or two, but only if I leave the release valve open. I bought the 4000 lb jack next to it as a backup and because it's wider and lower. We'll see if it holds up as well.

I need to pick up that jack but waiting for a good sale to warrant my driving and paying a toll to get it.

 

[patrickw10]

any reviews of the 2 21 pc 3/4 dr socket sets i searched could not find anything thanks.

 

[Indy_500]

I’m contributing my review of the Central Pneumatic 3 HP 21 gallon 120 volt oiled air compressor model # 94667.

Performance
The performance of the compressor right out of the box was plenty fine to do what I consider light DYI automotive work. I normally use a compressor to take off lug nuts and loosen up suspension parts on the cars I maintain. Using a IR 231 ½ air gun proved to be more then robust with the factory setup. I had read that I could gain some improved performance by switching out the old plumbing for different stuff. So I had ordered a Campbell Hausfeld regulator and gauges off of eBay for a few bucks as well as a Milton pop safety valve. Installed all the new hardware with a Husky brand air connector and it seems to work slightly better than factory. I also added some normal 30 weight oil mixed with some Mobil 1 oil before I started the compressor.

Price
I paid $95 before tax for the compressor using a 20% off coupon during one of their tent / sidewalk sales. I added the extended warranty for an additional $20, so before tax I was out the door for $115. With the added Ebay items and stuff I had laying around I’m in for no more than an additional $25. So total for the setup (not counting oil) is $140.

Gripes
The biggest gripe I have is the wheels. They have to be the worst setup ever invented. I haven’t moved the compressor around since I moved it into it’s current place and don’t intend to move since I have a smaller compressor for my air nailers. The other gripe I have is the drain plug is a PITA to get too. I’ll have to extend the drain plug out so I can easily drain it after every use.

Overall I feel it’s an upgrade over my old 13 gallon oil-less Husky compressor and my 6 gallon Porter Cable compressor I use for my nailers. I consider the compressor fairly loud but slightly quieter then my oil-less compressors. For the price paid and for what I use it for I consider it a bargain. Perfect compressor for the DIY home mechanics that does just typical car repairs.
I've added some pictures so you can see the upgrades I've made to the compressor.

review was very helpful, how many times do you use it per month approximatly and how many hours per time do you use it?

 

[IONH]

any reviews of the 2 21 pc 3/4 dr socket sets i searched could not find anything thanks.

Item numbers would help.

 

[cglasgow]

800W 2-stroke generator 66819 - PASS (so far). I've read good reviews of this little genset online, so I picked one up today. Ran it at full output for an hour and it just hummed along quietly (surprisingly quietly!)

Coupon code 21238746 knocks it down from $120 (current sale price) or $150 (retail price) to $90.

 

[Poncho Villa]

So is this a decent press if you don't use it backwards? Would you buy another one? And do they warranty this, is it considered a handtool?

I was looking at getting one of them and heard they were pretty decent for the price.

Mine was a big fail but I think I abused the tool on my 99 Dodge Ram front ball joints:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=805500#post805500

Others have had some success:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56374

If ever I need another, I'll likely get the HF model and try a kinder, gentler approach.

 

[patrickw10]

Item numbers would help.

5494 and 40996

 

[Homoudont]

review was very helpful, how many times do you use it per month approximatly and how many hours per time do you use it?

I'm only a DIY mechanic and only maintain two of the family vehicles currently so it gets very little use. So far all I've used it for was lugnuts and axle nut. For what I use it for and the cost associated I feel it's a perfect compressor for the DIY mechanic. It's not very portable and I don't plan on moving it at all.

But I could be working on my car for 2 hours and only use an impact for 4-5 minutes. The most I've ever used a compressor for was suspension work, and even then it's only used for short bursts.

 

[abrahamfh]

3/8" Double Sided Rotary Spot Weld Cutter-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-double-sided-rotary-spot-weld-cutter-95343.html

3.5 HP, 60 Gallon, 130 PSI Compressor-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-5-hp-60-gallon-130-psi-compressor.html

6 Ton Jack Stand Set-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-jack-stand-set-38847.html

2 Piece Rubber Pads for Jack Stand-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-rubber-pads-for-jack-stand-95952.html

25 ft. x 3/8" Heavy Duty Black Rubber Air Hose(Goodyear)-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...ch-heavy-duty-black-rubber-air-hose-2363.html

Industrial Air Filter Regulator Unit-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-air-filter-regulator-unit-98904.html

Electric Paint Spray Gun-------Will test tomorrow
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-paint-spray-gun-47274.html

40 Lb. Capacity Floor Blast Cabinet-------Will test this week
http://www.harborfreight.com/garage...40-lb-capacity-floor-blast-cabinet-93608.html

3" Composite Air Cut-Off Tool-------Will test this week
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to.../3-inch-composite-air-cut-off-tool-95028.html

20 Oz. High Volume Low Pressure Gravity Feed Spray Gun-------Have yet to test
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-47016.html

Adjustable Detail Spray Gun-------Have yet to test
http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-detail-spray-gun-92126.html

 

[PaulR]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

 

[Shadowdog500]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

I agree that this is a pass, but put some weight on it and try it in the store before taking it home. I had two with wheels that would hang up when weight was put on them. The store exchanged them for new ones(that I tested before leaving) and they work great.

Chris

 

[robertgreen79]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Awesome. Thank you for posting that. I was looking at those just the other day.

 

[787B]

Awesome. Thank you for posting that. I was looking at those just the other day.

Caution: Paul bought his at least a year ago. There has been a cheapening since so now they aren't nearly as good as they used to be. They use cheaper casters now that don't work very well. Follow Shadowdog's advice and check they work with weight on them, and/or use the "hold them vertical and rotate and make sure wheels caster by themselves and don't get hung-up" check somebody else suggested

 

[PaulR]

this is true, at least a year or two ago. Casters are great, hardwood, rolls like a champ. I've moved sofa's, steelcase cabinets, tons of other stuff. But as you know it's still HF, word to the wise.

 

[787B]

Paul, I bet they have the plastic bearing retainers/dust shields between the caster frame and mounting plate. The new ones do not.

 

[Tom2]

Yea, I was shopping the casters there last week(I imagine they're the same as used on the mover dolleys).. They all seemed pretty crappy and were about the same price as HD/Lowes. I ended up still buying 4 of the clear ones with swivels/brakes

 

[mrholeshot]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Those are a huge pass. I have 6 of them with Big Block Chevy Blocks on them. I have one that is home to a Valkyrie engine and a few spares for moving heavy stuff around my shop. A lot of bang for the buck. all mine are about 7-8 years old and cost a whopping 7.99 each

 

[IONH]

Those are a huge pass. I have 6 of them with Big Block Chevy Blocks on them. I have one that is home to a Valkyrie engine and a few spares for moving heavy stuff around my shop. A lot of bang for the buck. all mine are about 7-8 years old and cost a whopping 7.99 each

Glad I'm not the only one using these for automotive use. I have 2 of these larger ones holding up 3 transmissions (one MTX, one AWD MTX, and one ATX).

I also have 2 of the smaller ones which I put a 3/4" sheet of wood on and use to either put car wheels directly on or jack stands on so I can wheel around cars which no longer have front suspension.

 

[Indy_500]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

my school's got about 50 of them, they're awesome. my uncle builds custom kitchen cabinets and has about a dozen of em too, they work very well.

 

[LawnDart79]

4 Piece Heavy Duty Pry Bar Set - 1654 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/clearance/4-piece-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-1654.html

I've have a set of these that I've used for over 10 years (8+ everyday heavy use as an automotive tech.) They've held up to stress I've placed on them and handles hold up to automotive chemicals well.


2 Lb. Brass Hammer - 42000 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-lb-brass-hammer-with-hickory-wood-handle-42000.html

I thought for sure that every time I would strike something, brass would fly all over hell, and ultimately the handle would snap off, but I've been using mine for a couple years and no problems yet.


3 HP, 21 Gallon, 120 Volt Vertical Air compressor - 94667 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-hp-21-gallon-115-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-94667.html

It's a pretty good compressor for what it is. It isn't a big dog and I didn't buy it expecting it to do the things a bigger compressor would be needed to do. My only complaint is the wheels, but for what I paid for it (< $120), it was a good buy and I can live with that issue.


3 ton floor jack - 34271 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-super-heavy-duty-floor-jack-34271.html?p=3

I've been using this jack for many years (3+ years everyday heavy use up until 3 years ago). It's been used, abused, and overloaded and it's still around to tell the story. I originally bought this jack because I didn't want to take my good Sears jack I had at home, to work. It's far exceeded my expectations for a harbor freight jack. Now it's my go-to jack here at home. (No longer fixing cars for a living...

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

4 Piece Heavy Duty Pry Bar Set - 1654 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/clearance/4-piece-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-1654.html

I've have a set of these that I've used for over 10 years (8+ everyday heavy use as an automotive tech.) They've held up to stress I've placed on them and handles hold up to automotive chemicals well.


2 Lb. Brass Hammer - 42000 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-lb-brass-hammer-with-hickory-wood-handle-42000.html

I thought for sure that every time I would strike something, brass would fly all over hell, and ultimately the handle would snap off, but I've been using mine for a couple years and no problems yet.


3 HP, 21 Gallon, 120 Volt Vertical Air compressor - 94667 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-hp-21-gallon-115-psi-cast-iron-vertical-air-compressor-94667.html

It's a pretty good compressor for what it is. It isn't a big dog and I didn't buy it expecting it to do the things a bigger compressor would be needed to do. My only complaint is the wheels, but for what I paid for it (< $120), it was a good buy and I can live with that issue.


3 ton floor jack - 34271 - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-super-heavy-duty-floor-jack-34271.html?p=3

I've been using this jack for many years (3+ years everyday heavy use up until 3 years ago). It's been used, abused, and overloaded and it's still around to tell the story. I originally bought this jack because I didn't want to take my good Sears jack I had at home, to work. It's far exceeded my expectations for a harbor freight jack. Now it's my go-to jack here at home. (No longer fixing cars for a living...

Prior bar has been sorta ok till my dropped it and the handle shreaded to pieces don't hit with hammer Ed

 

[abrahamfh]

3/8" Double Sided Rotary Spot Weld Cutter-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-double-sided-rotary-spot-weld-cutter-95343.html

3.5 HP, 60 Gallon, 130 PSI Compressor-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-5-hp-60-gallon-130-psi-compressor.html

6 Ton Jack Stand Set-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-ton-jack-stand-set-38847.html

2 Piece Rubber Pads for Jack Stand-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-rubber-pads-for-jack-stand-95952.html

25 ft. x 3/8" Heavy Duty Black Rubber Air Hose(Goodyear)-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...ch-heavy-duty-black-rubber-air-hose-2363.html

Industrial Air Filter Regulator Unit-------PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-air-filter-regulator-unit-98904.html

Electric Paint Spray Gun-------Will test tomorrow
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-paint-spray-gun-47274.html

40 Lb. Capacity Floor Blast Cabinet-------Will test this week
http://www.harborfreight.com/garage...40-lb-capacity-floor-blast-cabinet-93608.html

3" Composite Air Cut-Off Tool-------Will test this week
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to.../3-inch-composite-air-cut-off-tool-95028.html

20 Oz. High Volume Low Pressure Gravity Feed Spray Gun-------Have yet to test
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-high-volume-low-pressure-gravity-feed-spray-gun-47016.html

Adjustable Detail Spray Gun-------Have yet to test
http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-detail-spray-gun-92126.html

UPDATE!

Electric Paint Spray Gun-------FAIL
http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-paint-spray-gun-47274.html

 

[usmc_noma]

Anyone have any experience with the 12v high volume air compressor? I'm looking to keep one in my truck for on the go inflation or just a quick inflate at the house. Item number is 96068.

3ton jack 34271 - pass. Only thing I wish is the lift was faster with less pumps.
3ton jack stands 38846 - pass.
6ton jack stands 38847 - pass.
zip ties - pass. I've used them for light duty applications. I'm not sure what the item number was for the ones I bought.
clear safety glasses 9916 - pass.
11" canvas tool bag 35539 - pass. I'm sure the same bag in 15" is a pass also.
low pro creeper 2745 - pass.
red shop towels 46163 - pass.

This is all I can think of off the top of my head.

 

[Mike B26]

10" socket rail (set of 3) #96343 http://www.harborfreight.com/10-inch-socket-holders-set-of-three-96343.html 2/3 Pass

The 1/2" holders take way too much force to get the socket on or off. The 1/4" and 3/8" holders work well.

 

[uhcrandy]

800W 2-stroke generator 66819 - PASS (so far). I've read good reviews of this little genset online, so I picked one up today. Ran it at full output for an hour and it just hummed along quietly (surprisingly quietly!)

Coupon code 21238746 knocks it down from $120 (current sale price) or $150 (retail price) to $90.

I have used 2 of these (The first was stolen) for camping. I did replace the spark plug. I chose to, not had to. I think with 2 strokes, get the best spark plug you can. Anyway I love these units. They are a little loud, but i run a 100 ft cord to my camper. I has run very well for over a couple of years. they are small and very portable. I use this so my wife can use her C-Pap. Also perfect for watching TV, lights etc. We use these when the nearest camper is miles away.

 

[243]

Cast iron, rubber tire casters - PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-cast-iron-molded-rubber-swivel-caster-38709.html

1/2" Drive 25" Breaker Bar - PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-25-inch-breaker-bar-30395.html

Large Bearing Splitter - PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/large-bearing-separator-3979.html

Three Jaw Pullers - FAIL

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-three-jaw-puller-set-40965.html

 

[Danglerb]

Anyone have any experience with the 12v high volume air compressor? I'm looking to keep one in my truck for on the go inflation or just a quick inflate at the house. Item number is 96068.

They sell two similar ones, a $30 and about a $70, both used to get really high reviews, but lately I've read some poor reviews on the more expensive model. Smaller one is on sale with a coupon right now for $20, and I am thinking about buying it myself.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-volt-100-psi-high-volume-air-compressor-96068.html

 

[787B]

96157 - 5-in-1 Portable Power Pack - Preliminary PASS

Bought this for $80 on-sale for Inside Track Club. Fairly solid construction, gauges are not heinously inaccurate. Successfully started two cars with dead batteries. The battery clamps are a tad small but open plenty wide and grip well. Pumped up four tires with the pump. Inverter ran a light for an hour. Not bad. Smells like cheap Chinese ****, but that will dissipate as the probably toxic chemicals leach out of the rubber and plastic. My only wish is that there was a compartment to store at least the DC charging cord.

 

[dlc]

Haven't seen this since page 4, unless I missed it:

Movers Dolly: PASS. I used it to move a year ago, dressers, big chairs, etc. Now it's in the garage zooming around cast iron transfer cases and a whole bunch of other stuff.

Got three of these with engines/transmissions weighing over 500 lbs. on them. Best/cheapest engine dolly you can buy

 

[stricht8]

Their autodimming eelding helmets are great and a good deal for $35 on sale.

 

[jeep_n_co]

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.

I would give the spring compressors (3980) a huge FAIL, and I see others have as well.

In fact, I would label them "Likely to FAIL and damn near kill you". The threaded rod is NOT a hardened bolt, but instead simply a soft steel piece of threaded rod with a nut screwed on and then pinned to the rod with a rolled piece of sheet metal. For me, the pin sheared, the thread stripped and the nut came off. Thankfully, the strut was relatively un-compressed at the time. It ended up being more trouble than it was worth, because my job was incomplete and I had to make an extra trip the next morning to Sears to get some adequate Spring Compressors.

OTOH, I liked their electric impact wrench (45252) I got on sale for like $30 and give it a PASS.

Still use it often and for the price it can't be beat. It regularly goes on sale for less than it's currently listed $50.

My general rule of thumb I have for that place is "Tools that should have hardened components won't, so choose accordingly". Impact sockets seem to be the exception to this rule, but otherwise it seems to hold true.

And I still LOVE the place...