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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

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F

Fordfixer

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Jan 2, 2011
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30
Location
Renton, Washington
Fail
Pittsburgh two piece strap wrench set. The larger one failed on it's first use of holding a crankshaft dampener while torquing the bolt( which is the reason I bought them in the first place). They have lifetime warranty but I will probably just return them.
 
R

route246

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Apr 16, 2007
Messages
816
Location
NorCal
PASS - on the earthquake 1/2" gun. Incredible deal for the money. Much quieter than I envisioned.

domain said:
PASS- For the earthquake 1/2'' Impact gun. Item # 2623.
I am sure its been reviewed many of times just wanted to put my view The thing is rock solid and built great, Made in Taiwan not China. Has tons of power waiting to be unleashed!:lol_hitti Foward/reverse lever works without any problems and the torque selection works great also. Not to mention great price when on sale.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-impact-wrench-2623.html

PASS- For the 1/2'' drive deepwell impact socket sets in Metric/Standard. I have had no problems at all with the metric sockets and I use them much more than the standard sockets. If I am correct, also made in Taiwan. Great value.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-pie...deep-wall-metric-impact-socket-set-67904.html
Click to expand...
 
G

gatorgrizz27

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Jul 4, 2010
Messages
10
Harbor Freight 60 gallon, 3.5hp air compressor, working great: pass
Harbor Freight lead-in hoses, hose on retractable reel, dry rotting and leaking: fail
 
S

southbay

Member
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Jun 17, 2010
Messages
5
Hi, a couple of HFT items that are not related to Garages, ahem..

French Fry Potato Chopper, item 93001.

image_2578.jpg


http://www.harborfreight.com/french-fry-potato-chopper-93001.html

Biggest ************* ever. I don't know if it works with Chinese potatoes but it won't cut American potatoes. Once you put the potato and start pressing, the whole thing will begin to deform and it makes the operation of cutting a potato really dangerous. At some point, everything will come apart, including the blades. So this is a FAIL.

Solar Rope Light, item 68353.

image_9857.jpg


http://www.harborfreight.com/lawn-garden/decor/solar-rope-light-68353.html

I was afraid of spending $12.99 on this from HFT but it actually worked. It's been installed in my front yard and has been working for more than a couple of months without any issue, and it adds some drama to the landscape, I highly recommend it. This gets a PASS.
 
J

jptx

Member
Joined
Dec 21, 2010
Messages
18
Location
Florida
A couple for the list:

450lb. Transmission Jack - Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/automo.../450-lb-capacity-transmission-jack-39178.html

Used it for transmission job on my CJ 7, it worked fine. Trans and Transfer Case probably weigh around 200 lbs together. The plate that the trans rests on is a little small and oddly shaped, that is the only complaint. The actual jack worked well though.

3/8 drive Torx Bits - Pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-drive-tamper-resistant-star-bit-set-67886.html

Limited use but have worked so far.

4 1/2 Angle Grinder - Pass (so far)

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/grinders-buffers/4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-95578.html

Picked this up for super cheap at one of the sales. It vibrates like hell but has worked grinding on a skid plate for the Jeep and cutting the heads off some 3/8 bolts. I don't use the HF discs though.

Air Angle Die Grinder - Pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/grinders/air-angle-die-grinder-32046.html

Used it probably half a dozen times, uses alot of air but worked fine. Picked it up for real cheap and worth it so far.
 
S

subarub4

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Messages
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Location
Connecticut
I have a question.. the 1 ton HF engine lift will it fit in a 95 ford tarus sedan? I was going to put it in my Subaru wagon however I need the lift in order to pull the engine in it to do the headgaskets but now I can't really drive that far to get to the store (30 miles one way) So I'm forced to use a sedan..
 
B

bimmerZ5

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Messages
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subarub4 said:
I have a question.. the 1 ton HF engine lift will it fit in a 95 ford tarus sedan? I was going to put it in my Subaru wagon however I need the lift in order to pull the engine in it to do the headgaskets but now I can't really drive that far to get to the store (30 miles one way) So I'm forced to use a sedan..
Click to expand...

if it won't fit (I have no idea), you can always go to Home Depot and rent a truck for an hour or two.
 
J

jdv

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Jan 17, 2011
Messages
153
Location
Richmond, TX
subarub4 said:
I have a question.. the 1 ton HF engine lift will it fit in a 95 ford tarus sedan? I was going to put it in my Subaru wagon however I need the lift in order to pull the engine in it to do the headgaskets but now I can't really drive that far to get to the store (30 miles one way) So I'm forced to use a sedan..
Click to expand...

I bought the 2 ton folding years ago and fit it into the trunk of a 1998 Mustang with the seats folded down. I guess worse case scenario you could take it out of the box but I don't see why you couldn't get it to fit, the box isn't that big.
 
7

787B

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Location
Baltimore, MD
I think that's going to be a tight fit, but possible. I brought home a 1 ton Torin lift in the back seat of my 1982 Olds Delta 88 a few years back, but that was a full-size sedan. Just measure the length of the box and see if it will fit between the doors.
 
A

Altec

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SoCo, MD
If the back seats flip down allowing access to the trunk, it should work. At worst, bring a safety flag (Read: Rag).
 
S

subarub4

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Location
Connecticut
Wow you guys are quick haha thanks.. I'm going to call ahead I mean i still have a coupon for $100 I'm not sure how much of these things they keep in stock.. but I hear it comes with 3 pieces right?
 
A

Alchymist

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Location
Central PA
1000 Lb. Engine Stand ITEM # 32916 FAIL big time!
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html

Have a little 3 cyl Yanmar on this- absolute Bi!ch to rotate, holes for locking pin move off center in tube, hard to get pin back in after rotating. Rotates with difficulty. Cotter pin in end of handle will snag you. Hate to see what a 1000 lb. motor would do on this. Casters are a joke. Might be OK if rebuilt - new casters, grease and shim the main rotating tube, etc. Oh well, was only $49 total shipped with discounts.
 
R

RAYJAY

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May 29, 2006
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UNION DALE PA
Alchymist said:
1000 Lb. Engine Stand ITEM # 32916 FAIL big time!
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html

Have a little 3 cyl Yanmar on this- absolute Bi!ch to rotate, holes for locking pin move off center in tube, hard to get pin back in after rotating. Rotates with difficulty. Cotter pin in end of handle will snag you. Hate to see what a 1000 lb. motor would do on this. Casters are a joke. Might be OK if rebuilt - new casters, grease and shim the main rotating tube, etc. Oh well, was only $49 total shipped with discounts.
Click to expand...


i have the same stand that i do the atx trans on and really no problem..... just greased the rotating area before i used it, and figure i have the weight out on the end of the stand ......

transmision%20holding%20fixture%20001%20%28Small%29.jpg



transmision%20holding%20fixture%20002%20%28Small%29.jpg
 
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D

diggerrick

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Dec 1, 2010
Messages
996
Alchymist said:
1000 Lb. Engine Stand ITEM # 32916 FAIL big time!
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html

Have a little 3 cyl Yanmar on this- absolute Bi!ch to rotate, holes for locking pin move off center in tube, hard to get pin back in after rotating. Rotates with difficulty. Cotter pin in end of handle will snag you. Hate to see what a 1000 lb. motor would do on this. Casters are a joke. Might be OK if rebuilt - new casters, grease and shim the main rotating tube, etc. Oh well, was only $49 total shipped with discounts.
Click to expand...

I've had that same stand for many years, and it works fine for small block Chevys - I have the old 355 from my rail on it right now. Who knows how many changes they've made to cheapen it in the last 25 years though.

As mentioned before, did you grease the head or feel for burrs? You may just have a bad one. What I have found is that the balance will change during engie assemby. If you set the arms to rotate easily with a bare block it changes when you start adding the cranxhaft, rods & pistons, and heads. I set mine up to rotate best with a fully assembled engine as the bare block isn't that heavy.
 
T

tool whore

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Salisbury, NC
subarub4 said:
I have a question.. the 1 ton HF engine lift will it fit in a 95 ford tarus sedan? I was going to put it in my Subaru wagon however I need the lift in order to pull the engine in it to do the headgaskets but now I can't really drive that far to get to the store (30 miles one way) So I'm forced to use a sedan..
Click to expand...

Engine lift? or engine stand? You say lift but the posts following are about a stand. The stand should definitely fit, but the lift would do better in a truck.
 
S

subarub4

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Messages
1,188
Location
Connecticut
tool ***** said:
Engine lift? or engine stand? You say lift but the posts following are about a stand. The stand should definitely fit, but the lift would do better in a truck.
Click to expand...

I was commenting on his stand and how he had problems with it.. I might be able to do it with my wagon with the seats folded I have have more then enough room

I just have to keep the temps down the cylinders are pressurizing the coolant so the cap opens and spills it all into the overflow bottle.. common on the EJ25D engine.. stupid single layer gaskets they used.. now they use MLS gaskets.
 
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scott37300

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Location
Wisconsin
subarub4 said:
I was commenting on his stand and how he had problems with it.. I might be able to do it with my wagon with the seats folded I have have more then enough room

I just have to keep the temps down the cylinders are pressurizing the coolant so the cap opens and spills it all into the overflow bottle.. common on the EJ25D engine.. stupid single layer gaskets they used.. now they use MLS gaskets.
Click to expand...

Pretty sure you can open the box and throw the pieces in your trunk. They aren't that big until you put all the pieces together.
 
A

Alchymist

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diggerrick said:
I've had that same stand for many years, and it works fine for small block Chevys - I have the old 355 from my rail on it right now. Who knows how many changes they've made to cheapen it in the last 25 years though.

As mentioned before, did you grease the head or feel for burrs? You may just have a bad one. What I have found is that the balance will change during engie assemby. If you set the arms to rotate easily with a bare block it changes when you start adding the cranxhaft, rods & pistons, and heads. I set mine up to rotate best with a fully assembled engine as the bare block isn't that heavy.
Click to expand...

The rotating part of the head seems to shift back and forth just enough that the holes in the shaft get out of alignment axially with the outer tube; thus the pin won't go in to lock it in place. The rotating shaft was greased. Just bought it about 6-8 months ago. Typical HF - needs some "tuning" to work.:dunno:
 
J

JMartel

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Location
Seattle, WA
Picked up the composite ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8" on Saturday night. Haven't really used them much, but so far they get a major PASS from me. Very nice quality, fine toothed is great for small places, and it just feels good in the hand. Originally I was just going to use them for a toolset in my truck, but I think I like them a bit better than my craftsman ratchets.

Also got 2 sets of the socket rails associated with them. Also haven't managed to test them yet, so we'll see after the next few days.
 
S

subarub4

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Location
Connecticut
I feel forgetting to pick up one from HF I did check them out last time I was in the store.. lucky for me I have to go this friday to pick up the 1 ton engine lift so I might as well pick one up.. I killed a cheap autozone one I had.. somehow the screw came out and it just all fell apart.

having said that... in about 3 weeks from now I will be pulling the heads off my car.. for some odd reason Subaru uses a 12 point bolts for the heads I'm not sure if I should go with the HF socket or look for something else..
 
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bimmerZ5

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JMartel said:
Picked up the composite ratchets in 1/4" and 3/8" on Saturday night. Haven't really used them much, but so far they get a major PASS from me. Very nice quality, fine toothed is great for small places, and it just feels good in the hand. Originally I was just going to use them for a toolset in my truck, but I think I like them a bit better than my craftsman ratchets.

Also got 2 sets of the socket rails associated with them. Also haven't managed to test them yet, so we'll see after the next few days.
Click to expand...

was there a sale going on for those composite ratchets? I got the 3/8 for $6 a while ago and absolutely love it too! i want to pickup the 1/2 and 1/4 drive ones when they go on sale...
 
S

slowtwitch

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Sep 19, 2006
Messages
169
bimmerZ5 said:
was there a sale going on for those composite ratchets? I got the 3/8 for $6 a while ago and absolutely love it too! i want to pickup the 1/2 and 1/4 drive ones when they go on sale...
Click to expand...

These are good ratchets. I bought 4 of each, at those prices.
 
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geomagno

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May 17, 2011
Messages
88
Location
Indy
- 2 barrel rock polisher - PASS
- Drillmaster angle grinder - PASS, paid $9.99
- Drillmaster heat gun - PASS, paid $7.99
- Carpet dollies - FAIL, bought a couple of these for $10 each and have had to grease bearings on all, still don't roll well but I use them. Gotta look at each one close too, I've found cracks in the wood.
 
G

geomagno

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Messages
88
Location
Indy
and
- Chicago Electric 10" sliding compound saw - PASS, $80 and works is good enough for what I need it for.
any info on their floor jacks is appreciated.
 
J

JMartel

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Location
Seattle, WA
bimmerZ5 said:
was there a sale going on for those composite ratchets? I got the 3/8 for $6 a while ago and absolutely love it too! i want to pickup the 1/2 and 1/4 drive ones when they go on sale...
Click to expand...

I wanna say they were on sale, yes. I think I paid $5 or 6 for the quarter drive, and like $6 or 7 for the 3/8.

Still haven't used it on anything, but man do they feel great. I might get another 1/4" and a 1/2" tonight since I'll be back out that way(closest HF is in Providence). Keep a set in the truck that way. I can probably use more socket rails as well.
 
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SQ is the SQUAD

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D

Danglerb

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Alchymist said:
1000 Lb. Engine Stand ITEM # 32916 FAIL big time!
http://www.harborfreight.com/1000-lb-capacity-engine-stand-32916.html

Have a little 3 cyl Yanmar on this- absolute Bi!ch to rotate, holes for locking pin move off center in tube, hard to get pin back in after rotating. Rotates with difficulty. Cotter pin in end of handle will snag you. Hate to see what a 1000 lb. motor would do on this. Casters are a joke. Might be OK if rebuilt - new casters, grease and shim the main rotating tube, etc. Oh well, was only $49 total shipped with discounts.
Click to expand...

Thats the stand I use to tear down motors that start out weighing 650 lbs, and end up around 125 lbs once totally stripped. Rotating when off balance isn't easy, but I keep the cherry picker handy to help support and lift/turn the motor the way I want.

Is there anything obviously "wrong" with your stand?

I give it a PASS because it does work, and its essentially the same thing everybody else sells until you get over $100, and you don't actually get something nice below $200.

Knowing what you do now, what would you buy?

BTW as far as I know all the stands say not to move them with an engine mounted.

$200 gear drive stand from Summit.
 

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B

bimmerZ5

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not posting to report anything, but rather a question about the following HFT stuff. anyone have anything good or bad to say about these items:

http://www.harborfreight.com/oxygen-sensor-and-diesel-injection-socket-set-99850.html
image_4325.jpg


http://www.harborfreight.com/11-pie...h-torque-lug-nut-impact-socket-set-94421.html
image_2955.jpg


http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-drain-plug-socket-set-94961.html
image_7023.jpg


i'm asking because next month's ITC coupons have a good sale on these and they look useful for automotive work.
 
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S

sanddrag

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Apr 11, 2009
Messages
295
91938 14" Cut Off Saw - Fail

Weak power, uncomfortable trigger, vibrates a lot, and motor burnt up and died.
 
S

subarub4

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Feb 21, 2010
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Location
Connecticut
It's a fail so far...

I can't get the red LED to glow when the charger is on top of the battery.


<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SubaruWRX/IMAG0273-1.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SubaruWRX/IMAG0274-2.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SubaruWRX/IMAG0282-2.jpg">
<IMG SRC="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v77/SubaruWRX/IMAG0279-1.jpg">
 
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