The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[v7guy]

Just picked up the earthquake 1/2" impact a couple days ago. Put it through it's paces tightening down a strut spring compressor and replacing various other suspension parts from a 04 trailblazer that's spent it's entire life here in NY. It did everything I asked and didn't break a sweat. Pretty happy with it.

 

[chewy7]

i bought that cordless screwdriver. i have not used it, yet. but it seems like it will do the job just fine. how long it will last
and, the instructions say nothing about charging. can they be over charged ?




and these sockets. they seem great. BUT, what about the missing sizes ?!!!
was anyone tried to get these, are they even available ?
http://www.harborfreight.com/mercha...deep-wall-metric-impact-socket-set-67915.html

i don't think it will over charge, it should be automatic just like charging a cell phone. but do keep an eye on it when it is charging just in case.

 

[bmcdowell40]

3/4" Drive SAE Socket Set: I bought this becuase I needed a 1 3/4" Socket with an extension and breaker bar to get the axle nut off of my truck. I had to use a 5' cheater pipe on the breaker bar to get the nut loose, nothing broke. The ratchet is a bit clunky to change the direction on but for $40 for the whole set, I can't complain too loud. I ended up using the 7/8" socket to drive in the new bearing caps on my u-joints; we beat on it with a 3# engineers hammer, while it did leave a few marks on the socket, it didn't break. For occasional use, its a definite PASS.

 

[Shipfittin]

GM Vehicle Door Spring Tool

Big time pass on this item, worked great when putting the door spring back in place on SWMBO Chevy Blazer. No problems at all.

I have read a lot of people put the spring in the vice and use heavy duty cable ties to do this. But this tool here is worth saving yourself from injury when putting these springs back in place. Every bit worth the $7.99 I paid versus a doctors bill.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Does anyone know if HF sells a tool that can be used to pull off door panels? Ive had to remove the panel on my taurus a couple times and it seems ilke every damn time i do a few of those stupid plastic clips that hold the panel to the door break...and there goes another $10 to replace them

 

[fitz11]

Does anyone know if HF sells a tool that can be used to pull off door panels? Ive had to remove the panel on my taurus a couple times and it seems ilke every damn time i do a few of those stupid plastic clips that hold the panel to the door break...and there goes another $10 to replace them

Yes they sell a door panel removal pliers, it works awesome but those clips are still prone to breaking no matter what you use.

 

[dlc]

Does anyone know if HF sells a tool that can be used to pull off door panels? Ive had to remove the panel on my taurus a couple times and it seems ilke every damn time i do a few of those stupid plastic clips that hold the panel to the door break...and there goes another $10 to replace them

I've had these for several years now and they work great.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-auto-trim-and-molding-tool-set-67021.html

 

[dankicksass]

I've had these for several years now and they work great.

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-auto-trim-and-molding-tool-set-67021.html

You can get those from Astro on Amazon for less.

 

[sselander]

Click the link for a Harbor Freight coupon for the 5 piece trim set at 5.99:

http://www.harborfreight.com/digita...ebook&utm_medium=lander&utm_campaign=november

 

[Cheapskate]

Does anyone know if HF sells a tool that can be used to pull off door panels? Ive had to remove the panel on my taurus a couple times and it seems ilke every damn time i do a few of those stupid plastic clips that hold the panel to the door break...and there goes another $10 to replace them

Like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/panel-clip-pliers-67399.html

Or this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-panel-trim-removal-tool-set-66188.html

 

[yjWrangler]

I use these, except mine are Blue Point


http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-upholstery-and-trim-tool-set-99739.html

 

[Big Thurs]

I've bought lots of stuff from HF and have been surprised with the durability of most of them.

Item #5223
heavy duty 17 piece slide hammer kit:FAIL
I have not used this one, but after opening it and seeing all the casting defects (I mean, BIG chinks missing) I plan on returning it.

5 Piece trim tool set as posted above: PASS
Bought another set recently for home. I have used them all the time at work for years now (Honda tech) and they appear to be the exact same as those on the truck. I must note that the new set is visually different from my old set.

Item #91223 Heavy duty 4 1/2" grinder (red chicago electric):PASS
No complaints so far after a few months. It even comes with extra motor brushes.

Item #43533 Bench grinder with flex shaft (the mini bench grinder):PASS
I use it for electronic stuff like fabbing circuit boards, small plastic and metal items, etc. Not much power, but hey, its a mini grinder.

Item #36778 2-4 1/2" oil filter pliers:PASS
Lots of use in the shop without failure, and more adjustment range than my coworkers blue point.

Item #67972 4 pc. 1/2" drive impact extension set: PASS

Item #45257 6" digital caliper (cen tech, bought a few months ago):PASS
Now they are Pittsburg branded, but I love it. Just as accurate as any high dollar one. Definitely one of my favorites!

Item #96572 Radiator hose pick:PASS

Items 67725 and 67724 20A and 30A inlinecircuit tester (ammeter for fuse slot):PASS
For $10 each on sale you cant go wrong with this one

Item #95930 8oz stubby ball pein hammer:PASS
I had one for a few years but lost it recently. Another one of my favorite HF tools!

Item #35556 Seal Puller:FAIL
Worth its weightin dirt. The tips are super flimsy. It just takes up space in my box awaiting an idea for modification for other uses.

Item #37824 42 pc. puller set:PASS

Thats all I feel like typing for now

 

[BQuicksilver]

You can get those from Astro on Amazon for less.

With the coupon everyone has they're cheaper at HF. Plus I'd rather support a brick and mortar store.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

I use these, except mine are Blue Point


http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-upholstery-and-trim-tool-set-99739.html

Like this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/panel-clip-pliers-67399.html

Or this?

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-panel-trim-removal-tool-set-66188.html

Hey guys, yup thats what im talking about. I knwo door panels have those stupid clips, are there any other thigns i might end up getting into that may also have those clips? Would i have any need for those super long handled ones?

 

[MNRZR]

Hey guys, yup thats what im talking about. I knwo door panels have those stupid clips, are there any other thigns i might end up getting into that may also have those clips? Would i have any need for those super long handled ones?

The long handled versions are for getting at clips towards the center of the door panel without prying out too much on the panel itself. The job can usually be done without, but if it comes in the set it would be handy.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Hey guys, yup thats what im talking about. I knwo door panels have those stupid clips, are there any other thigns i might end up getting into that may also have those clips? Would i have any need for those super long handled ones?

Each manufacturer often uses a different clip and it often changes from interior to trunk. Chrysler requiers you to uses the really long handled clip puller on the mini-vans.

It's just one of those tools that you need a variety of pullers, pryers and levers to remove the odd clips out there .

The spring loaded fork tool is often used to pull headliner "x-mas tree" clips so that you do not mar or mark up the headliner. The rest are all a look and decide on the best tool solution.

This is who we use to supply bulk replacement clips.

http://www.auveco.com/

Body Hardware and Specialty Fastener Catalog
The Auveco Catalog details over 18,000 items in 700+ pages


18,000 items should sum up the reason for so many trim tools.

 

[arvidj]

Anyone have experience with the new Automatic Compressor Drain Kit 68244? It's only $6.99 with the ITC coupon this month.

Yes, major fail. But then again the one I bought from the local compressor store -- yes, we actually have one -- failed also.

 

[rlitman]

Same experience here.
Worked for a few weeks on my old compressor, until dirt got the piston in the valve stuck.
Won't work with a compressor that has a tank pressure of 175PSI anyway.

 

[yjWrangler]

Hey guys, yup thats what im talking about. I knwo door panels have those stupid clips, are there any other thigns i might end up getting into that may also have those clips? Would i have any need for those super long handled ones?

If you ever have to take things apart inside the car, they'll definitely come in handy. Same with taking clips off on bumpers and hood liners.

I've gotten a bunch of door panels off without the super long ones, but they would be nice to have in a tight spot, I may get them.

 

[Wills.WindowsAndWheels]

Each manufacturer often uses a different clip and it often changes from interior to trunk. Chrysler requiers you to uses the really long handled clip puller on the mini-vans.

It's just one of those tools that you need a variety of pullers, pryers and levers to remove the odd clips out there .

The spring loaded fork tool is often used to pull headliner "x-mas tree" clips so that you do not mar or mark up the headliner. The rest are all a look and decide on the best tool solution.

This is who we use to supply bulk replacement clips.

http://www.auveco.com/

Body Hardware and Specialty Fastener Catalog
The Auveco Catalog details over 18,000 items in 700+ pages


18,000 items should sum up the reason for so many trim tools.

sorry im unfamiliar with the Xmas tree clips (probably would recognize it if i saw it lol). Thats for the explination...and wow, thats a lot of freakin items...i think i'll grab the 6 piece set lol

 

[jjjrmx5]

sorry im unfamiliar with the Xmas tree clips (probably would recognize it if i saw it lol). Thats for the explination...and wow, thats a lot of freakin items...i think i'll grab the 6 piece set lol

A sampling of x-mas tree retainers:
http://www.auveco.com/product/xmas.html
There a countless types, sizes adn lengths out there.

Chevy loves to use them in headliners. They get thier name from teh fact that if turned upside down they have a flat base and the ribs that hold the fastener in place look like the branch tiers from a pine x-mas tree.

Back on subject, the small yellow pry tools that HF sells are worth the $$$ and really worth buying two sets if on sale. IIRC they are nylon but they are handy as hell.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

needed a 3/8 dr torque wrench, picked this up for $9.99 today.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-drive-click-stop-torque-wrench-807.html



PASS- tested it against my 1/2 craftsman clicker and my 1/2" dr craftsman beam today and it was dead on. used it today to do some rear axle work.

 

[IBJanky]

needed a 3/8 dr torque wrench, picked this up for $9.99 today.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-drive-click-stop-torque-wrench-807.html



PASS- tested it against my 1/2 craftsman clicker and my 1/2" dr craftsman beam today and it was dead on. used it today to do some rear axle work.

+1

Those things work beautifully and are pretty accurate.

I have the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 version. I got each of them for $9.99 each

myke

 

[allinon72]

10lb fiberglass handle sledgehammer - doing the job just fine.

 

[dbleskey]

Electronic 7-inch polisher. PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-2-terrycloth-bonnets-7-inch-to-8-inch-92096.html

 

[bimmerZ5]

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

Anyone have this and got it to work well? I just picked one up since the reviews on HFT website were mostly good. But I can't get the darn thing to stop leaking air. It leaks at the inlet stem. At first, I thought it was the inlet quick-connect adapter I had, but after wasting a role of teflon tape and trying the same adapter on another tool (it didn't leak on the other tool), I realized the threaded stem on the spray gun is where the air is leaking out of (where the stem attaches to the spray gun, not on the threaded end where I screwed on my quick connect adapter).

Is this normal? Should I go exchange it?

 

[rlitman]

. . . I realized the threaded stem on the spray gun is where the air is leaking out of (where the stem attaches to the spray gun, not on the threaded end where I screwed on my quick connect adapter).

Is this normal? Should I go exchange it?

Normal for HF, yeah I guess so.
Should you exchange it, hell yes!

They typically crack around the pipe thread.

 

[tpolley]

anyone an inside track member? they said it's on sale for $19.99 this month. i think it's normally $50?

 

[fitz11]

I am. Its normally $30 but has been on "sale" since the holidays last year where you pay $30 and get a $10 gift card when you sign up. It can easily pay for itself in a year, id reccomend it.

 

[porphyre]

I have this also, it works, but yes it does leak; some Teflon tape before each use should correct this.

I know this sounds like a hassle, but it really is not. Plus for the $10 I paid for it, I don't mind.

Item # 92699 - fuel pressure tester - KEEP YOUR RECEIPT

Picked up this kit and it leaked all to hell. Couldn't get a good reading it was leaking so bad. Used Teflon tape and everything.

Returned it; second one worked just fine. W/ Teflon tape it didn't leak a drop.

Even counting time spent returning it, I got my money's worth vs a $300 set from Snap-On.

 

[TheChanMan]

leakdown tester i bought a month ago is the biggest colostomy vat i've gotten from this place!!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cylinder-leak-down-tester-94190.html

had left a nice MAC gauge on a boat that "disappeared" while i stepped away from it this summer. bought this on a whim. leakage gauge needle pegged past the stop and back to "zero" the first time i used it. may try repl. psi. gauge on secondary side. doing the math is easy if it just reads psi also, assuming this pile doesn't explode the second time i use it.

 

[dr bob]

Anyone have this and got it to work well? I just picked one up since the reviews on HFT website were mostly good. But I can't get the darn thing to stop leaking air. It leaks at the inlet stem. At first, I thought it was the inlet quick-connect adapter I had, but after wasting a role of teflon tape and trying the same adapter on another tool (it didn't leak on the other tool), I realized the threaded stem on the spray gun is where the air is leaking out of (where the stem attaches to the spray gun, not on the threaded end where I screwed on my quick connect adapter).

Is this normal? Should I go exchange it?

Exchange it.

***

Mine gets a "Pass". I bought it to shoot spar varnish on my garage doors, and it worked way better than I expected especially with the higher-viscosity varnish. I 'invested' in the stand, filters, and the disposable plastic cups while I was there, and recommend them too along with your gun purchase.

The model I got looks just like this one, but came with a mini regulator as part of the package. I sprayed with pretty low pressure and got great results.

 

[Danglerb]

Hi Dr Bob, welcome to GJ. If you start buying a lot tools, don't say I didn't warn ya.

 

[nuclearlemon]

impact extensions. i will say it took a three foot bar and a 180lb guy, but i'm still surprised the **** ratchet didn't fail first.

 

[toolmaker1]

impact extensions. i will say it took a three foot bar and a 180lb guy, but i'm still surprised the **** ratchet didn't fail first.

What kind of ratchet did you have on there??

 

[porphyre]

Uhhh... 540 ft/lbs of non-impacting twist...? Impact tools are softer so they don't shatter from the impact gun....

 

[dankicksass]

PASS

35915 2-ton Shop Crane
This is another one of Harbor Freight's tools that has undergone a rebranding to Pittsburgh, though it doesn't say that on the site and photos don't yet reflect that. The new version is painted silver metalflake, with a red hydraulic jack. It's a solid tool and folds easily to store in a 3ftx2ft corner of the shop. The one I picked up was built in June 2011, and it was double-boxed, stapled and and poly-strapped for a secure trip from the PRC.

This tool does an adequate job, and overall I'm pleased with it. I will be replacing the pins for the feet with better quality pins and locks, and I plan on replacing the bolts on the adjustable boom with pins on both ends. I'd rather have swivel ring pins than the welded pins and bolts they supplied.

PASS

5402 2-ton Load Leveler
The crank handle could be better, but no complaints otherwise. This did not come with hooks or bolt-on fixtures, where OTC and Torin do. It's not an amazing value either - you can get a decent brand leveler for around $50 too - but I was at HF and I needed one. Add-on $35 for hooks and lifting tags at a local family-owned shop on the way back and the 20% off coupon on the engine hoist was blown, but I'm happy with the value.

I still don't like going to Harbor Freight, it's an hour and fifteen each way for me and a madhouse on Saturday morning. And then there's the smell. But I needed a big engine lift and I needed it yesterday, and I just couldn't get it local, despite Advance showing one in stock. This is only the second time I've ever been inside a Harbor Freight store, but I'll note this time the store had a much better presentation. The aisles have been reset wider, the lighting seems better, and the layout is much better than it was two years ago. The counter persons seemed stressed and the place is definitely understaffed, but the stock guys were very helpful and everyone was courteous.

 

[Dust]

Anybody try the 3/8" impacting air ratchet, item 68426 yet? I saw it today and was intrigued. It would come in super handy on brake jobs.

Also, do the pushpin pliers, 67400 really work all that well? Or is it just easier to use a trim removal tool?

 

[greasemonkey44]

Anybody try the 3/8" impacting air ratchet, item 68426 yet? I saw it today and was intrigued. It would come in super handy on brake jobs.

its a good replacement for a normal air ratchet; fairly quiet and powerful
however it has lost some of that initial torque, its still good, but it wont break free caliper mounting brackets on its own
i would give it 4 out of 5, i havent smashed my hand with it, its quiet, fairly powerful

 

[toxicz28]

Item # 67722 Magnum-16000 Auto Ramp

Major FAIL! Backed my truck onto these steaming piles and one shattered.

http://www.harborfreight.com/magnum-16000-auto-ramp-set-with-built-in-safety-chock-67722.html