The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Harry6]

Magnesium Fire Starter = Pass

Magnesium Fire Starter Pass

About 1/2 the price of similar ones from other sources. Works about the same. To avoid dissapointment, learn how to use one from one of the excellent on-line videos.

It takes some skill and practice to be able to rely on these, or any other survival tool. In any case a working butane lighter will always be a whole lot easier!

 

[mrbreezeet1]

68427 Impacting air ratchet - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-professional-impacting-air-ratchet-wrench-68427.html

I wanted a 3/8, but found a new 1/2" on ebay for $39 shipped. Arrived today and I have only tried half a dozen nuts/bolts at a friends shop, but it works well and appears well made.

Real impact action, some other brands have clutch release type mechanism that reduces kick, but doesn't hit like an impact. This one has no kick and hits like an impact.

Not a Hammerhead with 200 ftlbs that will take off lugs and crank bolts, but worked fine up to about a 15mm nut, and handled larger ones with some manual assist (release the triggle and use it like a regular ratchet), and once broken loose its fast. Maybe too powerful to use on smaller than a M10, but I don't have a good feel for the throttle.

Direction change is a little clunky, push down on a selector and rotate, and it is kind of heavy, which is both good and bad.

I am wondering now about the 3/8" Earthquake air ratchet I just got there too.
Seems to have plenty of power and all, but seems sort of loud. Not just loud, sort of a racket. Hard to describe.
I tried to take a video of it, but the audio did not come out too well. Wondering if it is normal for the earthquake.
Put it this way, never heard a air ratchet sound like this.
Does your seem loud like this?

 

[Jim85IROC]

Mine sounds more like an impact gun than an air ratchet.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I have one and I like it. Like the other guy said, it has a reasonable amount of power, is quiet, spins fasteners off fast, and impacts instead of biting your knuckles. But it's not for breaking big bolts or anything like that. It's an air ratchet, not a replacement for an impact.

is quiet
IDK then I'm beginning to think there is something wrong with the one I have.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I'm going to have to try to get a better video of mine and put it on you tube.

 

[trboxman]

I'm going to have to try to get a better video of mine and put it on you tube.

Obsess much?

 

[subarub4]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

PASS! I think these are an incredible value. I was surprised by how accurate it was, and bought second one. I have not used the transistor test function, or the 10 amp max current input (don't think I would chance that, but all other features work quite well.

It does not have the extremely high input impedance, or self protection circuitry, autoranging, found in much more expensive instruments - but so what. Use good practices - Always start any testing at the highest possible voltage setting, don't rely on the unit's out of range reactions, or polarity protection, or current overload protection, etc. This is an amazing item for under $5.

There is an internal calibration adjustment that is not mentioned in the manual. Nor is likely needed in the context of Garage Journal use.

I think this or the other one came with the free coupon.. anyways long story short I forgot I had it on the ohm setting when I plugged the leads into the wall and I got a nice fire ball from the meter..

Long story short it was dead but I still have 3 others so it was no real loss.

 

[Kaervak]

3 Ton Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump® Item # 68048 PASS

Picked one up earlier in the week. Really good build quality on it. Only thing I don't like is the cover plate to get to the hydraulic piston. Aside from that, great jack. Lowers nice and slow, no quick dropping.


Oscillating Multifunction Power Tool Item # 68303 PASS

The loudest thing in existence. Definitely wear ear plugs when using this thing. Aside from the noise it works quite well and is really damn handy. Glad I finally picked one up. Don't bother with the HF blades though, they don't hold up as well as other brands. The nice thing is the Bosch blades work perfectly fine without an adapter.

 

[Hootbro]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

I think this or the other one came with the free coupon.. anyways long story short I forgot I had it on the ohm setting when I plugged the leads into the wall and I got a nice fire ball from the meter..

Long story short it was dead but I still have 3 others so it was no real loss.

Those meters are fine for the occasional test of a battery or light use but as you shown, they are not forgiving if setup wrong. A Fluke meter would have shrugged that off. Then again, you can buy 30-40 of those HF meters for a decent Fluke model.

I think those meters are "loss leaders" for foot traffic into the store and are built to a even cheaper price point than many of us will ever know.

 

[Jim85IROC]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

PASS! I think these are an incredible value. I was surprised by how accurate it was, and bought second one. I have not used the transistor test function, or the 10 amp max current input (don't think I would chance that, but all other features work quite well.

It does not have the extremely high input impedance, or self protection circuitry, autoranging, found in much more expensive instruments - but so what. Use good practices - Always start any testing at the highest possible voltage setting, don't rely on the unit's out of range reactions, or polarity protection, or current overload protection, etc. This is an amazing item for under $5.

There is an internal calibration adjustment that is not mentioned in the manual. Nor is likely needed in the context of Garage Journal use.

I picked up one of those for free with a coupon. The meter is so cheaply made that I'm shocked it works at all. So far it seems to be accurate, but it feels so cheap I almost never reach for it. My $20 craftsman meter is well made and has served me well. It may be 4x the cost, but it's still only 20 bucks.

 

[tpolley]

I'm going to have to try to get a better video of mine and put it on you tube.

i want to see this

 

[bmwohio]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

I picked up one of those for free with a coupon. The meter is so cheaply made that I'm shocked it works at all. So far it seems to be accurate, but it feels so cheap I almost never reach for it. My $20 craftsman meter is well made and has served me well. It may be 4x the cost, but it's still only 20 bucks.

My thoughts exactly. Mine broke while I was turning the selector, it doesn't 'click' anymore when you change positions. I bought the CMAN one too, but I got it on black Friday for $11

 

[Matt018]

The 26inch 16drawer toolbox Pass

4 piece black handled pry bar set Pass

Orange deadblow Pass

New 3/8 earthquake impact Pass

6in digital calipers Pass

old school style blow gun Pass

tire chuck with inline gauge Pass

3/8 socket rails Pass

 

[Butters]

Most of my HF purchases have been fairly widely reviewed already (favorably), but I'll just throw in another data point.

Red 5 drawer service cart: BIG PASS
I really can't express what an insane value this thing is for $160. We use these at work as well and they hold up great.

Red 41" tool chest: PASS
Again, great bang for the buck. You would be hard-pressed to find a better tool chest for less than 2x the price

Composite Ratchets: PASS
Very smooth and less than $10. I use them more than my more expensive ratchets.

Pittsburgh Socket Holders: PASS
Perhaps a bit brittle, but do the job just fine. Quality isn't as good as the Hansens, but good for the price.

Automotive Trim Tools (Blue and Yellow set): PASS
The quality is on par with most sets you can buy online. Although there are better sets out there.

Die Grinder: PASS
I bought this for some rust removal because I didn't want to burn out any of the tools at work. I bought it as disposable, but it's still going.

15 Bin storage rack: Neutral
I bought this to store my kid's Legos. Works OK, but isn't that steady. Probably better if screwed down.

Cheap Voltmeter: Neutral
Had one fail (broken solder on the board). But it's kind of hard to call it a Fail if you get a few months out of a $5 (or less) DVM.

I have some other items that I don't have enough experience with to make a recommendation yet. I really don't buy things from HF that you have to plug in or that your life might depend on (jack stands, e.g.). But there are definitely some great values to be had.

I view Harbor Freight like a Gold Mine. If you just stumble into it, you would probably just think it's a big, dirty (and smelly) hole. But if somebody shows you where to look, you can definitely find some nuggets.

 

[Justin C]

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...y-portable-hydraulic-equipment-kit-44899.html

Has anyone tried one of these before, i was wondering how they hold up. Its one of those tools that is only used acasionally. Thanks Justin

 

[subarub4]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

Those meters are fine for the occasional test of a battery or light use but as you shown, they are not forgiving if setup wrong. A Fluke meter would have shrugged that off. Then again, you can buy 30-40 of those HF meters for a decent Fluke model.

I think those meters are "loss leaders" for foot traffic into the store and are built to a even cheaper price point than many of us will ever know.

yeah I agree with you here the only meter from HF i use a lot is the green one that come with the temp probe.. forget what the number is but it's pretty good, it's the one with the backlight.

 

[Hootbro]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

yeah I agree with you here the only meter from HF i use a lot is the green one that come with the temp probe.. forget what the number is but it's pretty good, it's the one with the backlight.

I have one as a desk drawer meter but that is about as far as I take it.

Funny story, about 15 years ago, I worked for a start up heavy maintenance aviation outfit as an electrician/avionics tech. When the palace started up, they were hiring anybody with a pulse as a tech. Out of about 20+ new hires as avionics techs, about 5-6 actually showed up with these cheapie HF meters.

The company actually sent these meters to calibration and all checked out. When I informed the supervisor that the company spent $50+ each for a calibration on a $4 meter, he about popped a gasket and banned them from ever getting calibrated again. After about 2 months, all but one was fried and that one good one was from a tech that was gone half the time anyway.

 

[Danglerb]

Mine sounds more like an impact gun than an air ratchet.

Look at the parts diagram, IT IS AN IMPACT.

Thats what makes it special and extra good, its an impacting ratchet so no kick when it locks up and bangs stuff loose. Closest product to it is almost $200, but also more of a production tool. Think of this one as the little brother to the IR Hammerhead.

 

[onelochevy]

Oscillating Tool

PASS Bought this to remove Dynamat that I had installed in the cab of my project truck. This tool with a scraper blade had it gone in less than a half hour. No way I could have gotten it off without this. I dont care if this thing ever works again...I love it just for getting the dynamat off!

 

[subarub4]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

I have one as a desk drawer meter but that is about as far as I take it.

Funny story, about 15 years ago, I worked for a start up heavy maintenance aviation outfit as an electrician/avionics tech. When the palace started up, they were hiring anybody with a pulse as a tech. Out of about 20+ new hires as avionics techs, about 5-6 actually showed up with these cheapie HF meters.

The company actually sent these meters to calibration and all checked out. When I informed the supervisor that the company spent $50+ each for a calibration on a $4 meter, he about popped a gasket and banned them from ever getting calibrated again. After about 2 months, all but one was fried and that one good one was from a tech that was gone half the time anyway.

wow I bet he was super pissed on that one.. I never knew it costs so much to have them calibrated.

 

[Hootbro]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

wow I bet he was super pissed on that one.. I never knew it costs so much to have them calibrated.

Calibration is a generic term in this context. When tools are sent to a Calibration lab or company, the initial fee is just to check the tool to ensure it is within manufacturers specifications. If a meter fails check and requires adjustment, that is another charge most times.

 

[trboxman]

Re: 7 Function Digital Multimeter item 90899

Calibration is a generic term in this context. When tools are sent to a Calibration lab or company, the initial fee is just to check the tool to ensure it is within manufacturers specifications. If a meter fails check and requires adjustment, that is another charge most times.

That matches my experience with sending stuff off for calibration.

 

[GRX]

Double Tube Flaring Tool Kit = FAIL

http://www.harborfreight.com/double-tube-flaring-tool-kit-66534.html

One set of steel brake lines and the "low carbon steel" double flaring adapters are distorted and useless. Can you say "leaks"? Not to mention the clamp and tubing holder bend easily during usage.

 

[vgs8606]

I want to see somebody put the Fluke (while in the ohm scale) in the wall socket. I do not believe it will shrug it off.

 

[dsimonl]

I have done just that by mistake with my Fluke 87mkiV. The internal fuse blew. No big deal, just replaced it.

 

[SixStringMadness]

I want to see somebody put the Fluke (while in the ohm scale) in the wall socket. I do not believe it will shrug it off.

I have one that will, don't remember the model, but it has DC, AC, Ohms, Current, continuity, only. The current is via a clamp AC or DC.

I'm not sure it shrugs anything off it doesn't like, but I've had it on the wrong setting for what I was measuring at time or two, and she still works like a charm.

I'll dig it out later and get a model number.

 

[Alchymist]

I want to see somebody put the Fluke (while in the ohm scale) in the wall socket. I do not believe it will shrug it off.

I do believe mine will ........done it a time or two......

 

[Recoil Rob]

I've used Fluke 23's for over 20 years, worst that happens is they blow an internal fuse and it gets replaced.

 

[Hootbro]

I want to see somebody put the Fluke (while in the ohm scale) in the wall socket. I do not believe it will shrug it off.

Sorry dude, but I am not going to purposely abuse my equipment for you. That being said, I have done it by accident a few times and my Flukes have never smoked. Believe me or not, I really do not care.

Those that have worked with Flukes on a professional basis can tell you they take the punishment.

 

[subarub4]

I've done that but not with a wall socket and just the fuse went out.

 

[babewatcher]

http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...y-portable-hydraulic-equipment-kit-44899.html

Has anyone tried one of these before, i was wondering how they hold up. Its one of those tools that is only used acasionally. Thanks Justin

I've got the 10 ton version. Had it for years and I've probably used it four times. Works fine but it's heavy. Unless you're doing heavy duty stuff I'd go with the smaller 4 ton for sure. Kinda wish I'd got the 4 but the 10 was on sale for a hundred bucks. Indispensable tool-- for that rare time I actually need it. I wouldn't count on it for regular use though-- like in a body shop, but then I don't know.

 

[vgs8606]

I have blown fuse in my Craftsman on the 10A scale too many times but I do not think it will take 110V against the ohm scale. It does have two fuses, one for the 10A scale and the other for the general measurement.

The freebie HF is dead accurate on low voltage DC. I compared it against a Fluke in the lab on a Lithium battery and they both gave exact reading. I used that to debug the house furnace last weekend and I am still alive

- Vikas

 

[68rustang]

The mobile base = PASS!

http://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-mobile-base-95288.html

It is a steal with the ITC coupon for $25. I would even go so far to say it is a quality piece. The paint/powder coating is thick, even and shiny. Hardware is good, wheels and casters are holding up well.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Have a copy of that coupon?

 

[thooks]

The mobile base = PASS!

http://www.harborfreight.com/300-lb-capacity-mobile-base-95288.html

It is a steal with the ITC coupon for $25. I would even go so far to say it is a quality piece. The paint/powder coating is thick, even and shiny. Hardware is good, wheels and casters are holding up well.

+1

I have a couple of these. Here's one under my 14" Delta bandsaw. BTW, that Bandsaw needs a good home.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

They used to sell one that was a pretty close clone to the delta.

 

[allinon72]

Does anyone have this cabinet?

 

[greasemonkey44]

^ im pretty curious about it too
it would make a good extra storage area for cans and power probe and what not
anyone tried it yet?

 

[rlitman]

I have two of these side by side in my in-laws garage. They're pretty shallow, and you need to mount them on a standoff if you want to be able to use the pegboard back (I didn't, but with two shelves, I didn't have any need for the peg-holes), but I think they were a pretty good deal for the $50 I got them for each.

 

[bhclark]

Does anyone have this cabinet?

I've got 4 of them and my father has about 7.
They are shallow, but that's one of the reasons we got them...not so deep that you lose stuff in the back.

I mounted 2x4s to the wall, then screwed these cabinets to the 2x4s. That allowed me to maximize the use of the studs. I screwed through the back instead of using the hangers.

The first one takes about an hour to build...by the 4th one, I had it down to about 20 minutes.

They aren't top quality, but for the $39.99 each we paid, they can't be beat.

The top works great as a shelf to store larger items.