The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[bmwohio]

My dad has a set and I figured they were ****. I borrowed them for some house wiring (solid core copper 12 and 14 gauge) and I believe I recall that I was surprised they worked. Neither of us used them much though (couple dozen wires total maybe) so I don't know about their longevity.

I've never seen any version of this type of self adjusting wire stripper that is worth a dang. I stick with the Ideal/Klein style stripper, based on whatever gauge you use...

I can't speak for the harbor freight version. i bought a pair from radio shack 7-8 years ago. they look identical to those. they're pretty freaking slick. i've used them on a lot of different size wire and as long as you have the tension adjusted right they won't break any wires.

I agree with tpolley I have a set and they worked fine for me wired my whole shop with them no complaints.

I have those exact pair I got from HF. Don't care for them, I don't use them and brought them home to free up space in the work box.

Thanks for the feedback gents I appreciate it. I may give them a try, I won't be using them full time, just for odd jobs here and there....

 

[lotus_guy01]

awesome! they are basically like the Go-Jacks right? is that price or a set of them? if so, how many in the set?

That price is for 1. If you use four 20% off coupons (I drive past a HF on my commute), the price comes out to about $300. WAAAAAY less that the Go-Jacks. I've never used the Go-Jacks, so I can't comment on the quality difference.

 

[lotus_guy01]

only if you're only pushing around something less than they are rated for. i've had both sets and have been at the rating and the slightest imperfection causes the casters to stop and bends the tray

I'm not talking about the much cheaper two piece sets (black metal or diamond plate look). These are the Go-jack types. There is no tray to bend. The reviews I've seen on the two piece sets are generally negative.

 

[subarub4]

In that case, I had actually changed all A/C O-Rings while I had the engine out.

Couldn't pull a vac so I put a couple cans in. Also couldn't build pressure or find a leak with the detector. I expect the problem was me.

I'm sure you have it fixed by now? Sometimes the compressor seals can go i've never had that happen but it's possible.


if that's the case time to bring out the UV dye.

 

[bimmerZ5]

That price is for 1. If you use four 20% off coupons (I drive past a HF on my commute), the price comes out to about $300. WAAAAAY less that the Go-Jacks. I've never used the Go-Jacks, so I can't comment on the quality difference.

oh man!... i just realized there was a 1-day only coupon *YESTERDAY* for these for $60 each!!! That would have been $240 for 4!!! I'll have to wait until the next time they have that sale I guess....

 

[IONH]

I'm sure you have it fixed by now? Sometimes the compressor seals can go i've never had that happen but it's possible.


if that's the case time to bring out the UV dye.

Nah, never got it fixed. I got frustrated after "doing the right thing" but changing the O-Rings while everything was out. When it wouldn't hold a vacuum, I gave up. I might get back to it this year though since we decided to keep the car and I just dumped about $500 in overdue maintenance parts (parts only, I do the work).

Feel free to PM me if you want to talk about this further.

 

[Nelson58]

I looked at those in the store. It is a real POS!

+1 on that. 220 pound max on the top (they say). Legs look like matchsticks.
Cleat together some 2x4's for a top and cut to desired length- much heavier.


Nelson

 

[Danglerb]

I bought one a year or two ago to try and diagnose a leak. Couldn't find it for the life of me. I have the manifold gauge set, vac pump, etc.

I have no clue what I am doing though. I just pointed the nose at the various fittings and it never went off. I stuck it in front of a can and opened it slightly and it went off.

Does anyone have a link that might be able to help me better diagnose a leak using the tester?

Any tips for when you can't even pull a vacuum other than putting a couple cans in to find it?

Maybe put some dye in the system?

Why can't you pull a vacuum, what happens?

Make sure your manifold gauges and valves actually work.

Could be the leak isn't at a fitting, but some nasty hard to reach location. Now is the time to sorted it out though.

 

[chris142]

Over the years I have had several very nice and expensive refrigerant sniffers. IMO they all were useless! They don't pick up squat and if theres a leak big enough for it to sniff I can hear it with my ears.

 

[IONH]

Maybe put some dye in the system?

Why can't you pull a vacuum, what happens?

Make sure your manifold gauges and valves actually work.

Could be the leak isn't at a fitting, but some nasty hard to reach location. Now is the time to sorted it out though.

I hooked my vacuum pump up directly to the gauges and was able to achieve vacuum.

The lines had no exposed rust as I inspected them while the engine was out.

 

[airbatica]

94585 3/8" Reversible Air Drill With Keyed Chuck and Key

This one gets a FAIL, even though it works. Why? Because the damn chuck is off center. No way in hell you can drill a straight hole with the drill bit wandering all over the place.

92699 Fuel Injection Pump Tester

Another FAIL . The brass fittings are junk, and leak even with yellow teflon tape applied. The schrader valve in one of the extension hoses broke on the second use. It worked long enough for me to check that I didn't have a fuel pressure problem, but I would avoid this one too.

 

[Recoil Rob]

94585 3/8" Reversible Air Drill With Keyed Chuck and Key

This one gets a FAIL, even though it works. Why? Because the damn chuck is off center. No way in hell you can drill a straight hole with the drill bit wandering all over the place.

They have a big problem with that, I wanted on of the 1" SDS Plus Rotary Hammers on sale for $49. I bought one, brought it hoome but did not have a use for it right away. Then I read on here that someone else got one that wobbled, he had to exchange it for one that ran true. So I immediately checked mine and a 12" bit scribed a 1" circle it was wobbling so bad. I brought it back to the store and the sales guy and I opened and tested every one they had, 9 different units, and they all wobbled.

I ended up getting a Makita on sale from Amazon last week. Come to think of it I'd better check that....

 

[subarub4]

Maybe put some dye in the system?

Why can't you pull a vacuum, what happens?

Make sure your manifold gauges and valves actually work.

Could be the leak isn't at a fitting, but some nasty hard to reach location. Now is the time to sorted it out though.

speaking of that my HF manifold gauges the high pressure side it no longer wants to stay down.. I started filling the high side with liquid with the car off first and I had to keep it down so it would not escape.

The sucky thing about it is you can't get a replacement at least as far as I can tell..

 

[98TJ]

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-pneumatic-scraper-kit-95826.html

#95826 air scraper
Purchased within the last 6 months for $15 with coupon.

PASS

Used to remove vinyl tile and floor adhesive.
The blades have stayed sharp with repeated sharpening. They appear to be good quality steel. I dig them into the concrete and they don't chip or dull.
If you apply enough pressure, it is powerful enough to damage the concrete.

The reviews are not very good on hf.com - and I had a similar experience. At first it sounded like it wasn't doing anything, just passing air. I believe the piston inside gets gummed up from sitting on the shelf. I gave it a few taps on the ground and it started working.

I took off the regulator and run it at 115 psi.

I've bought two of these. Neither of them worked out of the package. I worked on the first one and got it to work, but it would only do so intermittently. I took it back and exchanged it. The 2nd unit was also dead out of the box.

These are a massive FAIL. I varied pressure from 40 all they way to 150 psi and neither worked. Well, one worked, but only for seconds at a time.

 

[IONH]

http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-air-filter-regulator-68247.html

#68247 - Industrial Air Filter Regulator

I'm going to give this a PASS/FAIL. The 1/2" NPT inlet is quite loose with a 1/2" NPT and leaks with more than 3 wraps of teflon tape (I started with just 3 but that wouldn't hold any pressure at all). However, as a regulator, it does regulate fine.

 

[99_xc600]

6" Digital Caliper ITEM # 47257

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-digital-caliper-47257.html

I guess I need to give this a pass/fail rating.

I grabbed one of these this morning. The design is a ripoff of the Mitutoyo Calipers that have been around for decades.

http://www.adafruit.com/products/294

I decided to check them before I left the parking lot just in case. Well, it was a good decision. The calipers were defective. With the jaws opening anything greater than 1.250 caused them to freak out and begin displaying measurements of 8 inches or more. The thumb wheel was also flopping around as well.

Went back into the store and showed the clerk what was going on and told me to grab another set from the shelves. We tested them out and everything looks good.

I tested them out at home on some gauge pins and dowels and seemed to be pretty close within .001.

 

[subarub4]

has anyone used the Dial indicator? #623 , 93051 , or 93295?

curious to hear what peoples thoughts are.. I need to check some backlash on a transmission.

 

[trboxman]

I have several of the 623's and have found them to be accurate and reliable. I probably wouldn't buy them for 1000's of cycles per day, but they're more than adequate for my needs.

 

[rlitman]

I have several of the 623's and have found them to be accurate and reliable. I probably wouldn't buy them for 1000's of cycles per day, but they're more than adequate for my needs.

I've got one as well. It's not too bad. I have it on a magnetic stand on my tire balancer, to check for runout on rims. The Starrett, Federal and Ames indicators are on the bench by the lathe.

 

[subarub4]

thanks

 

[diggerrick]

has anyone used the Dial indicator? #623 , 93051 , or 93295?

curious to hear what peoples thoughts are.. I need to check some backlash on a transmission.

I have used the #623 indicator & #5645 magnetic base to:

- set up backlash on ring & pinion sets (including 9" Ford in my 8s rail)

- check end play on automatic transmissions (including my drag racing Powerglides)

- check camshaft end play/clearance on roller cammed small block Chevys

- set up reverse & high gear clutch pistons to be faced on lathe

I've never gotten suspicious measurements or had a failure that could have had anything to do with something I set up with them, but I have broken an indicator by dropping it.

 

[subarub4]

the #5645 is does the mag base move in all directions? because my workspace would be tight I not sure if it does or not.

 

[trboxman]

You can swivel the arm that mounts the indicator 360 degrees around the arm that mounts directly to the mag base.

 

[trboxman]

You may want to consider getting this setup. It includes the dial indicator.

http://www.harborfreight.com/clamping-dial-indicator-93051.html

 

[fourtythree]

Pittsburgh Pro 3/8 swivel head ratchet: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-quick-release-swivel-head-ratchet-96782.html
Seems to hold up well. The action is a little stiff compared to the other 72 tooth ratchets I own, but does the job well. Can't be disassembled for cleaning/lubing though.

1/2" Drive Stud Extractor: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-drive-stud-extractor-94640.html
Bought it to remove a stud. It did. Don't know what else to say.

3/8" Composite Ratchet: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-composite-ratchet-66313.html
Great action, fine tooth, light, has handled a fair amount of torque. $7 bucks with a coupon. Why not?

Pittsburgh Phillips Screwdriver: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-x-4-inch-phillips-screwdriver-94707.html
Thought for sure this would be a fail, but the tip has held up better that most of my Craftsman and Stanley US made phillips. It's magnetic too.

Swivel Pad Locking Pliers: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-inch-swivel-pad-lock-grip-pliers-39535.html
They hold tight and haven't bent.

 

[Beer:30]

has anyone used the Dial indicator? #623 , 93051 , or 93295?

curious to hear what peoples thoughts are.. I need to check some backlash on a transmission.

I bought a #623 as a backup for another dial indicator I have had for years that cost me like $75 or so back when I bought it. I set both indicators up on the same magnetic base a few times (Mopar 8 3/4 ring and pinion backlash and setting transmission endplay, etc) and the readings were identical.

I call it a PASS

 

[subarub4]

You may want to consider getting this setup. It includes the dial indicator.

http://www.harborfreight.com/clamping-dial-indicator-93051.html

yeah I was looking at that clamping one

I bought a #623 as a backup for another dial indicator I have had for years that cost me like $75 or so back when I bought it. I set both indicators up on the same magnetic base a few times (Mopar 8 3/4 ring and pinion backlash and setting transmission endplay, etc) and the readings were identical.

I call it a PASS

That's good news then I thought maybe this should be one of the things I should not buy from here.

 

[jtfc]

Just bought the 5 drawer cart was surprised to see I got the shiny new red instead of the old crinkle red. Its a pain to put together but once it comes together it's solid drawers all work great and there is plenty of room. So far a solid pass.

 

[bbglass]

120 degree die grinder terrible vibrates and the cookie set i got does not fit in the arbor I did grease it like it said but still shaking i guess it will do the job but i am not happy

 

[Butters]

Did the 5 drawer ever come in the crinkle finish? I thought they were always shiny, but I could be wrong.

 

[IONH]

I think most carts have been glossy for quite some time.

 

[jtfc]

The one they have on display was the crinkle and all the carts I have seen around here are also crinkle. When I was picking it up I asked what paint scheme it was, they told me me all they had was crinkle hence the pleasant surprise upon opening the box.

 

[Gary Indiana]

Watch Case Press with Nylon Dies: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/watch-case-press-with-nylon-dies-91621.html
This tool starts $20+ everywhere else. Good sturdy & heavy (2lb) press, tough nylon dies. When buying at a store, make sure all dies are in the box, and pins in the press are aligned straight.

 

[Gary Indiana]

3/8" Composite Ratchet: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-heavy-duty-composite-ratchet-66313.html
Great action, fine tooth, light, has handled a fair amount of torque. $7 bucks with a coupon. Why not?

I have that ratchet and really like how it operates. Clean PASS from me too.

Pittsburgh Phillips Screwdriver: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-x-4-inch-phillips-screwdriver-94707.html
Thought for sure this would be a fail, but the tip has held up better that most of my Craftsman and Stanley US made phillips. It's magnetic too.

Thanks for the heads up on that one.

They have a set of those, currently on sale for $8. EDIT: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
I am going to try
EDIT: PASS
These screwdrivers have exceptionally well machined tips. The tips are better than in many "major brand" screwdrivers.

Below are close-up shots of Phillips #2 tip

Steel is very tough, nicely plated. Handles are comfortable and large. Really nice tools.

BTW, it always cracks me up when in reviews on HF website people compare HF tools with Snap-ons and say that they are just as good.

 

[fitz11]

The one they have on display was the crinkle and all the carts I have seen around here are also crinkle. When I was picking it up I asked what paint scheme it was, they told me me all they had was crinkle hence the pleasant surprise upon opening the box.

Wow the 5 drawer service cart has not come in the crinkle finish for around 2 years. Your store must be behind the times

 

[jjjrmx5]

Did the 5 drawer ever come in the crinkle finish? I thought they were always shiny, but I could be wrong.

Yes, you are wrong.

Transition from wrinkle maroon/pink finish to gloss bright red has been going on over the last 15 to 18 months for the carts.

HF's with slower sales may likely still have the crinkle finish carts.

The 42" 13-dwr roll cabs are now currently going thru the same color/finish transistion.

If you desire a certain finish, I suggest you open the box and check the contents before final purchase for the carts as they are both still out there with employees often aloof of which color they have in stock and which is current.

 

[senginc]

Has anyone tried the Metal Shrinker/Stretcher Set # 95062?

 

[porphyre]

They have a set of those, currently on sale for $8. EDIT: PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html
I am going to try
EDIT: PASS
These screwdrivers have exceptionally well machined tips. The tips are better than in many "major brand" screwdrivers. Steel is very tough, nicely plated. Handles are comfortable and large. Really nice tools.

I will respectfully disagree and say this set is "you get what you pay for". I caught these on coupon about a year ago for around $6. I rarely use manual screwdrivers, so they get used, but not a ton of use. I have not intentionally abused the Phillips drivers at all. The long #2's tip is twisting. I rarely use the stubby #2, #1 or #3 but the #1 looks like it would break if you twisted it too hard.

The slotted drivers are pretty good, though. Been used as pry bars
and chisels many times and are holding up. Shafts aren't bending. Corners of the tips aren't breaking.

The handles are very comfy! Esp on the long drivers. Handles fit my hands great.

I'd say they're worth $1 each. If I NEEDED them, I'd buy at $8 sale price... I don't think I'd ever pay $11.99 for the set.

 

[jam022316]

Harbor Freight Service Cart 16x30 item # 5107

Pass and Fail

Pass: It does exactly what I needed, which was a cart to throw all tools while I'm working on something that I could roll around. I didn't really want to spend the money for the cart with drawers that everybody raves about since it was more just to keep things off the floor. Can't beat it for $30 (I was able to use 20% coupon).

Fail: Very flimsy metal, I mean flimsy! lol See action shot below. It's not on a hill or torqued or anything. It's naturally not square.

 

[soob]

The harbor freight poly carts are nice and sturdy. And they're great because they don't scratch, don't get bent out of shape like metal, etc. But they cost more. I think I paid $70 for the smaller one.