The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Demon4x4]

I'll have to check my newest magazines, but the coupon I have here in front of me that expires on 6/14/12 states "Tool Cabinets". Maybe the newest ones have changed. These are coming out of magazines, not the ones being sent via email or through their flyers.

Does the coupon code that you have work on the tool cart in a test environment, like say, the website?

 

[1991Syclone]

Does the coupon code that you have work on the tool cart in a test environment, like say, the website?

The coupon does NOT apply to 800 orders or online orders. Must be presented in-store.

 

[1991Syclone]

Just checked the coupon in the latest Hot Rod and it states tool cabinets, not carts. Not sure if they have something in the system that would not allow the coupon if you tried or not.

 

[bimmerZ5]

i guess i consider HFT is either hit or miss. there are certainly a lot of **** they sell, but there are also some things that would really surprise people for the money. so, without actual data (from my own trials+error, or someone else's) I'm not going to make judgement just yet.

these are the batteries I'm talking about:

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-aa-pre-charged-nimh-rechargeable-batteries-67861.html

they come out to $2.50 each, which is about the same price as the eneloops from amazon. the costco deal on eneloops comes out to $2 each for AA. so, they aren't exactly selling "cheap" batteries there... but their 20% coupon applies to almost anything (we know the excluded items, and batteries aren't on the list). i was thinking when they go on sale, and top that with the 20% coupon would yield a better deal than costco. so long as the quality of those are somewhat close to the eneloops, that might work out to be a good deal.

well, i went ahead and bought some of these high capacity rechargeables that have a long shelf life. first of all, they did hold a decent charge right out of the box. after running my LED light for several days straight until the light started to dim, I popped them into my La Crosse charger. all of them except for one was still reading 1.2V or higher, the one was 1.0xV. I charged them at 500mA until they were done and the charger showed them taking 23xx-24xx mAh of charge and the voltage was about 1.4V. They are rated for 2300mAh so at least it seems they exceed what they promise.

so far, so good... but I'll withhold judgement until i've recharged them a couple more times. these aren't any cheaper than eneloops at normal prices. but when they are on sale and with the 20% coupon, they can come out to a better deal.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Slide Hammer and Bearing Puller Set

http://www.harborfreight.com/blind-hole-bearing-puller-95987.html

don't remember if i posted this before. this works great, just used it again yesterday. surprisingly well built.

 

[onelochevy]

McPherson Strut Spring Compressor

http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html

PASS - Can't beat it for $20 bucks. Changed the rear struts on my wifes jeep this morning and it was a piece of cake using these.

1.5 ton Racing Jack

http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-pump-15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-jack-68053-html-7814.html

PASS - Got this for Christmas but finally used it for the first time today doing the struts. Worked like a champ.

Orange Goop Hand Cleaner

http://www.harborfreight.com/16-oz-orange-goop-hand-cleaner-47943.html

PASS - Hands were black from grease and are now clean again, lol. It worked well.

 

[Rocket1]

The offset oxygen sensor socket is a major fail. It's junk, the oxygen sensor gets stuck in the socket and it's a pain to remove. I guess it gets wedged, last time I tried to use it I had to use a malot to loosen it off the sensor

 

[bimmerZ5]

The offset oxygen sensor socket is a major fail. It's junk, the oxygen sensor gets stuck in the socket and it's a pain to remove. I guess it gets wedged, last time I tried to use it I had to use a malot to loosen it off the sensor

they sell several, and some in sets. can you be more specific about which one? like item number?

 

[Altec]

Yeah, I have the set, and it works great. I've used a 24" breaker bar on the offset. It has a nifty 8pt drive.

 

[IONH]

The offset oxygen sensor socket is a major fail. It's junk, the oxygen sensor gets stuck in the socket and it's a pain to remove. I guess it gets wedged, last time I tried to use it I had to use a malot to loosen it off the sensor

Once you get the O2 loosened, tighten it again to get the O2 back into the correct location of the hex. Then continue to loosen to remove from exhaust.

 

[Rocket1]

they sell several, and some in sets. can you be more specific about which one? like item number?

I said socket but I meant wrench. This is the one I have

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-offset-oxygen-sensor-wrench-97177.html

 

[Rocket1]

Once you get the O2 loosened, tighten it again to get the O2 back into the correct location of the hex. Then continue to loosen to remove from exhaust.

I tried that but it would tighten the sensor too much before it would reseat. It was more trouble than it was worth

 

[IONH]

I tried that but it would tighten the sensor too much before it would reseat. It was more trouble than it was worth

It would definitely work if you tried it. Sometimes it takes a two or three loosen/tighten attempts.

Similar to when taking off a water pump pulley with its 4 bolts... using one wrench against another continually loosening and tightening until they all come free and don't lock onto the wrench.

Personally, I prefer the socket style O2 sockets because they seem more rigid. Not sure if HF has those though.

 

[jam022316]

McPherson Strut Spring Compressor

http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html

PASS - Can't beat it for $20 bucks. Changed the rear struts on my wifes jeep this morning and it was a piece of cake using these.

Did it feel safe? I was eyeing them but was scared it would be dangerous using such a cheap set.

 

[Altec]

Those screw style ones were always dangerous. No matter the brand. If I don't have access to a press, I use ratchet straps to compress springs for doing struts, and such. One on each side. Wrapped around a couple times on each end, the hooked to itself. Then you can ratchet it enough to take tension off the bucket/strut.

 

[diggerrick]

Did it feel safe? I was eyeing them but was scared it would be dangerous using such a cheap set.

The first time I used mine (several years ago) I thought "typical cheap chinese ****." So I decided to grease the threads - it was night & day. Still doesn't feel "robust & trustworthy", but honestly has never given any indication it was being overworked since.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Did it feel safe? I was eyeing them but was scared it would be dangerous using such a cheap set.

They don't call em "suicide sticks' for nuthing...

 

[pearltsi]

worm gear clamp assortment box. Utter fail. Can't tighten the clamps, the slots just deform from the worm gear. Useless.

truth

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Those screw style ones were always dangerous. No matter the brand. If I don't have access to a press, I use ratchet straps to compress springs for doing struts, and such. One on each side. Wrapped around a couple times on each end, the hooked to itself. Then you can ratchet it enough to take tension off the bucket/strut.

those types aren't called "widow makers" for no reason..

 

[onelochevy]

Did it feel safe? I was eyeing them but was scared it would be dangerous using such a cheap set.

Felt perfectly safe using them. Now I will say this...the strut springs I worked were pretty short so they really didnt try to bend side to side if you tightened one side down further than the other. I dont know how they would do working on a strut with a taller / narrower spring that would easily bend while compressing it.

 

[allinon72]

Did it feel safe? I was eyeing them but was scared it would be dangerous using such a cheap set.

I used that set....compressed a spring and the threads decided to strip while decompressing. Had to chuck the whole thing into the yard to avoid being decapitated.

Needless to say, they are JUNK and dangerous. Rent the heavier duty set at Autozone if you have to.

 

[RAYJAY]

McPherson Strut Spring Compressor

http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html

PASS - Can't beat it for $20 bucks. Changed the rear struts on my wifes jeep this morning and it was a piece of cake using these.

.

have a set of them for the last 8 years great set for the $20 bucks, think i paid 10 or 12 when i got them
must have did a dozen cars with them , there getting a little wore out now yes i use a impact on them
might just use some of the puller all thread i have to replace the threaded rod on mine,

i also have the clam shell compressor

http://www.harborfreight.com/single-action-strut-spring-compressor-43753.html

works great but not for smaller springs ( would not work on my wifes Subaru )

had to go back to the sticks for that one

jeff

 

[gmt830]

thanks, that was very helpful.

I feel a touch of sarcasm

 

[Recoil Rob]

8" bench grinder with light, so far a PASS for home use.
It cost less than $50 with coupons/sale when I got it. Don't know how long it will stand up to shop use but for occasional home use it's just fine. Runs smooth, no wobble, after I shut it down it spins for another 5-6 minutes before slowing and stopping.

 

[Macgyver_ga]

McPherson Strut Spring Compressor

http://www.harborfreight.com/macpherson-strut-spring-compressor-set-3980.html

I've had a set of those for over 10 years. I've compressed more springs than I can count with them and I've never had a problem, nor have I been worried they would break. Just exercise caution as you would with anything with that much potential energy. Never point it at yourself. I always point them toward the outside. A little grease on the threads makes a world of difference. Also, make sure you compress both sides equally.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I feel a touch of sarcasm

yes you did

 

[tpolley]

It wasn't a direct replacement since I was replacing one horn with a dual horn set, but it was an easy install. I just wired the new horns in series using the factory wiring.

Technically, you could get by getting a low tone horn and adding it to the existing high tone horn, but for 12 bucks, might as well just by this set.

how about a youtube demonstration?

 

[tpolley]

Professional 301 Piece Mechanic's Tool Kit PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html

i got this kit to keep in my car/ i got it with the 20% coupon came to like $152. well worth it. the carrying case is awesome. its heavy, u wouldn't want to carry it around. the open end wrenches look extra cheap, and there is very few in the selection. ratchets work wonderful. good selection of torx and hex bits. should have everything i would need for a roadside brake down.................

the raised panel wrenches in that kit are made in taiwan. i think they're better quality than the full polish, made in india **** they sell off the rack. unfortunalty the sizes are very limited.

same with the screwdrivers in that kit. they're made in taiwan and seem to be better quality than the china screwdrivers they have on the shelf.

i think its a good set. i have one, it resides in my tool box in the garage. i notice the 16mm 3/8 socket is too loose. i used it to remove a wheel bearing on the back of my solara and it kept getting stuck on the bolts.

 

[chrisexv6]

3/16" x 33 Ft. Fiberglass Wire Running Kit

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-16-inch-x-33-ft-fiberglass-wire-running-kit-65326.html

Major league PASS from me.

Indispensable while hardwiring the alarm in my house. I managed to break one of the rods (by manhandling it, a LOT when it got stuck in a wall), but for the going price WHO CARES!

I also find it interesting that the longer kit is 2.00 cheaper than the shorter kit and comes with the leader and hook attachments, where the short kit comes with no attachments.

 

[junk4dummies]

The HF digital caliper sure looks like the Mitutoyo caliper ...

It does but there is a huge difference in quality. As an X tool and die maker I would never own a cheap machinist tool form HP, Chian ETC. They will break and loose acuracy over time. The quality is really not there even if you think they work. Why waste the money.

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

I have one of those $10 after coupon caliper. They are quite nice, though I'm not sure if I would trust them to measure anything critical. What I notice is that I can zero out when the caliper fully closed then open the jaws and close them again and the readout is no longer 0. Not a huge amount, 1/1000" or so.

It does but there is a huge difference in quality. As an X tool and die maker I would never own a cheap machinist tool form HP, Chian ETC. They will break and loose acuracy over time. The quality is really not there even if you think they work. Why waste the money.

 

[fourtythree]

Pittsburgh Disc Brake Caliper/Pad Service Kit

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-69053.html

Huge pass. Picked this up in store for 30 bucks with a coupon. Very well made and did the job perfectly. Has enough adapters to do just about any car. If you do brakes, I highly recommend this kit.

 

[Altec]

Pittsburgh Disc Brake Caliper/Pad Service Kit

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-disc-brake-pad-and-caliper-service-tool-kit-69053.html

Huge pass. Picked this up in store for 30 bucks with a coupon. Very well made and did the job perfectly. Has enough adapters to do just about any car. If you do brakes, I highly recommend this kit.

Haha, I looked at the picture and said "Man that looks familiar." That is because it is the same set that Cornwell has on sale this month for $65. Difference being the color of the case...

 

[fourtythree]

Haha, I looked at the picture and said "Man that looks familiar." That is because it is the same set that Cornwell has on sale this month for $65. Difference being the color of the case...

I can believe that. This set is very decent. I could see it going for 2-3 times the price.

 

[unslow1]

Worm gear clamp assortment box. UTTER FAIL. Can't tighten the clamps, the slots just deform from the worm gear. Useless.

I will second that. Stripped out the first two I tried and haven't opened the box since.

 

[PECVD2]

My 20+ year old Stanley tape measure gave up tonight.
Grabbed the free HF Pittsburg measuring tape and proceeded to measure and cut some
2x6's.
Started to set them and something looked wrong.....ohh ****.
Several were about 5/16" too short.
Tossed that POS in the trash.

 

[chris142]

What are we looking for in the tape measure pic?

 

[PECVD2]

What are we looking for in the tape measure pic?

Sorry for the poor cell phone picture. The rivets are not completely set, especially on the nearest the end of tape. It protrudes enough to catch the end of the lumber. I hammered it down some but don't want to take the chance that it might catch on a metal edge or sharp wood edge again.

 

[chrisexv6]

I will second that. Stripped out the first two I tried and haven't opened the box since.

A few years ago I needed to repair an underground plumbing line to my pool. Its held onto the pool return jet by worm clamps (and barbed connections but the clamps are there for backup basically)

It took me FOREVER to find good quality worm clamps. Best place to find them? Marine supply stores (West Marine in my area). You could tell right away they were high quality because there were twice as many "slots" to crank to. The material was much thicker and stiffer than anything else I could find.

I paid for the quality (6.00 each!) but considering where they were going was about to be concreted over, Id rather spend a little more and have the peace of mind.

 

[IONH]

A few years ago I needed to repair an underground plumbing line to my pool. Its held onto the pool return jet by worm clamps (and barbed connections but the clamps are there for backup basically)

It took me FOREVER to find good quality worm clamps. Best place to find them? Marine supply stores (West Marine in my area). You could tell right away they were high quality because there were twice as many "slots" to crank to. The material was much thicker and stiffer than anything else I could find.

I paid for the quality (6.00 each!) but considering where they were going was about to be concreted over, Id rather spend a little more and have the peace of mind.

There is definitely a variety of qualities of worm gear clamps. HF ones in the assortment are horrid, but can be sufficient in some instances. I've used many from AutoZone and had marginal success where the HF ones had failed.

Whenever I am working on my older cars with OE worm gear clamps, I reuse them whenever possible regardless of appearance. Those OE automotive clamps are awesome. Wonder how much they cost new from a dealer.