The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[rwhughe]

http://www.harborfreight.com/50-ft-compact-electric-drain-cleaner-68285.html

Please provide feedback on this HF 50 ft. Compact Electric Drain Cleaner...Pacific Hydrostar - item#68285 if you have one. This item comes with 90-days warranty. It looks similar to the drain cleaner shown above, but I'm reluctant to purchase if long-term reliability is a problem. What was the lowest advertised price with coupon over the last year?

If the motor, cable, housing bearings are robust, then I would think that this is a great buy considering similar units selling for $500 at Home Depot.

TIA,
F

I bought the one in the picture several years and have used it a number of times. It works very well but the cable is large and will kink if the cutting end catches. This ripped the belt guard off of mine but I have replaced it and learned how to use the machine so no more problems. Definitely a pass and worth the cost when a plumber wants $400 for the same job. As far as the referenced #68285 I have no experience with that one.

Incidentally, this is my first post here although I do have a lot of HF stuff and enjoy reading other people's experiences with it.

 

[furballi]

I bought the one in the picture several years and have used it a number of times. It works very well but the cable is large and will kink if the cutting end catches. This ripped the belt guard off of mine but I have replaced it and learned how to use the machine so no more problems. Definitely a pass and worth the cost when a plumber wants $400 for the same job. As far as the referenced #68285 I have no experience with that one.

Incidentally, this is my first post here although I do have a lot of HF stuff and enjoy reading other people's experiences with it.

Thanks for your input. I believe #68285 uses the same 1/3 HP motor and drive design. The 1/2" cable can be difficult to maneuver in 1 1/2" pipe.

I work the cable by hand into the pipe until I hit the obstruction, then use a feed rate of about one foot per minute to allow sufficient time to shutdown the motor in case of an obstruction. Running hot water during cable extraction will clean out the rest of the pipe.

A 3/8" 75' long cable would be best for the average homeowner. I will probably buy a quality 5/16" 50' long cable with a drop head (about $80 online) to work in smaller pipe with trap. I paid $195 plus tax for #68285...about $20 more than your model.

The $5/free Cen-Tech multimeter is another hidden gem. There's an internal potentiometer (upper right corner of board) for fine calibration of the DC voltage. I have four of these around the house. All are calibrated to a reference standard. They are accurate to within +1mV from 1 to 15 VDC, and -0.6V up to 140VAC.

The unit's internal impedance is 1M ohm. The meter shows 0.4 ohm with the terminals shorted (200 ohm range without probes). The red/black probes add 0.2 to 0.5 ohm to this reading.

I'm keeping my eyes out on the 3/4" breaker bar. Has anyone seen this item on sale for less than $12?

 

[furballi]

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-impact-socket-adapter-set-67936.html

Looking for hands-on experience with the 3/4" to 1/2" socket adapter. I'm not sure if this adapter can handle the rated 750 ft-lbs of torque of the 3/4" HF breaker bar.

 

[fourtythree]

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-impact-socket-adapter-set-67936.html

Looking for hands-on experience with the 3/4" to 1/2" socket adapter. I'm not sure if this adapter can handle the rated 750 ft-lbs of torque of the 3/4" HF breaker bar.

I wouldn't downsize to 1/2" if you're looking to dish out 750ft-lbs of torque.

 

[TommyK]

Pneumatic Brake Fluid Bleeder #92924

Pass. Uses a compressor to pump out the old fluid. Has a bottle to set in the master cylinder reservoir which supplies new fluid - that takes the worry out of running too low on fluid during the bleed. Made short work of a one man brake bleed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html

Thanks for posting. I have been eyeballing that and now I will take the plunge.

 

[ianguilly]

50 Ft. X 3/8" PVC Air Hose
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-50-ft-pvc-air-hose-99915.htm

Pass, bought it two weeks ago and it has held up well. Doesn't get to tangled and easy to spot and clean.

 

[furballi]

I wouldn't downsize to 1/2" if you're looking to dish out 750ft-lbs of torque.

Agree...a more realistic load with the 1/2" drive is 550 ft-lbs if the adapter is of decent quality.

 

[furballi]

50 ft. Compact Electric Drain Cleaner, Item # 68285. PASS! Paid $195 plus tax.

http://www.harborfreight.com/50-ft-compact-electric-drain-cleaner-68285.html

1/2" dia 50' steel cable with wire core center and 1/3 HP motor. Cable is very strong if used to clean food, grease, hair, and other non-root blockages. Even the more expensive RIDGID K-400 is not designed for removing tree root. The full enclosure steel drum is heavier and prone to corrosion if not drained after use and sprayed with WD-40 or equivalent. Metal is still the best if you can live with the additional maintenance.

There is no belt-tensioner, but motor's base can be raised to compensate for a worn belt. One of the four bolts securing the motor to the base was not tightly secured, and the motor's shaft was not perpendicular (off by about 3 degree) to the belt. It took less than 5 minutes to loosen the other three bolts to re-align the motor.

Without a reset button on the motor, one must wait a few minutes for the internal thermal protection circuit to reset in case of an overload. I didn't encounter any shut down problem running the motor for 45 minutes over a period of 1.5 hour. The motor's case is only luke-warm to the touch. There is plenty of torque to spin all 50' of cable inside a pipe at ~150 rpm. The cleaner runs smoothly and quietly if one allows the cable to roll out of the drum at a rate of 1 foot per minute.

I aimed cold water at the cable during retrieval to keep it clean, then tilted the unit over to drain the excess water and sprayed all around the inside of the drum with WD-40 to lubricate the cable and drum.

There is no need to buy a unit with the auto-feeder. The cable will have a tendency to roll out at a rate of 1 foot per minute if there is no major pipe blockage. A manual feed gives the operator better feedback about the tension in the cable and the blockage down the pipe.

I plan to purchase a 5/16" dia 50' steel cable with wire core center to supplement this 1/2" dia steel cable. This smaller cable will be used to clear smaller pipes.

 

[rlitman]

50 Ft. X 3/8" PVC Air Hose
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-x-50-ft-pvc-air-hose-99915.htm

Pass, bought it two weeks ago and it has held up well. Doesn't get to tangled and easy to spot and clean.

Mega FAIL. I had this for a few months, when the jacket around the hose expanded like a ballpark sausage, and was leaking from dozens of pin holes. Never buying one of these PVC hoses again.

I've had a Goodyear hose (from HF) in it's place for years now, with no issues (and it's more flexible when cold too).

 

[Hootbro]

Mega FAIL. I had this for a few months, when the jacket around the hose expanded like a ballpark sausage, and was leaking from dozens of pin holes. Never buying one of these PVC hoses again.

I've had a Goodyear hose (from HF) in it's place for years now, with no issues (and it's more flexible when cold too).

Interesting, I basically have the same Chinese made coil hose from a Craftsman small compressor purchase and have had no issue that was not induced by me.

 

[rlitman]

Interesting, I basically have the same Chinese made coil hose from a Craftsman small compressor purchase and have had no issue that was not induced by me.

I've had two of the HF PVC hoses fail in the same way. One was kept indoors, and one was outdoors. In both, something must have first failed in the interior, which inflated the jacket, and then it would start hissing from dozens of holes in the jacket. The outside one failed in about a month. The inside one lasted maybe 6 months.

 

[Hootbro]

I've had two of the HF PVC hoses fail in the same way. One was kept indoors, and one was outdoors. In both, something must have first failed in the interior, which inflated the jacket, and then it would start hissing from dozens of holes in the jacket. The outside one failed in about a month. The inside one lasted maybe 6 months.

My mistake. I was thinking about something different.

 

[Brownsfan]

I buy the black cable ties for the shop all the time. Great for the price.

 

[Dubbydoo]

fiberglass ball pens FAIL
what a waste I used the small on handle slide off wasn't glued one of the medium ones after a few hits the head broke loose

 

[mtkst19]

last time in hf the metric double box wrenches caught my eye. they were very "german-like" in construction. they had a din number on one side, and said chrom vanidium on other if i recall correctly. they had the matte/non chrome finish that the germans love.

the package said made in india. I would be willing to bet these were made by gedore/india plant using the old german influenced mold to make this set for h/f. Didint buy a set but maybe next time i will for the 15 bucks just to see how they are.

 

[Altec]

last time in hf the metric double box wrenches caught my eye. they were very "german-like" in construction. they had a din number on one side, and said chrom vanidium on other if i recall correctly. they had the matte/non chrome finish that the germans love.

the package said made in india. I would be willing to bet these were made by gedore/india plant using the old german influenced mold to make this set for h/f. Didint buy a set but maybe next time i will for the 15 bucks just to see how they are.

The India made Gedore stuff is junk...

 

[mtkst19]

The India made Gedore stuff is junk...

not arguing that--but to meet a din spec is not junk. hence why may be worth the gamble.

 

[ElectroLight]

not arguing that--but to meet a din spec is not junk. hence why may be worth the gamble.

Got a link?

 

[senginc]

3/8 Air ratchet model 47706 - FAIL
Have exchanged once, second unit does same thing.
Sometimes won't start (air rushes thru but doesn't turn). Have to bang it with a hammer. Using air tool oil. Spray WD-40 instead of air tool oil in inlet and that usually gets it to restart, sometimes without a hammer.

 

[bimmerZ5]

3/8 Air ratchet model 47706 - FAIL
Have exchanged once, second unit does same thing.
Sometimes won't start (air rushes thru but doesn't turn). Have to bang it with a hammer. Using air tool oil. Spray WD-40 instead of air tool oil in inlet and that usually gets it to restart, sometimes without a hammer.

that sounds like a massive fail to me. i would return it and get your money back.

 

[98TJ]

Low-profile creeper #02745 - Pass.

Been using it for the past few weeks and it rolls super smooth - even over power cords when I'm not paying attention.

 

[fourtythree]

Low-profile creeper #02745 - Pass.

Been using it for the past few weeks and it rolls super smooth - even over power cords when I'm not paying attention.

Any problems with it supporting your weight? The only reason I havent picked it up yet is some of the reviews I've read said it won't support nearly what its rated for.

 

[bmxr4life87]

Long pneumatic flooring scraper - Holy hell this thing is a godsend and will blow through tiles as fast as your willing to go I cleared a 15 x 30 office of commercial vinyl tiles in under an hour wiyhout breaking a sweat

 

[98TJ]

Any problems with it supporting your weight? The only reason I havent picked it up yet is some of the reviews I've read said it won't support nearly what its rated for.

I vary between 185 and 195 lbs. No issues.

One of old the mechanics at the Ford dealership had a well-used one leaned against his OLD Craftsman toolbox. He said he's had it for a long time and never had a problem with it.

Then we got to talking about his tool box.

"No Snap-On? Didn't buy into it, huh?"

"I use my tools to make money. Unlike all of these other guys, I'm not working to pay for my tools - they're working to put money in my pocket."

 

[thedark3rd]

First post to the forum so here I go:
Bought several items in the last few years of going to HF, but I'll start with a major purchase. The 3.5HP 60Gal. Air compressor #3848, I bought back on March 1st, I wasn't able to test the unit until I got some other components (10 Ga. Power cable, 220V clothes dryer connectors, a short run of black pipe).

Unit fired up fine, pressure switch activated and cut off properly. The air pump motor began leaking in one spot between the body of the crankcase, and the cylinder body. WHY!!!

Went to HF, talked to one of the managers, they said just to bring it back - went through a lot to get it home, and was on the fence about trying to service the pump my self, hell I just bought it right?

Considering I had to make arrangements for my Father to help me get it from the store to the house cause I don't have a trailer (yet), and storing it the 45 days or so I had it before I tried it, I sucked it up, and took that damn motor off and looked at it myself.

The gasket between the crankcase and cyl.body was shrugged back from where it should've been to prevent oil from leaking out. WTH? Cleaned it up, loosened the bolts holding it in place (they're inside the B3800 Pump body). straightened the gasket, closed it up, and torqued everything to where it was spec'ed and put it back on the tank.

Unit fired up, no leaks. Added a v-link belt, got a little quieter, and considering my use of air-tools this will be more than adequate for what I have intended. I'm getting a second unit to run in tandem for increased CFM output.

I give this one a FAIL - because it should have worked when connected,
it has the potential of working just fine if you put in the time, but I don't believe in sugar coating. The unit FAILED, and getting another would be questionable for the out-of-the-box user. I'm not that guy, so I don't mind trying to work-it-out if It means it works the way it should.

Oh yeah, if you do decide on taking the plunge on this one. The warranty is one year for non-commercial use. Read the warranty, the guys at the store kept telling me 90 days. Don't think so. They're a good bunch, I just don't think they knew.

 

[ndr1968]

Hi I'm mostly posting to see im my avatar comes up.
I recently bought the portable bandsaw. It works. I'm of the opinion that if the tool lasts through one project (at these prices) it's a pass.

I mean really? $300-$320 for Dewalt or Milwaukee equivilant tool when HF version is on sale for $89 and the two year extended warrenty is another $20? Easy choice for me. So far, the tool has performed very well though I haven't given it heavy use and probably never will. I do other stuff for a living!

 

[furballi]

First post to the forum so here I go:
Bought several items in the last few years of going to HF, but I'll start with a major purchase. The 3.5HP 60Gal. Air compressor #3848, I bought back on March 1st, I wasn't able to test the unit until I got some other components (10 Ga. Power cable, 220V clothes dryer connectors, a short run of black pipe).

Unit fired up fine, pressure switch activated and cut off properly. The air pump motor began leaking in one spot between the body of the crankcase, and the cylinder body. WHY!!!

Went to HF, talked to one of the managers, they said just to bring it back - went through a lot to get it home, and was on the fence about trying to service the pump my self, hell I just bought it right?

Considering I had to make arrangements for my Father to help me get it from the store to the house cause I don't have a trailer (yet), and storing it the 45 days or so I had it before I tried it, I sucked it up, and took that damn motor off and looked at it myself.

The gasket between the crankcase and cyl.body was shrugged back from where it should've been to prevent oil from leaking out. WTH? Cleaned it up, loosened the bolts holding it in place (they're inside the B3800 Pump body). straightened the gasket, closed it up, and torqued everything to where it was spec'ed and put it back on the tank.

Unit fired up, no leaks. Added a v-link belt, got a little quieter, and considering my use of air-tools this will be more than adequate for what I have intended. I'm getting a second unit to run in tandem for increased CFM output.

I give this one a FAIL - because it should have worked when connected,
it has the potential of working just fine if you put in the time, but I don't believe in sugar coating. The unit FAILED, and getting another would be questionable for the out-of-the-box user. I'm not that guy, so I don't mind trying to work-it-out if It means it works the way it should.

Oh yeah, if you do decide on taking the plunge on this one. The warranty is one year for non-commercial use. Read the warranty, the guys at the store kept telling me 90 days. Don't think so. They're a good bunch, I just don't think they knew.

Final assembly on the more complex HF tools is iffy at best. I also have to re-align/tighten the motor on my 1/3 HP drain cleaner. Unit works very well after final adjustments. Labor and QC are cut to the bone to save $.

This drain cleaner pays for itself after two uses, and it should last a lifetime if used 4x per year. Why pay +$450 retail for a RIDGID K-400 with lifetime warranty when you can get this HF unit for $195?

 

[ct111]

FAIL !!! hf orange handled tounge n groove pliers (channellock copy) pittsburgh brand horrible slip up and down and wont hold a setting.

PASS !!! pittsburgh sockets , exstensions, socket hex bits,allen wrenches

 

[ndr1968]

Cheapest hand grinder (mine has blue handle): PASS
The switch on the thing is stiff, but other than that it works fine. I bought it when I was in a pinch (left my Bosch out in the rain) on a project and it went strong for 2 years. I killed the HF one as well when I hit some dirt (cutting bricks) and sand hit the motor/brushes. A big series of sparks and it was dead.


4 x 8 Folding Utility Trailer (1190 lb cap): PASS
Built like a tank and has worked great for the weekend DIYer for the past couple years. I have hauled over 1200 lbs of retaining wall stone in this thing and it never blinked.
I DID replace the casters since they disintegrated after I folded the trailer a couple.
times. Putting it together takes a long time.


And as far as this thread getting too large - you can always use the "Search This Thread" function.

I just bought that grinder for 14 bucks and it came with an extra set of brushes! So did the portable bandsaw I just bought.

 

[chris142]

I just bought that grinder for 14 bucks and it came with an extra set of brushes! So did the portable bandsaw I just bought.

Ya why do they send brushes? Those usually out last the gears and bearings in the tool.

 

[thedark3rd]

yeah, I agree. PASS. Just added it to complete the 13 drawer unit. Now, it's just time to fill it!? ....

If you have a problem with drawers sliding out, pull the drawers you have problems with, and check the detents in the back of the track on the drawer itself, and bend it SLIGHTLY. it will let tighten 'em up from sliding out when moving, and help them to lock in place when closed. Trust - you feel the difference.

 

[maxspeed96ct]

Low-profile creeper #02745 - Pass.

Been using it for the past few weeks and it rolls super smooth - even over power cords when I'm not paying attention.

one of the wheels broke off mine

but sadly im still considering buying another since it was so cheap and mine was abused lol

 

[subarub4]

FAIL !!! hf orange handled tounge n groove pliers (channellock copy) pittsburgh brand horrible slip up and down and wont hold a setting.

PASS !!! pittsburgh sockets , exstensions, socket hex bits,allen wrenches

I was wondering how those were.. I think I will keep my old channel locks.

 

[Zaylor]

60 Piece Alloy Steel SAE/Metric Tap And Die Set [SHIPPED]
Item #:35407
$29.99
Pass



Super Strong Quick Setting Epoxy [SHIPPED]
Item #:92665
$1.49
Fail



12 Oz. Thread Cutting Lubricant [SHIPPED]
Item #:92581
$6.99
Pass, but extremely frothy

Helping Hands [SHIPPED]
Item #:319
$2.99
Pass, normal HF tightening required. I like it better w/o the magnifying glass. The fuzzy on the bottom had to be re-glued. I glued a magnet to mine to make it more "helpful."


Lead-Free Rosin Core Solder [SHIPPED]
Item #:95861
$2.79
Pass

Pen Torch With Soldering Kit And Knife [SHIPPED]
Item #:66050
$11.99
FailI can light it, but it's never easy.


8 Piece Right Angle Screwdriver [SHIPPED]
Item #:92630
$3.49
Pass In hindsight I would recommend the one from Sears however.

7" Wire Stripper With Cutter [SHIPPED]
Item #:98410
$4.99
FAIL The stop is not cut nearly close enough, so it doesn't hold it closed when you lock it.


18" Machete With Nylon Sheath [SHIPPED]
Item #:94154
$4.99
Pass Who doesn't want this? I sharpened the heck out of it on a Burr-King.


Combination Sharpening Stone [SHIPPED]
Item #:7345
$2.49
Pass It looks like it will wear out quickly though. It's nice for finishing after filing or grinding tools.


Automatic Center Punch With Brass Handle [SHIPPED]
Item #:621
$2.99
Pass strong


1" X 45 Yards Masking Tape [SHIPPED]
Item #:46571
$1.99
FAIL FAIL FAIL horrible. I got it just to sharpie on for labels. so bad I couldn't think of another use for it, now that's bad.


7 Function Digital Multimeter [SHIPPED]
Item #:90899
$0.00
Pass I use it mainly to test amps if there is a risk of damaging my good one.


10 Rolls 3/4" X 60 Ft. Industrial Grade Electrical Tape
Item #:6047
$4.99
Fail for intended function However, they are great for tidying up cords and ratchet straps.


Heavy Duty 17-1/2" Hand Riveter With Collection Bottle
Item #:66422
$18.99
Pass I like it

9 Piece Heat Shrink Wire Wrap Assortment
Item #:96024
$0.89
Pass


Multipurpose Scissors
Item #:47877
$0.99
Pass


4 Piece Funnel Set
Item #:744
$0.99
Pass Hard to screw up


2 Piece Clip-On Pour Spout
Item #:95384
$0.99
Pass


3 Piece Flex Head Stubby Ratchets
Item #:46742
$11.99
Fail, The 1/4" slips

5 Piece Auto Trim And Molding Tool Set
Item #:67021
$12.99
Pass


29 Piece Titanium Nitride Coated Drill Bit Set
Item #:5889
$24.99
Pass


36" Low Voltage Test Leads
Item #:66712
$1.99
Pass


12 Volt Halogen Vehicle Work Light
Item #:93904
$12.99
Pass A neat trick: if you mount them at 90degrees, you pop the light out of the rubber, rotate it, and pop back in.


100 Piece Aluminum Blind Rivet Assortment
Item #:67610
$1.99
Pass

 

[diggerrick]

18" Machete With Nylon Sheath [SHIPPED]
Item #:94154
$4.99
Pass so far Handle is nice. I just wanted to own a machete.

I looked at those in the store last month, and the blade was so flimsy I decided it wasn't even worth $5. I hope yours is better.

 

[Zaylor]

I looked at those in the store last month, and the blade was so flimsy I decided it wasn't even worth $5. I hope yours is better.

I guess I have nothing to compare to. I just wanted to sharpen it and play with it

 

[ndr1968]

http://www.harborfreight.com/large-steel-tool-cart-with-locking-drawer-90428.html

Anyone have this cart? Any good?

 

[royesses]

http://www.harborfreight.com/large-steel-tool-cart-with-locking-drawer-90428.html

Anyone have this cart? Any good?

Yes I have had it for about a year. IT is ok quality, not exactly heavy duty but not bad at all. Well worth the price.

 

[KTMrider]

http://www.harborfreight.com/large-steel-tool-cart-with-locking-drawer-90428.html

Anyone have this cart? Any good?

I just ordered one. On phone orders they will allow the 20% off store coupon. $55 plus $6.99 shipping it's a steal! I'm going to mod mine for portable welding..

 

[platypus20]

I'm guessing the 3/8" composite ratchets are a pass, I've had about 15 of them stolen from the job sites so far this year. I'm beginning to think they are just unique/different from the other tools, they bring the thieving element in society out of the woodwork. I had to pick up 3 more yesterday, so I had something to work with.