The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[rmsg0040]

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-38-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67870.html

give it a half/half, only reason, it doesnt include 15mm and 18mm, which are the 2 most common sizes on my trailblazer

 

[concealer404]

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.

I'm going with "yes." I have a full set of the composite ratchets and i like them. I pick them up when i'm doing high-volume lots of bolts stuff.

 

[jjjrmx5]

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

Anyone have this cart? Any good?

Was in light mfg. many years ago and the company bought 2 dozen of those carts for the shop and mfg. floor for new employees and contract employees that did not have tools yet or used limited personal tools that locked in the dwr..

If assembled correctly, they are great for a light duty cart.
Lock on dwr is cheap but slides are adequate. It will happily accept a loaded 3 or 4 dwr travel box in the top section form personal experience.

Be careful if trhowing something heavy on the top area like a transmission or transfer case as I;ve seen the square legs and thus cart start to rack from the weight and the thin sheet metal constrcution of the top and bottom pans that holds it together just can't hold the poundage.

If you just need a simple cart to roll from job to job or to hold parts for a period, it's among the best for the price out there.

 

[bcradio]

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.

They do have a nice invention for this... In my country they call it a padlock.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-inch-padlock-3220.html

Try it out and give us a pass/fail on it

 

[chrisexv6]

They do have a nice invention for this... In my country they call it a padlock.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-inch-padlock-3220.html

Try it out and give us a pass/fail on it

My guess is they werent in lockable storage when they were stolen....probably out and "in use" and mysteriously grew legs and walked away.

 

[bimmerZ5]

does anyone have a current coupon for the 44" roller tool chest and the 26" combo tool chests? are they the same shade of red as the 5-drawer cart?

 

[Brownsfan]

They do have a nice invention for this... In my country they call it a padlock.

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-1-2-half-inch-padlock-3220.html

Try it out and give us a pass/fail on it

I give the 3/8 composite ratchets a big fail. I had that thing slip on me three times, and my nephew twice. Got so frustrated and threw it across the shop. I have since been using Kobalt ratchets and could not be happier. I have some truck brand ratchets and they are awesome but these Kobalts are alomost as good

 

[concealer404]

I give the 3/8 composite ratchets a big fail. I had that thing slip on me three times, and my nephew twice. Got so frustrated and threw it across the shop. I have since been using Kobalt ratchets and could not be happier. I have some truck brand ratchets and they are awesome but these Kobalts are alomost as good

Weird... i haven't had a problem with mine yet. That's not to say i'd put a big cheater bar on it, though.

 

[Brownsfan]

Maybe I got a Bad one? Other than that they were ok. Under some wear and tear the composite material starts to get chipped and comes off. I bought them because they were cheap and cool looking. I will stick with regular "metal" ratchets.

 

[platypus20]

I work on industrial boilers in schools, hospitals, factories, etc, etc, there is no way to lock the tools. There are days, I'm in 3-4 different boiler rooms, after 35 years, lost/stolen/mis-placed tools is a fact of nature. It happens, if you let it get to you, you will suffer greatly. I end up with the cheapest tools I can, that still function as required. When I first started, I carried, Snap On, Mac, Matco Bonney and others and the losses were more than I could handle both emotionally and financially.

So far the performance of the composite ratchets have been flawless, at $8-9/ea, if you lose one it pisses you off, but a few minutes later, you find bigger issues to deal with.

 

[fourtythree]

Thats surprising that you didn't like the HF ratchet and like the Kobalt. The internals are the same on both ratchets. Maybe you did get a bad one.

 

[ndr1968]

Originally Posted by ndr1968
http://www.harborfreight.com/large-s...wer-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.

Good, I was thinking about using it instead of the blue welding cart that has received such mixed reviews. I only have a cheapie 80 amp stick welder and a flux core welder of about the same quality as HF's.

 

[bcradio]

I work on industrial boilers in schools, hospitals, factories, etc, etc, there is no way to lock the tools. There are days, I'm in 3-4 different boiler rooms, after 35 years, lost/stolen/mis-placed tools is a fact of nature. It happens, if you let it get to you, you will suffer greatly. I end up with the cheapest tools I can, that still function as required. When I first started, I carried, Snap On, Mac, Matco Bonney and others and the losses were more than I could handle both emotionally and financially.

So far the performance of the composite ratchets have been flawless, at $8-9/ea, if you lose one it pisses you off, but a few minutes later, you find bigger issues to deal with.

Sorry not trying to pick on you here, but I am very conscientious about my tools and keeping track of them. The only legitimate reason I can see for missing/stolen tools is if others are using them and take them. If you are the only one using them then it shouldn't be a problem at all... just keep an eye on your stuff and keep track of it. Simple as that!

3-4 different job sites means packing up your tools 3-4 times a day. Unfortunately that's what has to be done.

Again sorry for the rant.

 

[platypus20]

When you work in a boiler room, with 3 or 4 pieces of equipment or more, that are 40 feet long 12 feet high and 15 feet wide, its not possible to always "watch your tools", it just not that simple. I work with high pressures, high voltages, highly flammable fuels and extreme temperatures, I usually have other things that demand my constant attention other than watching a tool bag. Also when at times there may be 15-20 other people working in the same boiler room, especially during new construction, lost tools are a fact of nature. Once they are gone, they are gone, no one ever see anything that might have happened.

 

[Brownsfan]

Thats surprising that you didn't like the HF ratchet and like the Kobalt. The internals are the same on both ratchets. Maybe you did get a bad one.

I liked them other than the slipping and the composite/plastic starting to chip off. It slipped at the absolute worse time. I still have the scab to prove it. I still have them and it was the 3/8 that slipped. I have been using my Cornwell swivel head 72tooth ratchets I got off the truck for 169.95. The normal price was 305. It was one of the April specials. If I am not using the swivels I am using the Kobalt or My 80 tooth snap on 3/8 and the thl72 1/4 snap on. Those ratchets will spoil you.

 

[texaspyro21]

does anyone have a current coupon for the 44" roller tool chest and the 26" combo tool chests? are they the same shade of red as the 5-drawer cart?

Here is the 44" roller chest

 

[ndr1968]

http://www.harborfreight.com/oxygen-and-acetylene-welding-kit-98958.html

Anyone have a coupon for this welding kit? I have an old machinists mag (2010) with it for $79.

Thanks

 

[Mikey 8]

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

These are NOT anything like mitutoyo or starrett at all. I use these for just rough stock and only get them when they are on sale for 9.99. They are not good quality, but I do not expect that for the price. I would never purchase any of the HF machining measurement tools thinking they would be good for machine shop use. They are not.
pass for rough stock,
fail for actual machining measurements

 

[Hootbro]

These are NOT anything like mitutoyo or starrett at all. I use these for just rough stock and only get them when they are on sale for 9.99. They are not good quality, but I do not expect that for the price. I would never purchase any of the HF machining measurement tools thinking they would be good for machine shop use. They are not.
pass for rough stock,
fail for actual machining measurements

Few years back, I worked for an aviation contract field team. You pretty much had to supply all your own tools to include most precision measurement tools.

You be surprised how many techs had HF digital calipers, micrometers, multimeters and torque wrenches that were on a calibration schedule and had no problems passing.

 

[slow50]

are the composite calipers any good?

 

[Titanium Steel]

I think I've only owned two products via Harbor Freight that haven't failed me.

Western Safety - item#96538 Pack of 3 Polyester/Cotton Gloves Pass/Fail: Pass mostly. Although these gloves have ripped at all, they are no longer as yellow as they used to be and faded pretty quickly. The SKU is SKU 96538 and these cost $2.99. They are made in China though.

Husky 9 Ft. x 12 Ft. Disposable Drop Cloth pass/fail: Pass 100%. Really did a great job not bleeding through the concrete when I did some painting and was very easy to work with. Made in USA this time and probably the only item I've ever bought there that I've had absolutely no issues at all.

http://www.harborfreight.com/electronic-repair-kit-67062.html 16-in-1 Electronic Repair Kit Pass/Fail: Fail. Wow these bits were not exactly as strong as I thought they would be. Several of the bits have either nearly snapped on me or have become nearly stripped.

There is a review on www.Amazon.com about this kit and that review essentially encompasses my opinion on this set. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006ZBC5XS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That is a Pittsburgh brand and the SKU is 67062. Avoid and if you did buy this, return it as fast you as can. I wish I did at the time.

http://www.harborfreight.com/caulk-saver-97561.html Caulking saver Pass/Fail: Fail, as this item snapped on me, either the 2nd time or so. Despite the fact this was designed in USA, but made in China, this was $1.99 I wish I spent elsewhere.

Grout Finishing Tool Pass or Fail: Fail, I had used this product maybe one time doing some grout work and this item snapped the first time. As I tried to tried to piece this back together, the ball end cracked and just wasn't worth doing anymore work in fixing this. Junk, avoid.

Pittsburgh 6" Diagonal Cutters pass/fail: Fail. The spring of this cutter was very loose to begin with and that took some time to put back into place. These cutters were dull to begin with, but after maybe using these cutters maybe 5-8 times, they became even more dull and sharpening these takes a great deal of time, especially if you don't have the right tools. Made in China, even the old stock which I do own. I actually took off the grips and plasti dipped them instead.

Combination Sharpening Stone (no name brand) Pass/fail: Fail. Not only did this not really sharpen any my tools, several months after buying this, I was using this outside and accidentally knocked this on the ground and this snapped in half. This only was $1 then, so that was a dollar lost.

I heard that Harbor Freight has a warranty on some tools, but after 90 days, that warranty is pretty void I've been told by others.

 

[pt109]

http://www.harborfreight.com/oxygen-and-acetylene-welding-kit-98958.html

Anyone have a coupon for this welding kit? I have an old machinists mag (2010) with it for $79.

Thanks

Been there, done that. Amazon has Victor Cutskill for under $200, Ace Hardware has it for $180, at least as of this AM. I think you'll be a lot happier for a lot longer (as well as safer) with Victor, Smith, etc.

Just my opinion. YMMV.

-Ken

 

[pt109]

Been there, done that. Amazon has Victor Cutskill for under $200, Ace Hardware has it for $180, at least as of this AM. I think you'll be a lot happier for a lot longer (as well as safer) with Victor, Smith, etc.

Just my opinion. YMMV.

-Ken

Sorry, it is Victor Firepower not Cutskill for the above prices.

-Ken

 

[rmsg0040]

2 Piece 16" Go Thru Screwdriver Set -- pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-16-inch-go-thru-screwdriver-set-65772.html

 

[cts540]

Pancake air compressor - fail. Bought in 2011, and now will only get to 22 lbs.

 

[soob]

21 Gallon Oiled Compressor: Pass/FAIL

It seems to produce the CFM claimed, but it's very loud and the circuit breaker failed after about 10 months. It would trip after 10 seconds or so of running, every time. Otherwise in the year or so I've had it it's been good to me.

Rather than replace the breaker, I jumped it with a small wire and it works fine now...kind of dumb, I know, but it's still on the house circuit breaker. So it should be ok, more or less.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

anyone have this wagon?

http://www.harborfreight.com/bigfoot-panel-wagon-32826.html

 

[tribbles]

4 Lb. Drilling Hammer - PASS

Mine has a black rubber grip. Wonder if they skipped it to save a couple of cents.

 

[theamcaddict]

I used this 1/2" drive ratchet maybe a dozen times and it locked up and cannot be fixed! I have an SK 3870 that I have used for a long time and it still looks and feels new. I recieved all three sizes of the HF ratchets as a gift I have never bought anything from HF

Harbor freight ratchet

HF

SK


HF FAIL

 

[Big Johnson]

Professional Die Grinder-Pass
Professional 1/4 air ratchet-Pass
Offset double box end wrenches-Fail
Professional impact sockets(all drives)-Pass
Professional(crescent)wrenches-Pass
10-ton body work kit(same as So)-Pass
Professional Roto head ratches(All)-Pass
25 inch 1/2drive breaker bar-Pass
5 Drawer utility cart 14gauge steel-Pass

 

[jayoldschool]

I used this 1/2" drive ratchet maybe a dozen times and it locked up and cannot be fixed! I have an SK 3870 that I have used for a long time and it still looks and feels new. I recieved all three sizes of the HF ratchets as a gift I have never bought anything from HF

HF FAIL

Trade them in on the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets without the swivel head. They are great.

 

[ndr1968]

Been there, done that. Amazon has Victor Cutskill for under $200, Ace Hardware has it for $180, at least as of this AM. I think you'll be a lot happier for a lot longer (as well as safer) with Victor, Smith, etc.

Just my opinion. YMMV.

-Ken

Yep, since that post I got an old victor with some welding tips and a cutting tip as well as the regulators (I had them inspected at Bill's & they passed) plus a 75cf acetelyne bottle and a 125cf O2 bottle with the cart from a workmates dad. Cost: $200 and some 5 year old cigars (I've been smoke free that long!). Now to get some anti reverse check valves and watch the WMC DVD again and I'm set!

 

[ndr1968]

HF Drill Press...

This is the most hillarious thing I think I have seen In a long long time. Still wiping my crying eyes! OMG! Ribs hurt!

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I used this 1/2" drive ratchet maybe a dozen times and it locked up and cannot be fixed! I have an SK 3870 that I have used for a long time and it still looks and feels new. I recieved all three sizes of the HF ratchets as a gift I have never bought anything from HF

Harbor freight ratchet

HF

SK


HF FAIL

I have the small stubby 3/8 version that I bought. I knew it was a little ruff when I bought it, but I was thinking I will take it home and take it apart and do a few improvements to it and grease it to smooth it out. Well I get it home and find out it does not come apart. That did not make me very happy but I never broke one yet....

 

[Mercy]

Pass! Ramp for ATV to truck. The atv and I went down it and it didn't feel wimpy or slippery. Didn't shift either.

http://www.harborfreight.com/super-wide-tri-fold-loading-ramp-90018.html

 

[Dustball]

Steel mesh deck wagon (38137)- Pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/steel-mesh-deck-wagon-38137.html

It's much handier than a wheelbarrow or a dolly when moving large items and boxes outdoors.

I wouldn't do 1000 lbs on it though- probably max 500 lbs.

 

[IONH]

Steel mesh deck wagon (38137)- Pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/steel-mesh-deck-wagon-38137.html

It's much handier than a wheelbarrow or a dolly when moving large items and boxes outdoors.

I wouldn't do 1000 lbs on it though- probably max 500 lbs.

I have one of these as well. I severely overloaded it with fresh cut down trees and it did fine.

Advice I would give is to make sure the wheel bolts are tight every few uses. One of my wheels fell apart finally after about a year of abuse, looked like the nuts had just fallen off 3 of the 4 bolts.

If you don't load it in the center, a side can flex far enough to hit the wheels so you won't be going anywhere.

 

[RECox286]

anyone have this wagon?

http://www.harborfreight.com/bigfoot-panel-wagon-32826.html

Yes, I got one for the kids. Pass.

Uncle Bob

 

[ndr1968]

Yep
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92874

At $7, what can you expect? But, they can do damage when they fly apart. Ive been lucky I wasnt staring at one when it happened.

I should really throw them away lol Not sure why I keep them around.

Just some thoughts here. I've been buying stuff at HF lately like they are going out of business tomorrow. If they continue to sell stuff like this that seems downright dangerous to use they just may be! It could be just a matter of time before some Effing lawyer comes along and creams them for hot coffee scald wounds....only in America!

 

[sc105b]

Mini Tire Changer was a Big Time Fail...

Rubber gasket to protect rim fell apart on first tire ans threads pulled out of the base on the second.

Big Kudos to the Bay Shore NY store for taking it back when I misplaced the recipt. (found it next day of course..)

The manager was able to find the purchase in their computer and gave me credit right away...