The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[subarub4]

It could. I can't see the underside of the cap to tell. Could also be somewhere else. Just a suggestion.

never thought about it most have a little hole at the top but this does not, I will have to look at the carb tomorrow maybe the jet is clogged.

 

[ariscus]

This is off topic but I thought this would be the thread to ask in; did harbor freight used to carry more mainstream brand 15-20 years ago? I remember going to one with my dad and seeing Milwaukee, makita, SKIL, and several other major brands, but it seems like when I got old enough to want to buy my own tools they stopped carrying other brands except there own.

 

[subarub4]

Talk with you tomorrow. Maybe someone else has the same generator and has had the same problem, can offer some experienced advice.

I found the video of the generator (same carb) of a person that did a teardown

 

[Mark in Indiana]

Multi use transfer pump, #66418.
Pass if you use it once and throw it away.
Fail if you use it twice.
I use them to transfer waste solvent at work so I can recycle it for my cleaning tank at home. For me, it's cheaper to buy the pump on sale for $3.00 and get one use than to buy the solvent.

 

[nuclearlemon]

This is off topic but I thought this would be the thread to ask in; did harbor freight used to carry more mainstream brand 15-20 years ago? I remember going to one with my dad and seeing Milwaukee, makita, SKIL, and several other major brands, but it seems like when I got old enough to want to buy my own tools they stopped carrying other brands except there own.

yes, i bought a makita grinder there when they first opened in colorado.

 

[rlitman]

did harbor freight used to carry more mainstream brand 15-20 years ago?

Yeah, but they were charging mainstream and marked up prices for that stuff.
At least when it came to mail-order (this was well before they were anywhere near me), the added price of shipping made them consistently more than buying that stuff locally.

They still have some good made in the USA stuff, but not tools.
Their link belts, and the blades for their porta-band, are two things that come to mind.

 

[DodgeMech]

I just bought the 4 piece "professional" adjustable wrench set #93943, 5 piece plier set #69353, and the 9 piece wobble extension set number 67971...and since I was across the county line, I stopped and got a fifth of Jack on the way home...will let y'all know how the last thing works throughout the night, and give an update on everything else monday after 5...

 

[fxt]

Multi use transfer pump, #66418.
Pass if you use it once and throw it away.
Fail if you use it twice.
I use them to transfer waste solvent at work so I can recycle it for my cleaning tank at home. For me, it's cheaper to buy the pump on sale for $3.00 and get one use than to buy the solvent.

i found out and its also has a sticker on the side to lube with oil after using it.

i just dump a small amount of oil in it, pump it and spin the handle to help get the oil smeared it in good. it probably coats the rubber inside to keep it rubbery.

i have one that i use for emptying the gas tanks of lawnmowers and small engines for the winter. been using the same one for 3 years now.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

100' Hose reel. PASS! I don't know the SKU # but see the picture. I paid the sale price of $9.00. The only thing I changed was the crank handle. I didn't like the one it came with. If you buy one, be sure to blow out the ports before using it. I've read that you may still have metal chips in them. Also, I don't think it will hold 100' of 3/8" hose. I have 50' on it and occasionally attach another 50' of 1/4" hose. It will get pretty full with that.

 

[nuclearlemon]

100' Hose reel. PASS! I don't know the SKU # but see the picture. I paid the sale price of $9.00. The only thing I changed was the crank handle. I didn't like the one it came with. If you buy one, be sure to blow out the ports before using it. I've read that you may still have metal chips in them. Also, I don't think it will hold 100' of 3/8" hose. I have 50' on it and occasionally attach another 50' of 1/4" hose. It will get pretty full with that.

you may say pass now. wait until the handle snaps off and it starts leaking at the swivel. i would say it's worth the money if you don't care about that stuff tho.

 

[raffaelli]

7000/8750 w generator....pass!

 

[Burtonrider10022]

7000/8750 w generator....pass!

You're much braver than I to spend that kind of money at a place with a reputation like Harbor Freight.

 

[raffaelli]

You're much braver than I to spend that kind of money at a place with a reputation like Harbor Freight.

Actually for the price I could not pass it up. $600 for 7/8.7kw. Wired it up, it ran the well, furnace, two fridges, power vent, and a floor of lights and TVs without a complaint.

 

[subarub4]

You're much braver than I to spend that kind of money at a place with a reputation like Harbor Freight.

That's nothing.. try that 15kW unit they sell hah

But if people are thinking like you are thinking HF is the best place to stock up.. I've had no issues with mine and I will be getting a larger one for next year.

 

[bimmerZ5]

You're much braver than I to spend that kind of money at a place with a reputation like Harbor Freight.

it's all perception... people do it all the time. just look at those people who still go back to Sears to deal with the idiots they hire in the tools section, or the folks that line up at JiffyLubes, etc.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

you may say pass now. wait until the handle snaps off and it starts leaking at the swivel. i would say it's worth the money if you don't care about that stuff tho.

Sounds like you've had a bad experience. I've been using this for 5 years with no problem. Maybe I'm lucky. If it breaks, I'll just coil my hose like a garden hose.

 

[Mark in Indiana]

That's nothing.. try that 15kW unit they sell hah

But if people are thinking like you are thinking HF is the best place to stock up.. I've had no issues with mine and I will be getting a larger one for next year.

I will say this about anything HF. If you only use it a few times then it's a bargain. If it's a safety item (like a volt meter) or an often used tool (like a vise) then avoid HF.

 

[Hawk]

OK friends lets try to keep this on track and not get it locked due to flaming HF or SO or any other brands. If thats what you want to do start a new topic for it. We all agreed to keep this one for pass or fail.

 

[bmwohio]

Tried searching the thread and didn't find anything.

Has anyone use the 'Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit' ?

I don't need to use it daily, just once now and maybe in the future. Eventually I am installing an Oil Pressure gauge hardwired to the car, but for now I need to check my oil pressure at idle and 3-4k RPM.

Tried to find one to borrow, but no one local has one.

Anyone compared it to a name brand one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine-oil-pressure-test-kit-98949.html

TIA!

 

[5mall5nail5]

Tried searching the thread and didn't find anything.

Has anyone use the 'Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit' ?

I don't need to use it daily, just once now and maybe in the future. Eventually I am installing an Oil Pressure gauge hardwired to the car, but for now I need to check my oil pressure at idle and 3-4k RPM.

Tried to find one to borrow, but no one local has one.

Anyone compared it to a name brand one?

TIA!

Better weld or safety wire that oil pump nut!

 

[bmwohio]

Better weld or safety wire that oil pump nut!

haha, yeah that's on the list. Dropping the oil pan and will be checking crank journals while i'm in there (I think). Will also be checking pick up tube on the oil pump. 8 times out of 10 its the sensor (which I'm hoping) but I'm going to check pressure just to be sure.

Any experience with that tester?

 

[fsdogwood]

This is off topic but I thought this would be the thread to ask in; did harbor freight used to carry more mainstream brand 15-20 years ago? I remember going to one with my dad and seeing Milwaukee, makita, SKIL, and several other major brands, but it seems like when I got old enough to want to buy my own tools they stopped carrying other brands except there own.

Don't think they carried anything new, while they used to have refurbished items from
those name brands.

 

[fsdogwood]

3/8" butterfly impact wrench Item#93100 -- Fail

No power (nowhere near the 75 ft lb advertised), pees oil and very, very loud.

well, it could put lug nuts on Honda cars (80 lb-ft), and very close to the 80 lb-ft Honda
spec.

 

[5mall5nail5]

haha, yeah that's on the list. Dropping the oil pan and will be checking crank journals while i'm in there (I think). Will also be checking pick up tube on the oil pump. 8 times out of 10 its the sensor (which I'm hoping) but I'm going to check pressure just to be sure.

Any experience with that tester?

Nah unfortunately no experience with that tester. You don't need anything fancy though - if you look at your VANOS bolt off of the oil filter housing you can drill and tap that for a 1/8 NPT female fitting and use an AN line or whatever and have a permanent gauge if you want. I wouldn't install a mechanical oil fed gauge into the car though just in case. I see you track your car - a lot of times it can be the oil pick up tube is cracked from vibration. Let me know how you make out.

 

[kunkernator]

14 Wrench Holder (the metal one)- PASS
I love it, great, durable and metal.

SAE and Metric Socket Holders- PASS
I am loving these as well, built very similar to the Hansen one, but at a fraction of the price.

Plastic Socket Rails- PASS
I spent a long time debating between plastic or metal, but decided on the plastic. No regrets so far.

"Ooga" Horn- PASS
It does not sound like an original "Ooga" horn, but it is still funny. We bought it to replace my friend's horn...She had a good laugh.

Magnetic Parts Tray- PASS
I got 2 on sale for 2 bucks each. Works great, cannot justify spending $30 on a Snap On one.

Magnetic Bar Tool Holder- PASS
The only problem that I have with this is that the US General label runs the whole length of it, and it doesn't peel off cleanly. Other than that, it passes for functionality.

 

[bmwohio]

Nah unfortunately no experience with that tester. You don't need anything fancy though - if you look at your VANOS bolt off of the oil filter housing you can drill and tap that for a 1/8 NPT female fitting and use an AN line or whatever and have a permanent gauge if you want. I wouldn't install a mechanical oil fed gauge into the car though just in case. I see you track your car - a lot of times it can be the oil pick up tube is cracked from vibration. Let me know how you make out.

ok, thanks for the tips. I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[Frustrated]

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?

I just got mine and it was a waste of money. It didn't do anything. The two cutters that I needed to use wouldn't event fit into the pipe, due to an elbow. I needed to snake my main 4" sewer line which has a solid grease clog. I could get the boring tool through and the spade tool through and they did nothing to clear it. I couldn't get the other cutters past the elbow, two feet from the entry of the pipe. I can't believe I wasted this money.

 

[bmwohio]

Tried searching the thread and didn't find anything.

Has anyone use the 'Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit' ?

I don't need to use it daily, just once now and maybe in the future. Eventually I am installing an Oil Pressure gauge hardwired to the car, but for now I need to check my oil pressure at idle and 3-4k RPM.

Tried to find one to borrow, but no one local has one.

Anyone compared it to a name brand one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine-oil-pressure-test-kit-98949.html

TIA!

Anyone?

 

[O_M_Jeep]

I havent used mine but I have compared to others in our shop and the gauge looks like one of the 'mass produced and packaged' types, my gauge looks like many others of different brands, the rest is just fittings and the only difference seems to be price, I just havent had a need of mine as yet, havent seen any problems in others though

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Anyone?

I have it, works fine

 

[boaty3]

Looking for input on this chain saw sharpener. Anyone have any input??
http://www.harborfreight.com/chain-saw-sharpener-electric-68221.html

 

[pattenp]

43468 12" Direct Drive Bench Top Disc Sander. It's a so so pass and does the job. One thing I was going to do was to use a better miter gauge. The miter gauge slide bar is aluminum but the gauge part is plastic. The problem is the table slot is a non standard size and my miter gauge from my table saw will not fit. If the supplied miter gauge was a little better quality and if the table slot had been made a standard size then overall this would be a very decent disc sander for the $.
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-direct-drive-bench-top-disc-sander-43468.html

 

[gooseadrian]

http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led...zIjoiMi40OSIsInByb2R1Y3RfaWQi OiI0MzMxIn0=

PASS works awesome!

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/6-piece-pliers-set-46005.html

Almost pass, the adjustable pliers are ****.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/33-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-93916.html

Major PASS! I really only use it for my knives but have used it for girlfriends glasses, grandmas glasses, removing battery covers for nieces and nephews toys, and I have used it to repair cell phones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hex-wrenches/25-piece-extra-long-hex-key-set-5962.html

Another Major PASS! I only bought it for the 7mm to do a brake job on a Volvo. I still use this set as my everyday set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/1-2-half-inch-socket-rail-39723.html

I bought all three sizes but I bought the individual rails, I like them,

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...duty-4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-91223.html

PASS, I see others have had problems with this, I didn't.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-oz-high-pressure-oiler-66350.html

FAIL FAIL FAIL!! The metal one is so much better!

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/funnels/18-inch-long-neck-black-funnel-66479.html

PASS, Can't really go wrong on this...

I also have the 2 inch suction cup puller, I couldn't find it on the website but major FAIL!

 

[bmwohio]

Tried searching the thread and didn't find anything.

Has anyone use the 'Engine Oil Pressure Test Kit' ?

I don't need to use it daily, just once now and maybe in the future. Eventually I am installing an Oil Pressure gauge hardwired to the car, but for now I need to check my oil pressure at idle and 3-4k RPM.

Tried to find one to borrow, but no one local has one.

Anyone compared it to a name brand one?

http://www.harborfreight.com/engine-oil-pressure-test-kit-98949.html

TIA!

PASS! Worked great to test oil pressure in my M3.

Here's a video too:

 

[eurokid]

These have impressed the hell out of me so far...

I had been looking for a set of 1/4" drive power torx bits for some time before I found these and they work like a champ.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led...zIjoiMi40OSIsInByb2R1Y3RfaWQi OiI0MzMxIn0=

PASS works awesome!

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/6-piece-pliers-set-46005.html

Almost pass, the adjustable pliers are ****.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/screwdrivers/33-piece-precision-screwdriver-set-93916.html

Major PASS! I really only use it for my knives but have used it for girlfriends glasses, grandmas glasses, removing battery covers for nieces and nephews toys, and I have used it to repair cell phones.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hex-wrenches/25-piece-extra-long-hex-key-set-5962.html

Another Major PASS! I only bought it for the 7mm to do a brake job on a Volvo. I still use this set as my everyday set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/sockets-ratchets/1-2-half-inch-socket-rail-39723.html

I bought all three sizes but I bought the individual rails, I like them,

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...duty-4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-91223.html

PASS, I see others have had problems with this, I didn't.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-oz-high-pressure-oiler-66350.html

FAIL FAIL FAIL!! The metal one is so much better!

http://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/funnels/18-inch-long-neck-black-funnel-66479.html

PASS, Can't really go wrong on this...

I also have the 2 inch suction cup puller, I couldn't find it on the website but major FAIL!

Could you add the names of the tools above the links, I'm far too lazy to click each link just to see it's something I was never planning on buying lol. (also, item #'s help for the future when HF changes an item. That way a new buyer knows your review was for X tool instead of Y tool, which is identical but much more ****** than X.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I have to give a hearty PASS to the Chicago Electric toe kick saw from Harbor Freight. I had to cut underneath the toe kicks on about 20 feet of kitchen cabinets, so I gave it a try. First thing I did was adjust the guard to just keep the blade clear of the toe kick, so as to not mar the surface. Fired it up and went to town with it. It worked so well that I was laughing with pleasure as I used it. A 20% coupon was used for purchase, and if it never cuts another inch, it has earned it's keep here. For cuts of less than the fixed 3/4 inch, a plywood shim can be placed on the floor to regulate cut depth to the desired amount.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-3-8-eighth-inch-blade-toe-kick-saw-94626.html

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Okay, Community NOOB here . . . I sought out a "Tool Talk" Community such as this one to specifically see what others are saying about Harbor Freight tools. I've been reading mixed reviews throughout my research - so I thought I would try a more robust Community of experienced experts.

I am just starting to get into wanting to do a lot of DIY projects - starting with building a "dream" workbench in the two car garage of the house we just moved into. So, being the newbie to the "craftsman" world (no Sears pun or reference intended), I am obviously excited to get started - while at the same time not wanting to take out a second mortgage in purchasing my first power tools. So, naturally, I'm checking out Harbor Freight power tools. I am fortunate enough to live close to several locations - having already visited a couple of them to check out the tools "in person" (vs only online or within their flyers).

So, I am hoping to get some opinions as to the following items I am looking at (to start) ...and/or any warnings or alternative suggestions . . . .

7-1/4" Circular Saw With Laser Guide System- Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#95004

Orbital Jigsaw With LED, Dust Blower And Laser Cutting Guide - Chicago Electric Power Tools Pro - Item#68821

12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide - Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#98194



THANKS !!!


TOM

 

[fsdogwood]

Don't have any of these 3.
I can only state what I feel when I played the 12" SCMS inside the store.
My feeling, it's not a Makita, not a Hitachi, ..., not a used one. It's all
the details that's lacking. My feeling is that it should be ok to build a deck,
or a shed (i.e., rough carpentry/frame work), but definitely not for fine
carpentry (i.e., moulding work)

Then generally for the jig saw, just don't feel it's that useful (any brand)

Okay, Community NOOB here . . . I sought out a "Tool Talk" Community such as this one to specifically see what others are saying about Harbor Freight tools. I've been reading mixed reviews throughout my research - so I thought I would try a more robust Community of experienced experts.

I am just starting to get into wanting to do a lot of DIY projects - starting with building a "dream" workbench in the two car garage of the house we just moved into. So, being the newbie to the "craftsman" world (no Sears pun or reference intended), I am obviously excited to get started - while at the same time not wanting to take out a second mortgage in purchasing my first power tools. So, naturally, I'm checking out Harbor Freight power tools. I am fortunate enough to live close to several locations - having already visited a couple of them to check out the tools "in person" (vs only online or within their flyers).

So, I am hoping to get some opinions as to the following items I am looking at (to start) ...and/or any warnings or alternative suggestions . . . .

7-1/4" Circular Saw With Laser Guide System- Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#95004

Orbital Jigsaw With LED, Dust Blower And Laser Cutting Guide - Chicago Electric Power Tools Pro - Item#68821

12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide - Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#98194



THANKS !!!


TOM

 

[cheechi]

Honestly, buy yourself a good circular saw. You'll thank me later so many times over. You don't have to go top of the line, even the lowest end Ridgid would be good enough. It can do everything the miter saw can do while you're starting out, you will just need a little more time to prep some complicated cuts & clamps.

If you get yourself a good circ saw and get comfortable with using it, you can make yourself a workbench and most around-the-house repairs without having to buy a miter or table saw. Yes both of those are good investments eventually but the point is you can get away with not having them when you're starting out. I think you should make room in your budget for around $100 for the circular saw or get a good condition used one from a known brand.

Here is what I would buy from HF if you're looking at building a workbench for yourself;

Saw horses Take your time building them, get some locktite (the HF locktite is fine) and glue the plastic feet to them. If you do it right, they will come out square and not wobbly. They aren't perfect but I like them and I'd buy them again if I needed more.
Level or other straightedge to set up your cuts. Also a combo square or rafter square just make sure to check the straight/square/general quality of any measuring tools, and keep in mind Lowes or Sears have these for not a whole lot more.

Finally, HF sells clamps. I'm not necessarily encouraging you to buy some from there, but if budget is most important, they will usually clamp pieces together for you to get through a few cuts. Don't expect them to last a long time but they can get you started on your projects. You will eventually break mid-high end quick clamps also, the more plastic the more likely.