The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[diggerrick]

I've not used HF hand tools. They look like a busted knuckle waiting to happen. They might be fine, but I've had great luck with Craftsman for over 40 years. So I stick with what I know. And there's almost always some sort of sale on those great sets

So, is that a PASS or a FAIL???

 

[fsdogwood]

I want to get my kid the motorcycle lift for Xmas , anyone have a 20% off coupon?

Sign up at hf.com, there might still be time for you to get one.

If you have any car/craft related magazine, there should be the coupon

Check the Sunday paper, there might be the coupons as well

or just google HF 20% coupon, and see what you get

HTH

 

[cheechi]

If you don't want to use mine then just go back a few pages in the coupon thread, at least two other current ones have been posted. No need to go crazy. It is worth going back to find the slickdeals HF link though.

 

[O_M_Jeep]

http://slickdeals.net/f/1276399-Harbor-Freight-Coupon-Thread

 

[ArkTinkerer]

Long reach metric hex and long reach metric ball sockets: Fail

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...set-67888.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...set-67890.html

Someone else rated these a pass. I was in a hurry and when I got home I found two of the metric ones already had the ball ends broken. I tried using another one and snapped the ball way too easy. I've owned other brands that took a lot more torque. Maybe the heat treatment of these was off--or non-existant!

ArkTinkerer

 

[work tools]

As mentioned in another thread, I just started a new job as an apprentice helping to build automated production machines. Everybody on the production floor has their own hand tools. I can spend a couple hundred dollars a week to catch up. May be someday I'll own a big box full of heir loom tools like some of the other guys but for now I need to be as productive as possible with limited money.

pneumatic work stool, pass. It gets the job done for $25. I might have a better one some day but this gets me off my feet right now, comfortably, for a few of the hours in the 10-11 hour days I'm on the job.

http://www.harborfreight.com/pneumatic-adjustable-roller-seat-46319.html

General 5 drawer roll around $200, pass. A lot of guys on the shop floor have this roll around for moving from project to project (and a second much larger box as well).

http://www.harborfreight.com/five-drawer-service-cart-95272.html

Screw driver bits, 2 sets, $13 and $10, pass. For the fasteners I deal with most I have some Greenly and Craftsman screwdrivers but I need the ability to deal with most any screwdriver head around. These sets get that done. My gripes, the storage boxes are bigger than they need to be and take up more space than I'd like in my little roll around. If you drop the 100 piece box some bits will shake loose even if the box doesn't open.

http://www.harborfreight.com/36-piece-3-inch-screwdriver-bit-set-97807.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/100-piece-security-bit-set-68457.html

Automatic punch $3 pass. I use this everyday. For 5-10 times the money I could get one that operates more smoothly and probably last longer but this is fine for now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=automatic+punch

Transfer punch set $10, pass. I use these a dozen times a week. So far so good. If these punchs don't keep their points long enough I'll try a more expensive set.

http://www.harborfreight.com/28-piece-transfer-punch-set-3577.html

Stubby ball peen hammer $3. I use this mostly to strike the transfer punches. It has all the power needed for that. It's easy to use in tight spaces and takes up little space in my box.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=stubby+ball+peen

socket organizer metal strips $1 each. When I find something better I'll use it. I don't see them on the HF website.

angled air grinder $20, pass. It's fine for now.

reversible angle air drill 3/8" $30 pass. I'll replace this tool with a higher grade but let it teach me what I want next. The reverse valve has a couple of annoying flaws but it will get the job done for now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-reversible-air-angle-drill-69495.html

Someone else who started the same time as I did bought the HF 1/2" air drill. The chuck came lose several times. The store exchanged it. If problems continue it will be replaced with a higher grade tool. He will try to use it to learn what he wants in something that costs more.

Air tools are frustrating to shop because the only differences offered is price and brand name with no explanation of what the bigger money buys. Air tools are a mature technology. The differences would be mostly in the quality of metals used, the cost of keeping closer tolerances and labor time on hand finishing. Regardless I don't like buying on brand or price alone. Used air tools are risky to buy because there's no way to know if the moving parts were oiled and greased as needed.

 

[sjlee]

I want to get my kid the motorcycle lift for Xmas , anyone have a 20% off coupon?

There's a HF coupon thread where you can find what you're looking for.

 

[DMucci]

Does anyone have a review on the 18'' Sheet Metal Fabrication Kit?
A few different thread searches came up with nothing.

Reviews on their website sound positive:

"4/5 - I've been using mine for 4-5yrs and added a motor to mine from a garage door openner, made it even better w/ help of a machine tool & die guy, I been making new and different dies to use"

"4/5 - I've had the kit for about 6 or 7 years now. Use it for building Plenums for furnaces. Had no problems. Need to keep lubed or in dry area to prevent rust."

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-sheet-metal-fabrication-kit-34104.html

 

[CaptainMarvel]

There's a HF coupon thread where you can find what you're looking for.

Might you provide the link to the thread - for bookmarking/future reference?

 

[sjlee]

Might you provide the link to the thread - for bookmarking/future reference?

Here you go...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85668

I didn't originally link it because I figured it was pretty easy to find.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Here you go...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=85668

I didn't originally link it because I figured it was pretty easy to find.

much appreciated !!!

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Here you go...

I didn't originally link it because I figured it was pretty easy to find.

much appreciated !!!

 

[greasemonkey44]

had an uhoh yesterday
i was taking a cv axle off an avalon, i was tapping it with my smaller 1/2 impact
went to use the bigger nitro cat and the socket went boom
i got two years and a hell of alot of use out of the 40$ kit, but it was surprising when it blew....i thought it was too thick

 

[Burtonrider10022]

Which kit? Any any better pics that aren't taken half upside down?


I just grabbed the 37pc Impact Kit from HF so I'm interested...

 

[greasemonkey44]

Which kit? Any any better pics that aren't taken half upside down?


I just grabbed the 37pc Impact Kit from HF so I'm interested...

lol here ya go
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...eel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-66988.html
item # 66988

 

[highclassjunkman]

Aluminum pipe wrench: absolute fail. My brother bought one and broke it in half with his bare hands, no cheater, no hammer

 

[the1nonlyjl]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-utility-pump-65836.html

passed! did use it for flow antifreeze through out jetski's coolers. works like a charm.

 

[IONH]

lol here ya go
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...eel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-66988.html
item # 66988

That's a good looking set. Sounds like they hold up just fine for anyone using it for its intended purpose.

I've got a 32mm which is what I need 90% of the time, but when that 36mm rolls in I end up using my 3/4" cast set which always makes me cringe.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[greasemonkey44]

That's a good looking set. Sounds like they hold up just fine for anyone using it for its intended purpose.

I've got a 32mm which is what I need 90% of the time, but when that 36mm rolls in I end up using my 3/4" cast set which always makes me cringe.

Thanks for the suggestion.

i was using it for its intended purpose
tapping meaning i was tapping the trigger on the impact to get maximum force

it exceeded the value for a 40$ set, i was impressed they lasted this long
and surprised given their thickness they failed

i think im going to buy this as the replacement
http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2838.aspx

 

[ryan t]

8 piece bolstered screwdriver set, pass. I've had these screwdrivers since I was in college and they have never let me down. While I don't get a lot of use out of sliding a wrench over the top that option is always there. Despite years of abuse the tips are still in good shape and the magnetic coating still works.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-bolstered-screwdriver-set-94899.html

6 piece precision plier set, fail. I've managed to break two of these. The biggest problem (besides breaking) is they provide very little leverage and little gripping strength. I'm sure some of it has to do with their small size, but I can't find much use for them. The only saving grace is the spring in the middle that keeps them open, that's handy.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-precision-pliers-set-31675.html

1/2" drive breaker bar, pass. This has never let me down. I"ve put my 4' long jack handle over it for leverage and while it did flex some it didn't break and has done everything I've ever asked of it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-67933.html

4 piece heavy duty pry bar set, 1/2 pass. While the smallest one isn't much more useful than a bent screwdriver, the larger ones do a good job. Haven't broken any yet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-1654.html

Rafter Angle Square, pass. While I wouldn't use this to build a house or a deck with, it's pretty good for building shelving/in-home projects.

http://www.harborfreight.com/aluminum-rafter-angle-square-7718.html

24" Quick Release Bar Clamp, pass. Pretty decent for light duty use. I've used it to hold together wood projects until glues dries and have not been let down. I bought my wife one of those 4' tall round vanity mirrors and when it arrived the wood frame was cracked, this did a great job of holding it together at a funny angle while the glue dried. Paid for itself right there in return shipping of the mirror.

http://www.harborfreight.com/24-inch-bar-clamp-96213.html

 

[vw_tdi]

I've not used HF hand tools. They look like a busted knuckle waiting to happen. They might be fine, but I've had great luck with Craftsman for over 40 years. So I stick with what I know. And there's almost always some sort of sale on those great sets

however, now that most of CM stuff is made in China as well, does it even matter?

 

[defed]

Oddly enough, there is already a new Yahoo group dedicated to this, although it is relatively new, not many posts yet:


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rate_harborfreight_tools/?yguid=254625666


I prefer a thread like this though. The Yahoo group formats are a lot more of a PITA to use compare to these vBulletin forums. You guys might want to check it out though....

i started the yahoo group, and just found this site myself while looking for info on wrench organizer.

the intent of the yahoo group was to list the items in the database, so you could find them easily instead of reading/searching thru 500 pages of conversation.

 

[IONH]

i started the yahoo group, and just found this site myself while looking for info on wrench organizer.

the intent of the yahoo group was to list the items in the database, so you could find them easily instead of reading/searching thru 500 pages of conversation.

Here, we attempt to get people to list the item numbers with their comments. There is a nifty "Search this Thread" feature at the top of the thread which you can simply put the item number in to any item and see if someone has commented on it.

 

[defed]

Here, we attempt to get people to list the item numbers with their comments. There is a nifty "Search this Thread" feature at the top of the thread which you can simply put the item number in to any item and see if someone has commented on it.

true, and as long as ppl remember to enter the item #, that works. we tend to forget, and i found it easier to 'edit' the database if someone forgets to input something or inputs something incorrectly.

both ways work, and you can't have enough resources for info.

 

[IONH]

true, and as long as ppl remember to enter the item #, that works. we tend to forget, and i found it easier to 'edit' the database if someone forgets to input something or inputs something incorrectly.

both ways work, and you can't have enough resources for info.

Often you'll find people will quote their comment and add the item number if the description was enough to figure it out. If the description wasn't, you're in the same boat as us on guessing which item they actually meant.

Agreed, the more the merrier. I also like how HF's site now has reviews. Of course, those could be manipulated by HF, but considering how bad some of the reviews are that are left on the site, I can't imagine them having removed any.

 

[sjlee]

i was using it for its intended purpose
tapping meaning i was tapping the trigger on the impact to get maximum force

it exceeded the value for a 40$ set, i was impressed they lasted this long
and surprised given their thickness they failed

i think im going to buy this as the replacement
http://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2838.aspx

Are you planning on returning it to HF to get a replacement? I'm interested to see how they handle their "lifetime" warranty.

 

[O_M_Jeep]

90 degree angle drill - Item # 67474


I used this for close to 2 hours last night almost non-stop drilling for lights in aluminum with 1/4" steel backing, I drilled so long my arms are numb today, the drill never missed a beat and never slowed down or heated up.

Major Pass. I bought it during a sale for $25, it paid for itself in one day.

 

[Samson]

Anybody have any experience with the metric crowfoot wrench's?

 

[groucho]

Got a grease gun there today (made in China-$15. NAPA-made in China-$40). Miserable, messy FAIL. BUT, will try another one just to see

 

[pfarber]

1 ton Gantry crane Item #41188: PASS
1 ton Chain Hoist Item #69338: PASS
2 Ton Load Leveler Item #5402: PASS

Acetylene Welding kit Item #98958 PASS (Was recommended by the local GTS supply)
Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Item #46092 PASS

1500lb motorcycle stand Item # 2792 PASS

1000lb Engine stand Item # 32916 PASS
6000lb Winch Item # 68141 PASS

Most hand tools: FAIL (to numerous to list... but I avoid them)

 

[IONH]

Got a grease gun there today (made in China-$15. NAPA-made in China-$40). Miserable, messy FAIL. BUT, will try another one just to see

Which grease gun part number did you get? I'm guessing the one I have is 66664 and works great. Did you tighten down the nozzle on the grease fitting before pumping it?

Anybody have any experience with the metric crowfoot wrench's?

I have them. They spread a bit, but that doesn't really surprise me. For the couple of times I used them, they worked fine. I don't have unreasonable expectations though.

 

[groucho]

Which grease gun part number did you get? I'm guessing the one I have is 66664 and works great. Did you tighten down the nozzle on the grease fitting before pumping it?



I have them. They spread a bit, but that doesn't really surprise me. For the couple of times I used them, they worked fine. I don't have unreasonable expectations though.

I don't have it handy for the number. I tried it with the outer piston removed for cartridge use, and put it back for bulk loading (messy). It would barely pump grease with hardly any pressure on the last 1/4" of each stroke. Useless, but I will try another before asking for my $$ back

 

[pfarber]

I have the pistol grip grease gun Item #66664 and I also got a Norther Tool bulk grease fill pump ($60) so I don't mess with grease tubes.

I have not had any issues with the plunger or excessive issues with refilling. Actually, this grease gun, simply by HAVING a bulk refill fitting puts it miles ahead of one without. The gun in the photo didn't show the bulk fill port, but it an allen head screw.. take it out, install the tapered bulk fitting and DONE.

The only grease I touch is what comes out of the greased parts.

 

[bowlofturtle]

how are those colored socket sets? Ive been needing to pick up a 1/4 set in metric.

 

[PSCampSr]

Harbor Freight Pass/Fail
6" Bench Grinder - Pass - A little on the weak side, but has worked well for 5 years
1/2" Drill Press - Pass - same 5 years, switch is puny and had to repair it about 3 years in.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Greetings All:

This posting will be a bit lengthy, but I think/hope you'll understand why as you read ...


First of all, this discussion topic has truly been a valuable resource for someone like myself - an absolutely Home Hobbiest level DIY'er. As such, I have no aspirations or intentions whatsoever of becoming any kind of a "contractor" or doing any "professional level" jobs - other than my own "as best I can" personal project goals and such.

In any case - and as with many - discretionary home-hobbiest funds are budgeted and limited. So, consideration for a tool resource such as Harbor Freight is (in my case, anyway) inevitable and - at least on a "cost-benefit-for-purpose" level (if that makes sense).

Obviously, there is a WIDE variety of opinions and reviews/recommendations concerning HF tools - especially HF power tools. I have been back and forth many times over the last few months with regard to the whole "quality/purpose/value-for-my-dollar" conundrum - including reading/watching dozens upon dozens of resources focusing on both Harbor Freight tools as well as the more "notable" brands of various power tools - while also making several educational/comparison visits to my nearby Harbor Freight, Lowe's and Home Depot store locations.

The other day - after both wrote an email inquiry to the HF Tech Dept and posting a particular question on the HF Facebook page - I received a message from an old Grade/High School friend of mine whose boyfriend, ironically, WORKS for Harbor Freight (he apparently runs the Harbor Freight IT Dept). I was inquiring, specifically, about the new/upgraded HF 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw.


First, here was the email I wrote to HF Tech Dept:

Greetings:

I was visiting your Montclair, CA store this week - specifically to check out your 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide
(Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#98194) - and I noticed that the "display model" that the Montclair store had out looked to be a more recent "update" model (with a number of improvements) from the model I see on your website.

Specifically - on the "new/currently displayed" model - the saw motor is now behind the saw blade casing, as opposed to being mounted on the right side (as pictured in/on the current product image on your website). Also, the laser guide on the "new" model looks much improved from how it was situated/mounted on the previous model. Lastly, the side extensions look to have been improved as well ... as is the miter base itself (with identified detents at various miter positions (whereas the "previous" model did not appear to include such).

So, my question is .... is this "new and improved" 12" Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide (Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#98194) the CURRENT model/version that is available in all of your stores? I ask because the box for the miter saw (which was directly below the display stand) had an image of the "previous" model on it ... so I just want to make certain that when I go to purchase the miter saw, that I will be getting the "new and improved" model. Is there any particular way to tell, other than asking a HF Sales Associate to open the box for me prior to my purchase?

Thank you for your time. I very much look forward to your reply and information

and here is the response I received:

Model number 98194 has not been updated and is in the process of being phased out. Model 69684 is the replacement item which I believe you may have seen.

Eric Bodenhamer
Technical Support
Harbor Freight Tools
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd
Camarillo, CA 93012
Office: 1-888-866-5797

Shortly following this, her is the message I wrote to my friend:

I've been doing a lot of research on Harbor Freight products - and a lot of their power tools seem to get a bad rap in terms of the issue of quality. I am thinking much of the criticism is coming from more "********" woodworkers and contractors ... which I most definitely am not. I am a complete beginner/novice to the do-it-yourself/home hobby world - and I don't plan on elevating myself any higher than a "home hobby" level.

Nevertheless, I would also be interested to hear your boyfriend's HONEST opinion as to the quality of Harbor Freight tools for someone like me

and here was the response I received:

He looks at their tools as really good quality for the price. They actually have a test warehouse where they test them against name brand products and they do really well. In all honesty, between you and me, they actually buy name brand tools and deconstruct them and build them cheaper.

So, given all of the above, I am curious as to thoughts constructive comments about the whole scenario - especially with regard to the response I received from my friend.


Looking forward to an informative discussion to follow.



P.S. (If this is the wrong discussion thread in which to post this whole thing, please do forgive me - and advise where I should post this).



TOM

 

[kunkernator]

I would almost think that is a whole discussion by itself!

What intrigues me about your post is the comparing/testing of name brand products. I would like to hear more about what other fellow GJ members say about this.

 

[Fast LT1]

how are those colored socket sets? Ive been needing to pick up a 1/4 set in metric.

I have that exact set at home, not bad, i've used it for pulling valve covers and fuel rails off. I wouldn't put extreme torque on them but for like $7 they're decent.

 

[TerryH]

I would almost think that is a whole discussion by itself!

What intrigues me about your post is the comparing/testing of name brand products. I would like to hear more about what other fellow GJ members say about this.

I saw this some time ago. Pretty interesting...

Popular Hot Rodding Harbor Freight Article

 

[ietech]

What is you opinion on the HF Welder 68886 or 68885. I am considering buying one