The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[CaptainMarvel]

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

Popular Hot Rodding Harbor Freight Article

A very informative article - and one I had not yet seen.

An except from that very article ... seems to corroborate what was conveyed to me from my friend:

I learned something today that I have to let you in on. Harbor Freight Tools isn’t “just” an importer of cheap, off-shore tools for guys down on bucks. While Harbor Freight Tools could certainly motor on through life as the leader in Chinese-built tools, this California-based company has a surprising mission statement: they want to be a quality leader while maintaining the really low prices they’ve become famous for. Yeah, that’s a statement you might expect, and we’d brush it off as pure hype if we hadn’t visited Harbor Freight’s Quality Assurance Lab in Calabasas, CA for a few hours today. Harbor Freight has built a state-of-the-art testing facility where they test both their own products (future and current) side-by-side with competitive products. And by competitive, I mean segment-leading products by name-brand manufacturers, not discount store private-label products.

As I toured Harbor Freight’s modern and spacious facility and watched various products being torqued, hammered, pounded, sprayed, immersed, squashed, smashed, radiated, and generally tortured, it dawned on me that Harbor Freight Tools were not only “adequate,” but even preferable.

All the testing at Harbor Freight’s Quality Assurance Lab is done for a reason. As a global-sourcing importer, the only way HFT can maintain and improve quality is to make the off-shore factories accountable for quality. The constant barrage of testing at HFT’s Calabasas lab gives their inventory buyers and executives the ammunition they need to enforce and improve quality on an on-going basis, while at the same time conducting comparative testing on benchmark products by makers like Snap-On, Bosch, Chicago Pneumatic, Honda, Warn, Binks, Ingersol Rand, Milwaukee, and Craftsman. The US General tool cart was only one of dozens of products I got to sample side-by-side with benchmark brand-name products, and the quality/price comparisons on those were equally astounding.

The above referenced article was posted in May 2011. The response from my friend's boyfriend - referenced in my "discussion starting" post - was from this past Monday (Dec 10, 2012). Do you think it's possible that Harbor Freight has stepped up quality control over the last couple of years?

I will say this ... the "new model" 12" Compound Sliding Miter Saw (apparently, model 69684) did look like there were several "detail" improvements over the previous model - as I looked at them both in person at my local HF store ... such as (as I mentioned previously) the saw motor now situated behind the saw blade casing, as opposed to being mounted on the right side - thus an improvement (insofar as I can tell) allowing for less potential motor-to-workpiece interference. 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 any detents at all).


Again, please do not interpret my further response here as somehow arguing or debating against the thoughts, comments and insight provided thus far. I guess I've always been an over zealous "due diligence" kind of guy when it comes to researching items/issues of interest before I invest in something.


Thank you for being patient and tolerant of me thus far.



TOM

 

[itguy08]

I think they have stepped up QC. We've got one of their generators and it works well and starts easily and puts out stable voltage. I've got some tools from them and they seem to be decent quality. The rest of my power tools are either C3 or Milwaukee M12 or M18 so I can't comment other than if I needed something I would use a few times a year I'd not hesitate to shop Harbor Freight.

I'm shopping there more for hand tools now that Craftsman is going China. The tools from HF seem to be decent (about the same as Cman) and since they are both made in China with a lifetime warranty I may as well save money.

 

[bimmerZ5]

any reviews or feedback on this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-long-reach-digital-calipers-60248.html

i've had the need to measure used brake rotors several times now and getting a little sick of using coins... not a pro here, but i do work on several cars that i maintain for my neighbors and friends...

 

[air]

12 Piece Stubby Combination Wrench Set (Metric and Sae)

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-stubby-combination-wrench-set-97383.html


PASS

I don't have any other brand of Stubby Wrenches, but the quality of these is every bit as good as my Raised Panel Craftsman's (If not better) and they were a God send when I was replacing Header Gaskets and Bolts last week. Thumbs up from me, and you can't beat the price for 14 bucks...

 

[skulldrinker]

12 Piece Stubby Combination Wrench Set (Metric and Sae)

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-stubby-combination-wrench-set-97383.html


PASS

I don't have any other brand of Stubby Wrenches, but the quality of these is every bit as good as my Raised Panel Craftsman's (If not better) and they were a God send when I was replacing Header Gaskets and Bolts last week. Thumbs up from me, and you can't beat the price for 14 bucks...

I agree, they worked well for me doing power steering lines. The only thing that could make these better would be if they had flex heads but that's a whole other tool altogether.

On the subject of stubby wrenches let me add the the "Service" set is a pass and the big sizes came in handy for me doing an inner tie rod.

15 Piece SAE Service Wrench Set & Metric

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-piece-sae-service-wrench-set-93667.html

 

[bimmerZ5]

I agree, they worked well for me doing power steering lines. The only thing that could make these better would be if they had flex heads but that's a whole other tool altogether.

On the subject of stubby wrenches let me add the the "Service" set is a pass and the big sizes came in handy for me doing an inner tie rod.

15 Piece SAE Service Wrench Set & Metric

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-piece-sae-service-wrench-set-93667.html

what does a "service" set mean?

 

[cheechi]

I assume it's the set of wrenches in the box kit that allows you to go to something to 'service' it rather than your tools in your box that you bring the work to. Same thing as a service cart is just a tool box with different geometry.

 

[Danglerb]

what does a "service" set mean?

The heads are narrow, and many like these are open end with nothing on the other end so easy to smack maybe. Common use might be a restricted clearance or one of those thin nuts that needs counter holding.

 

[Burtonrider10022]

I agree, they worked well for me doing power steering lines. The only thing that could make these better would be if they had flex heads but that's a whole other tool altogether.

On the subject of stubby wrenches let me add the the "Service" set is a pass and the big sizes came in handy for me doing an inner tie rod.

15 Piece SAE Service Wrench Set & Metric

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-piece-sae-service-wrench-set-93667.html

I also was quite impressed with my stubby wrench sets quality.

 

[Higgins]

Just purchased the 30 Gallon Sand Blast cabinet for my son for Christmas. The cabinet now comes assembled! The inside corners are calked, two plastic covers are now included, as well as four spare tips for the gun!

I really wasn't expecting the cabinet to be "Assembled!" Looks Good!!!!! A little to big to fit under the tree! - LOL!!!!

 

[IONH]

Just purchased the 30 Gallon Sand Blast cabinet for my son for Christmas. The cabinet now comes assembled! The inside corners are calked, two plastic covers are now included, as well as four spare tips for the gun!

I really wasn't expecting the cabinet to be "Assembled!" Looks Good!!!!! A little to big to fit under the tree! - LOL!!!!

Can you post a picture of that?

Sounds pretty good to me. I think my cabinet itself was assembled, but of course the recovery troth had to be put together as well as the legs bolted on.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Do you think it's possible that Harbor Freight has stepped up quality control over the last couple of years?

Sure. I bought their power steering pulley tool in the plastic red box around 15 years ago. Snapped the main bolt off and was pissed off enough to avoid them for 5 years. They've stepped things up since then.

 

[CaptainMarvel]

I think they have stepped up QC. We've got one of their generators and it works well and starts easily and puts out stable voltage. I've got some tools from them and they seem to be decent quality. The rest of my power tools are either C3 or Milwaukee M12 or M18 so I can't comment other than if I needed something I would use a few times a year I'd not hesitate to shop Harbor Freight.

I'm shopping there more for hand tools now that Craftsman is going China. The tools from HF seem to be decent (about the same as Cman) and since they are both made in China with a lifetime warranty I may as well save money.

It IS interesting about Craftsman, for sure ... as there are quite a number of people I know who have always (and continue to recommend) Craftsman products. It would somewhat seem that the "quality" argument lines are becoming somewhat blurred ... at least insofar as Craftsman products vs. HF products.

 

[itguy08]

It IS interesting about Craftsman, for sure ... as there are quite a number of people I know who have always (and continue to recommend) Craftsman products. It would somewhat seem that the "quality" argument lines are becoming somewhat blurred ... at least insofar as Craftsman products vs. HF products.

Yeah. Prior to the move to China I'd say they were very good tools. I loved that they were made in the USA, had good quality and a good warranty. You paid a little more for that but it was fine by me as the price was good for the homeowner/DIY person. Now that they are Chinese with issues (such as lobster claw and other QC issues), and the same price I may as well shop Harbor Freight with the same lifetime warranty and save some $$.

I'm still going to try to buy Mads in USA as possible but just can't justify the prices for the tool truck brands as I don't make my living with the tools.

 

[cowboy73]

Pitman arm puller item#1752

FAIL!

I wasted 10 bucks on it, should have known better.
Broke one of the arms off trying to remove pitman arm from Dodge Ram 1500. I only used a ratchet to tighten it, no air tools. I went to Autozone and got their heavy duty one OEM branded one #27170. It did the job beautifully! Highly recommend it

 

[CaptainMarvel]

I'm still going to try to buy Mads in USA as possible but just can't justify the prices for the tool truck brands as I don't make my living with the tools.

I agree with the "want to try to buy "Made in the USA" brands sentiment as well. Sometimes, for me, it's simply a matter of available funds + particular need + my own non-professional/home-hobbiest skill level and overall long-term intent/project-goals, ya know?

 

[lametec]

5.2 Amp 3-in-1 1" SDS Plus Rotary Hammer

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-1-1-inch-sds-rotary-hammer-97743.html

Bought this on ebay under a different brand name, but it's the same thing.

The pass part: Drill holes in concrete, chisels away concrete

The fail: It self destructed this weekend while using it with a 4-1/4" hole saw to make a hole in my sill joist. Like someone else pointed out, there's no clutch, so when the drill (saw in this case) binds up, something gives. In my case it was the gear case (center aluminum housing) that cracked.

But I'd say as long as you're using it in concrete to drill holes that way it was intended, it's a pass. I only used it with the hole saw because it was the most powerful hand drill I had, with a low rpm.

On the bright side, the hammering action still works, so now I have a power chisel.

I replaced it with a Milwaukee 5262-21. Has built in clutch, so I should only be buying one of them.

 

[islandbayy]

I have the HFT 21 Gallon Air Compressor. I've had it for 3 years, in that time, it worked flawlessly until last month.
Compressor is Model 94667 The older Red Tank. Despite the look of the newer ones, it is the same mechanics of the compressor, just attached to tank differently. I've checked.

The pressure shutoff failed during the night when I left my shop. The release valve worked fine though (as tank is still in one piece).
The continual running all night overheated the compression cylinder. After replacing the pressure shutoff, which I got on eBay for $6.50 shipped, directly from Hong Kong (HFT did not have the part in stock), compressor ran again just fine, accept would not build pressure past 60-80 psi.

I decided to remove the head and take a look, as it was no good to me anyways at that pressure. Noticed 2 issues, Head bolts were not very tight, and the paper gaskets were damaged.

I removed and cleaned all the old gasket off, cleaned the flapper valves, and used Permatex High Temp liquid silicone gasket to make new gaskets.
I can now say that the compressor runs just like new, for a total of $10 in parts.

Mind you, it did get 3 years of heavy use in a Scooter, Cycle & Electric Car shop.

I also used it as a source of "steam" ish pressure for my Steam Engine project I am working on, as I could not use actual steam (still building my boiler).

Here is a link to my repair of the gaskets (which also were not in stock at HFT).

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR2BB9KjyNfWqyLfxl_7qkSyBmH0XocjO

 

[nuclearlemon]

Pitman arm puller item#1752

FAIL!

I wasted 10 bucks on it, should have known better.
Broke one of the arms off trying to remove pitman arm from Dodge Ram 1500. I only used a ratchet to tighten it, no air tools. I went to Autozone and got their heavy duty one OEM branded one #27170. It did the job beautifully! Highly recommend it

i've had bad luck with four different puller from hf. borrowed one of these while at a junkyard and immediately went and bought one. kicks **** otc7503

 

[ChevyEFI]

Pitman arm puller item#1752

FAIL!

I wasted 10 bucks on it, should have known better.
Broke one of the arms off trying to remove pitman arm from Dodge Ram 1500. I only used a ratchet to tighten it, no air tools. I went to Autozone and got their heavy duty one OEM branded one #27170. It did the job beautifully! Highly recommend it

Funny, I bent a brand new Autozone OEM 27170 on a GM Saginaw box.

i've had bad luck with four different puller from hf. borrowed one of these while at a junkyard and immediately went and bought one. kicks **** otc7503

I have had excellent service from OTC pullers.

 

[groucho]

It IS interesting about Craftsman, for sure ... as there are quite a number of people I know who have always (and continue to recommend) Craftsman products. It would somewhat seem that the "quality" argument lines are becoming somewhat blurred ... at least insofar as Craftsman products vs. HF products.

Yeah. Prior to the move to China I'd say they were very good tools. I loved that they were made in the USA, had good quality and a good warranty. You paid a little more for that but it was fine by me as the price was good for the homeowner/DIY person. Now that they are Chinese with issues (such as lobster claw and other QC issues), and the same price I may as well shop Harbor Freight with the same lifetime warranty and save some $$.

I'm still going to try to buy Mads in USA as possible but just can't justify the prices for the tool truck brands as I don't make my living with the tools.

It's been a while since I've bought tools as I've always tried to buy quality so I wouldn't have to keep replacing them. I've collected what I believe every thing I need over the years. That said, I was not aware Craftsman is now making tools in China. Sad, and good to know.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

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

It's warranted. I bet it was just a bad casting. I bought the 36" one several years ago and have used it on farm equipment while jumping up and down on it. My 195# self hasn't broken it.

 

[sjlee]

It's been a while since I've bought tools as I've always tried to buy quality so I wouldn't have to keep replacing them. I've collected what I believe every thing I need over the years. That said, I was not aware Craftsman is now making tools in China. Sad, and good to know.

It's been a slow progression at Sears. They still do sell Craftman tools that are made in the USA, but you really have to check the packaging to make sure.

FWIW, they aren't the only ones who've started selling tools made in China... Snap-On has as well.

 

[groucho]

It's been a slow progression at Sears. They still do sell Craftman tools that are made in the USA, but you really have to check the packaging to make sure.

FWIW, they aren't the only ones who've started selling tools made in China... Snap-On has as well.

Snap On TOO? I would've thought that with Snap On's higher prices...their big "hook" would be made in U.S.A.

 

[cheechi]

I just picked up a RP flare nut wrench set that was made in USA. Figured I'd spend a little more than what the HF set would have cost when Sears put them on sale. Went in a few days later and they don't have the same set available in the store. From what I understand, they are moving more of the USA stuff to order only, making it harder to tell if it doesn't say in the website.

 

[nuclearlemon]

broke my second hf vise a month or so ago. the sliding jaw snaps. they last about four years, but doesn't see daily use and i'm just a lowly little woman. my other half bought me a new ace one for tho, so we'll see how it fares

item#67039

 

[b7labelle]

Bought the electric cutoff tool. Item number 68523. So far PASS.. Used it to cut some rolled steel strip that I am making into gas tank straps (no aftermarket options). Tripped its internal breaker a couple times, but it was no big deal and I was being kinda rough with it. For 9 bucks extra I purchased the 2 year replacement plan for it... Just to be safe..

Overall I think I'm going to like it. Spins up very fast and using the HF cut off wheels, it cuts very well.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-volt-3-high-speed-cut-off-tool-68523.html

Merry Christmas all!

 

[diggerrick]

Bought the electric cutoff tool. Item number 68523. So far PASS.. Used it to cut some rolled steel strip that I am making into gas tank straps (no aftermarket options). Tripped its internal breaker a couple times, but it was no big deal and I was being kinda rough with it. For 9 bucks extra I purchased the 2 year replacement plan for it... Just to be safe..

Overall I think I'm going to like it. Spins up very fast and using the HF cut off wheels, it cuts very well.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-volt-3-high-speed-cut-off-tool-68523.html

Merry Christmas all!

I thought about buying one of those when they wer on sale for $19.99, but I already have a few of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-angle-grinder-95578.html

The cut-off tool spins about twice as fast, but is a little down on power.

Anyone have a head to head comparison?

 

[RCL]

I have the 3" cut off tool from HF as well as three of the 4 1/2" grinders.
The 3" is pretty easy to bog down and trip the internal breaker but it does fine if you don't lean on it too much.
On the grinders I replace the grease with synthetic and use them hard. I keep different wheels on the them to save time. They are loud but for the cost, mine work well.

 

[groucho]

I have the air 3"(?) cutoff HF tool, and it's holding up pretty good. It has no more or less oooomf than my 20 yr old Blue Point. I also bought 4 HF air die grinders on sale for $4.99 each. I keep a different burr in each one so I don't have to stop working in the middle of a job to change burrs. I just grab another die grinder. Pass

 

[Deadhead]

1/2" drive extendable ratchet:

http://www.harborfreight.com/merchandising-promotions/merchandising/hand-tools-sockets-and-ratchets/ratchets/1-2-half-inch-extendable-ratchet-98831.html

PASS! (many others feel the same way so it's nothing new)

If you don't have one of these you need to get one. I have stop using all my other 1/2" drive ratchets. I just bought 4 more of them to give as gifts for my co-workers. Now they can stop using mine all the time.

 

[greasemonkey44]

http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html
Ive used this brake bleeder full time for about 6 months
its damn good for the money; it isnt as powerful as some other models out there
but its cheap and dead simple
kind of the Ak47 of vacuum brake bleeders

 

[hypertek]

Been thinking about getting their air sheers or nibbler, but looking towards the sheers. Any thoughts on it?

 

[Cedge]

Having always been a pro "made in USA" kind of guy, I'll have to sheepishly admit to becoming more and more grudgingly impressed with the quality of many HF offerings and I also have to admit that their prices are attractive. Add in the life time warranty on the tools and it's hard not to justify doing business with them.

Paint Spray guns.... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-automotive-hvlp-spray-gun-kit-94572.html

Hand Wrenches..... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/14-piece-metric-combination-wrench-set-68790.html

Socket Set..... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-69261.html

3/8" Air Wrench..... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-air-ratchet-wrench-47706.html

56" Roller Tool Box.... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/56-inch-11-drawer-industrial-roller-cabinet-67681.html

115 piece Cobalt Drill Index.... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/115-piece-cobalt-drill-bit-set-47653.html

115 piece Titanium Nitride Drill Index.... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/115-pi...d-m2-high-speed-steel-drill-bit-set-1611.html

Titanium Nitride End Mills.... PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/20-piece-titanium-nitrade-coated-end-mill-set-5947.html

At this rate they're winning over a wee bit of my loyalty and blunting the highly negative opinion I had in earlier years. You still need to shop with a wary eye for a lot of their inventory, but it's hardly the comedy of horror it used to be.

Steve

 

[getbent4x4]

How are the harbor freight file sets? the 6.99 and 9.99 one that is 4 or so piece

 

[TerryH]

How are the harbor freight file sets? the 6.99 and 9.99 one that is 4 or so piece

The 12" HF files has been a PASS for me.

 

[kunkernator]

Pick Set- PASS
For $1, you can't beat it. I have been using them all day to clean out the groves in plier's jaws. Haven't chipped one or bent one yet, plus at this price they are virtually disposable. I will be picking up a few more sets.

Heavy Duty Circuit Tester- PASS
I bought mine for $3.99, and I am amazed at the quality. The wire is super strong, no flimsy little wires. where the wire leaves the light there is even a steel spring stress relief. Do not buy the $1 one, go for this one.

Interchangeable Snap Ring Pliers- FAIL
It was worth trying for $3.99, even though I did accomplish my task (taking a snap ring out of a ratchet), the plier's tips bent extremely easily.


On a side note, I have noticed that a lot of stuff at Harbor Freight is now made in Taiwan (higher quality) and India (lower quality) there is still Chinese stuff, but I have noticed a lot more Taiwan that appears better quality.

 

[bimmerZ5]

any reviews or feedback on this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-long-reach-digital-calipers-60248.html

i've had the need to measure used brake rotors several times now and getting a little sick of using coins... not a pro here, but i do work on several cars that i maintain for my neighbors and friends...

trying again...

 

[mrpizza]

The orange handle pick sets that are on sale often for a buck are great. I have used them for a myriad of tasks and I love them. The chrome is worn off the ends of most of mine but it doesn't affect their use.

 

[MWB]

Last week I bought one of the 66783 chargers but when the start/charge switch was in the charge position, I could not measure any voltage on the 12v fast, 12 volt float or 6 volt charge position so I exchanged it for another of the same model. It is exactly the same, no voltage. The clerk at Harbor Freight would not allow me to to test the "new" one, so I'll have to drive another 30+ miles to take it back for a refund this time.

This is one HF product I would stay away from at all cost.

Mark