The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[diggerrick]

110 Volt, 3 Watt, 28 LED Work Light - PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/110-volt-3-watt-28-led-work-light-66274.html

I've been wondering about that light. My halogens are great in the winter because of the heat they put out, but are very uncomfortable on a hot summer night even with the fan on.

 

[neonnblack]

67639 4 1/2 inch flap disc major pass.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-1-2-half-inch-36-grit-flap-disc-67639.html

Used it to sand the inside of a 55 gallon drum, maybe used a quarter of it.

 

[DaWoodster]

If you buy the cart just prepare to go to lowes/home depot and buy new casters for the front because once you get the welder, grinder and some gear on the cart those casters it comes with are not up to snuff.

I replaced mine with HF 3" swivels #95356 and they work great. Massive improvement.

 

[subarub4]

So does HF not sell goodyear air hoses anymore? They are missing from the website, I need to buy a 50' hose.

 

[neonnblack]

they did last time i was in.

 

[subarub4]

they did last time i was in.

Thanks

 

[cheechi]

So does HF not sell goodyear air hoses anymore? They are missing from the website, I need to buy a 50' hose.

They are phasing it out. Looks like what they have now is very similar in appearance to Legacy hose. My store had what was left outside on the last sidewalk sale.

I have to say, what they have now looks good.

 

[subarub4]

They are phasing it out. Looks like what they have now is very similar in appearance to Legacy hose. My store had what was left outside on the last sidewalk sale.

I have to say, what they have now looks good.

This hose here?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...avy-duty-pvcrubber-hybrid-air-hose-60358.html

the PVC is a turn off.. how does it handle in 20F weather?

 

[cheechi]

The 1/2" hose is still rubber if you needed some for cold weather. Or you could still buy Goodyear hose from Northern.

 

[taterdog]

part # 95683 Clamp meter. fail.

I paid $14 for this clamp knowing the odds of it being accurate were slim to none. i tested the clamp against a fluke I410 attached to a Fluke 115. i saw between a 20-40% difference in AC current to the fluke.

 

[skulldrinker]

part # 95683 Clamp meter. fail.

I paid $14 for this clamp knowing the odds of it being accurate were slim to none. i tested the clamp against a fluke I410 attached to a Fluke 115. i saw between a 20-40% difference in AC current to the fluke.

are you sure? try it again, maybe it was just a fluke.

 

[Danglerb]

part # 95683 Clamp meter. fail.

I paid $14 for this clamp knowing the odds of it being accurate were slim to none. i tested the clamp against a fluke I410 attached to a Fluke 115. i saw between a 20-40% difference in AC current to the fluke.

Were both meters measuring the same type of units, amps rms or peak or ?

That much error I would be taking it back.

 

[sjlee]

Trunk Organizer (Item #65178) - PASS
I bought this for my wife to use in her SUV. It works great for keeping stuff from rolling around in the tailgate. It has handles so that you can carry it around and can be folded up when you're not using it.

Chicago Electric Multi-function Oscillating Tool (Item #67537) - PASS
I purchased this recently to cut a copper pipe while doing some plumbing work (replacing shut-off valve). It is surprisingly quiet (even at the highest setting) and feels pretty durable. It was able to cut through the pipe fairly easy (much faster than using a hacksaw). Not sure when I'd use it with a lower oscillation setting (since it is quiet), but it's nice to have that feature. I went with this one instead of the single speed one because it has the more powerful motor and better reviews. Time will tell how long it will last, but I'm impressed with it so far.

Other things I have:

US General 5-drawer Tool Cart (Item #95272) - PASS
Only tricky part is assembly... I had to mount the reinforcing bars differently from the instructions in order to get the holes to line up properly. Doesn't seem to affect the stability of the cart.

18" Magnetic Tool Holder (Item #65489) - PASS

Ceramic Block Magnets (Item #97504) - PASS

Pittsburgh Pro 3/8" Torque Wrench (Item #807) - PASS
I use this now when changing the oil on my vehicles. I have a bar-type torque wrench, but find this one easier to use because of the shorter handle.

18 Compartment Small Storage Container (Item #94456) - PASS

6 Compartment Drawer Organizer (Item #99729) - PASS

Socket Tray/Organizers (Items #68102 and #68100) - PASS

 

[taterdog]

Were both meters measuring the same type of units, amps rms or peak or ?

That much error I would be taking it back.

I was measuring peak AC amperage from an amplifier.

 

[Danglerb]

I was measuring peak AC amperage from an amplifier.

Been awhile, but I think RMS = 0.7 x peak, also if you weren't measuring 60hz that could be a factor.

I skipped the HF clamp because I want something for automotive use, and that requires a clamp that does DC amps. I use a Craftsman 82369 bought off ebay for about $35 shipped.

 

[ex-x-fire]

That item number comes up blank on their web page. Since it was 5 years ago maybe they don't carry it anymore. To bad $50 would be a good price.

I was thinking about getting this on at one time, but they don't carry it a HF. This is made by S.U.R.&R. It comes w/ a good selection of adaptors.

 

[mrpizza]

The manual for that clamp meter says it gives rms average indications.

 

[Danglerb]

I was thinking about getting this on at one time, but they don't carry it a HF. This is made by S.U.R.&R. It comes w/ a good selection of adaptors.

One of the guys in our car group bought one to use with a case of the expensive injector cleaner, BG44K, something like that. Worked fine.

HF part used to be 95834, but it was almost an exact copy of the $200 BG rig, so maybe it had legal issues? Google still brings up the manual on HF site.

Something cheesy on ebay for $70, and OTC 7448 Fuel Injector Canister-Type Cleaner Kit $115 online.

 

[ex-x-fire]

BG44k is good stuff.

 

[no2tracks]

1/2" torque wrench #239 Fail. I've used it maybe 10-20 times since I bought it Aug 10 2009. Today it went 'tink' and then just spun. I'll see if they'll warranty it tomorrow.

 

[IONH]

I bought a 110 Volt, 3 Watt, 28 LED Work Light (p/n 66274) for $13 to try out. It's the smaller of the two but will probably review the same (with different brightness). I haven't powered it on yet so this post is my place holder to actually review it.

 

[IONH]

1/2" torque wrench #239 Fail. I've used it maybe 10-20 times since I bought it Aug 10 2009. Today it went 'tink' and then just spun. I'll see if they'll warranty it tomorrow.

I think it'd fall under the hand tool warranty exchange so long as it still has the sticker on it.

 

[skulldrinker]

I was thinking about getting this on at one time, but they don't carry it a HF. This is made by S.U.R.&R. It comes w/ a good selection of adaptors.

Thanks I went to that site and they only show a different model for $125. Any place is going to sell this for over $100.

Would rather have to only pay $50.

 

[IONH]

I bought a 110 Volt, 3 Watt, 28 LED Work Light (p/n 66274) for $13 to try out. It's the smaller of the two but will probably review the same (with different brightness). I haven't powered it on yet so this post is my place holder to actually review it.

Used this in the garage today. It worked well and put out a bunch of light.

Downsides...
1. Has no power switch. It is either plugged in and on or not plugged in and off.
2. It's LED, so the light is pretty directional. May have been better if there was a diffuser instead of clear glass.

 

[rcsec]

1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill #68169 - any review?

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-professional-variable-speed-reversible-hammer-drill-68169.html?utm_campaign=SEO&utm_medium=Inbound_links&utm_source=linking

I didn't see any reviews on this model and was curious if anyone has used. I'm DIY'er and what I could find was to use Bosch masonry bits. This is on sale for $25 with coupon.
Thanks,

 

[Recoil Rob]

Not this drill but i bought the hammer drill that uses Bosch SDS Bits. I got it home and put a 18" bit in and turned it on. The tip of the bit scribed a 1" circle. The bit was straight, the chuck was off. I brought it back and we tried everyone of the 12 still in boxes. All scribed circles from 1-2" with long bits.

Bring a long bit and check it before you leave the store.

 

[ndr1968]

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

OK, if you are trying to read voltage off the built in meter you can't because it's an ammeter (measures amps). Second, if you connected it to a fully charged battery, it would have shown zero amps and the green light near the zero on the left would have been lit up. Now, connecting a partially discharged battery should make the meter indicate how many amps are being drawn to charge the battery. This reading will slowly decrease as the battery charges untill it's back to zero again indicating a fully charged battery.

 

[ndr1968]

I'm going to do that also. Don't see much way to go wrong on the welder for $80. Add the cart for $30 and the auto-darkening helmet for $40. $150 total plus the tax is pretty darn cheap for a welding setup if you ask me.

Beware! Welding is addictive! I started out with one of these and a little $60 stick welder (got it at Amazon) last year and now I have a new Millermatic 140 and I spend every spare moment out in the shop doing scrap metal sculptures to help me learn how to weld!

 

[TerryH]

Beware! Welding is addictive! I started out with one of these and a little $60 stick welder (got it at Amazon) last year and now I have a new Millermatic 140 and I spend every spare moment out in the shop doing scrap metal sculptures to help me learn how to weld!

Oh sure. Now you tell me.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=186235

I just bought a Sped Glas helmet too. I think I'm in trouble.

Cool scupltures BTW!!!

 

[CaptainMarvel]

12" Double-Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw With Laser Guide - #69684

When I discovered that Harbor Freight was updating (in reality, UPGRADING) their 12" sliding compound miter saw, I decided to remain patient and wait until purchasing this tool (which I had been eyeballing for quite some time). I can now say with complete sincerity and integrity that GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT !!!

The updated 12" DUAL BEVEL sliding compound miter saw is an improvement from it's predecessor model in nearly every way. I love that the motor is now located behind the blade unit rather than adjacent - allowing for much less potential for interference. The miter base itself is a significant improvement as well - with clearly defined measurements and relative detents for the most common stops.

One of the MOST significant improvements, in my opinion, is the laser guide - which is now integrated just below the saw unit (where is SHOULD be) rather than attached onto the side (as it was in it's predecessor model). The laser is bright and true - and the 60-tooth carbide tip blade that came with the unit cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter. I was even impressed with how well the included dust bag caught a good deal of sawdust during cutting operations.

Bottom line ... I am VERY impressed with this latest update to Harbor Freight's 12" sliding compound miter saw line. It is, in my opinion, every bit comparable to it's much more expensive "brand name" equivalents - making this saw an AMAZING investment for the Home Hobbyist/Homeshop/DIY'er enthusiast.

 

[subarub4]

picked up item #68019 which is the 18 Gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler

just messing around with it in the house with no air and no staples it seems like the safety can be a bit of an issue every so often.

Having said that anyone know which arrow staples this can use?

 

[rcsec]

picked up item #68019 which is the 18 Gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler

just messing around with it in the house with no air and no staples it seems like the safety can be a bit of an issue every so often.

Having said that anyone know which arrow staples this can use?

On my last trip to HF I was speaking to a guy about this gun, as a cabinet maker he was very happy with it; has me thinking about picking one up.

 

[subarub4]

On my last trip to HF I was speaking to a guy about this gun, as a cabinet maker he was very happy with it; has me thinking about picking one up.

It's nice and light that's for sure, I will be using it to make a DIY projector screen, it's pretty nice for what it is.. i noticed the store had a sale on it.. $14.99 for it when my coupon it was listed on sale for $15.99.. another one of those you have to check before you hand over the coupon

anyways a little searching says the arrow T50 1/4" should work

Also for those that are wondering I went to the store today (haha obvious) anyways yeah no more goodyear air hoses but they do have those flexible green that are a hybrid.. if anyone used them out in the cold (talking 20's 30's) let me know how they are vs the rubber hose as I need a 50 Ft hose.. 25 ft is just too limiting now.

 

[subarub4]

Hmm I might take back the nail/staple gun.. being as I need to staple 1x8 lumber shooting a 5/8" into that is pretty crazy, I ended up ordering a narrow 1/4" air stapler off Amazon for $24 Or maybe just keep it since it's not worth returning for the $14.99 lol and given it's going to be a 30 mile drive one way...

 

[fsdogwood]

picked up item #68019 which is the 18 Gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler

just messing around with it in the house with no air and no staples it seems like the safety can be a bit of an issue every so often.

Having said that anyone know which arrow staples this can use?

You could just buy the staples from HF.

I would not use it for brads, as it would left a big hole.

 

[b1ghwx]

Tube Bending Pliers - PASS

Another definite PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/tube-bending-pliers-95782.html

Picked up these tube bending pliers to form some brake lines. The work great. Have a nice feel to them and they do exactly what they were designed to do. With the 20% off - $7.99

 

[diggerrick]

1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill #68169 - any review?

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-professional-variable-speed-reversible-hammer-drill-68169.html?utm_campaign=SEO&utm_medium=Inbound_links&utm_source=linking

I didn't see any reviews on this model and was curious if anyone has used. I'm DIY'er and what I could find was to use Bosch masonry bits. This is on sale for $25 with coupon.
Thanks,

I bought one for my wife's toolbag a couple years ago and was pretty impessed with it's power. Then again, I wasn't expecting much from a HF drill. We/she haven't used it enough to know how well it will hold up, but it has been worth the $24 so far.

I could never say the same about the $15 1/2" drill I bought from them about 10 years ago. It really was just a cheap 3/8" hammer drill with a 1/2" chuck. I don't even think they sell that cheap-*** thing anymore.

 

[subarub4]

You could just buy the staples from HF.

I would not use it for brads, as it would left a big hole.

Looking at my sales slip here.. that staple/nail gun was shown in store on sale for $14.99 but on my slip it says I saved $14 off $35.99.. how in the hell is the gun $21.99??

Now I'm really thinking about taking it back now..

 

[tpolley]

95838 planer.
I don't know if it's a pass or fail yet. I probably won't use it enough to wear it out. I've never used a planer before in my life. I didn't even know what they were until just before Ibought this one. It does seem to work well cleaning up these oak pallets.

 

[ndr1968]

95838 planer.
I don't know if it's a pass or fail yet. I probably won't use it enough to wear it out. I've never used a planer before in my life. I didn't even know what they were until just before Ibought this one. It does seem to work well cleaning up these oak pallets.

Be careful to not hit any nails and ruin the blades. I see they are available (item#34451) at $30! It did do a really nice smoothing job though.
That stock looks almost ready to finish.