The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[silviaboy89]

Hi all. Someone recommended I post my reviews of HF tools here. I have been posting on the coupon thread.

Another Review of the 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill. There was a Q for it ITC but it already expired so us the 25% off.

Follow link below for the video and watch for all the goodies about Harbor Freighting.
18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill

Attached Q for some drill bits that might come in handy and the 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver With Keyless Chuck if the Hammer Drill is too much for you.

Happy Shopping!!!

holy hell one hour are you crazy

 

[cruzer75]

Pass...Quality construction, very complete set. Only gotta use it a couple times before my son robbed it from me. He's a tool abuser and so far its been pretty darn good he says.

What is that thing?

 

[LGMechanical]

What is that thing?

Brake caliper piston tool set. Rear calipers need to be pushed in and spun at same time and it can be a PITA to do without this tool.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Its for turning in caliper pistons on cars w/ the parking brake that's part of the caliper.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Fail in so many ways it seems endless

Jumping over all the typical reasons like design rip-offs, patent theft child labor, poor quality and substandard materials. Let's go to the core of "Fail" HF evoks ineptitude, replaceing age old craftsmanship ideology with a get-R-done must be quiting time somewhere paradigm.

Building things to last only until payday works good for Movie Sets; but those Hollywood Set builders are master craftsmen that have not sacraficed quality for a quick buck. Building with an eroded since of value that puts a $2 dollar hammer in the hand of a street corner laborer is destructive to both our culture and economy.

You make a very good point. I totally agree with you. Our culture and economy is set up that way though. Rip-offs, patent theft child labor, poor quality and substandard materials. See, I just did to you right now. Your already in it. Go ahead an pay more for "quality" manufactured parts made most likely somewhere that rip-offs, patent theft child labor, poor quality and substandard materials. See, I did it again. There is a difference in quality skill and "quality tools". I can take that same hammer and do amazing things.

When you pay more, your paying an executive so he/she can fly to their home so they don't have to deal with traffic.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

holy hell one hour are you crazy

Well, I guess you ain-t got time fo dat. That's cool, as long as you made a visit. Hope you didn't miss any good deals.

 

[marc graves]

i have one of there 56" toolchests,love it cost around 900$ . ive been a mechanic for 18 years.work in a busy shop had it a year , no complaints yet.its full of my heavy line tools,3/4 sockets pry bars,pullers etc.its opened 100s of times a day,not only by me but the lube techs are always borrowing.so under what i call normal use,its holding up well.

 

[garthg]

SAE Ratcheting wrenches 96654

Mostly pass; not idiot proof

The ratcheting on them is fine. The wrenches are sufficiently hard to loosen stubborn bolts. Pictured are 6 wrenches I used to change the brakes on my parents' car. of them, the 9/16 was the most heavily used and the most stubborn of all the bolts. My brother needed a reminder about which direction to go. He stripped a bolt and in the process notched the open end on my 3/4 wrench. HF swapped it without issue, but I'm sure most of you are thinking 'my wrench wouldn't notch so easily' which is fair. These were the ones I had packed, normally I would have used my regular combo wrenches.

I took a few photos so you can see it had 4 notches, and to compare to the others which were all fine.

These wrenches ****. That they notched so bad after being used just once shows how soft the metal really is. That is typical HF (and typical China) as far as I'm concerned. Cover up lack of real quality with a thin veneer of chrome to make you think you're getting real quality.

I'd like to see these on a Rockwell hardness tester to see just how soft this metal really is. It can't be a genuine chrome-vanadium alloy.

I would much prefer a garage sale set of old Craftsman over these POS.

 

[silviaboy89]

These wrenches ****. That they notched so bad after being used just once shows how soft the metal really is. That is typical HF (and typical China) as far as I'm concerned. Cover up lack of real quality with a thin veneer of chrome to make you think you're getting real quality.

I'd like to see these on a Rockwell hardness tester to see just how soft this metal really is. It can't be a genuine chrome-vanadium alloy.

I would much prefer a garage sale set of old Craftsman over these POS.

ive had mine forever and they work fine. oh yea btw its called wear and tear even snap-on looks ugly after a few dances.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Pass/Fail you all tell me what you think.
Spotting Scope Tripod Review Field Test If anyone is interested I attached a Q for it too.

 

[Hootbro]

These wrenches ****. That they notched so bad after being used just once shows how soft the metal really is. That is typical HF (and typical China) as far as I'm concerned. Cover up lack of real quality with a thin veneer of chrome to make you think you're getting real quality.

I'd like to see these on a Rockwell hardness tester to see just how soft this metal really is. It can't be a genuine chrome-vanadium alloy.

I would much prefer a garage sale set of old Craftsman over these POS.

That notching or mushroom of an open end can happen to even the truck brand wrenches if a faster is on tight enough. I know because I have done it more than once on both a MAC and Snap On open end wrench. Both times I will admit it was user error when a socket should have been used.

I not in anyway shape or form saying the HF stuff is truck brand quality, just that any tool regardless can be miss used.

 

[Kracin]

Hi all. Someone recommended I post my reviews of HF tools here. I have been posting on the coupon thread.

Another Review of the 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill. There was a Q for it ITC but it already expired so us the 25% off.

Follow link below for the video and watch for all the goodies about Harbor Freighting.
18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill

Attached Q for some drill bits that might come in handy and the 18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Drill/Driver With Keyless Chuck if the Hammer Drill is too much for you.

Happy Shopping!!!

what is this??? you could pick up a better corded hammer drill (not sure when you would need a cordless??) for the same price, and you didn't even pick up bits for it, come on lol. that kind of review is likely to just turn people off from buying things that might actually work. you should go back, actually buy a bit or two that is meant to be used in there, or just pick up a hammer drill that works like the rest do where the internal mechanism is what does the hammering seperate from the chuck and uses a quick lock to put it in. i can only see that drill giving headaches when the chuck loosens on the sides of the bit deep in a hole somewhere.

never used that one, just giving my opinion, but the review wasn't very helpful at all for an hour worth of viewing which i did skip around to see specific parts.

also. depth gauge is not very important, you can mark your bit, or just do what a lot of people do and drill straight through, which makes it very easy to replace an anchor if something happens and you can use the same hole again as well. just push the old anchor through, cause its not gonna come back out.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

what is this??? you could pick up a better corded hammer drill (not sure when you would need a cordless??) for the same price, and you didn't even pick up bits for it, come on lol. that kind of review is likely to just turn people off from buying things that might actually work. you should go back, actually buy a bit or two that is meant to be used in there, or just pick up a hammer drill that works like the rest do where the internal mechanism is what does the hammering seperate from the chuck and uses a quick lock to put it in. i can only see that drill giving headaches when the chuck loosens on the sides of the bit deep in a hole somewhere.

never used that one, just giving my opinion, but the review wasn't very helpful at all for an hour worth of viewing which i did skip around to see specific parts.

also. depth gauge is not very important, you can mark your bit, or just do what a lot of people do and drill straight through, which makes it very easy to replace an anchor if something happens and you can use the same hole again as well. just push the old anchor through, cause its not gonna come back out.

Yea I could have picked a corded hammer drill, but I plan on using it on top of a chimney. Plus it's a drill as well. Yes, I did forget to get the right drill. Sorry it did not help you in any way, but most likely you already know about hammer drills. It's all raw footage. Uncut, Unedited. Thanks for watching and the info.

So does this tool pass or fail?

 

[garthg]

That notching or mushroom of an open end can happen to even the truck brand wrenches if a faster is on tight enough. I know because I have done it more than once on both a MAC and Snap On open end wrench. Both times I will admit it was user error when a socket should have been used.

I not in anyway shape or form saying the HF stuff is truck brand quality, just that any tool regardless can be miss used.

If they round out so much after one use, what do they look like after 50 uses? I shudder thinking about it and I don't want them used on my vehicle.

Toughness is the combination of strength (same as hardness) and malleability. The wrench should be tougher steel than the bolt or nut. I wonder who's got access to a hardness tester and strength tester so we can really put the HF tools to an objective test.

If the bolt is so tight that it will bend or wear the Snap On wrench (without rounding or breaking the nut or bolt head?), that bolt is seized and one should probably be using another method. Such as: application of heat, or impact tool or both.

 

[Hootbro]

If they round out so much after one use, what do they look like after 50 uses? I shudder thinking about it and I don't want them used on my vehicle.

Toughness is the combination of strength (same as hardness) and malleability. The wrench should be tougher steel than the bolt or nut. I wonder who's got access to a hardness tester and strength tester so we can really put the HF tools to an objective test.

If the bolt is so tight that it will bend or wear the Snap On wrench (without rounding or breaking the nut or bolt head?), one should probably be using another method. Such as: application of heat, or impact tool.

You are missing the point. If a fastener is seized or over torqued, any wrench brand can spread and/or deformed on the open end.

You are just wanting to be argumentative and make blanket statements.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

You are missing the point. If a fastener is seized or over torqued, any wrench brand can spread and/or deformed on the open end.

You are just wanting to be argumentative and make blanket statements.

I think we all want to know HF tools will hold up to certain standards. Yea, let's get a strength tester and test it out. So, what's stopping all of you?

Ait nobody got time fo daat?

 

[garthg]

That notching or mushroom of an open end can happen to even the truck brand wrenches if a faster is on tight enough. I know because I have done it more than once on both a MAC and Snap On open end wrench. Both times I will admit it was user error when a socket should have been used.

I not in anyway shape or form saying the HF stuff is truck brand quality, just that any tool regardless can be miss used.

Quote: "You are missing the point. If a fastener is seized or over torqued, any wrench brand can spread and/or deformed on the open end." Hootbro, you're absolutely right. But I still don't see how you can defend those HF wrenches with how they look after so little use.

I stand by my statement. I'd still rather have a garage sale set of used Craftsman than a new set of those HF. It's not nationalistic pride, either. I had a set of Koken Made in Japan sockets that were very, very good. Gave those to my son.

 

[silviaboy89]

Quote: "You are missing the point. If a fastener is seized or over torqued, any wrench brand can spread and/or deformed on the open end." Hootbro, you're absolutely right. But I still don't see how you can defend those HF wrenches with how they look after so little use.

I stand by my statement. I'd still rather have a garage sale set of used Craftsman than a new set of those HF. It's not nationalistic pride, either. I had a set of Koken Made in Japan sockets that were very, very good. Gave those to my son.

dude ok thanks for the opinions. have a nice day bye

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

This is pass all the way. Feel free to pay for it if you want to.
6 In. Magnetic Parts Holder Free til 4-28-2013 at Harbor Freight Part 02

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Pass or Fail? You tell me what you think.

1 HP 4" X 6" Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Band Saw Part 01

 

[IONH]

Pass or Fail? You tell me what you think.

1 HP 4" X 6" Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Band Saw Part 01

Is that your video? Why don't you just post your pass or fail with a video supplemental. If people want to know more, they can go watch it.

Personally, big pass on that saw. I've had one for a few years now and it's great. I did instantly replace the stand though because it flips over easily. Even the OE blade lasted quite a while on primarily exhaust piping.

 

[slowtwitch]

Is that your video? Why don't you just post your pass or fail with a video supplemental. If people want to know more, they can go watch it.

Personally, big pass on that saw. I've had one for a few years now and it's great. I did instantly replace the stand though because it flips over easily. Even the OE blade lasted quite a while on primarily exhaust piping.

I've had the same saw for close to two years and it's definitely a PASS. The stock blade is junk, but, HF does sell a bi-metal blade (US made) that cuts really well.

You must also tune it up to cut nicely. Do a search on the saws mods, tons of stuff out there

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Is that your video? Why don't you just post your pass or fail with a video supplemental. If people want to know more, they can go watch it.

Personally, big pass on that saw. I've had one for a few years now and it's great. I did instantly replace the stand though because it flips over easily. Even the OE blade lasted quite a while on primarily exhaust piping.

Good idea. Next time I will do that. Thanks for watching.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i got these except in green; i needed something for the washup guys to change taillights in pt cruisers with
they have a sleeve to help spin them.....it spins right off the handle
other wise they are fine
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-offset-star-drive-wrench-set-42926.html

 

[Kracin]

Yea I could have picked a corded hammer drill, but I plan on using it on top of a chimney. Plus it's a drill as well. Yes, I did forget to get the right drill. Sorry it did not help you in any way, but most likely you already know about hammer drills. It's all raw footage. Uncut, Unedited. Thanks for watching and the info.

So does this tool pass or fail?

top of a house is a good reason to not use a cord, but lets be honest, throwing a 100 ft cord down from the top of a house is easy enough if you are going to use a tool that is typically corded and will save you a hundred or more bucks on a cordless version. cordless stuff imho is more for mobile type people who will use the tool a lot, in a lot of places, in a single day.

it's a luxury that improves efficiency by not having to drag a cord everywhere, and find an outlet close by every time you move to a new spot. but imho, going cordless for every single home tool, especially something like a hammer drill which is most likely to be used once a long while, in a single location. is almost pointless.





that being said, there is no pass or fail, the video literally showed nothing of the actual operation of the drill. it showed a hammer drill, using a metal/plastic drill bit, putting a dent in a cinder block, when i use hammer drills, i use the proper length/type drill bit, proper size, put a hole in my material, clean it out, and hammer an anchor in place and tighten, THAT is a test/review. just being honest, as a review of a tool should most likely show complete operation of it in the proper manner, and not just a quick run down plus improper use to try and get more youtube views.




_________________________________________________


keeping with proper thread postings, i'll put up a pass for the sae 1/2" shallow thin wall sockets (6pt). i've used these for years, put some abuse on them, and impacted with them as well numerous times (in an attempt to break them in hopes of the company buying a different set). a 1/2" chicago pneumatic impact wouldn't break these for years using the 15/16 and 9/16 constantly with them. so they are good in my book.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

top of a house is a good reason to not use a cord, but lets be honest, throwing a 100 ft cord down from the top of a house is easy enough if you are going to use a tool that is typically corded and will save you a hundred or more bucks on a cordless version. cordless stuff imho is more for mobile type people who will use the tool a lot, in a lot of places, in a single day.

it's a luxury that improves efficiency by not having to drag a cord everywhere, and find an outlet close by every time you move to a new spot. but imho, going cordless for every single home tool, especially something like a hammer drill which is most likely to be used once a long while, in a single location. is almost pointless.





that being said, there is no pass or fail, the video literally showed nothing of the actual operation of the drill. it showed a hammer drill, using a metal/plastic drill bit, putting a dent in a cinder block, when i use hammer drills, i use the proper length/type drill bit, proper size, put a hole in my material, clean it out, and hammer an anchor in place and tighten, THAT is a test/review. just being honest, as a review of a tool should most likely show complete operation of it in the proper manner, and not just a quick run down plus improper use to try and get more youtube views.




_________________________________________________


keeping with proper thread postings, i'll put up a pass for the sae 1/2" shallow thin wall sockets (6pt). i've used these for years, put some abuse on them, and impacted with them as well numerous times (in an attempt to break them in hopes of the company buying a different set). a 1/2" chicago pneumatic impact wouldn't break these for years using the 15/16 and 9/16 constantly with them. so they are good in my book.

Thanks for your input. As soon as I get to use on top of the roof with the right drill I'll do an update to it. Thanks for watching.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

All these HF stuff pass!!! Oh yea, they were also free!!!

Free Coupon Items Good til 04-28-2013 at Harbor Freight

Take the family, friend, or anyone you want and get all those items at once!!!

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Rotary tool barely passes, but thank goodness it was free. Tarps a no brainier, pass, also free.

Free Coupon Items Good til 04-28-2013 at Harbor Freight Part 04

Only 7 more days!!!

 

[Danglerb]

All these HF stuff pass!!! Oh yea, they were also free!!!

Free Coupon Items Good til 04-28-2013 at Harbor Freight

Take the family, friend, or anyone you want and get all those items at once!!!

That grabber pick up tool is very handy, $1.50 on sale when it isn't free.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

This was a pass but failed. I did a mod on the insect zapper. Must have burned the capacitor or something. Anyway it was fun to do. And it was free so no harm no foul.

Free Coupon Items Insect Zapper Good til 04-28-2013 at Harbor Freight Part 06

 

[Zelatore]

Spring loaded center punch, PN 621 - fail

http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html

Worked fine the first couple of times then started to not 'trip' the spring release. After about 4 or 5 punches it now needs several good jabs to get it to release the spring and 'punch' as it should - if it will do so at all.

I'll have to see if I can take it apart for a fix.

 

[ndr1968]

Pass/Fail you all tell me what you think.
Spotting Scope Tripod Review Field Test If anyone is interested I attached a Q for it too.

I got this scope a few weeks ago and like JB found the tripod included a bit light for the weight of the scope. I dug out an old Vivatar all stainless steel 'pod from my pro days (I had to make and replace a stay bolt, another story, another time) and I will be trying the combo out this weekend at camp.

Now, last week I bought a Canon S100. It's their fancied-up compact camera. The HF tripod works perfectly for this lightweight little number! In fact, if I were going to buy a dedicated tripod for this little camera, I would probably get one exactly like this one! It's lightweight (about 3/4 pound) and sturdy enough for a compact camera. In windy conditions the smallest legs extensions should probably not be deployed and the neck extension probably limited to 1/2 way. It folds up to a compact, very portable 14" x 3.5". So! For the money ($40) I'm getting real value here!

I also bought the 10x50 binoculars. For $20 they work pretty good! Edge sharpness ain't quite what if could be but for the price they are a good value. I just leave them out at the trailer for a go-to fast and dirty look see when I want it.

 

[zacker01]

Spring loaded center punch, PN 621 - fail

http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html

Worked fine the first couple of times then started to not 'trip' the spring release. After about 4 or 5 punches it now needs several good jabs to get it to release the spring and 'punch' as it should - if it will do so at all.

I'll have to see if I can take it apart for a fix.

I have never had any luck with any of these from anywhere, they always seem good at first then they **** out. I have one I picked up at a tool store and it still works ok but probably due to the fact that I only use it for wood. I use it to mark the centers on wood blanks for my lathe, its easier to find the center if there's a dimple when putting it in the late for between centers turning.

 

[zacker01]

Now, last week I bought a Canon S100. It's their fancied-up compact camera. The HF tripod works perfectly for this lightweight little number! In fact, if I were going to buy a dedicated tripod for this little camera, I would probably get one exactly like this one! It's lightweight (about 3/4 pound) and sturdy enough for a compact camera. In windy conditions the smallest legs extensions should probably not be deployed and the neck extension probably limited to 1/2 way. It folds up to a compact, very portable 14" x 3.5". So! For the money ($40) I'm getting real value here!

if need be, hang a small weight from the tripod like a little bag of sand or what ever is handy, stick, small rock, old shoe...lol. if you keep a small ball of light twine or even a small ball of wire with it, you'll have it whenever you need it... I sometimes have to hang my camera bag from my tripod to keep it sturdy in the wind.

 

[zacker01]

I just picked up the HF ultrasonic cleaning system for my guns and stuff, ill post back how it works. I did watch some vids on you tube and it seems like they do work pretty good. my next HF buy is probably going to be the Powder coating system...not sur if my pancake comp will be enough for it to work well though.

 

[mayday0017]

Just make sure you have a 2nd oven for baking your powder in, it is toxic..... Also take a good look at the type of items you would want to powder coat, I had the system at one point and found that it was useless to me, everything I wanted to coat was just a little to big for my oven.

 

[celticbhoy]

I have never had any luck with any of these from anywhere, they always seem good at first then they **** out. I have one I picked up at a tool store and it still works ok but probably due to the fact that I only use it for wood. I use it to mark the centers on wood blanks for my lathe, its easier to find the center if there's a dimple when putting it in the late for between centers turning.

I have a lisle centre punch and it still works great after a lot of use.

 

[zacker01]

Just make sure you have a 2nd oven for baking your powder in, it is toxic..... Also take a good look at the type of items you would want to powder coat, I had the system at one point and found that it was useless to me, everything I wanted to coat was just a little to big for my oven.

yeah... I almost kept our old kitchen oven / stove to use for this but have no room in the garage for it...lol You can also use IR heat lamps, as long as they will keep the part heated up to 400 F for 20 mins.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Bug zapper is a Pass!!!! It works after all and kills those bugs.

Free Coupon Items Insect Zapper Good til 04-28-2013 at Harbor Freight Part 07 Update Pass

I did a mod on the one I used. Seems like a bigger spark. Not sure if it's really making a difference. Is there an expert here that can verify this.

 

[Uncle Ben]

Where do you guys get these digital coupons from? I get them in the paper every week, but it is always for the same few items that I have a bunch of already.