The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Brownsfan]

One of the guys here did a good write up on using it, basically the Dies are all labeled incorrectly, but the device works fine once you know what sizes fit. I don't recall the largest gauge wire it will actually crimp, but google harbor hydraulic crimper and you should get all the info.

Thank you sir. Tried searching this forum but came up empty.

 

[GT350Mike]

Epic Failure - HF 8" Bench Grinder

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage...-bench-grinder-with-gooseneck-lamp-37823.html

The spec for this is 3/4 hp but its more like 1/10 hp. It takes longer too long to spool up to operating rpm and once you start grinding, the rpms drop like a lead balloon. I've used a Dewalt 6" grinder that had 2x as much torque.

Save yourself some time and heartache and pass on any grinder from HF.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Garage/Driveway Alert System is a must have to safe guard your tools. My neighbor had his Miller Welder stolen right from his garage!!! So, I installed this for my garage and it's a cheap way to protect your sh$t.

Pass and still going.

Garage/Driveway Alert System Part 1

Attached the Q if anyone is interested.

 

[doan]

Has anyone tried the electric die grinder?

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-die-grinder-with-long-shaft-44141.html

I searched through this thread, and did not see anything. I have pneumatic die grinders, but for extended use I get tired of listening the the air compressor run. The HF is A LOT cheaper than the real brands.

 

[zx2slow]

PASS

I bought one of these early last fall just after they became available at my local HF and have used it several times with good results. Previously I've used orbital (wax spreaders) and high speed rotary buffers and have found this to be well worth the price ~ $48 at the time of purchase. While I still need to pull out the rotary for serious scratch removal, this works well within it's limits for what it is designed for, and is less than half the price of the lowest price competitor when it is (frequently) on sale.

The pads aren't anything special, especially the cutting pad, but for the price ($4 on sale) they do the job. I believe that several of the bad reviews on the pads come from people not understanding how each is designed to be used and if it is their first time using a DA, they probably don't use an adequate amount of product on the pads.

I am considering the purchase of a Meg's 5 inch backing plate in order to use the more advanced 6½ pads.

These are great DA's, you just need to open the gearbox and grease them as the factory didnt apply enough. Get a 5.5" backing plate, Detailers Domain uber or a Buff and Shine backing plates are pretty good IMHO.

The pads that HF sells get a fail in my book, they are'nt terrible but theres nothing worthwhile about them other than their cheapness.

 

[air8]

Not sure if the motorcycle dolly has been talked about yet. Picked one up yesterday with the $60 coupon.

So PASS or FAIL please.

 

[RAYJAY]

PASS

I bought one of these early last fall just after they became available at my local HF and have used it several times with good results. Previously I've used orbital (wax spreaders) and high speed rotary buffers and have found this to be well worth the price ~ $48 at the time of purchase. While I still need to pull out the rotary for serious scratch removal, this works well within it's limits for what it is designed for, and is less than half the price of the lowest price competitor when it is (frequently) on sale.

The pads aren't anything special, especially the cutting pad, but for the price ($4 on sale) they do the job. I believe that several of the bad reviews on the pads come from people not understanding how each is designed to be used and if it is their first time using a DA, they probably don't use an adequate amount of product on the pads.

I am considering the purchase of a Meg's 5 inch backing plate in order to use the more advanced 6½ pads.

Go with the lakes backing plates and pads awesome quality, i use the ccs pads from lakes and on rotary the wool foam pads.

make sure you use the right color for the right job on all foam pads, i was running to aggressive of a pad when i first started out

http://www.lakecountrymfg.com/


http://www.autogeek.net/lakecountry.html

 

[Wangstang]

Used the search feature but nothing came up.

Anyone have any experience with any of the HF air hose swivel connectors?

I have a few Matco branded 1/4" swivels and love them. Found a couple on ToolTopia as well but the HF ones are considerably less than Matco and Tooltopia.

The first one might be the standard grade version, the other two look to be higher grade.

1/4" Air Hose Swivel Connector
Item #46123

1/4" High Flow U-Joint Swivel Coupler
Item #66410

3/8" High Flow U-Joint Swivel Coupler
Item #66413

Are these still offered? I can't find them on the website.

Thanks
Wes

 

[Loscaldazar]

Headlamp 45807 is a FAIL. Lasted an hour before the light bulb burnt out. Replacement one was the same time. But for free...

All of their extended reach pliers are junk, so FAIL. Part numbers are 33202, 37909, 33203, 39538, 39537, 39539. The Long reach cutter pliers are so badly machined around the jaws, I'm surprised even HF sells these (part number 37837). Badly machined joints, Went through a good 30-40 pliers and found 1 or 2 that I deemed good enough to purchase. Not good for applying any force on an object, only for picking up things. So many better choices out there, some even for not that much for (double-x crescent).

The Extra Extended reach pliers also are FAIL. Even worse than the 11inch models talked about above. I bet I could snap these using my hand and just squeezing together as if I was trying to hold something.

The magnetic Paper towel Holder is a PASS. 69321. Strong magnets, and does what it needs to. Wish it held slightly larger rolls (like the mega and ultra rolls you get every once in a while).

Their multimeter are junk. They have several part numbers I won't bother with. All break quickly. At least they are free.

Seen too many of the impact sockets fail to try them out, so I can't technically give a verdict.

68100 and 68102 socket trays are a PASS. While being flimsy, they just sit in my tool chest, so I don't carry them around with all the sockets on them. If you want a portable socket tray, this is a complete FAIL then. Otherwise if they are stationary, they are a great cheap storage with nice labeling.

Their socket rails are a FAIL. Stupidly difficult to put on/pull off sockets from them.

A lot of the screwdrivers have terrible machining. Did not purchase because of this.

As seen a few pages ago, the wrenches on the open end are terrible. They tend to get small dents in them when applying a lot of torque to them (well a relative large amount of torque-I work on Subarus, not HD Trucks....). Received them for free (unused, 1 month old), and decided to test them out. Glad the wrenches dented and deformed rather then the bolt. Even the Craftsman Chinese wrenches are better (and you can get them in 6 point too...).

Ratchets are a PASS, but in all reality, there are some much better ratchets out there for a very good price (Gearwrench 120XP are about $20 a ratchet, and are up there with the Snap-on Dual 80-coming from someone who has actually used both!).

1/2 Drive breaker bars FAIL as they flex too much for removing the rear differential drain plug on subarus (torqued to 32 ft-lbs, but notoriously extremely hard to remove). Plug did budge or deform, but I had the breaker bar flexing a good inch and a half. Stopped and used a Titan 30 inch breaker bar with no problem.

Pry bars are a FAIL, with either the handle breaking, or too much flexing.

I don't abuse tools, nor do I work in heavy duty applications (Subarus are a very easy car to work on, with the highest torque spec being 200 FT-lbs (in the transmission), and almost never above 100 Ft-lbs outside of that). I'm not a professional using tools constantly either. I do however work on cars that have been in the rust for sometimes two decades or more. I'm also not a "made in the USA snob" but instead like holding a tool before judging it (probably 30% of my tools are imported from China/Taiwan). HF still has a way to go before they can actually compete with many other brands.

But, with all that said, my secondary tool (for travel to racing events) set probably will be from HF, so I don't cry when someone steals my beloved 120XP ratchets or lovely sockets. For the homeowner who doesn't do much more than oil changes and the like, HF would be a great choice.

 

[[email protected]]

Link belt from hf is a good deal

 

[djdaredevil]

Not sure if the motorcycle dolly has been talked about yet. Picked one up yesterday with the $60 coupon.

So PASS or FAIL please.

I have one and it is a pass. I just wouldnt use it on rough
concrete because it will eat up the wheels

 

[sdm24]

The Ball joint service kit is a PASS. C clamp is well built. Item#4065

 

[emeraldcoupe]

All of their extended reach pliers are junk, so FAIL. Part numbers are 33202, 37909, 33203, 39538, 39537, 39539. The Long reach cutter pliers are so badly machined around the jaws, I'm surprised even HF sells these (part number 37837). Badly machined joints, Went through a good 30-40 pliers and found 1 or 2 that I deemed good enough to purchase. Not good for applying any force on an object, only for picking up things. So many better choices out there, some even for not that much for (double-x crescent).

i have the same two shown in p/n 33202, but mine have black handles. i've used them quite a bit and they work fine.

 

[TerryH]

Has anyone here used this? http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-wire-crimping-tool-66150.html Looking for a large guage wire crimper and saw this. I really dont have any Harbor Freight tools but this looks decent for the price. It has good reviews on the HF site but would like to see what you guys think.

I have it and have used it a ton with great results. I don't have any mis-marked dies as far as I can tell.

 

[Loscaldazar]

i have the same two shown in p/n 33202, but mine have black handles. i've used them quite a bit and they work fine.

All I can say is how poorly the work on them is. From the jaws not meeting together properly to the amount of flex they have when force is exerted on them to the burrs on the pivots that interfere with them, I don't like them.

 

[IONH]

Epic Failure - HF 8" Bench Grinder

http://www.harborfreight.com/garage...-bench-grinder-with-gooseneck-lamp-37823.html

The spec for this is 3/4 hp but its more like 1/10 hp. It takes longer too long to spool up to operating rpm and once you start grinding, the rpms drop like a lead balloon. I've used a Dewalt 6" grinder that had 2x as much torque.

Save yourself some time and heartache and pass on any grinder from HF.

I have a similar one without the light and it works fine for me. Maybe you got a bad one. Did you try exchanging it for another? Lots of reasonably decent reviews so it is doubtful that every one in the store is bad, let alone every one of this particular model.

The pads that HF sells get a fail in my book, they are'nt terrible but theres nothing worthwhile about them other than their cheapness.

Sounds like you're saying they are worth what HF charges but still a fail. Wouldn't that make them not worth what HF charges?

 

[ssentt]

Seen too many of the impact sockets fail to try them out, so I can't technically give a verdict.


Really? I've used them for serveal years and NEVER broke one....even at the end of a cheater bar. My son uses them everyday at a dealership for several years now too....NEVER broke one.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

Screwdriver set: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html Big time Pass

Why spend a lot of $s on screwdrivers when you can get these. Work great.

Double flexhead ratchet: http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-head-flex-ratchet-wrench-67994.html Big time pass

Looks like they stold EZ Reds design. Very well made.

 

[ssentt]

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

I've had these for a couple years now and like them. Pass

 

[ssentt]

Screwdriver set: http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-professional-screwdriver-set-94607.html Big time Pass

Why spend a lot of $s on screwdrivers when you can get these. Work great.

Double flexhead ratchet: http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-head-flex-ratchet-wrench-67994.html Big time pass

Looks like they stold EZ Reds design. Very well made.

I think the professional screwdriver set is decent. My kids got a set too. Pass

I was wondering about the double head flex, almost bought it.

 

[ElectroLight]

Seen too many of the impact sockets fail to try them out, so I can't technically give a verdict.


Really? I've used them for serveal years and NEVER broke one....even at the end of a cheater bar. My son uses them everyday at a dealership for several years now too....NEVER broke one.

Yup, that one caught my eye too, I have quite a few of their impact sockets and have also used a 5' cheater on 'um when necessary, no failures ever

 

[Loscaldazar]

Yup, that one caught my eye too, I have quite a few of their impact sockets and have also used a 5' cheater on 'um when necessary, no failures ever

Which version we talking about? I probably should have specified I was talking about the Pittsburgh CR-V ones, not the more expensive Pittsburgh Pro Chrome Moly. Haven't heard from anyone reliable or seen the Pro ones in use and fail (haven't heard them being used either in my circles). The cheaper ones tend to develop cracks when you have to crank on them for more than a few seconds at a time (ie, really stuck bolts).

Then there are the pins falling out of the swivel ones (both the universals and the sized swivels). HF added some collars and on others a spring like thing to help keep the pin in. Haven't see these ones in action to see if it fixed the problem or not.

I don't get why anyone bothers with CR-V sockets for impact use. You have to remember that it is not necessarily the force applied to impact socket that causes it to fail (ie, long breaker bars), but the sudden repeated impacting that causes CR-V (which are generally chrome sockets) to fail, generally by cracking. Chrome-Moly is actually softer than CR-V, and thus absorbs the impacts better, and even deforms slightly over long use. For that reasons, a CR-V socket maybe able to take more force applied via a breaker bar, but a "weaker" Chrom-Moly sockets take less force via a breaker bar, yet stand up to impact use better. Harder does not always equal stronger.

To use an analogy... Wood and stone. Let's just say it is pine and granite. The pine will never be as durable as granite if you... made a wall out of both. However, smack both with a huge sledge, watch the granite crack and the pine absorb the blow. Granite is CR-V and Pine is Chrome-Moly.

 

[silviaboy89]

i have HF impact sockets never broke one

 

[Danglerb]

All I can say is how poorly the work on them is. From the jaws not meeting together properly to the amount of flex they have when force is exerted on them to the burrs on the pivots that interfere with them, I don't like them.

Anything like that at HF you need to dig through all of them to see if any are good. I figure most buyers do this so in some stores and some types of pliers nothing on the shelf may be decent. Thats just HF, and why I bought Titan and Mountain brand pliers for all the serious stuff.

 

[cheechi]

I have a similar one without the light and it works fine for me. Maybe you got a bad one.

I have the 8" with the light, got it open box. I can't say it's quite as powerful as a name brand, even (Dewalt/PC/Sears) another china one.

What I can say is that with wire wheel, flap disc, coarse grinding stone, even buffer wheel I have got the job done with it. If you shove something into the wire wheel hard enough, yes you can mostly stop it. I've also seen someone 'miss' on a grinder wheel, stick a chisel onto the side face of a grinder wheel on a high dollar Jet grinder, and it came to a momentary stop too.

I have been meaning to take it apart and see if it's something simple like bearings or alignment. Until I do, it will continue to be 'good enough' but definitely isn't a pro grinder.

The 6" buffer on the other hand is awesome.

 

[ElectroLight]

Which version we talking about? I probably should have specified I was talking about the Pittsburgh CR-V ones, not the more expensive Pittsburgh Pro Chrome Moly. Haven't heard from anyone reliable or seen the Pro ones in use and fail (haven't heard them being used either in my circles). The cheaper ones tend to develop cracks when you have to crank on them for more than a few seconds at a time (ie, really stuck bolts).

Then there are the pins falling out of the swivel ones (both the universals and the sized swivels). HF added some collars and on others a spring like thing to help keep the pin in. Haven't see these ones in action to see if it fixed the problem or not.

I don't get why anyone bothers with CR-V sockets for impact use. You have to remember that it is not necessarily the force applied to impact socket that causes it to fail (ie, long breaker bars), but the sudden repeated impacting that causes CR-V (which are generally chrome sockets) to fail, generally by cracking. Chrome-Moly is actually softer than CR-V, and thus absorbs the impacts better, and even deforms slightly over long use. For that reasons, a CR-V socket maybe able to take more force applied via a breaker bar, but a "weaker" Chrom-Moly sockets take less force via a breaker bar, yet stand up to impact use better. Harder does not always equal stronger.

To use an analogy... Wood and stone. Let's just say it is pine and granite. The pine will never be as durable as granite if you... made a wall out of both. However, smack both with a huge sledge, watch the granite crack and the pine absorb the blow. Granite is CR-V and Pine is Chrome-Moly.

I have at least 6 sets of HF impact sockets, all purchased prior to the introduction of the Pro series line of tools, not certain of material but presumably cr-v. I replaced my lame c-man gun with the previous gen 1/2 Earthquake gun about 6 years ago, it's not a weak gun and again, no failures. My tools are primarily used on 80's Ford pickups and have to deal with large frozen fasteners on a regular basis. From my research, I think my experience with these sockets is typical as noted by others here as well.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Anything like that at HF you need to dig through all of them to see if any are good. I figure most buyers do this so in some stores and some types of pliers nothing on the shelf may be decent. Thats just HF, and why I bought Titan and Mountain brand pliers for all the serious stuff.

Ultimately that is what I did. Thought it was important to note that, as I'm rather new to HF and with the hype about their up and coming quality I wasn't expecting to dig around to find a good set out of so many bad sets. HF tools are what they are, but they have a ways to go if they want to have the same recognition as Sears, or even Lowes and HD.

A few more items I forgot last time...

Torque wrenches 239, 807, and 2696 are PASS (with caution). The first 1/4 and 1/2 drive ones would not click at any torque setting (the 1/4 drive piece actually twisted off too!), but I had checked them in the parking lot, so just ran in and exchanged them. I suggest you do the same to make sure you get some that work. Took them home to test them, as I have heard that they are actually pretty accurate. Surprise, surprise, they actually tested withing 5% accuracy (close enough to 4% for $9.99). However, they are not accurate from 20%-100% of scale as are most torque wrenches. The accuracy really drops off from about 30%-35%, making them accurate from about 35%-100% of scale. However there is enough overlap if you buy all 3 wrenches, and $30 for all 3 is a steal, especially for those who want some cheap ones to travel around with and not worry about getting stolen at track events, etc.

The little 27 LED lights (67227, 69567) are a MAJOR PASS. Sold at many different stores, but cheapest here, especially with the coupons. TONS of light, magnetic, and just awesome. Have one of these in each car, and several in my tool chest.

The 47770 screwdriver set (often free coupons for it) is a FAIL. Feel absolutely terrible in the hands with the plastic handles that are rough. But for free, they make good darts!

Magnetic Parts trays 90566, 97801, and 97825 are all PASS. Can't screw this up too bad when making them honestly. Price is great, even more so with coupons.

94614 Flexible magnetic pick up tool is a PASS. Really awesome again. Same one that many other stores sell, just cheaper. I like having a button to push on the handle to turn the LED on rather than having to twist the end like so many others. Bright, strong, long and cheap.

69065, 69112, 69111, 69052 LED flashlights are a FAIL. Keep breaking, but the individual ones can be picked up for free.

Deadblow Hammers are a PASS. A lot of part numbers to list (I have one of each, so I can say all the orange ones are good). Deadblows are something you want to go cheap on, and the HF deliver on cheap. They seem to be holding together very well too! QC on them seems to very. A few felt like the internal container holding shot was broken.

The detail brushes 93610 and 69526 are a FAIL. The Nylon brush is ok, but the brass and steel are too soft to be used for the various purposes a brass/steel brush would be used for.

The 2938 brush set is excellent and stiff, so PASS.

97115, 67440, 69455 split leather works gloves are great! Durable for hard labor. Free with coupons too!

All I got for now!

 

[rande]

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 this same punch. Used it many times and it hasn't failed yet.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

1/2 In. Air Ratchet Wrench is great!!! Floor Jack is still working and the Jack Stands hold up!!!

Pass

See for yourself.

Floor Jack, Jack Stand, and 1/2 In. Air Ratchet Wrench Transmission Fluid Change Update 02

I got the 3/8 deep wall sockets to us with my 3/8" socket wrench, but did purchase the adapter set for the 1/2" air ratchet.

I attached a Q for the 1/2" Deep Wall socket set if anyone is interested.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

21 Pocket Heavy Duty Tool Belt is pass pending. I just had to get a belt that fit me, other than that, it seems to have enough pockets and slots for my tools. I still need to field test it. Keep you all posted.

21 Pocket Heavy Duty Tool Belt 02

I did find a Q for this belt if anyone is interested.

 

[DodgyNomad]

MacPherson Strut Coil Compressor:

FAIL!!!!!!!!!!

First time I used it, was in the process of compressing the strut, as I have done many times before with an American Made compressor. I had the spring about 90% compressed when all hell broke loose. FYI, there's a lot of energy in a compressed spring from the front end of an Oldsmobile. The cast metal clamp that holds the spring broke, and the coil spring released in an explosion, just missing my face, and parts went in all directions. Spring went through a cork board and then knocked a hole in the drywall. I was shaken, but thanked God I was unhurt. When I returned it to HF and spoke to the manager and told him what happened, he shrugged and asked "do you want a replacement?"

 

[Denwad]

90% compressed? Those springs only need to be tightened a little bit to get the top mount off and back on the strut.

 

[arvidj]

i have the same two shown in p/n 33202, but mine have black handles. i've used them quite a bit and they work fine.

All I can say is how poorly the work on them is. From the jaws not meeting together properly to the amount of flex they have when force is exerted on them to the burrs on the pivots that interfere with them, I don't like them.

I have had a set with orange handles for several years and they are fine. Maybe the quality has changed of the years or the store receives a batch that didn't get the same level of quality control that mine had.

 

[RCStocker]

I just picked up 2 of ther red metal protable tool boxes. They are fantastic for the money. The suitcase latch is a little light but ok. The box does not have perfect paint but for the price with a 25% off coupon who cares.

 

[IONH]

I just picked up 2 of ther red metal protable tool boxes. They are fantastic for the money. The suitcase latch is a little light but ok. The box does not have perfect paint but for the price with a 25% off coupon who cares.

Which tool boxes are those? Can you please post an item number?

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

OK, Floor jack is pass, Jack stands pass, 1/2" ratchet pass, 7 piece adapter set pass, 4 piece 1/2" socket extension pass. This was fun

Hoping that someone can help me with where the filter goes? 2005 Nissan Quest. Please watch the video for better idea.

Thanks.

Floor Jack, Jack Stand, and 1/2 In. Air Ratchet Wrench Transmission Fluid Change Update 03

Floor Jack, Jack Stand, and 1/2 In. Air Ratchet Wrench Transmission Fluid Change Update 04

Floor Jack, Jack Stand, and 1/2 In. Air Ratchet Wrench Transmission Fluid Change Update 05

 

[skulldrinker]

MacPherson Strut Coil Compressor:

FAIL!!!!!!!!!!

First time I used it, was in the process of compressing the strut, as I have done many times before with an American Made compressor. I had the spring about 90% compressed when all hell broke loose. FYI, there's a lot of energy in a compressed spring from the front end of an Oldsmobile. The cast metal clamp that holds the spring broke, and the coil spring released in an explosion, just missing my face, and parts went in all directions. Spring went through a cork board and then knocked a hole in the drywall. I was shaken, but thanked God I was unhurt. When I returned it to HF and spoke to the manager and told him what happened, he shrugged and asked "do you want a replacement?"

What is the part number of your Failed spring compressor? I have the Clam Shell type is it that one or the single bolt type?

 

[porschedude996TT]

HF Chop saw *****. It kept cutting at at a off angle. Bought a Ridge brand at Home Depot wit a cast iron base and more hpHP to drive a wider blade.

 

[ssentt]

Motorcycle Wheel Chock

I've got two of these that I haul MX bikes with. They are not made to be stand alone cradles, you still have to attach straps to handlebars. I also squeezed together the rear part that flips up to cradle/cup the tire a little more. Got mine with a super coupon a couple yrs ago for $24 apiece. Made well...heavy steel...decent finish.......Pass.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

PASS: 5 Piece SAE Flex-Head Combo Wrench Set

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-sae-flex-head-combo-wrench-set-68955.html

I really thought these to be a gimmick and have ignored them on the shelf in my visits, but they were on sale for $20 for Inside Track and since that was 50% off 'normal', I stopped and picked one up. The finish was fine, clean, no burrs, no sharp edges. They have a pleasing heft in your hand. The ratchet was quiet, clicks solidly and doesn't feel tinny or loose. I bought the five piece SAE set and took them home.

At home, I tried them out and found the flex end was just about perfect for reaching around behind something to hold a nut in place while you tighten down a bolt, such as installing legs on a cart. It also was just about perfect for working on the bolts on a mower deck of my riding mower.

Overall, these will become a valuable addition to my tool drawer.