The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[silviaboy89]

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?"

well there's you problem you compressed it 90%

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

7" Variable Speed Polisher/Sander Part 05 Model #92623 Update

Pass. Like the trigger lock. Let's me hold the sander in any position I want with both hands. I got the handle form another sander with safety trigger.

 

[eddie1278]

well there's you problem you compressed it 90%

His first problem was trusting something that was a cheap price made in china for something serious as compressing a spring.

I buy cheap **** on occassion where quality doesn't matter but when it comes to putting my life in danger no way.

It's like people who buy the cheapest brake pads. Why would you cheap out on something that protects your life?

 

[silviaboy89]

His first problem was trusting something that was a cheap price made in china for something serious as compressing a spring.

I buy cheap **** on occassion where quality doesn't matter but when it comes to putting my life in danger no way.

It's like people who buy the cheapest brake pads. Why would you cheap out on something that protects your life?

would you compress a spring to 90%?

 

[IONH]

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?

I expect they used the single screw type. I've got those and used them many times without issue. However, due to the failures I've read about, I will probably upgrade to the clam shell type they offer which you mentioned. How do you like it if you have used it yet?

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.

I used this for the first time to bring home my Suzuki C109 (large cruiser). My tire was nearly perfect size for the cradle.

I would never bring a bike any kind of distance without strapping it from the handle bars. I find it hard to believe anyone would expect that from a small wheel chalk.

His first problem was trusting something that was a cheap price made in china for something serious as compressing a spring.

I buy cheap **** on occassion where quality doesn't matter but when it comes to putting my life in danger no way.

It's like people who buy the cheapest brake pads. Why would you cheap out on something that protects your life?

If you want to talk about ignorance, how about someone who insists non-"made in china" must be higher quality and just overall better. They're all in the same market so they are all competing to make a product cheaper. This includes lowering quality.

You need to look at the materials used, not just hate on oversees items because they are from oversees.

 

[skulldrinker]

I expect they used the single screw type. I've got those and used them many times without issue. However, due to the failures I've read about, I will probably upgrade to the clam shell type they offer which you mentioned. How do you like it if you have used it yet?
--cut--

I upgraded from the single screw type-not HF but an ancient 1970's brand from the old original Warshawski's in Chicago. My new HF clam shell compressor I have not used yet. when you get it you might wonder what the diamond shaped ring is for and it doesn't say in the manual. It's for compressing the top bearing along with the spring. Instead of placing the top hooks on the coil you place the diamond on the top bearing plate and hook onto it.

 

[eddie1278]

I expect they used the single screw type. I've got those and used them many times without issue. However, due to the failures I've read about, I will probably upgrade to the clam shell type they offer which you mentioned. How do you like it if you have used it yet?



I used this for the first time to bring home my Suzuki C109 (large cruiser). My tire was nearly perfect size for the cradle.

I would never bring a bike any kind of distance without strapping it from the handle bars. I find it hard to believe anyone would expect that from a small wheel chalk.



If you want to talk about ignorance, how about someone who insists non-"made in china" must be higher quality and just overall better. They're all in the same market so they are all competing to make a product cheaper. This includes lowering quality.

You need to look at the materials used, not just hate on oversees items because they are from oversees.

That's where you are wrong they aren't "all in the same market." There are different markets for every product cheap, middle grade, and high end. Do you think Snapon gives a **** what HF is selling and doing? no way.

Believe it or not there are plenty of people who are willing to pay more for quality. Also USA made tools are more likely to be made better with better materials.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Anyone have any feed back for the HF 3/8" Angle Drill Attachment with Keyless Chuck??? I need to drill some holes with limited space...

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-angle-drill-attachment-with-keyless-chuck-92188.html

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Ok...How about this one...3/8" Close Quarters Drill? I thought this was a rechargeable for some reason, but it is corded (Which is what I want.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-close-quarters-drill-92956.html

 

[CJCar]

Ok...How about this one...3/8" Close Quarters Drill? I thought this was a rechargeable for some reason, but it is corded (Which is what I want.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-close-quarters-drill-92956.html

I just bought this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-close-quarters-drill-with-keyless-chuck-95877.html

This one felt more rugged in the store compared to the one you posted. Mainly the grip and the trigger. I would have preferred the keyed chuck, but overall liked this one better.

Used it to drill an 8mm broken bolt on my F150 EGR valve. I drilled through about an inch of the remaining bolt in three steps. It had plenty of power. Only issue was the bit would spin in the chuck when it would grab at the end of the hole.

Replace the chuck and it would be twice the drill it currently is.

In the end it was less than $30 with a coupon, got the job done, and will get used again.

I've used the right angle adapters in the past and found them hard to handle. You need one hand on the adapter and the other on the drill. You can't "pull" the drill into the work or balance yourself against something. If you need a right angle drill, you are already in an awkward position, the adapters make it worse.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I just bought this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-close-quarters-drill-with-keyless-chuck-95877.html

This one felt more rugged in the store compared to the one you posted. Mainly the grip and the trigger. I would have preferred the keyed chuck, but overall liked this one better.

Used it to drill an 8mm broken bolt on my F150 EGR valve. I drilled through about an inch of the remaining bolt in three steps. It had plenty of power. Only issue was the bit would spin in the chuck when it would grab at the end of the hole.

Replace the chuck and it would be twice the drill it currently is.

In the end it was less than $30 with a coupon, got the job done, and will get used again.

I've used the right angle adapters in the past and found them hard to handle. You need one hand on the adapter and the other on the drill. You can't "pull" the drill into the work or balance yourself against something. If you need a right angle drill, you are already in an awkward position, the adapters make it worse.

Cool, thanx for the help...I'll send the wifey on a HF run tomorrow...

 

[Loscaldazar]

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.

Hey! Another person from MN! Current crop is black or blue handles, and can't compare them to the old ones, but they aren't worth it.

Because I've gotten a lot of questions on my "controversial" statement on the pliers, I took some to pics to show everyone.

You can see that there are a lot of gaps in the teeth that don't meet up on these pliers, and these were the best out of three stores I went through (2 in the Twin Cities, one in Rochester). Out of all of them, 1 is a decent quality, and the rest are fairly poor. Will I be keeping them? Yes. They aren't good, and they flex a lot, but they at least will come in use for picking up things in my portable tool set. I have some nice ones for actual gripping and holding things with (crescent double-X, 2 for $20 is what I got them for). The last pic attached is the crescent pliers, which is probably the standard for cheap extended reach pliers @$10 a pliers.

First pair-obvious gaps when squeezed together.


Second Pair-Not too bad...except when you look at the backside! (this is different from the one above, shorter length than the one above, but same angle).




Third pair


Fourth


Many of them were also marked like this one


yeah... I have a lot of extended reach pliers (two drawers are regular pliers)


The Crescent standard for cheap extended reach pliers.

 

[Shadowdog500]

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?"

Are you talking about this $13.99 MacPherson Strut Spring Compressor Set?I had one of these come apart on me in the '80s and I wouldn't touch one again!!!

Or are you talking about this $59 single action strut spring compressors?

Chris

 

[gte718p]

Pass
Harbor Freight Truck crane
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-ton-capacity-pickup-truck-crane-with-cable-winch-37555.html

This thing has proven to be invaluable to me.

Like most HF stuff it required some tweaking. The grease fitting wouldn't pass grease and the threads were jacked up so it had to be removed and tapped for a larger size. The stock pins sucked, but some HF hitch pins fixed that right up. The stainless steel cable isn't and rusts to it has to be soaked in WD40. Other then that it has worked like a champ lifting more then its rated load without complaining.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill Part 05 Field Test Update

Field Tested. Pass

With the right masonry drills, it works!!! Still, I would like to get that rotary hammer drill and give it a try. We will see what happens.

 

[IONH]

18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill Part 05 Field Test Update

Field Tested. Pass

With the right masonry drills, it works!!! Still, I would like to get that rotary hammer drill and give it a try. We will see what happens.

Part number in your post to make it searchable?

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill Part 05 Field Test Update

Field Tested. Pass

With the right masonry drills, it works!!! Still, I would like to get that rotary hammer drill and give it a try. We will see what happens.

Here is the part number 68851

I will start putting part number and links making it easier for all of you to find.

 

[Recoil Rob]

If you decide to get the corded rotary hammer drill that uses the SDS bits you would be wise to test it before you leave the store. Get one of their 18" SDS bits, put it in the drill and turn it on. I found out at home that the chuck on mine was off center so the tip of the 18" bit scribed a 1-2" circle. Brought it back to the store and proceeded to test everyone one they had in stock, none had a concentric chucks (yes, the bit was straight). The manager apologized, refunded my money but left the rest of them on the shelf for the next victim.

18 Volt Cordless 1/2" Variable Speed Hammer Drill Part 05 Field Test Update

Field Tested. Pass

With the right masonry drills, it works!!! Still, I would like to get that rotary hammer drill and give it a try. We will see what happens.

 

[zacker01]

The manager apologized, refunded my money but left the rest of them on the shelf for the next victim.

what a nice guy.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

If you decide to get the corded rotary hammer drill that uses the SDS bits you would be wise to test it before you leave the store. Get one of their 18" SDS bits, put it in the drill and turn it on. I found out at home that the chuck on mine was off center so the tip of the 18" bit scribed a 1-2" circle. Brought it back to the store and proceeded to test everyone one they had in stock, none had a concentric chucks (yes, the bit was straight). The manager apologized, refunded my money but left the rest of them on the shelf for the next victim.

I will keep that in mind if and when I do a review on it.

Thanks.

 

[TimTaylor75]

I think we need one of these threads for northern tool also.

There is one. Use the search tool and you'll find it.

Also, whatever image you're trying to post in all of your posts, isn't working.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

1/2 In. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench Item#239

Pass, but I have no way of really knowing since I can not measure it other than with the torque wrench I bought. It did click at 114 lb feet torque.

1/2 In. Drive Click Type Torque Wrench 01

Attached a Q below for anyone who is thinking about purchasing one.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

Trying to change out your tires with a 18 Volt Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver
Chicago Electric - Item#68853 is a fail.

The tools themselves are still a pass.

18 Volt Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 03

 

[IONH]

Trying to change out your tires with a 18 Volt Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver
Chicago Electric - Item#68853 is a fail.

The tools themselves are still a pass.

The 700# of torque is probably inch pounds. That's only 58 ft/lb.

Did you torque the lugs just before to know what they were torqued at to begin with?

Also, what size lugs are you dealing with? Assuming it's 19 or 21mm or 3/4", I assume you didn't have a 1/4" socket that size. If I am right, the step up required to get to 3/8" or 1/2" would absorb a bit of the impact as well.

 

[jd_1138]

I replaced my stolen Craftsman cordless drill with an 18V Drill Master one from HF that I paid $19 for (with coupon). It has worked great so far on 3 or 4 small projects. The build quality seems as good as the Craftsman. I think my model is out of production (model 66965), but it looks similar to the following. PASS so far.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cordless-drilldriver-with-keyless-chuck-38-18-volt-69651.html

Pittsburgh 6 piece screwdriver set. I think I got this set for free or for a buck with a coupon. I sold a car to a friend and let her keep one of the flat tip screwdrivers out of this set, just this morning, so she could install her new plates later today. I will have to pick up another set to breakup and keep in various places. PASS.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-screwdriver-set-47770.html

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

The 700# of torque is probably inch pounds. That's only 58 ft/lb.

Did you torque the lugs just before to know what they were torqued at to begin with?

Also, what size lugs are you dealing with? Assuming it's 19 or 21mm or 3/4", I assume you didn't have a 1/4" socket that size. If I am right, the step up required to get to 3/8" or 1/2" would absorb a bit of the impact as well.

No I did not torque the lugs, I assumed that they were somewhere at 80-115 lb feet since these were done at the tire center at Costco. I torqued the other tire as per manufacturer instructions.

Lugs were 3/4" and yes I used a 1/4 shaft 1/4" adapter to a 3/8" socket.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

I replaced my stolen Craftsman cordless drill with an 18V Drill Master one from HF that I paid $19 for (with coupon). It has worked great so far on 3 or 4 small projects. The build quality seems as good as the Craftsman. I think my model is out of production (model 66965), but it looks similar to the following. PASS so far.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cordless-drilldriver-with-keyless-chuck-38-18-volt-69651.html

Pittsburgh 6 piece screwdriver set. I think I got this set for free or for a buck with a coupon. I sold a car to a friend and let her keep one of the flat tip screwdrivers out of this set, just this morning, so she could install her new plates later today. I will have to pick up another set to breakup and keep in various places. PASS.

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-screwdriver-set-47770.html

I love those 6 piece screwdriver set. I get them every chance I can. They are great for general purpose. So far I have a set in my tool belt, apron, tool box, garage, in the house and a few still in packaging. They are free with any purchase so I get rough with it to get the job done.

Big PASS

I will attach a Q so the next time you are in there, get it for free!!!

 

[cheechi]

These things are saving my knees. Hard Cap Gel Knee Pads Western Safety - Item#66124

Hard Cap Gel Knee Pads 01

I have also used these and they work well, but with every knee pads they bunch up the back of your jeans so they're no better or worse than others in that regard. They were comfortable on the front of my knees.

Just a reminder to all, this thread was really set up to give more longer-term reviews HF items, rather than something that you've used once. We are trying to sort out the 'one time use' tools from the ones that are not going to hold up.

If it fails in one use, of course that's helpful too so continue to post those.

 

[IONH]

No I did not torque the lugs, I assumed that they were somewhere at 80-115 lb feet since these were done at the tire center at Costco. I torqued the other tire as per manufacturer instructions.

Lugs were 3/4" and yes I used a 1/4 shaft 1/4" adapter to a 3/8" socket.

So if the 700 in/lb equates to 58 ft/lb, it sounds like you're trying to have the gun do more than it is rated for.

Can you retract the fail?

As I had mentioned, depending on brand/quality, the step-up adapter you used may have caused some additional torque loss.

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

So if the 700 in/lb equates to 58 ft/lb, it sounds like you're trying to have the gun do more than it is rated for.

Can you retract the fail?

As I had mentioned, depending on brand/quality, the step-up adapter you used may have caused some additional torque loss.

I know I was working outside of the scope of the tools, but this was an attempt that failed. As I stated, the tools themselves still pass. If anyone was thinking or was confused to the 700 lb inch vs 700 lb feet torque. Plus, it was interesting to see what would happen. Now we all know for sure.

 

[les_garten]

I had a Honda Motor based pressure washer drop a valve. I was thinking about rebuilding it.

But was wondering if the Predator engines HF carry are any good?

The one I am looking at is 7 HP, 212cc.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Trying to change out your tires with a 18 Volt Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver
Chicago Electric - Item#68853 is a fail.

The tools themselves are still a pass.

18 Volt Cordless 1/4" Hex Impact Driver 03

why would you even bother to post that? i'm pretty sure the group of people here would know not to use a 1/4" impact driver to change tires. did you really think it would work? posting useful reviews would be more helpful

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

why would you even bother to post that? i'm pretty sure the group of people here would know not to use a 1/4" impact driver to change tires. did you really think it would work? posting useful reviews would be more helpful

First, someone on this thread asked if it was possible after my post on the impact driver.

Second, I wanted to know for myself even though I already knew it would not work because another member posted that the torque is not enough. Probably the confusion with 700 lb inch for the impact driver vs 700 lb feet for an impact wrench.

Third, because I just wanted to do it. And I can. So I did.

Now I know for sure, it can't be done.

 

[Pudmunkie]

I had a Honda Motor based pressure washer drop a valve. I was thinking about rebuilding it.

But was wondering if the Predator engines HF carry are any good?

The one I am looking at is 7 HP, 212cc.

Yes. Retrofitted a dead snowblower with one. Runs great bolted up 100%

 

[Provincial]

I had a Honda Motor based pressure washer drop a valve. I was thinking about rebuilding it.

But was wondering if the Predator engines HF carry are any good?

The one I am looking at is 7 HP, 212cc.

I retrofitted a wheelborrow air compressor with one and it has worked very well. I was able to make a idle control from the old parts and some welding rod so it will kick down to idle when it reaches the cut-out pressure. It doesn't start quite a easily as a Honda, but still starts very well. A little cold-blooded, but not bad.

The only problems I have had is the cheap starter rope, which is wearing too quickly, but not broken yet, and over the winter the carb/fuel valve plugged up from ethanol gas even though I run the carb dry every time I finish using it. I had to use a stiff wire to clean out the passage from the fuel inlet ****** into the sediment bowl chamber and also from the sediment bowl chamber to the needle valve. After I got them clean it started right up!

 

[les_garten]

Yes. Retrofitted a dead snowblower with one. Runs great bolted up 100%

I retrofitted a wheelborrow air compressor with one and it has worked very well. I was able to make a idle control from the old parts and some welding rod so it will kick down to idle when it reaches the cut-out pressure. It doesn't start quite a easily as a Honda, but still starts very well. A little cold-blooded, but not bad.

The only problems I have had is the cheap starter rope, which is wearing too quickly, but not broken yet, and over the winter the carb/fuel valve plugged up from ethanol gas even though I run the carb dry every time I finish using it. I had to use a stiff wire to clean out the passage from the fuel inlet ****** into the sediment bowl chamber and also from the sediment bowl chamber to the needle valve. After I got them clean it started right up!

Thanx you guys!

I see that the Go Kart racers mod the **** out of them and race them, pretty amazing stuff.

Do you think I'll be able to get the throttle contraption from the pressure washer to work?

 

[jamesbumdaddy]

50 Ft. X 10 Gauge Triple Tap Extension Cord Chicago Electric Power Tools - Item#93670

Pass big time. It gets my 21 gallon compressor motor to turn. Also I can tie and store even though it's so thick as well as the air hose. Really helps with transport and storage and does not get tangled.

How To Tie Up Your Extension Cord and Air Hose 02 Update

 

[Provincial]

Thanx you guys!

I see that the Go Kart racers mod the **** out of them and race them, pretty amazing stuff.

Do you think I'll be able to get the throttle contraption from the pressure washer to work?

If you are replacing a Honda engine, it should fit without a lot of trouble. I believe that the HF engines are pretty much identical to the Hondas.

 

[les_garten]

If you are replacing a Honda engine, it should fit without a lot of trouble. I believe that the HF engines are pretty much identical to the Hondas.

Thanx!

 

[garthg]

No I did not torque the lugs, I assumed that they were somewhere at 80-115 lb feet since these were done at the tire center at Costco. I torqued the other tire as per manufacturer instructions.

Lugs were 3/4" and yes I used a 1/4 shaft 1/4" adapter to a 3/8" socket.

A 1/4" impact driver is not big enough for auto lug nuts. You should be using a 1/2" tool.

Makita 6905B: