The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
IONH
Well-known member
My 130 amp MIG/Flux HF welder just stopped sparking the other day. I've had it probably 8 or so years now and put only a few spools through it. Probably the original small flux which came with it then I stepped up to MIG and ran maybe 20 pounds of wire through it. Only overheated it twice to trip it's duty cycle safety, which was recently, not sure if that contributed its failure.
That said, for the price, I would buy another if I hadn't just fixed my 220V 180A MIG welder.
Side note, notice the one you linked needs 220V outlet while my 130 amp was 110V.
The retaining ring pliers are horrible. My coworker bought a set and the tips don't fit inside the holes on the clips. I always tell him to buy quality tools since our employer pays for them. I rarely buy tools from Harbor Freight since I bent the handles on the chain wrench twice. So here is a list from using my coworker's tools. Digital meter (small one) - quit working, plastic mini clamps - useless, colored sockets sets - pass, screwdrivers - bad tips, etc.. I rarely use his tools because it just frustrating fighting with the cheap quality tools.
Let me add another item on the list. He also bought an airless sprayer which also broke.
Let me add another item on the list. He also bought an airless sprayer which also broke.
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Hello all, first time posting, but I feel like donating my two cents. I'll start by saying thanks for all the useful information throughout the site, there is quite a broad knowledge base among the users, and I aim to add to that where I can.
7 drawer side cabinet for the 40" roller cabinet: Pass, great value. It is (for the money) extraordinarily well made, with heavy gauge steel and nice paint. Far superior to a comparable craftsman, waterloo, kobalt... I know I may raise some eyebrows, but my only complaints with it is that it is about 1.5" narrower than the Snap on box it is attached to, and that the reds don't quite match.
The blue zirconia alumina 4x36" sanding belts: Pass, they are great for stock removal on relatively hard steel, but they don't seem to like softer materials or wood, and will tend to clog.
3 pound cross peen hammer on "hardwood" handle: Multiple FAIL, after two swings, the handle snapped just below the head. Not to be discouraged, I put the head on a new handle, and went back to using it for blacksmithing. The face of the hammer was so soft that when striking anything other than orange hot mild steel it would dent and deform. Any steel that was high enough carbon to make a tool or knife out of would hardly even move under the hammer. In the end, I did find one good use for it, it worked very well as a weight to throw a rope up into a tree we were cutting down.
55 pound cast iron anvil: mostly fail, but a qualified pass. As an anvil, it failed miserably, dead and fragile, the edges spalled off easily, and the face had no spring back. It worked well as a heat sink and I used it for a clamping weight.
6" cross slide drill press vise: Pass, out of the box, it was a bit sloppy, but all it took was a little grease and a few turns of the gib adjusting screws. I wont say that it is as smooth or accurate as a nice 2 axis vise, but for about $50, 4 years ago, I have no room to complain.
1500 pound capacity atv/motorcycle jack: pass, I will admit, it was not used for the intended purpose, but it was spectacular for a solo remove and install of an old Volkswagen Beetle engine, the thing even worked well as a front end jack for the same car, complete with a built in safety catch. I still use it as a dolly to move things around the shop, and as an adjustable height feed table for big work.
5 watt, 12 volt solar panel: pass, but could be better, it has worked for about 4 summers of camping, I think I had to replace one of the alligator clips because it got mashed. The only issues are that it is big and fragile in comparison to more modern solar panels, it is after all just a sheet of glass with some fancy coatings.
sandpaper: fail, the stuff hardly works on balsa, perhaps foam would be ok.
The 4 sided diamond sharpening stone: Pass, I got it on a whim for something south of $10, and have been surprised by how well it has held up over the past few years. It is not fine enough to put a really good edge on a knife, but it works well for removal of small dings and chips on most any steel I have put to it, even trued up a couple of carbide cutters.
Well that is all for the moment, thanks again for the weath of available knowledge.
Nik
7 drawer side cabinet for the 40" roller cabinet: Pass, great value. It is (for the money) extraordinarily well made, with heavy gauge steel and nice paint. Far superior to a comparable craftsman, waterloo, kobalt... I know I may raise some eyebrows, but my only complaints with it is that it is about 1.5" narrower than the Snap on box it is attached to, and that the reds don't quite match.
The blue zirconia alumina 4x36" sanding belts: Pass, they are great for stock removal on relatively hard steel, but they don't seem to like softer materials or wood, and will tend to clog.
3 pound cross peen hammer on "hardwood" handle: Multiple FAIL, after two swings, the handle snapped just below the head. Not to be discouraged, I put the head on a new handle, and went back to using it for blacksmithing. The face of the hammer was so soft that when striking anything other than orange hot mild steel it would dent and deform. Any steel that was high enough carbon to make a tool or knife out of would hardly even move under the hammer. In the end, I did find one good use for it, it worked very well as a weight to throw a rope up into a tree we were cutting down.
55 pound cast iron anvil: mostly fail, but a qualified pass. As an anvil, it failed miserably, dead and fragile, the edges spalled off easily, and the face had no spring back. It worked well as a heat sink and I used it for a clamping weight.
6" cross slide drill press vise: Pass, out of the box, it was a bit sloppy, but all it took was a little grease and a few turns of the gib adjusting screws. I wont say that it is as smooth or accurate as a nice 2 axis vise, but for about $50, 4 years ago, I have no room to complain.
1500 pound capacity atv/motorcycle jack: pass, I will admit, it was not used for the intended purpose, but it was spectacular for a solo remove and install of an old Volkswagen Beetle engine, the thing even worked well as a front end jack for the same car, complete with a built in safety catch. I still use it as a dolly to move things around the shop, and as an adjustable height feed table for big work.
5 watt, 12 volt solar panel: pass, but could be better, it has worked for about 4 summers of camping, I think I had to replace one of the alligator clips because it got mashed. The only issues are that it is big and fragile in comparison to more modern solar panels, it is after all just a sheet of glass with some fancy coatings.
sandpaper: fail, the stuff hardly works on balsa, perhaps foam would be ok.
The 4 sided diamond sharpening stone: Pass, I got it on a whim for something south of $10, and have been surprised by how well it has held up over the past few years. It is not fine enough to put a really good edge on a knife, but it works well for removal of small dings and chips on most any steel I have put to it, even trued up a couple of carbide cutters.
Well that is all for the moment, thanks again for the weath of available knowledge.
Nik
Do they off a 130 still? 110v woukd be ideal but 220v isn't the end of the world. Just wouldn't be able to take it places obviously unless they have 220
Sent from my SCH-R530U using Tapatalk 4
IONH
Well-known member
I don't see a 130 amp MIG/Flux welder on their website anymore unfortunately. It was a good welder for me to learn on originally and put through its paces. I only hit the duty cycle cut twice in a row on the same day which that was very recent. Maybe that was why it failed not long after.
moronmountain
Well-known member
Compression tester 66216 = Fail. I didn't even get one use out of it. Gauge seems to work out, but hose valve never worked, and I'm not sure I can get a replacement after losing my receipt. =(
Burgundy belt sander:
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-x-21-inch-belt-sander-90045.html
3x21" non variable speed. Works GREAT. Bought the Shopsmith ceramic belts from lowes and that setup devoured the crazy thick mill scale on my 1.5" sold square stock. Platen can heat up quick on any belt sander so letting it cool down would be helpful. The ceramic Shopsmith belts are great. When they are not cutting as well as they did, put a sharp edge across the belt and the underlying ceramic now cuts.
For 26.** the sander is a great deal.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-x-21-inch-belt-sander-90045.html
3x21" non variable speed. Works GREAT. Bought the Shopsmith ceramic belts from lowes and that setup devoured the crazy thick mill scale on my 1.5" sold square stock. Platen can heat up quick on any belt sander so letting it cool down would be helpful. The ceramic Shopsmith belts are great. When they are not cutting as well as they did, put a sharp edge across the belt and the underlying ceramic now cuts.
For 26.** the sander is a great deal.
I would say pass on the inspection camera with a 25% discount coupon I paid about seventy dollars for it. It works great I use it all the time. Also looks just like the craftsman Inspection camera I suppose they are made by the same manufacturer.
Inspection camera: Pass
Inspection camera: Pass
subarub4
Well-known member
Does HF still sell electric AC motors? Don't see them on the site anymore.
i don't think any impact sockets would stay on them from the shear weight of the sockets
my chrome snapons hold on fine though
Small moving dolly http://www.harborfreight.com/movers-dolly-93888.html
A fail for me I'm sorry to say. The casters will not swivel when trying to change directions. Tried grease but it didn't help. I have about 100 pounds on it, so its no where near capacity.
A fail for me I'm sorry to say. The casters will not swivel when trying to change directions. Tried grease but it didn't help. I have about 100 pounds on it, so its no where near capacity.
Jeffvette
Well-known member
It has been mentioned briefly before.
Pickle Fork #1759
Spread and bent on the tines. Absolute garbage and I didn't even get the tie rods off!
Pickle Fork #1759
Spread and bent on the tines. Absolute garbage and I didn't even get the tie rods off!
alxdgr8
Well-known member
I'd say you got a bad one. I've got 5 or 6 of them with 100-500lbs on them and they all work great with no problems swiveling.
diggerrick
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2010
- Messages
- 996
A friend bought a tool chest from HF, and they rolled it out to his Explorer on one of those dollies - and it broke, sending his new tool chest to the sidewalk
(luckily it was just the cheap black chest that nobody likes)
skulldrinker
Well-known member
Floor Jack Cross Beam
Anyone have this? If so...pass or fail....with a little input please?
Thinkin it could come in handy for me.
Thank you
I would like to see a picture of it in use. Are you lifting the side of the car at the pinchwelds with this?
Colin Len
Well-known member
Yeah, these are a little hit or miss but they are tempermental. I've had probably 6 over the years, both the small and larger size. I use the small ones in my garage to keep wheels/tires, transmissions, engines..etc. on top of so that I can easily roll them around when I need to move them. I've also used these to move bare chassis' (maybe 1000-1200lbs). The first time I did this I used one or two dollies (I think they were the small ones) and a floor jack. It worked OK but some of the casters bound up. The last time I did this I used two large dollies and it worked flawlessly even over some semi-rough concrete with large expansion joints.
I look at these as being cheap enough to be throwaways when I need to move something large. If you're moving stuff all the time, especially valuable things then I'd pay money for decent quality ones.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Yep, I would agree. I have 4 of them, and have had no problem whatsoever. My only issue is keeping things from falling off. I've replaced the carpet on with with the rubber diamond tread, and that helps a lot!
jakemac
Well-known member
# 91616 - 3 Piece Titanium Nitride Coated High Speed Steel Step Drills PASS
I just used the 6-step bit from this set to drill 16 5/16" holes in 1/4" steel plate. I used my DP at it's slowest speed and cutting oil to keep the bit from over heating. The bit got into the high range of warm, but never too hot to touch.
When I was done, the bit was still sharp. I bought the set on sale as a throw away, so I wouldn't risk burning out my Irwin. Instead, I ended up with another reliable step drill.
I just used the 6-step bit from this set to drill 16 5/16" holes in 1/4" steel plate. I used my DP at it's slowest speed and cutting oil to keep the bit from over heating. The bit got into the high range of warm, but never too hot to touch.
When I was done, the bit was still sharp. I bought the set on sale as a throw away, so I wouldn't risk burning out my Irwin. Instead, I ended up with another reliable step drill.
kamlung
Well-known member
1/2" Electric Impact Wrench - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html
had for 3 years now primarily used to zip off wheels... its much faster when im just doing tire rotations and don't want to have to wait for the air compressor to fill up the tank... i have even used it to drive lag screws when building my deck... worked like a dream...
44" Toolbox - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-44-13-drawer-gloss-red-industrial-uality-68784.html
only bought a few weeks ago and there are plenty of reviews already here.. just finished filling it up and i love it... it is a great bang for the buck and thanks to the GJ for pointing me in this direction... i was ready to drop double on CMAN at sears... the drawers are smooth as butter and the box is well built... i'm going to see if i can get a butcher block for the top and then hook up a vise...
1/2" drill - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3273.html
i bought this when i was renovating my house and got tired of mixing thinset by hand to do floor tiles... with a mixer attachement it made quick work to mix the water and thinset... since then i have also used it to drill holes into cement and concrete...
1/2" drive breaker bar 25" - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-60819.html
i bought this when i did my brake job and couldn't get the bolts to break loose... they seized on from all the elements but i didn't want to risk using a high powered gun and shearing the head off... so a little pb blaster and slow and steady it cracked the bolts free... i also used it when i was rebuilding my calipers and had to take off the bolts holding on the two halves of the caliper... the caliper kept shifting on the bench so the extended length helped... with a coupon they are under 10 bucks... can't beat it... and i like that the head is held on with a screw and not a rivet...
Parts Washer - yet to be used so ill come back with my result... but the instructions to put together the unit were so bad... and i couldn't believe that i had to wire the pump motor myself... other manufacturers i have seen wouldn't let a consumer mess with those electronics and risk the liability... i should be using it soon to service brakes so will report back...
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html
had for 3 years now primarily used to zip off wheels... its much faster when im just doing tire rotations and don't want to have to wait for the air compressor to fill up the tank... i have even used it to drive lag screws when building my deck... worked like a dream...
44" Toolbox - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-44-13-drawer-gloss-red-industrial-uality-68784.html
only bought a few weeks ago and there are plenty of reviews already here.. just finished filling it up and i love it... it is a great bang for the buck and thanks to the GJ for pointing me in this direction... i was ready to drop double on CMAN at sears... the drawers are smooth as butter and the box is well built... i'm going to see if i can get a butcher block for the top and then hook up a vise...
1/2" drill - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-variable-speed-reversible-drill-3273.html
i bought this when i was renovating my house and got tired of mixing thinset by hand to do floor tiles... with a mixer attachement it made quick work to mix the water and thinset... since then i have also used it to drill holes into cement and concrete...
1/2" drive breaker bar 25" - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-60819.html
i bought this when i did my brake job and couldn't get the bolts to break loose... they seized on from all the elements but i didn't want to risk using a high powered gun and shearing the head off... so a little pb blaster and slow and steady it cracked the bolts free... i also used it when i was rebuilding my calipers and had to take off the bolts holding on the two halves of the caliper... the caliper kept shifting on the bench so the extended length helped... with a coupon they are under 10 bucks... can't beat it... and i like that the head is held on with a screw and not a rivet...
Parts Washer - yet to be used so ill come back with my result... but the instructions to put together the unit were so bad... and i couldn't believe that i had to wire the pump motor myself... other manufacturers i have seen wouldn't let a consumer mess with those electronics and risk the liability... i should be using it soon to service brakes so will report back...
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
You didn't say what you're doing.
Floor Jack Cross Beam
Anyone have this? If so...pass or fail....with a little input please?
Thinkin it could come in handy for me.
Thank you
So I'll blindly suggest HF Item #96524 if your task involves a drivetrain lowering out of a unibody car.
kool_BOY8323
Well-known member
i do alot of research and reading before i buy, so most of the HF stuff i have passes pretty easily, and i own ALOT of HF stuff.
5 drawer cart - pass
7 drawer side cabinet - pass
26" 8 Drawer Roller Cabinet with 8 Drawer Top Chest combo - pass
i have alot more, but its so much i cant think of it all. the only tools ive had to replace from HF were ONE pair of channel lock style pliers, and a 19mm(3 times), 21mm (twice), and 7/8 (once) impact thin wall wheel sockets. they swapped out the whole set for me each time i took a broken one in, so
HF tool warranty - Pass.
i cant think of a tool truck that warranties impacts past a year. HF does it lifetime like they do with hand tools. not sure how much else i can add. here's an idea, if you question it, quote me, and ask me if i own it, and ill give it a pass or fail.
5 drawer cart - pass
7 drawer side cabinet - pass
26" 8 Drawer Roller Cabinet with 8 Drawer Top Chest combo - pass
i have alot more, but its so much i cant think of it all. the only tools ive had to replace from HF were ONE pair of channel lock style pliers, and a 19mm(3 times), 21mm (twice), and 7/8 (once) impact thin wall wheel sockets. they swapped out the whole set for me each time i took a broken one in, so
HF tool warranty - Pass.
i cant think of a tool truck that warranties impacts past a year. HF does it lifetime like they do with hand tools. not sure how much else i can add. here's an idea, if you question it, quote me, and ask me if i own it, and ill give it a pass or fail.
crucible
Well-known member
Ok, here's my first one here: Low Speed 1/2 Drill
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-spade-handle-drill-93632.html
I am tiling my foyer and am done with pre-mixed thinset and mastic, having discovered a few days ago some tile in the adjacent bathroom that I completed last spring STILL had some of the pre-mixed mastic not dry underneath (!?!>?>@!@!).
I didn't have time to order a "good" drill online as I needed to work this weekend, so armed with a 20% coupon I purchased the above drill just to mix mud, etc.
I'm surprised at the quality of the thing, it's seems built well, and it has plenty of power to well mix 50lb bags of thick, thick tile cement (and plenty enough to remix my bucket that started hardening a bit too quick). I'm sure it could do some good drilling as well, but I don't see me using this for that.
The speed is a max of 500rpm which I didn't think how good of an idea that was for mixing mud until I was doing it
; the speed is adjustable via a dial on the trigger however and the trigger has a lock on button for continuous use.
Short-term PASS
(FWIW, I've found that mixing mud is the way to go-the consistency and quality seems so much improved over the pre-mixed stuff, which is about double the price too. Yea, you gotta devote buckets and clean things up afterwards, but I'm considerably more confident in the tile's stability with it.)
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-heavy-duty-spade-handle-drill-93632.html
I am tiling my foyer and am done with pre-mixed thinset and mastic, having discovered a few days ago some tile in the adjacent bathroom that I completed last spring STILL had some of the pre-mixed mastic not dry underneath (!?!>?>@!@!).
I didn't have time to order a "good" drill online as I needed to work this weekend, so armed with a 20% coupon I purchased the above drill just to mix mud, etc.
I'm surprised at the quality of the thing, it's seems built well, and it has plenty of power to well mix 50lb bags of thick, thick tile cement (and plenty enough to remix my bucket that started hardening a bit too quick). I'm sure it could do some good drilling as well, but I don't see me using this for that.
The speed is a max of 500rpm which I didn't think how good of an idea that was for mixing mud until I was doing it
; the speed is adjustable via a dial on the trigger however and the trigger has a lock on button for continuous use.Short-term PASS
(FWIW, I've found that mixing mud is the way to go-the consistency and quality seems so much improved over the pre-mixed stuff, which is about double the price too. Yea, you gotta devote buckets and clean things up afterwards, but I'm considerably more confident in the tile's stability with it.)
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STGFordCrazy04
Well-known member
In my experience exchanges for a replacement item no. If I want to return something yes.
ex-x-fire
Well-known member
IONH
Well-known member
I had an air dryer develop a crack in the top after a year or two. They wouldn't exchange it because I didn't have the receipt. I had my Dad, who is recognized by everyone in the store, bring it in and no problem swapping it out.
subarub4
Well-known member
Anyone know on the red 10 gal air compressor is the air filter a 1/2" thread? A friend caused the air compressor to tip and it broke the whole air filter.
timtim2008
Well-known member
The wire store house
http://www.harborfreight.com/400-ft-wire-storehouse-60360.html
is this worth it?
is the wire included?
and whats a good price?
its $39 (plus 20% off) now
IONH
Well-known member
The wire store house
http://www.harborfreight.com/400-ft-wire-storehouse-60360.html
is this worth it?
is the wire included?
and whats a good price?
its $39 (plus 20% off) now
I actually bought that setup probably 7 or 8 years ago. The wire IS included.
The construction of the housing does not make it worth re-using, IMO.
The wire was OK, but I wouldn't have known any better back then. The sizes you use the most, probably 18/20/22 gauge will run out quick and the rest will sit for a while.
I agree with the other poster, just buy spools of the sizes you need and make your own holder.
5 Piece Metric Double-End Flare Nut Wrench Set
Pittsburgh - item#68866
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-double-end-flare-nut-wrench-set-68866.html
Epic fail, first turn of the wrench
Went to Sears to check the craftsman stock- made in china for 40 bux
went to Home Depot and bought the Husky set for 20(had a gift card)
in the end i was able to change the master and slave clutch cylinders on the girlfriends Acura before the rain came on Saturday, YEAH!!!!
Pittsburgh - item#68866
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-metric-double-end-flare-nut-wrench-set-68866.html
Epic fail, first turn of the wrench
Went to Sears to check the craftsman stock- made in china for 40 bux
went to Home Depot and bought the Husky set for 20(had a gift card)
in the end i was able to change the master and slave clutch cylinders on the girlfriends Acura before the rain came on Saturday, YEAH!!!!
paul2112
Well-known member
Moved heavy air hockey table and other household stuff with these, and they worked great,,,,,,,prob 6 yrs old,,,,,mby they had better wheels back then idk,,,,,lol
Alchymist
Well-known member
Belt sander: Was using this one yesterday trigger switch quit working. Took a can of Wd40 and squirted some between trigger and housing - away it went. Figure dust must have gotten in the switch. Anyway, has been working ok....
FAIL
These casters are horrible. They take brute, fender-bending force to change direction. If you put them under front wheels, which you can't lock from rolling off. Twice, I've pushed the car off of these dollies. The dolly becomes a 20 pound projectile!
FAIL
These casters are horrible. They take brute, fender-bending force to change direction. If you put them under front wheels, which you can't lock from rolling off. Twice, I've pushed the car off of these dollies. The dolly becomes a 20 pound projectile!
I agree with Fail however, as I've learned over the years, ever time I buy a HF item with wheels/casters, I take them apart and grease them left and right. It works wonders and it does increase the roll. Good luck
timtim2008
Well-known member
Solar Mole Chaser
will this keep squirrels away too?
http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-mole-chaser-94661.html
Coach James
Well-known member
Solar Mole Chaser
will this keep squirrels away too?
http://www.harborfreight.com/solar-mole-chaser-94661.html
Most squirrels no, but the more rare North American Burrowing Squirrel, yes.
Coach