The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[nicksnothereman]

Hose clamp assortment, FAIL. They don't screw tight, instead they just collapse upon themselves, bend, and could possibly puncture whatever you're tightening them around.

If the sizes are right I actually recommend the garbage power plus ones at the 99 cents store. I use them more than I should on things that I shouldn't (and I'll leave it at that). No problems with them. The home depot ones are great too but much more expensive.

Actually (don't tell anyone on here yo) I find A LOT of good workable stuff at 99 cents only. The "survival" rope they sell (if they have it) is f-ing awesome, I use it all the time (just knot the ends) and for anything. I can't afford crystal encrusted hose clamps forged by master blacksmith golems at mount vesuvius like some of the guys on here.

 

[IanG]

Anyone try this underhood work light? Been thinking about getting one for a while.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-led-rechargeable-under-hood-work-light-60793.html

 

[TAMPAGT07]

So I'm going to list if for 150 when done and take anything over 100.00 cheaper than renting one for a week and I could take my sweet time with it.
Scott

I was going to do this with a HF cement mixer, till I found a used one that worked like a champ for $50 on CL....For $50 I'll just store it in the yard for the next project....

 

[CaptainMarvel]

Any thoughts/experience with the 16-Speed Heavy Duty Bench Drill Press?

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-16-speed-bench-drill-press-38142.html

With a 25% Discount coupon, it would/should come to about $187.50

Anyone ??

Anyone ??

Bueller ??

Bueller ??

 

[ex-x-fire]

Anyone try this underhood work light? Been thinking about getting one for a while.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-led-rechargeable-under-hood-work-light-60793.html

I Just saw that in an HF e mail, looks like a good deal if its bright, durable, & runs long on a charge.

 

[Breen11]

Hose clamp assortment, FAIL. They don't screw tight, instead they just collapse upon themselves, bend, and could possibly puncture whatever you're tightening them around.

Iv had the same problem with HF hose clamps. The hose clamps that came with my HF diesel transfer pump, dig into the hose & punctured it.

Make sure you set item #91222 and not #60373....

Thanks for the heads up. I did get item #91222. Iv been using the hell out of it, since I got it on 10/22. So far so good.


25' PVC air hose. PASS. This is the 2nd 1 iv owned, & I love it for light duty use. Its cheap, lightweight, & does the job.

 

[upndown]

Hey Breen..Been using the #91222 for odd projects for a couple years now Funny thing I bought a couple cheap ones for projects at the cabin, one for cutting Corrugated..one for cutting Pavers couldn't kill either one..Go figure!

 

[Breen11]

Hey Breen..Been using the #91222 for odd projects for a couple years now Funny thing I bought a couple cheap ones for projects at the cabin, one for cutting Corrugated..one for cutting Pavers couldn't kill either one..Go figure!

Thats good to hear. I 1st had the 4 1/2" (#69645, on/off switch on the side) & that thing lasted a few mins, before it just stopped working. Plus the on/off switch was a PITA to turn on, as most have reported/said.

 

[Jamming]

I picked a 4 piece pry bar set a couple of years ago. Big pass....the handles popped off but I epoxied them back on and so far they've stayed on. I've flat abused them and for 10 bucks it was a deal.
I also bought an air cut off tool and it works better than my snap-on one. It's in the tool box and the SO one is in the spare toolbox.

 

[upndown]

Has anyone used the 3" Electric cut off tool? Saw a coupon for $20. Got some free pool fencing for a project..Just wondering

 

[erty67]

Has anyone used the 3" Electric cut off tool? Saw a coupon for $20. Got some free pool fencing for a project..Just wondering

I bought one. Can't complain too much for $20, but it's a PITA to have to keep hitting the reset button. It trips constantly.

 

[gonefirefighting]

I bought two of the 12k badlands winches last winter and mounted them front and rear on my firewood truck. I can pretty must attest if they were going to break I would have done it by now.

I have winched over 36 cord worth of logs ranging from 40 feet long and some at 4 feet in diameter, the truck would slide before the winch slowed down. not to mention winching myself out of the muck with a full load of firewood at least on a weekly basis.

Both winches have been used on a daily basis during firewood cutting seasons and have yet to have a hickup even with the wireless remotes and working in the cold and wet environments.

I did however to some preventative precautions before I used them. I completely sealed the relay and switching box water tight and put several coats of rust stop over the winch to improve water resistance and rust proofing. I also swapped out the nuts and bolts it came with for beefier ones.

I am retired and on a fixed income so the price of 250 a piece was a no brainer for me. I have sold the old wood truck and both winches are getting worked even harder than I used them for. I am no only cutting wood for myself and am going to build a toyota flatbed set up with front and rear 12k's.

i will be sure to post a build thread as I go, but I am very satisfied with how well the 12k's perform. I have not used or know of anyone else who has used any of the others lesser lb rated winches but these worked way beyond my expectations.

 

[arturo7]

4-1/2" strip discs. PASS. Absolutely PASS.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-12-polycarbide-abrasive-wheel-60571.html

I've been using them to strip the pain on my truck. They work just as well, last just as long as the name brand discs for less than half the price.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I Just saw that in an HF e mail, looks like a good deal if its bright, durable, & runs long on a charge.

I got one of this type of light (not this one) as a gift. It was some chinese rechargeable led light. There's actually a major problem with these lights because you still have to angle them to get the light in the right place when working at night. So magnetism doesn't really matter. Otherwise, the hf one is probably okay, not $30 dollars okay though.

I usually just use a floor lamp behind me and a flashlight in my mouth. I have a hangar light too, same issues with light going out not down.

 

[fitz11]

Anyone try this underhood work light? Been thinking about getting one for a while.

http://www.harborfreight.com/120-led-rechargeable-under-hood-work-light-60793.html

I just got one. It is pretty bright I used it to light up the picnic table while camping last weekend. It lasted the whole weekend of on and off use. The only problem I had is the first one I had I tried to turn it on while it was charging and it instantly went dead. After exchanging for a new one I am happy. For under $30 it is a pass but definitely not on the same level as more expensive versions. I will try to update as I use it some more

 

[IONH]

I bought two of the 12k badlands winches last winter and mounted them front and rear on my firewood truck. I can pretty must attest if they were going to break I would have done it by now.

I have winched over 36 cord worth of logs ranging from 40 feet long and some at 4 feet in diameter, the truck would slide before the winch slowed down. not to mention winching myself out of the muck with a full load of firewood at least on a weekly basis.

Both winches have been used on a daily basis during firewood cutting seasons and have yet to have a hickup even with the wireless remotes and working in the cold and wet environments.

I did however to some preventative precautions before I used them. I completely sealed the relay and switching box water tight and put several coats of rust stop over the winch to improve water resistance and rust proofing. I also swapped out the nuts and bolts it came with for beefier ones.

I am retired and on a fixed income so the price of 250 a piece was a no brainer for me. I have sold the old wood truck and both winches are getting worked even harder than I used them for. I am no only cutting wood for myself and am going to build a toyota flatbed set up with front and rear 12k's.

i will be sure to post a build thread as I go, but I am very satisfied with how well the 12k's perform. I have not used or know of anyone else who has used any of the others lesser lb rated winches but these worked way beyond my expectations.

How did you manage $250 for a price? The cheapest I've seen is $299 with coupon.

 

[ADSR]

I bought the dry wall lift to hang OSB on my shop ceiling by myself and I am going to have to say its a huge pass. Great tool and works like a champ. Bought it for just under 150 after coupons and see them sell on craigs list for 150.00. So I'm going to list if for 150 when done and take anything over 100.00 cheaper than renting one for a week and I could take my sweet time with it.
Scott

I have the same one. They kick *** for the money!

 

[skippy24]

3/4" pipe clamps with base - PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-pipe-clamp-with-base-94053.html

I have used a few sets of these for the past month or so doing wood glue ups and they have help up well, even with me cranking on them.

 

[cheechi]

Can you show us where it cracked?

 

[StillKeen]

7 Function Multimeter

FAIL: 7 Function Multimeter. It just died completely when checking a socket for power. It was past warranty, but had only been used a couple of times. They are free with purchase pretty often, but I'd spend $30 on a nicer one from Amazon or similar instead. I got another one last week, but will give that away.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

 

[IONH]

Re: 7 Function Multimeter

FAIL: 7 Function Multimeter. It just died completely when checking a socket for power. It was past warranty, but had only been used a couple of times. They are free with purchase pretty often, but I'd spend $30 on a nicer one from Amazon or similar instead. I got another one last week, but will give that away.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

Many have had reasonable success with these (typically) free multi-meters. I have had good luck with the 3 or 4 I have kicking around.

If you mistakenly had it on resistance when you put it in the socket, it'd be dead for sure. This applies to a large portion of the ones available on the market.

 

[Terracar]

Moving Dolly 93888 - FAIL, bearings broke out of housing on second use.
Prybar set 69281 - FAIL, One prybar snapped the end off, second had handle snap off
25' air hose reel 69234 - PASS Was a gift and has served me well so far.
Float Charger 42292 - PASS Cheaply made and if it was moved around more, I could see the wires to the clamp being worn out. But after 3 years, it still works and keeps my bettery fully charged for when I use it.
Telescoping magnet tool 95933 - PASS
Magnetic bowls (6") 97825 - PASS
Air chuck 68265 - FAIL usually lasts a couple months and then leaks
Dual Air chuck 68264 - FAIL same as above
13 drawer tool box 68784 - PASS unbelievably well made and has handled everything I have thrown at it. Even fell down a step or two and is still working as if out of the box.
2 shelf cart 5107 - PASS barely. It works for light duty use, but not sturdy enough for any serious use or weight despite its alleged weight capacity. I am sure it would snap.
1/2 air ratched 35227 - PASS
Nitrile gloves 100pk - PASS
5hp air compressor - PASS Don't have any similar on their site. loud and slow as hell to build pressure, but still chugging away.


-Terracar

 

[Exceller8]

15" Long Reach Locking Pliers: Pass

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-long-reach-locking-pliers-97609.html

The spring is a little weak, other than that I didn't have any problems with the tool.

 

[cheechi]

Terracar, I think you just got a bad dolly. Lots of folks buy the dolly just for the wheels as it's cheaper than buying 4 wheels. Generally well reviewed here at GJ. I'd swap it for another see if you have better luck.

 

[cburnscrx]

Terracar, I think you just got a bad dolly. Lots of folks buy the dolly just for the wheels as it's cheaper than buying 4 wheels. Generally well reviewed here at GJ. I'd swap it for another see if you have better luck.

Yep, go swap it out. I have quite a few of them and use them for various projects and they've held up well.

 

[StillKeen]

Re: 7 Function Multimeter

Many have had reasonable success with these (typically) free multi-meters. I have had good luck with the 3 or 4 I have kicking around.

If you mistakenly had it on resistance when you put it in the socket, it'd be dead for sure. This applies to a large portion of the ones available on the market.

Nope, used correctly, it just failed. For free, it's worth getting, but my $30 amazon ones are much nicer to use. Looking at the circuit board, it's very basic/cheap inside (which you'd expect for a $4 multimeter).

 

[monomach]

Re: 7 Function Multimeter

FAIL: 7 Function Multimeter. It just died completely when checking a socket for power. It was past warranty, but had only been used a couple of times. They are free with purchase pretty often, but I'd spend $30 on a nicer one from Amazon or similar instead. I got another one last week, but will give that away.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-multimeter-98025.html

I keep half a dozen of these around so even if I screw one up (never had one break on its own), I can just open up a new one. Gotta love free multimeters.

 

[cheechi]

Re: 7 Function Multimeter

Nope, used correctly, it just failed. For free, it's worth getting, but my $30 amazon ones are much nicer to use. Looking at the circuit board, it's very basic/cheap inside (which you'd expect for a $4 multimeter).

Wouldn't it have sucked if your $30 Amazon one got fried instead? To me that's a Pass. Having an inexpensive meter (in this case free) to test an iffy circuit is priceless. If I'm not sure, the HF one is just as much a 'test light' as it is a meter.

As a meter they aren't bad but I haven't had access to anything to calibrate a meter in a while. They are consistent with my Innova & Fluke meters enough for my uses. And since there's always a coupon for free, if you chose you could bring it back and get another or just get another free next trip.

 

[jacked_72]

Re: 7 Function Multimeter

Many have had reasonable success with these (typically) free multi-meters. I have had good luck with the 3 or 4 I have kicking around.

I had one of these meters that I used daily for a year or two and had no problem with it at all. And they come with a battery. These meters are my favorite free coupon item. The screwdrivers really stink and I've got enough tape measures, but I'll always pick one of these up when I have the coupon. I may give them out for stocking stuffers this year.

 

[Terracar]

Terracar, I think you just got a bad dolly. Lots of folks buy the dolly just for the wheels as it's cheaper than buying 4 wheels. Generally well reviewed here at GJ. I'd swap it for another see if you have better luck.

Yep, go swap it out. I have quite a few of them and use them for various projects and they've held up well.

I had purchased 3 of them at the same time. I use them to move the snowmobile around the garage. 2 of the 3 had the same issue. The 2 that went south, did it within a week of purchase while the third is still trucking. I must have gotten the Monday morning specials or something.

-Terracar

 

[jdrubin]

The only flare nut wrenches or sockets that seem to work well are Snap On. I've tried other brands at times, such as Craftsman with rounding problems.

 

[wrench]

I bought one. Can't complain too much for $20, but it's a PITA to have to keep hitting the reset button. It trips constantly.

I bought 2 of them,one on "clearance"and one on sale. Before you use it,take it apart and bypass the reset,by plugging the wires together.only takes a few minutes,and actually makes the tool usable.

 

[wrench]

...and if you go looking for one, DIG! I just grabbed one. all the stock was side button. I dug them all out and found a top button in the back of the pile.

I bought the "industrial"model with the paddle switch,I think it was on sale for 19.95. It seemed a little noisey when I first tried it,so I took the gear case apart and found just a little dab of grease in there.I packed it with wheel bearing grease and have used the hell out of it for several years.

 

[erty67]

I bought 2 of them,one on "clearance"and one on sale. Before you use it,take it apart and bypass the reset,by plugging the wires together.only takes a few minutes,and actually makes the tool usable.

good idea!

 

[Agentwho]

I picked up the 3/4 ton load leveler the other week and have used it a couple of times since. the handle to turn the screw is worthless but other than that it gets the job done nicely.
item#67441
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-ton-capacity-heavy-duty-load-leveler-67441.html

 

[ADSR]

Any feedback on this concrete ********?

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...er-hp-heavy-duty-concrete-********-41053.html

 

[nicksnothereman]

Any feedback on this concrete ********?

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...er-hp-heavy-duty-concrete-********-41053.html

It's probably a new(er) item so you'll have to wait a little while before people use it then review it.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Any feedback on this concrete ********?

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...er-hp-heavy-duty-concrete-********-41053.html

Holy ****..... That's a CONCRETE ********.....I just assumed HF was getting into the *** toy business....So much for the wifes X-mas present....I'll just have to return it....

 

[diggerrick]

Holy ****..... That's a CONCRETE ********.....I just assumed HF was getting into the *** toy business....So much for the wifes X-mas present....I'll just have to return it....

You must have some wife! lol

 

[Shadowdog500]

The only flare nut wrenches or sockets that seem to work well are Snap On. I've tried other brands at times, such as Craftsman with rounding problems.

+1, I have several brands but wound up buying snap on because they never seem to round off the nut.