Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
Any experience with HF chrome sockets? I need some cheap tools to carry in the car? Not too much info on here.
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
creativecars
Well-known member
I have not broken any or rounded off fasteners with them in the 5+ years of my 301 pc. set and many others along the way.
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-301-piece-mechanics-tool-kit-45951.html
Dollar for dollar the best socket set you can get.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
I've got the Pittsburgh Pro's for just that situation. I take them to the junkyard. No problems yet, though I've only owned them for 6 months or so...
IONH
Well-known member
#66836 PASS - 4 piece pick and hook set
Okay, I have only used one so far and it was the most hooked one. I used it as a vinyl siding removal tool on some very old vinyl siding (30+ year old). It didn't straighten out, bend out or break so I am impressed already because that siding was fairly brittle and thicker than the newer vinyl stuff.
Okay, I have only used one so far and it was the most hooked one. I used it as a vinyl siding removal tool on some very old vinyl siding (30+ year old). It didn't straighten out, bend out or break so I am impressed already because that siding was fairly brittle and thicker than the newer vinyl stuff.
33 piece security bit set (#68459) - PASS. Iv been looking for a cheap ($3.75 with a 25% off coupon) priced security bit set for a long time. I got this set 2 weeks ago & had been using a few different bits every now & then. So far no complaints.
Im gonna buy the 32 piece long reach security bit set (#68460) so I can fix my Xbox 360 control.
Im gonna buy the 32 piece long reach security bit set (#68460) so I can fix my Xbox 360 control.
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IlliniBone
Well-known member
3 piece pry bar set - PASS
Have been beating the **** out of these with a hammer, tearing apart pallet boards and demo'ing shower tile.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-pry-bar-set-66840.html
4" angle grinder - PASS
Remodeled 2 bathrooms, used this grinder to cut angles in tile to fit around pipes, vanity, etc. Works great with a $10 diamond blade.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-angle-grinder-91222.html
Have been beating the **** out of these with a hammer, tearing apart pallet boards and demo'ing shower tile.
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-pry-bar-set-66840.html
4" angle grinder - PASS
Remodeled 2 bathrooms, used this grinder to cut angles in tile to fit around pipes, vanity, etc. Works great with a $10 diamond blade.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-angle-grinder-91222.html
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Got a good total FAIL for you:
http://www.harborfreight.com/40-piece-sae-carbon-steel-tap-and-die-set-39391.html
The cheapest tap and dies sets that are like $14.99 on sale with coupon. First time I used it, the holder tool for the tap literally fell apart before I even could use it! The metal piece in the middle to hold the tap just cracked and fell out. Then I noticed the screw hole in the end of it for the handle to screw into wasn't even close to centered with the handle screw. Even if it hadn't cracked, it would have never been able to be used due to this gross hole misalignment (like 1/8" off center axis needed!). Junk!
I brought it back and my local HF was willing to let me trade it in for credit instead of replacing it because I really did not want this set back. I got the next one up for $29.99 with coupon that is this one instead:
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-piece-sae-metric-tap-and-die-set-35407.html
The tools to hold the taps are much better and the taps look much better too. This one is Alloy Steel. I am curious for others who have this one, is it a good one? And how would it compare to the much more expensive titanium nitride 45 piece sets like this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-alloy-steel-sae-tap-die-set-60685.html
Anyone have those? Are they worth it or no? I realize these are likely not sets for professionals, but for the DIY occasional use, are they good ones? thx - Paul
http://www.harborfreight.com/40-piece-sae-carbon-steel-tap-and-die-set-39391.html
The cheapest tap and dies sets that are like $14.99 on sale with coupon. First time I used it, the holder tool for the tap literally fell apart before I even could use it! The metal piece in the middle to hold the tap just cracked and fell out. Then I noticed the screw hole in the end of it for the handle to screw into wasn't even close to centered with the handle screw. Even if it hadn't cracked, it would have never been able to be used due to this gross hole misalignment (like 1/8" off center axis needed!). Junk!
I brought it back and my local HF was willing to let me trade it in for credit instead of replacing it because I really did not want this set back. I got the next one up for $29.99 with coupon that is this one instead:
http://www.harborfreight.com/60-piece-sae-metric-tap-and-die-set-35407.html
The tools to hold the taps are much better and the taps look much better too. This one is Alloy Steel. I am curious for others who have this one, is it a good one? And how would it compare to the much more expensive titanium nitride 45 piece sets like this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/45-piece-titanium-nitride-coated-alloy-steel-sae-tap-die-set-60685.html
Anyone have those? Are they worth it or no? I realize these are likely not sets for professionals, but for the DIY occasional use, are they good ones? thx - Paul
I have a titanium nitride coated set but it's in a red plastic case, or else its in a black gloss painted case. They sit on top one another so its hard to remember which is which. I'll have to dig it up and give you a part # or whatever.
I haven't tapped more than maybe 4 holes with 2 sizes, but it's been fine for those.
I haven't tapped more than maybe 4 holes with 2 sizes, but it's been fine for those.
MN4x4
Well-known member
I have all three sizes of the composite ratchets from HF, and also find them one of my go-to ratchets. I *always* use them when I am working on or near electrical wires, and frequently grab them "just because".
MN4x4
Well-known member
Sorry - duplicate post deleted.
I got that one for a "go to" out in my little outbuilding shop. I have been involved in the machining hobby for several years and during that time I have aquired pretty much a full size SAE set by good tool makers such as Vermon American and the like. I needed a metric tap not long ago and decided to try this set. I have used it for two or three jobs since without any problems. One caveat though: Compared to the American and better import brands the shanks of these taps are noticably smaller in diameter. That would tell you up front to always make sure you err on the plus size when drilling tap holes to use these in! Also, the other cautions apply doubly here; Don't go crooked! Slowly, slowly, easy, easy! Use lots of lube as you go! Back up and break chips often (at least every quarter turn and every eighth turn if the going gets a little "hard")!
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pauls_workshop
Well-known member
Thx for this NDR, great info. Yes, I will always use cutting oil with them and go slow, back out, again, etc. Having incorrect tap major or minor pitch diameters is much more concerning though! Did not expect that one! But then again should probably not really be surprised here !
- Paulraskal
Well-known member
surprised that I can't find emery cloth in this thread. items 93069 and 93071.
both are massive fails. They appear to be a method by which to spread grit though out one's shop. Basically the grit comes off the roll and does little if any sanding.
I was wrong, there was a posting about it, but emery was spelt wrong http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=373714&postcount=179
both are massive fails. They appear to be a method by which to spread grit though out one's shop. Basically the grit comes off the roll and does little if any sanding.
I was wrong, there was a posting about it, but emery was spelt wrong http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=373714&postcount=179
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CaptainMarvel
Well-known member
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 ???
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
If it says "pittsburgh pro" on it, they'll probably be more okay than the regular sockets. I carry FAR worse in my car and haven't really used them.
They sell some real junk but it's slightly overplayed in real life. You gotta go there and take a look at the stuff and see if it meets the needs of what you're using it for. They offer a some stuff you can't buy in other retail stores; I view them as a valuable resource in a pinch for a pinch.
Anyone who doesn't, probably hasn't set foot in one of their stores. Just saying.Anyone have any feedback on their trim router?
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html
I'm looking for a small router to trim laminate on a counter top. It's a little low on power (only 0.5 HP and 2.4 amps) compared to brand name ones of the same design, but I'm not sure if I need that kind of power for what I'm doing.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-trim-router-44914.html
I'm looking for a small router to trim laminate on a counter top. It's a little low on power (only 0.5 HP and 2.4 amps) compared to brand name ones of the same design, but I'm not sure if I need that kind of power for what I'm doing.
raskal
Well-known member
looks the same as mine from Grizzly Tools http://www.grizzly.com/outlet/Trim-Router-Metal-Body/H7790
it's a cheap router and works well enough. My only problem is I have to really clamp down on the depth screw, but I haven't broken it yet
For trimming laminate it will be plenty strong enough.
coldfoot_luke
Active member
It's a decent router. I've used it for flush cutting wood, does a good job but definitely can't hog anything out. And it is the exact same as the grizzly trim router.
As far as the edge guide attachments- I use trim router bits with guide bearings so I don't know how square/reliable the edge guides are.
Thanks for the feedback. How about the router bits that HF sells?
In particular, I'm considering getting this set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-carbide-tip-router-bits-46832.html
I only need the flush bit now, but I figure for the price of two bits at big box stores, I might as well get this set for future use.
In particular, I'm considering getting this set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-carbide-tip-router-bits-46832.html
I only need the flush bit now, but I figure for the price of two bits at big box stores, I might as well get this set for future use.
In case, anyone else is considering this router, I found some reviews that gave it decent marks.
http://www.benchtopwoodworkingtools.com/harbor-freight-trim-router-review/
http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/525
http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/389
http://www.toolcrib.com/blog/2009/0...t-vs-makita-vs-pc310-vs-ridgid-r2400-and-more (#4 in their top 16 ranking)
Alchymist
Well-known member
I have an earlier version, doesn't have the rack and pinion depth adjustment. Bought it many years ago, still working. Usually keep a 1/4" roundover bit in it and use it primarily for that. At $20 having a dedicated router works......
Thephranc
Well-known member
We used those bits rather successfully for about 2 years routing red oak and had no failures. Switched to ones 10x the price from the specialty hard wood supplier because the HF were dull and broke two in a day.
As with all HF your mileage may vary.
It's a decent trim router, my only concern with it would be how long the depth adjustment will work before it breaks.
I've used it on several projects in the last couple years and it has worked well for me. I wasn't willing/able to spend $100+ on a good "name brand" one and I have been happy with it. So far I've only used a flush trim bit in it and used it to flush trim edge banding on woodworking/furniture projects. Works great for that since it is so small and light and easy to hold and control.
emeraldcoupe
Well-known member
Brake Line Forming Tool - pass. makes good bends and seem to be built pretty well. cost me $7.49 plus tax w/ 25% coupon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/tube-bending-pliers-95782.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/tube-bending-pliers-95782.html
Thanks. I ended up getting a set of router bits from Menards for half the price. Who knew that you could get stuff cheaper than HF?
Solid Rubber Wheel Chock - FAIL.
They stink like heavy chemical rubber smell. The whole garage stunk. I figured after a few days the smell would go away. After a month, they still stunk, and I returned them.
After a month, I could also actually pick the rubber with my fingernail, and pieces chucked off. Like hard, old, dry rotted rubber.
I used them twice, and the rubber is so hard and crumbly, it doesn't bite into the floor like soft pliable rubber like a car tire. So it slips around and doesn't grip.
Returned them, and now just throw a couple cut pieces of 2x4's behind the tires.
They stink like heavy chemical rubber smell. The whole garage stunk. I figured after a few days the smell would go away. After a month, they still stunk, and I returned them.
After a month, I could also actually pick the rubber with my fingernail, and pieces chucked off. Like hard, old, dry rotted rubber.
I used them twice, and the rubber is so hard and crumbly, it doesn't bite into the floor like soft pliable rubber like a car tire. So it slips around and doesn't grip.
Returned them, and now just throw a couple cut pieces of 2x4's behind the tires.
PCO6
Well-known member
^^^ You must have got ones from a bad batch. I've had 2 pairs of those for at least 5 years and have never had any problems. I'll give them a sniff next time I'm in the garage but I've never noticed a smell.
soloz2
Well-known member
yeah. mine are great as well
What he said. Mine are great.
Maybe I got an old batch that was sitting in a warehouse for a decade. Mine stuck up the entire garage, you could smell them from 20 yards away. People would sniff and say "what's that smell!"
Smelled like rotten rubber. You could also pick the dry rotted rubber with your fingernail, and if crumbled like blue cheese. Maybe I got a bad batch.
Smelled like rotten rubber. You could also pick the dry rotted rubber with your fingernail, and if crumbled like blue cheese. Maybe I got a bad batch.
Purchased that router yesterday. Last night I decided to give it a try... when I went to tighten the depth adjustment, I made sure to be careful not to tighten it too much so that I wouldn't crack the plastic. Unfortunately, I didn't have to worry about that as the metal threads in the nut ended up breaking. Yes, part of the metal threading broke while tightening, so I didn't even get to use it once.
I thought about going back to exchange it for another one, but I wanted to get the counter top finished last night, so I just went and picked up a Bosch Colt (fixed speed). It cost me over 3.5x more than the one from HF, but I just couldn't take the risk that I'd have the same issue with the next one I got.
The Bosch worked great, and the HF one is going back for a refund.
So, for me, the trim outer (#44914) is a FAIL.
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PCO6
Well-known member
More than likely from a "new" batch. It may be that they're cutting more corners now than they did 10 years ago.
GCncsuHD
Well-known member
More than likely from a "new" batch. It may be that they're cutting more corners now than they did 10 years ago.
You can only cut corners for so long before it becomes a circle....
diggerrick
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2010
- Messages
- 996
I love mine - tied a piece of yellow HF poly rope to them for easier retrieval.
malibu_rod
Active member
- Joined
- Jul 26, 2012
- Messages
- 41
Like the others have said you might have a bad batch. I have 3 sets that I bought within a year and a half of each other and no problems with any of them. I do agree they do smell a bit.
wjamyers
Well-known member
Mine are fine too, had them about 6 months, never noticed a significant smell.