The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Bolster]

The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is decent, and some of it is horrid. But you never know which is which, till you buy it and try it.

So what if we made a thread where we posted our HF purchases with a PASS or FAIL grade? After awhile we could check this thread and see what's what.

A couple things to keep in mind:
1) If you have to fix it before it works, it's an automatic FAIL.
2) This thread is for identifying quality HF tools, and for warning fellow tool-heads away from low quality HF tools. It's NOT a thread for rejoicing about low cost.
3) Don't review tools until you've used them awhile. Posting self-congratulatory praise immediately after your purchase is not helpful. Use the tool awhile, then post.
4) Please post a product number or photo if possible.

Use the blue "Search This Thread" button above to find what you're looking for.

Another idea for searching this thread:

I figured out a cool way to view this thread. Search for "harbor freight pass fail" using the search function. It will highlight PASS and FAIL in red, making it easier to read.

WARNING: HF changes suppliers frequently. Good reviews on an item from months ago may tell you nothing about newly-sourced items currently found in stores. Look for recent ratings to guide your purchases.

Thread started: 12/27/2008

 

[Bolster]

I'll start.

Paint Gun Cleaning Set (contains mostly small bristle brushes): FAIL. The bristles fall off when you are cleaning the gun and lodge inside your paint gun, making an even bigger mess which requires tweezers and patience. On second thought, DOUBLE FAIL.

Buffing Wheels: somewhere between PASS & FAIL. They throw off a lot more threads than 'real' buffing wheels, take longer to break in, and seem to be more off-center, too. But they work once they are broken in.

Microfiber towels, major PASS...great for cleaning before painting.

Castors with Red Wheels: PASS, they work OK so far, no complaints.

Metal Socket Rails: FAIL, very hard to take sockets on and off.

Pipe Clamps (red): FAIL, they don't get very tight, and they twist more than 'real' (Jorgensen) pipe clamps. Purchased as disposable clamps for outdoor use, but not even good enough for that.

Dial Gauge on Magnetic Base: marginal PASS, are the same as sold by Lee Valley/Veritas. Obviously no competition for Starrett, but a temporary solution. The fine adjust is rougher than I'd hope.

Dial Calipers (stainless steel): Currently FAIL (2011) but older models PASS (2008). The 2008 calipers were a decent pair. Picked up a second pair in 2011, FAIL because they have dramatically cheapened the calipers. You can spot the new cheapened version by a black plastic thumb ramp, a two-step depth rod, no carriage cushion on the backside, and a horrible gritty feel, compared to the 2008 model.

Orange Dead Blow Hammers: PASS, held up for longer than I expected.

Plastic Storage Boxes/Containers: FAIL, the catches are way more difficult to work than other plastic storage boxes. I had to modify the catches with a Dremel to get them working appropriately.

Parallels: PASS. No complaints.

 

[Merkava_4]

Fail!! Bawahahahahahahahaha!!

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is OK, and some of it is horrible. But you never know which is which, till you buy it and try it. So what if we made a thread where we posted our HF purchases with a PASS or FAIL grade? After awhile we could check this thread and see what's what.

Sounds like a good idea...but you'll have to ban Merkava!

 

[ImportTuner]

Ok ... I bought two items from HF recently and they both PASS ..
First item was a floor jack saddle pad and the second item was a 3 lb neon orange dead blow hammer ...

 

[LoRollinLS]

digital vernier caliper for $15: PASS

Can we get a sticky on this thread? I think we need one of these threads for northern tool also...!

 

[Nik_95Cobra]

I didn't know they sold urethane jack pads. Maybe I can stomach going in there and pick one up for my jack.

 

[Stanger]

I like the idea of this thread as well. I'm planning a trip soon and would like to make a list. So far, urethane jack pad and dead blow.

My contribution is the right angle die grinder:

PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great.

 

[unclethumbtack]

1/2 inch drive impact sockets: Pass
12 ton Jack Stands: Pass
Full Polished combo end wrenches: Pass so far
Grinders: Fail
Ratchet Straps:Fail

 

[J.A.F.E.]

2 Ton cherry picker with foldable legs: Pass
Engine leveler for above: Fail
3 ton and 6 Ton jack stands: Pass
US General 44" roll cab: Pass
Wooden handled hammers: Fail
Nitrile Gloves (dark blue 50/box): Pass

~Steve

 

[MikeN]

6" Digital Caliper - PASS

1/2" Crown Air Stapler - PASS (although it lacks a safety, still value at $20)

MOTORCYCLE WHEEL CHOCK - PASS

BUTANE PENCIL TORCH - PASS / FAIL
Was great while it lasted, but didn't even get a year of use out of it. Cheap enough though.

 

[ImportTuner]

The HF digital caliper sure looks like the Mitutoyo caliper ...

 

[bchee]

I think the Drill Master unibits PASS. Some members made some positive comments about them. They always seem to be on sale too
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91616

 

[bchee]

I would give the 1/4 rotohead ratchet a PASS. It's been working fine so far.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96781

 

[oldtools]

1/2 inch impact socket: Pass
1/2 and 3/8 impact extensions: Pass
1/2 25" breaker bar: Pass
4 piece professional adjustable wrenches: Pass
Midget hammer: Pass
2 pieces rubber strap wrench set: Pass
2 pieces "talon" wrench set: Pass
3 pieces hex drill extension: Pass
1/2, 3/8, 1/4 tumb ratchets: Pass
4 pieces socket adapters: Pass
45 pieces tap and die: Pass
OBD II code reader: Pass
Inline spark checker: Pass
4 piece nomarring scrapper set: Pass
magnetic tray: Pass
AC manifold gauge set: Pass
Funnels: Pass
Disc brake tool set: Pass
Coil spring compressor: Almost pass
Sandpaper (their lowest quality version): Fail

And too many others to list

 

[Coach James]

Digital caliper: Pass

Boxes of chip brushes and foam brushes: Pass

Step drill bits: Pass

Blue tarp: Pass

1" rotary hammer a friend bought: Pass

Rubber mallet: Pass

15" adjustable wrench: Pass but I only use it to fix toilets and urinals...i.e. not much torque.

Welding pliers: Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93062

Swivel Pad pliers: Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=37006

Sandpaper: FAIL..sanding with a piece of toast would be better.

1 ton chain hoist: Pass. My buddy uses his on his farm and no problems.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=996

Magnetic parts bowl: Pass

Carpenter pencil: Pass


Coach

 

[Lhorn]

HF flare nut wrench set - Fail. Rounded off the flare nuts like crazy. If your flare nuts are pristine, they may do the job, but if they're a bit crusty forget about it. Craftsman replacement worked perfectly.

1/2 in drive impact socket set - pass

 

[bchee]

disc brake pad piston compressor - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34304

 

[iamhistory]

Large size, black handle, telescoping magnetic pickup tool: Passes nicely

Small pocket size (orange in color) telescoping magnetic pickup tool: Fail, flimsy, bent easily and magnet falls out

Black plastic handle (SO look alikes) heavy duty type screwdrivers on sale for $4.49 for a set of 8: Pass w/ no problems so far and I actually like using them

Metric Stubby combination wrenches: Pass. They aren't comparable to my Williams set of SAE stubbies, but they are a nice little set of stubbies.

Round tractor utility lights: Pass, all though I thought they were floods and they ended up being a spotlight type style.

 

[yellowbox]

disc brake pad tool FAIL X2
brass hammer PASS used for years at 5.99 good deal now cost 25.00
tap and die set PASS so havent used too many times
ball pein hammer PASS came loose after much use repaired good as new
stubby metric wrenches PASS dont use alot but come in handy and didnt cost 150.00
automotive boost box FAIL biggest ************* i ever bought dont think it would start a lawnmower
drill bits PASS barely but price was right
rubber shot filled hammer PASS use the hell out of it
pliers PASS but only good for at home not at work
** large pliers PASS the only pair i use at work to remove stubborn oil filters has paid for itself many times
3/8 drive impact sockets PASS have broken a few and tossed away but they lasted for yrs and if i lose one ...oh well ....do these have a warrenty?

 

[eschoendorff]

The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is OK, and some of it is horrible. But you never know which is which, till you buy it and try it.

So what if we made a thread where we posted our HF purchases with a PASS or FAIL grade? After awhile we could check this thread and see what's what.

Pre-emptive apologies to all those who hate HF, (particularly Merkava, who will be compelled to wreak havoc in this thread), and to all others who would never shop there, and are offended that this thread even exists.

Oddly enough, there is already a new Yahoo group dedicated to this, although it is relatively new, not many posts yet:


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rate_harborfreight_tools/?yguid=254625666


I prefer a thread like this though. The Yahoo group formats are a lot more of a PITA to use compare to these vBulletin forums. You guys might want to check it out though....


Then there is this thread that has been running on pirate4x4.com forever:

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521056&highlight=harbor+freight

I'm surprised that I beat Nissan Crawler to this one

 

[Rickster]

Metal socket rails with clips: PASS
Brad Nailer, the purple one: PASS
Angle grinder: Pass - cheap & lightweight, but will break down
Western Safety work gloves: PASS marginably, OK for general work
Dust Mask, get the doctor style: Pass

 

[Stephenw]

Then there is this thread that has been running on pirate4x4.com forever:

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521056&highlight=harbor+freight

I'm surprised that I beat Nissan Crawler to this one

I never noticed you were on pirate4x4 before.

I think this was the original HF good tools thread...

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434877

and the do not buy...

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=552514

 

[unclethumbtack]

I never noticed you were on pirate4x4 before.

I think this was the original HF good tools thread...

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434877

and the do not buy...

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=552514

Pirate4x4 has consumed more of my time than all the other website combined.

 

[blue302stang]

My contribution is the right angle die grinder:

PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great.

I would have to go with fail on this one. The head keeps on loosening up on its own or just completely falling apart.

Fail, fills tires with air, but gauge is about 20psi off

Chrome 3/8 12pt sockets: Pass, i was actually really impressed with the
quality.

Can't beat the price, and they actually hold up pretty well.

 

[gotmud13613]

Ball joint - U-joint press PASS ( mines been used and abused )
3pc hose gripper pliers PASS
Long shaft (orange) Elec die grinder PASS So good I bought 2
Inline spark checker PASS (great for small engines)
Pocket type blow gun PASS
Retaining Ring Pliers FAIL (these things plain ****)
Orange dead blow hammer PASS
Black dead blow hammer FAIL ( breaks off in chunks )
HD cable cutters (orange handle) PASS
Brake cailper kit PASS (so far)
Extra deep 5/8" plug socket PASS fit and finish on these are really good
Bungee Cords in container FAIL ( only good for about 3 uses then stretch out)
4pc 3 jaw pullers PASS

Forgot a couple of things

3 pc steps drills PASS
Pry Bars PASS (if your not tring to move or lift an engine)

 

[tacoma_2002]

3/8" drive central pneumatic impact wrench - pass (and i've used the **** out of it) only 75ft lbs though

BUT! i bought a 1/2" drive that is supposed to put out 250ft lbs and it was a FAIL! bought one and returned it for another and it was the same way! the 3/8" drive will loosen things that the 1/2" wont!

soon to have a review on a air ratchet and die grinder

-Andrew

 

[blue302stang]

Forgot one

Was really suprised by the quality, drawers can handle quite a bit of weight and made out of a pretty thick gauge steel. Plus i like the rhino type liner all over the box.

 

[jay50]

One box of wood screws: Pass........LOL

 

[kwhitelaw]

PASS:
these or the black ones that can be had for $1.99 a pack sometimes...

As long as you dont overwork them (prying too far, use when extremely cold) they work just as good as the ones you can get from bojo that cost 5 times as much...

and if you break one (like I did when I tried using one one extremely cold night) you are only out pocket change. I ended up filling down the point where it cracked and now can use it again.

Bojo makes a couple different hardnesses for these, so if interior panel removal is a normal thing for you, you may want to pick up a couple sets from there also. can never have too many.

kevin

 

[JB740i]

BUTANE PENCIL TORCH - PASS / FAIL
Was great while it lasted, but didn't even get a year of use out of it. Cheap enough though.

Maybe we need to identify a level of pass/fail. If something doesn't last a year that isn't specifically designed to be disposable then I'd say it a FAIL.

But maybe you used it everyday or something. I would only use it as a novelty.

 

[Stephenw]

I would have to go with fail on this one. The head keeps on loosening up on its own or just completely falling apart.

They all do that. I've owned several over the years, from Ingersoll Rand, to Blue Point, to Campbell Hausfeld, to Harbor Freight.

A friend owns an older one (I don't know the brand) where the angle portion is cast as a solid piece. I wish you could still get them like that.

I've used high strength threadlocker on mine.

 

[stioc]

I'm usually pretty easy on my tools but a few have been used beyond their usage specs like two guys pushing on the breaker bar to undo the axle nut on a '97 Accord.

Goodyear air compressor hose: PASS
Impact socket set: PASS
Impact gun both 1/2" and 3/8": PASS
Alumimum jack: PASS
Welding helmet: PASS
Welding cart: PASS
Transmission jack (scissor kind): PASS
Breaker bars: PASS
File set: PASS
Angle grinder: PASS
5lb sledge: PASS
Pry bar set: FAIL (bend like noodles)
Universal joint socket adapters: FAIL (pins popped out)

 

[MarkH]

With HF offering about 3 versions of everything. We need to mention model numbers and when purchased.

The when purchased is important since there may be a hidden change of manufacturer of a key part that changes the quality. They did this with some paint guns from fair to skip it.

 

[NSXSOON]

Diamond core drill bits-Pass I was really skeptical about buying two sets of two different sizes for about $5 each on sale. I thought they would each drill a couple of holes and be trash, not so, I've used one size to drill 30 plus holes in glass building block and it's still working like new. Can't beat them for the price.

 

[blue302stang]

They all do that. I've owned several over the years, from Ingersoll Rand, to Blue Point, to Campbell Hausfeld, to Harbor Freight.

A friend owns an older one (I don't know the brand) where the angle portion is cast as a solid piece. I wish you could still get them like that.

I've used high strength threadlocker on mine.

I have a cornwell that the head is one piece but it's a gearless one. I like it the best out of all the angle grinders I have used

 

[383astro]

Aviation Snips....Fail Miserably

orange handle Pry Bars..... so so, dont hold up to much

1/2 Deep Impact Sockets....Pass, had for about 10 years and have taken thousands of lugnuts off

5 pc wood handle ball peins....pass

spinning deburr tool with screwdriver handle....fail, never worked, handle was locked up and wont spin freely, took bit out and use it in drill

stepped drill bits...pass, work nicely

1/2 breaker bar....Pass, very nice piece, very strong and has a allen head bolt instead of a press pin, one of my better buys

thats all I can think of right now

 

[ZRX61]

Harbor Freight shopping carts, the ones you use to carry everything to the check-out: FAIL!

Had one collapse under the weight of a few tools, my comment to the store worker that "maybe you shouldn't source your shopping carts where you get the rest of your ****" raised a smile..

 

[Kurn]

HF reciprocating saw-PASS. !0 yrs old,can't kill it.
HF portable band saw-FAIL. Burned up after 2 yrs of limited use
3/4 impact sockets-PASS
1/2 impact sockets-PASS

 

[Danglerb]

Harbor Freight utility cart, seems identical to the rubbermaid version, PASS.

CFL shop light, PASS

Quality is "usually" Pittsburgh Pro, Pittsburgh, something else.