The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[doan]

Pittsburgh 3/4 Drive Jumbo Socket Set SAE- PASS

don't use this often but have gotten it out several times over the last 2 weeks breaking some large bolts loose on some Air Relief Valves. No problems with slipping/breaking. Have used with extension and cheater bar w/ 2 men on it.

http://www.harborfreight.com/21-piece-sae-3-4-quarter-inch-industrial-quality-socket-set-40996.html


edit: should point out that these are 12 point. I would prefer them to be 6 point

with sizes over an inch is 6 point really that important? I prefer 6 point too, but it seems like at larger sizes a 12 point has plenty of surface.

 

[usmc_noma]

Too bad I don't have a northern tool nearby.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

Try ordering online. I believe shipping isn't much from their site. You may be able to find a free shipping code too. I know I have seen them before online.

 

[soloz2]

Try ordering online. I believe shipping isn't much from their site. You may be able to find a free shipping code too. I know I have seen them before online.

I actually just placed an order from Northern a couple weeks ago for a worksharp KO edition. But I realized that TSC sells Flexzilla air hoses for $30 so a $30 rubber hose doesn't have as much appeal to me right now IMO.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

 

[mp23]

Pass...Quality construction, very complete set. Only gotta use it a couple times before my son robbed it from me. He's a tool abuser and so far its been pretty darn good he says.

I have had one of these for years, I would estimate 75 brake jobs have been do with it. Not a single issue well worth the money

 

[MrJaron93]

There are a lot of tools i use from there... I am very critical of them though so if a tool doesn't work out i upgrade.

but here are some reviews for tools i use (or that fail) often.

First up,
- 26" US General box. (#67831)
Bought this for $125 off retail cause the top chest had no box.
PASS
I will note though that the wheels could use an upgrade. But as you can see i stress the box quite a bit. Drawers are a bit fidgety at times, but works well enough.

- Locker style side box can't find part number, sorry.
PASS
The drawers in the bottom of this work well. Shelves have held up well.

Here is a picture of both.

- 1/2" air ratchet (#35227)
(Barely) PASS
Works okay. Freezes up quite often though. Thankfully i don't use it much.

- 1/4" air ratchet (#34900)
PASS
Works much better than the 1/2".

- medium barrel air hammer (#69886)
(BARELY) FAIL
The only reason i failed this is because i recently upgraded to an IR hammer. After using that, I feel this hammer is vastly underpowered and not as useable.

- Impact extensions (1/2" and 3/8")
PASS
These work fine for how cheap they are. they haven't beaten up the gun and I haven't broken any (yet)

- 3/8" metric impact swivel sockets (#67908)
PASS
the HF website shows ones without springs. But the ones i have have springs around the outside as shown:

Be careful with the spring i have already messed one of them up in a tight spot. haha
Other than that these work great!

- 3/8" composite ratchet (no ticket number for the one i have, it is the straight handle not the angled)
PASS
Bought this cause it was cheap and i needed an extra one after my good ratchet broke.
The rubber handle chips up easy but mechanically it works fine.

- Seal puller
FAIL
Made of weak metal. I've broken a few on some stuck seals.

- Blind hole puller (#95987)
PASS
Last time i did a clutch i broke one of the collets. But only because i beat the living **** out of this kit.
I stood up to a lot of abuse before breaking.

- 12 piece punch set (green) (#66440)
(Barely) PASS
These are made of a softer metal than i would hope. I have to sharpen them pretty often. But they were $10 so for the price it is not a bad set.

- 22 Piece screwdriver set (#95112)
FAIL
Bought these on a deal so i could keep a set in the truck. terrible terrible set. Almost everytime i use them, one breaks.

- brake line bender (no ticket number)
PASS
Works pretty well. I don't use it often but its nice to have.
Picture (The blue thing at the top of the drawer)

- Double flare tool (#66534)
(Barely) PASS
You have to know what you doing using this. It took a couple of tries to get the flare right. So the tools was not easy to use but once i figured it out the flares don't leak.

- 6 piece brush set (#93610)
FAIL
Metal brushes are too soft, brass is okay, plastic isn't worth anything.

- 4.5" Cutting wheels
PASS
They wear fairly quick but are okay.

- 4.5" Grinders (#60625) or (#69645)
FAIL
My brother refuses to buy anything but these. He goes through 8-10 a year. Everything about them fails. And we put these things to the test A LOT!!

- Metric tap and die set (#39384)
(Barely) PASS
T-handle broke on the first tap. But everything else about the kit works okay.

 

[navymech]

Looking for some cheap deadblow and ball-pein hammers. Seems the orange deadblows are pretty liked, but any word on the ball-pein set?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-fiberglass-handle-ball-pein-hammer-set-39217.html

 

[diggerrick]

Looking for some cheap deadblow and ball-pein hammers. Seems the orange deadblows are pretty liked, but any word on the ball-pein set?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-fiberglass-handle-ball-pein-hammer-set-39217.html

Considering they are on sale for $18, and I just saw a 25% off coupon in the weekly coupon flyer, for $13.50 it's hard to go wrong.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I don't know about the composite handled hammers, but the wood handled hammers are junk. On every one I have ever used the heads always become loose.

 

[blackcube]

Considering they are on sale for $18, and I just saw a 25% off coupon in the weekly coupon flyer, for $13.50 it's hard to go wrong.

We use them in the machine shop, most machines have a set in the roller box with the tooling. After three years of beating the hell out of every stubborn setup in the shop, none have broken. You can't beat the price.

 

[Provincial]

I have had a set of the wood-handled ball pein hammers for over 10 years and have not had any problems with the handles, softness, or chipping. The handle may become loose in areas of low humidity or fluctuating humidity, but that is common with all wood handles.

 

[Mr.3-5-7]

Looking for some cheap deadblow and ball-pein hammers. Seems the orange deadblows are pretty liked, but any word on the ball-pein set?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-fiberglass-handle-ball-pein-hammer-set-39217.html

Have had mine for a few years and beat on them everyday. No chips, no cracks, no looseness in the head. Theyre great hammers.

 

[navymech]

Awesome, thanks for all the quick feedback guys! Looks like I'll be picking up a set this weekend

 

[snowboarda42]

#7608- 22 piece tapered drill set with countersink - Big time FAIL. Bit broke on 3rd hole, allowing me to finally realize that they are half the thickness of any real drill bit of the same size, and the twist/cut on them is extremely shallow, allowing for a weak bit. The countersink portion is also already dull after 3holes drilled. These are going back.

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

 

[akasephiroth]

I busted a ratchet from HF changing oil!!!! Took it back asked about the warranty 30 mins later the manager finds me and asked what set the ratchet came out of, I took him to the set it came out of he pops it open compares the ratchet, says "yep looks like the same one do you have your receipt?" I explain i had bought the set over a year ago and that it clearly states on the box LIFETIME WARRANTY yet he insist that all exchanges in-store require a receipt but i could call a number (that i tossed) and send it back to the manufacture to have it replace......since then I have busted 6 more sockets out of that same set, and bent nearly every wrench in the set.

as for pass fail.

http://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-on-digital-multimeter-95683.html FAIL!!!!! Worked fine for 2 or 3 days then I check a battery output with car running and it was amazing to see 40+ volts in a 12 volt battery.....

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-92020.html Pass/Fail. With some minor adjustments this Meter is a great pocket meter or tool belt meter but i advise replacing the leads, I have blew the fuse in this meter once before, found a replacement fuse for $.97 at radio shack.

http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html MAJOR FAIL!!!!! As mentioned before this set is a waste and the tallahassee HF will not warranty without receipt...But worst of all is the scare on my right hand where the Crappy Ratchet busted and I punched the corner of the frame. Ive nearly busted ever socket in this set as well with minimum use.

http://www.harborfreight.com/580-lb-capacity-four-drawer-tool-cart-95659.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiODY1MTEwNjEiLCJza3UiOiI5NTY1OSIsImlzIjoiMTAzLjk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p%0D%0AZCI6IjMyNTkifQ%3D%3D%0D%0A Pass!!!! Amazing box has took a beating!!!! Currently using this box as a top box for my 42" Husky, took the bottom half and having a metal slab welded to it to make a work cart.

 

[Hootbro]

I busted a ratchet from HF changing oil!!!! Took it back asked about the warranty 30 mins later the manager finds me and asked what set the ratchet came out of, I took him to the set it came out of he pops it open compares the ratchet, says "yep looks like the same one do you have your receipt?" I explain i had bought the set over a year ago and that it clearly states on the box LIFETIME WARRANTY yet he insist that all exchanges in-store require a receipt but i could call a number (that i tossed) and send it back to the manufacture to have it replace......since then I have busted 6 more sockets out of that same set, and bent nearly every wrench in the set.

as for pass fail.

http://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-on-digital-multimeter-95683.html FAIL!!!!! Worked fine for 2 or 3 days then I check a battery output with car running and it was amazing to see 40+ volts in a 12 volt battery.....

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-92020.html Pass/Fail. With some minor adjustments this Meter is a great pocket meter or tool belt meter but i advise replacing the leads, I have blew the fuse in this meter once before, found a replacement fuse for $.97 at radio shack.

http://www.harborfreight.com/64-piece-14-38-and-12-socket-set-67995.html MAJOR FAIL!!!!! As mentioned before this set is a waste and the tallahassee HF will not warranty without receipt...But worst of all is the scare on my right hand where the Crappy Ratchet busted and I punched the corner of the frame. Ive nearly busted ever socket in this set as well with minimum use.

http://www.harborfreight.com/580-lb-capacity-four-drawer-tool-cart-95659.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiODY1MTEwNjEiLCJza3UiOiI5NTY1OSIsImlzIjoiMTAzLjk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p%0D%0AZCI6IjMyNTkifQ%3D%3D%0D%0A Pass!!!! Amazing box has took a beating!!!! Currently using this box as a top box for my 42" Husky, took the bottom half and having a metal slab welded to it to make a work cart.

Sounds like you need to make the leap and either upgrade to some better American made hand tools, or start shopping at Lowes, HD or Sears for a better warranty experience if you are not keen on keeping a receipt if your local HF insists on it.

I am not against HF per say as they have some gems that are a value, but with the exception of the roll cart, you seem to have found the lowest quality tool that can be had for each of the other items you bought.

 

[akasephiroth]

Oh yeah i done learned my lesson. I'm working on getting to 80% Husky. I only originally went to HF because of price and it was suggested bye my uncle but even there I dont have a local HF as the closest store is 30miles away. I changed out my HF wrenches for Husky a few months back and I cant get over how much better they are. Got a few stanley socket sets for Christmas. Wife picked me up some odd and end craftsman stuff for christmas, a few screwdrivers, a ratchet to replace the one HF wouldn't. And i just ordered the Husky Deep impact and Gear wrench shallow impacts to replace the last of my HF stuff outside the box.

Cant say ill never buy anything else from HF but i cant be sure of one thing ill never buy anything else that will be used often.

 

[cheechi]

Sorry you had **** luck but honestly that set and those ratchets don't look all that nice anyway. HF has plenty of nice ratchets. The roto style, the composites, this & this (both look new to me, or at least fairly recent addition) are pretty decent. I have more expensive ones than these and usually use these, especially the composites here in winter time.

95473 is pretty decent. More comfortable to use than a regular chuck key but I can see how its not as hard as others so it might chip some but I've had mine for a while without any issues.

 

[jd_1138]

Oh yeah i done learned my lesson. I'm working on getting to 80% Husky. I only originally went to HF because of price

Husky prices are actually about the same as HF. I paid $7 for a pair of HF Channel Lock style groove-joint pliers. Then at Home Depot, I saw a 3 piece Husky set for $9 that included groove joint pliers (same size), medium slip joint pliers, and a nice adjustable wrench.

I will be perusing HD/Lowe's first from now on. Husky seems to offer a better product at about the same price or even better.

 

[asmasm]

Harbor Freight 2 ton low profile floor jack:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68050.html

Pass. This thing is solid.

1/2" drive electric impact:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html

Pass. Lots of power. It is so loud that I open my mouth while using it.

Drill Master Heat gun:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

Fail. The first time using it smoke poured out of it. I shut it off and haven't tried it since.

 

[NC-Shaun]

Drill Master Heat gun:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

Fail. The first time using it smoke poured out of it. I shut it off and haven't tried it since.[/QUOTE]

Hmmm, I have had mine for 2 years and used it to warm bearing housings, remove sticky graphic residue from metal, and heat shrink...... I would swap yours out for another and give it another go.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I am thinking of buying a floor jack. I do not do much wrenching on my 4x4, but i do plan on installing a small lift kit on it soon. I usually only lift one corner of my FJ Cruiser at a time, and then install a jack stand and move to the next corner.

Lightweight and minimal seems to be what I keep thinking about, over the larger 3 ton jacks that weigh alot.

So I am thinking of buying this. I have 2 questions.

1. Is this a good choice for my vehicle, and needs?

2. I saw a plastic nylon pad that fits over the jack saddle somewhere at Harbor Freight. Would you guys give me a link to that, and tell me if it would work on this jack?

Pittsburgh Automotive - item#68053

http://www.harborfreight.com/rapid-pump-15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-jack-68053-html-7814.html

 

[Engine]

Harbor Freight 2 ton low profile floor jack:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-ton-heavy-duty-low-profile-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68050.html

Pass. This thing is solid.

1/2" drive electric impact:
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html

Pass. Lots of power. It is so loud that I open my mouth while using it.

Drill Master Heat gun:
http://www.harborfreight.com/1500-watt-dual-temperature-heat-gun-572-1112-96289.html

Fail. The first time using it smoke poured out of it. I shut it off and haven't tried it since.

I bought that floor jack about two years ago and it still works fine. No leakdown and no leaks.

On the heat gun; the one I bought did smoke some too, but after it heated up good the smoke stopped and it worked fine. I think it was coming from some internal lube rather than the wiring burning or some other failure.

 

[Engine]

Has anyone used the 8 Piece Metric Offset Box Wrench Set from HF?
I was thinking about getting a set since I can't find any that are in the low/medium price range other than these. It seems that most other brands are a lot more than these. I just wonder if these are one of the "junk" tools that they sell, or if they are somewhat worth the money?

 

[cheechi]

I have used them. They are not super fancy and may not last the long haul but they got some bolts on & off for me in the past. Not as bad as many china wrenches, not as nice as USA cman RP's. Hope that gives you a useful answer.

 

[Exceller8]

Has anyone used the 8 Piece Metric Offset Box Wrench Set from HF?
I was thinking about getting a set since I can't find any that are in the low/medium price range other than these. It seems that most other brands are a lot more than these. I just wonder if these are one of the "junk" tools that they sell, or if they are somewhat worth the money?

The only problem I have with them is that they are made in India. They will probably be just fine until you can find something better.

 

[cburnscrx]

Has anyone used the 8 Piece Metric Offset Box Wrench Set from HF?
I was thinking about getting a set since I can't find any that are in the low/medium price range other than these. It seems that most other brands are a lot more than these. I just wonder if these are one of the "junk" tools that they sell, or if they are somewhat worth the money?

I've got them in both SAE and MM. They're fine and I've had no issues. That being said I bought the USA Craftsman versions just because.

 

[subarub4]

The HF 750 engine stand, I put my Subaru engine up on the stand and man no way I would trust it anyplace near it's 750 rating.. just around 250 Lb the stand was leaning far forward for some reason.

 

[92integra]

can anyone give me a pass or fail on swivel impact sockets ? i read some of the reviews on the 1/2" drive set on the hf sight and the reviews seemed to good to be true. wondering if anyone in garage journal land can tell me how these things hold up in a daily use / abuse scenario ?

 

[Engine]

Thanks for the response on the offset wrenches. Maybe I can use them until I can justify buying a better brand.

 

[kenburkholz]

The off set wrenches are just fine, I had to use them last week on a small fractional horsepower motor, and they worked fine. I was especially impressed with the way they fit. As for the 1/2" wobble impacts, I have also used them and can say they performed beautifully. Ken.

 

[Aquaticbob]

can anyone give me a pass or fail on swivel impact sockets ? i read some of the reviews on the 1/2" drive set on the hf sight and the reviews seemed to good to be true. wondering if anyone in garage journal land can tell me how these things hold up in a daily use / abuse scenario ?

read some good reviews about certain swivel sockets. I can't remember exactly what item # they were that were the good ones. Should search this thread for the reviews on them. I'm looking at picking up some now, really liking the impact sockets that HF has, which leads to my review:

8 piece 1/2" drive metric Hex Impact sockets (need to update item # when I get home): Pass

Needed these for my brake calipers and they have been doing me good so far. I really like how they are pretty lengthy as I have seen a few that are short and make it hard to get the hex into the right spot. I could see how the long bit might get in the way, but I find it as a necessity. The only downside so far is that the plastic thing they come on REALLY *****, took me like a minute to pull the first socket off the holder and I wasn't able to put it back onto it. Will need to get a socket rail for them for sure. Make sure to use a 25% off coupon.

 

[92integra]

Thanks for the responses on the 1/2 inch drive swivel sockets guys I'm really considering picking up a set. Any pro's out the beating theses up if so I'd like to get some more info before I run to hf today.... any comments on the 3/8ths drive set are welcome as well

 

[cagullett1]

Anyone have any luck with these sawhorses? Seems like the main complaint is missing hardware.

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-piece-foldable-saw-horse-set-41577.html

Or these?

http://www.harborfreight.com/foldable-adjustable-sawhorse-69059.html

 

[Uncle Ben]

cagullett1: I have the pair of folding sawhorses from your first link, item 41577
I like them. They feel sturdy once you set them up, but they are top-heavy since the legs are fairly thin metal (but still plenty strong), and the tops are a thick componsite of some kind, but I do like that the tops are wide and can even be used as a small work surface. My only complaint about them is that they are a little big to store, due to the large tops, but I knew that when I bought them.

 

[cheechi]

I also have some of the 41577. They're good at being saw horses. They aren't pretty per se, but they are currently sitting my parents car port and the paint hasn't chipped, not rusted through, etc. I put a few layers of poly over the mdf top parts so I can't say how they would have held up bare.

Where they aren't as good is being perfectly steady/square (jobsite table, etc) unless you take the time to put them together, loosen everything and go one by one with them 'sitting' in their open position. You might have to fuss with the pre drilled holes some, I had to for 2 or 3 of mine. I put the plastic feet on mine with 2 part epoxy (I think, maybe gorilla glue) because they wouldn't stay on otherwise.

 

[diggerrick]

Anyone have any luck with these sawhorses? Seems like the main complaint is missing hardware.

http://www.harborfreight.com/two-piece-foldable-saw-horse-set-41577.html

Or these?

http://www.harborfreight.com/foldable-adjustable-sawhorse-69059.html

I have the 41577's also. Same comments as others - they work great for what they're made for, but take up a lot of storage space when they're not being used.

 

[WVBrady]

... The only downside so far is that the plastic thing they come on REALLY *****, took me like a minute to pull the first socket off the holder and I wasn't able to put it back onto it. Will need to get a socket rail for them for sure. Make sure to use a 25% off coupon.

I broke the tab for the first one that I took off, but by carefully twisting the others on and off a few times I was able to make them work. They loosened up after a few times on and off. The few times that I used them they seemed ok.

 

[becker_atc]

Anybody use the 12" miter saw? I read reviews on hf site. Seems decent got a coupon for like $140 in my email.

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...-miter-saw-with-laser-guide-system-69684.html

 

[paigej]

These are awesome for getting the most out of your air tools. I had a cutoff wheel that had no power and a DA sander that was the same. After changing my quick connects to these, no more problems! Same size threads but double the air flow. Here they are side by side with normal 1/4" connectors

 

[Aquaticbob]

These are awesome for getting the most out of your air tools. I had a cutoff wheel that had no power and a DA sander that was the same. After changing my quick connects to these, no more problems! Same size threads but double the air flow. Here they are side by side with normal 1/4" connectors

I just bought some of these last weekend and the female connector leaks like no other. I had to go and get another because I was losing so much out of my little tank the motor was almost constantly on