The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[b-body-bob]

I've got some of the blue/black ones. The problem I have with them is the store here only seems to stock XL size. There's not much to say, they hold up ok and have 4 fingers and a thumb.

I almost forgot - one pair I bought had two left hands.

 

[Wildstar]

I've been using the Blue/Black ones for years. Never had a problem with them. And when they get really nasty, I don't mind just pitching them.

 

[ggoss]

Can anyone give any input on the mechanic's gloves that HF sells? I see three different ones all under the Western Safety brand...

Blue/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-gloves-medium-61235.html

Green/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-gloves-with-spandex-medium-61236.html

Red/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-mechanics-glove-medium-68307.html

I'm trying to figure out the differences between the three (besides price) as well as any reviews on each to help me figure out which ones to get.

Thanks.

I own the blue ones (~1yr) and the green ones (~2 weeks). The blue ones and the red ones (from what I can recall after trying them on 2 weeks ago) have very little grip, whereas the green ones are very grippy. All have good mobility, breathe well, and are durable. Of the three, I vastly prefer the green ones.

 

[LEVE]

I have several pairs of the black/blue ones. When they get dirty I just throw them in the wash. I've always got a pair in the cars, and a couple in the tool cart and another pair in the house. I've a couple of pair of Mechanix gloves that have outlasted the HF gloves, but they also have had their issues. I'll continue to by the HF black/blue gloves. The one thing I don't like about them... the close on the top of the wrist, not the bottom of the wrist. I find that awkward.

 

[RAYJAY]

Can anyone give any input on the mechanic's gloves that HF sells? I see three different ones all under the Western Safety brand...

Blue/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-gloves-medium-61235.html

Green/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/mechanics-gloves-with-spandex-medium-61236.html

Red/Black ones
http://www.harborfreight.com/professional-mechanics-glove-medium-68307.html

I'm trying to figure out the differences between the three (besides price) as well as any reviews on each to help me figure out which ones to get.

Thanks.

I have the red blacks at work for a long time held up great,

i use these all the time have 6 or 7 pairs hold up good and warm

http://www.harborfreight.com/cold-weather-work-gloves-x-large-96612.html

 

[cheechi]

Red/black seem to be basically on par with the Mechanix or Kobalt ones. For me personally, there are some Kobalts that fit better than these other two but they wear out about the same. I mostly use mine working outside and construction/home improvement type tasks.

The blue/black ones, one of the guys at HF is a motorcycle mechanic and he likes them. I haven't worn them myself.

 

[newtothis2014]

Which 3 ton jack was PASS? They have 3 models, no idea why. I need one for my 08 impalas.

 

[MN4x4]

Pittsburg Pro Nut Drivers - look and feel fine, but the business end is recessed so far that it won't turn skinny fasteners like what they use on switches and indicator lights - which is what I bought them for.

I gotta give 'em an 'F-' since they won't do the job I bought them to do. They may be fine for other folks (lots of people seem to like them) but they don't work for me.

 

[fourtythree]

Which 3 ton jack was PASS? They have 3 models, no idea why. I need one for my 08 impalas.

I use the low profile. Nothing but good things to say about it. I think all of the grey 3 ton jacks are decent.

 

[roketa36]

Love my love profile steel jack.

 

[86k10]

Which 3 ton jack was PASS? They have 3 models, no idea why. I need one for my 08 impalas.

I just bought the 3 ton low profile jack with a $69.99 coupon from the HF coupon thread in the general garage section.

Only assemble the handle. I just tested it out on my Crown Victoria and that thing went very high. I will update it over the weekend when I use it more.

I have been using a 2 ton trolly jack for 14 years and don't know why it took so long to get a full size.

I almost bought the standard 3 ton but it kind of sits high, IIFC the low profile jack has a higher max lift then the standard one.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

seal puller #35556. complete fail. tried pulling a seal out of a timing cover, broke before the seal came out

 

[ADSR]

Previous statement redacted. Pittsburgh 69053 : too early to tell

This set looks pretty close to the canadian version from princess auto in canada. It's going on for 44 bucks. I think i better pick it up. Not sure if it's exactly the same, but close

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/...wn&utm_source=eflyer&utm_campaign=distributed

 

[efb16acrx]

Don't know about canada but I know here you can also get the astro pneumatic version with more pieces for 39.99 online typically. Of course the extra adapters may or may not matter to you, depending on what you are working on. I recently bought the matco branded version of it for 47.99 on sale.

 

[f575gtc]

This set looks pretty close to the canadian version from princess auto in canada. It's going on for 44 bucks. I think i better pick it up. Not sure if it's exactly the same, but close

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en/...wn&utm_source=eflyer&utm_campaign=distributed

Would these even work on Brembo calipers?

 

[Lhorn]

http://www.harborfreight.com/200-lb-capacity-portable-work-stand-38778.html/QUOTE]

200# capacity work stand - I'm going to call this one a fail.

The store didn't have these assembled so I bought a closed box sight unseen. Probably not a good idea at HF.

The tubing is thin and very light gauge.
Directions were typical **** but not a big deal because the item is easy assemble.
Although I think it will work for my needs, I would not trust this thing to hold 200# of anything that is being manipulated and worked on.

My biggest issue is that the tubing is dimpled at the area where the two legs are joined by a bolt to make a joint. These dimples kind of nest together. If you tighten up the bolts with the stand opened up, then the stand literally won't fold up. If you leave the bolts a bit loose so that the stand will fold up, then the joints are loose when the stand is set and seems unstable.

Part of the reason I bought this is because I thought "if I made this, it would cost way more in materials." I'm not sure in this case. The tubing seems really cheap and the end product looks extremely light duty.

If the store had one in stock I would have tried the 500# stand. Only a couple more dollars.

HF....when will I learn...

 

[IONH]

I read that there is a 20% restocking fee on small engines. I bought a 11hp Predator yesterday but the crank shaft is too large for my application so I want to return it. I have not put oil or gas in it yet. It has come out of the box, but that's it. Still attached to its piece of wood.

I'm hoping the fee only applies to engines which have had gas or oil put in.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I returned one under the same circumstances with no problem or charge.

 

[IONH]

Thanks ex for the confirmation.

 

[Engine]

seal puller #35556. complete fail. tried pulling a seal out of a timing cover, broke before the seal came out

FAIL
I bought one of these a couple of years ago. I only used it a once or twice and noticed that it became hard to keep it hooked behind the seal I was trying to pull. I took a close look at it and the longer hook had bent back at the tip so there was no way it could catch onto anything. I bent it back enough to make it work the last time and then ground off the bent part so it might work next time. If not, in the trash it goes.

 

[Engine]

I wanted to do an update on the vise I reported on about a month ago: 5 in. Multi-Purpose Vise Central-Forge - item#67415

So far it is still a PASS.

I use it about 3-4 times a week and it is still the same as when I bought it. The only complaint is that it seems kind of "gritty" when I rotate it. It is like there is still some metal shavings or grit on the inside of the housing. Maybe it is not machined very smoothly. I have not taken it apart to clean it, only greased what I could reach.

The handle turns smoothly and the jaws meet accurately. About the same quality level as some of the vises I tried at Lowes before I bought it, and about the same price. I use it on a welding table so I don't need it to be very good, just functional.

 

[BellyUpFish]

Take it apart and lube it. I bet that gritty goes right away.

 

[beaconterraone]

I just can't stomach gambling with tools. I'm sure there are a few items that are consistently dependable, but way too often I hear or read about Harbor Fake Tools items being utterly pathetic out of the package - even in HFT's website reviews! (I have to give them credit for allowing negative reviews). Some are even dangerous - especially those using electricity.

I also find the phony "legacy" names of "Pittsburgh" and "Chicago Electric" repugnant. Why not just be honest and call them "Dragon Tools" or "Panda Power" or something?

I also understand that HFT won't honor their "lifetime warranty" without an original receipt - I'm not an accountant or archivist! Hence, while I appreciate the effort people are making towards recommending HFT products that pass their personal experience, I must "pass" on risking an alternative experience.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I'll never throw another HF receipt away.. Not sure how many I'll get from here on out.

 

[Breen11]

I own the blue ones (~1yr) and the green ones (~2 weeks). The blue ones and the red ones (from what I can recall after trying them on 2 weeks ago) have very little grip, whereas the green ones are very grippy. All have good mobility, breathe well, and are durable. Of the three, I vastly prefer the green ones.

X2..

 

[owenst7]

I also understand that HFT won't honor their "lifetime warranty" without an original receipt - I'm not an accountant or archivist! Hence, while I appreciate the effort people are making towards recommending HFT products that pass their personal experience, I must "pass" on risking an alternative experience.

The harbor freights I've been in don't require a receipt. They don't even bat an eye on a warranty, unlike Sears which always requires a manager and an "explanation" of how it broke. The ratchets and sockets are of better quality than anything I've got from craftsman in the last five years or so too.

 

[fourtythree]

I'm assuming they require a receipt so people don't abuse the system, like people on this forum brag about doing from time to time.

 

[Rakoprtr]

I'm in the market for a digital batt tester Anybody used the centech it's item number 66892 seems to have decent reviews on their website

http://m.harborfreight.com/digital-...://www.google.com/&utm_medium=mobile_redirect

 

[ScottsGT]

I just can't stomach gambling with tools. I'm sure there are a few items that are consistently dependable, but way too often I hear or read about Harbor Fake Tools items being utterly pathetic out of the package - even in HFT's website reviews! (I have to give them credit for allowing negative reviews). Some are even dangerous - especially those using electricity.

I also find the phony "legacy" names of "Pittsburgh" and "Chicago Electric" repugnant. Why not just be honest and call them "Dragon Tools" or "Panda Power" or something?

I also understand that HFT won't honor their "lifetime warranty" without an original receipt - I'm not an accountant or archivist! Hence, while I appreciate the effort people are making towards recommending HFT products that pass their personal experience, I must "pass" on risking an alternative experience.

I understand your where you are coming from, but would you not consider even thinking of buying their tool cabinets vs. a tool trucks and saving THOUSANDS of dollars? Even their $40 welding cart is a great purchase. My local welding shop had the same exact cart, but the paint matched a little closer for $150.
Now if my income depended on my tools, no way would I take a chance on my Dragon Tools sockets or if I were a machinest would I use their dial calipers.
But I think that's the point of this thread. Some things aren't even a chance, just a great deal.

 

[Lhorn]

I also find the phony "legacy" names of "Pittsburgh" and "Chicago Electric" repugnant. Why not just be honest and call them "Dragon Tools" or "Panda Power" or something?/QUOTE]

I find that objectionable as well.

 

[BellyUpFish]

I'm assuming they require a receipt so people don't abuse the system, like people on this forum brag about doing from time to time.

Yeh, I can understand that, but I'm having a legitimate issue, the 2nd on one item, I've sent multiple emails with video of the issue.

"Sorry, these parts are not available for replacement, the entire unit must be replaced."

Oh? HF doesn't sell a 20T bottle jack?

I even asked for a COUPON to BUY the replacement at a better rate.. They couldn't even pull that off..

 

[f575gtc]

Titanium Nitride High Speed Steel Drill Bit Set, 29 Piece
Drill Master - item#5889

-FAIL-

Owned for 1 Day

Tried three of the smaller bits, and they broke instantly, will be returning for another set

 

[Wangstang]

Yeh, I can understand that, but I'm having a legitimate issue, the 2nd on one item, I've sent multiple emails with video of the issue.

"Sorry, these parts are not available for replacement, the entire unit must be replaced."

Oh? HF doesn't sell a 20T bottle jack?

I even asked for a COUPON to BUY the replacement at a better rate.. They couldn't even pull that off..

When was that experince?

What exactly were you trying to repair?

Wes

 

[BellyUpFish]

When was that experince?



What exactly were you trying to repair?



Wes

Still living it.. Just received me 2nd "we can't do anything for you" email.

Bought their new version of the 20T press in November. Cross brace was warped and drilled incorrectly. I asked for a replacement cross member. Harbor Freight is 1.5 hours from me, so disassembling the press, putting it back in the car and swapping it out for a cross member is a complete waste of time/money on a $170 item..

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

Ok. No go. Weld up incorrectly drilled holes, redrill and soldier on..

Go out last week to do some pressing, bottle jack doesn't work. So I reply to the previous "we can't help you conveniently" email and tell them of my issue, include a video of my issue and ask for a replacement bottle jack.

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

And that's all I've heard from them..

 

[owenst7]

Still living it.. Just received me 2nd "we can't do anything for you" email.

Bought their new version of the 20T press in November. Cross brace was warped and drilled incorrectly. I asked for a replacement cross member. Harbor Freight is 1.5 hours from me, so disassembling the press, putting it back in the car and swapping it out for a cross member is a complete waste of time/money on a $170 item..

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

Ok. No go. Weld up incorrectly drilled holes, redrill and soldier on..

Go out last week to do some pressing, bottle jack doesn't work. So I reply to the previous "we can't help you conveniently" email and tell them of my issue, include a video of my issue and ask for a replacement bottle jack.

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

And that's all I've heard from them..

The bottle jack is the same one as their standard 20 ton. Just take the bottle ******** and exchange it for a new one. Doesn't solve the issue with it being out of the way, but at least it gets around the issue of them not having a "replacement" part. If you have to, buy one a return this one as defective. I don't normally condone getting around warranty periods that way, but they're screwing with you and all you're doing is getting them to make it right.

 

[Wangstang]

Still living it.. Just received me 2nd "we can't do anything for you" email.

Bought their new version of the 20T press in November. Cross brace was warped and drilled incorrectly. I asked for a replacement cross member. Harbor Freight is 1.5 hours from me, so disassembling the press, putting it back in the car and swapping it out for a cross member is a complete waste of time/money on a $170 item..

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

Ok. No go. Weld up incorrectly drilled holes, redrill and soldier on..

Go out last week to do some pressing, bottle jack doesn't work. So I reply to the previous "we can't help you conveniently" email and tell them of my issue, include a video of my issue and ask for a replacement bottle jack.

"Unfortunately, the part you are requesting is not available as a replacement part. The entire shop press will have to be exchanged."

And that's all I've heard from them..

I'm sending you a PM with the email address for a person who's helped me out at HF everytime I've contacted them.

Wes

 

[ndr1968]

I just can't stomach gambling with tools. I'm sure there are a few items that are consistently dependable, but way too often I hear or read about Harbor Fake Tools items being utterly pathetic out of the package - even in HFT's website reviews! (I have to give them credit for allowing negative reviews). Some are even dangerous - especially those using electricity.

I also find the phony "legacy" names of "Pittsburgh" and "Chicago Electric" repugnant. Why not just be honest and call them "Dragon Tools" or "Panda Power" or something?

I also understand that HFT won't honor their "lifetime warranty" without an original receipt - I'm not an accountant or archivist! Hence, while I appreciate the effort people are making towards recommending HFT products that pass their personal experience, I must "pass" on risking an alternative experience.

Obviously born before the late great "American Auto Stores" of the 60's went down the tubes. Western Auto, Whites Auto, OTASCO etc et al; These were the original importers of cheap off shore tools and products and also, among Sears, Penny’s, Wards and others famous for renaming of product lines. Who out there owns a Ted Williams shotgun, or a Revelation .22? How about a "Silvertone" trumpet or guitar?

Any way the point is that compared to those early importers the quality of most HF tools is exponentially far and away above the "cheap Jap tools" of that era. We don't know how good we got it!

 

[Jasonfi]

I have bought a lot of HF tools. The only tool I can complain about is my recent purchase and that is the 3.99 snap ring pliers. Listed here: http://www.harborfreight.com/snap-ring-pliers-with-interchangeable-heads-60531.html

The issue is head has a tendency to twist applying pressure to the snap rings. But after all you get what you pay for. Another tool that I need, but I think I will pass on is the spring compressor for compressing strut springs. The tool is cheap $14.99, but I am not sure if I could trust a cheap tool for such a dangerous job.

 

[owenst7]

I have bought a lot of HF tools. The only tool I can complain about is my recent purchase and that is the 3.99 snap ring pliers. Listed here: http://www.harborfreight.com/snap-ring-pliers-with-interchangeable-heads-60531.html

The issue is head has a tendency to twist applying pressure to the snap rings. But after all you get what you pay for. Another tool that I need, but I think I will pass on is the spring compressor for compressing strut springs. The tool is cheap $14.99, but I am not sure if I could trust a cheap tool for such a dangerous job.

I have those (although mine came from NAPA). I have dubbed thee "snap ring flingers".

 

[Jasonfi]

I have those (although mine came from NAPA). I have dubbed thee "snap ring flingers".

Yes, exactly! I just dub mine flingers. Because I flung those POS across the room. I will probably buy a good pair somewhere else.

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