Provincial
Well-known member
I will not own a blow gun that isn't made of metal. But then I use 175 psi of air pressure. Don't think I'm a HF snob, because I own several HF blow guns!
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
Back in school one of our safety rules in the shop was blow guns all had locked-out regulators on them so they blew 30 psi. I know you can get the safety blow ends now but they weren't as common before.
There was one of those safety videos we had to watch, according to it as little as 60 psi is enough to break skin. Something that always stuck with me if i'm blowing off dirt & dust I will turn it down every time.
norry
Well-known member
IMHO any air tool not designed for 'normal' full line pressure should be marked to that effect, whether it's HF or Snappy.
And yeah, when I read about tools bursting into flames or flying apart at high speed, I do wonder how HF manages to steer clear of the lawyers sometimes!
And yeah, when I read about tools bursting into flames or flying apart at high speed, I do wonder how HF manages to steer clear of the lawyers sometimes!
NoSloCoupes
Well-known member
How about sending that email my way? All stores are about 1 hour each way from me. Bought a textured paint 7 drawer end cabinet. Opened it up and its got a huge scratch, plus the drawers don't even match my box, upper chest and end cabinet i bought a couple years ago. This thing must be really old??
Last edited:
I find it didn't run as well as lincoln wire from home depot, and for the same price i could get the lincoln wire, maybe thats just me
I like about 90+ psi to take off paint and I wear gloves.
Hint, stuff in a shop isn't safe to play with, everything needs directions followed and safety practices, not making tools useless attempting to idiot proof them.
Yeah this was high school auto shop. I still stick a regulator before the blow gun in my own garage out of habit, sometimes I put it wide open but often if i'm just cleaning stuff up I start low and go up to whats needed. I think I have one with a safety end but I never use it.
Anyone own the 90 amp flux wire welder from HF? If so do you think it's a decent welder for the average do it yourselfer? I see it's on sale for 79.99 March 7-9 and I was thinking about picking one up.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
Put it this way. I kept one on the property (along with my big Miller), just to weld up stuff like the front security gate. B/C I could carry it out there...vs the big Miller.
I used it for repairs, but not for fab or anything. I recently found a Lincoln WeldPak for $150 on CL, bought it and sold the HF 90. The Lincoln is 10x better.
So...it kinda depends what you want it for.
FOCUS.FREAK
Well-known member
#68424
Tested it yesterday and today on both lugsnuts. One was a 22mm on a small mini school bus. Took that off no problem. Next up was the 11r22s. Those are some big fu#kers. I had it on for maybe a second and it broke it loose like butter. 33mm socket for that test
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
Tested it yesterday and today on both lugsnuts. One was a 22mm on a small mini school bus. Took that off no problem. Next up was the 11r22s. Those are some big fu#kers. I had it on for maybe a second and it broke it loose like butter. 33mm socket for that test
Sent from my SPH-L720 using Tapatalk
BrownEnterprises
Well-known member
Bought a "Badland Winch", 9000lb capacity. After getting the main winch assembly installed..found out two cables were swapped. Swapped them and found the trigger wire was on the wrong power source. Swapped that. Then found the switch operated backwards. Swapped that and it worked. Two days of figuring this thing out. It works now but have not yet tested it's abilities. So far it's a fail in getting out this far with so many things wrong.
I had the plug on the remote fail on mine after about 6 months of infrequent use. I replaced it with a 4 pin trailer plug. Just recently the free spool lever got stuck and will not turn, I had to power out to use it.
The paint and the insulation on the wires have sun faded badly, all decals have started pealing. Everything chrome finished on it has started rusting in spots.
****-on website also says don't use any of their tools for normal use. LOL
Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
fitz11
Well-known member
When did you buy it? The stores haven't had the textured finish in probably 2 years. I doubt anyone at HF would do anything about it.
MackMan
Well-known member
Fail on the metal blow gun as well, this one at 50 psi
It's the blowgun in this set
http://www.harborfreight.com/17-piece-air-tool-accessory-kit-68236.html
Item# 68236
Was using it just to bleed off some residual pressure. Had around 50-55psi left in the line, plugged it in, and it blew the valve out (bent the "trigger" back). Lucky for me at the low pressure it just fell out rather than shooting off into the distance. The threads where the valve screws into the body did not appear to be damaged, however I could push the valve back in by hand. Went straight to the trash.
It's the blowgun in this set
http://www.harborfreight.com/17-piece-air-tool-accessory-kit-68236.html
Item# 68236
Was using it just to bleed off some residual pressure. Had around 50-55psi left in the line, plugged it in, and it blew the valve out (bent the "trigger" back). Lucky for me at the low pressure it just fell out rather than shooting off into the distance. The threads where the valve screws into the body did not appear to be damaged, however I could push the valve back in by hand. Went straight to the trash.
67carl
Well-known member
Drill Master Auger bit set #68166 - Fail.
The 2nd largest bit drilled one hole, then after that won't cut into the wood unless I rock it back and forth. Even then it's a tough go to get it to drill in. Another bit is crooked and wobbles when spinning. A few of the smaller bits have been working great after repeat use.
The 2nd largest bit drilled one hole, then after that won't cut into the wood unless I rock it back and forth. Even then it's a tough go to get it to drill in. Another bit is crooked and wobbles when spinning. A few of the smaller bits have been working great after repeat use.
Attachments
67carl
Well-known member
Chicago Electric 1/2" variable speed reversible heavy duty D handle drill. 9 amps. Item #69453. I believe this replaces the orange one but not sure. Pass.
This thing is a beast and can twist your arm off if the bit gets stuck. I've only been using it for a short time but it has been awesome (this is my first big drill so maybe easily impressed). Drilled several 1" holes through a 2x8 sistered to a 4x8 and it went through like butter.
With a 25% off coupon I paid about $30 for it. How can you beat that?!
This thing is a beast and can twist your arm off if the bit gets stuck. I've only been using it for a short time but it has been awesome (this is my first big drill so maybe easily impressed). Drilled several 1" holes through a 2x8 sistered to a 4x8 and it went through like butter.
With a 25% off coupon I paid about $30 for it. How can you beat that?!
Attachments
NoSloCoupes
Well-known member
Bought it Saturday. It was a very old one thats been sitting tucked away apparently,lol. The drawer pulls were in the middle and drawer fronts were flat.
There is 2 versions on the website, one is high gloss #69399 and the other just says red #68785. I figured the latter was the textured/dull. I took it back to another store and all three #68785's they had were gloss. Guess i thought wrong and no textured are even sold.
There is 2 versions on the website, one is high gloss #69399 and the other just says red #68785. I figured the latter was the textured/dull. I took it back to another store and all three #68785's they had were gloss. Guess i thought wrong and no textured are even sold.
Item#98265 - 7In Bridge Tile Saw
Got it for $140.99 with 25% off coupon
Picked up a nice Ridgid Blade at Home Depot to use with it
Used T-square to calibrate all the angle guides and cut alot of tile with no issue.
It worked very well and all the tile was within a hundredth of an inch edge to edge
The pan below unbolts with 4 knobs so that you can clean it easily
Overall, very happy with it
Got it for $140.99 with 25% off coupon
Picked up a nice Ridgid Blade at Home Depot to use with it
Used T-square to calibrate all the angle guides and cut alot of tile with no issue.
It worked very well and all the tile was within a hundredth of an inch edge to edge
The pan below unbolts with 4 knobs so that you can clean it easily
Overall, very happy with it
NoSloCoupes
Well-known member
This torque adapter has good reviews so i bought one... http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-torue-adapter-68283.html
I was interested in seeing if my 15+ year old craftsman torque wrench could do for a calibration...and the harbor freight 1/4" and 3/8" i bought. Well, it worked out of the box but after a few attempts at higher readings(anything over 40 ft.lb.) it kept shutting off and eventually wouldn't power up. I returned it today for another...same damn thing!
I was interested in seeing if my 15+ year old craftsman torque wrench could do for a calibration...and the harbor freight 1/4" and 3/8" i bought. Well, it worked out of the box but after a few attempts at higher readings(anything over 40 ft.lb.) it kept shutting off and eventually wouldn't power up. I returned it today for another...same damn thing!
Harrison2
Well-known member
possibly cheap batteries?
IONH
Well-known member
The reviews talk about the case possibly turning the unit on while inside. Perhaps the units came with batteries and they were mostly drained before you got it.
NoSloCoupes
Well-known member
They have a plastic strip that prevents the battery drain that has to be pulled out before use. I tried turning both on before removing the strip to see if it was doing its intended purpose...neither came on. I'd imagine bad solder joint somewhere but I'll check battery voltage later.
Aquaticbob
Well-known member
http://www.harborfreight.com/6-in-cut-off-saw-61204.html
6" cut off saw Item#:61204 [highlight]FAIL[/highlight]
This thing worked for 3 cuts and that was that. I was using it on 2"x36"x1/8" flat bar that I was cutting down for welding practice. I used a couple different discs, and tried it on another bar just to make sure it wasn't some random hard spot in the metal, or a bad disc. I also replaced the carbon brushes that were just fine to make sure that wasn't it either. I'm not really sure what went wrong with the little saw but boy was it working like a charm for those 3 cuts! I was really impressed with it, then I brought it down and got halfway through a cut before it just stopped cutting all together. After that there was no more cutting no matter what. I returned it to the store and made some $$ back because they gave me back the money for the retail price, not the 25% off I got it for. I decided I would at least give it a shot because it was only $30. I'm going to end up getting a better saw seeing as to get stock cut down to the size I want within a few buys the cut fees would add up to the price of a decent saw
6" cut off saw Item#:61204 [highlight]FAIL[/highlight]
This thing worked for 3 cuts and that was that. I was using it on 2"x36"x1/8" flat bar that I was cutting down for welding practice. I used a couple different discs, and tried it on another bar just to make sure it wasn't some random hard spot in the metal, or a bad disc. I also replaced the carbon brushes that were just fine to make sure that wasn't it either. I'm not really sure what went wrong with the little saw but boy was it working like a charm for those 3 cuts! I was really impressed with it, then I brought it down and got halfway through a cut before it just stopped cutting all together. After that there was no more cutting no matter what. I returned it to the store and made some $$ back because they gave me back the money for the retail price, not the 25% off I got it for. I decided I would at least give it a shot because it was only $30. I'm going to end up getting a better saw seeing as to get stock cut down to the size I want within a few buys the cut fees would add up to the price of a decent saw
tcianci
Well-known member
Ok, Time for an update. I have been using the HF variable speed multifunction tool for a few months now and this thing kicks ***! So much quieter than the original fixed speed unit, but that may be partially due to the fact that I haven't had the need to run the thing full tilt. I have found that blades (even the HF crapola blades) last much longer at lower speeds. I think a lot of blade failure can be attributed to excessive heat. So, I'm getting quieter operation, and longer blade life. I'm a happy camper.
jakemac
Well-known member
Here's a new item that showed up in the march flyer today. I wonder how useful it really is ?
Adjustable Steel Welding Table
Regular price - $149.99
on sale - $59.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-steel-welding-table-61369.html
Adjustable Steel Welding Table
Regular price - $149.99
on sale - $59.99
http://www.harborfreight.com/adjustable-steel-welding-table-61369.html
Attachments
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
It is a good one, but even better is they nearly identical Menard's variable speed multifunction tool which comes with many many more accessories than the HF one and at lower cost. The previous version of the Performax at Menards looked *identical* to the then HF version, with a different label. Same supplier for sure. - Paul
pauls_workshop
Well-known member
If you guys want to have some fun, join us over at the new Sears Pass/Fail thread! It is inspired by this here HF one, but so far has a much higher percentage of fails than we have over here! - Paul
Aquaticbob
Well-known member
Seen this in store, looks a little flimsy. I'm not sure on this product at all but with a 25% off coupon+sale it might be worth checking out for some people
Rakoprtr
Well-known member
Anyone have a review (or tell me what page it's on)for the rad pressure tester I searched but couldn't find it surely someone tried it
That's the big downfall of the fixed speed one. It goes at 21k and the variable speed one tops out at 20k, both of these numbers on paper of course. But yeah, for the difference in price the variable is a no brainer.
67carl
Well-known member
I can't help you with the tool itself, just a better way to search for it here. For some reason you'll get better results if you do a Google search with a description like "garage journal harbor freight pass/fail item #***". *** being the part/tool number.
If you don't get something then its likely not been reviewed or someone didn't include a very good description.
Whoa! Damn! I just bought that table from Cyber Weld a while back and paid full monte! Doh!
I do small (tiny, really) projects mostly and it has worked pretty good for me. If you weld in one spot over and over though I have notied some slight warpage in that area. Weld spatter grinds off easily. I use mine all the time and would probably buy another at full price it it were the only option. 350 pound capacity? No Way! I'm 170 and would only climp on this thing with extreme caution!
I did just notice that the HF version isn't adjustable for height. Strong Hand adjusts 26-32 inches. Also, the Strong Hand has another "fence" running along the short end that used with the length wise one could be used as a square corner set jig. Still, I'm impressed with the price. A little work and some stock, maybe the height could be made adjustable?
Oh yeah! I forgot! The Strong hand comes with "free" two mini magnets and a spring loaded "F" clamp that's pretty handy sometimes.
Here's the Strong Hand version at Cyber Weld: http://store.cyberweld.com/webehabe300.html
Last edited:
IONH
Well-known member
Thanks, subscribed to that one.
Here's the link for others. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=238223
BellyUpFish
Well-known member
Well as an update, HF replaced my 20T bottle jack for my press. It's working great so far.
IONH
Well-known member
What did you have to do or provide?