The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Alchymist]

I PM'd the original poster more info.

For the same money as the original poster referenced ($109), they could get a Husky top box. Those ARE the same as the Craftsman boxes (both made by Waterloo) with 50lb ball bearing slides. I have both the Husky and the HF 44".

Yeah, what i was getting at was I wound up with both the top and intermediate chest for $1 more than the OP's price for the top chest. No one here withing 50 miles selling Husky, nearest Sears is 25 miles away. I happened to be near a HF with the truck when I grabbed these. The craftsman with the ball slides are nice. This one contains my machinist tools; it did however bust a slide. Need to get that part!

 

[f575gtc]

Their 100lb welding cart is a Pass.

I purchased one put it together, feels very sturdy and stable.

 

[johnachak]

Re: Us General Rechargeable 24 Led Work Light

US GENERAL RECHARGEABLE 24 LED WORK LIGHT
ITEM 95181

A big PASS. I love this thing. Very bright, had for over a year. Holds a charge for a long time.

I have to agree. I give it a pass also. 1 year so far, still going strong.

 

[Recoil Rob]

Re: Us General Rechargeable 24 Led Work Light

I have to agree. I give it a pass also. 1 year so far, still going strong.

No longer for sale.

 

[Danglerb]

Searched "Oil Extractor" and didn't find anything.

After last years mess... and hour of hand pumping. I need one of these for changing my boat oil. May use for cars as well.

Any comments?

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-quarter-gallon-oil-extractor-46149.html#.Ux4hpvldUk0

The capacity is great, but I use my MityVac Evacuator all the time, only holds about 6 quarts, but easy to empty, a more flexible and versatile tool.

 

[mucksavage]

I just bought a set of the 1500 lb car dollies. I was first a little disappointed after reading on here that they work fine if you take the caster apart, grease the bearing & remove the axle bolt & grease it, but mine are all crimped pins! No unbolting! After a few minutes of upset, I grabbed my needle tip & grease gun & shot grease into those lil nooks & crannies. Shoved em under my 79 Z28 & I can pull the car around with ease!
Pass!

 

[ineedtools]

Their 100lb welding cart is a Pass.

I purchased one put it together, feels very sturdy and stable.

Is this the one that is almost identical to Eastwood and Northern tool that sell for $150

 

[Jasonfi]

7/8 oxygen sensor socket #69022. This is a fail! I bought this to remove the O2 sensor from my van and this just flexed and spun around the sensor. I was really hoping this would have worked.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[cheechi]

7/8 oxygen sensor socket #69022

Does yours look like the picture on the HF site? HUUUUGE gap for the bung wire? The reason I ask is, I own one of the (apparently) older design and forgot I had it. I bought the 97177 and did a job on my truck a few weekends back, and it had no issue. One use isn't enough for a real pass, but the socket is still intact and the job was done without any frustration. The PB Blaster helped I'm sure.

 

[Jasonfi]

Yes, mine looks like the one on HF site. I soaked it down with WD 40 over night, still no go. I finally got it off with a 7/8 wrench. I think I will return it and get one like you have #97177. The reviews are Better on it anyway.

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[Jasonfi]

Does yours look like the picture on the HF site? HUUUUGE gap for the bung wire? The reason I ask is, I own one of the (apparently) older design and forgot I had it. I bought the 97177 and did a job on my truck a few weekends back, and it had no issue. One use isn't enough for a real pass, but the socket is still intact and the job was done without any frustration. The PB Blaster helped I'm sure.

Well here is my experience with returning and exchanging the 69022 for the 97177 today. Went into HF today and explained the issue of the socket flexing and slipping around the sensor to the cashier. She called up the manager who again I explained the issue. He told me that technically they can't return or exchange it because it wasn't broken. I explained to him the issue was with the craftsmanship of the item flexing and bending, not working as intended. He then went on to say well....it's not a hand tool so it doesn't have a lifetime warranty with it. I then asked him if isn't a hand tool what is it? he stated that it was a socket, not a hand tool. I then asked him if they warranty any of the other socket sets if they fail, he stated that they did. I also pointed out the fact that the package said "limited life time warranty". He said well that is it, it is limited. I asked limited to what? after a long pause he agreed to refund me for it. I can say this is the only issue I have ever had with HF on returning things. Anyone else ever have a similar issue?

 

[fsdogwood]

Yes, mine looks like the one on HF site. I soaked it down with WD 40 over night, still no go. I finally got it off with a 7/8 wrench. I think I will return it and get one like you have #97177. The reviews are Better on it anyway.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Not sure where you are, but you could rent the socket from AdvanceAuto,
AutoZone, etc., for free.

 

[n8n]

It's impossible for me to have read the whole thread but the brake caliper tool set

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-pie...iper-service-tool-kit-69053.html#.UyWZPPmwLPw

is a definite PASS.

for $40 can't beat with a stick. I bought one because I had to do a brake job on a friend's sister's car with those awful integral parking brake rear calipers and this tool is legit. Shop foreman liked it so much that "Mr. Snap-On" bought one too. The flat plate is a little weak I bent his one day working on a really rusty old car but beat it back flat with a BFH and it still works, I was using it again yesterday.

The only thing it doesn't do gracefully is two piston calipers, e.g. Crown Vic or fixed calipers. Don't think there is a HF tool for those. I like the Blue Point ratcheting one, appears to be a rebrand of Lang from searching online? Got to get me one of those, but they're expensive...

 

[fourtythree]

IMO, that caliper kit is one of the HF items that rivals truck brands. It is a genuinely good kit and a steal at $40.

 

[Jasonfi]

IMO, that caliper kit is one of the HF items that rivals truck brands. It is a genuinely good kit and a steal at $40.

And if you use a 25% off code you can get it for 29.99

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[madcrisis]

Does yours look like the picture on the HF site? HUUUUGE gap for the bung wire? The reason I ask is, I own one of the (apparently) older design and forgot I had it. I bought the 97177 and did a job on my truck a few weekends back, and it had no issue. One use isn't enough for a real pass, but the socket is still intact and the job was done without any frustration. The PB Blaster helped I'm sure.

I have the one 97177. Used it onyl once to remove my o2 sensor in the truck. Didnt presoak the sensor or anything of the sort. Used my 10 inch breaker bar with a 12 inch cheater pipe. Was pushing on it with both legs while holding onto the frame to help. Sensor broke free and the socket held up didnt even feel it flex. I'd call it a conditional PASS. Cant confirm until i put it through the paces a bit more but o2 sensor dont come my way too often.

 

[JSharp]

THe heat gun I got on sale works great!

 

[cheechi]

jasonfi, that situation *****. If there's another nearby I would try them. They do warranty sockets. Some might ask you for the receipt, some will strongly suggest you buy a new one there on the spot then return the broken one (no joke the HF employees tell people that often when there's a warranty argument).

They should take care of you. Without a manager and without a threat to call their DM or corporate people. But both of those have helped persuade them in the past.

 

[n8n]

Neither a pass nor fail just a "be careful" post

picked up a set of the 61701 "Pittsburgh Pro" shallow SAE impact sockets; the smaller sizes instead of having the square drive broached all the way through to the hex socket end have a thin amount of steel between the two with a hole in it. On three out of five of those sockets, the hole is so far off center that the sockets won't go onto my HF fake-Hansen socket organizers and thus probably compromises fastener clearance in use as well. I'll probably pack them up, return them, and try again to find a better set if they have any.

I'll give a PASS to the fake-Hansen socket organizers 68100 and 68102 (is it wrong that my metric SO impact sockets are stored on HF organizers?) but the plastic socket rails 68101 I returned as soon as I tried them, they are a FAIL compared to the ones that Sears sells which are pretty decent. The HF ones just do not hold the sockets reassuringly, not even shallow hand sockets.

Edit: friend needed some more air line QD's so we went back to HF and I returned the impact sockets. I learned something - looking at the ones I bought they were "Made in China" (but were still marked Cr-Mo) but are displayed on the same hook on the rack as a different part number - 67918 - which are "Made in Taiwan" and appear identical but have much more frustrating packaging, and more importantly, did not have the same issue with the off center broached holes. The Made in China 61701 sockets were on the front of the hook, the next one I took off and looked at had the exact same issue as the ones I returned. The 67918s look perfect. So I'll give the 61701s a FAIL and the 67918s a conditional PASS based on good reviews but absolutely no use (yet.)

 

[n8n]

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

My shop owner friend bought one - 69258 - and I'd give it a FAIL. Half the adapters must have leaks in them because it'll work on some cars but not others. Also, while it comes with lots of adapters, it doesn't have the standard one for old school filler necks - making it virtually useless for most older vehicles. I always use either my pawn shop bought Stant or the shop foreman's Snap-On. Only failures with either of those are not having the right adapter.

 

[crucible]

I really like the 7-mil Nitrile gloves-they are what nitrile gloves should be: tough and last several uses for me if I want.

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-mil-nitrile-gloves-powder-free-large-50-pc-68505-8421.html

 

[slowz32]

-Have been using the Pittsburgh 1/2" and 3/8" metric deep impact sockets for 3 years as a tech and haven't broken 1 yet; ill give that a big pass.

-Been using the long handle chrome metric wrench set for 3 years every day, Never had a problem with gripping a fastener or breaking a wrench: Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-pie...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-47067.html

-Axle socket set, works well. Used almost every day. 36mm isn't cut out equally on both sides so it spins lopsided but have been used many many times and still works with no issues. :Ill give it a pass but when buying them just make sure they are cut correctly
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...eel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-66988.html

-1/4 mini air ratchet. Used many times and still has good power and no issues. Feels like it is made well too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-mini-air-ratchet-wrench-93821.html

I have a decent bit of HF stuff along with matco, snap on, otc, and gear wrench. I work in a shop and use my tools every day. I wouldn't mind updating to some snap on wrenches and sockets but when mine keep taking a beating it makes it hard for me to justify the upgrade for no reason.

 

[slowz32]

-Oil filter socket set. JUNK. Broke all 4 with each removing probably less then 5 oil filters.
FAIL
http://www.harborfreight.com/automo...-piece-end-cap-oil-filter-wrenches-94096.html

Serpentine belt tool. It works, but is not the best out there. Has gotten me out of a few tight spots, the sockets and crows feet are cheap quality, I just use my regular sockets if needed. Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/serpentine-belt-tool-kit-66344.html

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

3/8" Earthquake impact gun

http://www.harborfreight.com/38-professional-air-impact-wrench-68425.html



WHY didn't I buy this earlier? I have been waiting for this to go on sale since the 1/2" version frequently is on sale and I was a fool for doing so. Finally gave up after reading the great reviews of the Earthquake guns here on GJ, and just bought the damned thing.

Gave it a go working on a generator and it felt good in the hand. Nice weight distribution, fairly light to hold, solidly built and it works great! I could wish for an easier reversing switch, but having variable tightening levels as an option is worth having the dial.

It's a huge PASS for me. It's definitely one of the rare HF gems that can stand up with the rest of the 'pro' guns out there proudly.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

I've been using lighter weight ones for years, but finally got these 7 mil in my last supply run and I am impressed how well they resist damage. I found myself using a rag to clean my hands... with the gloves on. Normally I'd toss a pair if they got too grimy in use, but now I clean them if not damaged, so my consumption has gone down as a result.

A bit tight when you put them on, but they fit well. I will buy again.

 

[gregroberts]

The HF Pocket Hole Jig - I love it. Big ol' PASS as far as I'm concerned. I had to throw some pocket holes in 2x2 and the jig worked like a champ.

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-pocket-hole-jig-kit-96264.html#.UydFmvldWB4

 

[1949 caddyman]

Got the ratcheting wire crimper today, its going back. http://www.harborfreight.com/ratcheting-crimping-tool-97420.html I also picked up the strippers, they tear the wire & are going back. http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-self-adjusting-wire-stripper-36810.html

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Small wood moving dollie......

Pass, fits an air cooled VW motor like a glove! I was going to weld one up, but for $11 this dollie was perfect!

 

[gary300]

Hose reel #69265 50' x 3/8" self retracting ***PASS***. Got this a week ago. Paid $89.99, on sale from $129.99. Installed the same day and had no leaks, works perfect so far. The next day I get a coupon in the mail showing the item now on sale for $59.99. Today, I took the coupon and sales receipt to HF and asked if they could honor the new sales price. No problem, they credited back $30 on my credit card. I thought that was pretty good of them.

Buy the way, I see Cox hose reels advertised a $250 plus and they look just the same as the HF one, just different color. I know the hose is probably better quality, but why should it be 4-5 times as much?

Just a tip, when installing this first remove the reel and hose from the bracket. It comes right off just by removing the axle nut and split lock washer. Makes it easy for one person to install it.

 

[cagullett1]

I haven't seen much on the HVLP spray guns (item #47016 or 67181). These seem like a good deal when they are on sale and reviews on their website seem decent.

Also, the automotive spray gun pair (item #94572).

Any input?

 

[LG63]

I haven't seen much on the HVLP spray guns (item #47016 or 67181). These seem like a good deal when they are on sale and reviews on their website seem decent.

Also, the automotive spray gun pair (item #94572).

Any input?

67181 is a pass....at least for general use. (I don't do automotive painting) Only problem is at $9.99 I have to convince myself sometimes that it's worth the effort to clean it. Disposable cups are available now which are also very handy. It comes with a 1.5 tip, would be nice if other tips were available.

 

[PnHmech]

Large snap ring pliers

Pass, I use them once a week on some pretty big snap rings, haven't failed me yet.

6" plus snap rings


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[K-Dog]

FAIL

Okay, I am about as anti HF as just about any one else. Every now and then I make an exception just because I deem it worth the risk.

I decided to get four of those little magnetic trays so when I had a car on the lift, and I was taking all four wheels off I can just toss the lug nuts into the little tray. When I am done just stack the four little magnetic trays and stick them to the side of the box.

Well they could not even get that right. One of the four little magnetic trays has the magnet in the opposite polarity than the rest of them. Meaning I can not stack all four on top of each other because the magnet pushes not pulls.

*sigh*

 

[cagullett1]

67181 is a pass....at least for general use. (I don't do automotive painting) Only problem is at $9.99 I have to convince myself sometimes that it's worth the effort to clean it. Disposable cups are available now which are also very handy. It comes with a 1.5 tip, would be nice if other tips were available.

Thats good to know. I won't be doing any automotive painting either, but I noticed it came with 2 guns with different size tips.

 

[n8n]

Neither a pass nor fail just a "be careful" post

picked up a set of the 61701 "Pittsburgh Pro" shallow SAE impact sockets; the smaller sizes instead of having the square drive broached all the way through to the hex socket end have a thin amount of steel between the two with a hole in it. On three out of five of those sockets, the hole is so far off center that the sockets won't go onto my HF fake-Hansen socket organizers and thus probably compromises fastener clearance in use as well. I'll probably pack them up, return them, and try again to find a better set if they have any.

I'll give a PASS to the fake-Hansen socket organizers 68100 and 68102 (is it wrong that my metric SO impact sockets are stored on HF organizers?) but the plastic socket rails 68101 I returned as soon as I tried them, they are a FAIL compared to the ones that Sears sells which are pretty decent. The HF ones just do not hold the sockets reassuringly, not even shallow hand sockets.

Edit: friend needed some more air line QD's so we went back to HF and I returned the impact sockets. I learned something - looking at the ones I bought they were "Made in China" (but were still marked Cr-Mo) but are displayed on the same hook on the rack as a different part number - 67918 - which are "Made in Taiwan" and appear identical but have much more frustrating packaging, and more importantly, did not have the same issue with the off center broached holes. The Made in China 61701 sockets were on the front of the hook, the next one I took off and looked at had the exact same issue as the ones I returned. The 67918s look perfect. So I'll give the 61701s a FAIL and the 67918s a conditional PASS based on good reviews but absolutely no use (yet.)

Harbor Freight as a whole gets a "fail" as they apparently didn't publish my one star review of the 61701s and instead copied over the four star review that someone else had previous posted for the 67918s. HF may consider the two part numbers equivalent but I sure as hell don't.

Edit: I was wrong and apologize to HF. Apparently over the past few days 61701 has been withdrawn from the web site and searching for 61701 leads you to 67918 which is why I thought they'd done something sleazy. I'll be at the Freight later today trying to pick up the matching deep set; will let you know if the 61701s are still on the shelves or not. If they've pulled them over a bad review that is actually to their credit not a negative.

 

[skulldrinker]

Searched "Oil Extractor" and didn't find anything.

After last years mess... and hour of hand pumping. I need one of these for changing my boat oil. May use for cars as well.

Any comments?

http://www.harborfreight.com/6-1-4-quarter-gallon-oil-extractor-46149.html#.Ux4hpvldUk0

I have the oil extractor and it works great. Just need to add a gate valve to the air line.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk

 

[ScottsGT]

Small wood moving dollie......

Pass, fits an air cooled VW motor like a glove! I was going to weld one up, but for $11 this dollie was perfect!

I give these a fail. We mail ordered some for work and the ones we got, some had big knots in the wood and the first time we put anything on it, it broke at the knot.
All of them had issues with the wheels not spinning on the bolt/axle. We had to throw the casters away and install casters we have here from cabinets we install in classrooms.
Even some of the nuts were missing off the casters before we removed them. And they were metric nuts, so we had search to find replacements. I think we just tossed them and used 1/4-20 instead.
We would have been better off just buying 1X4's and making them from scratch.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Not sure if this has been reviewed, but the pipe plug set is a pass. I just wish it had the external ones instead of the hex. I want to get the Mac set eventually that has both external and internal.

 

[ex-x-fire]

Not sure if this has been reviewed, but the pipe plug set is a pass. I just wish it had the external ones instead of the hex. I want to get the Mac set eventually that has both external and internal.

I've been using this set for a year now, daily, you can't beat 'em. I haven't broken one yet.

 

[bilug]

Chicago Electric 12" compound sliding miter saw with laser: FAIL
The blade guard got caught in the blade on the third trigger pull.

Folding rolling table for said saw : FAIL
The manufacturer sells it half assembled, which was wrong. I had to deciper from the horrid instructions that they had put half of it together wrong.

Both were returned for a refund. I did them a favor by returning a correctly assembled table!!