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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

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Vegaman_Dan

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Jun 1, 2012
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2,453
Location
Pacific, WA
GSMotorrad said:
Solid Rubber Wheel chocks - PASS.

http://www.harborfreight.com/solid-rubber-wheel-chock-96479.html

Sticky and robust. Heavy and durable, doesn't slip.

Shown here in use with Compac Jack #90535 and Esco stands:

photo.jpg


Seems to have ALL 5 star reviews too.
Click to expand...

TIP: Use a short length of yellow chain to tie the two wheel chocks together. Makes it easier to remember to pull them later and keep them organized.
 
N

n8n

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Joined
Mar 11, 2014
Messages
3,607
Location
Curtis Bay, MD
Compressor drain petcock FAIL. Handle fell off after a week and a half on a stationary compressor; after looking at it closely I'm surprised it lasted that long, the design is a total fail.

Sent from my XT897 using Tapatalk
 
B

b-body-bob

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Oct 10, 2011
Messages
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Location
Almost Heaven
Has anyone used one of these "drain tornado" gadgets? http://www.harborfreight.com/drain-tornado-96850.html

I've got to deal with a foundation drain that's plugged pretty solid with mud. Years of neglect, long story. I tried one of the "blow ball" tools (aka H-F Large Drain Cleaning Bladder but I paid 3x as much for one at H-D since it's closer) but all that did was pack the mud tighter until the bladder burst due to overpressure.

I may end up with a power snake (eel) in there to clean it, but saw the drain tornado and thought it might work since it doesn't push pressure like the bladder did (mud would wash out where the bladder held it in). At the same time, I'm leery to stick anything back in there that might come apart and end up not being able to get back out. I about crapped myself when that bladder burst, because I figured the rubber part was off the hose and left in the drain but I got lucky and it came back out in one piece.
 
P

Provincial

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Sep 21, 2011
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Location
Near Salem, OR
b-body-bob said:
Has anyone used one of these "drain tornado" gadgets? http://www.harborfreight.com/drain-tornado-96850.html

I've got to deal with a foundation drain that's plugged pretty solid with mud. Years of neglect, long story. I tried one of the "blow ball" tools (aka H-F Large Drain Cleaning Bladder but I paid 3x as much for one at H-D since it's closer) but all that did was pack the mud tighter until the bladder burst due to overpressure.

I may end up with a power snake (eel) in there to clean it, but saw the drain tornado and thought it might work since it doesn't push pressure like the bladder did (mud would wash out where the bladder held it in). At the same time, I'm leery to stick anything back in there that might come apart and end up not being able to get back out. I about crapped myself when that bladder burst, because I figured the rubber part was off the hose and left in the drain but I got lucky and it came back out in one piece.
Click to expand...

One way to attack your problem is to run a stiff garden hose or PVC pipe (equipped with a brass nozzle) up from the outlet (if accessible from the low end of the system) of the drain. As you push the hose in, the water is eating up the mud ahead, and the slurry is carried away by the flowing water.

Your problem with the first attempt is that the drain was so blocked that there was no where for the slurry to go, so it just backed up and raised the water pressure.
 
C

chewy7

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Dec 27, 2010
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872
Location
WISCONSIN
8750 Peak/7000 Running Watts, 13 HP (420cc) Gas Generator item#68530 pass
Predator 2500 Generator - item#61169 pass
 
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D

dkop1

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Joined
Apr 6, 2014
Messages
91
Location
Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Pro Ratcheting Wrench Set (SAE): PASS.
Definitely not the GearWrenchs I used to borrow from my father, but for $18 with a coupon they're a good deal. The smallest wrench (5/16") in the set is a bit flaky, it seems like there's too much play in the ratcheting mechanism. But all the others are great.
 
B

b-body-bob

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Location
Almost Heaven
Provincial said:
One way to attack your problem is to run a stiff garden hose or PVC pipe (equipped with a brass nozzle) up from the outlet (if accessible from the low end of the system) of the drain. As you push the hose in, the water is eating up the mud ahead, and the slurry is carried away by the flowing water.

Your problem with the first attempt is that the drain was so blocked that there was no where for the slurry to go, so it just backed up and raised the water pressure.
Click to expand...

Thanks I'll give that a shot before renting an eel.

I can get to the low end outlet but haven't found a clean out or other end to the thing.

When the blowball started forcing itself back out of the drain I remembered that water doesn't compress. I probably packed that mud even tighter and made things worse with my luck. :lol_hitti
 
G

greasemonkey44

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Joined
Mar 30, 2011
Messages
1,625
Location
memphis
Central Pneumatic - Item#68223
Air pressure regulator- pass
This one works great; self bleeds so you know how much pressure it is regulated to
Central Pneumatic - Item#68222
Hvlp regulator - major fail
Almost no adjustment, if you go too far it resets to full pressure
In a 1/4 you go from off to full on
 
B

Brownsfan

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Apr 16, 2012
Messages
5,974
Location
Cleveland Ohio
The one tool I ever bought from HF.
The Orange soldering gun. I don't know the part number but its the only one they sell. - FAIL
Lasted a week. And you can't buy replacement tips for it.
Bought the craftsman gun and have had it for 4 years and have used it heavily.
 
B

BellyUpFish

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Jun 24, 2012
Messages
2,942
Location
Alabama
Brownsfan said:
The one tool I ever bought from HF.
The Orange soldering gun. I don't know the part number but its the only one they sell. - FAIL
Lasted a week. And you can't buy replacement tips for it.
Bought the craftsman gun and have had it for 4 years and have used it heavily.
Click to expand...


They don't currently offer an orange one. They do offer a black one for a whopping $3.99.

I had an Oreo blizzard last night from Dairy Queen that cost more than that and it's gone already. ;)
 
G

geojag

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Oct 11, 2012
Messages
359
Location
Little Rock, AR
23 gauge pin nailer #60241 - pass - used Porter Cable pin nails, based on reviews that said the ones you get at harbor freight cause jams. It says 7/8" is the limit, 1" pins fit and fired fine. Fired about 500 without a single misfeed. As stated above, safety is sketchy.... It also said a 1-6 gallon compressor is not recommended. I used it all day with a 3 gallon CH cheapy compressor and it worked great. Picked it up for 19.99 with coupon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/23-gauge-pin-nailer-60241.html
oscilating multi-tool #60428 - pass - cut a bunch of corner trim to install new baseboards, would have been all day with a chisel, and it was a clean cut. Also used it on some hdpe. Came with the blade to cut wood, plan to pick up other blades/attachments for sure. Picked it up for 13.99 with coupon.
http://www.harborfreight.com/oscillating-multifunction-power-tool-60428.html
These two purchases saved me a ton of time installing trim. And I picked up a freebee LED flashlight while I was there.
 
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vv111y

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Jan 14, 2012
Messages
37
Location
Niagara Falls Canada
9" grinding wheels ----- Item #67510 or Item #90338

FAIL

Tried that for a while then went to 7" Klingspor brand grinding wheel. Night and day. The Klingspor ate through the steel like nothing in comparison.
Also the big 9" vibrates like crazy, your asking for injury.
 
K

k-os

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Dec 29, 2012
Messages
995
Location
WI
Chadwilliam1 said:
http://www.harborfreight.com/14-and-38-drive-x-14-38-double-head-flex-ratchet-wrench-67994.html

How is this? Does anybody else make one like this?
Click to expand...

From earlier in the thread.

mtkst19 said:
item 67994 1/4" and 3/8" Drive x 14-3/8" Double Head Flex Ratchet Wrench. paid $30 for it full price in store

at 1st, i was hesitant to drop 30 bucks on a hf ratchet. so i passed on it. the following week i counted a few times wher ei felt owning this tool may have saved time aggravation--mostly on tight fitting accessory belt tensioner locations. so i went back and bought it.

been using it for over a month now as needed with no complaints. i dont use it as a main ratchet or anything of that nature. mostly use it as a serp belt tool. so far so good.


pass so far and recommend for light duty use-- i.e. not to use as a breaker bar or a ratchet that you exert a ton of tq on. im sure there will be a day where i will have to abuse this tool and find it's weak spot.

image_9760.jpg
Click to expand...

I've also got on and am really pleased with it. Solid feeling tool.

EZ-Red makes a similar one. No experience with this one though.
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-32797-14-38-stick.aspx
 
D

dclassical

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Sep 25, 2008
Messages
1,130
A friend has the EZ-Red versions and really likes them. I have the SK version (and love them).
 
E

ex-x-fire

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Nov 10, 2012
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3,741
Location
Sheboygan Falls Wi.
My double flex lasted a year before I started to have problems with it. I'm not putting it down, I used it daily in a full time shop. I used it to check a lot of diffs. & also other stuff. I really tested it. Its been a month since it is been out of action & I miss it.
First the cross bolt started to loosen & fall out. So I loctited it. Eventually it stripped the threads, so I drilled out the remaining threads & pressed a tight fitting allen key through it. That lasted till the head started loosening up & popped out. It never skipped a tooth.
I highly recommend this tool, hopefully they'll improve the weak points.
I'm getting it warrantied tomorrow.
 
C

Chadwilliam1

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May 13, 2012
Messages
2,786
Location
Cincinnati
Is there a bolt on a HF or a pin? Is there ever a coupon for it? It seemed pretty well made. The e-zred seems nice too because it locks. How hard is it to warranty at HF.
 
S

Shadowdog500

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Dec 7, 2009
Messages
9,825
Location
Down the shore
7mil nitrile gloves are a major pass.

I use diamond grips for everything in my shop, but my parts washing solvent eats them up in minutes. I decided to try the 7mm nitrile gloves from HF the other day and I had my hands in the parts washer for hours and the gloves were still going strong.

They don't have much stretch like regular rubber gloves so I got the next size up which were a little baggy, but not loose. This must have let enough air in to keep my hands dry because normally they are pruned from sweat in no time, but with the slightly loose gloves they were nice and dry. I may try them for regular stuff which would save me money and sweaty hands compared to the $16 diamond grips.

Chris

79316b7c03bb25b5074aa6996b73820c_zps930ff852.jpg
 
G

GCncsuHD

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Aug 19, 2013
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Location
Salisbury, NC
7 gal Aluminum Air Tank item#94801

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-gallon-aluminum-air-tank-94801.html

Pass with my modifications. Bought it with 25% off coupon the other week, didn't like the existing manifold and schrader valve only fill.

Added a 5 hole aluminum 1/4" manifold, used the existing gauge, added a 140psi pressure relief valve (same pressure as on original manifold, even though it's advertised as a 160psi tank), schrader valve fill in case I need to fill it at a gas station or such, and a female quick connect fitting. I doubled up male quick connect fittings on a valve so I could quickly fill it with my compressor, remove the adapter and use it for what I need. I'll probably replace the included hose with a short coiled hose and a better tire chuck.

Before:
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/...b33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_23185.jpg

After:
IMG_20140513_210053_790 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr
 
C

cagullett1

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Sep 29, 2013
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Location
North Texas
GCncsuHD said:
7 gal Aluminum Air Tank item#94801

http://www.harborfreight.com/7-gallon-aluminum-air-tank-94801.html

Pass with my modifications. Bought it with 25% off coupon the other week, didn't like the existing manifold and schrader valve only fill.

Added a 5 hole aluminum 1/4" manifold, used the existing gauge, added a 140psi pressure relief valve (same pressure as on original manifold, even though it's advertised as a 160psi tank), schrader valve fill in case I need to fill it at a gas station or such, and a female quick connect fitting. I doubled up male quick connect fittings on a valve so I could quickly fill it with my compressor, remove the adapter and use it for what I need. I'll probably replace the included hose with a short coiled hose and a better tire chuck.

Before:
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/...b33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_23185.jpg

After:
IMG_20140513_210053_790 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr
Click to expand...

Great idea! Picking one up this week because of this.
 
G

GCncsuHD

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Aug 19, 2013
Messages
968
Location
Salisbury, NC
cheechi said:
I like that idea, could you give a closer view of the manifold & connections? maybe from a few angles?
Click to expand...

I'll try to get those tonight. I'm thinking about drilling and tapping the manifold to permanently add the male quick connect and shutoff valve so I don't have to carry that adapter around.
 
C

ChooChooMike

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May 15, 2014
Messages
1
Location
Los Angeles
HealeyRick said:
Any one have any experience with the 4-in-1 Jump Starter with air compressor?
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-1-jump-starter-with-air-compressor-69401.html I'm interested in light duty use for topping off auto tires and occasional jump starts.
Click to expand...

I've found the jump start battery works ok, but make sure you check the charge level every few weeks. Saved my hide with a dead battery while on vacation a couple of years ago. Got the engine running and made it to a auto store and grabbed a new battery there.

As for the air compressor, that's like trying to fill a swimming pool by spitting into it. Can get the job done, but will take forever, it's not the PSI, but the CFM that is seriously lacking :bounce: I occasionally go off-road and air down my tires from 35ish to < 20 psi to get better traction. The first time I tried to pump it back up with a similar compressor, it was taking 10-15 mins to get a few lbs into the tire. At that rate it would have taken > 2 hours for all 4 tires. Plus the compressor gets pretty warm during that time. Plus not sure the battery would have lasted.

Picked up up a dedicated portable air compressor (MV50 ~$60) that does each tire from 20psi to 35psi in about 7 mins. Get one that connects directly to the batter, NOT thru a lighter socket. Some of these compressor can draw 10+ amps!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BM8RT8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Make sure you keep the engine running while using the compressor ! (lesson learned).

Mike
 
G

GCncsuHD

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Aug 19, 2013
Messages
968
Location
Salisbury, NC
cheechi said:
I like that idea, could you give a closer view of the manifold & connections? maybe from a few angles?
Click to expand...

GCncsuHD said:
I'll try to get those tonight. I'm thinking about drilling and tapping the manifold to permanently add the male quick connect and shutoff valve so I don't have to carry that adapter around.
Click to expand...

Here are a few angles:
IMG_20140515_210959_055 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr

Used a male/male 1/2" to 1/4" NPT to go from the tank to the manifold.

IMG_20140515_210946_262 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr

1/4 to 1/8 NPT bushing for the stock gauge
IMG_20140515_210930_089 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr

And two male quick connects and a ball valve for the fill adapter.
IMG_20140515_210921_477 by wrfalcon75, on Flickr
 
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