The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[pouncey]

In regards to floor jacks, it seems all the talk is about the aluminum jacks. I'm sure they are fine but I want steel! I don't care how heavy it gets.

So has anyone compared the two 3 Ton Steel Jacks. One is low profile and lighter (a tad bit depending on which item number you choose) and lifts higher (a tad bit again) than the NON-low profile jack.

Any thoughts on the two?

Low Profile 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61282.html

Standard 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68048.html

The standard is obviously WAY more popular judging by the reviews on the HF site. Why would the more popular jack be the one that doesn't lift as high???????

 

[NKlamerus]

Someone should get fancy and build a really long list of everything on here, if it passed or failed, and the link to where it was posted....but not me...The beer would make a TERRIBLE list

 

[cheechi]

That's really great thanks. I would ratehr not make assumptions if I'm going to copy that design you know? What manifold is that?

 

[fourtythree]

In regards to floor jacks, it seems all the talk is about the aluminum jacks. I'm sure they are fine but I want steel! I don't care how heavy it gets.

So has anyone compared the two 3 Ton Steel Jacks. One is low profile and lighter (a tad bit depending on which item number you choose) and lifts higher (a tad bit again) than the NON-low profile jack.

Any thoughts on the two?

Low Profile 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61282.html

Standard 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68048.html

The standard is obviously WAY more popular judging by the reviews on the HF site. Why would the more popular jack be the one that doesn't lift as high???????

Both of those jacks have been discussed to death. Both are generally well liked. I have the low profile and love it.

 

[GCncsuHD]

That's really great thanks. I would ratehr not make assumptions if I'm going to copy that design you know? What manifold is that?

No problem, it's this one off amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CJB1ATI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[cagullett1]

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.

This design is pretty nice and has made me look into getting a decent air tank, but I was curious how necessary is the shutoff valve, since you have the pressure valve to keep it from overfilling. Once you tap the manifold and add the shutoff and male connect, is that going to stick out ridiculously far? Thanks!

 

[331CID]

Has anyone tried the pipe benders? I'm half tempted to get one...

Love my 4 drawer cart. I use it every day. The long reach metric wrenches are excellent. Great for alignments and deep reach places in engine compartments. Pass pass in my book

http://m.harborfreight.com/580-lb-capacity-four-drawer-tool-cart-95659.html

http://m.harborfreight.com/11-piece...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-47067.html


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SQ is the SQUAD]

In regards to floor jacks, it seems all the talk is about the aluminum jacks. I'm sure they are fine but I want steel! I don't care how heavy it gets.

So has anyone compared the two 3 Ton Steel Jacks. One is low profile and lighter (a tad bit depending on which item number you choose) and lifts higher (a tad bit again) than the NON-low profile jack.

Any thoughts on the two?

Low Profile 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61282.html

Standard 3 Ton
http://t.harborfreight.com/automoti...vy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-68048.html

The standard is obviously WAY more popular judging by the reviews on the HF site. Why would the more popular jack be the one that doesn't lift as high???????

i just both steel jacks on a dqaily basis. they are tuff and work good. the low profile one is great for lowered cars but is a bit longer so not so great in tight areas. the both get a 10/pass from me

 

[GCncsuHD]

This design is pretty nice and has made me look into getting a decent air tank, but I was curious how necessary is the shutoff valve, since you have the pressure valve to keep it from overfilling. Once you tap the manifold and add the shutoff and male connect, is that going to stick out ridiculously far? Thanks!

The shutoff valve is so all of the air doesn't come rushing back out after you fill it via the male quick connect. Much quicker and easier than using the shcrader valve, though I did leave one on there for times when I don't have a quick connect hose (gas station for example). Right now I made a double male quick connect adapter with the shutoff valve in the middle, but rather than having to keep up with that I'm just going to drill and tap that manifold to fit it right to it. I don't see it adding any unnecessary bulk to it, if anything it will be smaller than with the adapter currently inserted.


I had been needing a decent air tank for a while, I have several old R-22 refrigerant tanks with the adapters on them, but a couple of them have blown the rupture disk over the years, and the one I have assembled on an out of date reclaim tank is WAY too heavy.

A friend of mine has had this same tank for over 10 years probably and it's held up well. I remember it getting stolen when we were in the pits when ZMax dragway first opened. Walked around, saw it sitting in someone else area, just did a swift walk through grabbed it and went on my way, dudes were staring me down the whole time, but I guess they realized it wasn't theirs and wasn't worth the confrontation.

 

[gary300]

This design is pretty nice and has made me look into getting a decent air tank, but I was curious how necessary is the shutoff valve, since you have the pressure valve to keep it from overfilling. Once you tap the manifold and add the shutoff and male connect, is that going to stick out ridiculously far? Thanks!

If you keep a hose attached to the tank, a shutoff valve will allow you to remove air pressure from the hose and any tool that might be attached to the hose.

I just got the 11 gallon version of that tank, and plan to use it for my 23 ga pin nailer so I do not have to feed 100' of air hose into my house to do molding. Also, it will run my small detail paint sprayer for doing odd touch up jobs around the house without running hose through the house or backyard.

Will be doing mods similar to the OP's. The HF tanks are nice for the money, but the attachments supplied with the tank are ****. Easy enough to replace them though.

 

[Lombie]

7mil nitrile gloves are a major pass.

+1

I think the prior negative comments are for the 5 mil gloves. The 7's, for me anyway, work (and fit) great.

 

[timemachine3030]

18 In. Magnetic Tool Holder - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-magnetic-tool-holder-60433.html

Love these. The magnet is nice and strong. Holds my heavy turning chisels in place with ease.

500 Lb. Horizontal / Vertical Toggle Clamp - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-horizontal-toggle-clamp-96233.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/500-lb-vertical-toggle-clamp-96238.html

These are both good quality clamps with lots of holding power. I use a setup similar to the one shown in this video:

12 In. Ratchet Bar Clamp/Spreader- PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-inch-ratchet-bar-clamp-spreader-46807.html

Keep the coupon for a free one in my car and pick one up when ever I'm near the store (http://www.dealsoff.com/images/free-clamp-0818.jpg).

Posting this review as I now have a new use for them: The end is removable so I've started threading them through the bench dog/holdfast holes in my work bench. Similar in use as the $50 Festool screw clamps, only free.http://www.festoolproducts.com/Festool-489571-Screw-Clamps-for-Festool-MFT-and-Gu-p/489571.htm

 

[geojag]

It has been discussed already, but 3 ton floor jack (steel), Item no 68048, pass. My current one has worked perfectly for the few months I have had it, I has the same or similar before I moved and gave it away, it was working after about 3 years use.

 

[CJM8515]

Aluminum jacks:

2 ton Item 68051, MAJOR fail. Was used to jack up an EMPTY 1 ton chevy van on rear differential and for some reason started to sink (was only a few months old). Then it somehow twisted the frame of the jack before totally failing

1.5 ton 68054, outside wheels fell off b/c they are just bolted on, pistons failed, failed to lift one side of a crown vic! Marginal at best, maybe best used on a honda civic and wheels checked often

 

[aafadca]

Cen-Tech - item#97218 Circuit Tester

This circuit tester is a BIG fail. As in "could cost you your life" fail. One second it works, the next second it doesn't. If you tap it on a line it may light up and beep or not. Even if it's in the same spot

 

[cagullett1]

I noticed that overall, the steel jacks are a pass. I am curious if anyone knows why the 2 ton low profile is significantly more expensive than the other steel jacks.

Before I get jumped on for this being discussed before, the search function didn't come up with anything useful.

 

[ijroorda]

I noticed that overall, the steel jacks are a pass. I am curious if anyone knows why the 2 ton low profile is significantly more expensive than the other steel jacks.

Before I get jumped on for this being discussed before, the search function didn't come up with anything useful.

It has a T-handle with dial release and a foot pump, which most of the other jacks don't have. It's also longer and heavier than most of the other jacks. More steel and more features would be my guess on the price difference.

 

[tquinn]

Any torque wrenches (1/4", 3/8", 1/2"). By the rules, you would say "FAIL" because I've bought one each of these, and they were all off calibration as purchased. But I still like them because you can loosen the nut at the bottom, and change the point where rotating the dial handle will start to put tension on the spring, and then lock it there. If you do it so that the tension starts around zero on the dial, it will be close to being calibrated well. So I say PASS because you can fix them without much trouble, and they are a LOT less expenses than torque wrenches from other manufacturers.

 

[Aces67]

Hey guys first time posting. Wanted to say I'm a tool junkie, so this is my favorite forum. This thread was a genius idea. Here's my 2 cents.

5 drawer tool cart, paid $150- PASS ( worth every penny)
56" top and bottom, paid $950- PASS ( had for month now no complaints)
Locking single drawer service cart, paid around $55- PASS
800 lbs transmission jack, paid $130- PASS
Load leveler- PASS
50ft good year black air hose- PASS
Brake caliper and inner tie rod service tool, paid $60 for both- PASS
Breaker bar- PASS
Orange dead blow- PASS
Old orange Chicago grinder, paid $15-PASS (used daily for years)

The key is, to know what your buying. Even if some of HF tools do fail, you could replace them at least 5x over before paying what you would for the name brand stuff (like the grinders). Anything with threads like load levers, ball joint presses, and so on, need lubricant on the threads when using them to avoid tool failure (this common sense for these types of tools not just the HF stuff). Tools that make you money are always worth the money spent. Why pay thousands for an SO tool box? They are great boxes don't get me wrong, but money could be better spent on the tools you need to make money. Kinda like spending a fortune on a nice wallet then not having a dollar to put in it.

 

[Provincial]

Hey guys first time posting. Wanted to say I'm a tool junkie, so this is my favorite forum. This thread was a genius idea. Here's my 2 cents.

Tools that make you money are always worth the money spent. Why pay thousands for an SO tool box? They are great boxes don't get me wrong, but money could be better spent on the tools you need to make money. Kinda like spending a fortune on a nice wallet then not having a dollar to put in it.

Boy, you hit the nail on the head with that comparison!

 

[K-Dog]

Why pay thousands for an SO tool box? They are great boxes don't get me wrong, but money could be better spent on the tools you need to make money. Kinda like spending a fortune on a nice wallet then not having a dollar to put in it.

I have a Matco box but either way.
It boils down to security for me.
My box EMPTY exceeds 1,000 pounds. If ( God forbid ) some one were to break into our shop, the easier box will go out the door first.
Additionally I can stand in most of my drawers.
Not really sure how that is a selling point, but it is note worthy.

 

[wildbill23c]

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!!

I'm looking into getting the 12" Miter saw, aside from the blade guard, anything else thats horrible? My old 10" saw had the same guard issue.

As for that table you are talking about...good to hear its still junk LOL. I have had that table for over 6 years, all its good for is holding my small portable tool box.

 

[rtole]

I dont know the item number......but the round magnetic parts trays are a fail. I have three. I have one of a brand called performance tool ( i know its a cheap brand as well) it holds 5 times better than the hf ones. I use these at work......I thought it would be nice to have more magnetic trays.......and it would be. But the hf versions are ****, they dont hold near the weight, and if the tray is anything but right side up.......stuff falls out. I can hang the performance tool one upside down and it will hold 8 lugnuts. The hf versions wont hold themselves upside down. (well they will, but not much else) They are all the same size, so its an apples to apples comparison. I thought to myself......how could they make a bad magnetic try? Well, I got three of them.

 

[dR_Freightliner]

The knee pads from Harbor Freight are good. They last for more then 6+ months being used everyday for several hours and cost only $3.99. Item # 60799 http://www.harborfreight.com/black-cap-knee-pads-60799.html

 

[rodm1]

Anyone have any impute on there well pumps what one is best?

 

[_Stang_]

It has a T-handle with dial release and a foot pump, which most of the other jacks don't have. It's also longer and heavier than most of the other jacks. More steel and more features would be my guess on the price difference.

The 2 ton low profile / high lift is a great jack. Lifts from just over 2" to almost 24" and has a long reach. Love the dial knob. Use this to work on my Raptor all the time.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Provincial]

Anyone have any impute on there well pumps what one is best?

I have a #68388 Shallow Well Pump that I use to boost pressure on a gravity feed line. Gravity only supplies a pound or two of pressure through a 1" PVC pipe, and by adding this pump I get at least 20 psi (tops just over 30 psi) and enough flow to run a garden hose well. It has been working for over a year with no problems. I use this to water landscaping and maintain water levels in a water feature.

I don't think it could run a whole house at normal consumption.

 

[wildbill23c]

Ok, picked up the HF Chainsaw Sharpener this morning, and after getting it setup and ready to test I can say its one of those tools that's ok for a homeowner, but in no way would I recommend it for a professional setting such as a small engine shop.

Its easy to setup, nothing to really setup except mount it to a bench. Insert the chain and adjust the angle to match the chain tooth. I did notice when you grab the hand grip brake that it will cause the chain to tilt slighly so it throws off the angle a bit, but for a DIYer it will be ok. It did sharpen my dull chain however, the grinder doesn't have the ability to tightly follow the contour of the original angle of the teeth so its by far not a professional unit.

Just use it occasionally and its fine, but its not for everyday all day use. The motor is very small so if you use it too hard it will get hot and most likely burn up pretty quick.

Once you get it setup and mess around with it and get used to the settings and how it works, its pretty quick. I sharpened a 16" chain in 5 minutes once I got the angle set.

So...overall: PASS for DIY use. FAIL for Professional use.

 

[Kev442]

#99849 Ball Joint separator, Pass. It was failed in 2012 on here, but the secret is too tighten it until some pressure is exerted, whack things with a hammer, then tighten some more. About the third time, in less than a minute, pop!
Two lower ball joints separated in less than 5 minutes is nice in my book.

 

[BellyUpFish]

#91222 4" Grinder - Pass

 

[alpaca]

I dont know the item number......but the round magnetic parts trays are a fail. I have three. I have one of a brand called performance tool ( i know its a cheap brand as well) it holds 5 times better than the hf ones. I use these at work......I thought it would be nice to have more magnetic trays.......and it would be. But the hf versions are ****, they dont hold near the weight, and if the tray is anything but right side up.......stuff falls out. I can hang the performance tool one upside down and it will hold 8 lugnuts. The hf versions wont hold themselves upside down. (well they will, but not much else) They are all the same size, so its an apples to apples comparison. I thought to myself......how could they make a bad magnetic try? Well, I got three of them.

I own 3 HF magnetic trays and am more than happy with them. Now I just use it for smaller bolts... mostly 7-13mm heads but as long as you don't overload it it's plenty strong.

 

[MagnumForce]

Spring Loaded center punch, total piece of ****.
http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html

Transfer Punch set, very nice for the money.
http://www.harborfreight.com/28-piece-transfer-punch-set-3577.html

 

[BellyUpFish]

Spring Loaded center punch, total piece of ****.

http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html



Transfer Punch set, very nice for the money.

http://www.harborfreight.com/28-piece-transfer-punch-set-3577.html

I'll agree with both of these comments..

Center punch is wasted money. Transfer punch set isn't bad at all.

 

[MNRZR]

I dont know the item number......but the round magnetic parts trays are a fail. I have three. I have one of a brand called performance tool ( i know its a cheap brand as well) it holds 5 times better than the hf ones. I use these at work......I thought it would be nice to have more magnetic trays.......and it would be. But the hf versions are ****, they dont hold near the weight, and if the tray is anything but right side up.......stuff falls out. I can hang the performance tool one upside down and it will hold 8 lugnuts. The hf versions wont hold themselves upside down. (well they will, but not much else) They are all the same size, so its an apples to apples comparison. I thought to myself......how could they make a bad magnetic try? Well, I got three of them.

I own 3 HF magnetic trays and am more than happy with them. Now I just use it for smaller bolts... mostly 7-13mm heads but as long as you don't overload it it's plenty strong.

I wonder if the item # is the difference? I've had a couple of these for quite a while and then I've added about 6 since they came out with the freebie coupon for them. They have 2 different item #'s for them and 1 comes in a box and 1 comes in a plastic "blister pack". I've only ever picked up the ones that come in boxes and they are awesome. Use them all the time. Maybe the blister pack trays are a cheaper "new" version and have weaker magnets?

 

[mge_1]

Picked up the 1.5 HP Electric Pole Saw
http://www.harborfreight.com/15-hp-electric-pole-saw-68862.html

About 2-4" of tree branches no issues and worked great.
Used 25% coupon and came out $64.19 (NJ).

 

[KingCobra98]

Had one of there 3 ton orange jack stand fall apart the other day.. glad it happen after I was done using it. (yes i still use a floor jack just in case)

 

[bw77]

Had one of there 3 ton orange jack stand fall apart the other day.. glad it happen after I was done using it. (yes i still use a floor jack just in case)

Pictures???

 

[signcrafter]

Had one of there 3 ton orange jack stand fall apart the other day.. glad it happen after I was done using it. (yes i still use a floor jack just in case)

Please explain more. Pictures would also be very helpful. So you used them and took them out and one just fell apart? Where they used on level ground? What vehicle were they used on? Just would like to know the details since I have a few pairs of these I use all the time.

 

[KingCobra98]

I will be taking a picture after work today.

Kinda scary, I have or had 3 pairs rom harbor and 1 pair of larin from fleet ( which are older)

Was doing brakes on a 2006 G6. one side at a time.. Used a old school 2 ton floor jack on the pinch weld and put the jack stand under the control arm mount. I even left the floor jack on the pinch weld.

 

[signcrafter]

So when and how did it fail? From your first post it sounds like you had taken it out from the car and then it failed?