The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Joe Cim]

It all depends on what you are using the zip ties for... I can get a pack of 100 at HF for $2 but at home depot they are $6 for a pack of 100... Are the HD versions 3 times as good as the HF? No... Are the HD versions better than the HF? Yes...

Now with all that said I am a bit anti HF now a days... Understanding their market will really help... The guy that does something once or twice "might" have luck with their products but the guy that needs to rely on them everyday might not... It's hard to pass up something that is $20 when everyone else wants $80 for the "same thing" but it is what it is... HF knows the market and how people spend their money these days... Sadly it too often goes to the cheapest thing...

So when I have to buy something that I want to last I don't even think of HF... It's like they went out of business years ago in my eyes... I know some people love HF and there was a time when they were "good enough" in my eyes but never again... Not even for the zip ties... Just my 2 cents(which is worth more than most of the products sold at HF... LOL...)

(It is our standards as the consumers that set the market... Much like everything else we the people have the power but only if we are willing to stick to what matters to us... Even when having to pay more for something... Now I'm gonna step down from my soap box mountain... LOL...)

 

[KAOTIK Motorsports]

How bout the HF torque wrenches?
Thinking bout getting all 3 sizes for my home shop....
What's y'all's opinion on them?

 

[offaxis]

How bout the HF torque wrenches?
Thinking bout getting all 3 sizes for my home shop....
What's y'all's opinion on them?

For the price they are great. There are plenty of review in here that say pass. I picked two up for that occasional time that I need to use them.

 

[monomach]

How bout the HF torque wrenches?
Thinking bout getting all 3 sizes for my home shop....
What's y'all's opinion on them?

They're fine. I check the calibration every once in a while and mine are still where they're supposed to be after a few years now. That's the 1/4" and the 1/2". I don't have the 3/8" one.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

They're fine. I check the calibration every once in a while and mine are still where they're supposed to be after a few years now. That's the 1/4" and the 1/2". I don't have the 3/8" one.

I wouldn't trust doing anything critical like engine work with them. Just me. Lug nuts etc yeah whatever they are decent.

 

[monomach]

I wouldn't trust doing anything critical like engine work with them. Just me. Lug nuts etc yeah whatever they are decent.

Correct torque is correct torque, and mine are correct. There's no reason to not use them for engine work. They match up with my old school beam torque wrenches, and beams don't go out of spec.

 

[K-Dog]

It all depends on what you are using the zip ties for... I can get a pack of 100 at HF for $2 but at home depot they are $6 for a pack of 100... Are the HD versions 3 times as good as the HF? No... Are the HD versions better than the HF? Yes...

)

I bought a pack and some just flat out would not zip. Others the head would pop off. Not all of them. Not even most of them, but that is beside the point.

 

[dchawk81]

My car has HF zip ties holding parts of it together.

 

[stage20]

I wouldn't trust doing anything critical like engine work with them. Just me. Lug nuts etc yeah whatever they are decent.

There are a few reviews out there with them sying they are more accurate thn you might think. One even left on max torque was checked 30 days after and was within spec.

 

[Joe Cim]

K-dog,
Indeed they are a molded plastic product cheaply done... I have had defective zip ties from all zip ties makers I have used...

It also depends on what you are trying to do with the zip ties... I mount a lot of knives and pouches with the HF zip ties and only had a problem once in years of use... But I would also like to make my opinion very clear with HF... I refuse to ever shop there ever again... No matter how much it "looks" like I'll save it's not worth my time, my gas or my money...

I would have to be paid to walk into that store and even then I wouldn't buy anything... I would just look at who ever was gonna pay me for walking in and say "where's my money" then walk out... LOL...

Some might think my opinions is a bit harsh and with the limited knowledge others have of why I feel this way I understand... I however don't think it's harsh at all but rather the only way to feel... A good deal on junk doesn't change the fact that it's still junk... (Not everything as some like HF stuff but for me it's a no go)

 

[nes999]

What's the General consensus on their air compressor

 

[monomach]

K-dog,
Indeed they are a molded plastic product cheaply done... I have had defective zip ties from all zip ties makers I have used...

It also depends on what you are trying to do with the zip ties... I mount a lot of knives and pouches with the HF zip ties and only had a problem once in years of use... But I would also like to make my opinion very clear with HF... I refuse to ever shop there ever again... No matter how much it "looks" like I'll save it's not worth my time, my gas or my money...

I would have to be paid to walk into that store and even then I wouldn't buy anything... I would just look at who ever was gonna pay me for walking in and say "where's my money" then walk out... LOL...

Some might think my opinions is a bit harsh and with the limited knowledge others have of why I feel this way I understand... I however don't think it's harsh at all but rather the only way to feel... A good deal on junk doesn't change the fact that it's still junk... (Not everything as some like HF stuff but for me it's a no go)

No one cares.

 

[stikman56]

Correct torque is correct torque, and mine are correct. There's no reason to not use them for engine work. They match up with my old school beam torque wrenches, and beams don't go out of spec.

I agree. I use mine for engine work too. I had a friend who had the equipment at work to check them. He told me they,and other inexpensive ones ,are accurate just like the more expensive ones are. Main thing is use them correctly, unwind them when you're done and don't drop them or handle them rough and they'll last.

 

[stikman56]

No one cares.

It's a pass/fail thread, so like he said "no one cares" if everything in the store is a fail as far as you're concerned. I'm sure there's a rant thread somewhere though.

 

[KAOTIK Motorsports]

How bout the 29 gallon and /or 60 gallon air compresser?
Which would be better deal?

 

[Joe Cim]

monomach... If no one cares no one has to reply about what I posted... But you did... I might be new to forums but isn't a forum a place for people share ideas, info and opinions? I just wanted to be clear about my stance of HF...

 

[SteevoLS]

Why is it a waste of time when you have ever things like the black composite ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, and dead blow hammers that cost a fraction of their more expensive counterparts, work just as well, and seem to be equally well made?

 

[cagullett1]

Why is it a waste of time when you have ever things like the black composite ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, and dead blow hammers that cost a fraction of their more expensive counterparts, work just as well, and seem to be equally well made?

 

[K-Dog]

Why is it a waste of time when you have ever things like the black composite ratchets, ratcheting wrenches, and dead blow hammers that cost a fraction of their more expensive counterparts, work just as well, and seem to be equally well made?

Equally well made. That is the problem. Other than the afore mentioned come-a-long, none of the H.F. stuff I have used can even compare in quality.
Of course that is completely subjective, hence this thread, and the conversations in this thread.

 

[MagnumForce]

Honestly, I have bought a lot of hf tools, by and large only three of those things I have really liked and those are the ratcheting tap handle coo Taiwan, my long drive punches, and my 5 drawer cart. Spring loaded pin push, junk, jams to no end. Ball head T handles, junk, snap right off. Long ball headed hey sockets, same as the T handles. Magnetic bars, tape came right off and magnets slide all around. Hammers, 16 Oz and 20 Oz, plug popped out of the top of both, aviation snips, these are so bad I don't even want to qualify it. Transfer punches, flatten out completely after a handful of uses.
I could go on and on but I regret just about everything I have spent money on there and refuse to waste my money there anymore unless it is a toolbox, just too hit and miss and an hour away just not worth the reduced upfront cost.

 

[MaintenanceGuy]

I run some HFT in my box, mostly(if not all), there Taiwan stuff, as I find it to be as high of quality as my USA stuff. I use there Pittsburg Pro impacts, and 1/2 inch drive hex sockets(at $30. per set, there not exactly cheap).

 

[Danglerb]

I'm liking the free gloves, meters, screwdriver sets, measuring tapes, and flashlights just fine. Air tools are dandy, all mine are older Earthquakes.

 

[monomach]

monomach... If no one cares no one has to reply about what I posted... But you did... I might be new to forums but isn't a forum a place for people share ideas, info and opinions? I just wanted to be clear about my stance of HF...

Again, no one cares about your stance on HF. Read the first post; that's not what this thread is for. This isn't the place for you to come in and go "GEE WHIZ GUYS EVERYTHING AT HARBOR FREIGHT IS **** I JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THAT I'M WAY TOO COOL TO SHOP THERE."

I can walk through my shop and point out a number of HF tools in each guy's box. These guys aren't making due with ****; they're well-paid import techs who pick and choosing the good things...WHICH IS THE POINT OF THIS THREAD. They're not stupid enough to just write everything off as **** without doing research or testing.

Hell, there are a few things in that store that you'd believe were truck brand tools if you used them without looking at them.

 

[owenst7]

 

[KingCobra98]

any reviews on there axle bearing puller? need to rebuild my 8.8 and have the HF press but no puller. I can get OTC for twice the price but not sure yet.

 

[crucible]

I just wanted to be clear about my stance of HF...

Then start your own thread on how you hate HF (we don't see enough of those).

This long-standing and highly valuable thread is a product evaluation thread by people who have used individual products that HF sells,for people who are curious about them to better educate and help make better buying decisions by folks in this community.

Did you notice that this thread is 334 PAGES long with more than 6000 individual posts and 1.8 million views?? It isn't so doggone popular because everyone is soooooo interested in everyone else's personal stance on HF's existance.

 

[BirdMobile]

Well said, crucible!

On to the evals.

Harbor Freight 4" and 6" magnetic stainless parts trays - pass. These things are great!

1/4" drive 20-200 Inch Pound torque wrench - Enthusiastic Pass. Bought one with a coupon for just over $10, compared it with my +/-2% CDI Dial through its range. The thing is ON... nice and accurate! I probably wouldn't pay the full $22 retail for one, unless I really needed a torque wrench, but at $10 the thing's a bargain on wheels!

Brass "industry" air coupler fitting "starter pack" - Pass. No leaks - solid.

Free tape measure, flashlight, magnets, scissors - Pass... but just barely. Cheap **** that's worth $0, but not much more.

25" 1/2 drive breaker bar - Pass and a half. The thing's a BEAST... haven't managed to break it yet.

 

[ecotec]

I have needed a blind bearing puller set for ages. The Harbor Freight set goes for $74.99, and never seems to go on sale. I will probably buy this set when it finally goes on sale (and use a 25% off coupon, too).

Have any of you used it?

 

[Zapp Branigan]

While not exclusive to HF, the McCulloch steam cleaner works great. I got it for around $100 with the 20% coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/steam-cleaner-kit-8823.html

 

[pi_guy]

I bought the set of 3 deburing bits. I was remove the burr on 1/8 inch holes made in .060 aluminum sheet. I was happy coming out nice and doing it by hand no power tools involved. It lasted 19 holes on the 20th hole the cutting edge of the bit broke.
I had figured it would last for a 100 deburring before turning to ****. I have the Enco page out and will be ordering proper ones over the weekend.
Figured I would give HF one more try, I should listen to my own advice buying junk is a waste of money.

 

[GuyllFyre]

I give the 3-in-1 framing nailer a pass.
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...10-gauge-3-in-1-air-framing-nailer-98751.html
Central Pneumatic - item#98751

I ended up with 2-3 different types of nails due to trying (and returning) a Husky and another I don't remember now but neither would reasonably drive standard 3" framing nails.

After reading the reviews and getting a really good online sale/coupon deal, I had one delivered to me for less than I could buy it in the store.

I keep it oiled, try not to abuse it, and it's got it's quirks when you're down to the last few nails but it drives framing nails reasonably enough to give it a pass and it works wonders with 2" ring shank nails.

Sometimes I still have to go behind it with a big hammer to seat the framing nails if the lumber is warped but I think it's a good product.

 

[richj11]

FAIL... You really do "get what you pay for" most of the time. I figured for the price I would give these a shot. It wasn't even two days in the yard hacking shrubs when they bit the dust

IMG_0859 by rich_j11, on Flickr

 

[CRH]

Throatless Shear: PASS.
And I hate admitting that, since it is a shameful outright forgery of the Beverly Shear. The HF one I bought about 3 years ago cuts unbelievably well, no chipping of blades. (I finally found a real Beverly at the swap meet which I'm restoring...so I can feel warm and fuzzy with the real thing).

Wratcheting Tap Wrench: PASS. I like it and it hasn't failed yet. Another surprise.

Red 36" Sheet Metal Brake: PASS.
Simple, all steel (repairable) and cheap for a brake that works well. It DOES NOT bend 16 gauge full length though! That rating is false. But for occasional bending of smaller lengths and smaller gauges, it works great.

6 Ton jack stands: PASS.
I'm paranoid because of the tricks import steel mills pull on metals (I'm not a conspiracy theorist...just real experience) but these jack stands so far do well. I've had them for around 10 years.

 

[crucible]

The 3/8" indexable ratchet. Seems very well made, comfortable in the hand and most importantly proved it's handiness when I replaced the water pump on my daughter's Saturn yesterday-it allowed a variety of angles to turn bolts in the very tight space between the fender and the engine that would have been a real bear otherwise.

Totally worth it and handy as hell, and I'm going back to get the 1/2" too.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-ratchet-with-indexable-head-96092.html

Total PASS.

 

[shocker998md]

Pittsburgh impact sockets. 8 years and still going. Pass

Motorcycle lift table. Pass, slot of people modify the front wheel chock. I just strap the bike down. Im cheap.

May try out the 17fx20 car tent deal to keep a project out of the rain.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

pretty sure these have been posted but i'll do it again anyway

spot weld cutters, item#95343 - PASS

these things work as good as any of the name brand ones I've used

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-8-eighth-inch-double-sided-rotary-spot-weld-cutter-95343.html

 

[f575gtc]

I need to upgrade my older 350ftlb Husky impact. IS the 1/2 inch 700ftlb Earthquake red impact from HF any good?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

I would upgrade to the 3/4 inch, but I do not own any 3/4 inch sockets.

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

I need to upgrade my older 350ftlb Husky impact. IS the 1/2 inch 700ftlb Earthquake red impact from HF any good?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

I would upgrade to the 3/4 inch, but I do not own any 3/4 inch sockets.

I used to have it. Works great. It's just heavy. Something like 700 ft pounds

-Jordan

 

[dchawk81]

I need to upgrade my older 350ftlb Husky impact. IS the 1/2 inch 700ftlb Earthquake red impact from HF any good?

http://www.harborfreight.com/air-to...-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

I would upgrade to the 3/4 inch, but I do not own any 3/4 inch sockets.

Yeah but it says $99.99 right now. Just wait a bit if you don't have a coupon code and it'll go down to $79.99 again. It always does.

 

[ecotec]

Yeah but it says $99.99 right now. Just wait a bit if you don't have a coupon code and it'll go down to $79.99 again. It always does.

If it is $99.99, and you use a 25% off coupon, then you can get it for $75.