The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[TM98]

Here's a coupon from the HF coupon thread.

 

[dchawk81]

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

Indeed. Either way, no sense paying the $99.99.

 

[Youngguns]

Can someone tell me the difference between these (if there is a difference)?

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-69387.html

Emblem, and no emblem?

 

[PatStroud]

Can someone tell me the difference between these (if there is a difference)?

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-69387.html

Emblem, and no emblem?

The compatibility with other components (add-ons) but you probably can still make them all work.

 

[steed andersen]

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

-Jordan

Use mine at work every day. I have nothing but praise for it,especially for $80.

 

[cheechi]

My guess is the no emblem one is the newer (cheaper) one although they do actually have labels, on the left in grey. Many of the parts are the same, what's not are the slides, drawers are the same dimensions but not notched the same place for said slides and imo the locks are better on the newer although not bad on the older.

The main thing is there are no missing slides on the newer ones like on the tops. The deep drawers have 2 sets of slides each.

 

[59 wagon man]

probably different manufacturers of the same product. home depot does the same thing

 

[cagullett1]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

 

[AnthonyJ124]

Central Pneumatics 21 gal 2.5 125psi vertical compressor (oiled). Pass.

Once you break in the compressor and drain the oil a couple times, it's good to go. I got a LOT of metallic in the first oil change after 30 min of run time, followed it up with another 15 minutes then another drain and fill. Looks much better now.

Two oil changes in the jar.

Otherwise, the size an output is great. $149 with a coupon was easy to justify.

 

[malibu_rod]

Can someone tell me the difference between these (if there is a difference)?

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-68784.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/44-in-13-drawer-glossy-red-industrial-roller-cabinet-69387.html

Emblem, and no emblem?

No difference same box, They have the same thing on the 5 drawer red box just a different vendor supplying it to them but other than that same thing. I have an upper and lower box two different "US General" Emblem. Both will have the emblem on them. You'll see this on a lot of products they carry, even the coupons have the both the different p/n on them.

 

[bubinga]

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

-Jordan

Re the Earthquake impact. 1/2" drive.
The 1st generation was heavy, I don't think the newer model is heavy.

 

[bubinga]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

Don't know, but that ($600.00) is a good price, I would love to bite the bullet and get one. I don't use air all that often, but it's nice to have.
Just leave it aired up.
Do you think once a week draining the tank is enough?
I know a lot say every day.

 

[ineedtools]

Well said, crucible!

On to the evals.

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

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

Ditto on all said above!

 

[monomach]

Anyone notice the new 60 gallon 2 stage compressor on the website? $200 cheaper than the previous compressor, with the same specs.

The new one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-55391.html

The old one: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-hp-60-gallon-165-psi-two-stage-air-compressor-93274.html

The new one is one of the old ones that broke, was returned, and rebuilt at the factory. Says so at the bottom.

 

[cagullett1]

The new one is one of the old ones that broke, was returned, and rebuilt at the factory. Says so at the bottom.

ahhh... I didn't see the "Factory reconditioning" statement. Thanks!

 

[Kin Creed]

I'm giving this 3x21 "industrial" belt sander a pass...

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-in-x-21-in-industrial-
variable-speed-belt-sander-69860.html

For the price it has worked fine. The dust collection is a joke, but the basic function was very good.

I sanded a very large wooden swing set with this thing, and it made the job go very quickly compared to a random orbit. Orbital sanders are better for more delicate work, for serious sanding it's tough to beat a belt sander!

I would consider this a very solid entry level tool. I liked so much I am now considering upgrading at some point to a name brand. That is just the market I use HF for. To see if I like a tool and get good use out of it.

In this case the sander has served me very well I am confident any upgrade would be money well spent. Good job Harbor Freight!

 

[wildbill23c]

Central Pneumatics 21 gal 2.5 125psi vertical compressor (oiled). Pass.

Once you break in the compressor and drain the oil a couple times, it's good to go. I got a LOT of metallic in the first oil change after 30 min of run time, followed it up with another 15 minutes then another drain and fill. Looks much better now.

Two oil changes in the jar.

Otherwise, the size an output is great. $149 with a coupon was easy to justify.

That compressor doesn't hold much oil it there's 2 oil changes in that bottle. I've never cared much for the direct drive models though, they seem like they are louder than the belt drive models. My old Montgomery Wards compressor is still going strong, I did have to reseal the head on it last year as it was leaking a bit.

 

[jd_1138]

Anyone have a store near them with the 1/4" roto ratchet in stock? The stores near me are sold out.

I'll check tomorrow when I go.

 

[SteevoLS]

New 72 tooth ratchets at the Columbia SC store. I can't find them on the website yet unless I look up the SKU directly , and they are all priced extremely high for HF ratchets. Some were on sale but even the 1/4" ratchet was $38 at regular price.

 

[GCncsuHD]

New 72 tooth ratchets at the Columbia SC store. I can't find them on the website yet unless I look up the SKU directly , and they are all priced extremely high for HF ratchets. Some were on sale but even the 1/4" ratchet was $38 at regular price.

http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/04800f32cea91bf3ee6cc09482d3e933.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/b184d0129d80e955e997b2d70dd47a4e.jpg[IMG]

[IMG]http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/14/09/30/80c4ae53203d3bd72990c3295eed8872.jpg[IMG][/QUOTE]
They come right up when I search the website except the 1/4". Show them the prices online, the 1/4" is $18.99 on sale online, then use a 20/25% coupon.

[url]http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-flex-head-ratchet-62331.html[/url]

 

[vartz04]

That compressor doesn't hold much oil it there's 2 oil changes in that bottle. I've never cared much for the direct drive models though, they seem like they are louder than the belt drive models. My old Montgomery Wards compressor is still going strong, I did have to reseal the head on it last year as it was leaking a bit.

Is it a ugly green color? 220 V motor and vtwin pump?

 

[bwringer]

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?

Yep -- I've used it for removing motorcycle wheel bearings a couple of times.

It's well made, everything works smoothly, and nothing has broken, but sometimes when I have a really stubborn bearing I wish the "thwacker" part of the slide hammer was heavier or maybe the hammer shaft was longer.

I suppose you could say the same about any tool like this. The thwacker is 3 pounds, which seems pretty reasonable.

 

[rodster_67]

350# folding sawhorses

Have a coupon for $9.99 so I checked them out. Seemed very lightweight and a goofy hinge so I passed and will put my $9.99 toward something better.

FAIL and I never got them out of the store.

 

[wildbill23c]

Is it a ugly green color? 220 V motor and vtwin pump?

Nope, its red, with a 110v/220v motor and non-v twin pump.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I bought these for $3 and some change with 20% coupon to take apart ratchets with and I must say I am pretty impressed with them for the price.
http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-snap-ring-pliers-set-96512.html

 

[bubinga]

Are the torch hoses they sell any good? I know the one that comes with the baby torch set, some say is not so good, but I have a baby torch set, and need a new hose.
Was wondering if the one HF sells is and good. http://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-x-25-ft-grade-r-type-vd-twin-welding-hose-60686.html

 

[pedrodagr8]

All of the new ratchets are in stock in San Diego at the Miramar store. Checked them out before the Airshow yesterday. They seem really well built, I like the feel of the teardrop composite ratchet especially. The flex-heads feel very nice to and look pretty good. The quality feels excellent for the everyday user, way better than the lower craftsman lines. That's just my personal opinion.

Sent from my LGLS990 using Tapatalk

 

[revrnd]

Throatless Shear: PASS.

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..

X2

I haven't used mine a lot, but not to many brakes are available that say they'll bend 16 ga. Most say 22 is the limit for steel.

 

[vv111y]

I find that alot of HF stuff is actually over rated by about 300%... Your creeper probably is good for about 100 lbs.... My 1000lb yard cart is good up to about 300lbs.. (I wont put more then 300lbs of concrete bags on it.)

The casters for the dollies rated at 1000lbs (250lb/caster) look cheap & weak up against some Colson casters that are rated for less. I think the Colson casters have a sizeable safety factor whereas the HF ones probably are right on 1. Maybe. Hopefully.

...
12 ton jack stands- EPIC FAILURE.... DO NOT EVER TRUST YOU LIFE TO THEIR JACKS, JACK STANDS,PERIOD. I know a mobile mechanic who was almost killed when one broke holding up a Ford cut-away bus in the rear. He got a broken rib out of the deal, the fiberglass body panel pinned him. I've seen the bus, I've seen the broke jack stand. That thing wasn't anywhere loaded to it's so-called limit when it broke.

That put some proper fear in me.

Just got the plastic welder #96712
http://www.harborfreight.com/plastic-welding-kit-with-air-motor-and-temperature-adjustment-96712.html

Will try it out this week. Anyone used one?

 

[Chris83]

Looking for some input on the 6" buffer #94393. Anybody have one?

 

[owenst7]

Tried out the FWD wheel bearing kit (allows you to service newer-style independent suspension wheel bearings). The drivers were machined well and the tool worked great for the first hub I did with a ratchet. I got lazy on the second one and decided to use the impact. Almost immediately stripped the drive screw and the backing nut. I'm up in the air on whether I want to get some proper ACME threaded rod to use instead, or if I want to try the OTC Hub Grappler. I've read OTC doesn't warranty the drive screw on that either, leaving me in basically the same boat, but with $350 less in my bank account.

I wish HF would just put a proper drive screw in there and raise the price $20. It's not like they have any competition. Does Snap On even make an equivalent tool? I haven't found any mention of one in my research.

http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html

Hell, it's worth the $80 I paid for it just for the bearing drivers to use in my press (that's what I ended up doing for the second hub after I stripped the screw).

 

[Chris83]

Tried out the FWD wheel bearing kit (allows you to service newer-style independent suspension wheel bearings). The drivers were machined well and the tool worked great for the first hub I did with a ratchet. I got lazy on the second one and decided to use the impact. Almost immediately stripped the drive screw and the backing nut. I'm up in the air on whether I want to get some proper ACME threaded rod to use instead, or if I want to try the OTC Hub Grappler. I've read OTC doesn't warranty the drive screw on that either, leaving me in basically the same boat, but with $350 less in my bank account.

I wish HF would just put a proper drive screw in there and raise the price $20. It's not like they have any competition. Does Snap On even make an equivalent tool? I haven't found any mention of one in my research.

http://www.harborfreight.com/fwd-front-wheel-bearing-adapters-66829.html

Hell, it's worth the $80 I paid for it just for the bearing drivers to use in my press (that's what I ended up doing for the second hub after I stripped the screw).

We use the hub shark from ken tool.. Worked awesome until one of the guys in the shop messed it up.

 

[orphan auto]

If its only the drive screw stripped? Why not replace it with a grade 8 ?

 

[owenst7]

If its only the drive screw stripped? Why not replace it with a grade 8 ?

ACME thread is stronger.

Also, it's not like I can just go down to the store and buy a 3" long coupling nut that's hardened and has an oversized hex. There are competitors making a tool that is designed to use with an impact, however.

 

[2jz4me]

I used the bearing kit as well and returned it. The bolt never stripped out but i couldnt pull the bearing out of my lexus with it. Also, I thought the price going up from 99.00 to 119.00 over 2 days from when I researched it to the day I went and bought it was kinda bs.

 

[ecotec]

Yep -- I've used it for removing motorcycle wheel bearings a couple of times.

It's well made, everything works smoothly, and nothing has broken, but sometimes when I have a really stubborn bearing I wish the "thwacker" part of the slide hammer was heavier or maybe the hammer shaft was longer.

I suppose you could say the same about any tool like this. The thwacker is 3 pounds, which seems pretty reasonable.

Thanks, man. I will buy it when it finally goes on sale.

 

[wildbill23c]

The HF 2HP 70 Gallon Dust Collector >>>PASS. I've had the thing sitting in a box for 10 years, decided today was the day I put the thing together. Other than a bunch of incorrect fasteners in the beginning (I went to the hardware store and bought what I needed $7) it went together pretty quick working on it myself. It should have been out in the shop 10 years ago LOL. It works great, even with my makeshift 4" to 2-1/2" reducer made from a plastic coffee jar .

 

[bwringer]

Hell, it's worth the $80 I paid for it just for the bearing drivers to use in my press (that's what I ended up doing for the second hub after I stripped the screw).

Agreed -- those round driver plates make up a pretty damn nice set of adapters for a hydraulic press.

I think this kit is mostly guilty of offering false hope. I really don't see how you'd make a screw-driven tool that could RELIABLY and REPEATEDLY remove large wheel bearings; there's just waaaaaay too much force involved.

That's probably why Strap-On doesn't sell a set. It might actually work once or twice, but no matter how they're hardened or lubed (or even if they're Acme threads), those threads are going to wear out pretty quickly even if they don't strip.

Some of these large wheel bearings are an incredibly tight fit -- I've run into many wheel bearings that take everything a 20 ton press can offer to get them moving.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just used this set to replace a rear hub bearing in my crv. Used a breaker bar on one end the extending 1/2" ratchet on the other. Worked great.. I wouldn't try to use an impact on this though, but I made sure to grease all the threads before each use. Upgrading to a grade 8 bolt will cost you about 1/2 the price of this set.

 

[eurokid]

I picked up a set of these 1/4" drive Torx bit sockets about a year ago. To date it's been one of the best HF tool purchases I've made.

The HF solid drawer liner material is another great buy.