The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[nuclearlemon]

A huge pass on the marine grade shrink tube kit http://www.harborfreight.com/42-piece-marine-heat-shrink-tubing-67598.html I just rewired my tractor and this stuff works great a 1/10th the cost at marine supply store.On sale now @ $4.99

does it have any of the glue stuff in it to completely seal?

 

[tlmartin84]

Welding gloves ---------****!

They look like hobarts, the light gray ones, not even close........

 

[motorcyclist]

does it have any of the glue stuff in it to completely seal?

Yes it does. I used it to do all the wiring on my motorcycle. It worked great.

 

[txz28]

BATTERY TESTER PASS you have to get one of theses......seriously

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I got the battery tester mentioned above and was not impressed. I tried it on a battery not capable of starting an engine and it did not report that it had problems. (I seem to recall this was on my Rav4 V6, but could be wrong on which car it was.)

 

[NC-Shaun]

I am in need of a new set of crescent wrenches and currently have a mixed set of Williams,Crescent, and maybe a Craftsman. They all have seen better days so I am considering this set specifically. I found very little when searching this thread for reviews, any input appreciated.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-adjustable-wrench-set-69427.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39619.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39620.html

 

[cheechi]

I have that 4 pc set or some equivalent. There isn't anything wrong with it but I try to use them only as a last resort. Partly because they're crescent wrenches I will admit. They have never failed me but I don't have extensive uses with them either.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I have that 4 pc set or some equivalent. There isn't anything wrong with it but I try to use them only as a last resort. Partly because they're crescent wrenches I will admit. They have never failed me but I don't have extensive uses with them either.

Thanks Cheechi, they are always a last resort for me as well but they come in handy when ya need em for sure.

 

[f575gtc]

Those are crescent wrenches?

I always called them adjustable, I thought crescent was referring to this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW0XY8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[skulldrinker]

A huge pass on the marine grade shrink tube kit http://www.harborfreight.com/42-piece-marine-heat-shrink-tubing-67598.html I just rewired my tractor and this stuff works great a 1/10th the cost at marine supply store.On sale now @ $4.99

For general purpose heat shrink tubing I found this set that I will buy next time.

SummitLink 328 Pcs Assorted Heat Shrink Tube 5 Colors 8 Sizes Tubing Wrap Sleeve Set Combo $8.99

http://tinyurl.com/ktyq5s9

 

[skulldrinker]

Those are crescent wrenches?

I always called them adjustable, I thought crescent was referring to this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW0XY8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Crescent is a company Google their web site to see their tools. My father and my father's father has always called look alike wrenches "Crescent" wrenches. Not sure but maybe Crescent must have been the first ones to make them or the biggest at the time??

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Tj3HRVIeL.jpg

 

[soj]

For general purpose heat shrink tubing I found this set that I will buy next time.

SummitLink 328 Pcs Assorted Heat Shrink Tube 5 Colors 8 Sizes Tubing Wrap Sleeve Set Combo $8.99

http://tinyurl.com/ktyq5s9

The SummitLink doesn't appear to be adhesive lined, only shrinks 2:1, and I don't care for all those colors. The HF is adhesive lined, shrinks 3:1, but is only black. I know I am hard to please, but I only use red and black.
-jp

 

[soj]

Crescent is a company Google their web site to see their tools. My father and my father's father has always called look alike wrenches "Crescent" wrenches. Not sure but maybe Crescent must have been the first ones to make them or the biggest at the time??

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31Tj3HRVIeL.jpg

Yea, I am pretty sure Crescent had the original patent on that form of adjustable wrench. The name stuck, sorta like Skillsaw for portable circular saws, Channel-locks for all groove joint adj. pliers, Porta-Band, Sawzall, on and on.
-jp

 

[bubinga]

Yea, I am pretty sure Crescent had the original patent on that form of adjustable wrench. The name stuck, sorta like Skillsaw for portable circular saws, Channel-locks for all groove joint adj. pliers, Porta-Band, Sawzall, on and on.
-jp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crescent_%28brand%29

BAND-AID for Adhesive Bandages, Kleenex for facial tissue,

Yeah, always called look alike wrenches "Crescent" wrenches also.
Task force from Home Depot used to make a pretty good one,
Better than the kobolt from Lowes IMO

 

[bubinga]

Those are crescent wrenches?

I always called them adjustable, I thought crescent was referring to this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW0XY8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

we always called them "starter wrenches"
as in electric starter motor.
I remember there was a "3 bolt" ford starter those would have been handy on. Don't remember If the 2 bit shop I was working in at the time had on or not. I personally did not have any. I have a few now.

 

[retDAC]

Yeah, always called look alike wrenches "Crescent" wrenches also.
Task force from Home Depot used to make a pretty good one,
Better than the kobolt from Lowes IMO

Task Force is/was a Lowe's brand http://www.trademarkia.com/task-force-77350401.html

Lowe's used to carry Task Force hand tools as a lower cost alternative to the Kobalt line.

Lowe's replaced Task Force with Blue Hawk as the lower cost hand tools brand. Same tools but I liked the color scheme of the Task Force comfort grips on the ratchets.

 

[funks]

Tail Pipe Expander is a fail from Harbor Freight. The rubber that holds the expansion plates together snaps and gets brittle after a while.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I am in need of a new set of ADJUSTABLE wrenches and currently have a mixed set of Williams,Crescent, and maybe a Craftsman. They all have seen better days so I am considering this set specifically. I found very little when searching this thread for reviews, any input appreciated.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-adjustable-wrench-set-69427.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39619.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39620.html

Back on topic, any more feedback on these?

 

[d.mcfarland]

Are you looking at those just because of price?

 

[NC-Shaun]

Are you looking at those just because of price?

I am merely asking if anybody has had experience with these wrenches specifically.....That is what this thread is for, not to debate pricing and reasons why a person wants a particular Harbor Freight tool. I explained why I was looking for a new set in my original post.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I am merely asking if anybody has had experience with these wrenches specifically.....That is what this thread is for, not to debate pricing and reasons why a person wants a particular Harbor Freight tool. I explained why I was looking for a new set in my original post.

And I read that post. You said the old ones are worn out. I'm assuming you use them frequently? How else would you wear them out.

My question is because if you want to replace an often used item with the cheapest "equivalent", then the outcome might not be the same.

I have fondled these in the store and they don't seem bad, but in what way are you looking for them to be better than the old ones?

 

[NC-Shaun]

And I read that post. You said the old ones are worn out. I'm assuming you use them frequently? How else would you wear them out.

My question is because if you want to replace an often used item with the cheapest "equivalent", then the outcome might not be the same.

I have fondled these in the store and they don't seem bad, but in what way are you looking for them to be better than the old ones?

The old set I have I actually rarely use, I guess thats why they are just a pieced together set I have aquired over the years. The largest 15 incher I have is a Williams and I mainly use it a few times a year to tighten ATV Axle Lock nuts, however in my younger days (owned these for over 20 years) I have misused them as make shift hammers, and generally mistreated them. As a result they dont work near as smooth as I want them to and they look like they been thru the ringer.The jaws have been marred from years of abuse as well.

Some of them stick and refuse to adjust, and a few feel sloppy at the jaws (smaller ones) I do use them all, athough rarely they are still a requirement to have in the tool box. When I need them I need them, I have considered the Craftsmans as they are still Made in USA, but at about $80 vs $30 I am hoping that everyone says these are comparable. Even my Crescent (original designer) and Williams (Top Shelf) have slop in them.

I need a new set for the following reasons.

1. Mine are sticky to adjust
2. Mine have been beaten with various hammers or used as hammers
3. Mine are all mismatched and picked up over the years, used never new.
4. They look terrible in my well kept tool set
5. The jaws are marred from abuse and some are sloppy
6. After using these used hand me downs for 20 plus years I just want a nice matching set....

 

[Coach James]

I have the two largest you asked about. I bought them for some low torque work I do from time to time. I've had them about two years, used them maybe 10 times and no problems.

If I was going to be using that type of wrench a lot more, I would spend the money for a higher quality tool.

Coach

 

[NC-Shaun]

Thanks for the input Coach. It looks like for me to get the 6inch thru 15 inch set from Craftsman its gonna run me about $130 bux......Ouch

 

[wildbill23c]

Does anyone use the HF 18V Drill & Impact? If so does it do a descent job at least for occasional use?

 

[NC-Shaun]

I went down to the local HF and looked closely at the adjustable wrenches, yes the 15/18/and super huge size felt great but the 6/8/10/12 inchers were sloppy. The adjuster wheel had too much back and forth play in it, and the jaw slide tolerances were too loose within the wrench body for my liking.

So i went to the local Sears, which looks like a picked thru liquidation outlet with premium prices. The Craftsman (USA made) were all very tight and precise. I think I am gonna have to pony up the $125 plus dollars for this set.

I am open to suggestions on quality adjustable wrench sets that include sizes from 4-15 inch.

 

[edwinh]

The Channellock ones with the blue & red handles made in Spain. come in 6/8/10/12. every adjustable wrench I owned prior to that just is so "sloppy" in comparison. And they open wider than most which is a plus. They make a a tiny one and 15" without the grips I think.

 

[NC-Shaun]

The Channellock ones with the blue & red handles made in Spain. come in 6/8/10/12. every adjustable wrench I owned prior to that just is so "sloppy" in comparison. And they open wider than most which is a plus. They make a a tiny one and 15" without the grips I think.

I will have a look at them, Thank You

They sure do look nice, even the 4 incher costs $20 the 18 incher is about $75...I cant swing that much for a set. Maybe I will have to rethink this purchase and come back to it later. the Channel lock brand looks like the nicest I have seen. Thank You

 

[edwinh]

for $42 you can get the 6 &10 as a set from amazon, and the rest later if they work out

 

[Coach James]

I will have a look at them, Thank You

They sure do look nice, even the 4 incher costs $20 the 18 incher is about $75...I cant swing that much for a set. Maybe I will have to rethink this purchase and come back to it later. the Channel lock brand looks like the nicest I have seen. Thank You

Shaun, Harry Epstein has the 18 inch for 59.50 and the 4" is 15.95.

Coach

 

[NC-Shaun]

for $42 you can get the 6 &10 as a set from amazon, and the rest later if they work out

Shaun, Harry Epstein has the 18 inch for 59.50 and the 4" is 15.95.

Coach

Thanks Guys, I have a Grainger next door that is supposed to carry the Channel Lock Brand. I am gonna have a look there Tuesday.

The sizes I use the most are the 4 inch and the 18 inch but I want to get the entire set in one purchase so they all match.

I am looking on the Harry Epstein page now, and am unable to locate the Channel lock Brand Adjustable wrenches?

 

[stage20]

Wheelbarrow style gas compressor any good? 400 dollar difference in price from a kobalt with a honda engine.

 

[cheechi]

Some time ago there was a 24" GW adjustable on their hot deals thread. I own one, it was purchased intending to use it solely for decoration.

I have used it thrice now and each time it was very nice. China made but very good considering it's a big ol unwieldy wrench (for me at least). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend GW based on it.

As far as the HF impact driver, I would strongly recommend Ryobi over it, often you can get the drill/driver combo with 2 batts for $99. The HF one is not much cheaper but there is a huge gap in quality.

 

[wildbill23c]

Some time ago there was a 24" GW adjustable on their hot deals thread. I own one, it was purchased intending to use it solely for decoration.

I have used it thrice now and each time it was very nice. China made but very good considering it's a big ol unwieldy wrench (for me at least). I wouldn't hesitate to recommend GW based on it.

As far as the HF impact driver, I would strongly recommend Ryobi over it, often you can get the drill/driver combo with 2 batts for $99. The HF one is not much cheaper but there is a huge gap in quality.

Thanks, I was kind of thinking along the lines of the Ryobi set as well. Ryobi has a great lineup of 18V tools anyways so I think I'll go that route. Battery cost is a huge draw back. I have a Dewalt 18V XRP set but at $100 a battery I can't afford to feed them any longer.

 

[MatBirch]

Does anyone use the HF 18V Drill & Impact? If so does it do a descent job at least for occasional use?

I have both. They are just fine for at home. The batteries don't last like my Dewalt nano set, but it's a couple hundred bucks less.
I'd give them a definite pass

 

[cagullett1]

Wheelbarrow style gas compressor any good? 400 dollar difference in price from a kobalt with a honda engine.

I have a good family friend who owns a business and they keep this compressor mounted on a palet for when they have to fix one of their fleet roadside. They really like it and I know most of HF's compressors have great reviews, so I would be willing to say it's worth saving $400!

 

[bubinga]

Task Force is/was a Lowe's brand http://www.trademarkia.com/task-force-77350401.html

Lowe's used to carry Task Force hand tools as a lower cost alternative to the Kobalt line.

Lowe's replaced Task Force with Blue Hawk as the lower cost hand tools brand. Same tools but I liked the color scheme of the Task Force comfort grips on the ratchets.

yeah, this one I got is about 20 years old, is sort of black, and has no comfort grip handle.
But it is made nicer than the Kobalt adjustable wrenches I think.
I brought the Kobalt 3 piece set (adjustable wrenches) on sale at Christmas time, for $10.00, ended up taking them back. Too much slop in them for me.

 

[Toolbreaker]

I am in need of a new set of crescent wrenches and currently have a mixed set of Williams,Crescent, and maybe a Craftsman. They all have seen better days so I am considering this set specifically. I found very little when searching this thread for reviews, any input appreciated.

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-adjustable-wrench-set-69427.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39619.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrench-39620.html

I can tell you that the 4 piece set is straight garbage. You can't adjust them by rolling the wheel alone. You have to wiggle the jaws to keep them from getting jammed. It's a real pain if you are trying to work on something and you have to keep fixing your tools.

 

[SteevoLS]

The 4 piece set with the rubberized grips seem far better made than the cheaper 4 piece variety.

 

[fourtythree]

If you're looking at HF adjustable wrenches, the "Pro" versions don't look half bad.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I can tell you that the 4 piece set is straight garbage. You can't adjust them by rolling the wheel alone. You have to wiggle the jaws to keep them from getting jammed. It's a real pain if you are trying to work on something and you have to keep fixing your tools.

The 4 piece set with the rubberized grips seem far better made than the cheaper 4 piece variety.

Thanks for the input guys, I can see manufacturing differences in the "pro" rubberized versions but havent actually opened a package and tinkered with them.