The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[dovco]

its not a tool but has anybody tried the spotting scope? 20-60 x 60mm Spotting Scope with TripodItem #94555
3.1
(50)
Read 50 ReviewsWrite a Review

Only: $69.99 Sale: $49.99

When it comes to scopes ignorance is bliss. You can get along nicely with cheap glass until you gaze through some good glass. Then, it starts getting expensive.
Optics planet is a good place to browse such things.
Google "harbor freight 94555" and see what the folks on the shooting forums have to say. They will know.

 

[wildbill23c]

You must have gotten a bad one. I've had mine for at least two years and I'm on the first battery.

I think it has to do with them sitting outside in my tool chest all year long. The weather and batteries don't get a long too well I guess.

 

[NC-Shaun]

Picked up the 6" digital vernier caliper today. Planning to use it while we finish up our FSAE car at school. We're always losing/breaking expensive calipers and I'm not too concerned about destroying this one at its $15 price point (with 25% coupon).

The adjustment roller seems smooth and the quality is quite surprising for the price. Seems to be accurate within half a thou so far. Planning to test it against a Mitutoyo on Monday.

I have been using these for many years, and they have measured spot on for items that the machine specs were included for me. If I were doing precision engine machining, I wouldnt use these, but for general fabrication they are great.

I usually prefer to replace any watch style batteries that come in Harbor Freight items with fresh Energizer brand.

 

[WQ59B]

PASS ~ 21-degree framing nailer. So far (shot about 400 nails), it's been good. Says run the gun between 70-120 PSI yet dialed to 120 and the nail heads (in 2x material) are just proud of the surface. Removed the 'safety collar' to get this, and sometimes it double-strikes. With collar on, it doesn't grip as well when toenailing. Certainly workable for general framing, going to experiment a bit in getting better penetration.
Paid $64 with coupon.

 

[noelalford]

Are you sure your gauge is reading correctly? I'd swap it out if you're sure on the gauge.

 

[garandman]

Anyone have the 8 gallon 125psi air compressor? I want to get a smallish one to fit under a bench.

 

[Sanny81]

Anyone have the 8 gallon 125psi air compressor? I want to get a smallish one to fit under a bench.

I've used this compressor for years at work but only to blow air to clean off equipment, never used an air tool with it. It's LOUD and comes with crappy oil so I always put better oil in and I've had no major complaints.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I've used this compressor for years at work but only to blow air to clean off equipment, never used an air tool with it. It's LOUD and comes with crappy oil so I always put better oil in and I've had no major complaints.

I wonder if this is true for all size compressors from HF?

 

[zbyler]

I have been using these for many years, and they have measured spot on for items that the machine specs were included for me. If I were doing precision engine machining, I wouldnt use these, but for general fabrication they are great.

I usually prefer to replace any watch style batteries that come in Harbor Freight items with fresh Energizer brand.

I was thinking the same thing regarding the batteries. Good call.

 

[bubinga]

I wonder if this is true for all size compressors from HF?

probably all use the cheap oil.
Your supposed to run them for a bit and then change it anyhow, Part of the break in.

 

[vintage nut]

My thoughts on calipers. I use the cheap batteries until they die, then put in good ones.
On accuracy, my dad and I each have a couple of those (not from harbor freight, but identical ones) and they read dead on. Haven't actually checked them on standards, but I have compared them to my starrett micrometers, and they read dead on. I still wouldn't trust them for critical work (that's what micrometers are for) but they are plenty accurate for any general use. Unless you're machining, you won't need higher accuracy than these have

you can never have too many tools

 

[groucho]

I hate it when they stop carrying something good. #94961 12 piece plug socket set is off their site & not at the store.

What's a plug socket set?

 

[ex-x-fire]

Drain & fill socket set, square & hex sockets to check diffs & trannys. It's a great set for the money.

 

[Art From De Leon]

What's a plug socket set?

Probably drain plugs, internal/external square or hex.

 

[groucho]

Drain & fill socket set, square & hex sockets to check diffs & trannys. It's a great set for the money.

Probably drain plugs, internal/external square or hex.

Thanks, good idea

 

[ndr1968]

Anyone have the 8 gallon 125psi air compressor? I want to get a smallish one to fit under a bench.

Yep. It's working pretty good. I don't use it for anything but filling tanks to air up tires and such. It's a little on the noisy side but so far so good. I've had it a little over a year now.

 

[ndr1968]

I have been using these for many years, and they have measured spot on for items that the machine specs were included for me. If I were doing precision engine machining, I wouldnt use these, but for general fabrication they are great.

I usually prefer to replace any watch style batteries that come in Harbor Freight items with fresh Energizer brand.

After many years and ruining my share of battery powered appliances and equipment, I have found two things that spell death (and usually leakage) for any formula dry cell battery. 1. Age. Don't leave batteries in any device longer than the stated shelf life of the battery. 2. Storage of device with depleted batteries. If you don't use the appliance often, store the batteries separately from the device or always insure that the batteries are fresh and new. I have gotten into the habit on items like the digital caliper to just install the batteries just before using the tool and then I remove them again after I have finished for the day (week? month? year? 's??).

 

[vintage nut]

I don't really worry about killing the calipers, as the place I buy them from (canadian version of harbor freight) has a "no sale is final until you're satisfied" guarantee. So if one eventually dies, they will just hand me a new one. Not sure if harbor freight has the same policy

you can never have too many tools

 

[soj]

After many years and ruining my share of battery powered appliances and equipment, I have found two things that spell death (and usually leakage) for any formula dry cell battery. 1. Age. Don't leave batteries in any device longer than the stated shelf life of the battery. 2. Storage of device with depleted batteries. If you don't use the appliance often, store the batteries separately from the device or always insure that the batteries are fresh and new. I have gotten into the habit on items like the digital caliper to just install the batteries just before using the tool and then I remove them again after I have finished for the day (week? month? year? 's??).

^What he said. Since I got a fractional read out dial caliper, I rarely use the digital anymore, and always pop the battery out when I put it away. Sometimes I don't even put the battery cover on if I know I am only going to only take a couple of readings. I think mostly in fractions, so the fractional dial caliper works like I do. And most of the "stuff" I make or build (in wood or metal) 1/64" is way closer than close enough. 1/32" is as close as I usually try to get.
-jp

 

[Kev442]

Well, that was surprising. I actually had to dig all over to find a motor brush for my blue 4" grinder. Who would have thought it would live long enough to need a brush? It's "ol sparky" now, but it cut a bolt head off!

 

[NC-Shaun]

After many years and ruining my share of battery powered appliances and equipment, I have found two things that spell death (and usually leakage) for any formula dry cell battery. 1. Age. Don't leave batteries in any device longer than the stated shelf life of the battery. 2. Storage of device with depleted batteries. If you don't use the appliance often, store the batteries separately from the device or always insure that the batteries are fresh and new. I have gotten into the habit on items like the digital caliper to just install the batteries just before using the tool and then I remove them again after I have finished for the day (week? month? year? 's??).

Just an FYI on these digital calipers HF sells, they are the EXACT same ones that were on the Matco Tool Truck for about $40-50 bux.

 

[Todd1803]

Picked up an electric pole saw for around $60 plus tax. Like many, it took some running without the bar to get the oiler to prime, but then it was fine. Used it to cut some decent sized limbs off a cherry tree and it did great. Definitely a PASS.

 

[Horror Business]

What is the verdict on the composite ratchets?

 

[BioNerd]

What is the verdict on the composite ratchets?

I have the 3/8 and 1/4, stuffed white lithium grease in them. Super smooth and comfortable. Love em.

 

[Shadowdog500]

What is the verdict on the composite ratchets?

I bought one in February and really liked it because it warms up in the hand quickly when it is extremely cold. It is a smooth action ratchet that feels good in the hand.

There is a YouTube video of someone testing one to destruction. He leaned on it with a really long pipe to make it break

Chris

 

[NC-Shaun]

What is the verdict on the composite ratchets?

I have all 3 and they are great.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I have been using these for many years, and they have measured spot on for items that the machine specs were included for me. If I were doing precision engine machining, I wouldnt use these, but for general fabrication they are great.

I usually prefer to replace any watch style batteries that come in Harbor Freight items with fresh Energizer brand.

I gave my HF dial calipers away because I got tired of changing batteries in the thing. Whatever battery I put in them they would be dead in a few months. I read that they have a pretty good parasitic draw when off which leads to the short battery life and that people have to pop the battery out when not in use if they want it to last. My HF dial calipers are good enough for most stuff I make and are easy enough to read. If I need more accurate my micrometers come out of thie box.

Chris

 

[Horror Business]

Thanks for the info!

 

[stage20]

What is the verdict on the composite ratchets?

I've got the old versions. Used since 07 with zero issues. Have the newer style just to have them. Great ratchets

 

[AmishFury]

There is a YouTube video of someone testing one to destruction. He leaned on it with a really long pipe to make it break

Chris

if it's the same video i'm thinking he torqued a bolt down to 300ft/lbs then broke the 3/8" ratchet's drive using a big cheater pipe

i can't remember if they opened it up to check the internals afterwards or if i'm thinking of the 1/2" flex head torture test video (that guy also broke the drive off by clamping it in a vice and using a massive cheater pipe... and a considerable amount of effort)

 

[wildbill23c]

Picked up an electric pole saw for around $60 plus tax. Like many, it took some running without the bar to get the oiler to prime, but then it was fine. Used it to cut some decent sized limbs off a cherry tree and it did great. Definitely a PASS.

Hmm, seemed like mine wasn't oiling the chain when I used it, I may take the bar and chain off and run it a bit and see if that helps. Didn't think of that. The saw works great though after cutting 2 branches off last fall with mine. Price is good as well.

 

[chris142]

1/2" Central Pneumatic Earthquake Impact
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-professional-air-impact-wrench-68424.html

FAIL: Used it one day on a dozen nuts and it locked up. Will not turn under power in either direction, just blows air out of exhaust port. It was oiled.

In its defense, it worked fantastic at first. I tried to save money, Aircat is next.

you got a dud. I keep mine on my home crimping bench and use it every day. I used it last week to install ball joints that my 434 mAC gun would not do

 

[Todd1803]

Hmm, seemed like mine wasn't oiling the chain when I used it, I may take the bar and chain off and run it a bit and see if that helps. Didn't think of that. The saw works great though after cutting 2 branches off last fall with mine. Price is good as well.

Go with motor oil. From the reviews on HF site, it won't prime with actual bar oil. My experience backed that up.

 

[kythri]

you got a dud. I keep mine on my home crimping bench and use it every day. I used it last week to install ball joints that my 434 mAC gun would not do

Agreed - that gun failing is a fluke. When did you buy it?

 

[bubinga]

you got a dud. I keep mine on my home crimping bench and use it every day. I used it last week to install ball joints that my 434 mAC gun would not do

Agreed - that gun failing is a fluke. When did you buy it?

I am pretty sure he said he already returned It, and got a IR of some type.
I know My 1st generation EQ works quite well, as does the 3/8 drive 1st generation, and the 3/8 drive air ratchet.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I am in need of a set of pliers or cutters that are beefy enough to cut the D Rings off of my motorcycle helmets, I install the DOT approved Echo quick release on all of my helmets which renders the D Rings a useless component that just gets in the way.

I really dont have room in my tool box for a huge set of bolt cutters that will rarely ever get used....

Suggestions on a small handheld set of cutters appreciated..

 

[bubinga]

Not HF, but The baby bolt cutters Knipex makes would be nice.
have to find it on sale though.
Actually found a texton mini bolt cutter set.
"$8.33 & FREE Shipping on orders over $35."
TEKTON 3386 8-Inch Heavy-Duty Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter
I'll bet these would be perfect.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ4OYO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT
Actually if you go to "more buying choices, there is one for $8.19, one for $8.46, and one for $8.49, all with free shipping!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ4OYO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[NC-Shaun]

Not HF, but The baby bolt cutters Knipex makes would be nice.
have to find it on sale though.
Actually found a texton mini bolt cutter set.
"$8.33 & FREE Shipping on orders over $35."
TEKTON 3386 8-Inch Heavy-Duty Mini Bolt and Wire Cutter
I'll bet these would be perfect.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ4OYO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

EDIT
Actually if you go to "more buying choices, there is one for $8.19, one for $8.46, and one for $8.49, all with free shipping!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NQ4OYO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I went and bought the HF 12 inch bolt cutters and they worked perfectly, they do take up more room than these Tekton 8 inchers do. I will add these Tekton 8 inchers to my next order and give them a try. I have some other Tekton items in my tool box I have been using a bit.

 

[bubinga]

Oh, Good Deal. LOL, I was just at HF yesterday, and didn't even realize they had a baby bolt cutter. I was looking at there crimping tool, it looked decent for the money, but I already have a channel lock one, and another one, don't know the make.
Harbor freight is a good 50 minuets one way from me, So, I was dishonest, and got the free flashlight, NPR, and went back in after going to home depot, and brought about $20.00 worth of odds and ends and looked around, and this time got the free parts tray with purchase.
(Of course, not really any more dishonest than sending my wife or girlfriend through the line to get a free Item.)

 

[jacked_72]

(Of course, not really any more dishonest than sending my wife or girlfriend through the line to get a free Item.)

you have to do that on separate trips, though