The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[dledmo]

you have to do that on separate trips, though

I didn't get the first time but did the second time, LOL, that's some funny sh1t!
I had my 11 year old daughter with me on errands day last Friday, we hit HF for a ratchet extension set and and the 1/2" composite ratchet. We both had the 20% off one item coupon, I bought the extensions and she got the 1/2" ratchet. The clerk told her she was the coolest girl to ever buy at the store. She smiled and skipped out of the store with me.

 

[LUKE221]

Heat Gun: Pass
3/8" Long extensions: Pass
Die Gruinder ass
"Dremel" Tool: Pass
Bench Grinder Pedestal: Pass
Step Drill bit: Pass
"Dremel Tool" accessory bits: Fail
Dead Blow Hammer: Pass
Brass Pin Punches: Pass
magnetic tray: Pass
Rotary siphon pump for use on a 3/8" drill: Fail
Carpenter's Framing square: Pass

 

[NC-Shaun]

Good to hear the Step Drill Bit is a pass, I have considered buying that many times.

 

[Bestfromnw]

Impact chr-mo sockets are great.
Also breaker bars hold up well

 

[Jarhead0408]

Sorry for the hijack,

Bestfromnw, is that your car in your avatar? It's a beauty!

 

[AmishFury]

67925 4pc socket adapter set

PASS so far... I will admit i have only used the step up adapters and mostly just the 3/8"-1/2" but they are holding up when used appropriately (seems most the bad reviews i see end up with someone using them with an impact gun or a breaker bar)

67976 4pc 3/8" quick release extension set

PASS*: good selection of lengths, quick release is nice and reduces the number of times i might play find the socket

*my 18" extension the business end of it is very tight in most sockets and just will not go into the female end on one of the other extensions from the set

 

[bubinga]

used some of the shrink tube tonight, assortment pack, 9 pieces.
Seems Fine...........PASS.
item#96024
http://www.harborfreight.com/9-piece-heat-shrink-wire-wrap-assortment-96024.html

 

[mr.speaker]

These all pass and the free led flashlight seems ok.

 

[pedrodagr8]

Needed an inexpensive crescent wrench. Got a new Waterloo PowerSpray+ from Costco to replace an old showerhead. After removing the flow restrictor (ultra low flow and super thick hair *****) it was time to install. Couldn't find my wrench ANYWHERE. So off to HF I go. I came across this one. It was around $7 after a 20% off coupon



One of my biggest pet peeves is cheap crescent wrenches that bind. This is moderately fluid, if a bit loose. It certainly doesn't bind and adjusts easily. The handle feels good in the hands. The adjustable part of the wrench comes entirely off and can be reversed to use as another style of wrench. It comes with plastic covers to protect sensitive finishes, which worked perfectly on the shower head.

Testing the shower head without the flow restrictor, SUCCESS! Much much better, now I can get all of the soap out of my hair without spending fifteen minutes of work.

More pics of the wrench:





Final Verdict:
It adjusts very easily, feels very firm in the hands. Doesn't bind at all. It's not a high end tool but it's a solid pass.

 

[Reit38]

How's the #61169 power inverter working for everyone? Just bought a pull behind camper and thought about picking it up when I can't get to electric hookup

 

[fsdogwood]

Heat Gun: Pass
3/8" Long extensions: Pass
Die Gruinder ass
"Dremel" Tool: Pass
Bench Grinder Pedestal: Pass
Step Drill bit: Pass
"Dremel Tool" accessory bits: Fail
Dead Blow Hammer: Pass
Brass Pin Punches: Pass
magnetic tray: Pass
Rotary siphon pump for use on a 3/8" drill: Fail
Carpenter's Framing square: Pass

It would be nice if you could associate these items with their HF item number

 

[deltatwentyfive]

"7 in. Wire Stripper with Cutter"
Pittsburgh - Item#61586

Fail... had to return first once because the lock was offset and wouldn'd allow it to keep closed and the second one had some back looking teeth.

 

[ineedtools]

How's the #61169 power inverter working for everyone? Just bought a pull behind camper and thought about picking it up when I can't get to electric hookup

Not sure about that particular one but about half the time I'm in HF I see someone returning an inverter. The last one the guy had for just over a month and paid for the 2 year replacement, he wasn't happy when they said the replacement would only carry a 30 day warranty.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

Anyone happy with 21 gal air compressor? Im considering to get one for my second home in Fla


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Anyone happy with 21 gal air compressor? Im considering to get one for my second home in Fla


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

my buddy just bought one, $149 with a coupon I think. says he likes it so far, but he's only had it a few weeks.

 

[the1nonlyjl]

Yeah my friend has one too. He seems like it very much. Need to hear more from others experience on this unit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[rlanicek]

My review on the 3 Oz. Mini Grease Gun with Cartridge item #95575. FAIL

 

[pat.cosgrove]

20 ton press- pass
the display model in my store looked flimsy but once i got mine home and used an impact gun to tighten all the bolts it was rigid and work excellent

 

[NC-Shaun]

My review on the 3 Oz. Mini Grease Gun with Cartridge item #95575. FAIL

So you didnt realize the end cap rotates to adjust how tight it holds the zerk fitting and threw a temper tantrum until it broke.....Doesnt sound like a tool problem, well maybe

 

[LordPsychon]

Needed an inexpensive crescent wrench. Got a new Waterloo PowerSpray+ from Costco to replace an old showerhead. After removing the flow restrictor (ultra low flow and super thick hair *****) it was time to install. Couldn't find my wrench ANYWHERE. So off to HF I go. I came across this one. It was around $7 after a 20% off coupon




More pics of the wrench:





Final Verdict:
It adjusts very easily, feels very firm in the hands. Doesn't bind at all. It's not a high end tool but it's a solid pass.

I have this and it is my favorite adjustable wrench.

 

[madcrisis]

36 in bolt cutters item # 41150- PASS

These are a solid pass. Ive cut over a dozen masterlocks with hardened shackels. Theres barely a nick on the jaws and they cut with EASE. for 17 bucks they cant be beat!

 

[Tejaas]

If you are hard on air hoses, the 1/4" PVC 50' and 100' ones (charcoal/greenish in color) are awesome.

I buy them 5 or 10 at a time, and never have to feel bad about chewing em up.


~Tejaas~

 

[owenst7]

So you didnt realize the end cap rotates to adjust how tight it holds the zerk fitting and threw a temper tantrum until it broke.....Doesnt sound like a tool problem, well maybe

I'm glad I'm not the only one that rolled their eyes Lol. I swear, half the negative reviews I read about HF products are from people that clearly don't know the proper use for a tool. "This hammer destroyed my bearing when I tried to hammer them directly in to the hub sideways. Damn Chinese!"

 

[SalahHH83]

Has anyone used their weight distributing hitch? At $159 with a 20% coupon, it’s tempting. The reviews on their website are good but I’m always wary of those.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-lb-capacity-weight-distributing-hitch-system-67649.html

 

[Shadowdog500]

Has anyone used their weight distributing hitch? At $159 with a 20% coupon, it’s tempting. The reviews on their website are good but I’m always wary of those.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-lb-capacity-weight-distributing-hitch-system-67649.html

No experience with this unit, but something tells me that for the extra $100 I would want to stick with Reese if I was still hauling heavy stuff. Get the Reese friction sway control as well, I've hauled heavy long trailers with that combo and you didn't eve know it was there.

Chris

 

[owenst7]

Has anyone used their weight distributing hitch? At $159 with a 20% coupon, it’s tempting. The reviews on their website are good but I’m always wary of those.

http://www.harborfreight.com/10000-lb-capacity-weight-distributing-hitch-system-67649.html

I have it and I'm happy with it. I wouldn't have purchased it if I could fabricate something better for less money.

You can put sway control on this one too. Personally, my trailer tracks excellent so I don't need it, and I hate the hassle when backing up. The HF sway control looked identical to every other one I've seen when I gave it a quick glance in the store.

Find me one that isn't made in China and I'll agree that it's worth the extra money. Welds on this are just as shoddy as the Chinese ones that Reese sells.

Check out etrailer also..

 

[greenbalot]

The Pittsburgh Pro 1/4 dr socket set for 14 usd. - Pass.

Any mini pliers/dykes is hit more miss. Thankfully you can play around with them before purchasing.

 

[G_P]

R134a manifold gauge set.

The set itself gets a PASS. The instructions are a TOTAL FAILURE. Once again HF has included a manual that is nearly useless. It tells you to turn valves in the wrong direction (the correct direction to turn them is engraved on the valve handles) and the table of contents says that it shows how to charge the system, but the manual only tells how to do a pressure test and how to evacuate the system.
I had to watch some Youtube videos to learn how to charge the system properly. Its a good thing I did too, because apparently opening the high side valve with the car running will cause your 30lb cylinder of refrigerant to burst!

 

[G_P]

The HF powdercoat system:

Overall a PASS. This thing works surprisingly well and can be had cheap with a 25% off coupon.
IF you buy one, immediately remove and throw away the small black air drier screwed to the base of the pistol grip and the male quick connect fitting for the air hose. My air drier burst at 13psi!! When it blew apart the sudden blast of air blew some of the powder off the item I was spraying causing me to have to start from scratch. moisture seperator at the compressor and then found that the male quick connect fitting that comes with the gun is not 1/4" NPT thread. It is a straight cut thread with no taper and relies on a rubber gasket to seal. Just toss it and put a quick connect of your choice in its place.

 

[rlanicek]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that rolled their eyes Lol. I swear, half the negative reviews I read about HF products are from people that clearly don't know the proper use for a tool. "This hammer destroyed my bearing when I tried to hammer them directly in to the hub sideways. Damn Chinese!"

I did not know that. Dammit.

 

[bubinga]

R134a manifold gauge set.


I had to watch some Youtube videos to learn how to charge the system properly. Its a good thing I did too, because apparently opening the high side valve with the car running will cause your 30lb cylinder of refrigerant to burst!

wow, l didn't know that,
Good to research things sometimes before jumping right into something, poking around, not really knowing what you are doing.

Old story from school book, something about drinking poison alcohol,
and the fellow says in the end
"It's good to Know to read"

 

[bubinga]

I'm glad I'm not the only one that rolled their eyes Lol. I swear, half the negative reviews I read about HF products are from people that clearly don't know the proper use for a tool. "This hammer destroyed my bearing when I tried to hammer them directly in to the hub sideways. Damn Chinese!"

OMG you mean I'm not supposed to use the biggest hammer I can find, and if it's a press fit on the inner race to a shaft, I'm not supposed to beat in on via the *Outer* race?............................

 

[AmishFury]

or my favorite (not only limited to HF) is when people complain about a 1/4" impact driver not being able to or having difficulty removing lug nuts

$5 says they also used a regular socket

 

[99_xc600]

Some of my recent purchases.

6 Outlet Heavy Duty Power Strip - http://www.harborfreight.com/6-outlet-heavy-duty-power-strip-with-metal-housing-62437.html

Pass. I purchaed this mainly for the 15' length of the cord so I could run it out of the top of the box and into a outlet. Looks good and is heavy enough in weight so I can stand it on it's side against the back of the box.

Hand Riveter - http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-riveter-set-38353.html

Pass I needed to fasten some metal corner shelves to the uprights of my gazebo framework. Worked great with the supplied rivets. Well worth the $5.00

Grommet Kit and Installer - http://www.harborfreight.com/103-piece-1-2-half-inch-grommet-installation-kit-30037.html

Pass - Marginal This kit works. However don't expect factory looking grommets. It's mainly because of the spur washers that are included. Some were garbage right out of the box. It's a good thing there's 50 in the kit. You have lot's of spares.

3/8" Composite Tear Drive Ratchet - http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-composite-tear-drop-ratchet-62318.html

Pass - I love this ratchet. Comfortable grip and smooth action.


3/8" - Low Profile Ratchet - http://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-professional-low-profile-ratchet-62328.html

Pass Only have used it couple of times, but so far I like it.

Folding Lock Back Utility Knife - http://www.harborfreight.com/folding-lock-back-utility-knife-62156.html

Huge Pass Utility knife that folds up like a pocket knife and a 2 second blade change. I may end up tossing all of my old style utility knives.

 

[owenst7]

I picked up the earthquake 3/8 impacting ratchet a few days ago to do an engine swap. It will remove a lug nut torqued to 55 ft lbs but no higher. I have like 75 ft of hose and cheap 1/4" fittings, so I would consider 55ft lbs to be a minimum and not an average. It doesn't jump or vibrate at all, and its also very quiet. I don't think I'll ever use a regular air ratchet again Haha.

Wish they made a 1/4" stubby and a 1/2" because I'd buy them without question.

 

[dragonballz]

http://m.harborfreight.com/12-inch-extra-heavy-t-hinge-65699.html

12" Gate hinge = pass

Has play in the pin but if you mount it taking the play into consideration, you'll be fine.

Less than half the price of Home Depot and HD's isnt even painted. HD's does have bushings to take up the play, though.

 

[dreamingmuscle]

Any one use one of these cut out tools on drywall?

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-cutout-tool-42831.html

Bought one to use on drywall because I didn't want to burn up my Roto Zip. This one didn't last very long. I've picked up another just in case the first was a lemon. Will let you know if it holds up..

Glen

 

[UserNameAttempt3]

Any one use one of these cut out tools on drywall?

http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-cutout-tool-42831.html

Bought one to use on drywall because I didn't want to burn up my Roto Zip. This one didn't last very long. I've picked up another just in case the first was a lemon. Will let you know if it holds up..

Glen

I prefer the oscillating cutters. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...ting-multifunction-power-tool-68861-8493.html

I've used not this one buy a Rockwell to do a few jobs installing some home theater equipment and cutting into the drywall for audio plates was super nice and actually little dust with the right "blade".

 

[dreamingmuscle]

I prefer the oscillating cutters. http://www.harborfreight.com/power-...ting-multifunction-power-tool-68861-8493.html

I've used not this one buy a Rockwell to do a few jobs installing some home theater equipment and cutting into the drywall for audio plates was super nice and actually little dust with the right "blade".

I have one those too. and use it alot great tool. But not practical when doing large cuts like doors and windows. Also not that great at outlet boxes behind drywall.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I have one those too. and use it alot great tool. But not practical when doing large cuts like doors and windows. Also not that great at outlet boxes behind drywall.

Yep, outlet boxes are right in the rotozips wheelhouse. Mine has a substantial amount of use on it and keeps going strong. Also works decent for trimming some types of vinyl siding, plexiglass, and other materials etc.