The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[AmishFury]

I went ahead and picked up the


Digital Pocket Scale
Cen-Tech - item#93543

http://www.harborfreight.com/digital-pocket-scale-93543.html

I dropped a nickel on it and it measures 5 grams on the nose. Should be a nice addition to the box. Its about the same size as a calculator, and has a nice protective self enclosing case. My local HF didnt have one so I took a ride to the next town and made the purchase.

i'd be too tempted to whip it out in the break room at work and weigh a baggie of oregano

 

[ninjamunky85]

1650 PSI Electric Pressure Washer - Item #69488 - Pass

I picked this up the other day for $80 with coupon,.. bought it for cleaning my truck and dirt bike. For these tasks it works perfectly. If you're looking to clean your deck, fence, or patio look for something with a higher GPM rating.

I was unsure about this washer since it only gets a three star rating but it actually surpassed my expectations. It's small, lightweight, has a 35 ft power cord with GFI, and is surprisingly quiet while running. Plus the motor only runs when you're pulling the trigger to preserve motor life.

6 in. 5.7 Amp Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher - Item #69924 - Pass

Add a 20% off coupon and I got it for less than $60. With 93 reviews and a 4 1/2 star rating I wasn't really taking a risk here. It is their most expensive polisher, but it's definitely worth it. Made my truck shine like new and definitely feels like a solid product.

Wondering what took me so long to purchase these two items. From now on I can no longer live without them.

 

[gi bro]

Both pass!

So I am huge fan for Harbor Freight finds and I came across two impact wrenches boasting similar specs. The 1/2 in. Heavy Duty Electric Impact Wrench for $39.99 and the 1/2 in. Heavy Duty Composite Air Impact Wrench for $29.99.

I have used the electric many times and I was impressed on its power for lug nuts. We tested the air wrench and we blown away by the performance. We did need a powerful compressor but the wrench ripped off lug nuts like a nascar pit crew wrench.

I love both wrenches and encourage you to check out my in depth review video on youtube. Click the link below to check it out.

 

[99LeCouch]

6 in. 5.7 Amp Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher - Item #69924 - Pass

Add a 20% off coupon and I got it for less than $60. With 93 reviews and a 4 1/2 star rating I wasn't really taking a risk here. It is their most expensive polisher, but it's definitely worth it. Made my truck shine like new and definitely feels like a solid product.

Agreed, pass on the DA polisher once the backing plate is replaced with a smaller one. I picked one up for under $50 a few years ago when they first came out. It's done a good job getting minor imperfections out of the paint for both my cars.

The HF DA polishing pads are a pass as well. For the average DIY detail job, they work nicely for $5 a pop.

 

[BigSteve63]

Agreed, pass on the DA polisher once the backing plate is replaced with a smaller one. I picked one up for under $50 a few years ago when they first came out. It's done a good job getting minor imperfections out of the paint for both my cars.

The HF DA polishing pads are a pass as well. For the average DIY detail job, they work nicely for $5 a pop.

please discuss smaller backing plate and where to find them...

 

[blkSRT]

Depending on pad size that dictates what size backing plate you should use. Just Google dual action backing plate as there are many sites to choose from.

 

[NC-Shaun]

I saw along the way somewhere someone posted a side shelf, It clips onto the side of the roll cart or 26 inch tool box. Would someone post a link or an item# for it, I cant find it anywhere.

 

[jakemac]

Here you go :
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-side-tray-62207.html

 

[99LeCouch]

Agreed, pass on the DA polisher once the backing plate is replaced with a smaller one. I picked one up for under $50 a few years ago when they first came out. It's done a good job getting minor imperfections out of the paint for both my cars.

The HF DA polishing pads are a pass as well. For the average DIY detail job, they work nicely for $5 a pop.

please discuss smaller backing plate and where to find them...

I purchased a Astro Pneumatic 4607 5" backing plate off Amazon so the larger HF backing plate wouldn't chew up the non-velcro areas of the buffing pad. It fit on perfectly, and has worked very well for my highly intermittent use.

Also, use hearing protection with the HF DA polisher. It's loud otherwise.

 

[harvey29]

Does anyone have any experience with the Krause & Becker Electric Paint Spray Gun? (Item #60446 - http://www.harborfreight.com/electric-paint-spray-gun-60446.html)

I've never used one of these handheld sprayers but have decided to do a quick and dirty refinishing of my bathroom which will include "restoring" the fiberglass tub/shower stall. I could roll on the enamel like it says in the kit but I did see that some recommended the finish is be better if sprayed on.

Reviews on the sprayer are all over the place, lots of really bad ones and lots of good ones. But I'm thinking the bad reviews may be people not taking the time to troubleshoot and figure out the quirks of the sprayer. If I could lay a nice finish down for this one project it'd be worth the price. And if it works well enough I'm sure I'd find other projects I could use it for.

I've got one, I would paint a shed with it but a tub probably not.

 

[NC-Shaun]

Here you go :
http://www.harborfreight.com/roller-cabinet-side-tray-62207.html

Thank You, I didnt realize I had to drill my box for it to fit. Guess I am gonna pass on that one. I thought they clipped on over the side rail, like the hanging cabinets.

 

[BigSteve63]

I purchased a Astro Pneumatic 4607 5" backing plate off Amazon so the larger HF backing plate wouldn't chew up the non-velcro areas of the buffing pad. It fit on perfectly, and has worked very well for my highly intermittent use.

Also, use hearing protection with the HF DA polisher. It's loud otherwise.

Thank you! Noticed the chewed up areas, but thought it was more related to quality of the polishing pads or the quality of my technique...

 

[MagnumForce]

Thank You, I didnt realize I had to drill my box for it to fit. Guess I am gonna pass on that one. I thought they clipped on over the side rail, like the hanging cabinets.

You don't drill anything if used on the 5 drawer

 

[TJx]

Fail- 18 gauge brad nailer Item#68021 started leaking air somewhere around trigger area before finishing one room of trim. Fortunately it was within 90 day warranty so I got my money back.

 

[engineer2]

Anybody know their exchange policy?
Broke another "lifetime warranty" impact socket. Last time they gave me a hard time because I didn't have the receipt. They grudgingly exchanged the entire set because of one busted socket.

 

[kcarter13]

I just broke some needle nose pliers and they said bring it in and they will open a package and swap it out. As long as it says lifetime warranty on the package you are good. She said I didn't need the receipt.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

 

[NC-Shaun]

Always good practice to keep the reciepts for tools, no matter where you buy em.

 

[owenst7]

Anybody know their exchange policy?
Broke another "lifetime warranty" impact socket. Last time they gave me a hard time because I didn't have the receipt. They grudgingly exchanged the entire set because of one busted socket.

The three harbor freights I've shopped at have zero requirement for a receipt. They have one of the best return/warranty policies of any store I've shopped at.

There is one ******** that recently started working at my local store who doesn't seem to understand the manager's policies, and more importantly, he is a **** to customers unconditionally. I have had to ask for his manager a few times on warranties. The manager immediately apologized profusely and exchanged the stuff. Mind you, I go in very polite and am civil through the whole thing. That guy is just a ***** and apparently doesn't respect his manager.

 

[getbent4x4]

Hf lifetime warranty is hit or miss. I had a red below molded case torque wrench that said lifetime on it, now the current torque wrenches don't say lifetime warranty. When I exchanged the old one for warranty they acted like they were doing me a favor so I played along. Oh thank you for exchanging it this time. I'm thinking to myself I was just going to walk out with the new one and leave the old one with you if you wouldn't exchange it LOL. They have gotten better in tool quality though. Back in the mid 2000s seemed like everything I bought there was broke after the first use.

 

[sic]

searched this thread but nothing came up, was wondering what the general consensus is on the following...

67128 - 8 in. Adjustable 2- In-1 Wrench
95317/60712 - 12 in. Adjustable Professional Wrench
94286 - 10 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers
94290 - 7 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers
94289 - 5 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers

thanks for any input!

 

[d.mcfarland]

The locking pliers give some people issues. It really depends on the task. The jaws aren't as sharp as the Vise Grip brand. They also have a slight play to them. Are they bad? Probably not. Are they great? Probably not.

 

[ineedtools]

Personally I have had poor luck with the locking pliers, now I just buy them when I see the older name brands at the flea markets and garage/estate sales

 

[wttwoa]

Chicago Electric Welding - Item#68887 FAIL

my dad saw this welder and wanted it for basic repairs that need to be made about 2 or 3 times a year. bought it for him today for fathers day and he was excited to use it, but when we opened it up we noticed the rear fan fell off, simple fix that took like than a minute. went to feed the wire through the gun and nothing at all, fan kicks on and the wire feed refuses to turn. tried on 4 different wall plugins all with 30 amp fuses and even tried it at a friend house, and refuses to do anything. we are going to take it back tomorrow

 

[magicrat]

I couldn't even disconnect a garden hose without those pliers slipping......vise grip and channel lock are of much better quality and reasonably affordable at walmart

 

[glen12]

Welding Helmets from HF FAIL
Price is ok but quality is not that good. Somebody recommended me this http://www.roarksupply.com/Welding-Helmets-s/236.htm
Wide range of helmet, i am planning to order one

 

[woodturner9]

Chicago Electric Welding - Item#68887 when we opened it up we noticed the rear fan fell off, simple fix that took like than a minute. went to feed the wire through the gun and nothing at all, fan kicks on and the wire feed refuses to turn. tried on 4 different wall plugins all with 30 amp fuses and even tried it at a friend house, and refuses to do anything.

I wonder if you got a return or something, or maybe just a bad one.

FWIW, I have this unit, have had no problems with it, and it works well. I have used it for a lot of sheet metal repairs on the vehicles, works surprisingly well. There are also mods online to make it even better.

Definite PASS in my experience.

 

[woodturner9]

Welding Helmets from HF FAIL
Price is ok but quality is not that good. Somebody recommended me this http://www.roarksupply.com/Welding-Helmets-s/236.htm
Wide range of helmet, i am planning to order one

When you get one, please post about it. Looks like their lower priced helmets might be the same as the HF ones.

Did you have a specific issue with an HF helmet? Which one? I have used their helmets, seem to work well, and I would rate them a PASS, hard to beat for the price.

Have not tried and do not use auto-darkening helmets, so I can't speak to those.

 

[owenst7]

When you get one, please post about it. Looks like their lower priced helmets might be the same as the HF ones.

Did you have a specific issue with an HF helmet? Which one? I have used their helmets, seem to work well, and I would rate them a PASS, hard to beat for the price.

Have not tried and do not use auto-darkening helmets, so I can't speak to those.

I've had a HF auto darkening for about 7 years and have zero complaints.

 

[bubinga]

I've had a HF auto darkening for about 7 years and have zero complaints.

isn't there more than one, what one do you have?

 

[LordPsychon]

The breaker bars are definitely hit or miss. I've beat the tar out of one of the 1/2 bars on crankshaft bolts and the like. It has yet to snap, but I definitely lose some torque when it flexes.

The "made in China" ones seem to snap long before the "made in Taiwan" ones do. I have a 25" BB from Autozone that's made in Taiwan and an 18" BB from HF made in Taiwan that have really held up well. I had a 25" BB from HF made in China that lasted a few twists before it bent.

 

[Parrothead]

searched this thread but nothing came up, was wondering what the general consensus is on the following...

94286 - 10 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers
94290 - 7 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers
94289 - 5 in. Professional Curved Jaw Locking Pliers

thanks for any input!

I think most people miss the "professional" part when asked about the locking pliers. You're refering to the red gripped ones, which I have as well. They're a really good value if you need them. Are they as sharp and strong as my Peterson made Vise Grips? No. Are they at least as good as most box store brands like Kobalt, Husky, and Masterforce?? Yes.

*I don't like the rubber grips, so I pulled them off. You'd be amazed how close to the Paterson's they are in shape and feel though not nearly as tough and strong.

 

[owenst7]

isn't there more than one, what one do you have?

I think they are all the same, just different graphics. Mine is flat black FWIW.

 

[d.mcfarland]

9mil Nirtrile Powder-Free Gloves #68512

Link: http://www.harborfreight.com/9-mil-nitrile-powder-free-gloves-50-pc-x-large-68512.html

PASS

Work perfect for heavy duty auto work. Won't tear easily at all and is very chemical resistant. I even used them while cleaning my gun and didn't have a problem either. For the under $10 with a 20% off coupon its all good.

 

[magicrat]

I don't know of this is covered in this monster thread but the jack stands r super reliable....I use 3 ton stands on my car and 6 on my f250.....overkill on the 6 tons but we are talking about ur body safety here and it is HF so I overkill to b careful.

 

[AmishFury]

electric fly swatter.... PASS

the. fly. exploded.

 

[bubinga]

I think they are all the same, just different graphics. Mine is flat black FWIW.

thanks

 

[Alchymist]

electric fly swatter.... PASS

the. fly. exploded.

Wow - never saw an electric fly. Must have shorted out it's battery to cause it to explode.

 

[TheOtherChris]

+1 on the electric fly swatter.
There is something quite satisfying about the spark and pop made when a fly contacts the grid.

 

[AmishFury]

especially when that fly has been landing on my monitor... the one thing i do miss about the old heavy CRTs... you can go ahead and swat that fly when just use some windex... LCDs aren't as easy to clean

 

[bubinga]

+1 on the electric fly swatter.
There is something quite satisfying about the spark and pop made when a fly contacts the grid.

l hate flys, l will save a stink bug and throw him outside, but l hate flies and gnats
will it work on a gnat?