Post on the official review site:
http://www.hfreviews.com
http://www.hfreviews.com
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
Congrats on your new site, but I see ZERO reviews for anything.
If its your site you really should fully disclose that when posting a link to it as your first and only post.
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
troll reported
Marty256
Well-known member
Over the weekend I bought the aluminum racing jack style motorcycle jack from HF. Got it home and opened the box only to find one of the wheels broken off of the front support bar. The bar is threaded on each end for the wheels to fasten to. It looked as if they may have torqued the wheel nut too tight and twisted the bar at the end of the threads. I took it right back and got another. Hope this one holds up. The jury is still out on this one.
WSMC633
Well-known member
I used that Aluminum jack to lift up the rear of a '40 caddy and drag it over a couple feet. Bent the hell out of that jack. Honestly I didn't expect it to survive :/
Dust
Well-known member
16" x 30" Steel Service Cart
Bought this puppy yesterday when it was still on sale for $44.99 and with a 20% off coupon. Put it together in the back yard, and took it to work this morning. It went together really easy, taking about an hour to sort all the hardware and assemble the cart. When I tightened down all the fasteners, it felt quite solid despite the thin gauge metal. There is no discernible amount of flexing because of fastener slop or poor fit. The paint is vibrant, and would go quite well with a standard red toolbox. The five inch casters are smooth, and roll over most minor bumps and obstacles.
Pros:
Cheap, even at full price.
Sturdy when all the fasteners are tightened.
Lots of space with three trays.
Casters are quite large, and roll very easily.
Cons:
Somewhat thin gauge sheet metal.
Metric fasteners.
The caster fasteners create an unlevel surface on the bottom tray.
Only two swivel casters.
For a budget service cart, this can't be beat. I plan on making extensive modifications to it, such as an air supply manifold, tool hangers, and magnetic racks.
Pass!
WSMC633
Well-known member
16" x 30" Steel Service Cart
Bought this puppy yesterday when it was still on sale for $44.99 and with a 20% off coupon. Put it together in the back yard, and took it to work this morning. It went together really easy, taking about an hour to sort all the hardware and assemble the cart. When I tightened down all the fasteners, it felt quite solid despite the thin gauge metal. There is no discernible amount of flexing because of fastener slop or poor fit. The paint is vibrant, and would go quite well with a standard red toolbox. The five inch casters are smooth, and roll over most minor bumps and obstacles.
Pros:
Cheap, even at full price.
Sturdy when all the fasteners are tightened.
Lots of space with three trays.
Casters are quite large, and roll very easily.
Cons:
Somewhat thin gauge sheet metal.
Metric fasteners.
The caster fasteners create an unlevel surface on the bottom tray.
Only two swivel casters.
For a budget service cart, this can't be beat. I plan on making extensive modifications to it, such as an air supply manifold, tool hangers, and magnetic racks.
Pass!
Slightly off topic, but why are Metric fasteners a "Con"? My SAE tools hardly come out of the drawers these days unless I'm putting in a carriage or Lag bolt around the shop.
I have been thinking about grabbing a couple of those for the shop. Glad to see they're decent. The ones at the store are put together so poorly, I was wondering how much it would stiffen up if assembled properly. Thanks for the Detailed write up!
Chris Adams
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They are a 'con' because you can't buy them super cheap in bulk.
What that means is if you need a metric bolt/nut you have to PAY big for it. So if you lose a nut or bolt from the cart, or anything else metric, you are either going to replace it with a low priced SAE, and have mismatched bolts, or pay 15-30 times as much for the 'correct' replacement bolt.
Which you can't find anywhere.
When I need a specific size metric bolt it can take two hours of running around town to probably NOT find it.
We do have places that carry large selections of metric bolts/nuts etc. but usually don't have the one you want, but will order a box of them for 10 times the price charged by the local hardware/Lowe's/HD/Osh, or whatever.
Art From De Leon
Well-known member
If you are short a bolt or nut, why not replace it with a standard one? If appearence is a problem, simply trade places and place the standard threaded one in a less noticeable location.
curdy
Well-known member
All PASS
2-1/4 Ton Heavyweight Floor Jack: ITEM 50183
*Works perfect, I've been very happy with it.
Snap Ring Pliers with Interchangeable Heads: ITEM 3316-4VGA
*Work well. I think they're a great value.
2 Piece Magnetic Paper Towel Holders: ITEM 98162-D
*AWESOME product. Magnets are very strong, and the surface is non-marring.
Mechanic's Roller Seat: ITEM 3338
*Been very happy with this. I find myself using it WAY more than I ever thought I would. Can't imagine not having it now.
6 Piece Star Bit Set: ITEM 93316-0VGA
*Nice small size torx bits. Perfect for the small screws on some ratchets.
8 Piece Right Angle Screwdriver: ITEM 92630-0VGA
*Neat little tool. Comes in very handy. Seems very well made to me.
Five LED Magnetic Head Lamp: ITEM 93549
*This thing rocks. Another one of those 'how did I ever get by without it?' tools. I wouldn't call these heavy duty enough to be tossed around a lot in really tough conditions, but you'll have to pay at 4 times as much to get something like that.
3-1/2" Nine LED Flashlights, 2 Pack: ITEM 97036
*I've never paid full price for these. I have several sets that I got for $4 and they are great.
3 Piece SAE Socket Tray/Organizer & 3 Piece Metric Socket Tray/Organizer: ITEM 95595 & ITEM 95783
*Nice sets. Little disappointing in the way the numbers skip, but I'll just have to redo the numbers.
I have more, but I'll have to get back later.
2-1/4 Ton Heavyweight Floor Jack: ITEM 50183
*Works perfect, I've been very happy with it.
Snap Ring Pliers with Interchangeable Heads: ITEM 3316-4VGA
*Work well. I think they're a great value.
2 Piece Magnetic Paper Towel Holders: ITEM 98162-D
*AWESOME product. Magnets are very strong, and the surface is non-marring.
Mechanic's Roller Seat: ITEM 3338
*Been very happy with this. I find myself using it WAY more than I ever thought I would. Can't imagine not having it now.
6 Piece Star Bit Set: ITEM 93316-0VGA
*Nice small size torx bits. Perfect for the small screws on some ratchets.
8 Piece Right Angle Screwdriver: ITEM 92630-0VGA
*Neat little tool. Comes in very handy. Seems very well made to me.
Five LED Magnetic Head Lamp: ITEM 93549
*This thing rocks. Another one of those 'how did I ever get by without it?' tools. I wouldn't call these heavy duty enough to be tossed around a lot in really tough conditions, but you'll have to pay at 4 times as much to get something like that.
3-1/2" Nine LED Flashlights, 2 Pack: ITEM 97036
*I've never paid full price for these. I have several sets that I got for $4 and they are great.
3 Piece SAE Socket Tray/Organizer & 3 Piece Metric Socket Tray/Organizer: ITEM 95595 & ITEM 95783
*Nice sets. Little disappointing in the way the numbers skip, but I'll just have to redo the numbers.
I have more, but I'll have to get back later.
"3 Piece SAE Socket Tray/Organizer & 3 Piece Metric Socket Tray/Organizer: ITEM 95595 & ITEM 95783
*Nice sets. Little disappointing in the way the numbers skip, but I'll just have to redo the numbers."
I was looking at these just last night. How do the numbers "skip" that is disappointing?
Also, the part number for the paper towel holders does not yield a result on the HF website...?
On another note I have purchased metric bolts from Boltdepot.com before...you can buy singles or boxes, but of course there is shipping to consider. They have a large selection and have always given me good service the handful of times I have ordered.
*Nice sets. Little disappointing in the way the numbers skip, but I'll just have to redo the numbers."
I was looking at these just last night. How do the numbers "skip" that is disappointing?
Also, the part number for the paper towel holders does not yield a result on the HF website...?
On another note I have purchased metric bolts from Boltdepot.com before...you can buy singles or boxes, but of course there is shipping to consider. They have a large selection and have always given me good service the handful of times I have ordered.
Scotto
Well-known member
Thank you. Why do the two sites look different i.e. harborfreight.com and harborfreightusa.com
It really is the strangest thing. The logos are even different.
Chris Adams
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- Oct 21, 2007
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After all, what says competent mechanic like mismatched bolts…
Or how about just using bailing wire?
Mickey Mouse works, is cheap and guys working under shade trees for the last 100 years have put mismatched bolts in anything that moves.
However;
Not all of us would do that by preference.
The real solution would be ready availability of metric bolts but it seems it is not economically feasible for anyone sell these at this time.
Big_John
Well-known member
24" x 36" Industrial Polypropylene Service Cart
PASS for this one. I use one all the time for a service cart when working at different factories. Its heavy enough to get the job done, but light enough to toss in the back of my van. The wheels are a little iffy for the 500 lb weight rating though
Movers Blankets are another PASS. Lots of uses for these including laying under a car.
I bought a 4HP Pressure Washer a few weeks ago. I'll give it a PASS because it works good enough for what I need and it was cheap. It was on sale for $250 and when I turned down the extra "warranty", the clerk offered an even bigger discount that took it down to $200 with $35 for the warranty for a total of $235!!
PASS for this one. I use one all the time for a service cart when working at different factories. Its heavy enough to get the job done, but light enough to toss in the back of my van. The wheels are a little iffy for the 500 lb weight rating though
Movers Blankets are another PASS. Lots of uses for these including laying under a car.
I bought a 4HP Pressure Washer a few weeks ago. I'll give it a PASS because it works good enough for what I need and it was cheap. It was on sale for $250 and when I turned down the extra "warranty", the clerk offered an even bigger discount that took it down to $200 with $35 for the warranty for a total of $235!!
Chris Adams
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Singles would cost a bundle. Plus shipping times as well as costs. How many people want to wait 10 days (average for UPS here) to bolt something together?
And since minimum shipping would run the cost of a single bolt to something like ten bucks that may not be the best solution.
Since you don't have a location under your name, I don't know where "here" is. If it's 10 days average for UPS, I'd guess you are in the middle of nowhere. At any rate, I just looked at prices for metric bolts in steel grade 8.8 on Boltdepot and did not have a heart attack or anything. They have a huge assortment of types and sizes, too. Smartest thing to do would be to order an assortment so you have some of the most common sizes on-hand, then shipping is not such an issue.
But whatever, if someone dislikes metric bolts, that's their business. I'm just offering a possible solution that does not involve mismatching hardware or using bailing wire.
makgreens
Well-known member
storehouse cotter pin set - PASS
storehouse heat shrink set - PASS
4" cut off wheels - PASS(i go through em pretty quick though)
1/2 torque wrench - FAIL...built an engine with it then went back with a buddys SO and it was way off....threw it in the garbage after that
storehouse heat shrink set - PASS
4" cut off wheels - PASS(i go through em pretty quick though)
1/2 torque wrench - FAIL...built an engine with it then went back with a buddys SO and it was way off....threw it in the garbage after that
Chris Adams
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Since you don't have a location under your name, I don't know where "here" is. If it's 10 days average for UPS, I'd guess you are in the middle of nowhere. At any rate, I just looked at prices for metric bolts in steel grade 8.8 on Boltdepot and did not have a heart attack or anything. They have a huge assortment of types and sizes, too. Smartest thing to do would be to order an assortment so you have some of the most common sizes on-hand, then shipping is not such an issue.
But whatever, if someone dislikes metric bolts, that's their business. I'm just offering a possible solution that does not involve mismatching hardware or using bailing wire.
Not the middle of nowhere, just in a UPS 'notch'. UPS ships tons of stuff through the airport 20 miles from here. Then it is carried into the valley and then brought back by truck. Adds between 2 and 4 days to shipping times.
Since I live through weekends, I count those as days. The famous 6 day shipping time they quote is actually eight or ten days real days as they don't count weekends.
As to an assortment, I have about 20 thousand nuts/bolts/washers in my assortment right now. Almost anything you need in SAE.
But with over 100 common sizes in metric, it gets a little iffy.
Metric stuff has so many more 'common' threads/bolt sizes that it makes it much more difficult to stock.
Or why no one stocks them locally...
Which was the whole point of the sub-thread.
curdy
Well-known member
I'll try to take a picture later tonight so you can see. I've got a ridiculously busy schedule the next couple of days, so I honestly may not get to it.
As far as the paper towel holders not being listed on the 'main' site, I'm assuming its because they're not available for online orders. You should be able to find them in the store. My understanding is that the link 72chevy listed (http://www.harborfreightusa.com) is the site that will show listings that are available in stores. I'm assuming they don't post prices because each location may be running different sales or whatever.
Just a side note, its worth it to put a shopping cart list together like you're going to make an online order then print that list out and take it to the store with you. Its not uncommon for the online price to be less than the in store price. Show them the print out with the online price and they'll honor it.
Dust
Well-known member
My reasoning behind listing metric fasteners as a con was because, in my experience, most folks only have SAE tools at home. Think about it, most people just have tools to do basic repairs around the house. Most screws, nuts, and bolts for residential use are SAE, so the basic tool kit a homeowner needs will usually only have those tools. So if they buy this cart from Harbor Freight, they immediately need either two adjustable wrenches, or two 10MM wrenches and two 18MM wrenches.
When I put it together at home, I didn't have either. I don't have adjustable wrenches (Well, maybe the one for my old machine shop class), and my metric tools are at work, since that's where I need them. My SAE stuff is at home, because I have an old Chrysler that I work on. So I couldn't button up the cart until I took it to work. What about the guy who doesn't have metric tools at all? Now he has to go back to the store, and spend more money just on the tools to assemble the cart!
I guess I should have said "Does not come with basic tools for assembly" instead of "metric fasteners," as that was my true reasoning behind it. Even my cheap air tools come with a sort of wrench for tightening collets down; why couldn't a cheap off-shore service cart that's bolted together?
When I put it together at home, I didn't have either. I don't have adjustable wrenches (Well, maybe the one for my old machine shop class), and my metric tools are at work, since that's where I need them. My SAE stuff is at home, because I have an old Chrysler that I work on. So I couldn't button up the cart until I took it to work. What about the guy who doesn't have metric tools at all? Now he has to go back to the store, and spend more money just on the tools to assemble the cart!
I guess I should have said "Does not come with basic tools for assembly" instead of "metric fasteners," as that was my true reasoning behind it. Even my cheap air tools come with a sort of wrench for tightening collets down; why couldn't a cheap off-shore service cart that's bolted together?
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beartoothweb
Well-known member
Total Fail - Electric Screw Gun and Drill for Drywall
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95415
I am doing my shop drywall, and was looking for an easier way to go than with a handful of screws and my cordless, so thought I'd give this a try. TOTAL FAIL.
I tried 3 of the strips, and simply couldn't get the thing to work, so it's going back.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95415
I am doing my shop drywall, and was looking for an easier way to go than with a handful of screws and my cordless, so thought I'd give this a try. TOTAL FAIL.
I tried 3 of the strips, and simply couldn't get the thing to work, so it's going back.
Chris Adams
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Total Fail - Electric Screw Gun and Drill for Drywall
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95415
I am doing my shop drywall, and was looking for an easier way to go than with a handful of screws and my cordless, so thought I'd give this a try. TOTAL FAIL.
I tried 3 of the strips, and simply couldn't get the thing to work, so it's going back.
What problem did you have?
I have one of those pups. I used it to drywall a small shed, 10x12, walls and ceiling. It survived the job, but the plastic strip was getting a little tattered. I just used the same one that came with it, putting in screws after each run. Needed it because it was way faster than using my impact drivers. And I could use it one handed.
Not a great tool, but it was super cheap and the job got done.
beartoothweb
Well-known member
It drove the first 2 screws, and then nothing. I could NOT get it to actually drive a screw, they either came off of the drive head completely, or drove part and then slipped. My buddy loaned me his Senco one, and it works (still 57 sheets to hang) perfectly, so...
Honestly, I'm not a big fan of either of these (Senco or HB), having done a BUNCH of drywall with just a screw belt full and screw gun...i'm not convinced that it saves that much time. I'm using a drywall hoist, so I don't need to do it one handed.
Out of all the HB stuff I've bought, this is really the only one I haven't been satisfied with, so I feel pretty good about that.
I recently purchased the Ridgid 18v cordless model of that type of drywall gun. There was a slight learning curve, but it ended up saving me a lot of time when drywalling my daughter's nursery. Expensive, but worth it IMO. Very high quality.
Oh yes, speaking of, was she born already?
Not quite...she is scheduled to arrive August 6th. I'm starting to have some panic attacks. The idea of the head coming out is crazy!
Not quite...she is scheduled to arrive August 6th. I'm starting to have some panic attacks. The idea of the head coming out is crazy!
Don't feel bad, I was a nervous wreck when my wife was pregnant with my son. I had mood swings, back aches, the whole nine yards.
Before you know it she'll be born and in your arms. It will be great.
Chris Adams
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On the gun, I don't know how it wouldn't save time.
I could put in a screw a second, easily. Pulling a screw out of the box, holding it with one hand while I gun it in with the impact took at least twenty seconds a shot.
The one handed thing is very important to me, I walk with a cane. I built a 'drywall hanger' but I still only have one hand to use...
The gun made the job possible, not just faster. Being able to 'bang bang bang' the screws in was great.
Lousy was filling the screw belt with new screws, but well worth it.
If I had to do even a shed, much less a shop or house, I would never even attempt to do it 'old school' one at a time.
I would buy a better unit, though, but I don't regret buying this one.
I would rather go back to hitting framing nails with a hammer.
Life's too short to spend three days drywalling a shed.
I'll second this. I've had the 10" sliding miter saw for about 8 yrs, and it's held up to everything I've done to it. I use it a few times a week, all day long on a few occassions. Also, I'll give a pass the 6 in 1 framing nailer.
makgreens
Well-known member
tubing bender is a PASS
not the greatest thing in the world but it wasnt to badly priced and is doing the trick for this bike im building
not the greatest thing in the world but it wasnt to badly priced and is doing the trick for this bike im building
curdy
Well-known member
FAIL
50 Ft. Steel Air Hose Reel with 3/8" Hose, Item #:45814
I can't speak for the hose because I sold it since I already had a nice one. I mounted the reel to the top of my mobile compressor and it worked really well for a while. Then one day when I was going over to unplug it, the short yellow hose that connects the compressor to the reel blew off its barb fitting (from the swivel piece) under full pressure while I was right next to it. I didn't have any hearing protection on at the time and I was really sorry I didn't. The reel itself works great, but that swivel fitting and the hose clamped to it ****.
40 PC Hose Clamp Assortment Set, Item#: 93206
These have already been mentioned, but I wanted to agree to the fail status. These really are junk, don't waste your time with them.
50 Ft. Steel Air Hose Reel with 3/8" Hose, Item #:45814
I can't speak for the hose because I sold it since I already had a nice one. I mounted the reel to the top of my mobile compressor and it worked really well for a while. Then one day when I was going over to unplug it, the short yellow hose that connects the compressor to the reel blew off its barb fitting (from the swivel piece) under full pressure while I was right next to it. I didn't have any hearing protection on at the time and I was really sorry I didn't. The reel itself works great, but that swivel fitting and the hose clamped to it ****.
40 PC Hose Clamp Assortment Set, Item#: 93206
These have already been mentioned, but I wanted to agree to the fail status. These really are junk, don't waste your time with them.
Chris Adams
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- Oct 21, 2007
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Thanks for the tip on the reel. I have one, works great, but I replaced the yellow hose with a bigger one from the begining.
I will check, and probably CHUCK that short piece. The reel works great, but that could be very dangerous as you say.
Yup third on the hose clamps. Save your money.
fordracing200
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- Apr 17, 2009
- Messages
- 629
bought the single drawer ball bearing cart, 99.99 on sale for 69.99, best 69.99 I ever spent, with the drawer on their, its super sturdy, only downfall I'd say, would probably be the wheels are rubber, and when loaded down with 3-400 pounds they are kind of squishy, not bad at all, but nothing like hard plastic obviously. Cart is 10x better then any craftsman toolbox ever assembled
I bought the 4 drawer tool cart! Its amazing! Ball bearing sliders. Smooth, Its well made but the instructions **** but for $130 bucks its a good deal!! - PASS
Torque Wrench- PASS
Wheel bearing tool/press- PASS! Saves money and time!
HF toolbox 13 drawer!! Ball bearing sliders!- PASS
Torque Wrench- PASS
Wheel bearing tool/press- PASS! Saves money and time!
HF toolbox 13 drawer!! Ball bearing sliders!- PASS
paranoid56
Well-known member
I had the exact same thing happen to me with this body saw. even took it apart and couldnt figure it out. when it did work for 5sec it was nice
dirtball
Well-known member
Do they make a tubing bender now? Or are you talking about this PIPE bender?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=32888
...or a tubing bender like this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3755