The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Red Lion]

1) No. The 50 footer is physically larger, including the diameter of the reel itself. No way 50' of hose can be coiled up on the 25' reel.
2) Yes. The cheap hose they come with has standard 3/8" fittings, and is nothing other than a cheap, regular air hose. I put a 50' Goodyear hose on mine and it works fine.

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Thanks for your help. I'll end up getting a 50' then and post a review after a good long while. Speaking of a good long while:

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-low-profile-steel-heavy-duty-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-61282.html

PASS

Been using this for over 2 years, regular use. At the end of the first year, the lip at the bottom of the handle, that the set screw sets into and that has the square head to tighten or loosen the jack, broke. HF replaced it for free for me, but I'm not sure all HF managers would be that nice.

Otherwise, works quite well. I had to fill it up with more fluid at least twice after using it to try to lift the axle on a 30foot horse trailer, that was pushing the jack, but it did it. May have refilled the fluid once during regular usage. Recommended for regular shop duty. Worked well for most lowered cars I deal with. If the handle breaks again I may have to edit this post.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Just a bit of info about HF floor and bottle jacks. Most of the seals can be had from Napa and McMaster Carr. I'm sure other places will have them as well. A friend and I rebuilt three floor jacks. Two were either 2.5 or 3 tons, and the other was one of those long reach jacks. It may have been 5 ton. My friend had rebuilt several small bottle jacks, and the jack on his engine stand, which was an HF replacement. I take his word on those.

 

[ndnchf]

20 Ton shop press, #60603 - PASS

After almost 20 years with a 12 ton press, I upgraded to the new, bolted together 20 ton press. It is a big improvement over the previous orange version. I added a few upgrades to mine, including a winch. I highly recommend it. Oh, there are two versions of the 20 ton press. The #60603 is the one I have.

.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

20 Ton shop press, #60603 - PASS

After almost 20 years with a 12 ton press, I upgraded to the new, bolted together 20 ton press. It is a big improvement over the previous orange version. I added a few upgrades to mine, including a winch. I highly recommend it. Oh, there are two versions of the 20 ton press. The #60603 is the one I have.

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ndnchf, could you do a write up on how you did the winch upgrade? I'm looking to purchase a shop press like yours later this year.

 

[ndnchf]

ndnchf, could you do a write up on how you did the winch upgrade? I'm looking to purchase a shop press like yours later this year.

I just posted more details and a photo of the winch side at the end of this thread. It was pretty straight forward. I think the photos explain it pretty well. But glad to answer any specific questions.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349032&page=3

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I just posted more details and a photo of the winch side at the end of this thread. It was pretty straight forward. I think the photos explain it pretty well. But glad to answer any specific questions.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349032&page=3

Thank you for this and posting the link.

 

[Red Lion]

FAIL:
Just picked up the #35711 2pc Welding Goggles:
http://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-welding-goggles-set-35711.html

They are kind of bulky and cheap, they don't fit my face well. They do their job for darkening but are far from comfortable, and they leave room around your cheek bones for stuff to get in your eye area rather than molding to your features. Found some slimmer goggles from Hobart I want to try for the same price.

 

[laser3kw]

How are their 1.5 ton aluminum jack?

I have one, it works good and is light weight. Great for throwing it up on my air lift to jack up a mower or snowblower.
BUT - it takes effort to jack up the front of my Saturn. I would get a bigger model of the aluminum jack - you will be happier.

 

[zendriver]

initial PASS

60 LED solar power security light. Paid $30 on sale some time ago.

Light housing is metal and appears very sturdy. I didn't measure it, but the solar panel has a fairly long cord, so the light can be located away from the sunlight source.

Seems to work pretty good, will see how the Nicad battery holds up in cold weather.

http://www.harborfreight.com/60-led-solar-security-light-69643.html

 

[Loose Ctrl]

initial PASS

60 LED solar power security light. Paid $30 on sale some time ago.

Light housing is metal and appears very sturdy. I didn't measure it, but the solar panel has a fairly long cord, so the light can be located away from the sunlight source.

Seems to work pretty good, will see how the Nicad battery holds up in cold weather.

http://www.harborfreight.com/60-led-solar-security-light-69643.html

How sensitive is the motion sensor? Will a small animal set it off, such as a cat or small dog. I would be concerned about this killing the battery over night.

 

[Technologyteacher]

Wire brush for 4 1/2" sidegrinder. FAIL. The wire gets thrown out of the cup and will stick in you like pins even through jeans

 

[zendriver]

How sensitive is the motion sensor? Will a small animal set it off, such as a cat or small dog. I would be concerned about this killing the battery over night.

Have not test it extensively, but it does have a sensitivity setting for humans - pets. I have dogs but they are not out all night.

It can be set from 5 seconds to 2 minutes, if that becomes an issue.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Have not test it extensively, but it does have a sensitivity setting for humans - pets. I have dogs but they are not out all night.

It can be set from 5 seconds to 2 minutes, if that becomes an issue.

Thanks for that info. It sounds like it should be a fairly decent light.

 

[Triumph8]

A few years back my neighbor borrowed a 6 in C clamp from me to collapse a brake cylinder. He came back a few minutes later. It had torn in half at the thick part of the casting. I had two more and returned with him to see what had happened. Now, my neighbor is a very big man but he was cranking these with his bare hands on a rusted caliper.
Broke all three. I was floored.


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[mbshop]

hf mini torch 63170. a major pass.

 

[toyotadriver]

Bought the Pittsburgh 12 volt air compressor. The more expensive one with the clips to connect directly to the battery. Worked well. Only negative is the nylon case it comes in is ****. No problem though. I put it in a 50 cal ammo can and it just barely fit. I put it in my truck tool box.

I'm gonna buy another one for my other truck.

 

[FarFire70]

Bought the Pittsburgh 12 volt air compressor. The more expensive one with the clips to connect directly to the battery. Worked well. Only negative is the nylon case it comes in is ****. No problem though. I put it in a 50 cal ammo can and it just barely fit. I put it in my truck tool box.

I'm gonna buy another one for my other truck.

Get a box of spare fuse too. This is my go to for filling up my tires on my Jeep after offroading. 10psi inflated to 30psi on all 4 tires. Pump gets hot after the second or third tire and can plow a fuse. Needs to cool. Have the spared for when you blow the fuse.

Otherwise, a great and cost effective pump.

 

[JRC3]

A few years back my neighbor borrowed a 6 in C clamp from me to collapse a brake cylinder. He came back a few minutes later. It had torn in half at the thick part of the casting. I had two more and returned with him to see what had happened. Now, my neighbor is a very big man but he was cranking these with his bare hands on a rusted caliper.
Broke all three. I was floored.

Heck, I've had one of the quick C-clamps for at least 5 years and have probably done 10-12 brake jobs and other things with it without incident. http://www.harborfreight.com/6-inch-quick-release-c-clamp-4140.html

 

[motorcyclist]

hf mini torch 63170. a major pass.

Can I use it to solder copper plumbing?

 

[mbshop]

no, it is to small. you need something bigger. something like this that you use with the tall blue bottles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019CQL60/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Can I use it to solder copper plumbing?

 

[ndr1968]

no, it is to small. you need something bigger. something like this that you use with the tall blue bottles
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019CQL60/?tag=atomicindus08-20

+1. Good investment. Push button, instant heat. This burner really puts it out too.

 

[allenb12]

I have the same one that was made for Mapp. Bought in 96. Used it a lot. Stricter has just now quick working. Does not look like it is apart that can be replaced.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Major fail.48-inch Pittsburg I-beam level, but this pertains to almost all HF levels.

I needed a level to build a building. I picked up this level. I didn't really think to look at the bubble lines. There is 1/8th-inch space on either side of the bubble, between the lines. When I noticed this, I went to Lowes and checked out the higher quality levels. Their lines are the same space as the bubble itself.There is no space on either end of the bubble.

With the spaces on either side of the bubble, it's not as easy to tell if it's level. With the lines at the ends of the bubble, you can tell at a glance if it's in level. This can really help speed things along.

 

[Wcs6363]

Failed. Pittsburg brake brake bleeder ( pneumatic)... Worked great first vehicle...Failed on 2nd vehicle ( did everything I could to make it work, changed fittings, tubing, air pressure,...Appears there was a leak in the handle where you squeeze handle

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[JRC3]

Failed. Pittsburg brake brake bleeder ( pneumatic)... Worked great first vehicle...Failed on 2nd vehicle ( did everything I could to make it work, changed fittings, tubing, air pressure,...Appears there was a leak in the handle where you squeeze handle

I think you are talking about the other one they sell, but this is one of the biggest POS that I ever bought from them. http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-69328.html

Needless to say, FAIL.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I think you are talking about the other one they sell, but this is one of the biggest POS that I ever bought from them. http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-69328.html

Needless to say, FAIL.

I've had good luck with this unit, except the gauge is **** and never right. Plus. the ends for the bleeders do not seal at all. The vacuum pump itself has been great and I have been using it for close to six years now.

 

[JRC3]

I've had good luck with this unit, except the gauge is **** and never right. Plus. the ends for the bleeders do not seal at all. The vacuum pump itself has been great and I have been using it for close to six years now.

The pump is what never worked right on mine. I've tried it at least three times on brakes since I bought it a few years ago. I guess I should've exchanged it.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

The pump is what never worked right on mine. I've tried it at least three times on brakes since I bought it a few years ago. I guess I should've exchanged it.

It seems that these vacuum pumps are hit and miss.

 

[tvtaurus]

1/2 in. Drive Impact Flip Socket Set 3 Pc - PASS
Item#62491

I have been using these for a few years now, with no problem.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-impact-flip-socket-set-3-pc-62491.html

 

[bagged150]

I had a couple of there small sanders and they were actually good for 10 bucks. I'd give them a pass.


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[Billy Jack]

I've got a bunch of these hanging on the wall over my bench in 12, 18 and 24 inch:
18 in. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader
PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-Ratcheting-Bar-ClampSpreader-62125.html

They do have plastic ends on a steel bar, so there are limits to how tight they will go, but unless I need a serious pipe clamp, these are the most used of all my clamps.

Bill

 

[bagged150]

I've got a bunch of these hanging on the wall over my bench in 12, 18 and 24 inch:
18 in. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader
PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-Ratcheting-Bar-ClampSpreader-62125.html

They do have plastic ends on a steel bar, so there are limits to how tight they will go, but unless I need a serious pipe clamp, these are the most used of all my clamps.

Bill

I'm glad you posted this. I have been wanting to get some of these for a whole now. I'm glad you had good results with them. They cover in handy for when I have to rebuild my speaker boxes.


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[Bcom]

Has anyone used the HF air hammer chisels? Not the hammer,just the 7" chisels?

 

[Project_shadow]

Has anyone used the HF air hammer chisels? Not the hammer,just the 7" chisels?

Not great, I use them mainly to make one-off chisels or certain size rivet punches


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[ndr1968]

I have the same one that was made for Mapp. Bought in 96. Used it a lot. Stricter has just now quick working. Does not look like it is apart that can be replaced.

Mine's still atop what remains of my bottle of true MAPP gas. Didn't know you could use it with propane. Mine is the old style without a striker. Hmmm something to investigate latter on this morning.

 

[ndr1968]

I've got a bunch of these hanging on the wall over my bench in 12, 18 and 24 inch:
18 in. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader
PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-Ratcheting-Bar-ClampSpreader-62125.html

They do have plastic ends on a steel bar, so there are limits to how tight they will go, but unless I need a serious pipe clamp, these are the most used of all my clamps.

Bill

I like those clamps too. I just wish they would make a metal one for welding.

 

[Wcs6363]

It was this model I had found with*@#$Item#92924 http://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html


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[Loose Ctrl]

I've got a bunch of these hanging on the wall over my bench in 12, 18 and 24 inch:
18 in. Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader
PASS

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-in-Ratcheting-Bar-ClampSpreader-62125.html

They do have plastic ends on a steel bar, so there are limits to how tight they will go, but unless I need a serious pipe clamp, these are the most used of all my clamps.

Bill

I have a couple of those as well. I agree with you. 100% pass.

Just know and understand their limitations.

 

[stonesg]

Got this today:

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...h-3-8-eighth-inch-flexible-ratchet-98484.html

16 bucks after a 20% (and flash light) coupon.

Made in Taiwan and it's every bit as well made as any Taiwan Gearwrench tool I've ever seen. Heavy chrome and the detents are nice and positive. Ratchet action is smooth and fine and the direction change is a solid turn that I don't think will change without a positive input (unlike a Kobalt ratchet I've been using for the past few days that very often switches or goes to a neutral position due to how I'm holding it.... it may be replaced due to this).

The only thing it doesn't have (and I don't anticipate being to much of a problem) is a pushbutton detent release for the socket. Big pass.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-hex-socket-set-61337.html

And

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67899.html

I had to buy the hex bits several years ago for some odd project and I just got the metric 1/2s today.
So far all the impact stuff looks very well made for the price. I'm not a pro/power user but I can't see having a problem with any of them. Pass.

http://www.harborfreight.com/oil-filter-pliers-61477.html

Pass. Had to run a screwdriver through the filter on my Land Rover the other day so I picked these up.
Quality is at least as good as an old pair of Channellocks I have.


I've never talked bad about HF but always figured that I'd take or leave them on a case by case basis.
But I may have to start talking them up.

For instance, although the quality of the regular wrenches has gotten better, they are still clearly not up to Gearwrench or even China Craftsman standards so I pass. If I hadn't scored a 20 piece SAE/Metric Gearwrench set (Taiwan) at Sears for 50 bucks recently, I'd been thinking about getting the Taiwan ratcheting ones at HF.

Their value is going up.

 

[6PTsocket]

Got this today:

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...h-3-8-eighth-inch-flexible-ratchet-98484.html

16 bucks after a 20% (and flashlight) coupon.

Made in Taiwan and it's every bit as well made as any Taiwan Gearwrench tool I've ever seen. Heavy chrome and the detents are nice and positive. Ratchet action is smooth and fine and the direction change is a solid turn that I don't think will change without a positive input (unlike a Kobalt ratchet I've been using for the past few days that very often switches or goes to a netural position due to how I'm holding it.... it may be replaced due to this).

The only thing it doesn't have (and I don't anticipate being to much of a problem) is a pushbutton detent release for the socket. Big pass.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-hex-socket-set-61337.html

And

http://www.harborfreight.com/10-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67899.html

I had to buy the hex bits several years ago for some odd project and I just got the metric 1/2s today.
So far all the impact stuff looks very well made for the price. I'm not a pro/power user but I can't see having a problem with any of them. Pass.

http://www.harborfreight.com/oil-filter-pliers-61477.html

Pass. Had to run a screwdriver through the filter on my Land Rover the other day so I picked these up.
Quality is at least as good as an old pair of Channellocks I have.


I've never talked bad about HF but always figured that I'd take or leave them on a case by case basis.
But I may have to start talking them up.

For instance, although the quality of the regular wrenches has gotten better, they are still clearly not up to Gearwrench or even China Craftsman standards so I pass. If I hadn't scored a 20 piece SAE/Metric Gearwrench set (Taiwan) at Sears for 50 bucks recently, I'd been thinking about getting the Taiwan racheting ones at HF.

Their value is going up.

I'm with you on those hex bits. I installed a trailer hitch on my truck and the center bolt was big flat head bolt with 1/2" hex. The instructions cslled for 250 ft lbs. I picked up the whole HF set for around seven bucks. Not having a torque wrench that went that high, I put the bit on a 1/2" breaker with a jack handle cheater bar. I quit when I saw the breaker bar start to flex. The HF bit was totally undamaged. You can't beat it.

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