The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[ryancn77]

3 ton Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump- PASS
love all there floor jacks
4-1/2 in. Diameter Suction Cup 40993 -pass
40 in. 300 lb. Capacity Low-Profile Creeper -pass (i'm 250 lbs)
Pneumatic Roller Seat -pass
3/4 in. Ball Joint Separator- FAIL (hinge snapped first use)
Inner Tie Rod Removal Set -pass (love this tool)

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Corded 3/8ths variable speed drill item 60614. FAIL! This drill is larger and longer than other 3/8ths drills I have owned. The other drills I have owned, I could get between studs that are on 16" centers with a bit driver in the chuck. This one I can't do that. The major thing is the forward/reverse switch is on top of the trigger. It's easy to bump it into the opposite direction while operating the drill. The keyless chuck is extremely weak. It wouldn't hold my bit driver tight enough, and it would eventually end up pushed back against the chuck jaws. It is also front heavy and not very well balanced. It does have plenty of power for a 3/8ths drill, but the trigger is a little sticky, especially if it gets side loaded. I have small hands and wear a men's large in work gloves. This drill is hard for me to get a solid grip on. the belt clip and bubble level are useless as well. The trigger lock on the side of the handle kept getting me as well. I kept accidentally locking the trigger and stripping out screw heads.

I have been using this drill to set the walls on a 12x16 workshop I'm building, and install the top plate. It got the job done, but it really slowed me down. Next up is installing the trusses. I'm not sure if I'm going to use this drill or spend the money on a quality battery powered impact screw driver.

 

[stitan06]

anyone ever use the hvlp 20oz spray gun ? wondering how it works

 

[ndnchf]

Please folks, when discussing a Harbor Freight item, state the HF item number, not just a name or a link. Many items have more than one HF number because they come from different suppliers. Each may have different pass/fail ratings. Also, if you state the item number in your post, others can search this thread for that item number. Otherwise it can be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Thanks!

 

[stang2007]

Ok Item 66262 PASS

Drain snake, works well and as long as you keep the RPM's down(if you attach to a drill) will last quite a while. i paid less than 10 bucks and snaked every drain in the house.

 

[JRC3]

Did the brakes on one of my parents vehicles last week and my dad had to give this jack. At first I was like, "how cute", but it actually does a good job and is light and maneuverable. It wouldn't jack high enough to get the 07 Grand Caravan's rear wheels off the ground when lifting from the body, but with it's center roller instead of large side mounted wheels, it's easily placed close the the hub on the axle. The thing jacks up fast. It'll be great to pull out in the driveway or taken with you away from the garage. I might have to consider the larger version at some point.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60569.html


This guys "failed" the jack.

That aint all he failed. LOL Read the comments.

 

[DakotaMan]

3 ton Low Profile Steel Heavy Duty Floor Jack with Rapid Pump- PASS
love all there floor jacks
4-1/2 in. Diameter Suction Cup 40993 -pass
40 in. 300 lb. Capacity Low-Profile Creeper -pass (i'm 250 lbs)
Pneumatic Roller Seat -pass
3/4 in. Ball Joint Separator- FAIL (hinge snapped first use)
Inner Tie Rod Removal Set -pass (love this tool)

Thanks. I just picked up the floor jack.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Ok Item 66262 PASS

Drain snake, works well and as long as you keep the RPM's down(if you attach to a drill) will last quite a while. i paid less than 10 bucks and snaked every drain in the house.

Sorry, I disagree. It broke in the middle of me cleaning a drain at one of my rentals. Had to stop and go buy one from Menards. FAIL for me.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Did the brakes on one of my parents vehicles last week and my dad had to give this jack. At first I was like, "how cute", but it actually does a good job and is light and maneuverable. It wouldn't jack high enough to get the 07 Grand Caravan's rear wheels off the ground when lifting from the body, but with it's center roller instead of large side mounted wheels, it's easily placed close the the hub on the axle. The thing jacks up fast. It'll be great to pull out in the driveway or taken with you away from the garage. I might have to consider the larger version at some point.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60569.html


This guys "failed" the jack.

That aint all he failed. LOL Read the comments.

I nearly lost it reading those comments. They are funny as heck.

 

[bwringer]

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

They work fine (no falling apart or anything), although the chisel edges aren't as sharp as some I've seen. I've never really seen a sharp chisel edge hold up for more than a few seconds on an air chisel, so it's probably a moot point.

Also, their "pickle fork" ball joint and tie rod end splitters are fantastic, not to mention inexpensive.

 

[1Garageman]

This step stool is Awesome! Can support up to 350lbs! It also has "support arms" that keep the sliding legs safely extended.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This sturdy working platform supports up to 350 lbs. to give you extra support and reach. When the job's done, just fold the working platform up and take it away with its convenient carry handle.
Anodized aluminum platform with folding legs
Nonmarring rubber feet caps
Comes with a carry handle for easy transport
Collapsible for easy storage
350 lb. weight capacity

Item #62515
http://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html


Here is the coupon for it also!

 

[tonyciambrone]

The 4x36 belt sander with the 4 inch disc or whatever is a fail. Easy to stop the motor, belt won't stay on track. It just *****, even for $38 or whatever. One of very few things that is a truly bad deal at HF

 

[Dud]

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.

Sorry to disagree but item#98484 is one of the few tools that I've ever returned. I tried using it and got very close to shattering it. The T-bar would arc like a tree in the wind ... a stiff wind. I just did not trust it so it went back.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Sorry to disagree but item#98484 is one of the few tools that I've ever returned. I tried using it and got very close to shattering it. The T-bar would arc like a tree in the wind ... a stiff wind. I just did not trust it so it went back.

I've heard it both ways on that item. I think they are hit and miss because of poor manufacturing practices or bad QA. I would have returned the one you bought without question.

 

[Newell33]

The 4x36 belt sander with the 4 inch disc or whatever is a fail. Easy to stop the motor, belt won't stay on track. It just *****, even for $38 or whatever. One of very few things that is a truly bad deal at HF

I have the same sander, and had the same problem with stopping the motor. What I realized after reading a couple of reviews was that the covered belt that runs from the motor itself to the sanding belt was loose. If you place something on the sanding belt and stop it, look closely at the end of the motor shaft. I'll bet you it's still spinning, even though it doesn't sound like it. Many of them were shipped from the factory this way. If you adjust the motor and tighten the small drive belt, you'll be surprised at how much better it works. I would have sworn the motor was stopping too, but it wasn't. I was also able to improve the tracking by taking the adjustment mechanism apart and putting everything back together. It's still touchy, but it works way better than it did out of the box.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I have the same sander, and had the same problem with stopping the motor. What I realized after reading a couple of reviews was that the covered belt that runs from the motor itself to the sanding belt was loose. If you place something on the sanding belt and stop it, look closely at the end of the motor shaft. I'll bet you it's still spinning, even though it doesn't sound like it. Many of them were shipped from the factory this way. If you adjust the motor and tighten the small drive belt, you'll be surprised at how much better it works. I would have sworn the motor was stopping too, but it wasn't. I was also able to improve the tracking by taking the adjustment mechanism apart and putting everything back together. It's still touchy, but it works way better than it did out of the box.

That's a good tip. Thanks for sharing. I was looking at the same unit, but have been put off by all the bad reviews. I may reconsider, even if I buy it just to rebuild it better.

 

[DonkeyFluffer]

As soon as i unboxed my HF 4x36 Belt Sander, I noticed that the motor was mounted on slotted holes and adjusted it to be tighter. It's now quiet, strong, and the belt does not slip. At $52 I couldn't have been happier.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[Revtach]

The all metal pittsburgh pro 1/2 drive breaker bars (18" and 25") at my local store in NY are now made in China. They used to be Taiwan. I was in there yesterday and noticed a marked decrease in quality in terms of fit and finish over the Taiwan ones. Price is still the same. The pittsburgh pro breaker bar with the comfort grip is still Taiwan though. Just a heads up.

 

[CoogarXR]

As soon as i unboxed my HF 4x36 Belt Sander, I noticed that the motor was mounted on slotted holes and adjusted it to be tighter. It's now quiet, strong, and the belt does not slip. At $52 I couldn't have been happier.

I also posted a few pages back that I love my sander. My only gripe is that sometimes I have to push-start the belt, but once it's running, I have never had it stall on me. I did a whole staircase of spindles, bull-noses and newel posts with it. I didn't use the disc at all, but I used the hell out of the belt. I am very satisfied with it.

 

[royesses]

I've had one for about 5 years. I took it apart and went through all the poorly assembled and miss-adjusted parts first. It has been a solid performer for me. The table is almost worthless unless reinforced but it has worked well on both wood and metal. For small jobs it works well.

Roy

 

[David0858]

georgegj

The 4x36 belt sander with the 4 inch disc or whatever is a fail. Easy to stop the motor, belt won't stay on track. It just *****, even for $38 or whatever. One of very few things that is a truly bad deal at HF

I don't have any trouble with the belt but it is severely underpowered to the point of being about useless. A fail.

 

[Newell33]

Re: georgegj

I don't have any trouble with the belt but it is severely underpowered to the point of being about useless. A fail.

Read up a couple of posts. It's not underpowered, the small drive belt that connects the motor to the larger belt is typically loose from the factory. When the main belt stops, check the motor shaft. It's likely still spinning. It's so quiet that you wouldn't believe it, but it is. Adjust the motor to put more tension on the drive belt and you'll have a lot harder time stopping the main belt.

 

[Dr Stan]

For $25.00 I bought a Taiwanese built belt/disk sander at an estate sale. Whenever possible I'll buy good used rather than anything from HF.

 

[Tonellin]

For $25.00 I bought a Taiwanese built belt/disk sander at an estate sale. Whenever possible I'll buy good used rather than anything from HF.

Thanks for the helpful information

 

[raffaelli]

anyone ever use the hvlp 20oz spray gun ? wondering how it works

I used this for the color and clear on two cars. Works great.
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-professional-hvlp-gravity-feed-air-spray-gun-68843.htm

I have used this for single stage color. Works great
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-fl-oz-hvlp-gravity-feed-air-spray-gun-62300.html

I have used this for primer. Works great
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/paint/lightweight-high-pressure-spray-gun-93205.html

 

[raffaelli]

The 4x36 belt sander with the 4 inch disc or whatever is a fail. Easy to stop the motor, belt won't stay on track. It just *****, even for $38 or whatever. One of very few things that is a truly bad deal at HF

I bought this around the holidays Works great for me.

 

[JRC3]

For $25.00 I bought a Taiwanese built belt/disk sander at an estate sale. Whenever possible I'll buy good used rather than anything from HF.

 

[stitan06]

I used this for the color and clear on two cars. Works great.
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-oz-professional-hvlp-gravity-feed-air-spray-gun-68843.htm

I have used this for single stage color. Works great
http://www.harborfreight.com/20-fl-oz-hvlp-gravity-feed-air-spray-gun-62300.html

I have used this for primer. Works great
http://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/paint/lightweight-high-pressure-spray-gun-93205.html

do any of these have a 1.8 tip in them

 

[raffaelli]

do any of these have a 1.8 tip in them

the primer gun is a 1.8. the others are 1.4

 

[JRC3]

Did the brakes on one of my parents vehicles last week and my dad had to give this jack. At first I was like, "how cute", but it actually does a good job and is light and maneuverable. It wouldn't jack high enough to get the 07 Grand Caravan's rear wheels off the ground when lifting from the body, but with it's center roller instead of large side mounted wheels, it's easily placed close the the hub on the axle. The thing jacks up fast. It'll be great to pull out in the driveway or taken with you away from the garage. I might have to consider the larger version at some point.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-ton-compact-aluminum-racing-floor-jack-with-rapid-pump-60569.html


This guys "failed" the jack.

That aint all he failed. LOL Read the comments.

Coupon for this jack. Print it or just show them the pic on your phone. I sent my brother pics of coupons and they used them.

 

[Pastenseverb]

I've had that jack for a few years. I needed a low profile jack and this one is great. It is my go to jack unless I need a few more inches of lift. Works well.

 

[leftyz]

I've had that jack for a few years. I needed a low profile jack and this one is great. It is my go to jack unless I need a few more inches of lift. Works well.

Same here, even lifted the entire back end of my k5 blazer with it once

 

[zendriver]

This step stool is Awesome! Can support up to 350lbs! It also has "support arms" that keep the sliding legs safely extended.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This sturdy working platform supports up to 350 lbs. to give you extra support and reach. When the job's done, just fold the working platform up and take it away with its convenient carry handle.
Anodized aluminum platform with folding legs
Nonmarring rubber feet caps
Comes with a carry handle for easy transport
Collapsible for easy storage
350 lb. weight capacity

Item #62515
http://www.harborfreight.com/step-stoolworking-platform-62515.html


Here is the coupon for it also!

LOL, this is the best item HF sells, IMO, they are awesome. "go-to" gifts, everybody likes them.

 

[stonesg]

Sorry to disagree but item#98484 is one of the few tools that I've ever returned. I tried using it and got very close to shattering it. The T-bar would arc like a tree in the wind ... a stiff wind. I just did not trust it so it went back.

Sorry, I just saw your response....

I didn't have any problem with it so far. I used it to install all the bolts on an oil pan on a Land Rover discovery.

I can see how the T-handle is not the stoutest thing in the world but it appears to be strong enough for anything I'd try to torque down with it.

TG

 

[chevy3755]

i have the air riveter...and works great after you prime it.......

 

[jacked_72]

450 lb. Low Lift Transmission Jack Pittsburgh® Automotive - Item#61232 -- fail. At last for a FWD transmission. At height, the weight of the differential in the transmission pulled the jack strongly to one side. I had to tie a strap to the top of the transmission and secure it to the support bar (below) to keep it from falling over.

1000 lb. Capacity Engine Support Bar Pittsburgh® Automotive - Item#96524 -- Pass. this worked well and as advertised.

 

[ndnchf]

4-1/2", 6 amp angle grinder, HF #65519 - Pass.

I've been looking for another angle grinder to go with my Dewalt DW402. It gets real old changing back and forth between grinding discs, flap wheel and wire wheels. I decided to get one of these on Saturday. On Sunday I used it off and on for about 4 hours on a welding project grinding welds and chamfering steel. While not an extensive test, it worked just fine and felt about the same as my Dewalt. The paddle switch is nice too. It has a small lock lever on it that prevents the grinding from turning on if laid down on the paddle. Something the Dewalt does not have. Definitely makes it safer.

One thing I've learned abouy HF power tools. Its a good idea to run them on and off with no load for 5 - 10 minutes before use. I think this helps the bearings and gears get broken in and seated before they are put under a load. Every tool I've done this on has continued to work just fine.

 

[zendriver]

Propane Regulator with 5 Ft. Hose item #69463 - Pass

My portable propane forced air (12 yo salamander) heater, had the outer 10' hose developed dry rot cracks, so it was about time. purchased a inexpensive one off ebay, but the hose was very stiff and the connector was wrong size (my fault for not verifying with seller, just "looking at the picture")

Anyway remember seeing one at HF and verifying that the connector was 3/8" went or it. Seems well made, certified and got the heater back in operation - just in time to be put away until next year!

used 20% off coupon.

http://www.harborfreight.com/propane-regulator-with-5-ft-hose-69463.html

 

[boostmiser]

Not sure if this has been mentioned by their polishing pads are junk. I've used the black, orange and blue with my porter cable random orbital polisher.The hook & loop wets out quickly then it flies off and renders the pad useless.

 

[jeff lary]

Todays haul, I got the 18" 7 drawer cabinet man that is some good stuff right there! I bought an
SAE and Metric 3/8 deep well impact socket sets,
Bauer band saw with 2 year extended warranty,
free tape and microfiber clothes,
A 2# Brass Hammer
2x2 Anti Fatigue mats,.. we bough a 2 pack of those. I use them in the yard to kneel on when tinkering on the wheel horse tractor or something else.

That cabinet is really nice I just wish I bought it years ago. It is already full of chainsaw parts I am going to enjoy it.

Everything I bought was because of reading the good reviews on here. Even if I had some bad luck with something I would not blame the thread for it I just used this information to pick a particular item.