The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[jeff lary]

ok I will look there thanks

 

[jdcompman]

I tried to say " cannot remember the model".... in the first line of the second paragraph. But when I was editing to say thanks my curser kept deleting letters in the word remember till all that was left was some r's and too many of them! Why when I try to edit a word every time I type a letter the next in line disappears?

your "insert" key is on. Usually next to the backspace. I'm sure you accidentally hit it once. Just hit it again and you're problem will go away.

 

[DFB]

Well RTR published a video review yesterday and put the Pittsburgh Pro "Professional" breaker bar up against 3 big names

 

[MoparTrucks]

Well RTR published a video review yesterday and put the Pittsburgh Pro "Professional" breaker bar up against 3 big names

Thanks for posting that. I have been needing a longer breaker bar and at $16.00 compared to over a c-note its a no brainer for me.

 

[Earp69]

i read a few pages back that the 450 pound transmission jack is junk,but i have there 800 pound tranmssion jack and have used it on my cummins transmission 2 times now,and my buddies top kick dump truck transmission last week(which was HUGE). good buy so far and its paid for itself

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[1Garageman]

FYI, My wife this showed this to me and started working on it for us. I will be getting back $40 some dollars from HF. I wanted to make sure everyone on here sees it!

http://www.nationalsalepricesettlement.com/


If you are a Harbor Freight customer in the United States who made one or more purchases from Harbor Freight between April 8, 2011 through December 15, 2016, you may be entitled to receive benefits covered by the National Sale Price Settlement.

 

[mbshop]

I'll let hf keep my .03 due me.

 

[btdobie]

1195 lb. Capacity 48 in. x 96 in. Heavy Duty Folding Trailer 62648.
Mostly Pass. The included casters don't work very well, but it folds up nice and compact and toes nicely. You do need to change the grease in the bearings before using it, but because that is included in the assembly instructions, I'm not counting it as an automatic fail.

Note you must ensure the frame is square when you assemble it or it won't track straight.

 

[white91formula]

I got the HaulMaster Item#69898 trailer dolly not to long ago

i picked it up to help move around my enclosed snowmobile trailer. It did not do the job at all. it is meant for a much smaller trailer. not sure what kind of trailer you would even use this for.

I am giving it a fail as I could not move the trailer around even empty.

Promptly returned for money back.

 

[JRC3]

http://www.nationalsalepricesettlement.com/

Pass. I'm observant enough not to feel cheated by there "compare at" sales tactic.

Keep in mind these class action lawyer groups don't give two shits about the people they "represent". I'd rather HF keep my chump change so the GCG gets none of it. Their only motivation is to take their cut and then get out ASAP to move on to the next BS frivolous suit.

As a consumer it is my responsibility to research and compare the pricing of the products I buy...Especially 2011-2016 in the age of the internet.



No offense to anyone who makes the claim.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Pass. I'm observant enough not to feel cheated by there "compare at" sales tactic.

Keep in mind these class action lawyer groups don't give two shits about the people they "represent". I'd rather HF keep my chump change so the GCG gets none of it. Their only motivation is to take their cut and then get out ASAP to move on to the next BS frivolous suit.

As a consumer it is my responsibility to research and compare the pricing of the products I buy...Especially 2011-2016 in the age of the internet.



No offense to anyone who makes the claim.

I agree. If I felt I was being taken advantage of, I would not have made a purchase at Harbor Freight. I won't be filing any claims. I'd hate to see their prices go up after getting hit with this.

 

[stage20]

Pittsburgh Pro were always manufactured in Taiwan, and still are.


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Negative. They have different suppliers. Always have. I swear they had 4 item numbers for the impacts at one time. You can tell the difference pretty quick but look at the label to be sure.
Taiwan's are broached on center and are a nice black finish
China version is chalky finish. Almost like they skipped a step in the coating or its just the best China can do lol. If you look at the hex end, I'd be willing to bet one is always off center.

 

[jallyn]

Pozidriv Screwdriver...

Picked up the 8 Pc Professional Screwdriver Set Item #94607 and it is nice for the price using a 20% off coupon. Also picked up a #2 Pozidriv in the same style. It was marked as the Phillips Item #94707 but was actually a pozidriv tip. I looked at all the other screwdrivers at Harbor Freight and this was the only Pozidriv. I came to learn HF doesn't make a pozidriv screwdriver (they do sell some pozidriv insert bits, but not handled screwdrivers). So I guess I got lucky with a mixup at the factory.

 

[Aeroman]

It does look like a great deal. Thanks for the heads up

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[Loose Ctrl]

I'll have to check them out. I need to stop in there today. Thanks for the tip off.

 

[djdaredevil]

I got the HaulMaster Item#69898 trailer dolly not to long ago

i picked it up to help move around my enclosed snowmobile trailer. It did not do the job at all. it is meant for a much smaller trailer. not sure what kind of trailer you would even use this for.

I am giving it a fail as I could not move the trailer around even empty.

Promptly returned for money back.

You must have gotten a bad one mine moves my 6x12 +6in height enclosed with about 500lbs in it with no problems unless in grass than its a little tougher but still doable.

 

[IowaDon]

Maddox 7 PC. Body and fender kit - item#63259
$34.99 - 20%= $27.99 + tax
I say pass. The only other low budget body hammers I've seen have fiberglass handles, these are steel. Hopefully the heads will remain attached. If I were a body man I'm sure I'd have a higher quality set of body hammers, but I'm not. For under $30 these are handy for crudely straightening bent stuff. I like "practicing", I guess, with these hammers and the dollies. Beats the heck out of a claw hammer.

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[garthg]

I just bought the Pittsburgh Pro 25" breaker bar to remove some stubborn brake caliper bracket bolts (262 ft-lb spec) that stymied my 1/2" IR air impact gun. I actually broke a 27mm Bonney heavy impact socket.

The breaker bar, made in Taiwan, has an impeccable finish. It worked flawlessly to remove all four bolts. The length really gave extra leverage. Only $19.99. (I was in the middle of the job, and didn't want to look around the house with greasy hands for a coupon).

A definite PASS.

 

[ecotec]

I just bought the Pittsburgh Pro 25" breaker bar to remove some stubborn brake caliper bracket bolts (262 ft-lb spec) that stymied my 1/2" IR air impact gun. I actually broke a 27mm Bonney heavy impact socket.

The breaker bar, made in Taiwan, has an impeccable finish. It worked flawlessly to remove all four bolts. The length really gave extra leverage. Only $19.99. (I was in the middle of the job, and didn't want to look around the house with greasy hands for a coupon).

A definite PASS.

You can use your phone for HF coupons...

hfqpdb.com

 

[FOCUS.FREAK]

SnipSnap is a coupon app I use when I go places. You can even search different stores for their coupons


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[racecar]

hip2save.com/2017/03/16/are-you-a-harbor-freight-customer-if-so-read-this/ pass

 

[Horror Business]

You can use your phone for HF coupons...

hfqpdb.com

Thank you!

 

[mtgrizzlymn1]

Just picked up 8 inch grinder grey with light and 6 inch polisher grey. Seem to be very smooth only run out is beginning because of wheels. Quiet and smooth.


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[6PTsocket]

Negative. They have different suppliers. Always have. I swear they had 4 item numbers for the impacts at one time. You can tell the difference pretty quick but look at the label to be sure.
Taiwan's are broached on center and are a nice black finish
China version is chalky finish. Almost like they skipped a step in the coating or its just the best China can do lol. If you look at the hex end, I'd be willing to bet one is always off center.

I reviewed their impacts and said they were OK except that the black finish was not very durable. Their auto censor blocked my review for racist content. LMFAO !!

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[6PTsocket]

This thread is up to 852 pages. Without an index by part number I cannot see how it can be helpful. If I want information or someone has already made the same point about an HF product that I was going to make, I would never know. Nobody is going to pour through 852 pages to check. Obviously there is a lot of interest but there must be a better way.

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[Captain Spaulding]

This thread is up to 852 pages. Without an index by part number I cannot see how it can be helpful. If I want information or someone has already made the same point about an HF product that I was going to make, I would never know. Nobody is going to pour through 852 pages to check. Obviously there is a lot of interest but there must be a better way.

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"site:garagejournal.com harbor freight thingamajig" makes it pretty easy to use Google to find what you are interested in.

 

[smuro04]

well, I picked up one of the 301 piece mechanics tool sets the other day on a heavy discount. Item was marked down to $159.99 because someone stole a 1/4" ratchet and 4 flathead screwdrivers from the kit (all 5 of which are of questionable quality anyway). I explained to the manager that I could purchase the same item off the shelf, brand new, with a 20% coupon for the same price. He knocked another 20% off for me so I couldn't pass it up at $127.99. I now have my 4 drawer service cart stocked with sockets, and my extra socket sets will go into a tool bag in my truck.

Even at the price of $159.99, this thing is a steal. The assortment & quality of the sockets is excellent. And what I like is the shallow sockets included in this kit are 6pt compared to the 12pt's available separately in the store. Great deal on this thing.

 

[DFB]

Well I got two off the composite ratchets the other day the big 12" straight handle in 1/2 inch drive and an smaller offset 1/4 inch drive. So far I'm liking them both a lot. Real test will be how well they hold up over time. Not anticipating any problems though.

 

[Earp69]

This thread is up to 852 pages. Without an index by part number I cannot see how it can be helpful. If I want information or someone has already made the same point about an HF product that I was going to make, I would never know. Nobody is going to pour through 852 pages to check. Obviously there is a lot of interest but there must be a better way.

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Do a search on this thread only.should help narrow it down

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[Loose Ctrl]

Admiral 40T 7.25" circular saw blade. Item #62734. Pass for me. I've been cutting a lot of 7/16 OSB sheathing. It really zings through this thin OSB. I've cut probably 60 feet with it and it still cuts like it's a new blade.

Cheap ear muffs. I bought these to keep by the saw for those quick cuts. They work well, but I'm not sure how long the head band will last. They were $3.99 when I bought them. They are currently $2.99. I figured what the heck. For what I bought them for and how I use them, I pass them. I wouldn't use them for long periods or long term hearing protection.

 

[1966chev]

Nitrite gloves Pass.

1/2 inch electric impact wrench So far Pass.

1000 LB engine stand, Pass Small Block Chevy on it now.

Mechanic gloves for 3.99, Double Pass. These things are really comfortable!

SheetRock Jack, Pass. It really helps when doing ceilings. I can do 4x12 foot sheets by myself.

Hope that this helps someone.

Eric

 

[Rickster]

So with the new garage I added three of the HF US General black hanging tool cabinets part number 39213. I had a set of Speedway ones back at the other garage and they worked well for my paint cans and such storage. The HF's are bigger; little taller/wider & deeper. The paint is a crinkle finish black. They are packaged in two boxes, which at first freaked out the sales gal but she figured it out. Packaged rather nicely.

Assembly was pretty straight forward; base to sides then insert back pcs w/center dividers and then doors with top. Everything is put together with screws/nuts. Couple of things to look out for.
- You'll need a plastic hammer to "align" pcs together and form corners.
- Assemble the bottom/back/sides/center pcs. Then put the top on with screws in the back loosely.... then add the center door and right/left and add the front screws.
- Always check the panels shelf flaps are pointing upwards... made this mistake once and had to disassemble a center divider.

When I finished & picked it up, it groaned a bit. So I set it back down and got out the dill & pop riveter and proceeded to pop-rivet the **** out of it. Got all the seams from the back, top, bottom & inside center panels. This stiffened the assembly right up.

Out of the three units one was packaged with two right side panels. Dug the instructions out of the trash and called the HF number there to request a new left side panel. They didn't have pcs to send and I would have to package the whole thing up and take it back to the store. Called the store instead and they said I could bring in just the panel and swap it out.

Got them mounted up on the wall and installed the shelves. Again you'll need the plastic hammer to "adjust" the shelves to fit, both to secure in place and also to slightly bow out the left/right sides to grab the tabs. I loaded them up with paint cans and stuff: they fit 6 normal paint cans across and two cans deep. You get two shelves per bay and with cans on bottom and middle. The top shelf leaves you enough room for a grease can or a roll of duct tape. Overall I'm very pleased with these units, with the added mods I made to stiffen them up. The doors open/close fine and they haven't fallen off the wall yet...

 

[Tallpilot]

Still doesn't work with the normal excluded items that are on the regular 20% off coupons...i.e. air compressors, storage chests, etc.

I just put stuff in my online cart and see if the coupon works then head to the store. Sometimes I have to convince the cashier to put it in but I've never had one that worked on the website not work in the store.

 

[aka Larry]

Cheap ear muffs. I bought these to keep by the saw for those quick cuts. They work well, but I'm not sure how long the head band will last. They were $3.99 when I bought them. They are currently $2.99. I figured what the heck. For what I bought them for and how I use them, I pass them. I wouldn't use them for long periods or long term hearing protection.

I have these, and have been using them for 8 years. They still work very well.

 

[JRC3]

I have these, and have been using them for 8 years. They still work very well.

About the same for me too. I used them for a few years shooting. Now the pair stays with my tile saw and are on and off with every cut. They get beat around in my tile toolbox and have been on and off my head a thousand times.

Go to any local shooting range, they have boxes of them that get used daily by new shooters.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I have these, and have been using them for 8 years. They still work very well.

That's good to hear, err not?

 

[vettex2]

This thread is up to 852 pages. Without an index by part number I cannot see how it can be helpful. If I want information or someone has already made the same point about an HF product that I was going to make, I would never know. Nobody is going to pour through 852 pages to check. Obviously there is a lot of interest but there must be a better way.

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HUH ?
I'm on page 86
set your post count to 100 per page

 

[AnEv942]

Im on page 427, forum default, I think its 20 posts per page.
Point was I think, with 8,527 posts, regardless of pages, it is unwieldy to search thru. Especially when so many post without including an H/F part number.

 

[tV8bird]

Im on page 427, forum default, I think its 20 posts per page.
Point was I think, with 8,527 posts, regardless of pages, it is unwieldy to search thru. Especially when so many post without including an H/F part number.

Ditto.

Also, I wonder if a post about a product written last month is even relevant; I've seen Harbor Freight quality change so rapidly. And quality control also makes it sometimes hard to say if every unit is bad, or if the piece I purchased is just a bad representation of the product.

...aaaand, with that, what if someone posted something about a product without disclosing that they purchased it a year ago?

This thread was a great idea, and I liked its purpose, but I think the best thing to do is read the reviews on the catalogue website itself, take those with a grain of salt, and otherwise make a judgment call by seeing and feeling the tool in a brick-and-mortar location. Depending on the specific purpose for which you buy a tool, some cheap tools are just fine. Then again, there is a lot of **** at Harbor Freight, too. My general rule of thumb with them is that I don't buy anything from them if it has moving parts unless I've borrowed the same tool from one of the guys at work and found it adequate.

 

[DFB]

I always read the online reviews starting from the worse first.

Trying to sort the good from the bad best I can.

But boy sometimes they can be mind boggling!

I just read one I think just yesterday on ratchet/socket set with 12 point sockets.
Someone gave it a 1 star rating complaining because...it didn't have 6 point sockets!

Of course there's always one purchaser that gives something a 5 star rating.
But then go on to also say they haven't actually used it either!

Also see a lot of "It broke"

No other explanation

I have to say I don't buy a lot of HF but I have bought different items from them since almost the very beginnings.
Some things have vastly improved and some stuff is still just cheap junk