check post #589
Print it out. They accept it. I got my free flash light. Comes with batteries. Nice design except the cheezy lens.
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
check post #589
Print it out. They accept it. I got my free flash light. Comes with batteries. Nice design except the cheezy lens.
Chris Adams
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2007
- Messages
- 2,117
Both the ones we broke were on sheet steel, about .075 inch. Tool box walls in my case.
These are not the same bits they sold last year, or earlier this year. Pouch is different, product has different markings than the ones my buddy bought in June.
Totally different bits than the ones I bought several years ago, or in January of this year.
Again, they have changed suppliers.
They also carry a 'non-stepped' bit, cone shaped. Those are working so far, but only light use.
eborcim
Well-known member
Their supplier might be making bra clasps (2008 Natl Geographic article) one day and driver bits the next!
Does anyone have this socket set? I'm thinking of picking it up with my 20% off coupon.
Pittsburgh 204 Piece Socket Set
ITEM 44808-6VGA
$129.99
Harbor Freight Link
Pittsburgh 204 Piece Socket Set
ITEM 44808-6VGA
$129.99
Harbor Freight Link
vectorw8015
Well-known member
Harbor Freight Titanium Nitrate Drill Bits. EPIC FAIL!!!!!!!!
I purchased a couple packs of them for drilling out rivets in my snowmobile chassis when I had to replace the tunnel. They made it through about half a rivet when they would brake or get dull. I had one craftsman titanium nitrate bit that drilled out the remaining 893 rivets all by itself.
I purchased a couple packs of them for drilling out rivets in my snowmobile chassis when I had to replace the tunnel. They made it through about half a rivet when they would brake or get dull. I had one craftsman titanium nitrate bit that drilled out the remaining 893 rivets all by itself.
I can't see buying HF instead of the Craftsman all 6pt set that goes on sale below $100 from time to time.
strkar,
I purchased that same set from Overstock.com (who has since sold out). For the low price, the quality of the sockets is excellent and so is the range. Up to 32mm and 1 1/4" in shallow and 15/16" and 24mm in deep.The weak point of the set is the tolerances of the extensions-they may slip off the ratchet when the socket is lifted off the fastener.
I would especially reco this set for someone who needs a very complete portable, backup set that can be carried in one case.
Unfortunately, HF does not stock the item in their stores to look at, and because it's mail order it doesn't qualify for purchase with discount coupons.
Lloyd
I purchased that same set from Overstock.com (who has since sold out). For the low price, the quality of the sockets is excellent and so is the range. Up to 32mm and 1 1/4" in shallow and 15/16" and 24mm in deep.The weak point of the set is the tolerances of the extensions-they may slip off the ratchet when the socket is lifted off the fastener.
I would especially reco this set for someone who needs a very complete portable, backup set that can be carried in one case.
Unfortunately, HF does not stock the item in their stores to look at, and because it's mail order it doesn't qualify for purchase with discount coupons.
Lloyd
I would grab one of the craftsman sets that goes on sale all the time, with black friday coming up, youre sure to get something comparable. I scored a ~200 piece set for about 65 bucks a few months ago that stays in my jeep. Only downside is that it did not come with deep 1/2" sockets. But it did come with metric and sae wrenches.
Thanks Danglerb, lognom, and Bo Heck. I'll keep my eyes out for a nice Craftsman socket set.
4" Magnetic Parts Tray PASS
ITEM 90566-3VGA
$3.99
Harbor Freight Link
4" Magnetic Parts Tray PASS
ITEM 90566-3VGA
$3.99
Harbor Freight Link
HF 50" air & Water retractable PASS PASS PASS Using is as a water hose..
I got the exact same thing from Northern Tool. Stickers in the same locations and everything. Using it for air, been up to 120psi so far. I installed a shut off valve ahead of it and don't leave it holding pressure overnight though.
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lsdumoff
New member
1/2" 18 Volt Cordless Impact Wrench Failed after three months
crashbumper
Well-known member
I bought one two weeks ago to try out and it failed the next day. Tried using it and the battery got hot, and there was a smell of burning plastic/wiring.
I promptly returned it.
Guess I'll be saving for that craftsman model.
W_KY
Well-known member
Has anyone tried out this set:
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94607
I know most have said the HF screwdriver sets are junk but this one doesn't look too bad. They have a coupon so that you can get it for $6.99. HF part # 94607. I saw a couple posts about but wanted to see if I could get some more opinions.
http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=94607
I know most have said the HF screwdriver sets are junk but this one doesn't look too bad. They have a coupon so that you can get it for $6.99. HF part # 94607. I saw a couple posts about but wanted to see if I could get some more opinions.
I was looking at those in the store, did NOT look very good, and I paid about the same for my GearWrench which is working great.
i own that set and i would say pass
the handles feel pretty good (and i'm picky when it comes to screwdriver handles)
i havent had any problems typical of cheap screwdrivers
they sit next to my set of green hard handled sk screwdrivers and they get used more often
Stick Figure
Well-known member
i have the largest flat head from that set. I don't remember the exact reason for purchase just that it got used as punch rather than a screwdriver. So far i haven't broken the tip or handle, and all i have used it for is prying and pounding on.
tpolley
Well-known member
tpolley
Well-known member
i'm happy with their sockets and ratchets. i used the chrome 19 and 21mm half inch deep wall on an impact when i was changing tires before i knew what an impact socket was. they never broke.
troublemaker427
Well-known member
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=7340
Has anyone ever purchased one of their parts washers? I'm thinking about buying one. I can't really see how they could screw this up?
Has anyone ever purchased one of their parts washers? I'm thinking about buying one. I can't really see how they could screw this up?
Chris Adams
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2007
- Messages
- 2,117
Weak point in parts washers is inside the pump.
I have purchased two of their units over the years.
One is the small metal one. The pump died after about a year of very moderate use. now I use it as a place to dry parts that I wash in my big parts washer.
The pump isn't repairable and a new pump costs just a bit MORE than the unit itself.
I then picked up a plastic one from them, with the idea of using Simple Green or something.
After bringing it home and looking it over, I took it back. Total junk, would have broken first time I used it.
If you do get one of their washers get the big one. My buddy has one of the biggest and it works after three years of moderate use.
Those are excellent screw drivers for the money. I own a few of that type. They get used hard and the tips on them are holding up quite well.
crashbumper
Well-known member
My dad has this same model; been using it for almost 10 years no problem. Mostly for cleaning engine parts of oil.
WVU Tuba Dale
Well-known member
My dad has one of these as well. He got it from the clearance aisle at Summit. The pump inside was DOA, and a new inexpensive parts washer pump was zip-tied in. Its been working well for years as well, and for a combined cost of $80 it was worth it.
Stick Figure
Well-known member
i had the parts washer as well. pump went out after i tried a rather harsh chemical in it, otherwise it always worked pretty well.
My online order arrived today in a big box, just the typical bags of air and very weak box, but packed with sense and nothing showed any signs of shipping damage. Placed order on 11/6/09, late Fri, shipped Mon, arrived Wed morning.
Pinch Pliers FAIL Haven't tried them, but jaws meet in a V, except for fully closed, which means one side of hose isn't clamped unless the other is cut. I will revise if I try them and they actually work, but planning on taking them back for now.
Extension Bar with Telescopic Magnetic Pickup PASS, nice looking chrome vanadium made in Taiwan, retaining ring instead of ball for socket and about 1.5" antenna type magnet looks like it will work great.
Nails and staples are size of pack of gum, but fit the cheap on sale $15 air nailer so I figure handy to keep around. PASS until I know otherwise.
Filters are just tiny brass looking things, no clue on good etc.
Pry bar heads, PASS but haven't used yet. They aren't in stores and are the main reason for my online order. Made in Taiwan, some concern about how thin the metal is around the 3/8 drive hole. Will revise if they break etc.
Magnetic tool holders PASS these actually look pretty good.
Offset diagonal cutter PASS seem fine, offset head gives clearance to the handles for flush cutting. Feels a bit sloppy, but cutter lines up well with no gap.
Pipe tool didn't ship, was refunded.
Chimney cleaning brush PASS looks decently made with steel bristles, insanely cheap price, looks like a standard of some sorts threaded fitting on the end. Note its rectangular, but guessing a few minutes with a clipper might make it any smaller desired shape or size.
peterbilr98
Well-known member
iv had one for about 9 years the pump has never failed me i had to up grade to a 40 gal parts washer of a nother brand the pump quit the 2nd day i had it im still useing the pump out of the HF washer.
This entry is a little different. I'm reviewing the "Precision Gear Head Two Speed/Variable Speed Milling and Drilling Machine" item 93885-0VGA sold for $999. However, I did not buy mine from HF, I bought the same machine from Grizzly (I'll explain why in a bit).
I did several months of research. This mill is the "Sieg X3" and it is a known quantity. It's probably the leader (in terms of popularity, units sold, installed user base) in its size class (about 350 lbs). It is rebadged and sold by many other sources, such as HF, Grizzly, Little Machine Shop, and on and on. But an X3 is an X3 no matter who sells it or what color it is.
The Sieg X3 is considered a "quality Chinese machine" which means, it's very decent for a Chinese machine, probably doesn't make Taiwanese standards, but close. Purchasers generally report being pleased or surprised with the quality.
The photo shown on the HF website is wrong, this is an old version of the X3 with a short table. Those haven't been sold for years. The tables are about 21" long now.
Some people have been successful in getting this machine with the 20% discount, making it a whale of a deal at around $800 for a machine that takes R8 collets. Depends on the store owner, if he will grant you the discount.
There is considerable debate on the internet whether the HF machine is EXACTLY the same as all the others, and the consensus is that, while the machines are the same, each importer can impose its own quality control standards. HF apparently employes virtually none, whereas Grizzly is reasonably strict, and will inspect and return machines that aren't up to snuff. So you're safer going with Grizzly, and you get the well-known Griz support. But if price is the bottom line for you, you're getting a very similar machine from HF; chances are just higher you'll have some QC issues. (Many of those can be worked out and tuned up by a buyer with some experience maintaining machines.)
Its sweet-spot is aluminum projects that are shoe-box size or smaller, but it can cut steel (and wood and plastic) also. Obviously rigidity is an issue with a 350 lb mill, when a Bridgeport weighs 2000. That means light passes for hard materials, and you should be able to keep tolerances at around .005 (rather than .001 as you might on a "real" mill). It's a tough little brute as a bench-top drill press replacement, if you don't mind the effort involved in cranking the head up and down with the Z-axis screw.
I did several months of research. This mill is the "Sieg X3" and it is a known quantity. It's probably the leader (in terms of popularity, units sold, installed user base) in its size class (about 350 lbs). It is rebadged and sold by many other sources, such as HF, Grizzly, Little Machine Shop, and on and on. But an X3 is an X3 no matter who sells it or what color it is.
The Sieg X3 is considered a "quality Chinese machine" which means, it's very decent for a Chinese machine, probably doesn't make Taiwanese standards, but close. Purchasers generally report being pleased or surprised with the quality.
The photo shown on the HF website is wrong, this is an old version of the X3 with a short table. Those haven't been sold for years. The tables are about 21" long now.
Some people have been successful in getting this machine with the 20% discount, making it a whale of a deal at around $800 for a machine that takes R8 collets. Depends on the store owner, if he will grant you the discount.
There is considerable debate on the internet whether the HF machine is EXACTLY the same as all the others, and the consensus is that, while the machines are the same, each importer can impose its own quality control standards. HF apparently employes virtually none, whereas Grizzly is reasonably strict, and will inspect and return machines that aren't up to snuff. So you're safer going with Grizzly, and you get the well-known Griz support. But if price is the bottom line for you, you're getting a very similar machine from HF; chances are just higher you'll have some QC issues. (Many of those can be worked out and tuned up by a buyer with some experience maintaining machines.)
Its sweet-spot is aluminum projects that are shoe-box size or smaller, but it can cut steel (and wood and plastic) also. Obviously rigidity is an issue with a 350 lb mill, when a Bridgeport weighs 2000. That means light passes for hard materials, and you should be able to keep tolerances at around .005 (rather than .001 as you might on a "real" mill). It's a tough little brute as a bench-top drill press replacement, if you don't mind the effort involved in cranking the head up and down with the Z-axis screw.
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tenorplayer23
Well-known member
Recently picked up some stuff from Harbor Freight. Among the acquisitions (this was free.........another "no purchase necessary" coupon) was this little 3.5" LED flashlight. They sell them by the pair for $3.99 regular price in the store, with a coupon in their fliers, $2.79......and then of course, the special, free, no purchase necessary coupon.
I got one for free. Compact, very bright and feels well made, with nice switch feel. Nice for tight spaces where a bright light is needed......like, under dash
Definite PASS!
See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97036
View media item 2277
I got one for free. Compact, very bright and feels well made, with nice switch feel. Nice for tight spaces where a bright light is needed......like, under dash
Definite PASS!See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97036
View media item 2277
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tenorplayer23
Well-known member
So far, so good for this little low-profile floor jack.
$59 w/coupon, only weighs about 25lbs. Very easy to maneuver/carry. Haven't used it a lot yet, since it's only a couple of weeks old, but from what I have done, it works fine. I wouldn't expect it to be an everyday floor jack in a commercial garage (I have an old Walker brand steel monster that would servce that purpose!.......but, for lifting a corner for tire changes, or getting under my 'vette, it looks great.
At $59, I'd say it's a PASS, thus far.
See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
View media item 2053
$59 w/coupon, only weighs about 25lbs. Very easy to maneuver/carry. Haven't used it a lot yet, since it's only a couple of weeks old, but from what I have done, it works fine. I wouldn't expect it to be an everyday floor jack in a commercial garage (I have an old Walker brand steel monster that would servce that purpose!.......but, for lifting a corner for tire changes, or getting under my 'vette, it looks great.
At $59, I'd say it's a PASS, thus far.
See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
View media item 2053
crashbumper
Well-known member
I am staying away from those myself. My dad has one, and it developed a slow leak after less than a year of infrequent use; mostly pulling old VW motors.
We also have two at the shop I work at, and either of them are trusted enough to be used higher than a few inches.
As a spare to a main jack, or an emergency jack I think it would fine.
My two cents.
So far, so good for this little low-profile floor jack.
$59 w/coupon, only weighs about 25lbs. Very easy to maneuver/carry. Haven't used it a lot yet, since it's only a couple of weeks old, but from what I have done, it works fine. I wouldn't expect it to be an everyday floor jack in a commercial garage (I have an old Walker brand steel monster that would servce that purpose!.......but, for lifting a corner for tire changes, or getting under my 'vette, it looks great.
At $59, I'd say it's a PASS, thus far.
See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
View media item 2053
You can't beat this jack for the money. I use it every weekend at the racetrack. PASS!
Why would you keep a jack you don't trust around, sounds like begging for an accident.
tpolley
Well-known member
So far, so good for this little low-profile floor jack.
$59 w/coupon, only weighs about 25lbs. Very easy to maneuver/carry. Haven't used it a lot yet, since it's only a couple of weeks old, but from what I have done, it works fine. I wouldn't expect it to be an everyday floor jack in a commercial garage (I have an old Walker brand steel monster that would servce that purpose!.......but, for lifting a corner for tire changes, or getting under my 'vette, it looks great.
At $59, I'd say it's a PASS, thus far.
See ya.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91039
View media item 2053
we used one at a firestone. the bolt on the roller kept coming loose allowing the roller to come off and the frame to spread appart. it never accually failed tho. i would buy one for myself.
Id have to disagree. The sockets AND ratchets failed under moderate use at work. Of course, my experience was with the 3/8 set. Be ready to bust your knuckles on this set!