The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[JRC3]

I had one of the stapler/brad nailers and the tongue broke on it. Went to the pawnshop and bought a Bostitch crown stapler for $30 and a brad for $40. This was 10 years ago though. I bought one of their framing nailers about 10 years ago and it has served well. As do their nails. It states that it will only shoot as small as 2 3/8" nails but I run 2" galvanized deck nails all the time, great for stick building fences. As you can see it's been used a whole bunch. I never put more than 90psi to it. Back when I didn't really understand why you regulate the pressure is probably why the stapler/nailer failed.

The newer models definitely look better.

 

[stonesg]

Not an actual fail but an interested quality control situation.

So I go to HF yesterday due to a failed HF Dial indicator (failed due to the ID-10T error of the owner dropping it on a concrete floor... before that it worked like a champ) and used the free screwdriver coupon to get another of these:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-1-screwdriver-with-tpr-handle-69470.html

They are decent for the "price" and I have them all over the house for that time when you just need one.

I happened to want to open the battery compartment on the new digital dial indicator I bought so I opened the screwdriver package and found that the large bit didn't have it's detent ball installed. Not even missing.. the hole for the ball was not even there as if the bit just totally bypassed that install step.

I took it back inside and exchanged for a new one. The guy at the register was at first..."I don't think it's supposed to have one." I had to show him how it wouldn't retain and he looked at the replacement and said, "I guess you are right!"

Just goes to show that you should check everything before you buy if possible or shortly thereafter.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

My HF channel locks have started to slip.

 

[bob_the_builder]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

 

[joe_pinehill1]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

Every time I think of buying one, I just use the old fashioned method of a bottle, tube with a check valve and a helper on the brake pedal.

 

[JRC3]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

I bought the one with a red handle a few years ago. Total junk for brakes and the same for vacuum testing. I'm guessing that new one is different.

Bought one of these recently. https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-fluid-bleeder-92924.html Works like a champ. If you want something for bleeding brakes, this is probably a better choice. It has a brake fluid reservoir feeder too. The boot that fits over the bleeder valve is much better than a piece of clear tubing like all the others have.

 

[royesses]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

I have the 39522 Mityvac from HF. It is genuine Mityvac and works well. Purchased it 12 years ago. Still going strong.

Roy

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

I have the cheaper red handle one. It's never let me down. The gauge isn't accurate but I don't really use the gauge.

 

[Codejack]

Every time I think of buying one, I just use the old fashioned method of a bottle, tube with a check valve and a helper on the brake pedal.

I put a clamp on the tube, so I don't need the helper anymore

Some clutches are a PITA to do that way, though.

 

[TractorMechanic]

The HF 4 ton floor jack is still holding up well. Only been using it to lift a pickup. And of course jack stands are used while doing this.

 

[terry603]

did not see this listed
their tack hammer, I paid about 12.00 for it 5 years ago
I have done the felt of two roofs with it
has worked perfectly, I really didn't expect much from it , but, for the price I tried it, glad I did

 

[emeraldcoupe]

don't remember if I posted this

bought the air powered belt sander item#60627 - pass.

used it a few times, plenty of power. just buy good quality belts, the ones they include are complete junk

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/sanders/38-in-belt-air-sander-60627.html

 

[Jp267]

Has anyone had experience with the Mityvac vacuum pump harbour freight sells. I was just wondering if it was a true Mityvac pump or a lower quality one. Most Mityvac stuff is top quality in my opinion.

https://www.harborfreight.com/automotive-motorcycle/brakes/mityvac-vacuum-pump-39522.html

I have one. It's a Mighty Vac. However after using it I found it easier and faster to just use the bottle and assistant method. Maybe just a case of teaching an old dog new tricks.

 

[motomike]

I bought this pneumatic brake bleeder. It generates about 15" vacuum continuously with an air compressor.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013..._FMwebp_QL65&keywords=pneumatic+brake+bleeder


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[zendriver]

Magnetic tool box paper towel holder - pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-paper-towel-holder-69321.html


Magnetic tool box rubber glove dispenser - FAIL

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...ght,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=magnetive+glove+dispenser

It's not adjustable, so it's way to big to properly fit, even the gloves HF sells, so the box just flops and falls out. I tried another brand in a bigger box and it's better, but still not snug.

Maybe "professional brands" have even bigger boxes to fit properly.

Seems well made otherwise.

 

[djdaredevil]

Magnetic tool box paper towel holder - pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-paper-towel-holder-69321.html


Magnetic tool box rubber glove dispenser - FAIL

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...ght,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=magnetive+glove+dispenser

It's not adjustable, so it's way to big to properly fit, even the gloves HF sells, so the box just flops and falls out. I tried another brand in a bigger box and it's better, but still not snug.

Maybe "professional brands" have even bigger boxes to fit properly.

Seems well made otherwise.

You can bend the arms on the side to get the right tension to hold the boxes mine works with every size box Ive put in it.

 

[cheechi]

I have the 39522 Mityvac from HF. It is genuine Mityvac and works well. Purchased it 12 years ago. Still going strong.

Roy

This is also my experience. The one branded Mityvac is fine. Mine is a grey/brown/beige plastic colour? It's grease coloured now but it was never red.

 

[mbshop]

I have a mighty vac kit that also pumps pressure.
was necessary for the cars I worked on. So if you think you need that feature at any time I suggest looking into that. Also, I abhor the plastic one. Had it a few years and it distorted ir something because it leaked and there was no saving it. My current one is metal as is my lisle one. Still working with many years of use.

 

[jon72vega]

Magnetic tool box rubber glove dispenser - FAIL

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...ght,f,Sale+Rank,f&q=magnetive+glove+dispenser

It's not adjustable, so it's way to big to properly fit, even the gloves HF sells, so the box just flops and falls out. I tried another brand in a bigger box and it's better, but still not snug.

Maybe "professional brands" have even bigger boxes to fit properly.

Seems well made otherwise.

You can bend the arms on the side to get the right tension to hold the boxes mine works with every size box Ive put in it.

----------/\ /\
That's how I made mine work.

 

[FarFire70]

----------/\ /\
That's how I made mine work.

X2

Works great.

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[atch]

Has anyone had experience with their $65 biscuit/plate joiner? So far there's nothing in this thread about it.

tia

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Has anyone had experience with their $65 biscuit/plate joiner? So far there's nothing in this thread about it.

tia

The woodworking forums have mixed reviews. From my understanding, it's good for a few projects but no where close to a prefession grade machine. That's not to surprising tho. I would try a search on lumberjocks and woodworkforums.

 

[atch]

Has anyone had experience with their $65 biscuit/plate joiner? So far there's nothing in this thread about it.

tia

The woodworking forums have mixed reviews. From my understanding, it's good for a few projects but no where close to a prefession grade machine. That's not to surprising tho. I would try a search on lumberjocks and woodworkforums.

Thanx. Sounds like the $75 used "MODEL 1605 PROFESSIONAL MODEL PLATE JOINER" listed in the local CL might be the way to go. Pix look like a much higher quality unit even though used.

Anyone used one of these Skill units?

(sorry to get off of the strictly HF thread)

 

[thool]

Universal 3 Jaw Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench (Item#63281) - PASS!

Had a PH16 filter to remove from a Dodge Ram and it was slippery and hard to get leverage. This tool now lacks the rubber tips and grabs onto the flutes just fine. Just go slow and ensure a good bite.


4 in. Magnetic Parts Holder (Item #62535) - PASS (after mod)

This is the free one you sometimes get. Worked fine until I dropped it on the floor and the black rubber foot broke off. They used a small dab of cheap hard glue. Roughed the surfaces, bonded with JB Weld, and it has held up great since.

 

[cheechi]

The woodworking forums have mixed reviews. From my understanding, it's good for a few projects but no where close to a prefession grade machine. That's not to surprising tho. I would try a search on lumberjocks and woodworkforums.

I agree with this. Problem is you can't have a comparison without the Domino. If you could, I'd think it would get a fair trial. But there will always be that one guy.

 

[atch]

I went for the used Skill so now I'll never know if the HF unit is any good.

The adjustments on the HF one seemed to be somewhat loose compared to the Skill.

Thanx for the replies though.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I went for the used Skill so now I'll never know if the HF unit is any good.

The adjustments on the HF one seemed to be somewhat loose compared to the Skill.

Thanx for the replies though.

To be honest, I think you made the right choice.

You're welcome.

 

[ChaseDE]

I had to fix a friends brakes at lunch today, loaded up my car this morning with the jack, socket set, etc.....forgot my 4 way.

Good excuse to buy something from HF that I have been wanting awhile now.

1/2" Lug socket set here - https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-sae-metric-lug-nut-impact-sockets-7-pc-69781.html
and picked up a pro breaker bar here - https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-25-in-professional-breaker-bar-62729.html

both worked flawlessly. pretty simple tools, not sure how they could mess up, works for me....pass

 

[ezover]

bought the franklin scaffold from hf and it felt like a sturdy product for my 300#. not sure if I would trust the 900# rating.
it looks like the same off brand units I see at the local hardware stores for 200 to 275.
welds looked good product seemed well made I would give it a pass.

Franklin - item#63051 https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-portable-scaffold-63050.html

 

[JRC3]

bought the franklin scaffold from hf and it felt like a sturdy product for my 300#. not sure if I would trust the 900# rating.
it looks like the same off brand units I see at the local hardware stores for 200 to 275.
welds looked good product seemed well made I would give it a pass.

Franklin - item#63051 https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-portable-scaffold-63050.html

If anybody needs one right now go to Menards and get it cheaper. I got one as a gift a few years back when they had them for $100 at Christmas. https://www.menards.com/main/paint/...906815790721277270&ipos=4&bargainStoreId=3296

I'm sure they are all made by some of the same manufacturers.

 

[hireman]

Bought harbor freight 2 ton engine stand. Pulled motor out of my trans am put it on stand. Front wheels were welded on crooked (stationary) tried to move it in garage put black streaks all across my floor. Oh when pulled motor out did entire k frame and motor from under car. Used new harbor freight low profile lift to support back of engine . Came in Jack had leaked down motor was laying on ground on flywheel. Never buy their junk again

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[JRC3]

Came in Jack had leaked down motor was laying on ground on flywheel. Never buy their junk again

So you left it for a period of time without proper locking support. Exactly how long was it left unattended?

 

[mbshop]

Yea, hyd units are not ment to hold for long periods.

 

[bubinga]

Yea, hyd units are not ment to hold for long periods.

True in theory, But I think a floor jack ought to be able to hold a motor or transmission up, with out bleeding down.

 

[JRC3]

True in theory, But I think a floor jack ought to be able to hold a motor or transmission up, with out bleeding down.

I agree, but...What if the bleeder wasn't turned tight enough?

Either way I've always supported an unattended engine or trans. I'd rather not have it ruin wires, connectors, sensors, ground straps, trans lines or linkage, pull CV shafts...The list is long as to why not to trust it. Be it HF or some other more reputable brand that in reality most of us are too cheap to buy. And that's actually my point; Don't complain about the inexpensive tool you bought when you were probably too cheap to buy the better one. Instead, treat the inexpensive tool as it should and safeguard against its shortcomings.

You can't get the same quality for 1/3 or 1/2 the price. It's just common sense.

 

[fordkid88]

3/8 compact impact gun-Fail

I didnt expect it to have a whole lot balls and it didnt. I used it twice and it died. Stopped working midway through a tire rotation.

 

[Lhorn]

Air nibbler - pass
It likes to be well oiled, more than a typical air tool but works well on sheet metal that's flat or has a gentle crown. Stuff with rolled beads to strengthen the panel will bind it up. Shoots out a lot of sharp crescents but that's true of all nibblers. I like pneumatic body saws (get the IR, the HF version is a super mega fail) but the nibbler is faster and you don't have to deal with dull blades etc. they each have their place.

 

[Sh40674]

pipe clamps with base, pass
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-pipe-clamp-with-base-94053.html

really liked these... bout 4 of them. only slight issue is 1 of them had a slight amount of casing/paint build up on the edge of one of the clamp faces... few strokes of a file and it was fine. it's a pipe clamp, can't really go wrong but the feet make it very nice to tighten up without having to lift up.

 

[cheechi]

I bought two of the pipe clamp jaws, one set many years ago one more recent. Both worked fine but the newer set had what i assume is an incomplete casting. Didn't crack but had that kind of hole/void where the thread collar joins the jaw, so i returned it for another that I inspected before I left.

The one with the hole worked just as well as the other, but I figured for long term use one without a visual hole or crack might be better. The one with the hole was a 1/2" set, my older is a 3/4" set.

 

[unlvrebel]

3/8 compact impact gun-Fail

I didnt expect it to have a whole lot balls and it didnt. I used it twice and it died. Stopped working midway through a tire rotation.

3/8" for a tire rotation? Should be using at least 1/2". I wouldn't expect a 3/8" to do that kind of work...