The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[ndnchf]

Arc Safe welding helmet - Pass

I decided to step up to the new Arc Safe welding helmet. My old $35 cheapy has worked pretty well, but the battery was getting weak and after reading good things about the Arc Safe, I decided to try it. So far I'm very pleased with it. It's very clear and provides much better visibility than the old one. It has more settings for better control, and a replaceable battery. Like I've done with my other helmet, I added a $5 HF LED headlamp to put bright light were these old eyes need it. It's a big help.

https://www.harborfreight.com/arcsafe-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-63749.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dharbor%2Bfreight%2Barc%2Bsafe%2Bhelmet%26btnG%3D

 

[FarFire70]

Before I go making one, does anyone have any experience with the HF 2000lb engine stands, (pn 69521/69522)? I just picked up a buick straight 8 , which weighs in around 8-900lbs but is about 44" long, so it will be hanging past the legs by a good few inches according the 41" length cited in the stand description. Not opposed to adding some rectangular tubing and another pair of casters to extend the legs a bit, as I would rather modify an existing stand than start from scratch.

Put a Jeep I-6 4.0 on the 2000lb stand during an engine swap.

It worked but it was DANGEROUS trying to turn it. Only spun the long block with head and no manifolds.

Bracket was way to lose in the tube in the stand. Friction meant a bear hug of the engine to turn it. NOT a one person job. I did it and it was a bad idea.

Stand has decent strength with great stability but the rotating point is it's weak point.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Provincial]

I rebuilt a Ford 7.3L diesel on the HF 2000 lb. engine stand. I had no problems with strength. I did need a bar to turn it, but because I lubed the bearing area where it turns it did not take too much effort. With the lube, be careful that any unbalance doesn't let it run away from you.

The 7.3L is heavy, but it isn't very long.

 

[woodturner9]

I've never ran one that low.

That's probably why you keep damaging them.

People try to use the air pressure as a depth adjustment, and it is not. Brrad nailers and staplers do not require the pressure that a framing nailer does, 40 psi is typical and more than enough.

 

[kb1982]

Figured I would share about a few products that would be a "fail." First up is the Pittsburgh 9 pc wobble socket extension set. With minimal torque, the wobble end turns into a full fledged sheared end. I've had this happen on 2 of them already. The broke ones now get utilized as punches. Next on the list is the 4 PC high visibility socket adapter set. It suffers the same problems as the wobble extensions. I have since upgraded to the SK Tools 5 PC adapter set 4506. I can say I haven't had any problems with them, but 4.99 vs 42.99 it's not really a fair comparison.

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[JRC3]

40 psi is typical and more than enough.

I think your compressor gauge needs replaced. It is reading low.

Operating at that low psi will not drive the nail and will actually push the gun back as the nail drives then grips. Maybe, and I mean a big maybe, unless you smash the gun against the surface with both hands to keep it from pushing back as the fastener slowly grips the wood it's being driven into. But that simply is not how it's done.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

That's probably why you keep damaging them.

People try to use the air pressure as a depth adjustment, and it is not. Brrad nailers and staplers do not require the pressure that a framing nailer does, 40 psi is typical and more than enough.

I have 25 years of using air tools, and staplers being one of them I use the most. I posted the info on the HF Stapler a few posts back. The working air pressure is 70psi to 110psi. Low pressure causes bounce and failure to set the staples. I'll go with manufacture's recommendations on air pressures.

 

[kn51]

So I had one of these fail out of the set:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-38-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67976.html

Here's two dumb questions:

1) The collar on one of them is just loose. Is this the screw that backs out the problem?

2) For laughs, do I walk into HF with just the one broken extension for a replacement?

 

[Alchymist]

That's probably why you keep damaging them.

People try to use the air pressure as a depth adjustment, and it is not. Brrad nailers and staplers do not require the pressure that a framing nailer does, 40 psi is typical and more than enough.

I have yet to see an air tool that ran on 40 PSI.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I have yet to see an air tool that ran on 40 PSI.

Only in a media blast cabinet when doing soft metal restoration using aluminum oxide or glass beads. I usually run between 35 and 50 psi.

 

[Alchymist]

Only in a media blast cabinet when doing soft metal restoration using aluminum oxide or glass beads. I usually run between 35 and 50 psi.

Yeah, I can understand that, but I wouldn't consider a blast cabinet a "tool".

 

[6PTsocket]

Yeah, I can understand that, but I wouldn't consider a blast cabinet a "tool". [emoji38]_hitti

What is your definition of a tool? A blast cabinet modifies the surface of the item being blasted. Anything that requires more than your bare hands to achieve that, is a tool. It is a actually a power tool. Even throwing glass beads at the surface, manually would qualify the glass beads as tool, if a useless one.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Alchymist]

What is your definition of a tool? A blast cabinet modifies the surface of the item being blasted. Anything that requires more than your bare hands to achieve that, is a tool. It is a actually a power tool. Even throwing glass beads at the surface, manually would qualify the glass beads as tool, if a useless one.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Technically you are correct - a rock in the hand is a tool. You missed the part where I said "I consider". When I think of air tools, I think of ratchets, impacts, nail guns, etc.
And I'll bet that your blast cabinet has a regulator and wouldn't run very long if fed from a compressor running at 40 psi.

 

[woodturner9]

I think your compressor gauge needs replaced. It is reading low.

Sorry, it's accurate. The whole facility was recently calibrated and all the pressure gauges are accurate.

I get that a LOT of people don't RTFM and never learn to use the tools correctly. That's their choice, I just prefer to use my tools correctly, and as a certified facility we have to be able to prove we have correct air pressures and traceability.

 

[cheechi]

let's change the subject. nobody's changing anyone's mind here.

 

[Red Lion]

How long did it take to pull down close to 30" ?

Sorry, haven't been on here for a while so I rarely see when I get quoted. It depends on your compressor and manifold gauges I think, but not much longer than 5 minutes if that. Takes about the same time as the 2.5cfm vacuum pump I'm using now. For the price, not a bad tool by any means, but my compressor is small and noisy so I upgraded.

 

[Red Lion]

Vibration Free Link Belt: 43771 PASS

I just replaced mine today, the old one lasted at least 2 years, maybe more. It's great that it's adjustable as I have adjusted the number of links before to tighten the belt a little when it started stretching, and of course the fact that you don't have to take apart whatever you've got to fit a belt to it (which would be a pain on my Enco lathe or Bridgeport mill). I've priced the belt on Ebay and Harbor Freight is actually cheaper per foot (only comes in 5' though), especially when you add discount coupons.

Lastly, to get the most out of your belt, I'd recommend taking it off and rotating which direction is spinning to get the most life out of it. My old belt under inspection seemed to have worn on one side more than the other, inevitably breaking it. Might have lasted a lot longer if I rotated it.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Vibration Free Link Belt: 43771 PASS

I just replaced mine today, the old one lasted at least 2 years, maybe more. It's great that it's adjustable as I have adjusted the number of links before to tighten the belt a little when it started stretching, and of course the fact that you don't have to take apart whatever you've got to fit a belt to it (which would be a pain on my Enco lathe or Bridgeport mill). I've priced the belt on Ebay and Harbor Freight is actually cheaper per foot (only comes in 5' though), especially when you add discount coupons.

Lastly, to get the most out of your belt, I'd recommend taking it off and rotating which direction is spinning to get the most life out of it. My old belt under inspection seemed to have worn on one side more than the other, inevitably breaking it. Might have lasted a lot longer if I rotated it.

Good tip.

 

[6PTsocket]

Good tip.

That belt is sold at HF but it is not an HF exclusive item. There are two companies that make those belts. I forget the brand name at HF but the other is Link Belt made by Fenner Drives. Fenner is now available pre stretched so it does not need to be re tensioned after initial adjustment. They are a little more expensive but are made in USA. Should this thread include brand name items carried by HF that are available anywhere like Evaporust and these belts? I am not sure HF is necessarily any cheaper on those products.

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[cheechi]

Yes, if it's sold at HF then it's fair game for this thread.

I also like those belts.

 

[Farleyfan]

Has anybody bought a set of these DBE offset wrenches ?
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-metric-offset-box-wrench-set-32042.html
Good or Bad ?
I need a 14x15 metric and this set has that configuration.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Quantum Headlamp, 63921, bought this the other day cause I saw it (go figure) got to use it most the day doing a a Honda timing belt and a new trans in a Cobra.

Very bright, nice even pattern, uses a projector lens with an LED. Straps were fine but adjustment took a minute.

Metal cased, bright and got heavy use just today I'll tentatively give it a pass considering it seems well made but I'll update after more use

 

[Engine]

Has anybody bought a set of these DBE offset wrenches ?
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-metric-offset-box-wrench-set-32042.html
Good or Bad ?
I need a 14x15 metric and this set has that configuration.

I have had that set for about three years with no problems. Some reviewers say they have a loose fit on some fasteners, but I haven't had them slip on anything I've been using.

Normally there is some variation in the quality of anything from HF, but there is one thing that is consistent about these wrenches... they look like ****. The forging is rough, not polished at all. The coating is not bad, but it just covers the rough surface. The size markings are easily visible on some wrenches, not so good on others. They just don't inspire confidence, but as I say, I have yet to have one fail in any way. By the way, this is one of the few wrenches I have seen at HF that is made in India. Also, since I got mine a few years back, the quality (appearance) of the same wrenches has improved. Recently I was looking at the ones they are selling and they seem a little more smoothly finished.

I would say get them if you are going to use them from time to time, as you will have a hard time finding any deep offset DBE wrench sets anywhere near this price. The closest thing I've found is a Duralast five-piece set from Autozone. They look a lot better, but don't have as many sizes as the HF set. Regardless, if you try the HF set and they don't work out, you can always return them for a refund with no hassle.

 

[6PTsocket]

I have had that set for about three years with no problems. Some reviewers say they have a loose fit on some fasteners, but I haven't had them slip on anything I've been using.

Normally there is some variation in the quality of anything from HF, but there is one thing that is consistent about these wrenches... they look like ****. The forging is rough, not polished at all. The coating is not bad, but it just covers the rough surface. The size markings are easily visible on some wrenches, not so good on others. They just don't inspire confidence, but as I say, I have yet to have one fail in any way. By the way, this is one of the few wrenches I have seen at HF that is made in India. Also, since I got mine a few years back, the quality (appearance) of the same wrenches has improved. Recently I was looking at the ones they are selling and they seem a little more smoothly finished.

I would say get them if you are going to use them from time to time, as you will have a hard time finding any deep offset DBE wrench sets anywhere near this price. The closest thing I've found is a Duralast five-piece set from Autozone. They look a lot better, but don't have as many sizes as the HF set. Regardless, if you try the HF set and they don't work out, you can always return them for a refund with no hassle.

Highly polished tools were not always the norm. They look nice and it makes them easier to clean but does not do a damn thing for function. Proper forging and quality steel are what really counts. A Polished finish jacks up the price. If they fit and function, that is a definite pass. Spending extra to have them look pretty is a personal decision, but poorly stamped sizes definitely could be an issue.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Skeptic68W]

Arc Safe welding helmet - Pass

I decided to step up to the new Arc Safe welding helmet. My old $35 cheapy has worked pretty well, but the battery was getting weak and after reading good things about the Arc Safe, I decided to try it. So far I'm very pleased with it. It's very clear and provides much better visibility than the old one. It has more settings for better control, and a replaceable battery. Like I've done with my other helmet, I added a $5 HF LED headlamp to put bright light were these old eyes need it. It's a big help.

https://www.harborfreight.com/arcsafe-auto-darkening-welding-helmet-63749.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dharbor%2Bfreight%2Barc%2Bsafe%2Bhelmet%26btnG%3D

That's a nice looking helmet, I wish mine has the LED on it.

I've also got a HF welding helmet, it's the boy racer version (red with stripes). It's been pretty solid, no complaints.

 

[Skeptic68W]

So I had one of these fail out of the set:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-38-in-drive-quick-release-extension-bar-set-67976.html

Here's two dumb questions:

1) The collar on one of them is just loose. Is this the screw that backs out the problem?

2) For laughs, do I walk into HF with just the one broken extension for a replacement?

I've not had great luck with their extensions in general. I've had several of the wobble ones round out in the sockets and become useless. I know I can warranty it...but it just ***** so I'm unlikely to do so. I just ended up buying another CMAN set. I never seem to break those.

 

[Skeptic68W]

Pass: 3/8 x 50ft air hose reel

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/hose-reels/38-in-x-50-ft-retractable-hose-reel-62344.html

The hose is a cheap hose, which is unlikely to last, but if you figure you can run it till it fails, then buy a quality hose from Goodyear or Tekton and put in on the reel...and still save $50 over the cheapest 50ft reel setup from any of the decent brands...I say it's a winner.

The action is fine and the damned thing weighs a ton. I mounted it my myself on a short ladder and had to have it overhead and off to the side (couldn't get the ladder right under the mounting spot) and boy that was fun.

 

[Skeptic68W]

Fail: Media Blasting Gun

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-oz-hopper-gravity-feed-spot-blaster-gun-95793.html

Bought this to strip paint off a set of aluminium wheels, didn't even make a scratch, regardless of media, and clogged constantly. Junk in my opinion.

I've read comments about modifications for it, and I might try that at some point, but out of the box it's a turd.

 

[Skeptic68W]

Pass: 44" Toolbox

I know it's been posted about a bazillion times, but the US General Pro(red) toolboxes are the shiznit. Makes Craftsman boxes feel like they're made out of aluminium foil and costs less.

My old man has a professional remline box he bought decades ago and paid through the nose for...and my HF box is vastly superior in every measurable way. Drawer depth/height, arrangement, material thickness, caster quality, roller bearings, etc.

 

[Engine]

Highly polished tools were not always the norm. They look nice and it makes them easier to clean but does not do a damn thing for function. Proper forging and quality steel are what really counts. A Polished finish jacks up the price. If they fit and function, that is a definite pass. Spending extra to have them look pretty is a personal decision, but poorly stamped sizes definitely could be an issue.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I agree.

Since I have not used every single one of the wrenches while I've had them, I think I'll do a little test to see if any are "soft" steel, incorrect sizing, etc. like some of the reviews say. Clamping a variety of sizes of bolts in a vise and trying to twist off the heads of some grade 8 bolts should get some results. I should be able to find some way to either break the bolts or the wrenches. I expect that the wrenches should easily twist off the bolts if they can be held tight enough. Should be fun to find out. I'll try to post some pics of the process.

 

[JRC3]

Pass: 3/8 x 50ft air hose reel

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/hose-reels/38-in-x-50-ft-retractable-hose-reel-62344.html

I have one too. It's a little clunky but the reel sets easily and it rolls back up from every direction. Not sure if I consider the hose cheap or maybe just a bit too heavy duty to make up for the lack of quality. Either way, I also consider it a pass and would buy it again.

 

[tom-ky]

Pass: 3/8 x 50ft air hose reel

https://www.harborfreight.com/air-tools/hose-reels/38-in-x-50-ft-retractable-hose-reel-62344.html

The hose is a cheap hose, which is unlikely to last, but if you figure you can run it till it fails, then buy a quality hose from Goodyear or Tekton and put in on the reel...and still save $50 over the cheapest 50ft reel setup from any of the decent brands...I say it's a winner.

The action is fine and the damned thing weighs a ton. I mounted it my myself on a short ladder and had to have it overhead and off to the side (couldn't get the ladder right under the mounting spot) and boy that was fun.

My hos is badly cracked and about 6 months old, doubt it will last a year. Probably should have bought the Flexzilla one at TSC.

 

[Engine]

Today I tested the HF offset DBE wrenches as I said I would, to find out if there are any that fail. The test, unscientific as it was, still gave some indication of the usability of the tools. I'll describe below what I did and you can judge for yourself whether it's worth spending money on them.

This shows the wrenches I tested, along with bolts. The SAE are on the left and the metric are on the right. The idea was to clamp each bolt in the vise and turn until either the bolt or wrench failed. I couldn't find bolts for every size wrench, but it was a good sample.


This is a list of all the wrenches I tested, along with each bolt size and recommended torque for each. I'm sure I applied at least twice the recommended torque on each bolt if possible.


Here is one of the grade 8 bolts held in the vise ready to be torqued. I just kept turning until something gave way.


Some of the larger bolts required the friendly persuasion of a 3ft. cheater pipe to get "best" results.


Here are the results of the testing of the metric wrenches and bolts. Every bolt either broke the head off or stripped the threads. The ones that seem to be intact are just stripped. There didn't appear to be any damage to the wrenches, other than some of the gripping surfaces inside the ring seem to be a little deformed.


Next is where it gets interesting. Just when I thought everything was going well along the way to a HF wrench "PASS" the bottom dropped out on me. While applying way under the amount of torque required to get the bolt to failure, the 5/8 wrench began to bend like a ripe banana. I stopped pulling on it after that much bend, since more would eventually have it looking like a donut. I've never seen a wrench that soft.


Here's a better view of the damage caused by a little more torque than you could easily apply by hand alone. It's doubtful that this one would ever remove a tight bolt, much less a stuck one.


In summary, I don't think these wrenches are worth buying. The sizing seems to be about right, as I didn't have any of them slip on the corners of the bolts. The majority of them worked just fine, but that one appears to be irregular in the quality of the steel or something that made it too soft to be usable. If that was the one you absolutely had to have to finish a job, you would have a problem. Additionally, if this kind of defect can get out the door, what other kinds of irregularities might the next batch have? I've already had experience with one of their flare nut wrenches breaking with very low torque being applied to the nut. It seems to be typical HF stuff... mostly good -- some ****. It's the gamble you take when trying to go cheap, I suppose. Judge for yourself.

 

[mfewtrail]

I've had the metric version of those wrenches for ten years now and they've been fine. Never rounded anything nor broke any of the wrenches. I don't really have a need for the SAE versions, so I never got around to purchasing them. 99% of what I work on is metric.

 

[Mr_B]

390 Lumen Slim Bar Folding LED Worklight
Braun - item#63958

= PASS

for the coupon 19.99 price it bargain, I like the design and light output ideal .
Charge time about only downside at about 4hrs and get 3hrs out of them roughly, they not as durable as astro's but way head bends tends enable better lighting spread plus stay cleaner and easy rebuild as 18650 battery easy swap or upgraded to higher mah for more run time.
I got 2 in daily shop use now after initial trial of one (and want 2 more before coupon over and stock back in)
Have added a hook for bit more mounting options and on charge hanging and will upgrade cell mah once originals show signs of fatigue.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Today I tested the HF offset DBE wrenches as I said I would, to find out if there are any that fail. The test, unscientific as it was, still gave some indication of the usability of the tools. I'll describe below what I did and you can judge for yourself whether it's worth spending money on them.

This shows the wrenches I tested, along with bolts. The SAE are on the left and the metric are on the right. The idea was to clamp each bolt in the vise and turn until either the bolt or wrench failed. I couldn't find bolts for every size wrench, but it was a good sample.


This is a list of all the wrenches I tested, along with each bolt size and recommended torque for each. I'm sure I applied at least twice the recommended torque on each bolt if possible.


Here is one of the grade 8 bolts held in the vise ready to be torqued. I just kept turning until something gave way.


Some of the larger bolts required the friendly persuasion of a 3ft. cheater pipe to get "best" results.


Here are the results of the testing of the metric wrenches and bolts. Every bolt either broke the head off or stripped the threads. The ones that seem to be intact are just stripped. There didn't appear to be any damage to the wrenches, other than some of the gripping surfaces inside the ring seem to be a little deformed.


Next is where it gets interesting. Just when I thought everything was going well along the way to a HF wrench "PASS" the bottom dropped out on me. While applying way under the amount of torque required to get the bolt to failure, the 5/8 wrench began to bend like a ripe banana. I stopped pulling on it after that much bend, since more would eventually have it looking like a donut. I've never seen a wrench that soft.


Here's a better view of the damage caused by a little more torque than you could easily apply by hand alone. It's doubtful that this one would ever remove a tight bolt, much less a stuck one.


In summary, I don't think these wrenches are worth buying. The sizing seems to be about right, as I didn't have any of them slip on the corners of the bolts. The majority of them worked just fine, but that one appears to be irregular in the quality of the steel or something that made it too soft to be usable. If that was the one you absolutely had to have to finish a job, you would have a problem. Additionally, if this kind of defect can get out the door, what other kinds of irregularities might the next batch have? I've already had experience with one of their flare nut wrenches breaking with very low torque being applied to the nut. It seems to be typical HF stuff... mostly good -- some ****. It's the gamble you take when trying to go cheap, I suppose. Judge for yourself.

I would call that a pass for what I would use them for. That's a good test and results though.

 

[Engine]

I would call that a pass for what I would use them for. That's a good test and results though.

I tried to be as objective as I could and just see what happened. Maybe I'm being unfair because of all the wrenches I "tested" only one of them truly failed. The rest worked as well as could be expected.

On closer inspection, there didn't seem to be any deformation on the gripping points, which is good.

The thing that has me leaning toward calling the set a fail is that the one wrench failed. That could have been a rare one, but I did read reviews that indicate that it has happened to others. However, if you do encounter one like I did, you can always return it. That's exactly what I did today. I took the wrench in and showed it to them and in a few minutes I was out with a new one with no hassle.

I finished the "test" by applying the new wrench and twisting off the bolt from yesterday. It worked out just as well as all the others this time. So, for this set, this time I'm calling it a pass and keeping them. Your results may vary.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

I tried to be as objective as I could and just see what happened. Maybe I'm being unfair because of all the wrenches I "tested" only one of them truly failed. The rest worked as well as could be expected.

On closer inspection, there didn't seem to be any deformation on the gripping points, which is good.

The thing that has me leaning toward calling the set a fail is that the one wrench failed. That could have been a rare one, but I did read reviews that indicate that it has happened to others. However, if you do encounter one like I did, you can always return it. That's exactly what I did today. I took the wrench in and showed it to them and in a few minutes I was out with a new one with no hassle.

I finished the "test" by applying the new wrench and twisting off the bolt from yesterday. It worked out just as well as all the others this time. So, for this set, this time I'm calling it a pass and keeping them. Your results may vary.

 

[btoonsis]

Inner Tie Rod Removal Set - Item # 69619

https://www.harborfreight.com/inner-tie-rod-removal-set-69619.html

PASS

Worked fine on the wife's Highlander. Adapter could have fit better... but no problems with removal or install.

 

[Hugemoose]

390 Lumen Slim Bar Folding LED Worklight
Braun - item#63958

= PASS

for the coupon 19.99 price it bargain, I like the design and light output ideal .
Charge time about only downside at about 4hrs and get 3hrs out of them roughly, they not as durable as astro's but way head bends tends enable better lighting spread plus stay cleaner and easy rebuild as 18650 battery easy swap or upgraded to higher mah for more run time.
I got 2 in daily shop use now after initial trial of one (and want 2 more before coupon over and stock back in)
Have added a hook for bit more mounting options and on charge hanging and will upgrade cell mah once originals show signs of fatigue.

I'll second this. I picked this up for 20 bucks as well and have been very happy with it. It's small enough to fit in tight places, and the light output is way better than my old Craftsman LED light (which also couldn't fit into any tight spaces).

And since the battery is replaceable the option to upgrade it, or simply replace it, is a nice feature. So long as the rest of it holds out okay, it's a good bargain. I'll probably pick up a second one just to have nearby.