The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[jgromada]

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 them, I have used them and found them to be fine. PASS

 

[MoonRise]

1/2" Earthquake Extreme Torque air impact wrench - PASS

https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-composite-xtreme-torque-air-impact-wrench-62891.html

Had some stuck brake caliper bolts. My IR impact didn't remove them (although the impact action did make the impact socket get warm to the touch. Yeah, I was pounding on that dang bolt for so long with the IR that the socket got warm to the touch). Even with some blue-wrench (oxy-acetylene) action, the IR couldn't get them out. The HF XT did remove them. Thus a pass from me. The bolts were replaced.

Fit and finish seem ok, it worked for the task.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

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 picked one up a couple weeks ago, pass so far. should hold up pretty good, I had it stuck to my hood and knocked it off, it hit the floor pretty hard and it didn't break so that's a good sign lol.

 

[jacked_72]

Fuel Injection Pump Tester Item#62623 FAIL

This will have you going down many a rabbit hole trying to figure why your fuel system does not hold pressure. That is because the whole thing leaks, even if you use sealer on the threads of the gauge. I've had two and both are a fail. First one, the plunger for the schrader valve fell out and went awol. The second one won't thread on the service port far enough to make a seal with its included gasket. its junk and wasted a lot of my time.

 

[quicknova]

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.

Agreed on sale its only $50. Previously I had the 35' Flexilla I ordered online from Menards after seeing it as a hot deal on here in 2015. Not sure what it was but it never flowed the same amount of air compared to my spare hose or the HF reel, made all of my tools weak most noticeable my 1/2" impact.

 

[jonesg]

Trying to remove rusted wheels from my old snowblower, never removed in probably 30 yrs.
The 3 gear puller set, stripped the threads out when I put the impact on it. Did the job on one wheel but now it rests in peices.
I would buy it again and not use the impact.
Got the other wheel with s Pittman arm puller.
AutoZone , no problem using the impact.
The HF puller set has it's place, within reason.
https://m.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/pitman-arm-puller/oem-tie-rod-puller/555631_0_0

 

[kb1982]

Trying to remove rusted wheels from my old snowblower, never removed in probably 30 yrs.
The 3 gear puller set, stripped the threads out when I put the impact on it. Did the job on one wheel but now it rests in peices.
I would buy it again and not use the impact.
Got the other wheel with s Pittman arm puller.
AutoZone , no problem using the impact.
The HF puller set has it's place, within reason.
https://m.autozone.com/loan-a-tools/pitman-arm-puller/oem-tie-rod-puller/555631_0_0

I use an air ratchet with mine and haven't had any problems. Only ball joint presses get the impact. Some hold up and others.......[emoji107]

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

 

[hbrown7332]

How can I find the torque rating of the heavy duty drill #69453? It doesn't show up in HF website specifications.
Thanks -

 

[jonesg]

I use an air ratchet with mine and haven't had any problems. Only ball joint presses get the impact. Some hold up and others.......[emoji107]

Sent from my Z962BL using Tapatalk

If an air ratchet worked i wouldnt consider it stuck.
I finished the removal with my air hammer and it still fought all the way. On the second wheel i noticed the puller was shedding threads
I really put the mustard to it. Any they're both off.

 

[M_George]

Freaken cold this weekend in Pa. Needed to change the master cylinder, and left ball joint on the wife's Escape. I picked up a 15,000 BTU Tank Top Propane Heater at Harbor Freight and it kept the garage toasty warm all afternoon. I'll give it a pass!

 

[pepi]

Freaken cold this weekend in Pa. Needed to change the master cylinder, and left ball joint on the wife's Escape. I picked up a 15,000 BTU Tank Top Propane Heater at Harbor Freight and it kept the garage toasty warm all afternoon. I'll give it a pass!

I guess a pass in an easy goal for any manufacture to attain on a new tool used once.



However not a very meaningful or creditable one ........

 

[M_George]

I guess a pass in an easy goal for any manufacture to attain on a new tool used once.



However not a very meaningful or creditable one ........

Ha, 20 deg F outside all weekend, and it ran for two days. It will likely get a lot of use before winters over. PS The Pa winters are a hole lot colder that what you get in Ga.

 

[ChaseDE]

True it was super cold in PA/DE this weekend ugh. I stayed inside.

 

[mfewtrail]

Fuel Injection Pump Tester Item#62623 FAIL

This will have you going down many a rabbit hole trying to figure why your fuel system does not hold pressure. That is because the whole thing leaks, even if you use sealer on the threads of the gauge. I've had two and both are a fail. First one, the plunger for the schrader valve fell out and went awol. The second one won't thread on the service port far enough to make a seal with its included gasket. its junk and wasted a lot of my time.

I have the old version of that one from before the time they included a case with them. It probably dates back to '06 or '07, has been used 20+ times, and still works fine. I wonder if they changed them from that time because I see tons of posts about them being terrible these days. The old ones were passable at least for occasional use. I have replaced the seal that seals the schrader valve. I recall it not lasting but a couple of uses.

 

[ndnchf]

I must live under a rock, not sure why I didn't try these ratcheting wrenches sooner. They are HF # 68959. They are very handy and strong. The fit where a socket/ratchet won't and have fine teeth for a good range of motion in tight spaces. A big PASS.

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-pc-sae-double-box-end-ratcheting-wrench-set-68959.html

 

[BigSteve63]

Agreed on sale its only $50. Previously I had the 35' Flexilla I ordered online from Menards after seeing it as a hot deal on here in 2015. Not sure what it was but it never flowed the same amount of air compared to my spare hose or the HF reel, made all of my tools weak most noticeable my 1/2" impact.

Got mine on Black Friday and they honored the 20% coupon from the $49.99 price - wish I would have bought another one!

 

[RobVT63]

Based on what I was told by a sales associate that all their socket wrench hand tools are lifetime warranty. I'm not sure if that only applies to Pittsburgh brand only? I've returned the 1/2" drive extension set and they honored it as warranty. It doesn't hurt to check.

1/4" spot weld cutting tool - pass
40-grit 4-1/2"cut off discs - pass they stand up as well as Diablo brand for cutting mild steel
spring loaded center punch - pass (used it for a couple years then stopped but cheap enough)

 

[zendriver]

I guess a pass in an easy goal for any manufacture to attain on a new tool used once.



However not a very meaningful or creditable one ........

LOL, he's not going to get in it and fly it around!

It's a heater.

Either it is going to work, or it isn't.

That's why it's called PASS/FAIL.

 

[norry]

Tchotchke magnetic flashlight: FAIL for needing to basically be taken apart and rebuilt before it makes it all the way to "dim flashlight with inefficient, dim LEDs that chew through AAA batteries." Factory batteries are junk but replacing them doesn't fix that the rest of the unit is just pretty much also junk.

Magnetic bowl: it's a ?stainless? bowl with a magnetic base. Useful for sorting parts. PASS.

The world's dimmest headlight: FAIL. Pathetically bad construction.

LED work light 62529: PASS at first, became FAIL because the hanger broke. Why make the hanger out of cheap plastic? This was the replacement for another LED work light, the one with round LEDs instead of those little surface mount ones, which broke internally and wouldn't light some (half?) of the LEDs.

Left hand drill bits 61686: FAIL, broke 2 of them on their first use, one of them trying to drill out a rivet on a toy which I think had been made from pot metal. In fairness, a fatter left hand drill bit did succeed on an actual fastener; I don't know if the big ones are better made, or what.

Freebie screwdrivers: PASS for the use that nature intended -- you use them to make other tools. For example, I needed a screwdriver with a groove cut in the tip for a security fastener. HF freebie screwdriver + dremel cutting bit = screwdriver with a groove cut in the tip. I wouldn't have done that to a screwdriver I'd paid actual money for. Fair warning, you need to look through the screwdrivers to get even halfway decent ones. Some were visibly rusty in several places while still in the shop.

Evaporust: PASS! And with the coupon, I think it's cheaper at HF than anywhere else!

 

[VH5150]

Pittsburgh Pro 1/4" Deep 6-Point Metric & Standard Chrome Sockets: PASS

Pittsburgh Pro 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" Flex-Head Ratchets: PASS

Pittsburgh 225-piece Socket Set in Blow-molded Case: PASS
Note: I like set because all the sockets are the Pro line and I use it for an inexpensive road kit.

Chicago Electric corded Cut-Off tool: PASS

Chicago Electric corded Multi-Tool: PASS

Maddox Ball-Joint Removal Kit: PASS

Maddox Suspension Spring Compression Kit: PASS

Chicago Electric Cordless Circular Saw: FAIL

Pittsburgh Floor Jacks: PASS

Pittsburgh Jack Stands: PASS

HaulMaster Trailer Light Kits, Hitch Receivers, and Balls: PASS

Hardy and Western Safety Mechanics Gloves: PASS

Western Safety Ear Muff Hearing Protectors: PASS

Warrior Grinding Wheels: PASS

 

[Loose Ctrl]

It seems like you've had good luck at HF as well.

 

[VH5150]

U.S. General 72" Tool Box: PASS

Warrior Magnetic Hex Bit Extensions: PASS

Warrior Drill/Driver Socket Adapters: PASS

Pittsburgh 2-prong Steering and Suspension Joint Separators: PASS

Cen-Tech Battery / Trickle Chargers: PASS

Cen-Tech Toners: PASS

Cen-Tech Fish-Tape: PASS

 

[VH5150]

Pittsburgh Pro Impact Sockets: PASS

Loose CTRL - Yeah I've had a lot of good luck at HF but I've also had some back luck too. I stay away from the Chicago Electric Power tools because of that week circular saw I mentioned above. I watch a lot YouTube reviews of HF stuff too before I buy and so far pretty much anything in the Pittsburgh Pro line that I've tried has been great. I really like the flex-head ratchets. Even lots of die-hard USA-made tool junkies are giving those ratchets great reviews.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Pittsburgh Pro Impact Sockets: PASS

Loose CTRL - Yeah I've had a lot of good luck at HF but I've also had some back luck too. I stay away from the Chicago Electric Power tools because of that week circular saw I mentioned above. I watch a lot YouTube reviews of HF stuff too before I buy and so far pretty much anything in the Pittsburgh Pro line that I've tried has been great. I really like the flex-head ratchets. Even lots of die-hard USA-made tool junkies are giving those ratchets great reviews.

I watch vids to before making some HF purchases also.

 

[ER70S-2]

Evaporust: PASS! And with the coupon, I think it's cheaper at HF than anywhere else!

How do you figure? Amazon has gallons for $19.06 with free Prime shipping.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

How do you figure? Amazon has gallons for $19.06 with free Prime shipping.

I don't subscribe to prime, but at $25.99 and I can have it today from HF, it's a wash for me. Not a good deal but surely not the worst.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M0TLQ66/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Danglerb]

Evaporust used to be excluded from coupons, has that changed?

 

[bubinga]

Evaporust used to be excluded from coupons, has that changed?

They should just exclude everything, and be done with it!
every month or so they add more that are excluded.

 

[zendriver]

Evaporust used to be excluded from coupons, has that changed?

I've never seen it listed on a 20-25% off coupon.

 

[zendriver]

Purchased the 44"rolling tool chest, but it's still in the truck, so I'll report on the "Braun" Tube work light 63990, I picked up as well. $31.99 w coupon.

It's a similar design to the older model, well built, but that had the horrid blue LEDs and piss-poor directional light.

Not this one.

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...red+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&p=2&q=led+work+light

Bright white and spreads out pretty good. Also operates while the charger is plugged in. Just has two fold out hooks on each end. I think the older one (I only used it twice) had some bungee hooks. should not be a bid deal to affix to a hood.

PASS.


Example from 36" above, total darkness.

 

[DJ_Schmo]

Purchased the 44"rolling tool chest, but it's still in the truck, so I'll report on the "Braun" Tube work light 63990, I picked up as well. $31.99 w coupon.

It's a similar design to the older model, well built, but that had the horrid blue LEDs and piss-poor directional light.

Not this one.

https://www.harborfreight.com/catal...red+Weight,f,Sale+Rank,f&p=2&q=led+work+light

Bright white and spreads out pretty good. Also operates while the charger is plugged in. Just has two fold out hooks on each end. I think the older one (I only used it twice) had some bungee hooks. should not be a bid deal to affix to a hood.

PASS.


Example from 36" above, total darkness.

Does it have the pull out magnets on the bungees like the other one does?


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[zendriver]

Does it have the pull out magnets on the bungees like the other one does?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

No, just a flip out hook, on each end.

 

[krole]

Anyone ever use the 6 piece Precision Pliers Set?

Passable for hobby use? Are they made in China or Taiwan? I'm guessing China. I'll probably upgrade the needle nose and cutters eventually as those will be the most used. But the rest will hardly be used, and at $8...

Edit: They are in fact made in China, and they looked pretty bad.. but apparently there are suppose to be Doyle precision pliers, so maybe I'll just wait for that.

 

[ex-x-fire]

I have something to say about HF customer service, I bought one of their cordless ratchets in August. I had a minor battery issue that I took care of myself, then one day I dropped on concrete, it hit right on the battery. It quit working, same with spare battery. I took it into the store today, told them my story and about being past the 90 day warranty, is there anything they could do. Yes, buy the extended warranty for $30 and we'll replace it. I was very grateful for that as I use the tool everyday. Customer service Pass all the way!
BTW, they said the 2 yr extended warranty starts today and not the date of purchase.

 

[1Garageman]

^^^Wow that is awesome that they did that!! That is a great story.

 

[zendriver]

I got the quantum LED headlamp for Christmas and noticed right off the bat, that the light is very bright.

I got to use it for an extended time the other day, searching for some paper documents in the hoarder room. It's very comfortable to wear for long periods, without a hat, balanced well, since the battery pack is in the back, The light fixture in front, is not too bulky.

The light stays positioned well.

PASS - a must have tool and a great buy for around 12 bucks!

https://m.harborfreight.com/310-lumen-headlamp-63921.html








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[Magna-Strouka]

I got the quantum LED headlamp for Christmas and noticed right off the bat, that the light is very bright.

I got to use it for an extended time the other day, searching for some paper documents in the hoarder room. It's very comfortable to wear for long periods, without a hat, balanced well, since the battery pack is in the back, The light fixture in front, is not too bulky.

The light stays positioned well.

PASS - a must have tool and a great buy for around 12 bucks!

https://m.harborfreight.com/310-lumen-headlamp-63921.html








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I second zendriver; the quantum LED headlamp is a great value. No comparison to those worthless freebies/$3 led cubes on a band. Coupon has em for $9.99.....with the angle width adjustment & the 3 settings, high, low, & in this case, strobe, they'd be great for bikes, Either on the handlebars, or just worn. It does consume the non-alkaline AA batteries relatively quickly, but I'm sure a set good alkaline batteries would hold up as well as with any headlamp. I might never find out though; with 24 free batteries w/ any purchase, I'm set for a few decades. Only problem is, I need to buy another one So I can find the original when I absent-mindedly remove it outside at night!

Sent from my LGMS210 using Tapatalk

 

[trekgod3]

Automatic wire stripper : PASS.

https://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-self-adjusting-wire-stripper-36810.html

 

[toyotadriver]

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.

I have the 50 ft reel and the 25 ft reel. The hose on the 50 ft started to fail near the quick disconnect at about the 1.5 year mark. The outer jacket was separating and failure was imminent. I replaced the hose with a hybrid hose and it's still working well.

The original hose is **** but the reel itself is good.

I still give it a pass but just plan to replace the hose.

 

[LandofRath]

I have the 50 ft reel and the 25 ft reel. The hose on the 50 ft started to fail near the quick disconnect at about the 1.5 year mark. The outer jacket was separating and failure was imminent. I replaced the hose with a hybrid hose and it's still working well.

The original hose is **** but the reel itself is good.

I still give it a pass but just plan to replace the hose.

The 50 foot one in my garage is over 10 years old and no issues yet..
Almost positive its from HF, so it possible you just had a defect or they changed suppliers a few times since then?