spock91
Member
Your Mileage will Vary
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
XJSuperman
Well-known member
Thanks.
Thanks for the additional information.
I was just modifying the commonly-used "Your Mileage May Vary" acronym. (edit: like spock91 said - didn't see there was another page on the thread already before I replied)
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JRC3
Well-known member
How do you FAIL a free, cheap as fawk, Chinese tarp? Did it cost too much? The only thing I've used them for is digging and placing the dirt on them on grass or to cover my 4x8 utility trailer for a few days to keep the rain off til I make it to the dump. Beyond that, I have no more expectation for the longevity or use of a free cheap chines tarp.
If you want to cover your wood pile for the entire winter you're gonna have to spend a few more dollars than free.
Herp-Derp.
If you want to cover your wood pile for the entire winter you're gonna have to spend a few more dollars than free.
Herp-Derp.
mbshop
Well-known member
I use the free tarps to cover stuff for the winter. One use is fine for me. The other tarps don't last long in the calif sun long anyways.
How do you FAIL a free, cheap as fawk, Chinese tarp? Did it cost too much? The only thing I've used them for is digging and placing the dirt on them on grass or to cover my 4x8 utility trailer for a few days to keep the rain off til I make it to the dump. Beyond that, I have no more expectation for the longevity or use of a free cheap chines tarp.
If you want to cover your wood pile for the entire winter you're gonna have to spend a few more dollars than free.
Herp-Derp.
They don't realize how it works.
Free tarp craps out after a few months in the wind, rain and sun (which most every tarp does), One just takes in a coupon and gets a new tarp for free.
When that when that one craps out, repeat the process.
In essence you end up with a free tarp for the rest of your life
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Provincial
Well-known member
I keep a free HF tarp in my pickup. If I need to cover a load, I pull it out. After use, I don't bother to fold it back up, but just discard it and put another new one in the truck. I get another one to add to the stack next time they are free.
If you're talking about the purple HVLP guns, I agree that these paint guns aren't that great, but for ten bucks they're not bad. I had to put an o-ring in the bottom of the paint cup to prevent leaking on the one I bought, but no other problems with it. Like you said, they probably aren't up to doing high quality work. I've painted some welding carts, tables, outdoor equipment, etc. with it. If I was doing a lot of painting I probably would try a better brand.
jonesg
Well-known member
How do you FAIL a free, cheap as fawk, Chinese tarp? Did it cost too much? The only thing I've used them for is digging and placing the dirt on them on grass or to cover my 4x8 utility trailer for a few days to keep the rain off til I make it to the dump. Beyond that, I have no more expectation for the longevity or use of a free cheap chines tarp.
If you want to cover your wood pile for the entire winter you're gonna have to spend a few more dollars than free.
Herp-Derp.
Junk is no bargain at any price.
jonesg
Well-known member
They don't realize how it works.
Free tarp craps out after a few months in the wind, rain and sun (which most every tarp does), One just takes in a coupon and gets a new tarp for free.
When that when that one craps out, repeat the process.
In essence you end up with a free tarp for the rest of your life
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You don't understand how mkting works.
They got you playing their game and you don't even know it.
JRC3
Well-known member
So by using free tarps to lay sod and soil from around my septic tank, I somehow got taken. I replaced a busted leaking **** pipe from my house and the leaking risers. It was a foreclosure so who knows how long it leaked into the soil and over-filled with rainwater. Free Chines tarps aren't good enough to use for septic soil? *scratches head*
I'm really beginning to think that I'm not good enough for this place.
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aka Larry
Well-known member
Ditto for my pantry project. I can't imagine why anyone would think the HF gun isn't worth the $10 I paid for it.
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Farmerjonathan
Well-known member
Anyone have any experiences with the twin cylinder predator engine that has a coupon now for $599.00??? I have heard good things about the larger single cylinder engines but nothing about this twin cylinder. It is electric start.
I used one of the cheapy purple hvlp guns to paint all the cabinets in my kitchen and haven't used it since, but it did a good job for that 1 job, got my $$ worth.
Did you post a youtube video showing you working on those cabinets? I saw one and your pics remind me of it.
I Understandarketing just fine, and I'm OK with it.
I don't shop there for the tarps, but I'll grab get another one if I have a coupon.
Works Great for the pool table!
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Nope, wasn't me.
Since I'm on this thread I might as well post a pass/fail comment.
4-1/2 in. Stainless Knotted Wire Wheel -- PASS
Lasts as long as the more expensive big-box brands, but costs a lot less. One item that HF really has right. Will keep buying as long as the price is good and the quality stays the same. I use them for wire brushing weld beads almost every day and they do very well.
4-1/2 in. Stainless Knotted Wire Wheel -- PASS
Lasts as long as the more expensive big-box brands, but costs a lot less. One item that HF really has right. Will keep buying as long as the price is good and the quality stays the same. I use them for wire brushing weld beads almost every day and they do very well.
OK, sorry. There was this guy that really liked the HF gun and he showed how he painted nearly everything in the kitchen; cabinets, doors, trim and all using it and one of those little pancake compressors. He was happy that he could do it on a tight budget and save a lot of money.
Good warning to be aware of, thanks. I've had my HF tarps in the original bags, in the trunk of a non-hatchback, for several years with no problems... will keep that in mind if I get a hatchback in the future, to avoid such unpleasant surprises: a) keep them in the original bags if possible to contain the mess if that happens, and/or b) keep them in/under something that protects from sunlight if possible.
Crossfire05
Well-known member
Had the same problem with HF bungee cords. Actually stained some things.
Yipes, another good warning. Was this the ones that come in a plastic can? Could you share a bit more about how you had them stored and what happened?
Crossfire05
Well-known member
Yes, I was using them on a regular basis to move. I don't believe that they got wet. One day the green ones just started to disintegrate and leave dye on the things we had them on. It was bad. Green everywhere!
Hmm.
If it was just the one color doing that out of a multicolor set, maybe they had a bad batch on the 'green' assembly line when yours were made. The 6pc can I got a few weeks ago only contains blue, red, and yellow, so fingers crossed they won't do the same thing.woodturner9
Well-known member
Ours would NOT, but again you may be using them differently or have different expectations. We've ditched Binks at this point for HF. YMMV, etc.
woodturner9
Well-known member
YM-will-V regardless, but it might help get a better idea of the limits/usability of the locking c-clamps if both of you (XJSuperman and woodturner9) could say a bit more specifics about how you were/are using them.
Fair point, but I am not sure what to add. We use the clamps to hold sheet metal for welding, and frame parts for frame repairs for welding. We have not had any issues with them.
woodturner9
Well-known member
That's what I have been using them for. We get snow, ice, wind and cold in the winter, and they last three or four years outside year round.
OK, sounds about the same as what the other guy had problems with. That makes me think batch variability again (some coming out with stronger metal than others, and he bought on an unlucky day). Unfortunately there's no good way to inspect for that in-store like one can with things like crooked screwdrivers.
1Garageman
Well-known member
I use those free tarps to cover up my snow blower in the summer time and my mower in the winter time. Strap it down on the devices and it keeps them free of all the sawdust that floats through the air in my garage!
Loose Ctrl
Well-known member
Those engines are pretty good units. Before you start it up for the first time, drain the engine oil, if it has any. There's usually a small amount left in the sump even though they are supposed to ship dry. Check for small tiny pieces of aluminum. The guys on several small engine forums give them a good rinse out with kerosene. I'm not sure how that would be done on these bigger engines. The smaller ones they roll around on the workbench to mix the K1 around inside and drain them. I think they have come to the conclusion that the tiny flakes of aluminum are flash from the parts casting process.
ndnchf
Well-known member
Left hand drill bit set - Pass
https://www.harborfreight.com/left-hand-drill-bit-set-13-pc-61686.html
I've not been very impressed with the standard titanium coated HF bits. They are often not sharpened correctly and somewhat soft. But I bought these left hand drill bits to drill out a broken off zerk fitting. I was quite surprised at how nice they looked and how sharp they are. It drilled really well and I was able to get the broken zerk out.
https://www.harborfreight.com/left-hand-drill-bit-set-13-pc-61686.html
I've not been very impressed with the standard titanium coated HF bits. They are often not sharpened correctly and somewhat soft. But I bought these left hand drill bits to drill out a broken off zerk fitting. I was quite surprised at how nice they looked and how sharp they are. It drilled really well and I was able to get the broken zerk out.
Pneumatic roller seat - Pass
https://www.harborfreight.com/pneumatic-adjustable-roller-seat-46319.html
Got one of these 3 months ago and thus far it's been great. Goes down to work on brakes, up to work on higher stuff, and still has all its spring.
https://www.harborfreight.com/pneumatic-adjustable-roller-seat-46319.html
Got one of these 3 months ago and thus far it's been great. Goes down to work on brakes, up to work on higher stuff, and still has all its spring.
JJ_From_NC
Member
30" U.S. General 5 drawer tool cart is a PASS
5 piece fiberglass handle ball pein hammer set is a PASS
The 10 dollar+- pry bar set is a PASS
Pittsburgh Pro Ratchets are a PASS
SAE hex bit socket set is a PASS
Jumbo Wrench set to 2" is a PASS
1/2" ratchet and socket set to 1 1/4" PASS
I've used all of these items in a professional capacity with no major disappointments, if anything I've been impressed
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5 piece fiberglass handle ball pein hammer set is a PASS
The 10 dollar+- pry bar set is a PASS
Pittsburgh Pro Ratchets are a PASS
SAE hex bit socket set is a PASS
Jumbo Wrench set to 2" is a PASS
1/2" ratchet and socket set to 1 1/4" PASS
I've used all of these items in a professional capacity with no major disappointments, if anything I've been impressed
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Follow-up on the locking C-clamps discussion, I just saw this post in the HF coupon thread:
I hadn't heard of that HF brand before. Looks like it's new, just introduced a few months ago. The Bremen-branded locking pliers/C-clamps look like they're made to better standards than the Pittsburgh-branded ones. They have 3 sizes of locking C-clamps in that brand, though unfortunately only have swivel pads available on one of those sizes.
I hadn't heard of that HF brand before. Looks like it's new, just introduced a few months ago. The Bremen-branded locking pliers/C-clamps look like they're made to better standards than the Pittsburgh-branded ones. They have 3 sizes of locking C-clamps in that brand, though unfortunately only have swivel pads available on one of those sizes.
I just got this much brighter than the old light and works even when charging. the only caveat is no warning before the battery discharges. But for $29 with the coupon you can't complain.
SunsetsAndFriends
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2012
- Messages
- 753
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I have been using one for a few years now with no issues. model number #60794, when I went in for a smog inspection last week, the smog tech was using the same exact model at his shop.
Have used it on Honda, Toyota and Jeep models so far.
I know they have limited capabilities, for example, needed to cycle antilock brake unit while trying to bleed 2001 toyota 4runner brakes and could not do it with my unit. Would need to upgrade to another brand if I want those capabilities.
I would give it a PASS...
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