The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Mugen Si]

Serpentine belt tool kit. FAIL! I almost punched the front windshield out of the car i was working on when one of the crowfoot wrenches broke the first time i used it. HUGE FAIL

 

[DakotaMan]

I have been using one for a few years now with no issues. Don't have the model number handy but 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...

Thanks. The new one probably has only been out a week or so based on the reviews. The oldest one is maybe 6 days old.

I'm trying to figure out what's the difference between this and the kind people use with the apps.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

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 have a pair of the 18" ones, so far they are just as nice as my "made with global components" Irwin's. they are made in Taiwan

 

[ron350]

Left hand drill bits Fail.

https://www.harborfreight.com/left-h...-pc-61686.html

I opened the package and opened the blue steel box and saw total ****.

The bits looked like they were sharpened on a concrete block in a C---a prison camp.

Closed the box and returned the junk.

 

[MNRZR]

Left hand drill bits Fail.

https://www.harborfreight.com/left-h...-pc-61686.html

I opened the package and opened the blue steel box and saw total ****.

The bits looked like they were sharpened on a concrete block in a C---a prison camp.

Closed the box and returned the junk.

I wonder if you just got a bad set? I’ve been impressed with the set that I bought a few years ago. Saved me a few times now. They generally get good reviews.

 

[JJ_From_NC]

Left hand drill bits Fail.

https://www.harborfreight.com/left-h...-pc-61686.html

I opened the package and opened the blue steel box and saw total ****.

The bits looked like they were sharpened on a concrete block in a C---a prison camp.

Closed the box and returned the junk.

I can attest to this, mine were total ****, soft as butter, case is nice and it ends there

Sent from my SM-G930R4 using Tapatalk

 

[MNRZR]

I'm wondering if they have changed? I just noticed they are now branded "Warrior". Mine are Drillmaster. Could either of you share what brand yours were or when they were purchased?

This is the downside to Pass/Fail for HF items. They can change suppliers while maintaining the same look of a product. An example that I've run into is with their pry bars. I bought a set probably 10+ years ago and they've taken some serious abuse. About a year ago I purchased a new set of the "same" pry bars and they are junk. Older set made in China. Newer set made in India.

 

[Hexen]

I'm wondering if they have changed? I just noticed they are now branded "Warrior". Mine are Drillmaster. Could either of you share what brand yours were or when they were purchased?

This is the downside to Pass/Fail for HF items. They can change suppliers while maintaining the same look of a product. An example that I've run into is with their pry bars. I bought a set probably 10+ years ago and they've taken some serious abuse. About a year ago I purchased a new set of the "same" pry bars and they are junk. Older set made in China. Newer set made in India.

What brand/model are your prybars?

 

[ron350]

Yep the left hand drill bits were labeled Warrior brand.

The blue box looked like this picture but the drills did not look like what is in this picture.
The points were ground so flat and rough that all I had to do is look at them before returning.

 

[MNRZR]

What brand/model are your prybars?

I’m not sure if these are the same part#, but both were 4 pc sets like this:

https://harborfreight.com/4-piece-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-1654.html

 

[Hexen]

I’m not sure if these are the same part#, but both were 4 pc sets like this:

https://harborfreight.com/4-piece-heavy-duty-pry-bar-set-1654.html

OK, good to know those are currently a "Fail" with India sourcing. Not all of the made-in-India tools are bad (the very first thing I got from Harbor Freight about 10 years ago was some micro flush cutters, made in India, that are fantastic for cutting zip ties), but I think it does tend to be a bad sign, like Taiwan tends to be a good sign.

I got the smaller 3pc prybar set https://harborfreight.com/3-piece-pry-bar-set-66840.html nearly as long ago as you got your set, and have been happy with them (albeit with no 'serious abuse' attempted), but don't know if they now have the same issue as the larger 4pc set or not.

 

[ndnchf]

The left twist bits must be really hit or miss. I bought a set a few days ago and they worked great to drill out a broken off zerk fitting. The set I have look well made and sharp. Here's a pic of the zerk about half drilled out and the bits. It drilled right through the zerk, no problem. Mine are Warrior brand #61686.

 

[Danglerb]

The left twist bits must be really hit or miss. I bought a set a few days ago and they worked great to drill out a broken off zerk fitting. The set I have look well made and sharp. Here's a pic of the zerk about half drilled out and the bits. It drilled right through the zerk, no problem. Mine are Warrior brand #61686.

Nothing I buy that its possible to inspect doesn't get checked carefully, usually I pull a few off the rack and compare them for defects.

 

[Hexen]

Nothing I buy that its possible to inspect doesn't get checked carefully, usually I pull a few off the rack and compare them for defects.

Yes, that's one of two crucial keys to being a mostly-satisfied Harbor Freight customer (the other being reading reviews). (I've had to increasingly carry that approach into my Sears shopping too; there are some products there that I won't order for pickup, gotta pick them out myself.)

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Can the warrior lefties be opened and checked out in store before buying? I haven't been in HF in a few months. In late spring, I'll be drilling out some broken bolts on my Buick 350 engine and I want to make sure I don't break one off in the block or head.

 

[ndnchf]

Can the warrior lefties be opened and checked out in store before buying? I haven't been in HF in a few months. In late spring, I'll be drilling out some broken bolts on my Buick 350 engine and I want to make sure I don't break one off in the block or head.

Not without opening the sealed package. The bits are in a metal box within the package. I just bought mine a few days ago and was a little hesitant because I couldn't see them. I bought them anyway and they turned out to be fine. But after reading about bad ones, I'd ask the manager to open one first.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

Not without opening the sealed package. The bits are in a metal box within the package. I just bought mine a few days ago and was a little hesitant because I couldn't see them. I bought them anyway and they turned out to be fine. But after reading about bad ones, I'd ask the manager to open one first.

 

[JRC3]

This is the downside to Pass/Fail for HF items. They can change suppliers while maintaining the same look of a product. An example that I've run into is with their pry bars. I bought a set probably 10+ years ago and they've taken some serious abuse. About a year ago I purchased a new set of the "same" pry bars and they are junk. Older set made in China. Newer set made in India.

Yep, I've had mine for at least 10 years too. You can see how much they've been used. I use the fourth elsewhere. Of course this was when they called them Central Forge. I've had and abused this one for years too. https://www.harborfreight.com/36-in-jumbo-pry-bar-68139.html

 

[dave_dj1]

I was at a HF about a week ago talking with one of the store managers about this and that and he told me that no matter what name (even a brand name) is on something in the store that they make it themselves!
Have you noticed their prices going up and up?

 

[d.mcfarland]

I was at a HF about a week ago talking with one of the store managers about this and that and he told me that no matter what name (even a brand name) is on something in the store that they make it themselves!
Have you noticed their prices going up and up?

Oh dear lord.

 

[SunsetsAndFriends]

...

 

[DonkeyFluffer]

Table Saw - Fail
Bought it new 11 months ago. Died yesterday with light usage. Wouldn't rip 2x4's without bogging down

10" Miter Saw - Pass
Bought it new 11 months ago. Put a 60T Dewalt blade on it and it kicks ***. I'd buy it again. Well worth the $89 (with coupon) I paid.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[NJITmetal]

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.

Do these boxes ever go on sale? I’d like to get the rollaway and the top toolbox but want to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
Thanks!

 

[Sanny81]

I wonder if you just got a bad set? I’ve been impressed with the set that I bought a few years ago. Saved me a few times now. They generally get good reviews.

Yeah I’ve had great experiences with the set I bought. Honestly one of the best values from HF for me.

 

[pbon]

Do these boxes ever go on sale? I’d like to get the rollaway and the top toolbox but want to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
Thanks!

I bought 3 a few years ago based on what I read here. Good boxes and great value though if money was no object I’d rather have two 72” inch boxes since the drawer sizes would work better for my use. I paid $339 which is as low as I have seen them and I have been watching them over the years.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

HF has started to replace the loose air tool couplers and fittings from Central Pneumatic to a new branding, something with a blue tag. They are definitely a PASS.

Old brass female coupler- 3 ball bearings for locking ring
Old silver female coupler - 4 ball bearings for locking ring
NEW silver female coupler - *6* ball bearings for locking ring

These extra ball bearings make the unit much tighter and smooth operating. Leakage is not an issue. No slop in the coupling anymore. And it appears to be pretty much the same or similar price. Definitely worth upgrading your existing air hoses and couplers to this unit.

I don't have the SKU and the HF catalog online hasn't been updated yet.

 

[6PTsocket]

Do these boxes ever go on sale? I’d like to get the rollaway and the top toolbox but want to make sure I’m getting the best deal.
Thanks!

Like many HF items, the tool cabinete are on the exemption list for 20 or 25% coupon use. However, there are frequent Super Coupons for particular items, including the top and bottom 44" tool cabinets. Super Coupons are not combinable with other discounts. Sometimes they call the coupons something else and the amount of the discount can vary a little. You just have to sign up for their emails and check the flyers and jump when they offer a good deal. Sometimes items are in sale without a Super Coupon and can be combined with the 20 or 25% off coupon. But as I said, only Super Coupons accepted for the cabinets. I got mine before cabinets went on the ever growing exemption list and combined it with a regular sale and saved a pile. Sadly, those days are gone.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Alpine4x4]

1/4" drive soft grip pro ratchet FAIL. Was using it to change sensors in my transmission today and the selector switch jammed. I can push it with a screwdriver and some force to get it to work, but no longer can do it with my thumb. It's going back tomorrow. Its odd because it seems like most have good luck with the pro ratchets.

 

[JerryC]

1/4" drive soft grip pro ratchet FAIL. Was using it to change sensors in my transmission today and the selector switch jammed. I can push it with a screwdriver and some force to get it to work, but no longer can do it with my thumb. It's going back tomorrow. Its odd because it seems like most have good luck with the pro ratchets.

My first 3/8" soft grip ratchet would drift into neutral while in use. Very annoying to be ratcheting away and then it just free rotates. No issue at all getting a replacement that works fine.

 

[BiltFordTuff]

Impact sockets PASS use and abuse them everyday, other than skipping a few common sizes and having to buy Sunex to fill the gap

Pro ratchets PASS up to par with my Snap On. I may even like them better.

Super long extensions PASS use them more than I thought i would. The 24” long 3/8 holds up to an impact on exhaust and bellhousing bolts

FWD axle nut socket set PASS A set of 7 for $40, you cant even buy one socket off the truck for that much

3” air cut off wheel PASS use it all the time and its cheap enough if it breaks ill buy two or three more

Torque wrenches HIT AND MISS. Not a problem with my 1/2”, just wish it went higher than 150. My 3/8” is not so good when it comes to lower torque.

Free screwdriver set PASS Why not? Its free

Free batteries FAIL dont even waste the coupon on them

 

[CoogarXR]

Free batteries FAIL dont even waste the coupon on them

Aww, c'mon, the free batteries are great for low-draw items like remotes. I keep a pack of AAA and AA in my drawer for all my remotes. Sure, they don't last as long as the big names, but they do the job, and they are free.

 

[Captain Spaulding]

Free screwdriver set PASS Why not? Its free

Free batteries FAIL dont even waste the coupon on them

For the price, the screwdrivers are great. I have a set in a toolbox I carry on my ATV, a set in my tractor toolbox, a set in a drawer in the kitchen and a couple of unused sets waiting for a need.

The batteries are good for some things. I wouldn't use them someplace where long life was a concern. I have livestock and pets that result in me going outside in the dark a few times a day. I use the free batteries and free lights so I have a light in just about any jacket I grab, and if it starts looking dim I swap batteries. If I drop a light in my pocket without turning it off I'm not out anything. I don't use them in the lights I carry in my vehicles or keep handy for power failures.

 

[Alpine4x4]

Free batteries FAIL dont even waste the coupon on them

I've had good luck with them. They dont last a long time, but long enough to be worth the free coupon.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

The free batteries also don't have the power that a name battery has. I picked up a pack for free once but I would rather pay for good ones and get one of the better freebies.

 

[blackcube]

A current Freebie is the 18" magnetic tool holding strip. I get those for free every time they are offered. I've mounted them on tool boxes, edges of shelves, workbenches, my lathe chip trays, etc. Just about anywhere I have smaller tools to hold in a handy location. They are strong enough I've used one on the 5C collet tray for my 16" lathe to hold
CXA QCTP blocks. SKU 60433/61199/62178. Definitely a PASS

 

[1Garageman]

^^^ Those magnets are awesome in so many ways. I built this last year, and I am going to build something for my drill press also.

 

[JRC3]

^^^ Those magnets are awesome in so many ways. I built this last year, and I am going to build something for my drill press also.

I bought one of those magnets years ago when it was catalog/online only. It could barely hold a screwdriver let alone the wood rack to hold it. Looks like I need to get some of the new ones.

 

[aka Larry]

I bought one of those magnets years ago when it was catalog/online only. It could barely hold a screwdriver let alone the wood rack to hold it. Looks like I need to get some of the new ones.

Ditto. I have one on my pegboard used to hold driver-type bits for my drill and it barely does the job. Maybe I need a new one too.

 

[cm cm]

This is the downside to Pass/Fail for HF items. They can change suppliers while maintaining the same look of a product. An example that I've run into is with their pry bars. .

No, Blame the company that will change suppliers on the drop of a hat to make a couple more cents per sale...

Any company that sells a soft pry bar..... doesn’t deserve my business. That shows massive disrespect for their customers. They know what you use a prybar for.... it ain’t for stirring paint.

 

[Tallpilot]

A current Freebie is the 18" magnetic tool holding strip. I get those for free every time they are offered. I've mounted them on tool boxes, edges of shelves, workbenches, my lathe chip trays, etc. Just about anywhere I have smaller tools to hold in a handy location. They are strong enough I've used one on the 5C collet tray for my 16" lathe to hold
CXA QCTP blocks. SKU 60433/61199/62178. Definitely a PASS

I use one on my press to hold the jack handle. It works nicely.