The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Ben1967]

The daytona floor jack is a pass in my books!

 

[Hexen]

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.

I got some with free coupons a few months ago, haven't yet decided where/how I'm going to use them though. They are definitely strong, they can even hold stuff through the plastic package, you have to put some effort in to pry one package apart from the others. I tested mine in the store by running a metal tool across them to make sure all the magnets seemed equally strong (they each contain several smaller bar magnets that make up the length of them).

 

[ex-x-fire]

That Braun work light is awesome!

 

[1Garageman]

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.

I have two magnets holding all of that stuff up. And it is on there super strong!

 

[PhysicsDude]

Bought 12pack of rough and fine sanding sponges to re-do kitchen cabinets... they're total junk. Even for their cheap price they're not worth it. The sanding grit literally falls off the sponges when you sand with them. After sanding a few sq. ft. the sponges are all smooth with no sanding grit left on them!

 

[JRC3]

Bought 12pack of rough and fine sanding sponges to re-do kitchen cabinets... they're total junk. Even for their cheap price they're not worth it. The sanding grit literally falls off the sponges when you sand with them. After sanding a few sq. ft. the sponges are all smooth with no sanding grit left on them!

I tried them once and they are indeed junk. Gotta buy the real thing when it comes to sanding sponges.

 

[plc268]

I can never find the magnetic tool holders. I've scoured my local HFT up and down, and never found them.

 

[Hexen]

I can never find the magnetic tool holders. I've scoured my local HFT up and down, and never found them.

Try asking an employee (showing them the coupon should help) if you haven't already. It's not that large of a store, but there have been multiple occasions where I've been up and down trying to find something, finally ask, and find out there it is where I walked right past it several times.

 

[plc268]

Try asking an employee (showing them the coupon should help) if you haven't already. It's not that large of a store, but there have been multiple occasions where I've been up and down trying to find something, finally ask, and find out there it is where I walked right past it several times.

Well, it's never been particularly important to me. But I rarely ever see more than 2 employees at harbor freight, and usually when I go, it's semi busy and the 2 employees are at the register.

 

[mfewtrail]

I can never find the magnetic tool holders. I've scoured my local HFT up and down, and never found them.

They're typically near the hardware in the little plastic cases, zip ties, tape, etc. in all of the three HF store I've been to. Each store has been a bit different in size and shape, but the tools are usually grouped similarly.

 

[Motorman55]

Of the 'free' items offered by HF, I've been grabbing the Magnetic strips the last few times I've been there. They'll hold a fair amount of tool weight.

 

[Alpine4x4]

I snapped the magnets out of the metal strip and use them as small tool holders on the lid of my cart. Good for holding small magnetic things without having to mount the big metal rail.

 

[SilverBulletZ06]

I snapped the magnets out of the metal strip and use them as small tool holders on the lid of my cart. Good for holding small magnetic things without having to mount the big metal rail.

I have 12ish or so. My goal is to make a wall of magnets.

 

[potato]

I have 12ish or so. My goal is to make a wall of magnets.

careful,i had two rails snap together and pinched my finger and cut it.i wept.

 

[ndnchf]

Magnetic Hook Set - Pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-magnetic-hook-set-98502.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmagnetic%2520hook%2520set%2520harbor%26gws_rd%3Dssl

I've been working on my 1948 Willys Jeep and found it a little aggravating that I always have a hard time finding a place to hang my work light. On a recent trip to HF I spotted this set of magnetic hooks and thought maybe they would work. They do! The magnet is strong and it holds the light firmly, even through dirt and paint. I can mount it either vertical or horizontal and put the light wherever it's needed. Well worth the $4.

 

[JRC3]

^
Perfect because those hooks are probably of a 1940s design. I searched but I cannot offer up proof.

 

[Hexen]

Magnetic Hook Set - Pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-magnetic-hook-set-98502.html

I've been working on my 1948 Willys Jeep and found it a little aggravating that I always have a hard time finding a place to hang my work light. On a recent trip to HF I spotted this set of magnetic hooks and thought maybe they would work. They do! The magnet is strong and it holds the light firmly, even through dirt and paint. I can mount it either vertical or horizontal and put the light wherever it's needed. Well worth the $4.

Good use for those. I have a set as well, which I use on the metal brackets of some shelves like these, to hang some small tools I store in their original packages with hang-holes, and a file card/brush.

 

[lightning02]

Good use for those. I have a set as well, which I use on the metal brackets of some shelves like these, to hang some small tools I store in their original packages with hang-holes, and a file card/brush.

bit off topic but where do you get the shelving system like that? i can never fine them in stores.

 

[Hexen]

bit off topic but where do you get the shelving system like that? i can never fine them in stores.

I've had mine for a long time, but I think you can still get the same kind of stuff at Lowe's and Home Depot. It's usually a mix-and-match, buy the parts individually kind of thing - the long skinny rails that screw to the wall, the support brackets that lock into the rails, and the MDF shelves in several stain colors and lengths, would all be sold separately for you to customize to the amount of space you have on the wall and how far apart you want the shelves to be.

 

[Hawk]

Originally Posted by lightning02 View Post
bit off topic but where do you get the shelving system like that? i can never fine them in stores.

I've had mine for a long time, but I think you can still get the same kind of stuff at Lowe's and Home Depot. It's usually a mix-and-match, buy the parts individually kind of thing - the long skinny rails that screw to the wall, the support brackets that lock into the rails, and the MDF shelves in several stain colors and lengths, would all be sold separately for you to customize to the amount of space you have on the wall and how far apart you want the shelves to be.

The "long skinny rails" are called "shelf standards" if you want to know what to search for on Lowes or Home Depot website.

 

[jmott]

Magnetic Hook Set - Pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-magnetic-hook-set-98502.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmagnetic%2520hook%2520set%2520harbor%26gws_rd%3Dssl

I've been working on my 1948 Willys Jeep and found it a little aggravating that I always have a hard time finding a place to hang my work light. On a recent trip to HF I spotted this set of magnetic hooks and thought maybe they would work. They do! The magnet is strong and it holds the light firmly, even through dirt and paint. I can mount it either vertical or horizontal and put the light wherever it's needed. Well worth the $4.

I agree. The small magnetic hooks are great. Good size and hold a fair amount of weight. I have a few sets.

 

[quadrcr87]

7" Wet Tile Saw- Fail
It did work well enough to the kitchen backsplash but it was very lacking in precision. The table is not stable at all and the saw blade seams to wobble/vibrate a little causing a lot of broken/chipped tiles. This was with a better quality blade from Menards. Ultimately I went and got my $50 back to get a better one for the next project.

Mig Gun Holder-Pass
Fits my Lincoln gun very well and the magnet is very strong

Magnetic Paper towel Holder-Pass
Strong magnets and good design

Bremen 11" C locking Plier-Pass
Much better then the cheaper version they sell. For welding they are awesome.

 

[slowz32]

-Have been using the Pittsburgh 1/2" and 3/8" metric deep impact sockets for 3 years as a tech and haven't broken 1 yet; ill give that a big pass.

-Been using the long handle chrome metric wrench set for 3 years every day, Never had a problem with gripping a fastener or breaking a wrench: Pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/11-pie...long-handle-combination-wrench-set-47067.html

-Axle socket set, works well. Used almost every day. 36mm isn't cut out equally on both sides so it spins lopsided but have been used many many times and still works with no issues. :Ill give it a pass but when buying them just make sure they are cut correctly
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...eel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-66988.html

-1/4 mini air ratchet. Used many times and still has good power and no issues. Feels like it is made well too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-4-quarter-inch-mini-air-ratchet-wrench-93821.html

I have a decent bit of HF stuff along with matco, snap on, otc, and gear wrench. I work in a shop and use my tools every day. I wouldn't mind updating to some snap on wrenches and sockets but when mine keep taking a beating it makes it hard for me to justify the upgrade for no reason.

Almost 4 years later I'm still using my 1/2 impact sockets, wrenches, and 6 point axle sockets on a daily basis and haven't broken any yet

 

[Mgdoug3]

I bought their 4 ton floor jack after my uncle bought one. It held up the back half John Deere 5020 pulling tractor while split without leaking down, used it to change tires/brakes on the front end of the semi and when to change a blown tire on a loaded 24 ft cattle trailer. Have used it many more times than that but only light work.

Short version. 4 ton floor jack, good, pass.

 

[bczygan]

FWP LED Flip light.

Lots of light to stick on anywhere. - Pass

Bill

 

[ineedtools]

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.

No kidding I've been thru a couple sets bought 8 years ago folded them all over but the shortest one. Gave up and one day was strolling thru Ollie's and found Richards almost as cheap as HF and have never looked back.

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

 

[Hexen]

I bought their 4 ton floor jack after my uncle bought one. It held up the back half John Deere 5020 pulling tractor while split without leaking down, used it to change tires/brakes on the front end of the semi and when to change a blown tire on a loaded 24 ft cattle trailer. Have used it many more times than that but only light work.

Short version. 4 ton floor jack, good, pass.

Impressive! I had to look up how big that tractor is (though obviously a semi is huge regardless of the tractor)...

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/0/6/68-john-deere-5020.html

Weight: 14510 to 19630 pounds

The average US car weighs about 4,000 pounds, so the tractor is about 4x heavier.

 

[Bagherra]

Magnetic Hook Set - Pass

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-magnetic-hook-set-98502.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dmagnetic%2520hook%2520set%2520harbor%26gws_rd%3Dssl

I've been working on my 1948 Willys Jeep and found it a little aggravating that I always have a hard time finding a place to hang my work light. On a recent trip to HF I spotted this set of magnetic hooks and thought maybe they would work. They do! The magnet is strong and it holds the light firmly, even through dirt and paint. I can mount it either vertical or horizontal and put the light wherever it's needed. Well worth the $4.

Dammit...now I think I need a set of these.....

 

[6PTsocket]

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.

I guess the give aways are the yellow ones. The are carbon zinc batteries. That old chemistry type is the discount store bargain battery The orange ones are alkaline I give them a definite pass. I buy them when they are on sale. For me they have stood up as well as name brands and I have yet to have one leak.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[rmalkow2]

Originally Posted by ndnchf View Post
Magnetic Hook Set - Pass

Dammit...now I think I need a set of these.....

Never saw those before. Now I need some too. With a 20% off coupon of course.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Impressive! I had to look up how big that tractor is (though obviously a semi is huge regardless of the tractor)...

http://www.tractordata.com/farm-tractors/000/0/6/68-john-deere-5020.html

Weight: 14510 to 19630 pounds

The average US car weighs about 4,000 pounds, so the tractor is about 4x heavier.

This tractor weighs just a tick over 10,000 lbs. I put it on a diet for pulling. A stock tractor without a cab weighs in around 14,000. The semi front axle on the scale is 11,500 lbs so it can pick up at least 5,750 lbs.

 

[Hexen]

This tractor weighs just a tick over 10,000 lbs. I put it on a diet for pulling. A stock tractor without a cab weighs in around 14,000. The semi front axle on the scale is 11,500 lbs so it can pick up at least 5,750 lbs.

Nice.

 

[Loose Ctrl]

This tractor weighs just a tick over 10,000 lbs. I put it on a diet for pulling. A stock tractor without a cab weighs in around 14,000. The semi front axle on the scale is 11,500 lbs so it can pick up at least 5,750 lbs.

Seems like a stock tractor could do some good work.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Seems like a stock tractor could do some good work.

A 5020 was extremely overbuilt by Deere, but it only had 135 horsepower and no turbo. They didn't really have enough power for the weight and drank the fuel. John Kinzebaw (the guy who created Kinze planters and grain carts) stuffed 300 horsepower Detroits as repower kits and they held up.

The 6030 replaced the 5020 and it was a huge boost in power. Deere claimed 175 hp but most off the factory line were closer to 200 hp. At that time, the 6030 had the highest horsepower for a 2 wheel drive tractor.

 

[mbshop]

20% off coupons, fail due to hf adding more and more restrictions. wanted to buy a bag and then realized that the coupon would not work on it.

 

[rmalkow2]

20% off coupons, fail due to hf adding more and more restrictions. wanted to buy a bag and then realized that the coupon would not work on it.

True dat. They do have many restrictions but there are so many always active I just use them even for small purchases. Every buck saved adds up over time.

 

[ineedtools]

True dat. They do have many restrictions but there are so many always active I just use them even for small purchases. Every buck saved adds up over time.

I don't ever go without 20 off AND a free with purchase coupon!

Sent from my R1 HD using Tapatalk

 

[DadsTools]

Forget the name or model number, but it's a small package of Dremel-size rotary tool wire brush assortment.

PASS

And dirt-cheap compared to the Dremel brand.

 

[Allpurpose]

Who am I to say HFs advertising practices are FOS ,BUT....check out their Windsor Design wood carving set with "Hardened Chrome Vanadium Points 'for durability '"..
Now I'm not going to tell you that you couldn't stab yourself in the eyeball with one of these and make yourself bleed badly.. You probably could and it wouldn't feel really good..but you can also sharpen these things with a roll of soft toilet paper..and still be able to stab yourself in the eyeball..
Just as a disclaimer don't do the eyeball stab test at home..

 

[Allpurpose]

Anymore with harbor freight I lump their tools into different categories and view them accordingly..
Lots of moving parts? RUN AWAY FAST
Quite a few moving parts? Just run away
Some moving parts? WALK AWAY FAST
A few moving parts? Just walk away
No moving parts? Keep away from children of all ages.
Some simple rules of thumb for HF tools..
Oh yeah, DON'T trust the website reviews.. Most have at least one review telling you how to get the item(s) in question to work properly that includes a total rebuild of the product.