Handyman163
Well-known member
OK, here goes. And yes, I do have plenty of tools that aren't from HF.
3 HP, 21 Gallon, 115 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor - 94667 - PASS, but took some work. Removed the regulator completely - it's useless and WAY too restrictive. Compressor is rated at 115psi, but wouldn't go above 100psi (kicked on at 80psi). Took cover off of the pressure switch, turned the adjustment screw - now kicks on at 100psi and off at 120psi. I still need to tweak the other adjustment to kick it on around 90 instead of 100. I've since upgraded to the hi-flo couplers, and put a 2-outlet splitter on it so can run 2 air lines now. Just over 2 years of home garage use.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94667
Goodyear 50' 3/8" air hose - 2167 - MAJOR PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2167&Submit=Go
Pittsburg Deep Wall Impact Socket Sets [SAE and METRIC (07383) – both Taiwan CV] – MAJOR PASS – These show no signs of wear whatsoever after 5 years of tire rotations/brake-jobs, etc in my garage.
Earthquake ½” Impact Wrench – 02623 – MAJOR PASS – This thing hasn’t failed to pull off anything I throw at it. It will work the pants off of the HF $20 model rated at 230lb.ft. and is faster and less hungry for air. For the money (I paid $78 out the door on sale for $86.99 and a 15% off coupon later), it can’t be beat. Seems heavy, but well-built.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2623
2-in-1 Air manifold - 93979 - PASS Not much to get wrong here. It seals up tight with teflon tape, and is not restrictive.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93979
Hi-Flo couplers 97631 and Hi-flo male plug set 65894 - MAJOR PASS These connectors flow as much air as 3/8” couplers (same size opening on the male ends). The male-threaded couplers however are much more restrictive than the ones I listed here.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=hi+flo&Submit=Go
Automatic Battery Float Charger – 42292 – MAJOR PASS – Keeps lawnmower and vehicle batteries topped off (not a charger though). - $3.99 - $5.99 on sale
2-Ton Low Profile Floor Jack – 67022 –PASS so far. On sale for $64, this thing seems very well-built and super-low to the ground 2-7/8” minimum clearance. It rolls around much easier than the “Super heavy duty” 3-ton model.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67022&Submit=Go
Spring loaded center punch – 621-7VGA - PASS I’ve used it plenty on everything from metal, wood and plastic. Hasn’t missed yet.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=621
Hand truck - PASS red model with inflatable tires - moved an upright freezer across an office building. Aired the tires up to 30 psi, strapped the freezer to the handtruck, and no problems. Also, handtruck pad that vel-cro’s to the frame of the handtruck to protect furniture from scratches – Pass.
Industrial Ear Muffs – 43768 – MAJOR PASS – For $1.99 on sale, can’t be beat.
1/2” corded drill – 3273 – PASS I bought it to build a swingset in the yard and needed a ½ “ chuck. I chose this model because of the slower speed than the hammer-drill model. It’s got plenty of guts so far, although the handle attachment seems like a weak point. I bought it on sale and with coupon for about $20.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3273
2-pack red/blue flashlights – PASS for the money for sure. I have had one die prematurely, but I’m not upset about it.
I’m tired of color coding, so here:
22-piece wrench set – more of a matte finish – Pass, but limited use.
25-piece wrench set – shiny finish – pass, but limited use.
½” socket sets [SAE (95557) and METRIC (95556)] – Pass so far; etching is a little hard to read in some light.
½” ratchet – PASS - Taiwan
½” drive 24” breaker bar – PASS - Taiwan
18 gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler – 40116 – PASS – hasn’t misfed yet. Looks like it was discontinued
3” high speed cutoff tool 47077 – Pass, but is air-hungry and loud.
3/8” air ratchet 35228 – not very powerful, loud as hell, and bulky but works great if you’ve got room, and need to get that stubborn nut/bolt off.
Air accessory kit – 42716 – PASS - $5.99 on sale
Socket holders – all metal – good enough
4 pc adapter set – 01793 – Pass, light use
6” and 12” ratcheting bar clamps – Handy to have
14 ga 25’ and 50’ orange extension cords – PASS
Transfer pump – 66418 – PASS
Blow Gun – 42939 – ½ pass – bought a second one when tip separated from the gun. The gun itself is still working (haven’t used the second gun - $1.99 on sale. I use it a lot.
41891 – Tire inflator/Gauge – PASS – gauge is 5psi off all the time, but works great and is super-quick – keeps mind sharp with mental math (reading +5psi=?)
FAIL – 41695 – Rotary Tool kit. The accessories are useable, but the tool itself is completely gutless and garbage. I think I paid $6.95, so I don’t have that much to complain about.
The way I see it, I’ve saved so much at Harbor Freight by not buying Craftsman or more expensive brands, that I can deal with the fact that they may not last as long. They got the job done when I needed them, and then lasted much longer than I paid for in my mind. I never get the extended warranties because I really don’t care if I had to buy another of the same thing if it broke. If it were something major, I would upgrade to a better one. If I relied on my tools day-in day-out, I’d buy better – but right now, HF is getting the job done. I always check the items I can for quality defects, and some things are better-made elsewhere for the same money, so you’ve got to be a bit of a smart shopper. And ALWAYS buy on sale! It seems like their tools are better than their accessories such as saw blades, drill bits, sand paper, etc. They have far more air-fittings and accessories than any Home Depot, Lowes, or TSC, and for the price, you could buy 3 of them (2 would have to fail on you) before you hit the price of a Craftsman or other recognized brand in most cases. Buy with the intent of testing whatever it is out before the warranty period is up, or carefully inspect everything about the part. Their customer service is great if you do have problems, but I sure haven't had many.
3 HP, 21 Gallon, 115 PSI Cast Iron Vertical Air Compressor - 94667 - PASS, but took some work. Removed the regulator completely - it's useless and WAY too restrictive. Compressor is rated at 115psi, but wouldn't go above 100psi (kicked on at 80psi). Took cover off of the pressure switch, turned the adjustment screw - now kicks on at 100psi and off at 120psi. I still need to tweak the other adjustment to kick it on around 90 instead of 100. I've since upgraded to the hi-flo couplers, and put a 2-outlet splitter on it so can run 2 air lines now. Just over 2 years of home garage use.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94667
Goodyear 50' 3/8" air hose - 2167 - MAJOR PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2167&Submit=Go
Pittsburg Deep Wall Impact Socket Sets [SAE and METRIC (07383) – both Taiwan CV] – MAJOR PASS – These show no signs of wear whatsoever after 5 years of tire rotations/brake-jobs, etc in my garage.
Earthquake ½” Impact Wrench – 02623 – MAJOR PASS – This thing hasn’t failed to pull off anything I throw at it. It will work the pants off of the HF $20 model rated at 230lb.ft. and is faster and less hungry for air. For the money (I paid $78 out the door on sale for $86.99 and a 15% off coupon later), it can’t be beat. Seems heavy, but well-built.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=2623
2-in-1 Air manifold - 93979 - PASS Not much to get wrong here. It seals up tight with teflon tape, and is not restrictive.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93979
Hi-Flo couplers 97631 and Hi-flo male plug set 65894 - MAJOR PASS These connectors flow as much air as 3/8” couplers (same size opening on the male ends). The male-threaded couplers however are much more restrictive than the ones I listed here.
http://search.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do?keyword=hi+flo&Submit=Go
Automatic Battery Float Charger – 42292 – MAJOR PASS – Keeps lawnmower and vehicle batteries topped off (not a charger though). - $3.99 - $5.99 on sale
2-Ton Low Profile Floor Jack – 67022 –PASS so far. On sale for $64, this thing seems very well-built and super-low to the ground 2-7/8” minimum clearance. It rolls around much easier than the “Super heavy duty” 3-ton model.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67022&Submit=Go
Spring loaded center punch – 621-7VGA - PASS I’ve used it plenty on everything from metal, wood and plastic. Hasn’t missed yet.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=621
Hand truck - PASS red model with inflatable tires - moved an upright freezer across an office building. Aired the tires up to 30 psi, strapped the freezer to the handtruck, and no problems. Also, handtruck pad that vel-cro’s to the frame of the handtruck to protect furniture from scratches – Pass.
Industrial Ear Muffs – 43768 – MAJOR PASS – For $1.99 on sale, can’t be beat.
1/2” corded drill – 3273 – PASS I bought it to build a swingset in the yard and needed a ½ “ chuck. I chose this model because of the slower speed than the hammer-drill model. It’s got plenty of guts so far, although the handle attachment seems like a weak point. I bought it on sale and with coupon for about $20.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3273
2-pack red/blue flashlights – PASS for the money for sure. I have had one die prematurely, but I’m not upset about it.
I’m tired of color coding, so here:
22-piece wrench set – more of a matte finish – Pass, but limited use.
25-piece wrench set – shiny finish – pass, but limited use.
½” socket sets [SAE (95557) and METRIC (95556)] – Pass so far; etching is a little hard to read in some light.
½” ratchet – PASS - Taiwan
½” drive 24” breaker bar – PASS - Taiwan
18 gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler – 40116 – PASS – hasn’t misfed yet. Looks like it was discontinued
3” high speed cutoff tool 47077 – Pass, but is air-hungry and loud.
3/8” air ratchet 35228 – not very powerful, loud as hell, and bulky but works great if you’ve got room, and need to get that stubborn nut/bolt off.
Air accessory kit – 42716 – PASS - $5.99 on sale
Socket holders – all metal – good enough
4 pc adapter set – 01793 – Pass, light use
6” and 12” ratcheting bar clamps – Handy to have
14 ga 25’ and 50’ orange extension cords – PASS
Transfer pump – 66418 – PASS
Blow Gun – 42939 – ½ pass – bought a second one when tip separated from the gun. The gun itself is still working (haven’t used the second gun - $1.99 on sale. I use it a lot.
41891 – Tire inflator/Gauge – PASS – gauge is 5psi off all the time, but works great and is super-quick – keeps mind sharp with mental math (reading +5psi=?)
FAIL – 41695 – Rotary Tool kit. The accessories are useable, but the tool itself is completely gutless and garbage. I think I paid $6.95, so I don’t have that much to complain about.
The way I see it, I’ve saved so much at Harbor Freight by not buying Craftsman or more expensive brands, that I can deal with the fact that they may not last as long. They got the job done when I needed them, and then lasted much longer than I paid for in my mind. I never get the extended warranties because I really don’t care if I had to buy another of the same thing if it broke. If it were something major, I would upgrade to a better one. If I relied on my tools day-in day-out, I’d buy better – but right now, HF is getting the job done. I always check the items I can for quality defects, and some things are better-made elsewhere for the same money, so you’ve got to be a bit of a smart shopper. And ALWAYS buy on sale! It seems like their tools are better than their accessories such as saw blades, drill bits, sand paper, etc. They have far more air-fittings and accessories than any Home Depot, Lowes, or TSC, and for the price, you could buy 3 of them (2 would have to fail on you) before you hit the price of a Craftsman or other recognized brand in most cases. Buy with the intent of testing whatever it is out before the warranty period is up, or carefully inspect everything about the part. Their customer service is great if you do have problems, but I sure haven't had many.
