The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Odd-job]

Well I guess my trusty 6 ton jack stands need to go back home.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/amp...-ton-heavy-duty-steel-jack-stands-033120.html

Funny they picture the newer red jack stands not the older grey ones which are probably more likely to be subject to the recall. Not sure if anyone can confirm this. Mine are the grey ones.

 

[ndnchf]

If they are the same part number, take them back. No reason to take chances.

 

[Wrench97]

Good looking weld...............................not.

 

[Motorman55]

Yep, got the same number on my gray 6-Ton stands.

 

[Odd-job]

If they are the same part number, take them back. No reason to take chances.

Yep thinking this a good excuse to upgrade to Hein Werners and or a quick jack. The HFs have served me well this being said. Bought them before joining Garage Journal and getting a taste of the good stuff.

Looks like Hein Werners are $100 @ Zoro and then hopefully can use a 25% off coupon the next time they come around.

 

[Tas biker]

Well the last 2 years (spring time) I have had to replace my trailer wiring harness both purchased from HF. I bought the LED version last spring hoping it would last longer for no good reason other than just because.

My ground wire attachment point to the frame was just hanging. So I go and attempt to strip the wire back and attach another ring terminal to it, not happening. The wire would just snap complete off, no wire exposed. I tried using a utility knife to strip the covering off and any attempt to slide that off the wire would just break/disintegrate. Interesting, the wiring coming out from the actual taillight was good though.

So I just happen to have 20+ ft of an old wiring harness that I picked up at a yard sale that was good.

Not sure if anyone has had this happen to them. So at this point I would classify this as a FAIL.

 

[Kenstone1]

Well the last 2 years (spring time) I have had to replace my trailer wiring harness both purchased from HF. I bought the LED version last spring hoping it would last longer for no good reason other than just because.

My ground wire attachment point to the frame was just hanging. So I go and attempt to strip the wire back and attach another ring terminal to it, not happening. The wire would just snap complete off, no wire exposed. I tried using a utility knife to strip the covering off and any attempt to slide that off the wire would just break/disintegrate. Interesting, the wiring coming out from the actual taillight was good though.

So I just happen to have 20+ ft of an old wiring harness that I picked up at a yard sale that was good.

Not sure if anyone has had this happen to them. So at this point I would classify this as a FAIL.

I'm not sure if this is what you are referring to but I always add a ground wire(s) to the harness that goes to each light and is connected to the ground wire stub at the connecter, with no connection to the frame.

 

[Shadowdog500]

You should make this it’s own thread as a PSA.

Well I guess my trusty 6 ton jack stands need to go back home.

https://www.consumeraffairs.com/amp...-ton-heavy-duty-steel-jack-stands-033120.html

Funny they picture the newer red jack stands not the older grey ones which are probably more likely to be subject to the recall. Not sure if anyone can confirm this. Mine are the grey ones.

 

[ptgarcia]

Nice DR, FartyMarty.

 

[Bogie1632]

You should make this it’s own thread as a PSA.

I believe a thread was already made about these a few days ago.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=449501

V/R
Bogie

 

[tez929rr]

46 inch mobile storage cabinet - pass. Setting up as a portable reloading bench. Nicely made, even the packaging was well done. Amazing value at under $250 on sale.

 

[toyotadriver]

Pass on the Earthquake XT ultra compact torque wrench. Got one recently and I'm impressed. Used it to take off some lug nuts today and it zipped them off without any issues. Plenty of power especially for such a small impact. I have a larger impact I usually use to remove lug nuts but wanted to test this one out.

 

[darkzero]

I have the gray 6 ton jackstands also, when I saw that thread & the video I went & checked mine. Mine is not the affected p/n nor does it have the issue shown in the video. I got my gray ones right when they changed from orange to gray.

This past week or so I was at 5 different HFs, I noticed that not a single one had any 6 ton jackstands in stock (newest red ones). 4 of the stores I went to didn't have any 3 tons either. One store did have 3 tons both the old gray ones h new red ones. Also looks like they don't carry the 12 tons anymore.

Anyways, I went & bought cut off disc arbor today. I was surprised at the COO. Not the first time I have seen this but really it doesn't mean that much to me anyway.

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the gray 6 ton jackstands also, when I saw that thread & the video I went & checked mine. Mine is not the affected p/n nor does it have the issue shown in the video. I got my gray ones right when they changed from orange to gray.

This past week or so I was at 5 different HFs, I noticed that not a single one had any 6 ton jackstands in stock (newest red ones). 4 of the stores I went to didn't have any 3 tons either. One store did have 3 tons both the old gray ones h new red ones. Also looks like they don't carry the 12 tons anymore.

Anyways, I went & bought cut off disc arbor today. I was surprised at the COO. Not the first time I have seen this but really it doesn't mean that much to me anyway.

I thought I'd read somewhere they were trying to bring more MiUSA to the stores.

 

[bubinga]

Pass on the Earthquake XT ultra compact torque wrench. Got one recently and I'm impressed. Used it to take off some lug nuts today and it zipped them off without any issues. Plenty of power especially for such a small impact. I have a larger impact I usually use to remove lug nuts but wanted to test this one out.

Good to Know.
I know the 1st. generation earthquake was killer, albeit heavy.
Have not had the need to buy the 2nd generation series.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Pass on the Earthquake XT ultra compact torque wrench. Got one recently and I'm impressed. Used it to take off some lug nuts today and it zipped them off without any issues. Plenty of power especially for such a small impact. I have a larger impact I usually use to remove lug nuts but wanted to test this one out.

I've had this for a while now, it's a powerful gun. and there was a coupon for $89 when I bought it, it was a no brainer.

 

[66HertzClone]

46 inch mobile storage cabinet - pass. Setting up as a portable reloading bench. Nicely made, even the packaging was well done. Amazing value at under $250 on sale.

I brought one of those home yesterday afternoon. I am going to use the lower portion to store my jack stands and the HF transmission jack. I have a vision of making a back splash like panel that I can quickly attach to the rear panel. It would have an outlet strip and a mount of the magnifying glass lamp that I have. This will give me a mobile workspace for use in the garage.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I didn’t review the whole thread to see if it was already in here but the Basic Welding cart, the one with 3 shelves total and no handle- pass and fail. If you’re looking for a cheap welding cart, it’s fine and it gets a pass there for overall function. The fail portion is the hardware that came with it. It appeared to be 7mm(?) hardware that stripped fairly easy. So fail there. I’ll definitely be replacing the hardware with 1/4” bolts as nyloks like I’ve seen done before if I don’t buy or build a better cart.

Edit: added picture.

 

[Kenstone1]

I didn’t review the whole thread to see if it was already in here but the Basic Welding cart, the one with 3 shelves total and no handle- pass and fail. If you’re looking for a cheap welding cart, it’s fine and it gets a pass there for overall function. The fail portion is the hardware that came with it. It appeared to be 7mm(?) hardware that stripped fairly easy. So fail there. I’ll definitely be replacing the hardware with 1/4” bolts as nyloks like I’ve seen done before if I don’t buy or build a better cart.

Edit: added picture.

Why not just "weld 'er up" instead of changing out the hardware.
It's what I did...
You do have a welder, right

 

[Deadsquiggles]

Why not just "weld 'er up" instead of changing out the hardware.
It's what I did...
You do have a welder, right

Lol I should’ve thought of that

 

[aka Larry]

Why not just "weld 'er up" instead of changing out the hardware.
It's what I did...
You do have a welder, right

FWIW, I "welded up" a HF 4x8 utility trailer for a friend. Say what you will about HF, but that Chinese powdercoat is good stuff. Yes, it will turn from red to pink in a just few months when exposed to UV, but it's hell to get off with a grinder for welding.

 

[Bacon!]

Have any of you had a long wait for orders placed recently? I'm going on a couple weeks with a "pending" status on my last order... not complaining, I have sympathy for the situation, but would like more info and feedback from others in this boat.

 

[Motorman55]

Have any of you had a long wait for orders placed recently? I'm going on a couple weeks with a "pending" status on my last order... not complaining, I have sympathy for the situation, but would like more info and feedback from others in this boat.

Yes, only received half my order last week. Waiting since April 4th for my Pole Saw to be shipped. So far HF only charged my CC for the 4 wheels they shipped. I really need that Pole saw. Have a couple limbs to cut off from a couple trees in the back/side yards.

 

[bubinga]

Why not just "weld 'er up" instead of changing out the hardware.
It's what I did...
You do have a welder, right

 

[Kenstone1]

FWIW, I "welded up" a HF 4x8 utility trailer for a friend. Say what you will about HF, but that Chinese powder coat is good stuff. Yes, it will turn from red to pink in a just few months when exposed to UV, but it's hell to get off with a grinder for welding.

I used a stiff/knotted wire wheel to remove the paint/powder coat on the joints before welding.

 

[may0naise]

I am sure it has been said before, but the 8" Portland polesaw is a pass. I have a huge tree that died and have been trimming it back b4 I rent a saw and for the $40 I paid it has exceeded my expectations

 

[DGersic]

I didn’t review the whole thread to see if it was already in here but the Basic Welding cart, the one with 3 shelves total and no handle- pass and fail. If you’re looking for a cheap welding cart, it’s fine and it gets a pass there for overall function. The fail portion is the hardware that came with it. It appeared to be 7mm(?) hardware that stripped fairly easy. So fail there. I’ll definitely be replacing the hardware with 1/4” bolts as nyloks like I’ve seen done before if I don’t buy or build a better cart.



Edit: added picture.

I have this cart, and it’s fine. I have a Hobart 140 on mine, so I’m curious if yours is just right for being unable to open the side door because it hits the edge of the shelf.

I should fix that, one of these days.




Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Lennyzx11]

I have this cart, and it’s fine. I have a Hobart 140 on mine, so I’m curious if yours is just right for being unable to open the side door because it hits the edge of the shelf.

I should fix that, one of these days.




Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

I fixed mine with my Hobart MVP210.
I cut a piece of plywood and put it on the shelf raising the welder slightly. Problem solved.

Some people flip that top shelf so the lip points down.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[darkzero]

The Mobile Base is showing on clearance now but the price is still $40 in store & online. Looks like it's going to be discontinued.

% coupons don't work on them anymore since it's a Central Machinery brand. The last one I bought a yr ago I used a 25% coupon that didn't say Central Machinery on it but the system wouldn't accept it. Store manager gave me the discount. I found a hidden link through Google that lists a coupon code for $10 off (25%), in store & online. Just went & picked my 4th one.

Been holding up my 3 ton arbor press fine for yrs. Instructions say to use wood for the frame but I use square metal tubing.

 

[Motorman55]

9.5 in. 7 amp Corded Elec. Pole Saw. #62896, 68862, 63190..... PASS.

Got tired of waiting for the one I ordered On-line to come in the mail, so I went down to the local HF (they had 4 in-stock) and picked one up.

It's well made and easy to assemble. Requires bar & chain lube so make sure you pick up a quart if you don't have any. Uses very little to fill the reservoir. A quart will last a long time.

I used it today to trim the limbs on a tree in the back yard and it worked great. A little top heavy in the extended position, but no problem. Cut thru the 3" limbs like butter. Have a lot of others to trim yet.

Well worth the $59.99 with the coupon.

 

[demarpaint]

9.5 in. 7 amp Corded Elec. Pole Saw. #62896, 68862, 63190..... PASS.

Got tired of waiting for the one I ordered On-line to come in the mail, so I went down to the local HF (they had 4 in-stock) and picked one up.

It's well made and easy to assemble. Requires bar & chain lube so make sure you pick up a quart if you don't have any. Uses very little to fill the reservoir. A quart will last a long time.

I used it today to trim the limbs on a tree in the back yard and it worked great. A little top heavy in the extended position, but no problem. Cut thru the 3" limbs like butter. Have a lot of others to trim yet.

Well worth the $59.99 with the coupon.

I checked those out a while ago and held off because I couldn't find a replacement chain in my store, and when I asked no one had an answer, so I didn't do any further investigating. Can you get a replacement chain for it? Thanks.

 

[zendriver]

I checked those out a while ago and held off because I couldn't find a replacement chain in my store, and when I asked no one had an answer, so I didn't do any further investigating. Can you get a replacement chain for it? Thanks.

https://www.ebay.com/i/233209048608...oNekG42BVpy7pVGN2mRS2wRX_Yy-VWTxoCPHMQAvD_BwE

 

[demarpaint]

https://www.ebay.com/i/233209048608...oNekG42BVpy7pVGN2mRS2wRX_Yy-VWTxoCPHMQAvD_BwE

Many thanks!

 

[ForrestT]

I have this cart, and it’s fine. I have a Hobart 140 on mine, so I’m curious if yours is just right for being unable to open the side door because it hits the edge of the shelf.

I should fix that, one of these days.




Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

Same with mine. Thought about putting a piece of plywood under welder to bump it up so it doesn’t catch the door.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Motorman55]

https://www.ebay.com/i/233209048608...oNekG42BVpy7pVGN2mRS2wRX_Yy-VWTxoCPHMQAvD_BwE

Great! Fast answer...

 

[Kenstone1]

I checked those out a while ago and held off because I couldn't find a replacement chain in my store, and when I asked no one had an answer, so I didn't do any further investigating. Can you get a replacement chain for it? Thanks.

An Oregon brand/PN, good reviews:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harbor-Fre...Lv5PairwiseWeb&_trksid=p2386202.c100677.m4598

 

[demarpaint]

An Oregon brand:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Harbor-Fre...Lv5PairwiseWeb&_trksid=p2386202.c100677.m4598

Thank you.

 

[Deadsquiggles]

I have this cart, and it’s fine. I have a Hobart 140 on mine, so I’m curious if yours is just right for being unable to open the side door because it hits the edge of the shelf.

I should fix that, one of these days.




Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

Yeah just like a few people said before me, it hits the door but you can fix it with a piece of plywood. I just haven’t done it yet.

 

[bubinga]

The Mobile Base is showing on clearance now but the price is still $40 in store & online. Looks like it's going to be discontinued.

% coupons don't work on them anymore since it's a Central Machinery brand. The last one I bought a yr ago I used a 25% coupon that didn't say Central Machinery on it but the system wouldn't accept it. Store manager gave me the discount. I found a hidden link through Google that lists a coupon code for $10 off (25%), in store & online. Just went & picked my 4th one.

Been holding up my 3 ton arbor press fine for yrs. Instructions say to use wood for the frame but I use square metal tubing.

NICE!!! I used wood for my powermatic Sander base, and it worked quit well. Thanks for the heads up!

 

[darkzero]

NICE!!! I used wood for my powermatic Sander base, and it worked quit well. Thanks for the heads up!