The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
IONH
Well-known member
subarub4
Well-known member
True this happened to me on some non HF stands.. they never bent but I caught it before it fully tipped over
dreaminbimmers
Active member
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2008
- Messages
- 44
Cen-tech infrared thermometer...Pass
Been using one regularly for the last few weeks. Seems to be accurate within the given specs. Only complaint I have (and its a small one) is that it defaults to celcius. Oh yea, also doesn't work well on stainless, but I don't think many do. With coupon only $25. Definitely worth the trip to HF.
Been using one regularly for the last few weeks. Seems to be accurate within the given specs. Only complaint I have (and its a small one) is that it defaults to celcius. Oh yea, also doesn't work well on stainless, but I don't think many do. With coupon only $25. Definitely worth the trip to HF.
Attachments
should never use then on asphalt unless you have something underneath it to disperse the weight of those 4 thin legs.
Multifunction Power Tool- PASS!!! This thing is amazing, especially for the price. I've already used it to cut 1" thick floor leveler over a 4' section, trim drywall, and cut 1/2" wood paneling, and some sanding too. The head gets fairly warm, but I've beaten it like a rented mule. Link: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=67256
Edit: Oh yeah, also removed silicone caulking..I'll be stocking up on blades my next trip.
Edit: Oh yeah, also removed silicone caulking..I'll be stocking up on blades my next trip.
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lwram
Well-known member
They have the Variable Speed Multifunction Power Tool on sale for 49.99 and you can use the 20% off on it too
Indy_500
Well-known member
it's on sale at my local harbor freight for 35 or 40
lwram
Well-known member
The single speed is on sale of 35 near me and the Variable for 50
Got there version of the dremel tool: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40457
The first one I got didn't turn on..Was pretty ticked about that..But when I exchanged it, the new one had a different on/off switch - So I guess they corrected the problem.
Worked pretty good from the limited use I got out of it. Was only $15 with the 20% off coupon.
In the last week I have also got a free flashlight, screwdriver set, and tape measure. slickdeals.net has all the coupons. The tape measure it pretty nice. I should go back and get another before it expires. The screwdrivers I'm sure are cheap..but they'll be good for around the house type stuff. I have several of the flashlights now. Try to keep one in each car and each room of the house.
Oh, and I also bought the 4" digital caliper. Works great.
Few months ago I bought the stand up blast cabinet. Pretty impressed with it. No real complaints.
If you notice earlier in this thread I pretty much stated I was done dealing with HF. Well, like a drug attic, I'm back. The quality seems to be improving - and it's important to do a net/google search for the part # you're considering buying. Ive definitely learned to spend more money up front and get it right to begin with, then wasting money on something that will just break. However, it's still nice to have a cheap option for us poor lower/lower middle class types.
My local HF is packed every time I go in..They're sucking so much business away from Sears it's crazy. I think if HF plays their cards right, they can be huge in a few years. Theres also really no other place to go for many of the things they sell. Especially automotive type stuff - unless you have time to order online.
The first one I got didn't turn on..Was pretty ticked about that..But when I exchanged it, the new one had a different on/off switch - So I guess they corrected the problem.
Worked pretty good from the limited use I got out of it. Was only $15 with the 20% off coupon.
In the last week I have also got a free flashlight, screwdriver set, and tape measure. slickdeals.net has all the coupons. The tape measure it pretty nice. I should go back and get another before it expires. The screwdrivers I'm sure are cheap..but they'll be good for around the house type stuff. I have several of the flashlights now. Try to keep one in each car and each room of the house.
Oh, and I also bought the 4" digital caliper. Works great.
Few months ago I bought the stand up blast cabinet. Pretty impressed with it. No real complaints.
If you notice earlier in this thread I pretty much stated I was done dealing with HF. Well, like a drug attic, I'm back. The quality seems to be improving - and it's important to do a net/google search for the part # you're considering buying. Ive definitely learned to spend more money up front and get it right to begin with, then wasting money on something that will just break. However, it's still nice to have a cheap option for us poor lower/lower middle class types.
My local HF is packed every time I go in..They're sucking so much business away from Sears it's crazy. I think if HF plays their cards right, they can be huge in a few years. Theres also really no other place to go for many of the things they sell. Especially automotive type stuff - unless you have time to order online.
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babyjay8495
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2008
- Messages
- 52
I agree. I know they have taken a ton of my business away from sears. With the quality of sears going down fast and HF quality going up (compared to what they were ten years ago) it's hard to pay twice as much at sears.
danc333
Well-known member
18 Gauge 2-in-1 Nailer/Stapler: PASS
I just purchased this today. Model 97524/40116. It was on sale for $19.99 minus 20% off. I paid $16. I used when I got home for a project. Drove about 100 1 1/4" staples into 3/4" plywood. I have to say I am very happy.
No Jams. I used HF Brand Staples for most of my project, but I also tried some Porter Cable staples that i had and they work fine as well. I have some more projects planned to use this so I will update if I have any issues.
Double-duty gun handles staples up to 1-1/2", brads up to 2". Patented. Ideal for interior and exterior finish and trim, furniture, cabinet work, staircases, paneling, and crafts.
* Air consumption: 4-6 SCFM
* Depth adjustment for flush or below-level fastening
* Single sequential safety trip mechanism
* 360º exhaust
* Magazine viewing window
* Fastener capacity: Brad nails 1/2" to 2", Staples 3/4" to 1-1/2"
I just purchased this today. Model 97524/40116. It was on sale for $19.99 minus 20% off. I paid $16. I used when I got home for a project. Drove about 100 1 1/4" staples into 3/4" plywood. I have to say I am very happy.
No Jams. I used HF Brand Staples for most of my project, but I also tried some Porter Cable staples that i had and they work fine as well. I have some more projects planned to use this so I will update if I have any issues.
Double-duty gun handles staples up to 1-1/2", brads up to 2". Patented. Ideal for interior and exterior finish and trim, furniture, cabinet work, staircases, paneling, and crafts.
* Air consumption: 4-6 SCFM
* Depth adjustment for flush or below-level fastening
* Single sequential safety trip mechanism
* 360º exhaust
* Magazine viewing window
* Fastener capacity: Brad nails 1/2" to 2", Staples 3/4" to 1-1/2"
Attachments
Coach James
Well-known member
Multi Meter
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899
Pass.
I bought several of these for my physics and chemistry students to use and they have been fine. I have had to replace a few fuses, or actually I gave the fuses to my students and made them do it, but that has been the only issue.
An added bonus was I got them on sale for $2.99
Coach
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899
Pass.
I bought several of these for my physics and chemistry students to use and they have been fine. I have had to replace a few fuses, or actually I gave the fuses to my students and made them do it, but that has been the only issue.
An added bonus was I got them on sale for $2.99
Coach
alamerang
Well-known member
Electronic Fly Swatter
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40122
Super PASS
This is definitely in the top 25 best things I have ever bought at Harbor Freight. Down here in south TX we get mosquitoes so bad that you cant even stand to be outside sometimes. When I got this I was at the end of my rope with these things and sprays and repellent only did so much to help. I got this thing and didn't have too high of an expectation for it. Wow was I surprised! Just push and hold the button, swing and watch em fry. This thing is awesome.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40122
Super PASS
This is definitely in the top 25 best things I have ever bought at Harbor Freight. Down here in south TX we get mosquitoes so bad that you cant even stand to be outside sometimes. When I got this I was at the end of my rope with these things and sprays and repellent only did so much to help. I got this thing and didn't have too high of an expectation for it. Wow was I surprised! Just push and hold the button, swing and watch em fry. This thing is awesome.
TireTracks
Well-known member
This thread makes me wish we had a harbor freight closer than 90 miles away, not really close enough to shop at, and i would spend a ton on gas.
Indy_500
Well-known member
i forgot this one (i'm sure i've forgotten a couple more)
a texture paint spray gun. i use it and i lend it to my uncle like 5 times a year and it just keeps on running! it works awesome and looks really good
a texture paint spray gun. i use it and i lend it to my uncle like 5 times a year and it just keeps on running! it works awesome and looks really good
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Indy_500
Well-known member
also, i got a bolt cutters from there too, doesn't move as freely as i wish but it cuts the bolts i want it to cut
Yes that is a good one.
IONH
Well-known member
Very cool to hear. I bought one a couple years ago but never actually used it. We also have a huge mosquito problem where I live (wetlands behind my house).Electronic Fly Swatter
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40122
Super PASS
This is definitely in the top 25 best things I have ever bought at Harbor Freight. Down here in south TX we get mosquitoes so bad that you cant even stand to be outside sometimes. When I got this I was at the end of my rope with these things and sprays and repellent only did so much to help. I got this thing and didn't have too high of an expectation for it. Wow was I surprised! Just push and hold the button, swing and watch em fry. This thing is awesome.
How is the battery life?
SCscoutguy
Well-known member
I have one of these and I LOVE it! I have a problem with carpenter bee's boring holes into my shop and I knock the **** out of them with mine all of the time. Sometimes they stick to the metal netting and you can smell them burn as the electricity cooks them.Electronic Fly Swatter
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40122
Super PASS
This is definitely in the top 25 best things I have ever bought at Harbor Freight. Down here in south TX we get mosquitoes so bad that you cant even stand to be outside sometimes. When I got this I was at the end of my rope with these things and sprays and repellent only did so much to help. I got this thing and didn't have too high of an expectation for it. Wow was I surprised! Just push and hold the button, swing and watch em fry. This thing is awesome.
Auzivision
Well-known member
Free is better: http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/SingleMagLanders/americanprofile/images/flash_c.jpg
I pick one up every week. Lately, on Friday’s I stop by after work just for fun and usually reward myself with some sort of new tool. Eventually, I’m gong to run out of thinks to buy. At first I was very leery about the quality and durability of HF products, but to date I’ve had very few failures on anything costing more than a couple bucks. I’d say 95% or better of everything I’ve purchased there has met or exceeded my expectations. 99.9% of the money I’ve spent there has been well worth it.
Pass:
½ impact sockets, standard wrenches, mechanics creeper, mover dollies, 3 shelf shop cart, 29” heavy duty tool stand (hold vise and grinder), dead blow hammer, disposable paint brushes (used for fiberglass work), multifunctional tool (save my but several times), impact screw driver, flexible ratchet (the more expensive model $9), cargo bar, 6” buffer, 3000 lb racing jack, magnetic parts holders, pliers, mini precision screw drivers, tape measures (especially the free ones), bike hoists, trouble lamps, OBD II scanner, brake bleeder, funnels, quick clamps, corded Dremel (the more expensive model $19), heat gun, multi meter, tarps, painter canvas, nitrile gloves, mini LED lights (especially free ones), 15 LED flashlight, two wheel hand truck with inflatable tires, hose clamps, various fasteners, little yellow pry bars, 440 lb electric hoist, palm sander, finger ratchet, hex sockets, extension bars, socket swivels, ½ breaker bar, pipe cutter, bungee cords, wire ties, retractable extension cord, retractable pressure hose reel, safety glasses, micrometer, calipers, Swanson Square (look a like), oil filter wrench, folding utility knife, 60 piece tap and die set, picks with black plastic handles, chisel & punch set, and who knows what I forgot.
Fail:
Auto fuses, latex gloves, cheap flex ratchets (3 for $10), cheap corded Dremel ($6), orange ratchet straps (they work, but easily get out of adjustment), plastic folding saw horses, little picks, and the hand pump siphon.
I don’t make a living using tools… just a weekend warrior. Sometimes, I begin to wonder how I got by before Harbor Freight.
Anyone ever check out this site? http://hfreviews.com/ Looks promising, but not that complete (yet).
z28snksknr
Well-known member
Flux core wire = FAIL.
Just look at my "make a new welder better" thread in the fab section to see how bad it is.
Just look at my "make a new welder better" thread in the fab section to see how bad it is.
alamerang
Well-known member
Depending on how often you use it, pretty good. Just use alkaline batteries and the not the heavy duty ones...
mkdive
Well-known member
That's funny we picked one up a couple years ago. Actually worked pretty well on flies and smaller insects. Works OK on larger bugs...there was a pesky hornet that met its match. The hornet was so big that once he got zapped on the grid he was stunned not killed. Took about a 30 seconds to a minute of zaps before he was a gonner. Reminded me of those stories of the guys on death row that went to the electrical chair.....but didint die on the first flip of the switch. That hornet was sparking and smoking for a good 30 seconds. A few black widows also felt the rath of that gadget at my FIL's house. Im thinking of modding it a little to see if I can get more output out of it.
I give it a PASS also
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tufffordtruck
Member
I have had decent luck with the flux core wire. I am not a very experienced welder by any means, just a hobbyist who likes to tinker. I have used several spools of the HF flux core and solid mig wire, various sizes, and can say I've had no problem with it. I can't say it is good as a "name brand" wire, but I wouldn't necessarily give it a fail. This includes the flux core and mig wire.
mkdive
Well-known member
Anyone have any experience with one of these dovetail jigs from HF???
The website says it cuts half blind joints....if anyone has it, can it also cut "through dovetails" aka "plain dovetails" also?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34102
The website says it cuts half blind joints....if anyone has it, can it also cut "through dovetails" aka "plain dovetails" also?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34102
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Re the dovetail machine, I have one, it works as advertised. It does NOT make through dovetails.
It is a copy of a US make, don't remember which one. The same one, also imported, is sold under different names at woodworking supply houses for more money.
Adjustments are critical for that type and they have been discussed in woodworking magazines. Sorry, don't remember which one. A little trial and error on scrap lumber will get it going. Making drawers is that machines main use. Sorry I can't give more details but I made some things with it and haven't felt the urge lately.
KEH
It is a copy of a US make, don't remember which one. The same one, also imported, is sold under different names at woodworking supply houses for more money.
Adjustments are critical for that type and they have been discussed in woodworking magazines. Sorry, don't remember which one. A little trial and error on scrap lumber will get it going. Making drawers is that machines main use. Sorry I can't give more details but I made some things with it and haven't felt the urge lately.
KEH
PASS:
13 Piece 1/2" Laser-Etched Metric Impact Socket Set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9421
4 Piece 1/2" Drive Impact Extension Set
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2689
3/4" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=808
13 Piece 1/2" Laser-Etched Metric Impact Socket Set:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=9421
4 Piece 1/2" Drive Impact Extension Set
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2689
3/4" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=808
billymade
Well-known member
Bought a pair of $5 mechanics gloves; copy of the "Mechanix" brand.... used them all day, for $5 they worked well! PASS!
i have not used the harbor freight strippers but, i have owned 4 cheap pairs of strippers now, all were junk after a day of hard use they would get floppy then not take the coating off for ****. i bought a pair of klien and have got twice the use out of this pair than the other four combined.
SocketDeviler
Well-known member
Cheap strippers litter the bins of just about every pawn shop I've been to. Unless you need it for that moment invest in a better pair. There's some good used cheap ones out there if money is an issue. I've even scored used Kleins at pawn shops for less than new HF models.
Indy_500
Well-known member
got the thumb ratchets today, the 1/2 in. drive locked up. so i guess FAIL i will be exchanging them soon. hopefully the next ones are good.
shocksystems
Well-known member
Re: 10 Piece 1/2" Torque Limiting Extension Bar Set
Pass for me so far. Have seen little use though.
Cheers!
Jim
Pass for me so far. Have seen little use though.
Cheers!
Jim