There have been several threads on that topic - the mods are deleting or combining new ones in favor of a single thread to avoid having a page full of HF Jack threads.
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
There have been several threads on that topic - the mods are deleting or combining new ones in favor of a single thread to avoid having a page full of HF Jack threads.
seber
Well-known member
I've never had a problem returning or warrantee at Lowes. If you bought it there they should have you on file by your phone number. I don't keep receipts either. No problem. That is, unless you refuse to give your phone number when you purchase.
I'd vote a pass for HF posting my negative product reviews as written. 
And I recommend reading the product reviews at HF for additional info.
The one's written by "don't have a clue" posters are easy to spot.
I've written some 1 star reviews on other sites and they never made it to product reviews.
And I recommend reading the product reviews at HF for additional info.
The one's written by "don't have a clue" posters are easy to spot.
I've written some 1 star reviews on other sites and they never made it to product reviews.
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emeraldcoupe
Well-known member
they looked up my number and said their history didn't go back that far. long story short, i was able to get it replaced after a talk with the tool dept manager. it wound up being about a half hour to get it done.
Fail on a bed extender for a new F150. At it’s highest setting the bar is still ~5” lower than the bed floor. Part of that is droop at the hitch due to shallow engagement. I didn’t feel like drilling a new hole as I would lose extension and it would still be low. Returned it.
https://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/truck-bed-extender-69650.html
Today was a fail on the Ames 2.7" borescope. It was dead out of the box. The lcd screen would power up and show blue and not operate the scope attachment. Ill try take number 2 tomorrow and report back.
Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk
Sent from my LML713DL using Tapatalk
JRC3
Well-known member
Even if the next one works, I think I'd avoid relying on that ****** 90 day warranty that it will keep working. Instead spend $9 more and get a lifetime warranty with a Ridgid. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Micro-CA25-Inspection-Camera-40043/203258908 It states that the Ames display is bigger but a lower resolution, IDK, bet they're pretty comparable. Well, not the warranty.
---------------------
Not to mention
Ames: This item is subject to a 20% restocking fee
Ridgid: Returnable 180-Day
That's twice as long as the HF warranty. LOL
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I bought a Rigid a few years ago and it saved my **** on a jammed door lock on my truck. The actuator rod dropped and jammed and I couldn't remove the inside panel because I couldn't open the door. It was like laproscopic surgery. That said, if you need a borescope, I would forget about both Rigid and HF. Get a much cheaper camera from Amazon or ebay that will display on a laptop or tablet. The small screens on the Rigid and HF are very difficult to figure out where you are or what you are looking at.
JRC3
Well-known member
Use your phone too.
No matter what, explore your options and don't assume HF has the best price. 10% less is meaningless when you are tossing the tool in the trash because it doesn't work. Or that the HF "great price" somehow supersedes potential use of customer service or warranty.
I've looked at some of those ebay scopes. Sure they have short warranties or customer service, but they are only like 15-20 bucks IIRC. That evens out and gives them good value even if they fail a year later.
Google is your friend, explore your options.
I’ve had good luck with the Bauer electric tools. Most recently the orbital sander, reciprocating saw, and the 35lb pro demo hammer. All three used at a professional capacity, and still chugging away. A pass for all three in my book.
chicane
Well-known member
Absolute F*****g garbage. Took them back for store credit after the second set.
PITTSBURGH
1/2 In. Drive Impact Star Bit Socket Set, 8 Pc.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-67896.html
PITTSBURGH
1/2 In. Drive Impact Star Bit Socket Set, 8 Pc.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-67896.html
Absolute F*****g garbage. Took them back for store credit after the second set.
PITTSBURGH
1/2 In. Drive Impact Star Bit Socket Set, 8 Pc.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-67896.html
and the reason was...?
Motorman55
Well-known member
chicane
Well-known member
JerryC
Well-known member
chicane
Well-known member
chicane
Well-known member
subarub4
Well-known member
Back when I first went to HF I got that one and I agree!
Anyone have any experience with the ball joint set? I picked it up today I need to push some ball joints out
https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-63279.html
Anyone have any experience with the ball joint set? I picked it up today I need to push some ball joints out
https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-joint-service-kit-for-2wd-and-4wd-vehicles-63279.html
Absolute F*****g garbage. Took them back for store credit after the second set.
PITTSBURGH
1/2 In. Drive Impact Star Bit Socket Set, 8 Pc.
https://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-67896.html
I've used these quite often with both ratchets and impacts without issue. Had them for several years.
Bogie1632
Well-known member
That set works fine. Not the toughest on the block but mine is still going strong after lots of abuse on Chevys and Dodges. Actually held up better than a Mac I used to use but it cost a lot less. Do yourself a favor... clean any rust off before you press with a wire wheel and a bit of lube on the threads. Always hoped mine would give up and bend so I could get a nicer one but that hasn't happened yet.
V/R
Bogie
I've used these on brake calipers, etc. with no problems, but I usually held my breath, to avert problems, but I'd probably have to with any brand Torx tool on large fasteners, due to the innapropriate use of them, which is about anywhere.
Hex head bolts, seemed to get the job done, for the last 190 years, but somewhere they were deemed "not good enough"
HomeTheaterMan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2016
- Messages
- 493
My experience with the ball joint press was a fail. The actual c press seems to be made of fairly weak metal and spread out after just a few uses making it useless. Unfortunately it only has a 90 day warranty, so I was unable to get it replaced. Looking around online, I see this is a common complaint and I'm not the only one with this experience.
I'd personally spend the little bit extra for the Astro, or the OTC. Or better yet, just rent one from the parts store.
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subarub4
Well-known member
I’m trying to find my OEM spring compressor right now I don’t want to have to get the HF one of I can avoid it.. we will see how this ball joint tool goes I had to get two cans of Mapp gas I’m going into this just cutting bolts and replacing the hardware due to rust.
I got the largest dead blow hammer HF sold yesterday but I need to go back again to get a breaker bar just in case I can’t press out the upper ball joint.
subarub4
Well-known member
Gloves are definitely starting to show up in stores now at least the blue version mostly xxl size or xl picked up a few titanium drill bits hoping they work for what I need it for.
thool
Well-known member
Pittsburgh 3 Jaw Puller Set #63953 - PASS
Needed to remove a keyed pulley that was stuck to a mower engine crankshaft. (There was actually rust that had crept in there and fused them.) My old method involved prying, sweating, swearing and a lot of time. Time to buy the right tool for the job.
This kit came with 3 pullers: small, medium, large. The jaws have holes in different places to change the angle of engagement.
I don't know what was holding me back so long from "splurging" on such a useful product!
Needed to remove a keyed pulley that was stuck to a mower engine crankshaft. (There was actually rust that had crept in there and fused them.) My old method involved prying, sweating, swearing and a lot of time. Time to buy the right tool for the job.
This kit came with 3 pullers: small, medium, large. The jaws have holes in different places to change the angle of engagement.
I don't know what was holding me back so long from "splurging" on such a useful product!
DGersic
Well-known member
7 Gallon Mixing Tub. SKU(s) 46936
Don’t have anything that needs mixing in a tub right now, but “pass”. I’m using it as a **** catcher while working on the car. Works even better than sheets of cardboard.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
Attachments
JRC3
Well-known member
You can buy that tub at any box store too. I use the hell out of mine...Great for draining coolant or trans fluid. Also great for putting under brake work when you have to replace a caliper or line.
Coolant, oil, trans fluid...A little brake Kleen and some paper towels and it's good as new ready for the next task.
Coolant, oil, trans fluid...A little brake Kleen and some paper towels and it's good as new ready for the next task.
jonesg
Well-known member
the large and medium pullers stripped out on me first use.
I was hammering them good with an impact.
Pulling a damaged timing gear pulley from a crankshaft.
Just not up to the task.
Got it free using a harmonic balancer puller.
Good for light duty but can't take a beating.
I abuse my tools and they like it.
Dale Gribble
Member
Anybody use the Icon 1/4” or 3/8” Roto-Ratchets? Curious on backdrag. Bought the GW set and they were horrible so returned them and looking for something decent for less than SO prices.
thool
Well-known member
Also save those aluminum lids you get when you get a bowl at Chipotle. They're thick enough to form into handy funnels and gutters when draining oil from small engines, and also make good trays for soaking small parts like greasy bushings and bolts.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The Daytona brand jacks are great. Also the chrome and impact sockets are good too I am a professional mechanic and used them when I first started out and now I use them for work at home they have held up nicely. Don’t buy the line wrench’s or any of the wrenches I haven’t had good luck with them. Screwdrivers are also junk.
HF Quick Connect brass garden hose set is a definite pass. Love them for use in garden and on the short hose in my shop sink.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
fartymarty
Well-known member
Another good review for the HF corded pole chain saw. When needed it will do more than light trim work. PASS
I don't have a lot of chain saw experience so I sort of enjoyed the added safety of long distance sawing, although there were a few handle clearance issues where I was working too close to cars in the drive, that was easily resolved by being less lazy and just moving stuff around to get clearance.
I had a quad trunk oak tree alongside my driveway lose one of it's 4 trunks due to wind and crotch rot a few days ago. It was in my neighbors front yard so I wanted it gone fast. At first it appeared too much for me to do, but all the tree places were busy and even the most hopeful couldn't do any more than give me an estimate on the next day....so using only a pair of Fiskar bypass loppers and the HF pole saw my son and I managed to get it all chopped up. I did use a sawzall to make a clean cut where the trunk/branch was still attached to the main tree. All the rest of the cutting was done with either the Fiskars or the pole saw. The pole saw cut like a champ until near the end I got lazy and quit picking up the branches that were on the ground. I thought the grass was thick enough that when I went through the branch I'd be able to stop before I sawed into the dirt...didn't happen ..I dulled the chain and it it slowed down considerably after just a few cuts. In my defense it was over 100 degrees and I'm 70 (he did it! he pulled both the hot and the age card as an excuse for being stupid and lazy!) However there wasn't much more to cut at that point maybe 3-4 more cuts at most so it plowed on but the cuts were much slower. The larger stuff was of course cut from both sides as the saw bar wasn't as long as they were thick. I had to replenish the bar oil tank once but other than that it cut like a champ until I dulled the blades in the dirt. (Operator FAIL) So I saved a lot of money and just have to sharpen a small chain. I'll give it shot with a round file ..but if that lazy in me rises up I may just buy a new one.
(click photo for photos/video link)
I don't have a lot of chain saw experience so I sort of enjoyed the added safety of long distance sawing, although there were a few handle clearance issues where I was working too close to cars in the drive, that was easily resolved by being less lazy and just moving stuff around to get clearance.
I had a quad trunk oak tree alongside my driveway lose one of it's 4 trunks due to wind and crotch rot a few days ago. It was in my neighbors front yard so I wanted it gone fast. At first it appeared too much for me to do, but all the tree places were busy and even the most hopeful couldn't do any more than give me an estimate on the next day....so using only a pair of Fiskar bypass loppers and the HF pole saw my son and I managed to get it all chopped up. I did use a sawzall to make a clean cut where the trunk/branch was still attached to the main tree. All the rest of the cutting was done with either the Fiskars or the pole saw. The pole saw cut like a champ until near the end I got lazy and quit picking up the branches that were on the ground. I thought the grass was thick enough that when I went through the branch I'd be able to stop before I sawed into the dirt...didn't happen ..I dulled the chain and it it slowed down considerably after just a few cuts. In my defense it was over 100 degrees and I'm 70 (he did it! he pulled both the hot and the age card as an excuse for being stupid and lazy!
) However there wasn't much more to cut at that point maybe 3-4 more cuts at most so it plowed on but the cuts were much slower. The larger stuff was of course cut from both sides as the saw bar wasn't as long as they were thick. I had to replenish the bar oil tank once but other than that it cut like a champ until I dulled the blades in the dirt. (Operator FAIL) So I saved a lot of money and just have to sharpen a small chain. I'll give it shot with a round file ..but if that lazy in me rises up I may just buy a new one.(click photo for photos/video link)
JRC3
Well-known member
7 Gallon Mixing Tub. SKU(s) 46936
Don’t have anything that needs mixing in a tub right now, but “pass”. I’m using it as a **** catcher while working on the car. Works even better than sheets of cardboard.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
Maybe they come out of the same factory in China, but I kind of prefer the mixing tubs from Home Depot, also thy have a couple sizes.
afm
Member
Maddox 64985 vacuum coolant tester/filler. Paid $59.99.
Definitely "PASS"! It's much nicer than any other vacuum filler I've used.
Definitely "PASS"! It's much nicer than any other vacuum filler I've used.
JRC3
Well-known member
I'm surprised HF doesn't offer a version of this. Maybe like 19.99 or less, I think they'd sell pretty well. I bought a Lisle a year or two ago and love it. Woulda bought a cheaper HF version way earlier if I'd walked into a store and seen it looking at me.
afm
Member
Same here, but the Lisle magic funnel is pretty cheap.
Another pass: Icon 1/4" roto ratchet. I couldn't resist the 20% off Icon coupon.
chappys4life
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2008
- Messages
- 421
I just moved to the icons and wayyyy better. My old crusty jeep they are crucial
chicane
Well-known member
UPDATE: on the light bar
https://www.harborfreight.com/845-lumen-underhood-rechargeable-work-light-63990.html
Piece of junk. The battery lasts 5 minutes and the AC cable that I had to use to keep it constantly charged broke.
https://www.harborfreight.com/845-lumen-underhood-rechargeable-work-light-63990.html
Piece of junk. The battery lasts 5 minutes and the AC cable that I had to use to keep it constantly charged broke.