The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Dying Fetus]

Harbor Freight 11 Piece Adjustable Hand Reamer Set - MAJOR PASS!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38577

I've been rebuilding my front axle and needed a reamer to ream out the kingpin bushings. The reamer I wanted was $122.44 from McMaster. I almost wanted to take the spindles to a machine shop to have them reamed out, but I ran across this reamer set at Harbor Freight. With a 20% coupon, it came out to like $68. 11 reamers for $68 or 1 reamer for $122.44? Hmmm, it wasn't a hard decision.

I must say, I was a little skeptical about the quality, but it's been great so far. I've only used one of them on a bronze bushing, but it worked perfectly. I don't know how it would perform on steel or harder materials, but for reaming out bushings, they're great!

 

[BigSteve63]

Been lurking for awhile - first time posting!

My .02

3/16" x 11' and 3/16' x 33' fiberglass wire running kits. Have 2 of the 33' kits and 1 of the 11'. Use them constantly to fish wire up/down walls, across drop ceilings, etc. Work just as well as the $45 dollar sets - for 9.99 and 11.99 respectively. Definite PASS

 

[IONH]

HF Scissor Lift #46604 definite Pass!

Bought it through the store and used a 20% off coupon. Ended up being somewhere around $720 (or so, I forget exactly) with tax I think including a 2 year ESP.

The motor came wired backward so the motor spun in the wrong direction and wouldn't pump fluid. I figured this out by taking the hydraulic pump sandwich plate off and attaching a drill to figure out what direction it should spin and to verify the sandwich worked. Once that was fixed, the lift worked right away and required no significant bleeding.

The minimum height is an issue with all of my cars, but with the rubber posts removed, I can get on it with just one 2x4. With my other car it requires I get a little higher so I built some ramps which are about 6" tall that I can drive the entire car on and lift from there.

Overall, I am pleased with this lift. I gave it a 4 due to the week or so off and on it took me to rewire the issue. HF technical support suggested the wires were wrong on my second call which I had prematurely dismissed as I did not wire the motor itself. Apparently they had seen this before. This is the only reason I put 4 instead of 5 stars.

Also, my garage ceiling is only about 8.5'. If my SUV is on it, I cannot raise the lift enough to engage a lock as the first locking point is too high. Because of this, I am sure to always toss a tire under the side if I am working below just in case the car decides to fall. No issues with sagging/falling yet though in the dozen or so times I have used the lift even if I left the SUV on it overnight.

 

[IONH]

1/2" Extendable Ratchet - 98831

I have used this ratchet a handful of times so far and it is working great. I gave it a 4 out of 5 just because I haven't used it long enough to know if it will really hold up. However, I used it to remove a couple of caliper bolts (took some heavy hand banging) as well as some head bolts and it didn't even flinch.

Think I paid something along the lines of $13 with tax after a 20% off coupon when it was on sale.

Would definitely recommend to anyone who doesn't have one and ever has a need to reach for a wrench or pipe to put on their regular ratchet. You don't know what you ever did without this after a short while!

 

[mkirkpatrick]

Impact screw driver

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=37530

Major fail, the philips screws broke off in the screw heads with one hit, returned it today.

the 25 inch breaker Pass.

 

[the spyder]

1) Step Bits- pass!
2) 3/8 swivel impact sockets, metric, PASS!
3) Timing Light *(Taiwan) saved my ***, PASS!
4) Western Safety nitrile cloth/grey cloves- $1.99 PASS
5) Composite 3/8 ratchet PASS!
6) 3" cut off, PASS
7) Right angle die grinder PASS

 

[Auzivision]

I've used this impact screwdriver on several occasions:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ct...cpc&zmam=13262200&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=93481


Never broke a bit, but did round out a screw head once.

 

[rochbicyclist]

Harbor Freight 11 Piece Adjustable Hand Reamer Set - MAJOR PASS!!

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=38577

....

I must say, I was a little skeptical about the quality, but it's been great so far. I've only used one of them on a bronze bushing, but it worked perfectly. I don't know how it would perform on steel or harder materials, but for reaming out bushings, they're great!

I used one of these to ream out the steel seat tube on a bicycle so that a seatpost would fit. Granted, I didn't have to remove much material, but it worked fine. I suspect long-term durability is where these would fail.

 

[IONH]

Has anyone tried the "12 Volt Wet/Dry Auto Vacuum" item number 66163? It is currently on coupon for $9.99 regular $15.99 and it seems like a pretty neat idea if it has enough sucking power.

Item not found on hfreviews.com

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66163

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/itc/7641/Images/124.jpg

 

[beartoothweb]

Has anyone tried the "12 Volt Wet/Dry Auto Vacuum" item number 66163? It is currently on coupon for $9.99 regular $15.99 and it seems like a pretty neat idea if it has enough sucking power.

Item not found on hfreviews.com

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=66163

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/html/itc/7641/Images/124.jpg

I have a 110 rechargeable version of that thing, and it's TERRIBLE. It's not made by HF or their supplier though. I've never found a 12v vacuum that can deliver much more than very basic touch up, which you can do with a hand roll full of duct tape.

 

[lwram]

picked up one of their service carts with one ball baring drawer (part#90428-0VGA) first off, the first i bought, one of the shelves was banged up pretty bad so i had to take it back and exchanged it for another one. the second one had a small dent on the front of the drawer but i said f**k it. The finish on the cart is chipping on the lower corner so that ***** but besides that the cart seems to be good and will work as my car dealing cart.

If i bought it for the $100 price i might say fail but since i bought it with the 49.99 coupon i am going to say PASS

 

[bchee]

picked up one of their service carts with one ball baring drawer (part#90428-0VGA)........

If i bought it for the $100 price i might say fail but since i bought it with the 49.99 coupon i am going to say PASS

I got that one and painted it green. I also give it a PASS for $50
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90428

It's not as "large" as advertised.

The casters were a PITA to get on until I figured out a trick.

 

[bchee]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95578

Drill master grinder (blue) PASS

More specifically, the brushes pass.

I bought one maybe 10 years ago for $10.

I've gone through 3 cutting discs and 2 grinding discs. Nothing major

I was using it the other day. I accidentally dropped it and it stopped working. I decided to change the brushes (yes, still had the brushes after 10 years) and it works again!

 

[ToolDude]

32 Piece Screwdriver Set - PASS

Unlike so many cheap screwdrivers, these have magnetic tips, a comfortable grip, and they can withstand moderate abuse. I don't recommend using one as a chisel or prybar, but generally, they're pretty awesome.

The rubber grips, though, discolor when introduced to brake fluid, so I found out...

For $5.99, you can't beat 'em.

HERE

 

[ToolDude]

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.

I was thinking about buying the Fein, until I saw the Craftsman cordless. Then I was going to buy that, until I saw the Dremel. I was going to buy that until I saw this. So, this one is about $50 cheaper than the Craftsman or Dremel, do you think it will stand up to weekend use - like, every weekend?

 

[ToolDude]

2" Industrial C-Clamp - FAIL

I needed to push a brake piston in, so grabbed this outfit to do the job quickly. Well, it didn't do it all that quickly or well, as the entire shaft literally bent, like sizzling copper; it just bent.

Normally, I use the proper tools for such jobs, but I didn't have access to them at the time, so I used this, and well, I had to go get the proper tools.

It's only a $1.29, so it's good for some things, I'm sure, but definitely not for brake jobs.

HERE

Most of the Harbor Freight products I own are fantastic. They're great buys, and, considering the price of other brands, they're the obvious buy. I just can't see spending $100 on a tool Harbor Freight has for half that, and of comparable quality.

Few things I won't buy from HF: Sockets, Ratchets, and Drills. Just won't do it.

 

[Scotto]

2" Industrial C-Clamp - FAIL

I needed to push a brake piston in, so grabbed this outfit to do the job quickly. Well, it didn't do it all that quickly or well, as the entire shaft literally bent, like sizzling copper; it just bent.

Normally, I use the proper tools for such jobs, but I didn't have access to them at the time, so I used this, and well, I had to go get the proper tools.

It's only a $1.29, so it's good for some things, I'm sure, but definitely not for brake jobs.

HERE

Most of the Harbor Freight products I own are fantastic. They're great buys, and, considering the price of other brands, they're the obvious buy. I just can't see spending $100 on a tool Harbor Freight has for half that, and of comparable quality.

Few things I won't buy from HF: Sockets, Ratchets, and Drills. Just won't do it.

That's asking quite a bit IMO for a little 2" C-clamp. They aren't made to put down that much pressure. I've always used the HF 6" C-clamps for calipers and never had a problem.

 

[fxt]

That's asking quite a bit IMO for a little 2" C-clamp. They aren't made to put down that much pressure. I've always used the HF 6" C-clamps for calipers and never had a problem.

like i was taught on this forum. there is a proper tool for ever job, and most tools fail because of improper use and abuse.

 

[Randy_che]

I was thinking about buying the Fein, until I saw the Craftsman cordless. Then I was going to buy that, until I saw the Dremel. I was going to buy that until I saw this. So, this one is about $50 cheaper than the Craftsman or Dremel, do you think it will stand up to weekend use - like, every weekend?

I use mine most weekends. I have the variable speed model. My wife makes fun of me because I'm always talking about how cool this tool is. I'm still finding ways to use it. Cuts PVC pipe like buttah. Move a door latch - forget the chisel. Cuts roots around your sprinkler lines. Trims wood in tight places.

I'm thinking about trying the grout blade on Hardie cement siding next. I have a small hole to patch and don't want to jack with a bunch of siding boards to replace the one board. Figure I can cut a very precise patch and it will be nearly invisible with caulk and paint. I looked at the Dremel version of the half-circle grout blade at Lowes. It was about $40. I didn't pay much more for the whole tool at HF. The similar blade at HF is $15. Assuming they work the same (and this tool leads me to believe they probably will), that's a big difference in price.

 

[pp702nw]

Large bearing separator
Pass, after modification with die grinder, so it wasn't pulling up on the cage.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3979

20 ton press
Barely pass. Plate broke. Small space on bottom "table". Presses unevenly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32879

3 Ton Super Heavy Duty Floor Jack
Pass. so far so good
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=34271

10 Piece Bearing Race and Seal Driver
Pass, but, had to modify a driver to fit my race. Screw that holds driver to handle lossens quickly. Finished job with a SO handle.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95853

Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Band Saw
Pass,so far. Just got it
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93762

52 Piece Sanding Cone Set
Fail. Shanks broke quickly.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96826

 

[pp702nw]

more

1'' Dial Indicator
pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33675

6" Digital Caliper
pass barely. after a year the jaws were suddenly, no longer parallel. I adjusted them and the brass drag strip won't say put. Dosen't always return to 0, when closed
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=47257

Multipositional Magnetic Base with Fine Adjustment
Fail. Magnet weak. Adjusting posts stripped out trying to get it to hold tight.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5645

0 to 1" Range Digital Micrometer
pass. Turns kinda rough at times.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=895

Tubing bender
pass
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3755

Double Flare Kit
Pass. but i remember cussing at it for some reason. Must of worked though
Can't find it on the website. Discontinued?

 

[lwram]

I got that one and painted it green. I also give it a PASS for $50
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90428

It's not as "large" as advertised.

The casters were a PITA to get on until I figured out a trick.

I figured out a trick as well. i beat the **** out of them with a hammer until they were seated all the way in

 

[Big_John]

7 Function Multimeter. Big time Fail!

I wasn't expecting much, and they had these on sale for $3 the other day. All I wanted was something cheap to check AC and DC voltage and continuity around the house. Pretty much "do I have power or not" It didn't have to be real accurate (I have a Fluke DMM) just a little better then a test light. ... and if it got dropped off a ladder I wouldn't feel bad.

Well... I bought two. I was checking the charger/battery on my Grandson's power wheel and the first one went up in smoke when I checked the 110V AC voltage. The second one got hot when I checked the 12V DC!

As I say, I wasn't expecting much.. but not even one use!

 

[IONH]

Horizontal/Vertical Metal Cutting Band Saw
Pass,so far. Just got it
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93762

What have you used this on so far? I got one a few months ago and haven't taken it out of the box yet.

 

[pp702nw]

What have you used this on so far? I got one a few months ago and haven't taken it out of the box yet.

Just on some scrap 1 1/4 tube 'bout 11 gauge or 1/8 thick. and other thin scrap. Nothing fun yet. Used just enough to try it out and set it up.

 

[Arne73]

Combination wrench rings (look like big old fashioned shower curtain rings).
Pass-
One has worn thru the chrome plating and is showing copper. Looks kinda cool and is a quick ID for the metric ring.

In general I find the store a bit depressing. It's like a museum to Chinese copy cat cheapness. There are display items that show obvious manufacturing defects and quality problems. I know there have been plenty of "PASS" grades but I think it's a bit of a gamble.

 

[Jordan]

You know whats funny? From what I can see, most have a passing grade! Better then I thought! Great thread BTW!

 

[SocketDeviler]

7 Function Multimeter. Big time Fail!

I wasn't expecting much, and they had these on sale for $3 the other day. All I wanted was something cheap to check AC and DC voltage and continuity around the house. Pretty much "do I have power or not" It didn't have to be real accurate (I have a Fluke DMM) just a little better then a test light. ... and if it got dropped off a ladder I wouldn't feel bad.

Well... I bought two. I was checking the charger/battery on my Grandson's power wheel and the first one went up in smoke when I checked the 110V AC voltage. The second one got hot when I checked the 12V DC!

As I say, I wasn't expecting much.. but not even one use!

I bought one of those about two years ago for the same price to test batteries at home and so far it's held up very well but to be honest I half expected it to blow up on first use.

 

[Tom2]

I have one and it's worked fine.. If you have things plugged in wrong, then it can obviously get overheated and wires will melt, etc..

 

[paramedic]

one thing with harbor freight is the pass fail is a matter of personal opinion, the other thing is there quality varies day to day and store to store. ihave had things that worked great then i friend gets it and it doesnt work at all. everything in the store is a gamble sometimes you get really lucky, sometimes it flops

 

[Bolster]

You know whats funny? From what I can see, most have a passing grade! Better then I thought! Great thread BTW!

When I started this thread I expected to see as many "FAIL" as PASS. My own grades are more harsh than the average, I give about half of all HF products a fail.

There is certainly a psychological variable at play. There is some face-saving that goes on, a sort of "I'm not a fool, and I bought it, so it must be good" cognitive dissonance reduction. In many people (not all) there is a hesitancy to publicly admit a mistaken purchase. And to others, if it simply accomplishes the task (no matter how badly or slowly) then it's a 'pass.'

On the other hand, it's a safe bet that if it fails here, you don't want it!

 

[shadetree57]

Ya'll broke my heart. I was going this weekend to buy the bench drill press but all I can find on it is bad reviews. Well, You guys should know so I'll save my money til I can buy a better brand. Thanks.

 

[Art From De Leon]

I bought one of those about two years ago for the same price to test batteries at home and so far it's held up very well but to be honest I half expected it to blow up on first use.

"I wasn't expecting much, and they had these on sale for $3 the other day. All I wanted was something cheap to check AC and DC voltage and continuity around the house. Pretty much "do I have power or not" It didn't have to be real accurate (I have a Fluke DMM) just a little better then a test light. ... and if it got dropped off a ladder I wouldn't feel bad.

Well... I bought two. I was checking the charger/battery on my Grandson's power wheel and the first one went up in smoke when I checked the 110V AC voltage. The second one got hot when I checked the 12V DC!

As I say, I wasn't expecting much.. but not even one use! "

All you are showing between your thread and the thread that you quoted is that there is no consistency in the 'quality' of HF products.

 

[SocketDeviler]

All you are showing between your thread and the thread that you quoted is that there is no consistency in the 'quality' of HF products.

I think that's been well established in the 50+ previous pages not to mention the countless other HF threads. I merely posted my experience with the same meter which in general is what this thread is about.

 

[Big_John]

I have one and it's worked fine.. If you have things plugged in wrong, then it can obviously get overheated and wires will melt, etc..

If by "things", you mean the test leads, I can assure you they were. Its not my first time using a multi-meter.

As said, it does show inconsistency in how well this particular product works. If I had bought three, perhaps the third one would have worked just fine... or perhaps not. For the most part, I've had good luck with the HF stuff, but I also tend not to buy just anything there.

 

[Tom2]

If by "things", you mean the test leads, I can assure you they were. Its not my first time using a multi-meter.

As said, it does show inconsistency in how well this particular product works. If I had bought three, perhaps the third one would have worked just fine... or perhaps not. For the most part, I've had good luck with the HF stuff, but I also tend not to buy just anything there.

Gotchya..I wasn't implying you were doing anything wrong. (you probably know more about electronics than I do) I have in the past..And the wires cook pretty fast Even still, they still worked when the leads were hooked back in correctly.

 

[IONH]

Just on some scrap 1 1/4 tube 'bout 11 gauge or 1/8 thick. and other thin scrap. Nothing fun yet. Used just enough to try it out and set it up.

I also bought it primarily for tubing. The 14" metal cutting chop saw just doesn't "cut it" (pun intended) for accuracy anymore.

 

[tpolley]

6.5hp great dane engine.
it runs great. it's a little hard to start. i have to choke it every time even if its warmed up. it has plenty of power for my tiller. its much quieter than the old briggs. i filled up the fuel tank, tilled two gardens twice and the fuel level has barely gone down. it seems very fuel efficient. the accessory holes are different so i have to fabricate a bracket for the belt tensioner on my tiller. at 109.99 on sale its not a bad engine. some people say they only last a year bofore they **** out but with all the people modding them and taking the governer off for race engines you can't always trust what people say.
i'm gonna have to say pass.

 

[Tom2]

Very nice.. I was going to buy one this last parking lot sale. They were $89, and you could use a 20% off coupon. But I chickened out, since I didn't want to buy an engine that I wouldn't be needing to start for another 8 months. If they do another sale like that closer to Fall, I'll snag it for certain.

 

[metal1313]

im about to buy the one of their engins, but i may shake it apart as its going to have a counter-weighted pulley on it to vibrate the dirt out of 6-8 yards of gravel. but i have heard very good things about them, as well as the interchangeability of honda parts