The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[bwringer]

67994 1/4 In, 3/8 In. Drive Long Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet PASS.

Bought after reading it had one of the thinnest heads available on any ratchet, with or without flex. The mechanism is smooth, the flex joints are tight (I cheated a bit by trying every one in stock and picking the best one), and the long handle gives a lot of extra leverage. Really handy when there isn't enough clearance for a normal ratchet, some extra torque is needed, and room to swing a breaker bar into alignment is limited (example: 24mm belt tensioner bolt on a mid-engined Porsche 986 or 987).

This thing is the secret weapon that needs to be in every tool box. When you need it, you REALLY need it. It seems to come out almost every time I have to monkey with a serpentine belt.

Combine it with a couple of sets of extra-shallow sockets (no idea why HF doesn't sell these), and you have super powers to reach the unreachable, turn the unturnable, and give the finger right back to the dipshit engineers who want you to drop the engine to change a belt.

It would be great if they made the same sort of thing in a 3/8" X 1/2" drive version, too.

Also, I don't know whether there'a a version of this in any other tool brand.

 

[jinx18]

Wow, this is an awesome review! I love the level of detail and thought you put into your purchase.

I have a slightly smaller generator with many of the same features, and have put off an important task: a laminated pictorial guide for use. Anyone in my household should be able to follow the sequence from wheeling it out, connecting it, handling the transfer switches, running, and tear-down.

What are you doing as far as fueling? I kept mine fully fueled for years, with stabilizer, and a couple runs a year to make sure it ran ok. A few years back, I drained everything and fogged it, so it will need fuel as part of the startup procedure.

Thank you!

As far as fueling I am kind of up in the air currently. For now I keep it full with gas treated with sta-bil storage which says keeps gas fresh up to 2 years and I leave the fuel petcock on. Every month or so I will run it for a little to make sure everything is good. I have considered shutting the fuel petcock and running it until it stalls but even then a bit of fuel will stay in the bowl of the carb. I don't want to remove the bowl to drain the additional left because I do try to start it pretty often and it is more trouble and risk of something going wrong removing the bowl a dozen times a year. I think this is the best compromise.

 

[619DioFan]

30 foot retractable extension cord reel -

PASS - Have only had it about a week but so far so good. operates smoothly , all metal construction ( atleast outside ) has 3 outlets on it, put it in the area I use my 4 1/2 inch grinders the most. very helpful. the reviews were good so took a chance. the 20 percent off coupon worked with it so was about 35.00 out the door.

 

[toyotadriver]

The regular Central Pneumatic hose reels, both the 25 ft and the 50 ft are a pass. I have three of them (2 50ft and 1 25ft). The hose they come with is garbage though. I replaced the hoses with a hybrid hose of some type from a local farm store and they work great. I doubt they would hold up to commercial use but for home use, I like them.

I’ve bought them all on sale so for the sale price, you can’t beat them. Just plan to replace the hoses.

 

[JRC3]

^
Yep, had my 50' for a couple years now...I just keep cutting the hose back a few inches and reinstalling a barbed coupler. It is time to replace the whole hose though. The reel is a little clunky but it's solid and has always worked as it should and has never noticeably leaked air/hissed.

 

[zktk01]

For the few times I needed heat it worked great. Smoked a bit the first time I started it, but been fine since. Used it for heat shrink and to ignite smoker pellets, it definitely gets hot! For under $10 with the coupon it gets a solid pass.

I have used the Heat Gun for Several years no problems.

 

[dalepres]

I just bought a chipper/shredder from Harbor Freight because it was the only place in town to buy one and I want to be able to return it if it fails. I won't get to test it or rate it for a few weeks but I'll follow up then.

I took a chance on this because of the 6.5 HP predator engine. I bought a gas-engine compressor several years ago and it mostly sat idle and I failed to treat the gas or drain it. Of course it quit working but an $11.00 carb from Amazon brought it back to life. Worst case, the complete engines are on sale right now for $99.00. How do you beat that? There's almost no risk in something that I can replace the entire engine for that price.

Considering my comments, I guess I can say that the 6.5HP Predator engine air compressor is definitely a pass.

But what I wonder if pass/fail is more personal than across the board for an item. With cheap China stuff (as compared to some expensive China stuff) I think you get inconsistency. One may post a pass here but others have fails, and vice-versa.

 

[dalepres]

Oh, I forgot one thing. A couple months ago, I bought the Predator 6500 watt generator as well. Again, I wanted something I could return locally if I needed to and there is no other place in town selling portable generators.

So far, it's definitely a pass. It's only been run a couple times; my son used it on a construction job for a few days and it ran all his tools just fine. I just bought the 10 inch heavy-duty wheel kit and I'll take the generator out of the shed this weekend, attach the wheel kit, and give it a test run. I have a generator feed connector and generator main panel in the house so I can hook it up if we lose power.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

i'll 3rd this. i'm happy with it and it's built pretty nice.

so i still give this a pass after two years, other than the cheap, worthless plastic front wheels that don't roll worth a damn. i replaced them with a pair of poly casters, all good now.

 

[HamAndEggs]

New Jack, Low Profile Long Reach 3 Ton

This gets the pass from me, very nice

 

[MINIz guy]

67994 1/4 In, 3/8 In. Drive Long Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet PASS.

Bought after reading it had one of the thinnest heads available on any ratchet, with or without flex. The mechanism is smooth, the flex joints are tight (I cheated a bit by trying every one in stock and picking the best one), and the long handle gives a lot of extra leverage. Really handy when there isn't enough clearance for a normal ratchet, some extra torque is needed, and room to swing a breaker bar into alignment is limited (example: 24mm belt tensioner bolt on a mid-engined Porsche 986 or 987).

I agree with this. I bought mine 5 years ago and used it daily at a Porsche shop for 4 months. Mine is a little worn out now (might need to be lubed up), but I have not found a thinner ratchet head. I only wrench for fun now, so this ratchet has been "semi-retired".

 

[Movin/on]

Harbor freight 1200 Lb. strap winch. Item 62537
Fail item and could be dangerous.
The winch itself is a decent quality and lifts just as it says.
BUT the locking pawl hole in the 2 I've bought is in the wrong location.
The pin for the raise/lower, free wheel and lock lever works but does not fall into the lock hole.
An easy fix by drilling a 1/4" hole but should not be necessary and is an accident and injury ready to occur. AS well if you want to lock the winch you have to go past freewheel so your load/pull will not have anyway to stop it from rolling back off the trailer until you get the pawl in the locking position.
Movin/on

Edit: This winch is a gear drive and not a ratcheting winch so the locking pawl is mandatory.

 

[gearhead1960]

67994 1/4 In, 3/8 In. Drive Long Reach Dual Flex Head Ratchet PASS.

Bought after reading it had one of the thinnest heads available on any ratchet, with or without flex. The mechanism is smooth, the flex joints are tight (I cheated a bit by trying every one in stock and picking the best one), and the long handle gives a lot of extra leverage. Really handy when there isn't enough clearance for a normal ratchet, some extra torque is needed, and room to swing a breaker bar into alignment is limited (example: 24mm belt tensioner bolt on a mid-engined Porsche 986 or 987).

I just bought one of these based on your recommendation. Used the friends and family 25% off and $20 HF cash. Ended up paying $2.25 after tax. It is definitely worth the price now.....

 

[itb76]

I seldom shop HF as I generally don't like cheap tools. However this jack seems well built and fits under a low (4 inch ride height) car. I've had it for several years and it's served me well and definitely is a PASS.

Tools I don't use often, but are indispensable when needed, I don't mind buying at HF. The 1,000 lb. engine stand and hydraulic press are not the best made tools but do OK since I don't use them that often.

The one that was a definite FAIL was a front wheel drive bearing remover. At just over $100 it was a tempting buy, but I broke it in less than 30 minutes without getting my bearing out. They were good about refunding my money. An OTC hub grappler kit was over $400 but is up to the task. Not often used but does the job when I need it.

 

[mc4life27]

Pittsburgh Panel Clip Pliers - PASS



These are on ITC special so why not. Now, here's where I get extra: Obvious rough casting/stamping. It was raining one day so I filed the edges smooth and took some steel wool to the rough parkerized finish. about 20m of work and now they look almost as good as they work

I have to disagree and say these are fails. I used to install car stereos and speakers and what not into car professionally for 15 plus years and removed many and many of panels and what not in cars. They always seemed to be to thick to fit between the panel, to fat to fit into the clip or just overall just sucked. I keep telling my self one day this will save my **** so I have kept it but I have been pushing it around my box for 7-10 years and recently tossed in them into the tool box that o have with tools that just never had a place in my garage


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Mr onetwo]

I really like these Bremen clamps....definite pass.Very handy and can be used as a spreader also.Bought 4 of the 6" ones and 2 of the 12" so far

 

[dagofast]

I really like these Bremen clamps....definite pass.Very handy and can be used as a spreader also.Bought 4 of the 6" ones and 2 of the 12" so far

I just spent 5 minutes staring at photo next to your name. I have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[nerd86]

Verdict on 3-ton aluminum jack stands?

 

[toyotadriver]

Recently got some of the Braun shop lights. Got a linkable 5500 and a few linkable 3000 lights. Installed them and I like them. Very bright and the price was good (used a special coupon for when you buy two or more) Definite pass

 

[toyotadriver]

I really like these Bremen clamps....definite pass.Very handy and can be used as a spreader also.Bought 4 of the 6" ones and 2 of the 12" so far

I have a few of their regular cheaper ones. I’d give them a pass but I have had a couple fail. Since you can’t have enough clamps, I’d say they are pretty decent for the money. I will likely try some of these eventually because they look like they are a bit better.

 

[toyotadriver]

The Maddox cooling system test and refill kit is a good pass. Makes filing hard to bleed cooling systems very easy.

https://www.harborfreight.com/cooling-system-test-and-refill-kit-64985.html

 

[kinglew]

black pick up tool big fail had 2 both fail pick item full extended the come a part at joint of extension big fail

 

[zendriver]

Verdict on 3-ton aluminum jack stands?

Get a pair and report back - pass or fail.

 

[25WildBlue]

3 1/2 cu ft cement mixer. PASS

I did about 20 fence posts, 2 bags per post, then rebuilt all my single and double vinyl gates with massive 8 bag (50lb) footings and filled posts.
Did a large block curb around my shed, etc....probably 100 bags went through this summer and worked great.

Get it on sale if you can for the $175 price they always do.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-1-2-half-cubic-ft-cement-mixer-67536.html

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Braun 5000 luman shop lights are a pass for me. Got 3 to replace some 8ft fluorescents and what a difference. Also got one for my wife’s makeup mirror and she says she really likes it

 

[Deadsquiggles]

24 ft outdoor lights are a pass. They're obviously not bright because they aren't meant for that. But they seem to hold up well so far despite me dropping them, and the mounting holes at each light are the perfect size for a #10 woodscrew. And they look good, and come with extra bulbs.

 

[dodge610]

4ft. Braun 5000 LED lights are a big pass just installed 2 of them in my shop as replacements for 2 other lights. Man those LED lights are bright.

 

[tom coffey]

Rotary tool (Dremel knock-off) FAIL. I should've known better, but I didn't have a Dremel then and I needed one ASAP. It lasted long enough to get the job done but burned out soon after. I bought a like new genuine Dremel in a thrift store soon thereafter for less than I paid for the Chinese knock off.

 

[slackdaddy1]

Any low end HF 4.5 angle grinder,,
I have run a few of the lowest and next to lowest,,,
I never got more than 30 minutes of run time before serious bearing chatter,
and within 1 hour unusable.
I'll stick with the $79 2/pack of cheap DeWalts

 

[bobcatdan]

Rather annoyed the Icon 1/2" drive metric impacts set have a useless 26mm socket, but skip 24mm. Other than that they are pretty nice.

 

[Snapped-off]

The Maddox cooling system test and refill kit is a good pass. Makes filing hard to bleed cooling systems very easy.

https://www.harborfreight.com/cooling-system-test-and-refill-kit-64985.html

Curious what you used it on. My duramax is due for new coolant and I was thinking of trying this out.

 

[toyotadriver]

Curious what you used it on. My duramax is due for new coolant and I was thinking of trying this out.

I used it on a RZR 800. They are notoriously hard to bleed. Worked perfectly.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a few of their regular cheaper ones. I’d give them a pass but I have had a couple fail. Since you can’t have enough clamps, I’d say they are pretty decent for the money. I will likely try some of these eventually because they look like they are a bit better.

I've been very impressed with the bremen locking pliers as well. They're as good as anything currently sold in my opinion.

 

[guitarbutt]

The $14.99 (with coupon $9.99) angle grinder. I have 4 with no issues. Each one has a different disc, because they were cheap enough to buy several grinders. All 4 have been great and I use them mostly for making and shaping knives, sharpening big blades, and burrs here and there

 

[slowtwitch73]

The 40$ green Pittsburgh electric chainsaw is kick ***.

 

[badmotofing3r]

I'll give the Roadshock light bars a pass. The wiring kit makes it super easy as well. They may not be the brightest light bar but they do feel well made. I've installed three now. A 22" on my Tundra, 14" on my father in-laws work truck and a micro 8" one on my Yamaha Grizzly.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[laser3kw]

Originally Posted by nerd86
Verdict on 3-ton aluminum jack stands?

Get a pair and report back - pass or fail.

unfortunately,if they fail, we may never hear back

 

[nbpt100]

I've been very impressed with the bremen locking pliers as well. They're as good as anything currently sold in my opinion.

I have a Bremen locking seamer and it is great for the money. It has a 1/4 inch square drive hole so you can get it very tight with a ratchet. Not as nice as my Milwaukee, but the differences are minor. I would recommend it.

I also recently picked up a Braun LED 2 in one flash light/work light with magnetic base. So far it has been great. You can adjust the angle it stands on or your can hang it from a hook. I hate the cheap/free flash lights they have. They fall apart quickly. I have used this a lot since December and feel solid. This is a keeper.

 

[fartymarty]

Any low end HF 4.5 angle grinder,,
I have run a few of the lowest and next to lowest,,,
I never got more than 30 minutes of run time before serious bearing chatter,
and within 1 hour unusable.
I'll stick with the $79 2/pack of cheap DeWalts

The $14.99 (with coupon $9.99) angle grinder. I have 4 with no issues. Each one has a different disc, because they were cheap enough to buy several grinders. All 4 have been great and I use them mostly for making and shaping knives, sharpening big blades, and burrs here and there

So I wonder why there are such different results for the same item? I have a couple but to be honest I don't use them very much now. So, with little usage they seem fine....once I start welding I imagine I'll be using them a lot more...is that when they're gonna let me down?

 

[dagofast]

So I wonder why there are such different results for the same item? I have a couple but to be honest I don't use them very much now. So, with little usage they seem fine....once I start welding I imagine I'll be using them a lot more...is that when they're gonna let me down?

I'd say it depends on how many hours a day and how hard you push them. I've got a couple of the $9.99 HF grinders, one almost 15 years old, and they do as good a job as the MUCH more expensive Milwaukee grinder hanging next to them. Is the Milwaukee nicer? Sure, a little. It was also a whole bunch more expensive. If you're grinding 8 hours a day and pushing it hard, spend the money on a better grinder if that floats your boat. If it's something you only use occasionally and you aren't pushing it to the limits? The HF grinders are awesome. Even if it dies after a dozen jobs or a few years, you're out a whopping $9.99. It paid for itself.