geaugafletcher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Messages
- 215
Heh heh... Yup, I'm sure. Coming right out of the shipping crate and cardboard, the boxes both had that distinctive Chinese rubber smell. It's already dissipating, though.
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
- Thread starter Bolster
- Start date
occupant
Active member
Harbor Freight's website a few months back - FAIL
It was hard to find items and there were flashy things all over the page and it really didn't like Chrome or Opera.
Harbor Freight's website now - PASS
Slick interface, easy to search and drill down to what you want, even has reviews on-site now but I'd take them with a grain of salt just because that's what THIS thread is for.
1/4" drive $9.99 ratchet/socket set in a blue and clear case - FAIL
I took this out of the package the day I bought it and tried to use it to change the starter solenoid in my Torino. The head stripped after installing the cables on the solenoid and I had to use wrenches to tighten my battery cable clamps to actually be able to start the car. I returned it and used my store credit to get a handful of screwdriver bits and a ratcheting tiedown strap. Both of which didn't last a month of moderate usage. So FAIL begets two FAILS. I didn't bother returning these and actually haven't been to HF in a few months because of it.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. My parents sent me $50 in a card. I need an engine stand and would have to save another $150 for a shop crane. But I think I'll just hit up on my wife for $50 instead of $150 and buy each of them used. Guy in Austin has what I need I just gotta get him to respond to emails.
It was hard to find items and there were flashy things all over the page and it really didn't like Chrome or Opera.
Harbor Freight's website now - PASS
Slick interface, easy to search and drill down to what you want, even has reviews on-site now but I'd take them with a grain of salt just because that's what THIS thread is for.
1/4" drive $9.99 ratchet/socket set in a blue and clear case - FAIL
I took this out of the package the day I bought it and tried to use it to change the starter solenoid in my Torino. The head stripped after installing the cables on the solenoid and I had to use wrenches to tighten my battery cable clamps to actually be able to start the car. I returned it and used my store credit to get a handful of screwdriver bits and a ratcheting tiedown strap. Both of which didn't last a month of moderate usage. So FAIL begets two FAILS. I didn't bother returning these and actually haven't been to HF in a few months because of it.
Tomorrow is Father's Day. My parents sent me $50 in a card. I need an engine stand and would have to save another $150 for a shop crane. But I think I'll just hit up on my wife for $50 instead of $150 and buy each of them used. Guy in Austin has what I need I just gotta get him to respond to emails.
Coach James
Well-known member
Occupant, can you post a link? I don't see that set on their website.
1/4" socket/ratchet set. Limited pass.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ce-sae-1-4-quarter-inch-socket-set-41722.html
I keep this set in the filing cabinet in my classroom. I've only used it for light duty things like fixing lab equipment but it has been fine for three years. And I like the fact that it comes in a metal box.
Picked up these impacts a few months ago. No problems so far using them for lug nuts and removing strut mounting bolts.
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-1-2-half-inch-metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-34683.html
Coach
1/4" socket/ratchet set. Limited pass.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-t...ce-sae-1-4-quarter-inch-socket-set-41722.html
I keep this set in the filing cabinet in my classroom. I've only used it for light duty things like fixing lab equipment but it has been fine for three years. And I like the fact that it comes in a metal box.
Picked up these impacts a few months ago. No problems so far using them for lug nuts and removing strut mounting bolts.
http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-1-2-half-inch-metric-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-34683.html
Coach
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1/2" pipe clamps - PASS
Used to hold wood projects together while glue sets up, worked great.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-pipe-clamp-3813.html
Used to hold wood projects together while glue sets up, worked great.
http://www.harborfreight.com/1-2-half-inch-pipe-clamp-3813.html
subarub4
Well-known member
I have a question I'm looking at item 92514 and I called a store and they say the item is $69.99 in the store but it's $59.99 on the site.. from what I understand is almost all stores will price match? But can I combine the price match with the 20% off coupon?
bmrisko
Well-known member
No problem with that...I do it all the time. Just bring in a printout from the site with you.
subarub4
Well-known member
yeah they had no problem and I took the print out along with me..
I will let everyone know how the electronic leak detector works out.
I will let everyone know how the electronic leak detector works out.
kythri
Well-known member
Big pass on both it and the 3/8" version.
subarub4
Well-known member
is the 1/2" version worth the extra? Would I regret not picking it up?
also what's with the electronic leak detector locked behind a metal cage but other stuff in the store is much higher and not locked up?
Geeeez I saw something that was $3.99 locked behind the cage
also what's with the electronic leak detector locked behind a metal cage but other stuff in the store is much higher and not locked up?
Geeeez I saw something that was $3.99 locked behind the cage
dclassical
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2008
- Messages
- 1,130
I thought I would contribute to this thread since it was my first time purchasing items from HF.
3 Ton Super Heavy Duty Floor Jack
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-super-heavy-duty-floor-jack-34271.html
Item #34271
FAIL.
I know there are posts in this thread that have it as a PASS, but for me it is a FAIL. It lifted my cars great but when it was time to come down it would do so abruptly, I just could not get it to be smooth (bleed, ...). My friend's 10 year old jack worked much better. I paid $47 for it, but still returned it.
3 Ton Super Heavy Duty Floor Jack
http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-super-heavy-duty-floor-jack-34271.html
Item #34271
FAIL.
I know there are posts in this thread that have it as a PASS, but for me it is a FAIL. It lifted my cars great but when it was time to come down it would do so abruptly, I just could not get it to be smooth (bleed, ...). My friend's 10 year old jack worked much better. I paid $47 for it, but still returned it.
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subarub4
Well-known member
you mean when it's time to drop the jack? I've noticed cheap jacks are hard to drop smooth.
I will be buying the aluminum jack soon that's like $59.99 in the store I hope it's good.
I will be buying the aluminum jack soon that's like $59.99 in the store I hope it's good.
crashbumper
Well-known member
I have that model, along with the low profile model. I agree that the jack does lower a bit quickly, and it is also hard to find that sweet spot between not moving, and moving too fast.
Hiball had a great tutorial on rebuilding import jacks, and I asked him if there was a way to adjust the rate of descent, and he said there IS a way to modify it.
Just a thought.
Hiball had a great tutorial on rebuilding import jacks, and I asked him if there was a way to adjust the rate of descent, and he said there IS a way to modify it.
Just a thought.
dclassical
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2008
- Messages
- 1,130
My guess is that the 'Do Not Adjust' cap is what needs to be removed and adjusted. But I just don't have the time to mess with it. Too many projects and work to spend time on the jack, I expected it to work right when I unpacked the box (insert ironic comment here lol).
subarub4
Well-known member
I have a few questions..
Does anyone know if the air compressor 4Hp 10gal (#90234) will start and run ok with the generator (#66619)
And does anyone know if item 95014 can be used for soda blasting?
Does anyone know if the air compressor 4Hp 10gal (#90234) will start and run ok with the generator (#66619)
And does anyone know if item 95014 can be used for soda blasting?
Either the jack breaks in or you get better with it, at first I noticed the same fast dropping. After about a year it has gotten smoother, you still have to twist it slow to drop it slow.
Indy_500
Well-known member
Anybody own some Harbor Freight Screwdrivers? i only have 2 phillips C-man and 6 regular C-man So i need some more Phillips. I have plenty of misc. screwdrivers but i want a true set.
Don't bother with their screwdrivers its better to wait for a deal on Cman if you need them. I have broken and screwed off a couple of them. I like HF and use some of their tools but stay away from the screwdrivers IMHO.
sammm
Well-known member
Don't gorilla tighten the handle after you lift. Just snug it and it will drop much smoother.
subarub4
Well-known member
Funny I was looking at a set yesterday the one with the black and amber colored one.
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
Ok, I've been through all 64 pages of this thread and couldn't find a Pass or Fail for the HF Auto darkening Welding helmets.
I bought Jack Olsen's old Hobart 140 and I will only be doing some sheet metal patching on my old truck with it. Occasional use at most. The HF website reviews are mostly positive with some negative thrown at the blue flame model. But I always wonder if those reviews are by shills anyway. So does anyone have any experience with these?
I got a $50 gift card from my daughter for Father's Day and its burning a hole in my pocket.
P.S. Please, no one recommend the **** ugly "skull" helmet with the teeth on it. I'm not buying that ridiculous thing no matter how good or how cheap it is.
I bought Jack Olsen's old Hobart 140 and I will only be doing some sheet metal patching on my old truck with it. Occasional use at most. The HF website reviews are mostly positive with some negative thrown at the blue flame model. But I always wonder if those reviews are by shills anyway. So does anyone have any experience with these?
I got a $50 gift card from my daughter for Father's Day and its burning a hole in my pocket.
P.S. Please, no one recommend the **** ugly "skull" helmet with the teeth on it. I'm not buying that ridiculous thing no matter how good or how cheap it is.
Attachments
spartyon8
Well-known member
I bought the blue flame one and I think it is one of the truly great items from HF. I give it a pass.
I'm not a welder but in my reading of HF tools on other sites it has gotten good reviews have never read about anyone not liking it. I would say its a pass from things I've read, but have no first hand experiences.
kythri
Well-known member
Price has gone up since I bought them. I picked up the 1/2" 2-3 years ago, and seem to remember it being $65 or $70. The 3/8" that I picked up last year was $50 or $55, I think?
I think it's a great gun, and others here have (in the past) said good things about it. I'd price it against whatever IR gun people are recommending before I bought it for $85 or $90.
Randy_che
Well-known member
I have the plain A-D helmet, and it works just fine. You can get it for $39 on sale, pretty regularly.
hedjhawg
Well-known member
I have them both - and they ROCK!!!
Dan in Pasadena
Well-known member
Thanks Hawg. If you were forced to pick one; which would it be and why?
subarub4
Well-known member
I guess with the 20% off it's not a bad deal.. only thing is trying to find a store that has it in stock.. pretty hit or miss with it but I drove 100 miles (one way) to a HF store and they had it but I was picking something else up but they had a few in stock.
hedjhawg
Well-known member
Functionally, they are the same. I like the "plain" one best, only because it is older and more "broken in". Plus, I am not a big fan of the goofy blue flames...
subarub4
Well-known member
Have you seen the Skull one? I got a little chuckle out of that one.
But If I ever wielded I would get plain.
matter of fact I was in HF this past weekend and all the plain helmets were sold out.
These jacks use a "Seat" and "Ball" to maintain Ram pressure and when you release the handle it takes a steady hand to minimize the pressure release to the resevoir. The higher end jacks use a Cone/Needle style and it makes the release much easier to control. The real only way to remedy the problem would be to use a bigger ball, which would require a New seat being made. Even then im not 100% sure if it would help but im thinking that the Bigger ball would restrict the oil flow thus lower the decent.
Negative.. That "do not adjust valve" is the Overload and has nothing to do with the release of fluid back into the resevoir.
True.. If you continue to overtighten the handle the Gears will get bent and it will only get worse.
anaxagoras
Well-known member
So i had a huge writeup, but it didn't post and i lost it, here's a condensed version:
40 lbs free standing sand blast cabinet, got it on sale @ 219 - 20% off coupon. PASS
I'm a home user hobbyist using it for small-medium car parts and brackets. Hooked it up to my shop vac for negative pressure so had no dust issues. Still it seems adequately sealed. Gun didn't clog once even with a seriously over worked pancake compressor (all i had avail at the time to test with) that was puming out warm moist air. I will probably upgrade gun in future once tips wear out or it breaks.
Lights works (though i read reports that they don't last long). Cheap sheet metal (expected). Has a lot of lips that blasting media collects on, very annoying, esp the one by the door, so media spills out when you open it. Used expensive harbor frieght aluminum oxide blasting media, 44 lbs @ $50. The stuff works well in the cabinet, though i do feel ripped off.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase based on my initial experience. If my feelings change towards the product I'll post an update. For what i paid i highly recommend it.
40 lbs free standing sand blast cabinet, got it on sale @ 219 - 20% off coupon. PASS
I'm a home user hobbyist using it for small-medium car parts and brackets. Hooked it up to my shop vac for negative pressure so had no dust issues. Still it seems adequately sealed. Gun didn't clog once even with a seriously over worked pancake compressor (all i had avail at the time to test with) that was puming out warm moist air. I will probably upgrade gun in future once tips wear out or it breaks.
Lights works (though i read reports that they don't last long). Cheap sheet metal (expected). Has a lot of lips that blasting media collects on, very annoying, esp the one by the door, so media spills out when you open it. Used expensive harbor frieght aluminum oxide blasting media, 44 lbs @ $50. The stuff works well in the cabinet, though i do feel ripped off.
Overall I'm happy with my purchase based on my initial experience. If my feelings change towards the product I'll post an update. For what i paid i highly recommend it.
Mikeyworks
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 5, 2006
- Messages
- 71
Strut Spring Compressor - FAIL
After the second spring, the threads were almost gone. I replaced the threaded rods with stronger steel and still use the brackets. Otherwise, it's junk:
Brake Caliper Tool Set - PASS - worth it's weight in gold!
Having VW's, you have to rotate the rear caliper pistons when retracting them. This has proven invaluable. I got it 50% off and have used it over 100 times with ZERO failures. Highly recommended!!!
Angle Grinder (orange) - FAIL
I used it for about 20 minutes and it was so hot the case was soft to the touch. It burned up the brushes within half an hour and it was toast!!!
After the second spring, the threads were almost gone. I replaced the threaded rods with stronger steel and still use the brackets. Otherwise, it's junk:
Brake Caliper Tool Set - PASS - worth it's weight in gold!
Having VW's, you have to rotate the rear caliper pistons when retracting them. This has proven invaluable. I got it 50% off and have used it over 100 times with ZERO failures. Highly recommended!!!
Angle Grinder (orange) - FAIL
I used it for about 20 minutes and it was so hot the case was soft to the touch. It burned up the brushes within half an hour and it was toast!!!
subarub4
Well-known member
damn second fail on the spring compressors..
I need to do the springs on my car.
I need to do the springs on my car.
bmrisko
Well-known member
Well ****, I just picked up one of the 4.5" orange grinders tonight for under $20 based on all the reviews that I have read on other forums about them being great for the price. I have a Big Lots grinder that I bought over 10 years ago and it just won't freakin' die, although I can easily stall the wheel. Oh well, for $16 after coupon I'll see how the HF unit does. If I kill it in 90 days, its going back.
As for my review, IMHO, the bench grinder pedestal stand is a big PASS.
http://www.harborfreight.com/bench-grinder-pedestal-5799.html
It takes a bit of time to get everything level and tightened down only b/c they use 2 bolts instead of 3 to hold the base and top table to the main tube. The mounting holes on top do not fit my Craftsman 6" grinder, so I will have to fab some kind of sandwich mounts out of some flat bar and a couple bolts. Other than that, it appears to be very sturdy for what it is. I paid $32 after using the coupon. It would probably be even better with some lead weights dumped down the main tube to add some more low-end weight, but it is already decently hefty as it sits now.
Angle Grinder (orange) - FAIL
I used it for about 20 minutes and it was so hot the case was soft to the touch. It burned up the brushes within half an hour and it was toast!!!
Had the same problem! used it 20 minutes got very hot and tripped a breaker, tripped one after 5 seconds every other time I tried. Although mine was the 7 inch version.
6530
Well-known member
Strut Spring Compressor - FAIL
After the second spring, the threads were almost gone. I replaced the threaded rods with stronger steel and still use the brackets. Otherwise, it's junk:
I'd worry about using this tool from HF - if it lets loose you're toast. And I say that as a heavy HF shopper...