The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Indy_500]

It'll never be Weller , but even so, you can MAKE the tips out of some solid number 12 wire..... that's all it is. Flux the tip and tin it, and you're good. Rosin core flux only please.

So weller's are good? my grandpa gave me one but i don't really have a use for it.

 

[lipadj46]

Weller generally is a good brand of soldering irons, keep it as you will eventually need one

 

[Stick Figure]

Item 93088 FAIL

Right out of the box, I put the air ****** on, a couple drops of air tool oil and hooked the hose up. It spun full speed without me pulling the trigger. Thankfully I didn't have any attachments on it, or I may be typing with less than 10 fingers.

I have two of these, the one i have at work has been working great for around 3 years now... it works well enough that i haven't ever considered a truck brand one. The one i have at home is noisy as hell (even w/ re lubing everything) and it just seems cheap and crappy.

Like most air tools from HF it seems like its pretty hit and miss.

 

[beelsr]

If the angle matches, you can't hurt the knives. If the ceramic is harder than the steel, you'll sharpen the knives just fine. If the ceramic is softer, you'll slice it. $3 is worth the gamble.

sharpening kitchen knives is worth its own thread - heck, there are forums dedicated to sharpening knives.

Here is the hand-held, ceramic knife sharpener. Im nervous about using this with my $200 set of Henckels kitchen knives. Has anyone ever used this sharpener for kitchen knives?

http://http://www.harborfreight.com/handheld-knife-sharpener-94620.html

It says its ceramic, which is suppose to be the best for sharpening.
Thanks

 

[Scotto]

wow that's crazy



Has anyone tried the electronic safes?

That's something I wouldn't chance from HF IMO. I can imagine trying to get something out of it and the electronics F'ing up. Just not worth the hassle.

 

[troublemaker427]

Item 93088 FAIL

Right out of the box, I put the air ****** on, a couple drops of air tool oil and hooked the hose up. It spun full speed without me pulling the trigger. Thankfully I didn't have any attachments on it, or I may be typing with less than 10 fingers.

Mine works great...

 

[mrholeshot]

The 350lb Cap. Folding Aluminum step stool is a super pass. I've used one in my shop for 5 years and has always been solid (and I push it to and sometimes past the limit). I've used it for a mini workbench on the road and always have it handy. all my guys liked it an bought one. My wife has one for the kithen to get things off the top shelf. I picked up another the other day for less than 20 dollars.

 

[subarub4]

So weller's are good? my grandpa gave me one but i don't really have a use for it.

Weller is like the best of soldering irons..

I'm tried of buying cheap radio shack irons with no replacement tips (40 Watt) and I will be buying a Weller soon.

 

[subarub4]

That's something I wouldn't chance from HF IMO. I can imagine trying to get something out of it and the electronics F'ing up. Just not worth the hassle.

All that's going in the safe is microphones since people don't know how to turn them off after them use them costing us $30 in batteries every 3 weeks.

 

[bmrisko]

7 Piece Pro-Gear Metric & SAE Stubby Combo Wrench Set: 93922 & 93933 - PASS

I picked up these sets for $20 each after using a 20% off coupon. I have used them a couple times today for small odds and ends projects in the garage and they have worked great. The ratcheting action feels fine and the finish on them is acceptable for the price. One of the best features, IMO, are the 'Ernst-like" stubby wrench holders that they come with. Well worth the price for the average garage mechanic and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase these again. Also, since they are from the Pittsburgh line, they come with a lifetime warranty.

Here they are next to the GearWrench Flexheads...

 

[Joelfke]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html

Anyone buy this Oxy Acetylene torch? how is it? Id only need it for heating up stubborn bolts/nuts. not for cutting/brazing

 

[scott37300]

I read that some gas places wont refill those tanks because they are to thin. Might want to check with your gas supplier before purchasing

 

[Falcon67]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html

Anyone buy this Oxy Acetylene torch? how is it? Id only need it for heating up stubborn bolts/nuts. not for cutting/brazing

I have the torch kit without the bottles, but haven't used it yet - no place for bottles LOL. I have talked with gas suppliers - those tanks won't last any length of time at all as volume goes. Better to lease small or medium tanks. I paid about $90 on sale with a coupon for the torch kit, bottle rent runs around $50/tank/year plus the gas. My big Argon MIG mix tank lasts about 4 years between swaps.

Mine is similar to this: http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-oxy-acetylene-welding-outfit-92496.html

 

[Falcon67]

My pass/fail - http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

I had one of the $5 yellow ones for the track tool bax but loaned it out and never got it back. It worked well and it was "sacrificial" anyway. I bought one of the red models as a replacement. Used it the next weekend to check a power problem on one of the race cars - it was a dead short and melted the test leads right quick. Didn't save the receipt so straight into the trash.

 

[Tom2]

Yea, another guy had a "fail" with his as well. I've used mine quite a bit with no problems yet. Guess I got lucky.

 

[Joelfke]

I have the torch kit without the bottles, but haven't used it yet - no place for bottles LOL. I have talked with gas suppliers - those tanks won't last any length of time at all as volume goes. Better to lease small or medium tanks. I paid about $90 on sale with a coupon for the torch kit, bottle rent runs around $50/tank/year plus the gas. My big Argon MIG mix tank lasts about 4 years between swaps.

Mine is similar to this: http://www.harborfreight.com/industrial-oxy-acetylene-welding-outfit-92496.html

Sounds like the way to go...although i think id only use it a handful of times per year....might still be worth it....how much was the gas?

 

[lipadj46]

I'm sure they have been listed here but the 6 ton jack stands are a big pass. Especially at $32. The 12 ton stands are beasts also.

 

[strnjss]

I just spent over an hour writing a review of every HF thing I have ever bought. I even linked to each item on their website, and this stupid forum logged me out and lost my post. What on earth could be a reason for logging someone out every 20 minutes? I have never seen anything like it....I'm not going to go through all that again now, Oh well....

 

[Teken]

I just spent over an hour writing a review of every HF thing I have ever bought. I even linked to each item on their website, and this stupid forum logged me out and lost my post. What on earth could be a reason for logging someone out every 20 minutes? I have never seen anything like it....I'm not going to go through all that again now, Oh well....

Prior to logging in there is a white box. Check it, then it will leave you logged in forever until you decide to log out.

I know your pain . . . I was writing out a lengthy reply only to have the damned thing log me out and I didn't get the chance to hit back to save the write up!

 

[strnjss]

Prior to logging in there is a white box. Check it, then it will leave you logged in forever until you decide to log out.

I know your pain . . . I was writing out a lengthy reply only to have the damned thing log me out and I didn't get the chance to hit back to save the write up!

Thanks, I'll have to remember to do that. I did click back, and it was all gone anyway!

But I rewrote most of it in a word processor for safety. here it is:


-13 Piece 1/2" SAE Deep Wall Impact Socket Set: I also have the Metric one too. They are very dirty out of the box, and get black stuff all over you hands, but they work, and so far have been pretty good. PASS


-3 Piece Universal Impact Joint Set: I ordered these online, and they came in an opened package, and one was completely broken, or rather, never assembled. just both ends and an never-riveted rivet. FAIL


-3/8" Variable Speed Reversible Drill: Got this for $12 on sale. I have a cordless DeWalt, but I wanted something I could beat up and not worry about. It comes with oil all over it, so be careful with clothing. The buttons feel cheap, and the drill is a little front-heavy, but it seems to work. My brother has borrowed this one though, so I haven't been able to use it too much yet. But if it surives him, it should be pretty durable. Probably pass.

-180 Piece Harness Grommet Set: I have no idea why I bought this, as I have no need for it. I tried using a few as a sound isolator in a computer. I put them into the openings where screws pass through to try to quiet things down. It sort of works, but the grommets kind of disintegrate. I know its not what they were designed for though. I guess it passes, but I don't know if they'd hold up doing what they were designed for.


-1001 Piece Nut and Bolt Storehouse: Theres a lot of small screws, bolts, washers, cotter pins, locking washers, etc. in this thing. They are kind of soft, and seem like they would break easily. I've used them for simple things, like repairing a desk. But I would not trust these things for anything too important. The only important thing I've ever used something for is once I needed to get a car back on the road to get to the mechanics, so I used a cotter pin from this kit temporarily. I wouldn't trust it for too long though. PASS, since nothing has really broken yet...

-Serpentine Belt Tool Kit: I love this thing. It makes pulling back the tensioners so easy. It's thin enough to get into tight places, and long enough to offer enough leverage to make pulling it back a sinch. Right after buying it, I had to change the belts on two cars. It was great! HUGE PASS


-3/8" Drive 17" Breaker Bar: I haven't really pushed it to it's limits or anything. But for the non-stuck bolts I have tried it on, it seems to be working fine. I don't know if the thing would shatter or not under heavy loads though.

- 7 function Digital Multimeter: I bought this thing for $2.59 on sale. I got it so I didn't have to carry around my good multimeter with me and risk it. It's just as accurate, and has done its job well so far. It's so cheap that I don't even care if it stops working. When the battery dies, I'll just give it away or dump it or something. The battery costs as much as the meter. PASS

 

[Walterchang]

An excel file for all these items would be great.

 

[IONH]

I just spent over an hour writing a review of every HF thing I have ever bought. I even linked to each item on their website, and this stupid forum logged me out and lost my post. What on earth could be a reason for logging someone out every 20 minutes? I have never seen anything like it....I'm not going to go through all that again now, Oh well....

I've been burned by an intermittent connection problem more than once. I am now in the (OCD) habit of hitting CTRL-A (select all) then CTRL-C (copy) before ever hitting submit. This way, if it times out, I can go back and paste it again.

 

[Grand Marquis GT]

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-inch...hftusa&utm_medium=hftusa&utm_campaign=buylink

I bought this for refinishing some furnature. Still works good for sanding, but gets pretty warm and the dust vacuum doesn't work too well. PASS overall!

http://www.harborfreight.com/4-piece-nonmarring-scraper-set-95832.html

MAJOR PASS on these. Made that refinishing easier for removing stripper-treated finish, and popping trim loose. Absolutely nothing done to the wood!

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-super-heavy-duty-floor-jack-34271.html

PASS! Works great. I have the yellow one, though.

http://www.harborfreight.com/fuel-injection-pump-tester-92699.html

FAIL! Cheap junk that leaks. I was using it for EFI, but still. Not sure how the better kit is.

http://www.harborfreight.com/13-piece-1-2-half-inch-sae-deep-wall-impact-socket-set-1676.html

MAJOR PASS! These things are quality.

 

[mrholeshot]

http://www.harborfreight.com/portable-torch-kit-with-oxygen-and-acetylene-tanks-65818.html

Anyone buy this Oxy Acetylene torch? how is it? Id only need it for heating up stubborn bolts/nuts. not for cutting/brazing

Go to lowes and spend an extra 20 dollars and get the Lincoln brand. I'm sure they are prob off the same assembly line but there could be a differance. Lincoln stuff is a no hassle if you need something.

 

[Bolster]

But I rewrote most of it in a word processor for safety. here it is...

Helluva great posting there, newb. Welcome to GJ, we need thoughtful reviewers like you.

 

[Danglerb]

Pry fork and bending tool 99744 PASS. Neat little tool for circuit board work with a tiny forked prying end and slotted wire bending end. Fork is very handy for reaching into a small space and prying something up or apart.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=99744&submit2=find+it

 

[Grand Marquis GT]

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-vol...hftusa&utm_medium=hftusa&utm_campaign=buylink

PASS. Does pretty good. Gets a little warm but works very well for what I use it for!

 

[strnjss]

Helluva great posting there, newb. Welcome to GJ, we need thoughtful reviewers like you.

Hey, thanks for the kind welcome. Here's a few more:


30 Watt, 120v Soldering Iron: The first time I used it, it worked like a charm. I replaced a capacitor in an old broken power adapter. After that however, it seems like the heat is very uneven. Some parts of the iron are hotter than others, and is intermittent. The tip for some reason is too cool to melt solder sometimes. I have to use the side of the iron sometimes. I still use it however, and it's been getting the job done. Since it's only $4, it's not too bad. Pass, but if you plan on doing a lot of soldering, you may want to invest a little extra to get a nicer one.

8" Industrial C-Clamp Well I recently purchased this, along with a 6" clamp. I paid like $6 for it, but it's now on sale for $2. So far, it's great. I mean, it's hard to mess up a clamp. It does what it needs to do. I've heard stories of other people breaking their smaller clamps, but I can't see breaking this one unless I really do something outrageous with it. PASS

Helping Hands I love this thing. It was only $2 and is as good as any other version sold by other companies. The arms stay where you tighten them down to stay, and the magnifier works great. I've used it mostly for the magnifying glass so far. PASS

 

[SiGmA_X]

Yeah I tried to put the high pressure quick connect on the high line with the valve open (all the way clockwise) and got a nice shower of oil in the face. That is how I figured out turning them counter clockwise is closed. I think my directions were actually backwards.

is your directions the black and white one with a picture of the gauge set? That's the version I have.. I think they are backwards too..

So CCW is closed on both or just the high pressure valve? The manifold sets I've used before all close CW and open CCW, IIRC. I just want to confirm this before I encounter an awkwardness and wasted freon.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

50 ft. x 3/8" Heavy Duty Black Rubber Air Hose - PASS
I finally got tired of my old PVC hose not coiling up right and generally ******* me off, so I grabbed this last time I was in HF. It's made by Goodyear in the USA. Nothing more to say.

3 Piece SAE Socket Tray/Organizer 3 Piece Metric Socket Tray/Organizer - FAIL
I gave these a fail because they are missing way too many sizes and too many of my sockets don't fit. They are nice for the price, but mostly useless to me since they don't do what they were made for...hold sockets.

3/8" Quick Release Swivel Head Ratchet - PASS
I usually don't buy hand tools from HF, but this looked interesting to me. I read some good things about it here on GJ, so I figured for $10 why not? I can't say anything about it's durability, but I won't be using it to break lug nuts loose any time soon either. I like the rotating that allows you to use it as a driver also. That comes in handy. The ratchet action is fairly smooth and the handle is comfortable. Overall well worth the price.

3 Lb. Sledge Hammer - PASS
It's a sledge hammer with a lifetime warranty for $7. What's not to like? I've beat the **** out of various objects with this hammer and it's holding up well.

 

[TireTracks]

How are their "snap on" copy style screwdrivers? I need some for my junk yard tool kit

 

[mrholeshot]

How are their "snap on" copy style screwdrivers? I need some for my junk yard tool kit

If you get screwdrivers for HF go with this style. It's much better than anything else they sell. You can buy them by the set or open stock for 1.49-1.79 depending on the size. They have the #2 Phillips and 1/4 flat on sale for 1.00 each right now. I've tested them agaist the reg Craftsman line and have superior blades and the handles feel really nice

 

[TireTracks]

If you get screwdrivers for HF go with this style. It's much better than anything else they sell. You can buy them by the set or open stock for 1.49-1.79 depending on the size. They have the #2 Phillips and 1/4 flat on sale for 1.00 each right now. I've tested them agaist the reg Craftsman line and have superior blades and the handles feel really nice

I've seen rebranded ones for sale all over the place here( same driver differnt color) and i've seen the whole set for as cheap as $7

I dont know if i want to take my nice gearwrench or scraftsman screwdriver sets.

 

[mrholeshot]

Forgot the photo

 

[IONH]

3 Lb. Sledge Hammer - PASS
It's a sledge hammer with a lifetime warranty for $7. What's not to like? I've beat the **** out of various objects with this hammer and it's holding up well.

In my experience, wooden handled hammers do not qualify for lifetime replacement. Same goes with the rubber mallets. I have broken both and got this explanation when trying to get a replacement.

The fiberglass handle (min-sledge) and plastic (dead blow as opposed to rubber mallet I guess) ones do qualify though.

 

[TireTracks]

Forgot the photo

oops, i was talking about the Hard handle ones.

 

[Auzivision]

8" Industrial C-Clamp Well I recently purchased this, along with a 6" clamp. I paid like $6 for it, but it's now on sale for $2. So far, it's great. I mean, it's hard to mess up a clamp. It does what it needs to do. I've heard stories of other people breaking their smaller clamps, but I can't see breaking this one unless I really do something outrageous with it. PASS

The swivel platform or whatever you call the flat round piece that sit’s on the end on the threaded part fell off my 6” C clamp from HF. This happened just after I loaned it to my neighbor. Not sure why, I’m guessing he may have tried to ‘open’ it too far. Who knows, but I’ve gotten out of the neighbor tool loaning program. If I don’t have it I get it and if some else doesn’t have it (I don’t either… wink, wink)… saves a lot of head aches. For two bucks, I think I’ll get a few more today.

 

[mrholeshot]

oops, i was talking about the Hard handle ones.

Yeah I knew which ones. They look like the 70's Snap-On screwdrivers. I've seen them and they are junk. I just posted those because they are such a dreat buy

 

[djb2]

Has anyone tried the electronic safes?

They work well. They open with the right combination, and not with the wrong combination. Battery life is more than acceptable, although it will take a few more years before I'll say that it's great. The hinges and door are not vulnerable points.

As with any portable safe, the real vulnerability is how it's anchored. Bolting it to a floor joist or slab, with no edge gap for a pry bar, will make it very difficult to attack. Screwing down to a floor board will require a big pry bar or wedge+hammer. Screwing it to a wall stud will take 30 seconds with a recip saw. Pushing them under the bed will only keep your brother from playing with your stuff (what my nephews use theirs for -- great fun).

 

[tressler]

Flex Drive Compression Tester

PASS

This is very nice quality for the price. I don't know how accurate it is, but is is very repeatable.