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The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is decent, and some of it is horrid. But you never know which is which, till you buy it and try it.
So what if we made a thread where we posted our HF purchases with a PASS or FAIL grade? After awhile we could check this thread and see what's what. A couple things to keep in mind: 1) If you have to fix it before it works, it's an automatic FAIL. 2) This thread is for identifying quality HF tools, and for warning fellow tool-heads away from low quality HF tools. It's NOT a thread for rejoicing about low cost. 3) Don't review tools until you've used them awhile. Posting self-congratulatory praise immediately after your purchase is not helpful. Use the tool awhile, then post. 4) Please post a product number or photo if possible. Use the blue "Search This Thread" button above to find what you're looking for. Another idea for searching this thread: Quote:
Thread started: 12/27/2008 |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... I'll start.
Paint Gun Cleaning Set (contains mostly small bristle brushes): FAIL. The bristles fall off when you are cleaning the gun and lodge inside your paint gun, making an even bigger mess which requires tweezers and patience. On second thought, DOUBLE FAIL. http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_4260.jpg Buffing Wheels: somewhere between PASS & FAIL. They throw off a lot more threads than 'real' buffing wheels, take longer to break in, and seem to be more off-center, too. But they work once they are broken in. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/39406-t.gif Microfiber towels, major PASS...great for cleaning before painting. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/97502-t.gif Castors with Red Wheels: PASS, they work OK so far, no complaints. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/97309-t.gif Metal Socket Rails: FAIL, very hard to take sockets on and off. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/01147-t.gif Pipe Clamps (red): FAIL, they don't get very tight, and they twist more than 'real' (Jorgensen) pipe clamps. Purchased as disposable clamps for outdoor use, but not even good enough for that. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/37056-t.gif Dial Gauge on Magnetic Base: marginal PASS, are the same as sold by Lee Valley/Veritas. Obviously no competition for Starrett, but a temporary solution. The fine adjust is rougher than I'd hope. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/05645-t.gif Dial Calipers (stainless steel): Currently FAIL (2011) but older models PASS (2008). The 2008 calipers were a decent pair. Picked up a second pair in 2011, FAIL because they have dramatically cheapened the calipers. You can spot the new cheapened version by a black plastic thumb ramp, a two-step depth rod, no carriage cushion on the backside, and a horrible gritty feel, compared to the 2008 model. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...99/05658-t.gif Orange Dead Blow Hammers: PASS, held up for longer than I expected. http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c.../image_914.jpg Plastic Storage Boxes/Containers: FAIL, the catches are way more difficult to work than other plastic storage boxes. I had to modify the catches with a Dremel to get them working appropriately. http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_2966.jpg Parallels: PASS. No complaints. http://www.harborfreight.com/media/c...image_2172.jpg |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... Fail!! Bawahahahahahahahaha!! :lol_hitti :lol_hitti :lol_hitti
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Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... Quote:
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Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 2 Attachment(s)
Ok ... I bought two items from HF recently and they both PASS ..
First item was a floor jack saddle pad and the second item was a 3 lb neon orange dead blow hammer ... |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... digital vernier caliper for $15: PASS
Can we get a sticky on this thread? I think we need one of these threads for northern tool also...! |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... I didn't know they sold urethane jack pads. Maybe I can stomach going in there and pick one up for my jack. :bounce:
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Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... I like the idea of this thread as well. I'm planning a trip soon and would like to make a list. So far, urethane jack pad and dead blow.
My contribution is the right angle die grinder: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...3099/93088.gif PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great. |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 1/2 inch drive impact sockets: Pass
12 ton Jack Stands: Pass Full Polished combo end wrenches: Pass so far Grinders: Fail Ratchet Straps:Fail |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 2 Ton cherry picker with foldable legs: Pass
Engine leveler for above: Fail 3 ton and 6 Ton jack stands: Pass US General 44" roll cab: Pass Wooden handled hammers: Fail Nitrile Gloves (dark blue 50/box): Pass ~Steve |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...7299/47257.gif
6" Digital Caliper - PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...7599/97572.gif 1/2" Crown Air Stapler - PASS (although it lacks a safety, still value at $20) http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...6399/96349.GIF MOTORCYCLE WHEEL CHOCK - PASS http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/pho...1199/41169.gif BUTANE PENCIL TORCH - PASS / FAIL Was great while it lasted, but didn't even get a year of use out of it. Cheap enough though. |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 1 Attachment(s)
The HF digital caliper sure looks like the Mitutoyo caliper ...
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Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 1 Attachment(s)
I think the Drill Master unibits PASS. Some members made some positive comments about them. They always seem to be on sale too
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91616 |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 1 Attachment(s)
I would give the 1/4 rotohead ratchet a PASS. It's been working fine so far.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=96781 |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... 1/2 inch impact socket: Pass
1/2 and 3/8 impact extensions: Pass 1/2 25" breaker bar: Pass 4 piece professional adjustable wrenches: Pass Midget hammer: Pass 2 pieces rubber strap wrench set: Pass 2 pieces "talon" wrench set: Pass 3 pieces hex drill extension: Pass 1/2, 3/8, 1/4 tumb ratchets: Pass 4 pieces socket adapters: Pass 45 pieces tap and die: Pass OBD II code reader: Pass Inline spark checker: Pass 4 piece nomarring scrapper set: Pass magnetic tray: Pass AC manifold gauge set: Pass Funnels: Pass Disc brake tool set: Pass Coil spring compressor: Almost pass Sandpaper (their lowest quality version): Fail And too many others to list |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... Digital caliper: Pass
Boxes of chip brushes and foam brushes: Pass Step drill bits: Pass Blue tarp: Pass 1" rotary hammer a friend bought: Pass Rubber mallet: Pass 15" adjustable wrench: Pass but I only use it to fix toilets and urinals...i.e. not much torque. Welding pliers: Pass http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93062 Swivel Pad pliers: Pass http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37006 Sandpaper: FAIL..sanding with a piece of toast would be better. 1 ton chain hoist: Pass. My buddy uses his on his farm and no problems. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...Itemnumber=996 Magnetic parts bowl: Pass Carpenter pencil: Pass Coach |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... HF flare nut wrench set - Fail. Rounded off the flare nuts like crazy. If your flare nuts are pristine, they may do the job, but if they're a bit crusty forget about it. Craftsman replacement worked perfectly.
1/2 in drive impact socket set - pass |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... disc brake pad piston compressor - PASS
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=34304 |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... Large size, black handle, telescoping magnetic pickup tool: Passes nicely
Small pocket size (orange in color) telescoping magnetic pickup tool: Fail, flimsy, bent easily and magnet falls out Black plastic handle (SO look alikes) heavy duty type screwdrivers on sale for $4.49 for a set of 8: Pass w/ no problems so far and I actually like using them Metric Stubby combination wrenches: Pass. They aren't comparable to my Williams set of SAE stubbies, but they are a nice little set of stubbies. Round tractor utility lights: Pass, all though I thought they were floods and they ended up being a spotlight type style. |
Re: The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread... disc brake pad tool FAIL X2
brass hammer PASS used for years at 5.99 good deal now cost 25.00 tap and die set PASS so havent used too many times ball pein hammer PASS came loose after much use repaired good as new stubby metric wrenches PASS dont use alot but come in handy and didnt cost 150.00 automotive boost box FAIL biggest piece of shit i ever bought dont think it would start a lawnmower drill bits PASS barely but price was right rubber shot filled hammer PASS use the hell out of it pliers PASS but only good for at home not at work xx large pliers PASS the only pair i use at work to remove stubborn oil filters has paid for itself many times 3/8 drive impact sockets PASS have broken a few and tossed away but they lasted for yrs and if i lose one ...oh well ....do these have a warrenty? |
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