The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...

[Bolster]

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:

Originally Posted by bchee

I figured out a cool way to view this thread. Search for "harbor freight pass fail" using the search function. It will highlight PASS and FAIL in red, making it easier to read.

WARNING: HF changes suppliers frequently. Good reviews on an item from months ago may tell you nothing about newly-sourced items currently found in stores. Look for recent ratings to guide your purchases.

Thread started: 12/27/2008

[Bolster]

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.



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.



Microfiber towels, major PASS...great for cleaning before painting.



Castors with Red Wheels: PASS, they work OK so far, no complaints.



Metal Socket Rails: FAIL, very hard to take sockets on and off.



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.



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.



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.



Orange Dead Blow Hammers: PASS, held up for longer than I expected.



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.



Parallels: PASS. No complaints.

[Merkava_4]

Fail!! Bawahahahahahahahaha!!

[groucho]

My HF parts washer's about 20 yrs old and still works. The stream is pretty weak now, but I'm part to blame. I've run it very low on solvent most of the time (see photo) allowing the pump to suck air. Also, I've forgot it running all night on many occasions. Also, while at HF about 5 yrs ago I saw one on sale for $68. I think I paid $120(?) for mine. I made a comment that it probly won't be on sale when mine takes a dump. The salesman said no problem, and gave me a non dated, open ended rain check for one at the $68

[ImportTuner]

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 ...

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Originally Posted by Bolster

The problem with HF is that some of their stuff is OK, and some of it is horrible. 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.

Sounds like a good idea...but you'll have to ban Merkava!

[LoRollinLS]

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...!

[Nik_95Cobra]

I didn't know they sold urethane jack pads. Maybe I can stomach going in there and pick one up for my jack.

[Stanger]

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:

PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great.

[blue302stang]

Originally Posted by Stanger

My contribution is the right angle die grinder:

PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great.

I would have to go with fail on this one. The head keeps on loosening up on its own or just completely falling apart.


Fail, fills tires with air, but gauge is about 20psi off

Chrome 3/8 12pt sockets: Pass, i was actually really impressed with the
quality.


Can't beat the price, and they actually hold up pretty well.

[gotmud13613]

Ball joint - U-joint press PASS ( mines been used and abused )
3pc hose gripper pliers PASS
Long shaft (orange) Elec die grinder PASS So good I bought 2
Inline spark checker PASS (great for small engines)
Pocket type blow gun PASS
Retaining Ring Pliers FAIL (these things plain suck)
Orange dead blow hammer PASS
Black dead blow hammer FAIL ( breaks off in chunks )
HD cable cutters (orange handle) PASS
Brake cailper kit PASS (so far)
Extra deep 5/8" plug socket PASS fit and finish on these are really good
Bungee Cords in container FAIL ( only good for about 3 uses then stretch out)
4pc 3 jaw pullers PASS

Forgot a couple of things

3 pc steps drills PASS
Pry Bars PASS (if your not tring to move or lift an engine)

[Stephenw]

Originally Posted by blue302stang

I would have to go with fail on this one. The head keeps on loosening up on its own or just completely falling apart.

They all do that. I've owned several over the years, from Ingersoll Rand, to Blue Point, to Campbell Hausfeld, to Harbor Freight.

A friend owns an older one (I don't know the brand) where the angle portion is cast as a solid piece. I wish you could still get them like that.

I've used high strength threadlocker on mine.

[straight65]

90 degree die grinder- FAIL. I went through four of these in a year and the bearings kept blowing out. that's why I bought a cornwell. no problems in a year and a half

[stovall]

Does anyone have one of these Wireless Inspection Cameras? the ad says:

Make easy visual inspections, even in hard-to-reach areas.

Mini waterproof camera with 3 ft. flexible extended tube

• 4 ft. night vision range
• 2.4" TFT-LCD (thin film transistor liquid crystal display) wireless color monitor with rechargeable lithium ion battery
• LCD monitor can detach from hand hold for easier viewing
• Lightweight handheld design to easily find, diagnose and solve problems

Requires four AA batteries (sold separately). Monitor Dimensions: 3.93" x 2.75" x 1.18";
Adapter input power: 100-240 volts; Adapter output power: 8 volts DC;
Color configuration: R.G.B.delta

ITEM 66550-0VGA?
I am contemplating purchasing one so that I can see inside of my motorcycle engine via the oil fill hole. I want to diagnose any problems so I can order parts that are needed before I tear into it. I figure it will come in handy when I need to run electricity or network cables through walls that are already finished too. It will be nice to know if there are pipes, cross braces & other cables in the wall before I start drilling & fishing them through!




Thanks
Brian

[Dagowrench24]

I think these are hit or miss. I had 3 misses in a row 2 summers ago grinding tubes. I blew 3 up.

[langss]

Originally Posted by Stanger

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:

PASS- I use this ALOT and it works great.

I agree. "Pass". I have been using one at work for the last 15 years. It locked up once because I failed to lube it properly, got it turning again and its been fine ever since. That was right after I got it. I use it every day.

[340six]

Originally Posted by Nik_95Cobra

I didn't know they sold urethane jack pads. Maybe I can stomach going in there and pick one up for my jack.

I need one of those I have the jack stand ones being an old thread I wonder if they still have them?
The aluiminum Floor Jack is 4+ years old and still works

[lipadj46]

Originally Posted by 340six

I need one of those I have the jack stand ones being an old thread I wonder if they still have them?
The aluiminum Floor Jack is 4+ years old and still works

They are $8 I think.

[TerryH]

Anyone have the 14" chop saw? Item# 68104. Seems to have pretty good reviews. Definetely cheap enough. Works out to be $80 with the 20% off coupon.

[IONH]

Originally Posted by TerryH

Anyone have the 14" chop saw? Item# 68104. Seems to have pretty good reviews. Definetely cheap enough. Works out to be $80 with the 20% off coupon.

Originally Posted by TerryH

Thanks but it was actually the metal cutting abrasive saw that I was asking about.

I have the saw. Worked fine for my cutting basically anything metal that I ever tried. I used it on much exhaust piping before I got my band saw, but if you push the saw through it will not be a perfectly perpendicular cut. Let the saw do the work and it will be fairly straight.

Originally Posted by monster1

Drillmaster heat gun: EPIC PASS, if you consider catching on fire as the "heat" feature of the product.

Funny you should mention that. I used a heat gun 8 or 9 years ago to try and remove a windshield from a car. I got frustrated and turned the gun up to the "OMG" setting and the gasket caught fire. Thankfully it was a parts car and I didn't really care (once the fire was out).

I do have a HF heat gun though, a blue one. I use it quite often and it works great. If I let it sit out in the open and dust collects near the heat exchanger, it will light the dust on fire (looks like little sparks) as it is blown out. That's okay with me. The adjust ability by knob seems to work well seeing as I use it to warm up my propane 2 stage regulator once in a while and I haven't blown up yet.

Originally Posted by nuclearlemon

the ones i had were horrible. all wobbled, drilled wrong. threw them out, but that was about eight years ago

Feedback doesn't get much more useful than this.