Fogey1

I came across this (25 page) thread on another forum and found it interesting reading. My closest store is an hour away, so it's not like I can return things conveniently. I hope somebody finds it useful, that place is as dangerous to my wallet as a bookstore.

Maybe it'll even useful for my visit tomorrow, on behalf of my son-in-law, to buy him a jack with the $40 off coupon in the back of the current R&T (and I think the other buff books.)

Thank you, Mr. Bolster. Have you met Mr. Champagne?

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http://garagejournal.com/forum/showt...ghlight=harbor
The Harbor Freight PASS/FAIL Thread...
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.
Thread started: 12/27/2008
Delmar O'Donnell Bolster, GoPhD.
A bona fide Soggy Bottom Boy.
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IMO, their big roll-around tool cabinets are a screamin' deal. At least as good as Sears.

Dean_Fuller

Great idea....we should continue this in our own forum. I will research what I have purchased and report when the beer wears off.

Rob Edwards

5494-0VGA 3/4" Pittsburg metric socket set: PASS - perfect for crank bolts.

39178-0VGA 450 lb tranny jack: PASS/FAIL- Worked ok but listed to the side with only ~100 lb 5 spd gearbox on it, near the top of its travel.

91781-0VGA 3000 lb winch: PASS - mounted in back of garage to move engineless sharks in/out

37909--0VGA 3 piece set of long reach hose pliers: PASS - Love them...

43753-0VGA - clamshell spring compressor: FAIL - claws too thick to grab a 928 front spring

37892-1VGA - radiator fin comb- PASS - perfect for striaghtening A/C condenser fins post- TB/WP jobs

35556-1VGA seal puller - FAIL- broke 1st time I used it.

Stephen Porter

I think this is a great idea. Maybe even a sticky (as suggested in the other forum)?

Rob, is this the one Dr. Bob & I were going to pitch in on?

tveltman

I heard that spring compressor is lethal to the operator and should be avoided at all costs. I've not personally seen or used it, but I only need to hear something like that once to decide it isnt ever worth the risk...

Rob Edwards

Stephen-

Nope, the good one is different- works like a charm, I already tried it. Not from Harbor Freight, though it's 100% all Chinese- surprised they don't stock something like it.

It's here ready to be used, all we need is to have the GTG!


The HF clamshell compressor got tossed in the trash with extreme prejudice.

danglerb

Why not just use the thread at GJ, its not like buying tools is addictive or anything.

Including the item number like Rob did is a good idea, and pict or link if you can since HF often has 5 versions of the same type things.

Stephen Porter

That's good news. Changing Sharky's shocks sounds like something I need to work my way up to, but I'm certainly available to "help" anytime that suits. (Dr. Bob mentioned maybe after the weather cool down and his schedule opens up.) And I will definitely chip in on the spring compressor. Good for my 928 karma and a way to contribute while I ease into actually wrenching projects. It's been many, many years since I was able to single-handedly remove or install my VW engines in about 35 minutes! Well, after doing about 20 times it was down to that. And a 928 is a long way from a '67 bug!

jorj7

Fuel Pressure Gauge/Tester (don't know the part #): Fail, gauge broke the first time I used it, gauge filled with gas, then the glass front cracked. Not a good thing!

BBX

Fuel Pressure Gauge/Tester PASS, mine worked properly the tree times I have used it anyways...

UncleMaz

Metric Impact Sockets Fail. Cracked three of them; two with a 1/4 in. Craftsman LI impact and one on my wifey's Mazda lug nuts by hand (21mm) on first try (all three).

Tie Rod Separators Fail. Shattered one on my W202 Mercedes upper control arm.

Leak Down Tester: Pass. However, complete judgment will be passed when I get the motor in and started.

Bill Ball

Rob:

I had the same experience with the HF clamshell unit. I put it on eBay and sold it for $10 more than I paid for it. Go figure. Buy things at HF and sell them on eBay for a profit.

danglerb

2 cents on HF ...

Harbor Freight is a mixed bag, lots of junk, some ok, some same as everybody else. Batch to batch, even same sku on the shelf quality may vary from junk to fine. Things that look the same may be very different, a 13 pc socket set might be great and the 14 pc junk. Usually cheaper is not as good, and Pittsburgh is usually the good brand.

Customer Service is usually excellent, anything under warranty is quick and easy and "hand tools" are lifetime warranty, so take those sockets etc. back. Many items have short, 30 to 90 day warranties, check them out right away and keep the receipts. Out of warranty, or no receipt and I don't think even a manager could override the cash register.

OTOH managers may pull up old sale prices etc. if you ask on bigger ticket items.

Heavy stuff, cranes, jacks, engine stands, jack stands, usually gets good reviews.

Electric tools need to be checked immediately, but I skip the extended warranty for most since failures are doa or a few hours of use.

Landseer

Pass:
Heavy Tranny Jack (850lb?)
1/2" drive Chicago tools electric impact wrench
Knock-off dremel + bits
Bearing / Bushing pusher kit
Engine lift, up to 4000 lb

Fail
Small punches and chisles (not hard enough/deformation)

Mediocre
12 Ton Shop Press (Excellent for car stuff, but unit is not quite square)

jon928se

Internal Bearing Puller FAIL (for clutch pilot bearing) the one that is sold as being suitable for (I can't remember the numbers so I'll guess) 1/2" id bearings won't fit through a 1/2" id bearing.

This is the only thing I've ever bought from HF - (It's a $2000 plane ride away)