Harbor Freight Win-or-Fail Thread
05-27-2012, 12:03 PM
#162
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I have one of the cutoff saws (4"?) that uses the same body/motor. I can't kill it, in spite of abusing the hell out of it for years. It's gutless, but does the job if you take light cuts.
Seeing as it's the same casing and motor, I'd try an exchange and give it another shot.
Seeing as it's the same casing and motor, I'd try an exchange and give it another shot.
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05-29-2012, 12:07 PM
#164
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FAIL
212cc, 4000 Watts Max/3200 Watts Rated Portable Generator
Predator Generators - Item#68528
I want a generator for trackside use and when this one went on sale for $289 a couple of weeks ago I decided to give it a try since it is large enough to run a 13.5K BTU RV A/C unit. It is also much cheaper than an inverter generator, and was advertised as quieter than a 'normal' non-inverter generator.
So over the weekend I pulled it out of the box, read the instructions twice, filled it with oil, filled it with gas, turned it over a few times with the ignition off, turned the ignition on, gave it one pull, and it started right up. So far so good. I ran it for three hours with low or no load per the instructions, then ran my compressor with it for a few minutes. Still worked great. It is not too loud. About 15-20 feet away one can speak in a normal voice to be heard over it. With some DIY sound-deadening enclosure work (google it) it could be reasonably quiet. I have heard some open-frame gensets that were a lot louder.
Here comes the fail...
So I disconnected all of the loads, and turned it off. When I tried to pull it to restart it, the pull rope would not move the engine at all. It acted as if the motor was stuck; the recoil start mechanism (the rope start) seemed to be OK. I pulled the spark plug and saw that the piston was at or very close to TDC. Even with the plug out the motor would not budge.
I considered removing the recoil starter to see if I could turn the crank manually. But I decided instead to not waste any more time and declare the generator test a FAILURE. I drained the gas then returned it to HF for a full refund, including a refund for the $30 extended warranty I bought as a precaution.
212cc, 4000 Watts Max/3200 Watts Rated Portable Generator
Predator Generators - Item#68528
I want a generator for trackside use and when this one went on sale for $289 a couple of weeks ago I decided to give it a try since it is large enough to run a 13.5K BTU RV A/C unit. It is also much cheaper than an inverter generator, and was advertised as quieter than a 'normal' non-inverter generator.
So over the weekend I pulled it out of the box, read the instructions twice, filled it with oil, filled it with gas, turned it over a few times with the ignition off, turned the ignition on, gave it one pull, and it started right up. So far so good. I ran it for three hours with low or no load per the instructions, then ran my compressor with it for a few minutes. Still worked great. It is not too loud. About 15-20 feet away one can speak in a normal voice to be heard over it. With some DIY sound-deadening enclosure work (google it) it could be reasonably quiet. I have heard some open-frame gensets that were a lot louder.
Here comes the fail...
So I disconnected all of the loads, and turned it off. When I tried to pull it to restart it, the pull rope would not move the engine at all. It acted as if the motor was stuck; the recoil start mechanism (the rope start) seemed to be OK. I pulled the spark plug and saw that the piston was at or very close to TDC. Even with the plug out the motor would not budge.
I considered removing the recoil starter to see if I could turn the crank manually. But I decided instead to not waste any more time and declare the generator test a FAILURE. I drained the gas then returned it to HF for a full refund, including a refund for the $30 extended warranty I bought as a precaution.
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05-29-2012, 01:12 PM
#165
Boost Czar
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I have one of these, cant remember from where, I'd have to go double check, but worked great cutting the shelf to install my rollbar, just made a mess. anything thicker and it fails however.
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05-30-2012, 11:47 AM
#166
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Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: St. Paul, MN
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I have an aluminum jack and an electric impact wrench from HF that have worked well for me so far, its been over a year. I also got the 2-year protection plan, but who knows if I'll be using it or what.
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06-18-2012, 10:53 PM
#167
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Motorcycle Wheel Chock - WIN
http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcy...ock-96349.html
Bought this with a 20% off coupon so the price is cheap. I bolted it to the floor of my trailer which took all of 10 minutes to accomplish. It works well with my SV-650. I just roll the bike in and it holds it upright while I strap it down. It was really difficult to get the bike back out of the chock the first time I used it. But it is adjustable so after I set it in the low position it is much easier to roll out without being too easy.
I would not tow with this being the only thing holding the bike up. But I do not think it is intended for that anyway. I used this chock, a rear stand (spooled), and some handlebar straps and the bike was very secure.
http://www.harborfreight.com/motorcy...ock-96349.html
Bought this with a 20% off coupon so the price is cheap. I bolted it to the floor of my trailer which took all of 10 minutes to accomplish. It works well with my SV-650. I just roll the bike in and it holds it upright while I strap it down. It was really difficult to get the bike back out of the chock the first time I used it. But it is adjustable so after I set it in the low position it is much easier to roll out without being too easy.
I would not tow with this being the only thing holding the bike up. But I do not think it is intended for that anyway. I used this chock, a rear stand (spooled), and some handlebar straps and the bike was very secure.
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08-15-2012, 07:29 PM
#168
Anyone tried the master fuel injection pressure test kit yet?
Master Fuel Injection Pressure Test Kit
Master Fuel Injection Pressure Test Kit
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09-16-2012, 11:49 AM
#169
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$70
Win
Expensive, however I got more use out it than I would have thought. It's basically a giant c-clamp for pressing anything into our out of anything. I pressed out rusted parts that wouldn't buldge. I swapped my diff bushings. Poly bushings. Wheel studs.
I didn't break it yet and did bushings on 2 cars already.
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09-17-2012, 07:26 PM
#170
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The item pictured is the more-inclusive 4wd ball joint separator kit. It is still available. I went to my local HF yesterday to pick up the smaller kit Soviet mentions in his build thread (this one) and found out it has been discontinued. It is currently still available online, at a sale price of $50, and my 20% coupon from my sunday newspaper worked. If you've been thinking about getting this but haven't, do it now, as it may be gone if you wait. The 4wd kit is about $30 more.
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10-02-2012, 06:51 PM
#171
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I guess I'll add a few.
4.5" "Heavy Duty" angle grinder.
Win.
I've had one of these for 6 or 7 years now. Mine has an orange body rather than red, but otherwise appears identical. This sucker is AMAZINGLY durable. When I first fired it up I was a tad worried by the sound that the gearbox made, and yet it has really held up well. Plenty powerful to slice through 1/4" steel plate, or do whatever else you need of it. Replacement discs are commonly available from any hardware store. Includes a spare set of motor brushes, which I still haven't needed to change.
Heavy Duty 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
7" Variable speed sander / polisher.
Partial Win.
The tool itself works very well. More than enough torque to sand through layer upon layer of paint and bondo without complaint, and the cheap plastic grip on the head is surprisingly comfortable to hold for long periods. I've only owned it about a year, and some reviewers have complained about a defect in the speed-control mechanism, but so far no problems at all.
I've only used it as a sander so far, and the only issue is that 7" is an odd size for a sander with a hook-and-loop pad. I can't find replacement sanding discs for this anywhere (tried Ace, Lowes and Home Depot), so you need to either stock up on sanding discs from HF (which, to be fair, are cheap and of decent quality) or keep some 3M spray adhesive on hand and get used to re-lining your own sanding discs by gluing regular sandpaper to the old backers once they get clogged / worn out.
Sander/Polisher - 7 Speed Electric Sander & Polisher
Inline dessicant drier / filter
Win.
A must-have for painting, these are just disposable dessicant packs that go inline with your air hose. They don't last very long, so price is a factor as you'll be replacing them often. This one costs about $5 less than the equivalent unit at Lowes under the Kobalt brand, and appears to be absolutely, 100% identical in construction. I'm quite certain that they make them all in the same factory, and and simply slap a different label onto them.
One thing to look for: occasionally these seem to already be moisture-contaminated when you buy them, and I've seen the same problem with both the HF and Lowes units. Before you buy, look through the glass at the little ***** inside. They're supposed to be blue. As they absorb moisture, then turn pink / clear and lose their effectiveness. So make sure you're getting blue *****. (chuckle.)
Inline Desiccant Dryer/Filter
33 Oz. Household Low Volume, Low Pressure Spray Gun
Fail.
No redeeming qualities about this gun. The siphon design means that you'll be sucking air with the cup still 1/3 full of paint, and the mixture control goes directly from "airbrush" to "fire hose" with no intermediate settings. Leaks paint out of the pot pressure control. Avoid.
Household Low Volume, Low Pressure Spray Gun
20 Oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Win.
After such a bad experiance with the gun above, I was a little fearful of a repeat performance. But this one is actually a really nice gun. Before the first use, you do need to totally dismantle it, clean and de-burr all the machined parts, and thoroughly de-grease it with solvent, but once that's done it works very well and is easy to adjust. Set the air needle fully open (counter-clockwise), the fan **** about 25% open (from fully clockwise) and start with the paint needle at about 50% and adjust as needed. It can leak a bit from the area where the paint cup screws to the top (the plastic O-ring which they include is crap) but if you really tighten it down, it seems to be ok.
Gravity Feed Spray Gun - 20 Oz. HVLP
4.5" "Heavy Duty" angle grinder.
Win.
I've had one of these for 6 or 7 years now. Mine has an orange body rather than red, but otherwise appears identical. This sucker is AMAZINGLY durable. When I first fired it up I was a tad worried by the sound that the gearbox made, and yet it has really held up well. Plenty powerful to slice through 1/4" steel plate, or do whatever else you need of it. Replacement discs are commonly available from any hardware store. Includes a spare set of motor brushes, which I still haven't needed to change.
Heavy Duty 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
7" Variable speed sander / polisher.
Partial Win.
The tool itself works very well. More than enough torque to sand through layer upon layer of paint and bondo without complaint, and the cheap plastic grip on the head is surprisingly comfortable to hold for long periods. I've only owned it about a year, and some reviewers have complained about a defect in the speed-control mechanism, but so far no problems at all.
I've only used it as a sander so far, and the only issue is that 7" is an odd size for a sander with a hook-and-loop pad. I can't find replacement sanding discs for this anywhere (tried Ace, Lowes and Home Depot), so you need to either stock up on sanding discs from HF (which, to be fair, are cheap and of decent quality) or keep some 3M spray adhesive on hand and get used to re-lining your own sanding discs by gluing regular sandpaper to the old backers once they get clogged / worn out.
Sander/Polisher - 7 Speed Electric Sander & Polisher
Inline dessicant drier / filter
Win.
A must-have for painting, these are just disposable dessicant packs that go inline with your air hose. They don't last very long, so price is a factor as you'll be replacing them often. This one costs about $5 less than the equivalent unit at Lowes under the Kobalt brand, and appears to be absolutely, 100% identical in construction. I'm quite certain that they make them all in the same factory, and and simply slap a different label onto them.
One thing to look for: occasionally these seem to already be moisture-contaminated when you buy them, and I've seen the same problem with both the HF and Lowes units. Before you buy, look through the glass at the little ***** inside. They're supposed to be blue. As they absorb moisture, then turn pink / clear and lose their effectiveness. So make sure you're getting blue *****. (chuckle.)
Inline Desiccant Dryer/Filter
33 Oz. Household Low Volume, Low Pressure Spray Gun
Fail.
No redeeming qualities about this gun. The siphon design means that you'll be sucking air with the cup still 1/3 full of paint, and the mixture control goes directly from "airbrush" to "fire hose" with no intermediate settings. Leaks paint out of the pot pressure control. Avoid.
Household Low Volume, Low Pressure Spray Gun
20 Oz. HVLP Gravity Feed Spray Gun
Win.
After such a bad experiance with the gun above, I was a little fearful of a repeat performance. But this one is actually a really nice gun. Before the first use, you do need to totally dismantle it, clean and de-burr all the machined parts, and thoroughly de-grease it with solvent, but once that's done it works very well and is easy to adjust. Set the air needle fully open (counter-clockwise), the fan **** about 25% open (from fully clockwise) and start with the paint needle at about 50% and adjust as needed. It can leak a bit from the area where the paint cup screws to the top (the plastic O-ring which they include is crap) but if you really tighten it down, it seems to be ok.
Gravity Feed Spray Gun - 20 Oz. HVLP
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10-02-2012, 07:40 PM
#172
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Related to joe's post but only somewhat:
Someone get and try one of the Harbor Freight Random Orbital Dual Action Polishers. I'm not talking a palm polisher. I'm not talking rotary like above. I'm talking honest to god random orbital style like the Porter Cable 7424XP. It's on sale $59 and NOT on the website. So stop telling me it is, SCOTT.
Someone get and try one of the Harbor Freight Random Orbital Dual Action Polishers. I'm not talking a palm polisher. I'm not talking rotary like above. I'm talking honest to god random orbital style like the Porter Cable 7424XP. It's on sale $59 and NOT on the website. So stop telling me it is, SCOTT.
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10-02-2012, 09:25 PM
#173
Boost Czar
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I might go to hf soon. I need a jack, but don't need a dual action polish.
2 in 1 nailer/stapler. 18 gauge.
WIN
Pistol Grip Tire Inflator with Gauge
SO-SO.
this is identical to the Kobalt brand they sell at Lowes. I plan to replace the gauge with a more usable ranged one.
I say so-so for two reasons. 1. the fitting on the tire nozzle can leak if not seated perfectly. While it's nice that it has a "clamp" to stay in place, you need hold in place when filling so it doesnt leak if you didnt seat it properly. Which is fine really.
2. the gauge needs to be replaced it's 0-220psi, and it's reading about 2psi higher than my stick gauge.
It fills the tires using my air compressor much faster than any portable electric pump could ever do it, so that's a big plus and it was under $6 on sale.
Rechargeable 24 LED Work Light
WIN. bright, light, cheap. The leds acutally make a nice single spot light pattern.
2 in 1 nailer/stapler. 18 gauge.
WIN
Pistol Grip Tire Inflator with Gauge
SO-SO.
this is identical to the Kobalt brand they sell at Lowes. I plan to replace the gauge with a more usable ranged one.
I say so-so for two reasons. 1. the fitting on the tire nozzle can leak if not seated perfectly. While it's nice that it has a "clamp" to stay in place, you need hold in place when filling so it doesnt leak if you didnt seat it properly. Which is fine really.
2. the gauge needs to be replaced it's 0-220psi, and it's reading about 2psi higher than my stick gauge.
It fills the tires using my air compressor much faster than any portable electric pump could ever do it, so that's a big plus and it was under $6 on sale.
Rechargeable 24 LED Work Light
WIN. bright, light, cheap. The leds acutally make a nice single spot light pattern.
Last edited by Braineack; 10-03-2012 at 05:08 PM.
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10-03-2012, 09:52 AM
#174
2 Props,3 Dildos,& 1 Cat
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careful with harbor freight "cordless" stuff. the impact gun I had was not only rated at fairly low foot pounds but also took like 18 hours to charge. wut.
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10-16-2012, 11:45 AM
#176
I hate to mention this since it's so cheap, but there's a potential for disaster so here it is:
FAIL
1 Lb. Rubber Mallet
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...let-39646.html
This thing came apart on me after 5 good whacks, and bounced the head off my shin at speed.
/left an immediate goose egg that stuck out nearly an inch from shin
Yes, I've used (and broken) quite a few rubber mallets, and know what you can't get away with. This thing was brand new and being used to drive a small pipe with a 2x4 sitting on top as a square landing surface. Head came off before impact on 5th swing, and hit me full force.
DO NOT USE!
I can imagine someone beating on a body panel and having the rubber slug fly through a window, or worse.
FAIL
1 Lb. Rubber Mallet
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-to...let-39646.html
This thing came apart on me after 5 good whacks, and bounced the head off my shin at speed.
/left an immediate goose egg that stuck out nearly an inch from shin
Yes, I've used (and broken) quite a few rubber mallets, and know what you can't get away with. This thing was brand new and being used to drive a small pipe with a 2x4 sitting on top as a square landing surface. Head came off before impact on 5th swing, and hit me full force.
DO NOT USE!
I can imagine someone beating on a body panel and having the rubber slug fly through a window, or worse.
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10-16-2012, 11:55 AM
#177
Boost Czar
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Floor Jack with Rapid Pump®, 2.5 Ton Heavy Duty Steel
at $75.99 plus tax and $7 shipping I think it was a steel.
I say steel cause it's freaking 70 lbs. No kidding.
I would have gone for the blue racing jack, but I wanted something with a bit more extension. This can go from 2.75" to 20", where the blue jack goes 3.5" to 14.75". I have taller DDers so I'd like it to be able to pick a larger full sized car up off the ground.
Dispite the weight, it manuevers around the ground much easier than the aluminum jack I've been using in the past, due to the heavy casters and plastic wheels. It has two small wheels in the front instead of the "log".
It can fully jack my altima off the ground with inches to spare in 5 full pumps.
My only complaint is that the handle seems low quality compared to other jacks I've used in the past and that it's held together by a bolt instead of one of those thumb buttons...so it's not very easy to take apart and use as a cheater bar.
Also, the pad is stuck in place and you cant move it up along the handle...which kinda defeats the point.
One plus is that the valve isn't sensetive, so you can slowly jack down things with complete control. Other jacks I've used drop the car like superman drops kryptonite.
Last edited by Braineack; 10-16-2012 at 02:44 PM.
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10-16-2012, 01:46 PM
#178
Autozone compression tester tool - FAIL
Although this isnt a harbor freight tool. The Autozone manufacturer of the compression test tools. This is the analog dial, not the digital gauge. Garbage. The rubber orings kept on slipping and stretching, during my experience one fell off from the tool to the spark plug hole so i had to fish it out, the joint between the piece that goes in the head and the rubber hose connected to it was very loose so it spun. You cant tighten the thing and if you get it tight, cant get it loosened... yes i had that problem but was able to get it loose by rocking it back and forth. This was the 2nd tester i tried and both had the same problems. 2nd tester was brand new from the shelf.
FAIL
Although this isnt a harbor freight tool. The Autozone manufacturer of the compression test tools. This is the analog dial, not the digital gauge. Garbage. The rubber orings kept on slipping and stretching, during my experience one fell off from the tool to the spark plug hole so i had to fish it out, the joint between the piece that goes in the head and the rubber hose connected to it was very loose so it spun. You cant tighten the thing and if you get it tight, cant get it loosened... yes i had that problem but was able to get it loose by rocking it back and forth. This was the 2nd tester i tried and both had the same problems. 2nd tester was brand new from the shelf.
FAIL
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10-16-2012, 03:11 PM
#180
So far this thing has been all kinds of win. I don't have a compressor anymore so I picked this up to give it a shot. I bought a few bits on amazon for pretty cheap to port out my turbo exhaust housing and clean up some edges on my diy manifold. It's performed amazingly well so far. I only have two slight complaints. The first is that the chuck apparently didn't get machined with a wrench flat to remove and insert bits, maybe just a one time fluke. I did a diy mod and fixed that pretty easily. The second is that the thing gets hot pretty quickly. I mean really hot, too hot to hold through a pretty thick glove. But it also cools down pretty fast, so it's not too big of an inconvience. Definitely worth the $30 I paid for it.
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