Harbor Freight Tool/Product Review

legopnuematic · Jul 17, 2019

Mr Clean said:
Has anyone ever bought, or used a Welding helmet from HF? My is crap, I was looking at them thinking the auto darking would be a good replacement for the one I have. I don't do much welding, but when I do I want something that is half ass decent.

Thats what I have been using for almost a year now, the basic black auto darkening one. has not given me any problems in using it atleast 2x a week for hours on end.

Arkansas_V8 · Jul 18, 2019

Mr Clean said:
Has anyone ever bought, or used a Welding helmet from HF? My is crap, I was looking at them thinking the auto darking would be a good replacement for the one I have. I don't do much welding, but when I do I want something that is half ass decent.

The HF helmet didnt last me long. I picked one up off Amazon (for the design of course). Lol, but it has held up great. No issues. Can't remember the exact cost. No more than the HF one was at the time.

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HotRodPC · Jul 18, 2019

Anyone looking for a good rechargeable light, this one here is the ****. Battery seems to last a very long time. When it needs charged, you can charge it with the USB cord off your computer or wall charger for your cell phone or cig lighter adapter. It's plenty bright and the magnetic base is very strong. I use for doing night time tire changes. I use the magnet and stick it to the car on the fender over the wheel and can see just like daylight. Seems it's on sale for $24.99 again. I got mine on a Black Friday sale for $18.99 or something like that, but they were sold out so I had to get a raincheck and waited 2 weeks to finally get it.

Other thing that's cool. If and when the battery goes bad, it's just a replaceable round battery same as what's used in most Vapes so it's a pretty common battery and can be bought cheap.

https://www.harborfreight.com/390-Lumen-Magnetic-Slim-Bar-Folding-LED-Work-Light-63958.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiNDAzOTIzMjYiLCJza3UiOiI2Mzk1OCIsImlzIjoiMjQuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMTIzNDQifQ== &utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=2919USA&utm_source=1002&cid=mEmail_s1002_c2919USA

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TravisB · Jul 18, 2019

Mr Clean said:
Has anyone ever bought, or used a Welding helmet from HF? My is crap, I was looking at them thinking the auto darking would be a good replacement for the one I have. I don't do much welding, but when I do I want something that is half ass decent.

I bought an auto darkening helmet and can't use it anymore. I don't recall where I got it but it was a "metal man" brand one with flames on the hood.

So this model and maybe others use battery power to darken. I didn't know this but the face of it has a little solar panel like a calculator has which is how I thought it was working. Anyway long story short in a year or so after nearly torching my eyes though I began to wonder if it was still working. Hard thing to really test but it used to darken if I struck a lighter in front of it but that stopped and even starting an arc didn't seem to effect it. This is where I started googling to find it has a battery and the solar window charged it. Sitting in my dark garage most the time had killed the batter and replacing it's battery is like an iphone's batter so I have to cut into it to get it out.

I am back to my old school helmet with a dark glass in it.

Not the same helmet I know but if you don't use it much like me then you might have the same experience. I think the key is keeping the battery up by using it or having it in the sun if you aren't using it.

More googling this morning and found this fix

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TravisB · Jul 18, 2019

Since I found this thread, I thought I could add some stuff here. I shop in this place all the time and have found some duds. So I will share a bit of that to save you all the trouble.

I bought their stand alone blast cabinet and the light in it sucks. Added more light and that has died too but that's probably not their fault lol. I don't have enough compressor to run it though. If you thought about this and have a 30 gallon tank, think again. Yes I thought I would wait on it and work more, forget about that, don't even bother unless you have plenty of air. https://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-62144.html?_br_psugg_q=blast+cabinet

I bought a set of auto wire strippers, https://www.harborfreight.com/elect...strippers-with-pressure-adjustment-63143.html Total trash, didn't strip a single wire. The one and only thing I have returned for being total junk.

I have tons of wrenches and sockets from them and they have all held up great. They have thicker side walls than the pro gear from snap on or something so you may find them not fitting in some situations but if that's not a deal breaker you can't go wrong.

I bought a hand pump vacuum brake bleeder to try to bleed brakes without help. https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-63391.html That doesn't work for me at least. It always allowed air in the system around the hose or the bleeder valve. Maybe it's me but this is an expensive vacuum gauge in my garage.

I have their ball joint kit too. https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-...wd-vehicles-63279.html?_br_psugg_q=ball+joint This is barely big enough to fit their press and receiver kit in the jaws of the clamp to start with. It does work though and I pressed out my lower joints on the c10 with it and several of the control arm bushings with it. Replaced a few of them too. I have noticed that the screw is starting to create some shavings from eating itself running in and out. I used it with an impact too though so could be my fault.

I had an ATV winch that the controls failed on. It had relays inside instead of solenoids and the relays failed. often. I tossed the control for a tractor supply one and still used the actual winch. Gave the TSC winch to my father in law and he never put it on anything. lol.

This hose weighs so much you will consider never using it again. https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in...iMTYuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMTIwMDUifQ== If its on a reel maybe not so bad but its stiff as hell and heavy.

Their rubber air lines dry rot and blow eventually. I have a diablo now and I really like it so far. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in...r-hose-63006.html?_br_psugg_q=diablo+air+hose

Their low end air chisel won't cut your upper ball joint rivets so forget the frame rivets.

The air ratchet is decent, no complaints there.

The click type torgue wrenches can be had less than 10 bucks on parking lot sale days and they are decent too. I wouldn't trust them if I were an engine builder but to tighten your wheels and stuff they are fine. The 1/4 drive one is a bit hard to feel the click though so beware. The 3/8 and 1/2 are fine.

I am sure I have more tools from there and will update this thread with more as I think about them.

Arkansas_V8 · Jul 18, 2019

TravisB said:
Since I found this thread, I thought I could add some stuff here. I shop in this place all the time and have found some duds. So I will share a bit of that to save you all the trouble.

I bought their stand alone blast cabinet and the light in it sucks. Added more light and that has died too but that's probably not their fault lol. I don't have enough compressor to run it though. If you thought about this and have a 30 gallon tank, think again. Yes I thought I would wait on it and work more, forget about that, don't even bother unless you have plenty of air. https://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-62144.html?_br_psugg_q=blast+cabinet

I bought a set of auto wire strippers, https://www.harborfreight.com/elect...strippers-with-pressure-adjustment-63143.html Total trash, didn't strip a single wire. The one and only thing I have returned for being total junk.

I have tons of wrenches and sockets from them and they have all held up great. They have thicker side walls than the pro gear from snap on or something so you may find them not fitting in some situations but if that's not a deal breaker you can't go wrong.

I bought a hand pump vacuum brake bleeder to try to bleed brakes without help. https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-63391.html That doesn't work for me at least. It always allowed air in the system around the hose or the bleeder valve. Maybe it's me but this is an expensive vacuum gauge in my garage.

I have their ball joint kit too. https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-...wd-vehicles-63279.html?_br_psugg_q=ball+joint This is barely big enough to fit their press and receiver kit in the jaws of the clamp to start with. It does work though and I pressed out my lower joints on the c10 with it and several of the control arm bushings with it. Replaced a few of them too. I have noticed that the screw is starting to create some shavings from eating itself running in and out. I used it with an impact too though so could be my fault.

I had an ATV winch that the controls failed on. It had relays inside instead of solenoids and the relays failed. often. I tossed the control for a tractor supply one and still used the actual winch. Gave the TSC winch to my father in law and he never put it on anything. lol.

This hose weighs so much you will consider never using it again. https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-x-50-ft-Commercial-Duty-Garden-Hose-63335.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMzgzMzcwNjYiLCJza3UiOiI2MzMzNSIsImlzIjoiMTYuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMTIwMDUifQ== If its on a reel maybe not so bad but its stiff as hell and heavy.

Their rubber air lines dry rot and blow eventually. I have a diablo now and I really like it so far. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in...r-hose-63006.html?_br_psugg_q=diablo+air+hose

Their low end air chisel won't cut your upper ball joint rivets so forget the frame rivets.

The air ratchet is decent, no complaints there.

The click type torgue wrenches can be had less than 10 bucks on parking lot sale days and they are decent too. I wouldn't trust them if I were an engine builder but to tighten your wheels and stuff they are fine. The 1/4 drive one is a bit hard to feel the click though so beware. The 3/8 and 1/2 are fine.

I am sure I have more tools from there and will update this thread with more as I think about them.

Diablo hose is awesome.

Hand tools work fine.

I have had the 12,000lb winch for years with no problem.

Torque wrenches were only a couple lb ft off my buddies expensive stuff.

Brake bleeder i had the same issue.

You are not kidding about that cheap air chisel. Lol

I have a Vulcan mig 140 welder, no issues.

Also have the cheap flux welder(quick fix stuff) no issues with it.

I have a couple air compressors for home use.
Cheaper 3 gallon hot dog(has lived in the suburban for years).
21 gallon(never failed, good for home use).

TravisB · Jul 18, 2019

Thought of more to add to the above.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html I have 2 pair of those. I couldn't push a c10 on them by myself. They didn't collapse but they don't roll that great. After we pulled the dog house and engine/trans and bed I could so it's just a weight plus some dirt on the floor issue.

I have their parts washer and it works well with diesel fuel in it. I saw @fried_daddy had some trouble with his pump with a better solvent in it though. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-gal-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html

I also have their press and it would be nicer if it had an air jack on it but it works. The press end isn't exactly flat on the bottom which can be a pain but could be fixed if it was that big of a deal to me too. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

Arkansas_V8 · Jul 18, 2019

TravisB said:
Thought of more to add to the above.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html I have 2 pair of those. I couldn't push a c10 on them by myself. They didn't collapse but they don't roll that great. After we pulled the dog house and engine/trans and bed I could so it's just a weight plus some dirt on the floor issue.

I have their parts washer and it works well with diesel fuel in it. I saw @fried_daddy had some trouble with his pump with a better solvent in it though. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-gal-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html

I also have their press and it would be nicer if it had an air jack on it but it works. The press end isn't exactly flat on the bottom which can be a pain but could be fixed if it was that big of a deal to me too. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

I do wanna get the press.

Engine hoist works fine also.

Have had the heavy 3 ton jack for years, never failed.

6 and 12 ton jack stands. 12 tons are perfect for a lifted truck. I am not dead yet, they are quite sturdy.

The tool box/tech carts work great.

4WDKC · Jul 18, 2019

I picked up an auto dim hood from the local Rural King store and only issue I had with it was about blinded myself trying to watch the eclipse a few years ago because the sun light wouldnt trigger the sensor like the other brands do.

Arkansas_V8 · Jul 18, 2019

The sledge also works(hits stuff hard)

I cant recommend these 12 tons enough for lifted trucks. 6 tons work great for brakes and stuff. But the 12 tons reach the frame to keep it high for axle swaps and related things. The finishes on them have held up to many different fluids.

I have the 3 tons for my wifes eclipse, and the aviator. No issue with those either.

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fried_daddy · Jul 19, 2019

TravisB said:
Thought of more to add to the above.

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piece-1500-lb-capacity-vehicle-dollies-67338.html I have 2 pair of those. I couldn't push a c10 on them by myself. They didn't collapse but they don't roll that great. After we pulled the dog house and engine/trans and bed I could so it's just a weight plus some dirt on the floor issue.

I have their parts washer and it works well with diesel fuel in it. I saw @fried_daddy had some trouble with his pump with a better solvent in it though. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-gal-parts-washer-with-pump-60769.html

I also have their press and it would be nicer if it had an air jack on it but it works. The press end isn't exactly flat on the bottom which can be a pain but could be fixed if it was that big of a deal to me too. https://www.harborfreight.com/20-ton-shop-press-32879.html

Yes, my pump went out using real solvent!! It worked perfect as long as I had water based cleaner but the water based stuff was no good. When I get around to upgrading to a solvent rated pump, I'll make a post about it.

I do have their 20 ton press and It's worked fine for me for going on 8 years now. I have the old version without the safety straps to keep the work platform from falling.

TravisB · Aug 12, 2019

My tractor AC was blowing hot air the other day and when I put the gauges on it it was low on sauce so I got some r134 to add. Added that up and found I had a leak on the low side at the compressor. Anyway, I have an excuse to try out the harbor freight vacuum pump before I recharge it. I got the single stage 2.5 deal because I am cheap and figured I would be fine. Got it for 74.99 with a coupon. Works as it should from what I can tell but it doesn't like to start under vacuum. I had the system pulled down to 28 or 29 in of hg and shut the gauges and turned it off to see if it would hold. Trying to turn it back on and it just hummed. So if you get this one, just leave it on instead of flipping it on and off while it has vacuum on it. Recharged the system after fixing that leak anyway and the gauge shows the low side not so low and the high side not so high so it looks like I will need a compressor too. When I get the new compressor I will try it again and we will see if it will work twice. lol

Camar068 · Aug 15, 2019

I want to see these on a larger scale. Big enough for a tool cart....or even the dolley's you put under the wheels to move a vehicle around.

https://www.harborfreight.com/1-inch-roller-ball-bearing-67060.html

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BRetty · Jan 5, 2021

TravisB said:
Since I found this thread, I thought I could add some stuff here. I shop in this place all the time and have found some duds. So I will share a bit of that to save you all the trouble.

I bought their stand alone blast cabinet and the light in it sucks. Added more light and that has died too but that's probably not their fault lol. I don't have enough compressor to run it though. If you thought about this and have a 30 gallon tank, think again. Yes I thought I would wait on it and work more, forget about that, don't even bother unless you have plenty of air. https://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-62144.html?_br_psugg_q=blast+cabinet

I bought a set of auto wire strippers, https://www.harborfreight.com/elect...strippers-with-pressure-adjustment-63143.html Total trash, didn't strip a single wire. The one and only thing I have returned for being total junk.

I have tons of wrenches and sockets from them and they have all held up great. They have thicker side walls than the pro gear from snap on or something so you may find them not fitting in some situations but if that's not a deal breaker you can't go wrong.

I bought a hand pump vacuum brake bleeder to try to bleed brakes without help. https://www.harborfreight.com/brake-bleeder-and-vacuum-pump-kit-63391.html That doesn't work for me at least. It always allowed air in the system around the hose or the bleeder valve. Maybe it's me but this is an expensive vacuum gauge in my garage.

I have their ball joint kit too. https://www.harborfreight.com/ball-...wd-vehicles-63279.html?_br_psugg_q=ball+joint This is barely big enough to fit their press and receiver kit in the jaws of the clamp to start with. It does work though and I pressed out my lower joints on the c10 with it and several of the control arm bushings with it. Replaced a few of them too. I have noticed that the screw is starting to create some shavings from eating itself running in and out. I used it with an impact too though so could be my fault.

I had an ATV winch that the controls failed on. It had relays inside instead of solenoids and the relays failed. often. I tossed the control for a tractor supply one and still used the actual winch. Gave the TSC winch to my father in law and he never put it on anything. lol.

This hose weighs so much you will consider never using it again. https://www.harborfreight.com/34-in-x-50-ft-Commercial-Duty-Garden-Hose-63335.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMzgzMzcwNjYiLCJza3UiOiI2MzMzNSIsImlzIjoiMTYuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk IjoiMTIwMDUifQ== If its on a reel maybe not so bad but its stiff as hell and heavy.

Their rubber air lines dry rot and blow eventually. I have a diablo now and I really like it so far. https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in...r-hose-63006.html?_br_psugg_q=diablo+air+hose

Their low end air chisel won't cut your upper ball joint rivets so forget the frame rivets.

The air ratchet is decent, no complaints there.

The click type torgue wrenches can be had less than 10 bucks on parking lot sale days and they are decent too. I wouldn't trust them if I were an engine builder but to tighten your wheels and stuff they are fine. The 1/4 drive one is a bit hard to feel the click though so beware. The 3/8 and 1/2 are fine.

I am sure I have more tools from there and will update this thread with more as I think about them.

I agree with you on th brake bleeder pump -- the fittings for the bleeder valves won't stay on when opening/closing the valves. I now have far more air in my brake lines than before. In fact it's foam now.

BR

89Suburban · Jan 5, 2021

BRetty said:
I agree with you on th brake bleeder pump -- the fittings for the bleeder valves won't stay on when opening/closing the valves. I now have far more air in my brake lines than before. In fact it's foam now.

BR

How about a pressure bleeder? I know guys that swear by these things and it is on my wish list to get one. You can get the part numbers from their site and find them on Amazon.

https://www.motiveproducts.com/collections/domestic-bleeder-kits

Harbor Freight Tool/Product Review

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