Acceptable and Unacceptable Harbor Freight Tools

[roguetoaster]

Good:

100 Piece Security Bit Set #68457
Works just fine, has most every security bit you need for taking apart small items like pressure washers or other things you are not supposed to service.

5 Piece Slide Hammer and Bearing Puller Set #95987
Works really nicely on a stubborn pilot bearing! A fine economy slide hammer, but I have questions about its longevity.

Bad:

11 Piece Snap Ring Pliers Set #92374
Worthless, not only do the pliers not stay together, but the metal deforms very easily, making them one use tools.

1/4" (and the 3/8" + 1/2") Socket Rail #39721
Not great, bar is rough, hard to slide the holders, and the holders snap easily when you try to remove a socket, which is often not easy. Bolted in place they might be okay, in a tool bag they are terrible.

5 Piece Front End Service Tool Set #66686
Worked fine for five ball joint removals (did a good job of not damaging the joint too), then the screw ate up the metal in the largest tool. Further the threads are overly fine, which means you are there forever turning the screw.

[brianao34]

That spot weld cutter. To think, I've been using a drill all this time.

It's a life changer, the center punch/pin is spring loaded so as soon as you cut through the top sheet metal layer it pushes the layer behind it back a little, if that makes sense.

[Nick_S]

BAD
Metal sheers...garbage, all they did was bend the metal.


GOOD
Hard to beat these for the price.


Ehhh, decent?
For the money it's hard to beat for the casual mechanic. $18 for the whole set.

[Pac1373]

That spot weld cutter. To think, I've been using a drill all this time.

I hate that feeling you just had, of realization of time spent, tools thrown, blood leaked and pain in the ass suffered.

been there too...lol

Iknowhowitfeelsbro.jpeg/

[series88]

for me so far
Good:
*jack
*jackstands
*creepers
*most of their hand tools
*engine hoist
*torque wrench

not too sure
*zipties
*some of their drill bits
*orbital buffer

Just saying from experience
*

[slammin.e28]

That spot weld cutter. To think, I've been using a drill all this time.

[dude8383]

Great thread. Garage journal has a thread too!

[brianao34]

Just thought this might help to collectively weed out stuff you should and shouldn't buy from there, because somethings you just can't screw up.
Post your experiences.

Good
Aluminum floor jacks: I picked up a used one from a yard sale and have used it for 5 years and have had to bleed it time to time and replace the main o-ring once.


Good
Impact Sockets: I work at an assembly plant for railroad maintenence equipment and most guys in the shop have HF impact sockets and they hold their own.

Good
Spot Weld Cutter: Recently reconstructed the front inner fenderwells on my car and probably drilled out 30-50 or so spot welds before this gave out. well worth the $5.


Bad
Step Drill Bits: Garbage, returned it the next day, tried to open up two holes a few steps and I was basically manually pushing it through the last hole.