junk items from harbor freight - Page 6

GreaseMonkey · 07-20-2010, 09:00 PM

I got a dual sided carborundum stone (combination sharpening stone #7345) and it is pretty useless as a sharpener as the particles of the stone are not abrasive at all. Granted it is only $3 but it's a waste of $3.

JTucker · 07-21-2010, 08:04 PM

Generally speaking you can look at the hand tools and tell if they're going to be junk or not. some are decent, some aren't. Most of the air tools the aren't super cheap are ok. The earthquake impacts are good.
The power hand tools are mostly acceptable just stay away from the drill master stuff.
As long as you don't expect a $20 grinder to be as good as an $80 one everything is usually alright.

mrchristian · 07-24-2010, 10:03 AM

Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it.

I have had a lot of those LED lights stowed in my car/camelbak/desk that are free with the coupon. They work fine. Their $3 ratcheting tie downs work fine for dirt bikes,

JeffD · 07-24-2010, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrchristian

Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it.

I have had a lot of those LED lights stowed in my car/camelbak/desk that are free with the coupon. They work fine. Their $3 ratcheting tie downs work fine for dirt bikes,

no but it looks like it might make a good portable shitter LOL.

MiamiMotorcyclist · 07-25-2010, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrchristian

Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it.

I have had a lot of those LED lights stowed in my car/camelbak/desk that are free with the coupon. They work fine. Their $3 ratcheting tie downs work fine for dirt bikes,

A friend uses the other syle HF dirt bike lift/stand and has been happy with it.

They would have to out do themselves in a big way to make this stand so bad that it wouldn't work.

showkey · 07-25-2010, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiMotorcyclist

They would have to out do themselves in a big way to make this stand so bad that it wouldn't work.

It does pass 2/3 of my HF test:

Only one part and no plug that's good

MikeM1968 · 07-25-2010, 07:52 AM

As someone else posted selecting this stuff is common sense. If it looks like crap, it probably is. I've seen lots of stuff that looks like it should work, and many that I wouldn't even touch, and I'm certainly no expert mechanic or tool smith either.

I've found several workable items at HF. The thing is, I'm not always looking for tools for the "long haul", but rather for some random project I started and realized (usually in the middle of it) that I just don't have the right tools to finish it.

For one or two random jobs / projects, (like the saddle bag brackets I'm currently working on) -- I'm not about to go out and spend tons of money on the best "craftsman®" stuff or whatever, so the HF equivalent is "good enough" to get the job done.

I even got a pretty decent ratchet and socket set that hasn't failed me (yet) and I've worked with it quite a bit now. I purchased a separate flexible ratchet with it so even if the (very cheap looking) one that came with the set failed, I'll have a back-up and the sockets will still be use-able. In-fact, I'd dare say the only difference is that this set doesn't come in a fancy case like a "craftsman®" set would. -- I could care less about having a fancy looking carrying case for it.

The other cool thing about HF is they have stuff right on the shelf that other places just don't. If I go to sears or even many auto parts stores and ask one of the employees there if they have a simple brake bleeder kit, most of them don't even know WTF I'm talking about. Then after wasting tons of time getting someone else who does know and them getting someone else who does know, they discover they don't carry it in stock or I need to order it on-line.

At HF, it's right there, on the shelf, no BS. If it looks like crap, I just don't buy it (or I don't expect much out of it if I do)

sonoran · 07-26-2010, 02:44 PM

I've got a Harbor Freight electric hoist which is starting to grind and overheat after just a handful of uses.

I also have a HF rivet gun which constantly jams and is a total POS.

I'm a cheap fucker so I guess I get what I deserve.

groundrules · 07-27-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrchristian

Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it.

I've used it, and it's fine. Although, I haven't put anything as heavy as a WR400 on it. Mine has propped up an RM80, and is currently elevating a YSR50 frame, both of which it has handled admirably.

klatelm · 07-27-2010, 10:35 PM

40 miles from home no drill. bought a 12 dollar drill to drill 3 holes. drill caught on fire but got the job done.

JimVonBaden · 07-28-2010, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klatelm

40 miles from home no drill. bought a 12 dollar drill to drill 3 holes. drill caught on fire but got the job done.

What were you drilling???

Jim

El Guero · 07-28-2010, 06:12 AM

Their snap-ring pliers are junk. I think there's a reason the Craftsman ones are so pricey... The Harbor Freight ones bend and break within the first couple uses.

Their little $6 rotary tool kinda sucks too, not much power. It does get some stuff done though, so I won't complain.

I'm a cheap bastard, but I'm trying to think of any HF tools that I still use on a regular basis. I bought their big C-clamp and use it as a bead breaker. The $2 rubber mallet works pretty good, but I don't know where mine is

$5 multimeter actually worked pretty well for me as well.

Rodzilla · 07-28-2010, 08:51 AM

HF, "quick release" universal compression tester.

The guage works fine, but the ONE size of threaded insert (to go into the spark plug hole) I need is so woefully mis threaded/1/2 threaded there is no way you could put it in a plug hole.

Long strands of metal "treads" still attached, and the threads are mis-cut

Don't have a die to chase the threads on it. Useless.

(none) · 07-28-2010, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrchristian

Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it.

I have had a lot of those LED lights stowed in my car/camelbak/desk that are free with the coupon. They work fine. Their $3 ratcheting tie downs work fine for dirt bikes,

i have one, good enough quality. It sits quite high though, at least for my DR650, maybe not for a real dirt bike.

Rapid Dog · 07-28-2010, 03:08 PM

...they might Look like tools, but they're only a facsimile ..

But i did buy the neumatic bike lift for under $250, and it's worked fine for 3 years. If I had my druthers I'd have a Kendon or other.

I'm on my third throwaway body grinder (under $10). One of them is a 'good' Home Depot model, same crap as the HF.

Can't pass up the $5.99 heat gun...just don't drop it.

Got a set of the gold drills from my dad, use once and throw away...

07-20-2010, 09:00 PM	#76
GreaseMonkey Rhymes w/piecejunkie Joined: Jun 2006 Location: The only county in Illinois with no train tracks Oddometer: 4,836	I got a dual sided carborundum stone (combination sharpening stone #7345) and it is pretty useless as a sharpener as the particles of the stone are not abrasive at all. Granted it is only $3 but it's a waste of $3. __________________ Grow a WW1 Victory Garden this year!

07-21-2010, 08:04 PM	#77
JTucker Beastly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2008 Location: West By God Virginia Oddometer: 1,835	Generally speaking you can look at the hand tools and tell if they're going to be junk or not. some are decent, some aren't. Most of the air tools the aren't super cheap are ok. The earthquake impacts are good. The power hand tools are mostly acceptable just stay away from the drill master stuff. As long as you don't expect a $20 grinder to be as good as an $80 one everything is usually alright. __________________ http://www.ktm-parts.com 03 Aprilia Caponord 06 Buell XB12X 05 XR650R 05 WR450F 87 T-dub

07-24-2010, 10:03 AM	#78
mrchristian Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Nov 2008 Location: Ventura County, CA Oddometer: 114	Has anybody used the harbor freight dirt bike stand? $16 after the usual 20% coupon. Crazy cheap. I just don't want to crush it the first time I swing my WR400 on it. I have had a lot of those LED lights stowed in my car/camelbak/desk that are free with the coupon. They work fine. Their $3 ratcheting tie downs work fine for dirt bikes, mrchristian screwed with this post 07-24-2010 at 10:27 AM

07-25-2010, 07:52 AM	#82
MikeM1968 just ride it Joined: Jul 2010 Location: Lodi, NJ Oddometer: 94	As someone else posted selecting this stuff is common sense. If it looks like crap, it probably is. I've seen lots of stuff that looks like it should work, and many that I wouldn't even touch, and I'm certainly no expert mechanic or tool smith either. I've found several workable items at HF. The thing is, I'm not always looking for tools for the "long haul", but rather for some random project I started and realized (usually in the middle of it) that I just don't have the right tools to finish it. For one or two random jobs / projects, (like the saddle bag brackets I'm currently working on) -- I'm not about to go out and spend tons of money on the best "craftsman®" stuff or whatever, so the HF equivalent is "good enough" to get the job done. I even got a pretty decent ratchet and socket set that hasn't failed me (yet) and I've worked with it quite a bit now. I purchased a separate flexible ratchet with it so even if the (very cheap looking) one that came with the set failed, I'll have a back-up and the sockets will still be use-able. In-fact, I'd dare say the only difference is that this set doesn't come in a fancy case like a "craftsman®" set would. -- I could care less about having a fancy looking carrying case for it. The other cool thing about HF is they have stuff right on the shelf that other places just don't. If I go to sears or even many auto parts stores and ask one of the employees there if they have a simple brake bleeder kit, most of them don't even know WTF I'm talking about. Then after wasting tons of time getting someone else who does know and them getting someone else who does know, they discover they don't carry it in stock or I need to order it on-line. At HF, it's right there, on the shelf, no BS. If it looks like crap, I just don't buy it (or I don't expect much out of it if I do) __________________ 1985 Honda Nighthawk 650 - slightly customized

07-26-2010, 02:44 PM	#83
sonoran incognito Joined: Sep 2009 Location: eastside Oddometer: 16,370	I've got a Harbor Freight electric hoist which is starting to grind and overheat after just a handful of uses. I also have a HF rivet gun which constantly jams and is a total POS. I'm a cheap fucker so I guess I get what I deserve. __________________ the sun does not have no prisoners

07-27-2010, 10:35 PM	#85
klatelm Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2009 Location: hollywood Oddometer: 181	40 miles from home no drill. bought a 12 dollar drill to drill 3 holes. drill caught on fire but got the job done.

07-28-2010, 06:12 AM	#87
El Guero V4 Whore Joined: May 2007 Location: Iowa City, IA Oddometer: 9,567	Their snap-ring pliers are junk. I think there's a reason the Craftsman ones are so pricey... The Harbor Freight ones bend and break within the first couple uses. Their little $6 rotary tool kinda sucks too, not much power. It does get some stuff done though, so I won't complain. I'm a cheap bastard, but I'm trying to think of any HF tools that I still use on a regular basis. I bought their big C-clamp and use it as a bead breaker. The $2 rubber mallet works pretty good, but I don't know where mine is $5 multimeter actually worked pretty well for me as well. __________________

07-28-2010, 08:51 AM	#88
Rodzilla Horny as Hell Joined: Feb 2005 Location: Wheat Ridge Colorado Oddometer: 1,213	HF, "quick release" universal compression tester. The guage works fine, but the ONE size of threaded insert (to go into the spark plug hole) I need is so woefully mis threaded/1/2 threaded there is no way you could put it in a plug hole. Long strands of metal "treads" still attached, and the threads are mis-cut Don't have a die to chase the threads on it. Useless. __________________ COHVCO/COTPA/BRC/USA-ALL/ARRA/AMA/Moab Parnership COHVCO Board of Directors Rampart Range Motorcycle Management Committee(RRMMC) Past President/VP Certified SAE J1287 sound tester

07-28-2010, 03:08 PM	#90
Rapid Dog bikes, booze, broads... Joined: Oct 2003 Location: Strangel Living West of Hell Oddometer: 8,327	Funnychineseyjunk ...they might Look like tools, but they're only a facsimile .. But i did buy the neumatic bike lift for under $250, and it's worked fine for 3 years. If I had my druthers I'd have a Kendon or other. I'm on my third throwaway body grinder (under $10). One of them is a 'good' Home Depot model, same crap as the HF. Can't pass up the $5.99 heat gun...just don't drop it. Got a set of the gold drills from my dad, use once and throw away... __________________ '08 R1200R / '10 WR290X/R '81 R100RS Rattlecandy Red '06 950 ADV Orangeboom '05 R12GS Wedding Bike '91 R100GSPD Derelict

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