Harbor Freight Tools that don't suck

[Valbird]

Speaking of Harbor freight though, I have a seal and bearing job coming up and would like to know if the bearing installation tools, seal tools, and slide hammers are any good?

In general, a notch below tools like OEM brand. Generally they are functional but might need flashing removed, or slight sanding to get within tolerance. The only distinct exception is the FWD bearing puller, which had the screw die on the first bearing. I took it back, got a new one, greased it up, and kept slathering machine oil on it when I used it, and found it died after two more bearings. This was day three into ownership, so I took it back, and got a refund, and gave up.

All the screwed pullers (like gear pullers) I own are different brands, and not HFT. Most are 30+ years old. Perhaps that is the reason they have not failed...

 

[Travelover]

In general, a notch below tools like OEM brand. .......

Several auto parts chain stores loan tools for free. They are decent quality, but I check them for function before I leave the store. HF seems to not do well with threaded or heat treated tools.

 

[sixdogs]

Speaking of Harbor freight though, I have a seal and bearing job coming up and would like to know if the bearing installation tools, seal tools, and slide hammers are any good?

As valbird mentioned, parts may need a little fitting or finishing. The slide hammer I have is great for brutal type things like getting an axle out or maybe a difficult bearing. It has limitations that sometimes the edges of gripping surfaces need to be filed to the correct angle or whatever. I like it enough that I bought one and used it to remove an axle a few times as well as to remove a couple of nails from my metal barn. It could be better but not when price is considered. Mine paid for itself on the first use and while I know I can borrow one from an auto store, I don't have to deal with them and their superior intellect.

Heavy Duty Slide Hammer and Puller Set 16 Pc

 

[MossRoad]

I am lucky in having a wife and daughter who delight in searching for fashion bargains at Savers, a big second hand clothing outfit, and, even better, Savers is right next to HF. Happy camper.

Oh man, anyone ever notice there's a Kohls, next to a Petsmart, next to Dicks's Sporting Goods in just about every shopping area!

 

[MossRoad]

I am lucky in having a wife and daughter who delight in searching for fashion bargains at Savers, a big second hand clothing outfit, and, even better, Savers is right next to HF. Happy camper.

Oh man, anyone ever notice there's a Kohls, next to a Petsmart, next to Dicks's Sporting Goods in just about every shopping area!

 

[MossRoad]

Since this is a thread about Harbor Freight tools that don't suck -
Are your wives tools? That ....

Ladies, send all comments to:
Newbury
C/O Tractorbynet.com

 

[TomSeller]

We will never consume the tooth paste we have in stock.

I always spit it out.

 

[PhysAssist]

I always spit it out.

Beat me to it!!

 

[California]

I wonder how many replies to this our dear moderators have taken down ..... :laughing:

I'll just leave it at that.

 

[crashz]

I always spit it out.

Ha! Poor choice of words I guess!