HF tools that suck

[crazyal]

I've got a couple off of ebay, an aluminum Reed and Rigid for a good price. Just remember even with the name brand aluminum pipe wrneches to never use a cheater with them. Has anyone with the HF pipe wrenches ever try to use replacement jaws from Rigid or a Reed?

 

[JRobyn]

I reluctantly have to report that the 12" sliding compound miter saw (98194) sux. I really tried to make it work for me, considering its very low price compared to anything similar. I spent considerable time making sure that all adjustments were spot on. It would cut perfect on straight cuts, but was off 1-2 degrees from square on miter cuts. I thought maybe I was torquing the frame enough to cause it, given the very stiff "hinge" spring, but evidently not since I could not force it to cut square by intentionally trying to force the frame the other way. I exchanged the original for a replacement from a different HF store, so I assume the serial numbers were way different (didn't confirm), but the replacment was the same. I finally figured out at least PART of the problem - the main fence is a one-piece aluminum casting. I removed it and found that it was NOT STRAIGHT! Was bowed in in the center by about 0.040". I tried my best to straighten it, but since it is a well-gusseted casting, it barely budged. They gladly refunded for the second saw, but would not refund the $20 extended warranty charge because I had gone past 30 days.

 

[PapaPerk]

I reluctantly have to report that the 12" sliding compound miter saw (98194) sux. I really tried to make it work for me, considering its very low price compared to anything similar. I spent considerable time making sure that all adjustments were spot on. It would cut perfect on straight cuts, but was off 1-2 degrees from square on miter cuts. I thought maybe I was torquing the frame enough to cause it, given the very stiff "hinge" spring, but evidently not since I could not force it to cut square by intentionally trying to force the frame the other way. I exchanged the original for a replacement from a different HF store, so I assume the serial numbers were way different (didn't confirm), but the replacment was the same. I finally figured out at least PART of the problem - the main fence is a one-piece aluminum casting. I removed it and found that it was NOT STRAIGHT! Was bowed in in the center by about 0.040". I tried my best to straighten it, but since it is a well-gusseted casting, it barely budged. They gladly refunded for the second saw, but would not refund the $20 extended warranty charge because I had gone past 30 days.

May I recommend the American made Makita sliders. Good saws!

 

[deereman75]

May I recommend the American made Makita sliders. Good saws!

and cost alot.
If you want a cheep slider, get an old dewalt radial arm saw off craigslist for $50, will last forever, and are very precise, but take up alot of space.

 

[California]

Just a note re radial arm saws: There is a popular Sears Craftsman radial arm saw sold for the past 40-50 years that is always on Craigslist.

Sears issued a recall for that model because the guards weren't sufficient. There is a retrofit kit for the later ones. Sears provides a carton then a $100 refund when you send them the motor, for the earlier ones.



Website: Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Recall

 

[kencunningham]

I bought a Metal cutoff saw (chopsaw) because of the price. I allready knew that anything from there with a electric motor was probably junk, but i just had to prove myself right. I managed to smoke the motor the first time i used it cutting some angle iron. It actually started working again after it cooled off, but i smoked it again weeks later trying to cut something else. I just gave it to the neighbor and told him not to expect much from it and that way he wouldnt be dissappointed. However I would like to say that i found a angle grinder that looked promising and have used it many times and its still going strong, loud as heck, but running. I have had similiar experiences with other items such as drills, dont waste your money. Hand tools on the other hand seem to be up to the task. Chisels and punches should be bought elsewhere.

I dont have a love affair with HF, but buy alot of things that i would not otherwise have. I have lots of items that i may only use once in a blue moon, but anytime i need something i usually have it. As previously stated by others, it your trying to make a living with a tool, buy it elsewhere.

 

[Diamondpilot]

As others said, HF tools have a place. I have 3 sets. One on each boat and one in my truck. Neither break down often. I have quality tools in my home and shop. Craftsman, Mac, Snap On, ect. I use them for the real work but to tighten a bolt or change a water pump in the middle of the lake the HF tools are sure handy for what they cost me.

Chris

 

[BeeferMan]

As others said, HF tools have a place. I have 3 sets. One on each boat and one in my truck. Neither break down often. I have quality tools in my home and shop. Craftsman, Mac, Snap On, ect. I use them for the real work but to tighten a bolt or change a water pump in the middle of the lake the HF tools are sure handy for what they cost me.

Yea, 10-4 to this. I keep a set of cheap tools in a bucket for when something breaks in the field. I've been known to get pissed off and throw a wrench into the woods or the pond - don't want that to be the Snap-Ons...

 

[gtrpicker]

I really can't understand how people can say they don't notice the difference between Harbor Freight good and quality goods! The metal alloys are so cheesy in so many of their tools you can tell by looking. If you're a homeowner who needs a power tool to use once or twice, this might be the place to shop. However, I cringe when I see contractors' trucks parked in front of HF! I would NEVER hire a contractor who buys HF tools. The quality (or LACK of quality) of the tools (s)he uses tells a lot about his/her work.

I bought some simple cable ties from HF. I was trying to use the largest ties from their 350-tie package, #45047 to secure a battery cable to the frame of my old Cub. EVERY ONE of them broke. I was installing them by hand...no plier-type or other installation tools...and had barely put any tension on them when they snapped. They seemed to be a cheapie plastic , even though the package states they're made from DuPont Nylon. I've NEVER seen nylon fail like this. That was the day I vowed never to buy anything from Harbor Freight. I'm not about to waste my time buying junk from HF only to have a tool or part fail when I need it and then have to make another trip to a *reputable* dealer to buy something worthwhile.

I've bought a couple of multimeters from them, and they they were defective right out of the boxes. I bought a wet sharpener, only to find out there was no thrust bearing on the grinder shaft; a collar rubbed against the case....pathetic! I returned it.

Perhaps, in my case and at this point, I also have personal feelings about dealing with Chinese manufacturers. With the exception of electronics goods, most of the products we get from China are pure junk. With China's currency manipulation being at the core of OUR economic crash, I'd rather not deal with them anyway. Harbor Freight is the epitome of Chinese quality.

 

[tulenutn2o]

:thumbsup:

I really can't understand how people can say they don't notice the difference between Harbor Freight good and quality goods! The metal alloys are so cheesy in so many of their tools you can tell by looking. If you're a homeowner who needs a power tool to use once or twice, this might be the place to shop. However, I cringe when I see contractors' trucks parked in front of HF! I would NEVER hire a contractor who buys HF tools. The quality (or LACK of quality) of the tools (s)he uses tells a lot about his/her work.

I bought some simple cable ties from HF. I was trying to use the largest ties from their 350-tie package, #45047 to secure a battery cable to the frame of my old Cub. EVERY ONE of them broke. I was installing them by hand...no plier-type or other installation tools...and had barely put any tension on them when they snapped. They seemed to be a cheapie plastic , even though the package states they're made from DuPont Nylon. I've NEVER seen nylon fail like this. That was the day I vowed never to buy anything from Harbor Freight. I'm not about to waste my time buying junk from HF only to have a tool or part fail when I need it and then have to make another trip to a *reputable* dealer to buy something worthwhile.

I've bought a couple of multimeters from them, and they they were defective right out of the boxes. I bought a wet sharpener, only to find out there was no thrust bearing on the grinder shaft; a collar rubbed against the case....pathetic! I returned it.

Perhaps, in my case and at this point, I also have personal feelings about dealing with Chinese manufacturers. With the exception of electronics goods, most of the products we get from China are pure junk. With China's currency manipulation being at the core of OUR economic crash, I'd rather not deal with them anyway. Harbor Freight is the epitome of Chinese quality.

AMEN!!! I couldn't agree more!:thumbsup: