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...

 

[California]

can't understand how people can say they don't notice the difference between Harbor Freight good and quality goods!

Show me where somebody said that.

HF stuff isn't 'best available', rather in a lot of cases it is 'good enough' for someone who will pay for the tool the first time they use it. I don't think anyone expects more than that. Of course I wouldn't try to earn my living daily with this stuff, that's not what they sell.

I have a lot of their things - needle scaler, portable band saw, powered sewer cleanout snake etc - that have far more than paid for themselves. I've won the gamble far more times than I've needed to take an item back for (cheerful) refund. The $169 sewer tool (similar) in particular saved a $180 holiday-rate RotoRooter callout and paid for itself the first time I used it. 10 years and many uses later it still works fine. (and saves $125~180 every time I use it.)

Sometimes I've bought stuff that was lesser quality than even the cheap price forewarned:

[posted in this thread by me, post #327] I bought a huge HF aluminum pipe wrench for a one-time project - to get the end off a hydraulic cylinder. It worked fine. But the next time I used it, the shoulder of an old rusty pipe elbow gouged its teeth instead of unscrewing the elbow. ... This is for very occasional farm repairs like that hydraulic cylinder, I don't need the quality I would buy for daily tradesman use.

I had my first hydraulic cylinder resealed by a shop for $165. For the second one I spent $30 for the HF pipe wrench and $10 for the seals. That's cost effective if I never use the wrench again. (and actually I've used it several times since to break loose old rusty plumbing).

I'm not saying this approach fits everyone. But if you don't understand how anyone could buy HF gear - you need to broaden your understanding.

 

[JoelD]

i have one of their 6 hp horizontal motors in my wheel horse workhorse 700 and it is an easy starting, strong running powerful motor. No regrets there and for 89 dollars can't beat it. I have a 90 dollar mig wire feed welder and it works great, again, great deal.

I've got a set of their 1/2 inch impact sockets and split one right down the middle, junk. I like their voltmeters, they are cheap and work well.

I've got their wireless inspection camera which works great

i purchased a solar motion sensor light and it crapped out in days, total junk.

some things are great deals while others are junk.

Joel

 

[gtrpicker]

I e-mailed DuPont about those stinking cable ties, and they replied almost immediately.
They sell only the raw materials for manufacturing...not finished products. This means Harbor Freight made the cable ties. What in the world did they add to DuPont nylon to make it so brittle and useless? This raises several questions about ALL of Harbor Freight's products. Sure, these are only cable ties we're talking about, but if every one of them breaks under normal use, what about items which could possibly endanger one's life?

Somebody asked something to the effect of, in regards to a machinist's hammer, "What could they do to a hunk of steel on a stick?" I wonder that myself. If there's a way to make it fail, Harbor Freight will find it.

I don't even open their ads any more. It's been so long since I've dealt with them, I wonder why I still get them.
I used to recommend HF to others, but once I realized why their good are so cheap, I send NOBODY there any more...and never will.

 

[patrick_g]

I really can't understand how people can say they don't notice the difference between Harbor Freight good and quality goods! ...

... I'd rather not deal with them anyway. Harbor Freight is the epitome of Chinese quality.

Absolutism spoils things for many. Rarely is anything of any complexity really totally good or bad. Dimmer switches allow adjusting light levels appropriately where off/on switches (all or nothing) are frequently inferior. We buy super cheap and then cry like wounded babies how we were taken advantage of. It has been said that you can't cheat an honest man. If there was no larcenous intent of getting more than you paid for then what is the problem?

Chinese have safely launched their astronauts into space and recovered them safely. That level of achievement requires a level of quality well above Harbor Freight so get over the "Chinese can't make anything good" idea as that puppy was stillborn. Harbor Freight is a US (California) company. They specify the product and buy from China what the company wants to sell to you. So long as we keep buying the junkiest stuff they will keep selling it to us. That is free capitalism. You are free to pick and choose from among their products or to eschew then entirely but don't blame the Chinese because you choose to buy crap.

OK, fool me once, shame on you but fool me twice, shame on me. When you bought your second and subsequent items you were in the "SHAME ON ME" zone. there is a satisfaction or your money back policy so you could have returned item #1 and sinned no more.

Some of us (and we may not all be right) believe that there are some HF items suitable for some purposes and have an appropriate cost/benefit ratio such that the experienced person with analytical thinking ability can benefit from making selective purchases and over time achieve an acceptable record.

I assure you I have purchased crap from HF that was hardly good for any purpose but have also purchased things that served EXTREMELY well for their cost. If you can't figure out what is likely to work well enough for your needs then avoid HF and buy a sure fire super quality tool you can rely on.

I personally have used several hundred of the chintsy HF wire ties. Once in a while I get a defective one but certainly less than a few percent, maybe 1-2% have a problem at most. I have at least three working 4 1/2 inch angle grinders (and a couple dead ones) but do the math, at $20 or less each vice $100 for PC, DeWart, etc I'm still way ahead. ...and oh by the way DeWart (R-L reversal problem with Chinese speaking English, it should be funny to you if you get it) is made in China and Black and Decker 4 1/2 angle grinder is identical to DeWart except color and is made in China too. I have both and guarantee them identical. My Dewalt 13 inch planer, under the outer cover is labeled China.

Get over stuff made in China, It isn't the origin that makes tools crap it is the quality you choose to buy. Apparently lots of folks want crap as HF is doing a pretty brisk business and continues to open new stores.

Some of us who can pick and choose, learn from our mistakes, and apply analysis to decision making will always find more good deals to pick up at HF than loosers. I suppose the successful HF shoppers are to a degree being subsidized by the masses who are indiscriminately buying the crap in high volume and keeping HF in business so we can take advantage of our bargain finding abilities there. For that, I thank all the folk who buy crap at HF. Just puleeeease don't whine about it so much.

Pat

 

[gtrpicker]

...For that, I thank all the folk who buy crap at HF. Just puleeeease don't whine about it so much.

Pat

----------------------

I am in a repair business, and I always try to keep people from investing in junk, no matter what it is and where they buy it. I like to make people aware of what quality is and the differences it makes.
I still would rather spend money on quality, Made in America items when I can get them (sure there ARE bad American products as well, and I avoid them too).
There IS a huge difference in, let's say randomly, a trumpet...made in China and one made France or the U.S. The fellow playing the Chinese one because he can't hear the difference between them won't get very far in music. Once he hears a good one and DOES hear the difference, there's a good chance he might start listening a bit more closely and realizing what *tone* is. THEN he's much more likely to invest in a decent instrument and see his music *grow*.
Likewise, tools...I mean those with moving parts...not hammers, etc. DO work better when they're machined better out of good materials.
I once actually considered buying HFs benchtop mini-lathe. I asked the company what material the spindle gears were made of and found out they were a plastic compound...not suitable for serious use. I spend a couple hundred more on a Chines one which had been reworked for MicroMark (the spindle gear replaced with cast iron!), and I came out 'way ahead.
So don't take me as a whiner; I'm more of a "warner"...warning people that, despite appearances at times, they get what they pay for. Cheap is cheap...period. Thanks for the response!

 

[patrick_g]

...For that, I thank all the folk who buy crap at HF. Just puleeeease don't whine about it so much.

Pat

----------------------

I am in a repair business, and I always try to keep people from investing in junk, no matter what it is and where they buy it. I like to make people aware of what quality is and the differences it makes.
I still would rather spend money on quality, Made in America items when I can get them (sure there ARE bad American products as well, and I avoid them too).
There IS a huge difference in, let's say randomly, a trumpet...made in China and one made France or the U.S. The fellow playing the Chinese one because he can't hear the difference between them won't get very far in music. Once he hears a good one and DOES hear the difference, there's a good chance he might start listening a bit more closely and realizing what *tone* is. THEN he's much more likely to invest in a decent instrument and see his music *grow*.
Likewise, tools...I mean those with moving parts...not hammers, etc. DO work better when they're machined better out of good materials.
I once actually considered buying HFs benchtop mini-lathe. I asked the company what material the spindle gears were made of and found out they were a plastic compound...not suitable for serious use. I spend a couple hundred more on a Chines one which had been reworked for MicroMark (the spindle gear replaced with cast iron!), and I came out 'way ahead.
So don't take me as a whiner; I'm more of a "warner"...warning people that, despite appearances at times, they get what they pay for. Cheap is cheap...period. Thanks for the response!

I am in solid agreement with your words above except maybe for the trumpet thing. The Chinese make some very fine musical instruments but you may not see them. What we see is what American companies chose to import and in no way is representative of the typical or best quality the Chinese are capable of.

Avoiding HF does little toward buying American which I am willing to do and prefer to do if what I want is available. It is hard to find lots of hobby grade/home owner grade tools made in the USA. I thought I was buying American when I bought My Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 diesel but a couple months later discovered under the seats the Hecho en Mexico stickers. I do have several good American tools that outshine anything I have ever seen in HF but they were built over 25 years ago by Milwaukee in America.

What hand held power tools are made in America now?

At least my F-250 has a sticker on the windshield with its USA town of origin on it!

I have a HF wood turning lathe, special order not stocked in stores. It is quite close in function to one costing $1000 more at a Woodworking boutique.

My cabinet saw is American (mostly) a relatively new American company but partly imported parts and sub assemblies. It cost over $4000 and there is no similarly sized saw with better specs made on the planet. No way does HF compete, not remotely close.

Pick and choose pick and choose... I have a section on a bench set aside for broken/failed HF stuff to exchange next time. It rarely goes empty for too many months.

 

[patrick_g]

...For that, I thank all the folk who buy crap at HF. Just puleeeease don't whine about it so much.

Pat

----------------------

I am in a repair business, and I always try to keep people from investing in junk, no matter what it is and where they buy it. I like to make people aware of what quality is and the differences it makes.
I still would rather spend money on quality, Made in America items when I can get them (sure there ARE bad American products as well, and I avoid them too).
There IS a huge difference in, let's say randomly, a trumpet...made in China and one made France or the U.S. The fellow playing the Chinese one because he can't hear the difference between them won't get very far in music. Once he hears a good one and DOES hear the difference, there's a good chance he might start listening a bit more closely and realizing what *tone* is. THEN he's much more likely to invest in a decent instrument and see his music *grow*.
Likewise, tools...I mean those with moving parts...not hammers, etc. DO work better when they're machined better out of good materials.
I once actually considered buying HFs benchtop mini-lathe. I asked the company what material the spindle gears were made of and found out they were a plastic compound...not suitable for serious use. I spend a couple hundred more on a Chines one which had been reworked for MicroMark (the spindle gear replaced with cast iron!), and I came out 'way ahead.
So don't take me as a whiner; I'm more of a "warner"...warning people that, despite appearances at times, they get what they pay for. Cheap is cheap...period. Thanks for the response!

I am in solid agreement with your words above except maybe for the trumpet thing. The Chinese make some very fine musical instruments but you may not see them. What we see is what American companies chose to import and in no way is representative of the typical or best quality the Chinese are capable of.

Avoiding HF does little toward buying American which I am willing to do and prefer to do if what I want is available. It is hard to find lots of hobby grade/home owner grade tools made in the USA. I thought I was buying American when I bought My Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 diesel but a couple months later discovered under the seats the Hecho en Mexico stickers. I do have several good American tools that outshine anything I have ever seen in HF but they were built over 25 years ago by Milwaukee in America.

What hand held power tools are made in America now?

At least my F-250 has a sticker on the windshield with its USA town of origin on it!

I have a HF wood turning lathe, special order not stocked in stores. It is quite close in function to one costing $1000 more at a Woodworking boutique.

My cabinet saw is American (mostly) a relatively new American company but partly imported parts and sub assemblies. It cost over $4000 and there is no similarly sized saw with better specs made on the planet. No way does HF compete, not remotely close.

Pick and choose pick and choose... I have a section on a bench set aside for broken/failed HF stuff to exchange next time. It rarely goes empty for too many months.

Pat

 

[lilranch2001]

Harbor Freight is the epitome of Chinese quality.

I dunno......

some chinese women are hot!!!

 

[Travelover]

I dunno......

some chinese women are hot!!!

Well look at it this way. If one in a million is truly hot, there are at least a thousand beauties.