HF tools that suck

[5030]

# 61675 'AA Heavy Duty Batteries 24 Pk'. (pale yellow/black).

Useless, the power output was less than the used HF alkalines (orange/black) I needed to replace.

User reviews on HF's website are the worst I've seen there.





This was the 'free gift' along with a purchase. I suspect they are clearing out an unsalable batch from the warehouse.

Most times, if it's 'free' it isn't worth anything and/or the quality is in doubt and that apples at any store, anytime but at HF if it's 'free' you absolutely know it's worthless and needs to be 'round filed' before you even leave the store.

Interesting observation that was explaind by an friend of mine recently. The reason why HF stores all have an odd smell is that the Chinese use coal dust to impart the black color to their rubber goods and thats what you smell.....

I find that an acceptable explaination even though I don't know what domestic producers use to color their rubber with......

 

[Travelover]

Most times, if it's 'free' it isn't worth anything and/or the quality is in doubt and that applies at any store, anytime but at HF if it's 'free' you absolutely know it's worthless and needs to be 'round filed' before you even leave the store.............

While I'd agree with you on many free items, these blue oval LED lights really rock. I've yet to have one go bad on me and the batteries are easily replaceable. I carry one in my car, two on my tractor, one in each tool box and have them scattered all over the house.

Portable Worklight & Flashlight - 27 LED Light Flashlight

 

[adamtorch]

# 61675 'AA Heavy Duty Batteries 24 Pk'. (pale yellow/black).

I had the same experience with this one.

 

[DFB]

Hahaha I received a multimeter as free gift once constantly read DC 12 volt battery voltage 2-3 decimal points higher than all my other meters. Always had a full battery charge using that one :laughing:

China drill bits = Junk

Years and years ago I did get some drill bits and center drills through freight I still have them around too. I had a full set each of Fractional and letter bits that were decent and very sharp the Metal case on the fractional read Milwaukeee Twist Drill and the letter and number boxes were stamped HUOT made in the USA. The smaller numbered ones weren't as good as the larger sizes. Where the bits themselves were made I don't know but I want say India. The center drills were stamped Poland. The mailings used to come in an envelope back then.



I didn't know there was a Wiki page on HF
Harbor Freight Tools - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[California]

blue oval LED lights really rock.

Agreed. These meet all expectations.

Likewise the small led flashlights and the free multimeters are ok. I have several of the yellow multimeters (superceded 2013?) and all work properly.

The occasional free 5 x 7 tarps and cheap screwdriver sets likewise, they aren't pro grade but are sufficient for casual use.


Aside from these worthless batteries, several years ago I bought their 'Vivitar' binoculars. Those were a bad joke. The two lenses didn't aim to the same point and the color distortion was like an old dying TV. I returned them. I later read that Vivitar, the company that made decent camera accessories 30 years ago, has folded and the existing 'Vivitar' is a nobody who bought the trademark from the old company. HF didn't sell Vivitar for very long; I expect 100% came back for refund.

 

[ozob2k]

I have a plague of tape measures, blue lights and tarps with a smattering of quarter inch rope around the house and garage. All have their place.

 

[Patrickdozer]

Have a few things I bought over the years. If its something that isn't going to be used hard or often Then HF is a candidate. I have acquired my good tools that I can count on and will spend money on if I think situation warrants. You get what you pay for. Cheap batteries come in handy as son tends to use for his electronics.

 

[Travelover]

I have a plague of tape measures, blue lights and tarps with a smattering of quarter inch rope around the house and garage. All have their place.

I think the "place" for the tape measures and also the free plastic clamps is the dumpster. Tarps are OK. :laughing:

 

[Herkypilot]

>12" pry bar that is made out of non-hardened steel that bends when used as a ... you guessed it, "a pry bar". - 2
>Brake line flaring tool - junk - 1
>Strap wrenches - slip with the funky rubber Chinese use - 2
>Air grease gun - junk - 1

I'm sure there are other things that didn't measure up. I do like wrenches/hammers and the like. I bought a hatchet that was made in Germany. I don't know how that was slipped in a HF store, but that is "top notch"!

 

[Industrial Toys]

This thread has given me a good laugh. Our equivalent up here in Canada is Princess Auto.

Basic rules for me are:

Nothing that cuts, not by edge nor abrasive. Wire wheels are good if you don't mind having the steel barbs inbed in your flesh!
Nothing that has to be precise in tolerence or manufacture. ie, nothing with threads
Nothing that you would strike in normal use
Nothing that does any striking
Nothing that would have todo any appreciable prying in normal use
Nothing made of any metal, alloy or casting where there might be the slightest degree of quality or strength required
Nothing that is usually and supposed to be made made with REAL rubber
Nothing that is designed to hold compressed air. As for tires, see about Rubber, above.
Nothing made of plastic that will be subjected to any impact, flexing, tension, compression, sun, cold or heat
Nothing that snaps open or closed, see about plastic above.
Nothing electronic
Nothing that you plug into the wall, starting with the cheap vinyl cord

Jacks are sold base on Chinese Tons. A 12 ton Jack should do for around 2, maybe 3 tons if you happened to get a good one.

Beyond that, everything else is a real bargain.