Harbor Freight tools that DO suck

[5030]

Not so much a single tool or item, but their policy that was changed a few years ago. No more individual sockets or wrenches, only sets. Makes it a bugger if you lose one, or need a special size.

Is that in reference to broken sockets of the impact variety? I was told by the local store manager that if I broke one, they would replace the broken one (lifetime guarantee). I've tried, believe me, but I cannot break them. Broke MAC's, Snap-On, SK and Cracksman but never HF.

 

[Oaktree]

Slotted heads are fine if you use the correct width screwdriver. I work on firearms a lot and most action screws are slotted. I have a set of slotted bits I use but I make sure the bit is the correct width (and length) for the screw. I prefer Torx over everything else but alas, action screws aren't.

My complaints with slotted screws tends to be more on wood screws than bolts. It seems a lot of them have very shallow slots so the blade slips out if the screw is really tight. Don't really lend themselves to using a drill/driver either.

Is that in reference to broken sockets of the impact variety? I was told by the local store manager that if I broke one, they would replace the broken one (lifetime guarantee).

What would they do if you did break one since they no longer sell individual sockets, replace the whole set or "borrow" one from a set on the rack? I do seem to see quite a few socket or wrench sets in the bargain bin with one piece missing...maybe that's why?

 

[5030]

My complaints with slotted screws tends to be more on wood screws than bolts. It seems a lot of them have very shallow slots so the blade slips out if the screw is really tight. Don't really lend themselves to using a drill/driver either.



What would they do if you did break one since they no longer sell individual sockets, replace the whole set or "borrow" one from a set on the rack? I do seem to see quite a few socket or wrench sets in the bargain bin with one piece missing...maybe that's why?

Have not broke one as of yet and I've tried. I guess if I do, I'll find out then. Until then it's only conjecture. Maybe I need to take one of the 1/2" drive impacts and put a 1/2 to 3/4 impact adapter on it and use my 3/4 drive extended anvil truck impact wrench to loosen something and see if I can fracture one that way. My IR 1/2" 1300 foot pound impact running at 175 psi won't do the deed.

HF does offer a 3/4" drive impact socket set with a double ended bud wheel socket but I have no need, already have a MAC set.

On the subject of HF not to buy stuff... No rubber bands (tarp straps) from HF. Still Chinesium self destructing rubber. Lasts 6 months and crumbles.

 

[jgedmond]

Bought the HF pneumatic grease gun for $29.95.
Tried to make it work.
Bought a Lincoln pneumatic grease gun for $65, and threw the HF one away.

What he said^^

I did the same thing. When the pressure chamber screws backed out of the HF (1 was missing and the other 3 were very loose), I took it back. It was beyond refund, but I wanted to point out the safety hazard to HF. The manager could not care less, just kept saying I couldn't get a refund even though I told her that I knew that up front. :confused3:

I am much more selective about what I buy at HF since that experience!

 

[reb]

The chisel/punch set sucks! I have lots of HF stuff and a fan of most of it, but stay away from these. Obviously not hardened steel.

Haven't read all this thread, but my opinion of their files is the same. Good for wood and plastic, but not for iron.

 

[5030]

I buy my air greasers from Tractor Supply and get the one year extended warranty. Just before it's up I call and tell them warranty company)'it's broken and then they send me a voucher for a new one. I have gotten 3 that way and paid for one. Easy to fix so I have 2 spares I keep different greases in. Manager set me wise to the scam btw.

They don't want the old broken one back so I keep and fix it.

 

[/pine]

I buy my air greasers from Tractor Supply and get the one year extended warranty. Just before it's up I call and tell them warranty company)'it's broken and then they send me a voucher for a new one. I have gotten 3 that way and paid for one. Easy to fix so I have 2 spares I keep different greases in. Manager set me wise to the scam btw.

They don't want the old broken one back so I keep and fix it.

I've sold my homing pigeon 37 times so far...!

 

[5030]

I've sold my homing pigeon 37 times so far...!

I think I'd eat it...:laughing:

 

[Diggin It]

Another policy thing. READ your new coupons very, VERY closely. The 25% Off Friends and Family I got recently has added Central Machinery to the exclusions list. The previous 25% off one I got a few weeks ago did not. I don't know if this is a one time exclusion, or a permanent change. CM is one of their staple brands though for many of their motor driven tools.



.

 

[5030]

HF has a lot of fine print on coupons.