5 Items NOT to Buy from Harbor Freight Tools

[@joecline3277]

I like harbor freight buying tools and working on a budget it helps. I've never had a problem with harbor freights stuff

[@wildbill23c]

I had a belt sander that failed during the first use, and a drill bit sharpener fail during the first use, took them back, got my money back, no issues. I've bought a lot of stuff from HF, usually if its not going to work right it fails during the first use. I've had pretty good luck with HF stuff over the years, but I buy the stuff knowing it may or may not work. Their air tools seem to work pretty well, their older 44" tool chests were great, I have a couple of the compound miter saws and they've been working great, 1 I've had for about 10 years, the other for about 4 years.

[@wildbill23c]

Haven't had any issues at all. They have a return policy which I've used twice, but both tools failed on the first use, haven't had any issues since then and I've purchased hundreds of items from HF since then. If you are a pro you probably shouldn't be shopping there anyhow your wallet should have a huge bulge in it so you can afford all the over-priced Chinese stuff sold by "Brand Name" companies that break just the same you just cry harder when you break the $1,000 tool over the $100 tool LOL. I've got a tool box full of everything from HF, Snap-On, Craftsman, etc. all those tools work and do their jobs just fine and have done so for years, I try to go to garage/estate sales you can find some dang good tools for pretty cheap, but in the off-season if I need a tool for a quick repair or something HF is a great place to go.

[@algrayson8965]

Except for the angle grinder that exploded the motor cooling fan with such force that the grille in the housing shattered. Got money back. And the Reciprocating Saw that broke its reciprocating ram. No parts available. And the cordless reciprocating saw that broke its blade clamp. No parts available. Of course none of their power tools are worth paying anyone to repair but we do-it-yourselfers would fix them if parts were available. Usually just wait for the next half price sale.

[@garyjones7044]

I shop there all the time, some stuff is good some is crap, either you have only bought things there vary rarely and have been lucky are you are lying.

[@Cooper_Jolin]

Same I love Harbor Freight the only problem I've had was with the adjustable workbench but it was $20 but thats what happens when you buy cheap stuff

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

I remember an old adage, a bad workman always blames his tools :)

[@georgearmstrong2531]

Balloon for sewer pipe

[@RichardMiller-tq6ut]

A good workman doesn't sacrifice good work with crap tools

[@dirtrider88]

or a stupid one

[@davidyates5611]

Cheap is cheap

[@fendernut1975]

I just bought that welder soldering gun last week from harbor freight for a small auto wiring job I was doing! I agree with you, it sucks. Especially in a cramped space trying to hold the trigger down while holding the solder and the wires.

[@richardschmidtman8436]

Denny H the tips are shit I broke all 3 of them in 8 hours

[@travismachado4666]

Thank you and to think that I've been welding wrong all these years I can't wait to get one of those little welders it'll be so convenient!

[@jgwalling]

I have the number five centech multimeter I put different leads in it seems to be working pretty good now

[@ronguin7062]

Great video! Thanks for putting your experience up for us to see. Ive had hit and miss success at HF as well. Some items like my concrete mixer, are a huge savings and work well. Some things like a hammer drill i bought didnt last one job. I appreciate you taking the time to put up your experience.

[@joshuaburgess3701]

They updated the soldering gun, I have used it several times repairing power tool batteries and it works good. They say it gets to max temp in 12 seconds but it's like 15. Unless you short something or use the multimeter leads to carry high amperage they shouldn't​ burn up.

[@Toolaholic7]

Great advice on the tap and die set.Spend the money on an Irwin set basically.I have one tap and die set that is $300.00,a Matco set which is made by Irwin with the Matco name on it.Have a lifetime warranty on everything.

[@blackforest4x462]

I have this soldering iron/gun (welder?) When I us it i put a rubber band to hold the trigger in works fine Just saying ✌👉 😎

[@vesuviuscurmudgeon8858]

That volt meter blew up in my hands when I was checking for 120 VAC in a wall socket. If you buy one, give it to your worst enemy.

[@nateb9768]

I have a electronic stud finder from HF and it has worked great!

[@rustyrag]

I have at least a half dozen of the multimeters. Never a problem, and it does work on high voltage, if you use the correct scale. The cheap part is that it isn't auto off like the more expensive ones. Don't ask me how many batteries that I had to replace! Ken

[@RobBastien]

Love your descriptions of the crappy stuff...Thanks for posting.

[@algrayson8965]

A decent extractor-drill bit set has LEFT HAND twist drills. Often just drilling will remove the broken screw or stud. RIGHT HAND drill bits tend to tighten the broken screw or stud.

[@williamstyers4264]

carbon steel taps and dies are ok for casual use but if you are a true professional buy high speed steel. The voltmeter is also good for casual use and if you think a soldering iron is a welder you probably should stay away from electricity in any form. LOL

[@AK99581]

Yup, HSS taps are the only way to go. I learned that the hard way after busting a carbon steel tap rethreading a hole in a very tough spot in a machine at work, and having to work nearly 5 hours late, in a f'ed up position that destroyed my neck and back for a few days, to fix the problem I caused with my piece of sh*t carbon steel tap. That very night when I got home I ordered a whole bunch of individual HSS taps from McMaster Carr. The difference between carbon steel and HSS taps are immediately noticed, the HSS taps cut like a hot knife through butter and don't break nearly as easily.

[@dynagaming2693]

A guide for Harbor Freight (by someone who buys various tools from them often): Lower your expectations. Most of their tools hold up for light / moderate use. However, if you're going to be using a tool almost daily, invest in a better brand. Most of my toolbox consists of HF tools, and I do quite a bit of DIY work. My favorite tool(s) are the low-profile ratchets (the ones that are clones of Snap-On). I own one of each size (1/4, 3/8, 1/2), including flex-head and long / extendable. A few of my friends who are mechanics use these ratchets. Everything else is decent enough, especially their sockets. Buy the "Pittsburgh Pro" versions of their tools, as they are made in Taiwan (who also makes Craftsman) instead of China. HF is also good for tools you're only going to use once or twice. Yes, you can rent them from most auto parts stores, but they're cheap ones as well (which is why the rental deposit is cheap). I have a pulley remover kit, I paid $10 for it, meanwhile the rental would run me $25 at the parts store, and now I own the tool, just in case I need it again. I avoid their power tools, tap sets, extractor sets, or anything that requires a bit of precision / cautiousness. The free meters work pretty decently if you replace the heavy-duty (garbage) 9v with a alkaline one. Just remember, you're buying a tool that is less than $20 that would otherwise cost $100+. Expect that it's not going to feel nice or perform perfectly. If you can be honest enough with yourself, and stop comparing their tools with "professional" ones, you'll realize that HF is not for pros, it's for DIY individuals who would otherwise not be able to perform repairs because a specific "specialty" tool is not affordable to them. I buy from HF because I'm not a professional who depends on his tools to make a living.

[@TheOnefalcon07]

The harbor freight breaker bars are awesome. I HAD a Snap on.. I still have a Pittsburgh that I've used alot more. I've seen online tests with them and their ratchets and they are actually stronger than snap on. But they may not have the long time durability... but I havent broken a HF ratchet or breaker bar yet and I snapped a snap on in half working on a combine

[@ricknelson4764]

I agree with you one the extractor set, just last week I bought one to get a valve cover bolt out and the drill bit broke as soon as it touched metal and of course the broken bit fell into the engine, now I'll have to tear the engine all the way down to get it out

[@charliewhite7596]

learn how block the holes first around what u r drilling. class 101

[@dirtrider88]

if your to stupid to block off open holes into your engine then it was probably lack of intelligence that caused the drill bit to break.

[@rdubby1102]

Is he trying to weld with a soldering gun?

[@pickrhead7185]

I think "Welding" is supposed to be the brand name - a deceptive little trick but typical for the cheapo market. "Weller" is the well-known brand of soldering gear. Soldering GUNS have their uses but they're limited. This guy just doesn't know.

[@douglasrodrigues332]

rdubby...plastic welding.

[@rdubby1102]

Douglas Rodrigues no, it is not for plastic

[@josephtaverna1287]

rdubby very good I said the same exact thing he's calling the soldering gun a welder a welder and a soldering gun are two different types of work.

[@wendellcautrell1936]

I own that solsering gun.works excellent.

[@aramieg8128]

the bolt extraction drill bit is a reverse (backwards) drill bit. it doesn't work like the other drill bits.

[@DanielDroegeShow]

When you buy HF you have to expect a few things: Lack of knowledge or help from staff (not always, but it should be viewed as a bonus) Low quality control (80% of most items are probably great for the price, 15% are defective but functional, and 5% are totally broken out of the box) Coupons not applied correctly at checkout The tools will dull faster which takes more time to sharpen them often. They have rough edges which sometimes need to be broken to avoid minor injury. You must inspect and test every weld, bearing, spring, etc. yourself. E.g. two identical cast iron vices might be amazing or total crap. Take it home and beat on it a bit and if it breaks, you know you got a bad one so return it. I have the tendency to buy a tool for a single job, but I always end up using it as much as possible shortly after to limit test it while under warranty.

[@tmorgan7939]

Good video.... I share your frustration with some of the products I have bought there. I have picked up some really good buys but it defintely is a buyer beware situation all the time. Good thing is that I have found they will actually refund your money without any problem if you take the time to go back.

[@JTBivens]

I am with you on the meter. Needed one in a pinch for testing laptop power cables. First one I tested made the meter smoke and killed it. I mean we are only talking around 20V here. (Tested just fine with a more capable meter).

[@kenpryor4440]

i have the tap and die set its in a gray box and it works great i have used it for many things they work just as good as my snapon set

[@PandaMan02]

obviously you don't use those multimeters on high voltage lines, they give those out for free sometimes.

[@raybonz7939]

Agreed! I am a licensed electrician\control technician and I trust my life to Fluke daily! HF has a new line of meters that looks much better than what the video is showing.. I might give those a try if I need a new meter..

[@valveman12]

The Crazy Romanian I don't know what you are doing with the multimeter but I have one and never had any issues with the leads. Maybe you are too rough with your tools.

[@triangleofdeath6246]

Valveman12 Same, works fine for me. My brother has one as well, he just used it to diagnose a feed issue with a older HF mig welder he has. (Chicago Electric "Easy Mig-100", flux core welder Blue box) worked just fine.

[@Heizenberg32]

The leads fell apart under very light use on the first one of these I had. The next one I got is still holding up fine. Theresa always a chance of getting a dud with HF stuff.

[@wendellcautrell1936]

Ive had that volt meter for yrs,works excellent

[@knote4958]

I've snapped those bolt-removal bits before, from other brands. If the bolt is in there tight or rusted, the removal tool may not be strong enough to pull it, you may need to just drill it out with a cobalt bit then clean it out with a tap afterwards Also, for dedicated current functions you wouldn't want to use that style of multimeter anyways, whether from HF or Home Depot. That clamp style meter is the kind you would use for measuring amperage

[@FourDollaRacing]

I recently used my Free Harbor Freight multimeter to diagnose and replace a 4500 watt water-heater element, and a 240-volt 30-amp double-pole breaker! I have re-soldered the leads once; but, that is after using the stink out of a great tool....

[@jamesmulligan1077]

Thanks for your well made video! your assessments totally make sense i.e. how the tool &die set is unmarked and it becomes a mess in the case not knowing what's what which defeats the purpose for such a set, (no matter how cheap), to even exist if you can't use it or have to spend extra time to put it in order every time. It saved me time when considering to buy such items from HF. Thank you crazy Romanian!

[@michaelanderson4836]

this does not what the tools are and what they do tap & die set is good quality and 2nd that is not a welder its a solder iron kit

[@michaelscanlon7461]

Great tool review I have some of those you're absolutely right

[@braddowns17]

you get what you pay for. so how much of a kickback do you get from Amazon for promoting them?

[@Blaydrnnnr]

The "welder" is supposed to work that way. Its for Fast high heat soldering, not for PCB or small component soldering. It works exactly as it should...the right tool for the right job...pencil irons are for small component, PC board or intricate soldering. ( resistors, caps, small gauge wire..etc ) If you try to use a 35W iron on big heavy connections, you risk melting the wire jacket, and the component itself. Or, the connection or lug becomes a big heat sink, and the solder never melts down or worse, melts just enough to give you a cold solder joint. This gun gets bigger, heavier connections hot fast to solder or undo solder joints as fast as possible, without holding the heat too long.

[@boosted2.4_sky]

the screw extractor set works great... I've never had a problem using them.. still have it..

[@muhammadsteinberg]

I knew there had to be someone out there buying Harbour Frieght tools. Thank you for exposing yourself. I can now check that off my bucket list.

[@x1134x]

6:01 I have a free multimeter in each of my cars for on the road troubleshooting. I have a good one for real electrical work.

[@james10739]

The soldering gun i have a Weller that is a little smaller and you have to make sure there is a good connection on the tip or try changing the tip

[@stephenlutz123]

I keep the meters in the car, the garage, the basement, etc.. Quick test on a battery when the car won't start or to check for voltage at an outlet in the house.

[@TheOnefalcon07]

I love my HF tap and die sets... yea the t handle sucks, but so does my Irwin. I just go for my vise grips. I also love my HF multimeter. I use it quite a bit.. it does a really good job for as cheap as it is. It works just as good as my klein I leave in my toolbox.

[@westvirginiarider5278]

I keep one of those cheap multi meters in my tool bag, they work great, you’re just putting it into too high of voltage, I’ve used mine for making wiring harnesses for equipment and checking continuity on my cars. You just need to use it appropriately, and my meter has not been babied, it’s been dropped, used in the rain, and used in every kind of weather and it still kicks ass.

[@patrickpatrick191]

I am an Air Force trained technician, on Cryptographic equipments systems, Computers, Printers, Discs, and with my secondary AFSC in General Vehicle Maintenance. I have used HFT tools since 1982, when I returned from 6 years in Germany, to serve in SAC at Offutt AFB, in Nebraska. I never used the tiny grease gun, but, have the manual and air units that work well. But, the Soldering GUN is NEVER used on any electronic circuits, because it is designed for making grounding wires, and joining heavy electric leads. IF you use it on any electronic device, it isn't shielded or grounded, so it can totally destroy electronic devices that are sensitive! I have almost a dozen of the little red meters, and none have failed me when used properly! i can see that there are some areas that you lack knowledge and experience in, and when you achieve the level of experience which many of us have, but, ultimately, when you achieve the patience to use tools properly, and not abuse them, you will be able to work without being so frustrated all the time!

[@algrayson8965]

I know man, my Allied Radio great big VOM died when I dropped it 10' from a ladder. Bakelite VOM cases won't take abuse.

[@ReadTheShrill]

Only things I buy from HF: 1. Abrasive media for my sandblaster. Hard to screw that up. 2. Tools that I'm going to ruin. On rare occasions I have to get a pair of pliers or a wrench or whatever into a tight space, which means I'm going to have to heat it with a torch, and bend it to make it fit. So I buy a cheap one from HF.

[@michaelroberts9633]

Like my boss used to say,You have to be smarter then the equipment.

[@Mr71chevyvan]

i have been using analog and digital meters since the 50's and i found these free meters are great if you know how to use them. I find they are very accurate on the DC volts and ohms scale too.

[@poppapump8578]

Most non experienced people using extracting bits rush the job. Try to drill a quick hole and extract. You need to remove as much as possible of the bolt , heat the bolt.

[@67daltonknox]

I keep one of the little multimeters at my partner's house. No end of uses: test batteries, wall plugs, continuity and resistance testing. Sure it's not as good as the one I have at home, but way better than nothing.

[@ElationProductions]

Regardless of brand, I've never seen any soldering iron of that style work very well. I think it has to do with the lack of mass in the tip of it. If you want a good, high power soldering iron, Sears actually sells one for about $60, which is just a re-badged Wall-Lenk. i have 3 I like them so much. 150 watts of power stock, with a 400 watt tip also available for it.

[@prosperandbehealthy]

*I love the volt meter. **#Important** to know how to use it before you use it*

[@JDeWittDIY]

I have a couple of those volt meters I got for free. They work, but there are super cheap, flimsy and basically disposable.

[@knote4958]

Especially important to know the difference between a basic multimeter/voltmeter and a dedicated amp meter

[@tomknud]

I used a HF tap and die set to fix my Ford Sable ... which was probably even worse quality! At the same time, I bought the little kit of short swivel ratchets which worked forever!

[@Bill37nj]

I been there, multi meter / dies/ hand held grinder/ hole hawg drill are junk.keep up the good work letting us know whats junk By the way the owner is a multi millionaire and bought hockey player Gresky Home for big bucks.

[@markbe5603]

That’s so funny! The multimeters are crap. Mine was dead on arrival.

[@bobbrawley9439]

The BusJockey uses that multmeter with Load Pro leads . i like the digital display it so mufh more readable than more expensive brands . I have several of them -- somewhere

[@james10739]

So not sure if you know but usually those screw extractor drill bits are usually left hand cutting

[@rustybritches6747]

Lol! i have everything in this video and have the EXACT same issues with all mine too. there great for a 1 time deal, but if you plan on using them over and over you really need to know how to modify, fix and re- engineer they're garbage tools!

[@kilosanchez586]

The multimeter works just fine for me. Can it be that the items you purchased were defective from the get go? And its not that that the individual using it don't know how to use them

[@outdoor044]

Thanks for the review, I was thinking about buying that tap set... Guess not. There's some good deals at harbor freight and there's obviously some terrible tools there.

[@jamessickmore236]

I bought that tap die set. Your 100% right it was bad really bad, handle broke 1st time used lol

[@Lasurge1982]

I bought this tap and die set and it is perfectly fine.

[@douglasrodrigues332]

I agree about that small grease gun. I couldn't figure out how to fill it or what that nozzle was supposed to fit?

[@ProfessorDIY]

I have the tap set from Harbor Freight and it works great, often the same item has two part numbers one is great the other crap.

[@kevinbeck6419]

I have that volt meter from there no problem with it had it for years

[@TheCrazyRomanian]

Man I have 12 .. every one of them has either a probe broken or something else wrong with it

[@hachi-rokuperformancegroup3987]

Harbor freight tap and die kits are great and have used mine for 3 years no issues. And how can you say a cheaper Amazon version will be better? Buy one and compare

[@unleashedrider4309]

I had that multimeter for a year and used it every day for 10hrs a day 6 days a week I never had a problem with it.

[@triangleofdeath6246]

I dunno, I have had good luck with the HF Multimeter. It seems to work fine for me. Granted, I haven't used it in any super high Voltage applications, but It seems fine for electronics and minor automotive work.

[@TheSuburban15]

Abrasive blaster gun. The handle of the first one cracked when I screwed in the air fitting. I returned it for a replacement. The second one was leaky. I tried adjusting the valve, but then the valve sticks open, which is dangerous. I can't remove the valve to service it, because the trigger is in the way, and it's riveted on.

[@stinkycheese804]

Your tap holder stripped but mine broke the gray cast potmetal in half. Same thing happened to the die holder. Junk. PS you can use a t-shirt but I prefer a piece of carpet padding cut to exactly the right size. The soldering iron (which you and they call a welder), is not all that unusual. Some do heat faster than 20 seconds but you just keep pressing the trigger every now and then to keep the tip hot, sort of like how you'd keep peddling a bicycle every now and then to leisurely go somewhere. The slower heating can even be a benefit if you only want the iron just hot enough to melt solder, minimizing excessive heat from damaging what you're working on, because you have more time to see the solder melt and release the trigger without it getting that much hotter, faster. I suppose it just depends on what you're used to using, for large jobs I have a similar Weller and it works fine for when it's needed, but most of my soldering is done using a temp controlled soldering station instead. The multimeter is junk, but if you only need it for one use, it will work fine for basic voltage, resistance, etc. Do not use it with high voltage, say over 220V but who would be dealing with higher voltage, competently, and not own a better meter? I keep my HF free meter in my battery drawer to check battery voltage. How much can I complain about something that's free or nearly so?

[@AdrianJayeOnline]

@ 3.30 that's an electric soldering gun, it's not supposed to stay iron, just instant on heat when you hit the button

[@kutzbill]

I saw the aftermath of a cheap Volt-Ohm meter. The guy was trying to check the line voltage on some 480V3Ph. Yeah, He got about a 9000 degree F plasma ball in his face. If you are checking anything that is over 12DC, please buy a well made meter.

[@Patchuchan]

If you're going to poking around 480V3Ph circuits you better have one of those $300 to $400 high impedance Fluke meters that have 1000V insulation and short circuit protection.

[@algrayson8965]

Rule 1 - NEVER use a VOM on Ω scale on a LIVE circuit. Pfffftt! Rule 2 - Know about how many amps to expect. 10A socket for anything over 1,000 mA. Use an appropriate ammeter, not a VOM, for over 10A.

[@BPattB]

I actually used the free multimeter to chase down a parasitic leak on my car, work great. Same red one you got. Maybe mine was made Wednesday and yours was made after lunch Friday? Lol good video brother.

[@dirtrider88]

maybe your smarter than the dumbass in the video

[@jackhazz5777]

I have 2 of those voltage meter...never had a problem with them. I have them for years checking car batteries and outlets...and I still have them and still work. For one, you NEVER use harbor freight tools if you use them daily or if you use them for work. They are best for the weekend hobbyist.

[@stephenwgreen78]

I have 5 or 6 of the multi meters lol...it's free. Thanks for the heads up on tap & die set I've been looking at that one

[@doorguner01]

use spray foam on the plastic case thats what i do with case's that sags in including a higher quality cases when left in the heat

[@Cooscoop]

If you would spend more time realizing that the price of the tools= the quality. However Harbor Freight is a corporate store who has a typical return policy so basically all of the tools that you just described could have simply been returned either for your money or another item

[@huntnwabbits8150]

Crazy Romnian, I gotta say you are wrong about that cheapie meter. I have owned one of those form 15 years or more damn things worked every time , no hurned leads, reads voltage/ohms ok. I have not been nice to that meter and it still works.

[@pickrhead7185]

Sounds perverted...

[@overtheedge9298]

Hunt'n Wabbits Just remember, you bought it fifteen years ago.

[@pentiuman]

Well, my experience w/ the H.F. multimeter is exactly as described by this video - leads break if you look at them wrong! Not even worth the effort of picking them up for free!

[@gforcekaras]

The leads on mine actually started to get hot, real fast! I usually don't read manuals but I did on this one and it crapped out on me. Worthless even when free, amazing.

[@yashiroku]

the drill set I ended up using to cut light metal or anything soft the tapping feature never worked for me with that set because they get eaten up.

[@jimzivny1554]

I have a small grease gun like yours for about 10+yrs for lubricating some air tools and machine parts and it's worked great, I buy the small cartridges from the local Autozone instead of trying to refill it with bulk grease. Cheap taps, dies, drill bits and extractor sets only get you in trouble, it pays to buy quality. I love Harbor Freight but you have to do your homework and be selective.

[@fredyearian4968]

The gear box in the HF close quarter drill fails. The bevel gear fractures.

[@wilsonsantiago5821]

Can you do the fridge compressor replacement?

[@bradleybrewer9576]

I have a hack to use that soder gun put a rubber band on the trigger so it stays on

[@steveskouson9620]

OK, I've gotten quite a few of that multimeter. So far, never let me down! Granted, I've PAID for, exactly ZERO of them. LOVE those coupons! steve

[@jimvet5975]

you did a great video, loved it

[@walterdavis4007]

The drill bolts are left hand bits. They only work in reverse. So yea it will not drill straight

[@brokebutfunctioninggarage]

the screw extractor actually has worked many times for me... It does not "drill crooked" its a drill bit... so the USER drilled crooked... the extractor will break, if you run it in turning RIGHT. Its designed to be REVERSE THREADED, so it bites into the bolt to help it reverse the "bolt" out of the hole. turn the clutch on your drill, let it slowly work... its simple. soldering gun... not a welder.... and imagine that... a free multimeter is not as good as one you actually have to pay money for... (hmm...I wonder why?) as for the tap and die set, It actually works pretty decent for a HF tool I get that the case isnt fantastic, but every piece there in is labeled with its size etc. if you cant read the sizes and thats your actual gripe, then go buy glasses.

[@Thenandnowcardshop]

That's a soldering gun not a welder mine is more expensive but works the same way if I buy another one I'll Buy hf

[@1pcfred]

I find Weller 8600 soldering guns at garage sales all the time. The going rate for them is $3-$6. $3 for just the gun itself, and $6 for the whole tool kit, box and all. Once I got one mint in box I stopped buying them.

[@cymoncyrado2879]

Paul Frederick: You're lucky....every time I stop at a yard sale it's all baby clothes and tupperware

[@1pcfred]

+Cymon Cyrado it is not luck, it is statistics, plus some practice. Just hit a lot of sales. Also I can usually tell at a distance if a sale is a waste of time. Some areas are better than others. Going to those better areas is worth it. Even if it means some traveling.

[@damedicmt]

I hear ya about "Yard Sales". 😩 You follow a sign "Huge MultiFamily" sale, and you get there & you think: REALLY? This is what you call Huge? And it is mostly baby stuff, kitchen stuff and a shovel 😲

[@raybonz7939]

Soldering guns take longer to heat because they are essentially current transformers and not heaters.. You have to make sure the tip is tight and the tip is cleaned and tinned.. I prefer heater type soldering irons with a temp controller..I also believe there is a duty cycle associated with soldering guns plus you start cold often and it takes time to heat that mass..

[@johnlong5899]

You are right on all 5 counts.

[@dondesnoo1771]

I used to repair tv s those meters are as good as 100$ meter if you blow them up for 5$ buy 6of them there very accurate.! cables cheap admittedly but very useful for the price.keep one in the car s

[@hardset-vi3ze]

It's a big gamble with Harbor Freight but won't find one HF tool in any journeyman's tool box. Basically they are disposable tools so you get what you pay for. There's no free lunches. The reason some tools/ production runs work and others don't is there's no quality control at the factories and they will use the cheapest materials they can find. YOu'd be better to buy Taiwan, Korean, Japanese, etc but expect to pay more.

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

A lot of HF stuff is from Taiwan. The Breman locking pliers are as good as vise grips, and I've had no problems with their welding rods. You can find some pretty decent stuff there actually.

[@ericgulseth74]

I can attest to the extractor kit and multimeter being a bad items to buy from Harbor Freight.

[@DavidPlass]

Thanks for the heads-up on the tap & die set.

[@dirtrider88]

yea, you mean if you hold it vertical the taps wont stay in place? oh man to bad theres not a solution to that like holding it horizontal.

[@DavidPlass]

@@dirtrider88 I wound up getting a Stanley set and love it. Their warranty is awesome.

[@robhenningsen6210]

Nice video! Love me some Harbor Freight, but good advice for sure. Well produced video.. No bull, just facts.

[@tonydacosta6410]

You get what you pay for in life. When you buy cheap tools they will usually work if you are easy with them. You can't tug on electric leads without consequences. Go to Sears and buy Craftsman tools or Major brand Snap On, Mac if you want quality, good fit and lifetime warranty. Harbor freight has a good selection of low cost Chinese tools for one time use or throw away.

[@PatrickJago]

Harbor freight tools are not known for their quality but you can’t beat the price ! Especially if you are only going to use the tool once. All of their hand tools are lifetime guarantee. I would take back the ones that broke and exchange them.

[@stingray4mesidewinderbandga]

My (free) voltmeter broke at where it plugs in too.

[@dksta2346]

Had the screw extractor no been hardened it would not have broken in that fashion. If you drill deep enough the stud comes out.

[@oldnavcat]

Your findings agree with other posts I have read.

[@dfanman1]

Thanks for the information, I will stay away from those items.

[@1pcfred]

Easy outs are an oxymoron. They're never easy to use. Cheap taps and dies are crap. Their Weller 8600 soldering gun knock off well those things are just weird. I have the real brand name ones and they're weird. But I love the styling. The meters are hit and miss. Some work great, some not so great. The grease gun you might be able to fix with new seals? I know you shouldn't have to, but you got to do what you got to do.

[@TheSuburban15]

Save a dollar on a tap, pay the machine shop $20 to remove the broken tap. Such a bargain! XD

[@1pcfred]

+-Suburban- cheap taps are soft, and will not break before higher quality ones do. Cheap taps just won't cut clean threads. Removing broken taps is not particularly hard either. At least not removing glass hard good ones. Those we smash out with a sharpened reamer at the machine shop. Being glass hard the tap just shatters.

[@TheSuburban15]

They don't cut properly, and then get stuck in the hole, twist and break. I don't completely understand the EDM process, but the EDM guy fixes that stuff.

[@1pcfred]

we had an EDM. We didn't use it except for drilling in carbide. As I understand it EDM is a lot like arc gouging, except it is automated. Taps get stuck if they are not started in line with the pilot hole, or if you do not clear chips. That will happen with the best of taps too. I should say in certain materials an inadequate pilot hole will lead to broken taps as well. Try tapping stainless steel 6-32 50% thread depth, I dare you. You can use the best taps money can buy. I did. Well, to be more precise I tried. You'd be surprised just how little thread you really need for fasteners to hold. Or how much you need to drill the pilot up to get a 6-32 into stainless. heh

[@johnclarke6647]

You are right. Their digital VomS are pure junk. The lead jacks fall off because they are not properly soldered to the printed circuit board. The leads are also junk, too.

[@azmrblack]

I agree about some of the tools, but the Multimeter I have one of the older Centech ones thats all red and it works fine. You don't put those cheapy ones on anything high amp, and Multimeters in general aren't designed for more than 10A. And it's pronounced KL-EYE-N, not KL-AIN. Your soldering iron is also not a welder. :-)

[@misterhat5823]

The soldering gun (what you call a welder) is supposed to work that way.

[@jeffparker360]

I like the content you are putting out. Thanks for making the video!