Worst buys from HF

[dbhost]

I've had some great buys from HF, but...

The Drill Master Hole Saw Set Item #38425-1VGA has reasonably decent cups, and the arbor is reasonably well made... HOWEVER... The pilot bit on mine was bent from the factory, and the hex set screw that holds the bit in loosens up. It appears the threads in the arbor are blown out from the factory. I could have returned it, but I opted to re thread the hole and install a better quality, slightly larger screw, and I used an Ace Hardware drill bit that I flattened for the set screw pocket with my bench grinder... Cuts nice holes dead center where I want them now...

Other than that, I haven't had any bad experiences with HF products. Of course I don't go to HF for ANYTHING that has to be accurate.

[Tom Slick]

This thread has been brought back from the dead twice! started 6 years ago!

I bought a 5 pack of 14" metal cutting blades that were so out of balance the saw hopped up and down off the ground.

[dbhost]

Good threads never die, they just go into hibernation...

[Daryl]

Ratcheting bar clamps, I seem to be a sucker for these when they go on sale
Plug cutters, they burn.
Crowfoot wrench, I was only taking the tension off the belt in the Ford and one broke.

[Mr__Bill]

Ratcheting bar clamps, I seem to be a sucker for these when they go on sale
Plug cutters, they burn.
Crowfoot wrench, I was only taking the tension off the belt in the Ford and one broke.

Hey, I have some of those, will send them for postage...... what's left of them that is. I have had the ratcheting mechanism curl up and die in the handle and the fixed end come unfixed. All they seem to be good for is to square up things that real clamps are clamping. That said, the pipe clamps and F clamps are great so far, haven't tried the bar clamps as they are out whenever I am there and have a discount coupon.

[poolhound]

The black and orange quick-grip clamps I got did not hold, and were worthless for my purposes.

I agree, totally absolutley 10000000% worthless. I bought a couple of 24", I managed to break one just tighthening it with my own grip strength. they busted where the screw plates are. Really cheap plastic. I fixed them with some through bolts and they are just ok for holding something but a waste of time as a clamp.

[JimD]

I bought a package of 12 inch quick grips and really little quick grips. I use them regularly and I think they work well - same as my other name brand ones.

I have two of their dremel type tools. The cheaper one where you plug a transformer into the wall is worthless. So little power it won't do anything. I also have the bigger variable speed model and I think it works fine - as good as a dremel that broke (after probably 10 years use). I also have been pleasantly surprised by their cutting wheels - they seem to work fine.

I am not happy with my narrow crown stapler - won't drive long staples - but I like my upholstry stapler - seems to have plenty of power. I agree with the quality control comments.

I have also found the pneumatic fittings to be a bit iffy - I have switched to pricer ones that seem a lot better machined.

I like their drill bits including the hole saws. The little arbor won't work but I wanted it for the larger sizes and those work OK. My craftsman set works better but it cost a lot more too. The twist drills seem fine - even for the limited work I've done with them in metal.

I'm sure there are others I threw away but I can't remember any right now. Mostly it has been worth more than I paid, instead of less.

Jim

[John Hunter]

Worse thing I bought was a 4 jaw lathe chuck. It was so bad the screws stripped right out on the jaws. I had to ship it back and get a refund.

[gsmittle]

Didn't realize I was responding to a four-year-old post...

g.

[ironhat]

Forstner bits. They skipped the step where they were supposed to actually sharpen them.