WARNING HARBOR FRIEGHT 2 Ton Capacity Heavy Duty Load Leveler

HF is good only for 1 or 2 times, then throw it away and buy another one. The prblem here is it was used 5 times in the past...

 

Bingo on the 1950 chain. I have several from the late 50's/early '60's industrial-factory scene. Old timers dig those 'real' chains and such.

 

here's one I made because I wouldn't buy one of those cheap scary looking piece of crap they sell at Pep-Krag-Zone

I've been only once in my life in HF and left without buying anything, just by looking at the stuff they sell is enough to know that it's crap and dangerous. I'd rather throw money out the window than give HF any of my hard earned money.

 

A large part of the problem appears to be that the "keyhole" in which the link is placed to adjust chain length screws up the load distribution on the link. Instead of the load path being along the long axis of the link, which allows both legs to share the tension load, the load is being applied at an angle in such a way that it's unequal between the two. This will lower the capacity of any chain because it creates shear at the edge of the keyhole. Of course, this only applies to the link in the keyhole. Other links fail for different reasons--like overloading the chain, or just crappy chain.

Bob

 

And thank you, Mr. Consumer for demanding cheaper and cheaper products to which Corporate America responded. That demand created the supply. Cheap shit is out there because it's adequate for the demands of many people and they'll buy it. American manufacturers need to respond by offering products with superior quality at lower prices. Who's going to volunteer to take the first pay cut so we can get the ball rolling? You knew this would become political, right?

Bob

 

The buyer of the product made in China is who is responsible for the standards they claim the product to meet. That buyer should be testing product periodically to verify conformance to the standards they laid out in the order for the product.

There is no agency that tests these items.

 

Exactly. Or the closet Walmart shoppers. Get out of the closet!

 

bottom line is the companys who order this stuff are the ones who do or do not do the quality control, offshore companies recives drawings with specs and the number required, no one makes containers full of crapy stuff and ships it over here with the hopes someone will pick it up at the dock.

 

Mine is from Summit, but I suspect it is the same junk as HF, just a different color.

 

When consumers are left with fewer options (outlets) and few good jobs (out sourcing) remaining after each year it becomes Catch 22. The Corporations created this from long ago. You have to have a product to create a demand/market.

 

It also doesn't help that joe consumer gets mad because he can't have a bigger paycheck than his neighbor and demands higher wages for a job that should pay less. It's everyones fault.

As for junk tools. Do any of you complain to the company or do you just jabber about it to your friends. Change won't come from bitching to the people who can't help. When I get a bad part or service, I send out emails, but usually call them on it. I'm not sure it helps, but it's better than a thread on a forum site. If everyone who posted, called Harbor Freight next week, they might get the point.

 

With the Internet, consumers have more options than any other time in history. If not enough people buy, then it's not cost effective to make. The free market drives what companies do, and we are the market. It's a very organic process.

 

If anyone's is interested in a good quality made in USA load leveler here you go,
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/HE...m_sp=IO-_-IDP-_-BTM_BTB05209020&cm_vc=IDPBBZ2

 

$2,233.00? I think that's a bit out of my range.

 

Then there's Harbor Freight.

 

The Harbor Freight model may actually not be worst one on the market if u look at this one:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_19889_19889?isSearch=145504

But this one (Arcan Engine Load Leveler ) looks pretty good:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_19979_19979

Or here are some more for a few more bucks:
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=SNX5208&source=froogle&kw=SNX5208

Looks like sears has at least 3 models:

http://www.sears.com/dragway-tools-...-SPM5949163505?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/wilmar-perform...S5842813709?prdNo=19&blockNo=44&blockType=G44

Anyone believe the quality is decent(safe) on any of these $40 to $100 units?
A 4000 LB rating would seem to adequate for most hobbyist.

 

HARBOR FREIGHT:Cheap Japanese tools made for gi goe to hurt himself with.

 

The leveler from tooldiscounter.com is made by Sunex, which is based in SC USA. $42 compared to 2300 seems affordable for USA made tools.

 

Good jobs are required to buy better quality products. I know the process.

 

Harbor Freight would be out of business if people didn't buy their cheap crap.

Grand Openings all over the place.


I've been guilty of it. I have some cheap tools in my tool box. I replace them as I can afford them.

 

Japanese tools at Harbor Freight? Which tools are those?

Bob

 

But people do, and Harbor Freight thrives because they've found a market segment previously unfilled-- those who need a specialized tool to use occasionally, and can't justify the price of one built with a quality level for professional use. I'm in that category.

Bob

 

I agree with bobscogin, thanks for the heads up, I replaced those chains yesterday.

 

I have been a flat rate mechanic sence 1977 and never used one and would much rather install engine ,trans by myshelf less chance of getting hurt and goes faster for me. Glad no one got hurt this time.

 

to be honest i have never used a load leveler, i have install lots of engines big and small, a little care with the placement of chains to the engine and the use of a fit hook on what ever i use to do my lifting and i have my engines hanging at the angle i want, the key to not getting hurt with whatever you use is to never have any part of your body under the engine, about a month ago i installed a 427 chevy in an OT pickup, a load leveler would of just made for more work, i think i'll build one out of some scrap, anyone have some plans they would like to share?

 

sometime it's a bad idea to save money.

 

The same theory goes with wal-mart. Everyone and their dog complain and fight about wal-mart coming to their town. Wal-mart prevails and builds a store and then the whole town and everyone around it goes there shopping. All the other stores get run out of business but wal-mart continues to boom with business. Soon we wont be able to buy good tools because there isn't enough people buying them to keep them marketable.

 

RE VonKool:
The leveler from tooldiscounter.com is made by Sunex, which is based in SC USA. $42 compared to 2300 seems affordable for USA made tools.

Looks like it also available from Summit a few bucks cheaper:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sxt-5208

 

Another tool I really don't care for are the lifting plates that bolt onto the carb bolt holes. I know a zillion engines have been lifted this way, but how many of us have ever seen a stripped intake manifold? Or stripped a carb bolt thread by just bolting on the carb? THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE ON ALUMINUM MANIFOLDS.
Most are 5/16 thread, but some are 1/4 and that makes me plenty nervous.

 

I know what you meen about those carb plates. I have one that came with a Hemi crate engine I just put it on the shelf and tell every budy I have a hemi part.