Harbor Freight Puller Set vs Snap-on | How to Use a Harmonic Balancer Bolt Puller Set
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- Опубліковано 13 лип 2018
- Harbor Freight Puller Set | How to Use a Harmonic Balancer Bolt Puller Set
If you're interested in buying either one of these sets scroll down for purchase links.
If you've ever wondered if it's worth buying an expensive Snap-On tool that will hardly ever get used or if it is smarter to buy the same tool from Harbor Freight Tools for a fraction of the price, well then you've come to the right place. Budget Build Garage does a quick tool comparison between a Snap-on vs Harbor Freight Puller Set. After pointing out some key differences, Nick begins removing Harmonic Balancer bolt with puller set from Harbor Freight. Watch and learn how to use a puller set, and even more specifically how to use a puller set for engine balancer on a big block chevy.
Click here for Snap-On 46 Piece Fractional & Metric Bolt-Grip Puller Set: amzn.to/2NNpjmZ
Click here for link to Harbor Freight Tools Bolt-Type Wheel Puller Set: amzn.to/2Ngtnv0
For those following the 1968 Chevy El Camino budget build, this is a continuation of rebuilding the big block engine we just got.
Check us out on Instagram: / budget_build_garage
Thank you very much for your time. This video was exactly what I was looking for to show me how this tool is used for a first time user.
30 years with G.M. I just bought this HF puller last week. 14.99.....I almost fell over. Garden tractor is 29 years old and the rear wheels had NEVER been removed from the axle shafts. So, they weren't just seized but permanently seized, so badly that a 2 foot breaker bar on the puller was useless. So I got out the impact wrench and the "tool torture" began. I let it rattle, slam, & hammer on this little puller for 2 hours. It was about a 6-7 inch pull and seized solid the entire way. I kept using longer and longer large 1/2" thread bolts as spacers. The only thing I did to protect the puller was slathering the pressure bolt with anti seize. When I was done, the puller was in the same condition as when I opened the box. Very impressed by this puller... and 14.99 is almost free!! If it hadn't been for this puller and my impact wrench, I likely may have just thrown the tractor away. Thanks HF {;-)
I’m a little late for class here as you did this video four months ago LOL, but I happened upon it because I was looking for reviews on the CJ2001P Bolt Grip Puller Set from Snap-On. Ended up pulling the trigger on it yesterday anyways as our dealer actually sold the one he had on the truck earlier in the week so mine is on order. Hope you don’t mind but I thought I’d chime in on your video (which was definitely helpful by the way and has made me glad about my Snap-On puller order yesterday 😁👍) and give feedback for others watching and reading the comments.
I’m a licensed automotive tech who uses his tools every day to earn a living and I know that price is a huge factor for a lot of guys in the trade, which is why the offshore brands find their way into Matco and Snap-On toolboxes. I work at an independent garage in Ontario Canada where my boss and coworker each have tools from both the big box department stores as well as the Snap-On and Matco trucks. I have the most tools of anyone at my shop and I had the rare but awesome opportunity to try a few different brands of tools on the same job to see if there really was a difference.
I can say without a doubt that there definitely is a difference with Snap-On. For the average guy doing a little bit of work on his own vehicle or for a friend at home in his garage, the offshore brands are perfect for them. However for the guy using his tools every day to earn a living, I’d recommend Snap-On all day long 👍.
HF is great , Heck for the difference you can buy a few grade 8 washers and bolts
For around 20 bucks even if you replaced the Harbour freight every 18 months...... which is unlikely
you’d be covered for around 20 years before you spend 280 dollars it’s crazy...... by comparison
The cheap kit is fiiiiiine
I have the snap on and the harbor freight puller I find myself using the harbor freight puller more. I don't worry about damaging it like I do the Snap on. Its well worth the money thats for sure. I wanna see your tool box tour
Excellent video. I would go Snap on since I'm a mechanic working in a shop, but it's worth considering the Harbor Freight version as a diy home mechanic. I have yet to complain about spending money on my Snap On tools that I use everyday to make my living, and I also have some Harbor Freight tools
Thanks that's all I needed
I bought that bolt puller from HF when I was working at a rental company. I used it several times a week to remove wheels from scissor lifts. For the occasional use, it’ll be fine. Using it a lot like I did, I wouldn’t recommend it. The first time I warranties it, the force screw mushroomed after a couple weeks use. Second time, the puller bent and wouldn’t center. The bolts are trash, but like you and several other said, those are easily replaced.
At the same time, I couldn’t bring myself to pay that much for SnapOn puller (although I do like a lot do their stuff). I’d probably look for something in the middle, like an OTC or get another truck brand on good sale (it happens). This was also a few years back, so I don’t know if it’s been improved since then. I think someone in the comments said it’s been redesigned or something.
You should do more of these comparison videos.
I think we will do a few more in the future.
Cool. Thank you.
Could I use this to pull a prop shaft housing out of an outboard boat motor?
I have the Harbor Freight set, I have not replaced any of the Hardware Yet but that sounds like a really good way to improve this set.
Herbert Stewart It is pretty cheap to do it too.
How's the Harbor Freight set been treating ya? Still holding up?
@@babydyke416 just been on a shelf.... I have been through three moves and have no where to do any auto repairs. Hope to be in a house with a garage early next year.
I’m using the Harbor Freight one at the moment on an early 354 Hemi!
I just bought my own washers for the HF kit.
😮
What size socket did you use.
How did you make socket stable and larger bolt stud through duck foot.
I have same harbor freight kit.
My 3.9v6 dakota has same harmonic balancer.
My engine still in truck and able reach remove with fan shroud still on.
do you know the size bolts that are on here. my balancer has m6 size thin bolts? does this have it?
Can I use this for a stuck wheel hub
I have almost all HF tools and I haven't had any problems with their wrenches or sockets. I don't really own any specialty stuff besides a grinder from there and it is fine.
The tool box I keep at home is mostly Harbor Freight and old Craftsman tools and they have never let me down.
I`m a bit confused with these sets. Can you tell me whether they can somehow help with a central (crank shaft) bolt de-screwing, please? This is the main issue as I see...
Some stuff is good some stuff is bad but they're good about returns
Good video. There's no reason to buy the SO kit. HB has a new puller kit that is much higher quality with grade 8 bolts as well. It's more money, but it's still worth checking out before the SO version.
I bought the China Supply one today and had no idea how to use it to take the ignition rotor on My push 21" lawnmower to replace the broken KEY. Thanks
The 1/4" puller bolts pulled out of the Yoke every time I used it. I made sure yoke was even and I used a sawz-all to widen
the space between the two yoke holding bolts. washers are crap as well as bolts. I will buy 2 class 8 black 1/4" bolts and washers and the yoke will work ok.
Its a shame I cant upload a photo..... I did something stupid. I removed the Engine ignition coil and tried to use a small pry bar to get the rotor off, as the
three attempts I made that stripped the rotor threads 3 times is now about 3/8ths of an inch higher now then before. I cracked a small pipe that I hope
I can just use special putty and duck tape to fix.
Is there any harmonic puller that has a short center bolt...like 5 inches so you don't have to pull the radiator to remove the pulley on a Jeep GC?
I wonder if a coupling nut would be sturdy enough to fill up some space to shorten the long bolt.... I think there are sets that come with a longer and short one... I think... i swear I recently saw a video of a set... not 100% though.
Chrap tools aleays bite u in long run. Ive used the harbor freight pry bars because they were cheap and they flexed so they did not perform the task. I bought the Craftsman (USA) pry bars; 3 for $20 on fathers day. Noticible thicker and did not flex.
I also have the same Snap On puller you do. I bought mine used for $100 and great investment since yes grade 8 bolts, standard and metric, bushing in yoke (so better) thicker torque bolt with 3 different centering points so bolt does not drag on the item being pulled.
Cheap works great, till it breaks or strips when you need it. Yhen you spend 5 times the labor cutting, drilling, easy out..... and on n on.
I agree used is better price point. I stick with old USA Craftsman, Snap-On, SK and few, very few HB tools since I have bent or rounded off a few.
Good video
I agree. I bent all of my harbor freight prybars. A broken tool can really ruin your day.
What has been your experience using HF tools vs Name Brand tools when you know you're not going to use the tool very often?
I like that snap-on set but I cant pay that much for a tool I don't use all the time.
I only do minor repairs, maintenance, and bolt on mods to my own cars. I couldn't justify paying for anything off the premium tool trucks. I'm no stranger to Harbor Freight. I would trust almost everything that's stamped Pittsburgh Pro, like their 18" Breaker Bar and Impact sockets. They have necessary stuff on the cheap such as magnetic dishes, moving blankets, fatigue mats, dollies, hand trucks, trailer accessories, and power strips.
Thanks for the comment. I think you have a great point. It is a big investment to jump into the big brands like Snap-on and Mac and I do like having their tools but I always have to ask if it is worth it before I buy something. Like i mentioned in the video I get a lot of stuff used or in trade but the full price is so crazy on some of this stuff. I think Harbor Freight has some good stuff and I own a lot of it.
I met halfway with my tool selection. I got the best US made Craftsman Mechanics Tool Set I will actually use that fits my budget. Then I replaced the combination wrenches and ratchets with GearWrench. This works very well for my needs. The use once or rarely tools is usually Harbor Freight.
That is good way to do it.
I would swap out the washers for a higher grade, its all about time and money for snap on tools. If your putting in the time then its worth the money if you cant justify it, then dont bother there's just a option out there that will still work perfectly otherwise 90% of the time.
Yoda Doug You make a good point.
Not overall, but in that particular instance I would go with the Harbor Freight. Very Unlikely you could break grade 5 under normal circumstances, HF also have a lifetime warranty, and while the thicker center stud on the snap-on is nice, it doesn't work on everything. Just changed a harmonic balancer on a 07 4.0L mustang for my GF, and the center stud was too big to fit in the center of the balancer. I would probably buy used, cheaper snap-ons, but hard to justify brand new for a 1300% markup for seldom-used tools, especially if they both have warranty. I rather spend the money on car parts!
Lifetime warranty on hand tools the puller set is a 90day warranty
If your a Professional engine rebuilder yes i would own a snap-on Puller but if you just rebuild 3 or 4 engines a year i would go with Harbor Freight tools and go to fastenal and replace all the bolts with grade #8 and replace all the washers with machine bushings which are heavy thicker washers!!!
Never found snap-ons to be better, they are prettier but have broken more snap-on tool then harbor freight. That has just been my luck though
this tool does the job for $20 and this tool does the job for $220. one comes with a lifetime warranty the other i can buy 11 times over for the same money.
Jamie Rollinson Decisions decisions
Actually Harbor Freight is lifetime warranty as well. Only difference is you'll need to go to their store for the exchange. As long as there's a store where you live it shouldn't be a problem. I change out bit and extensions a lot.
gotta say mate, if it's just the washers that are bent, surely buying 3 decent washers wouldn't cost much ? As for the price ? If the HF puller set does what it's supposed to, then that's what i'd buy :) Cheers from Australia :)
Andrew Murray I agree with you 100%
not sure we can get HF in Australia though,....the cost of shipping might equal the price of the Snap on set....lol :) But, i'm sure we have a similar " cheaper " brand set available here. can't wait for you to stuff this big block in the El Camino, that's going to be a fun ride for sure ! The El camino on Roadkill was still one of my fav cars, even though Finn and Frieburger didn't rate it :)
Andrew Murray I would be curious to see what the equivalent to Harbor Freight is over there. I am extremely excited for the Elco to get this engine! I can't wait.
just quickly googled that question, the equivalent here is sold by a company called homepromart, and sold for $29.95 aussie dollars, and looks exactly like your HF set, down to the orange case and everything...lol . so there you go :)
Andrew Murray Thanks! That is really cool. I appreciate that.
Seems like it would actually be better to have grade 5 bolts on the puller than grade 8 since it would be more expensive to screw up the engine if something breaks than the tool.
and the washers
Brandon Shreve The slot that the bolts go through on the tool is I bit wider than I like. The washers keep the bolt head from cutting into the tool and let's the bolt turn a bit smoother.
If you're a professional, yeah, snap on. If you're a UA-cam certified mechanic like me, HF works fine for something like this ☺️
As a DIYer, the snap on is not affordable. Either he Harbor Frieght or a free rental from Advanced Auto is the way to go for the DIYer.
why the anti seize
Brandon Shreve Anti seize helps to keep things from binding.
Harbor freight all day!!
I HAVE HAD MY H/F PULLER 15 YEARS NOW IF I REMEMBER RIGHT I PAID 9.00 DOLLARS FOR MINE I USE MINE A LOT PULLING FLY WHEELS OF LAWN MOWER'S AND TRACTORS I DID THE SAME THING JUST BOUGHT THICKER WASHERS AT HOME DEPOT NEVER A PROBLEM ,I AT A LITTLE OIL TO THE BIG SCREW TO PREVENT THREAD DAMAGE AND YOU SHOULD .GOOD VIDEO SIR
wildcat2488 Thank! Sounds like you got a ton of use out it.
When I was a young man and not so smart and worked on cars, All i would buy is snap on, truck would come buy and I would pay every week. still have a couple of things left. most all got stollen, it's called bragging rights. Also tool thief magnets.
You want to know the best option? Search Ebay and watch, i snagged this puller kit pretty much brand new for $85 shipped to my door. Now for $85 i can justify having a quality kit. $260? HELL NO.
if your in the Auto Business my be Snap-on is the right tool for you. But Snap-on is very pricey. for the Puller i well no spend $200.
And i know there tool are made in China. not in the U.S.A.. I like Harbor Freight Tools and the Price is right..
You are not comparing Harbor Frieght's harmonic balancer with Snap on. You have a gear puller. Harbor Frieght" s harmonic puller is 89.99. It is a heavier unit and designed for the job!
The price differential is just too much for the weekend warrior. If your talking about a professional mechanic then snap on it is
Snap on is never worth the money
buy snap on if you muse them all the time, homeowners only need harbor freight tools
that's pretty much the strategy I used except for 'common' tools like sockets, wrenches, hex and torx drivers- I buy Mac / Snap-on; the wrenches have the perfect feel, the sockets don't wear out, the ball release on the socket wrenches always work, etc. Again- these are the common hand tools in the typical 3/8 - 7/8, 6mm - 24mm size ranges. As for the specialty tools that weekend warriors like myself are going to use maybe once - twice a year; sure- go the HF route absolutely. One more thing... once you feel a Snap-on wrench in your hand- once you compare the balance and quality- you'll NEVER go back to Craftsman / Stanley / 'Pittsburgh' / etc.
take the washer off,dont ask how i know
I really want to ask how you know! I usually stack a couple washers and that works.
Why??
Because they are soft and they bend.
Ummm. Hello...I'm buying Harbor Freight. $260 is all about graphics costs on their trucks and sales commissions. IMHO.
Snap On is super overpriced.
Use an impact. Work with your brains not your brawn young man.
snapon is over priced
snap-on is shi......t harbor freight got way better...
Harbor freight is trash!