Bad Quality Products / Purchases

[Simple6]

Let's see if this thread works or not - its just an idea!

I thought we could all put up things we've bought from places (online or a shop) that are just dodgy and not worth wasting your money as a warning to others!

Please don't judge/criticise people on buying cheaper products (tools in my case), sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

I'll start,

Product - Gear Puller
eBay Seller - hardwarebargain
I bought one of these off eBay for the pricey sum of $18.50 + $11 delivery. It's (was) a 3 Jaw 6" machine that looked like it should be able to pull of my BA's front hubs.

But no, after setting it up, starting to get things moving the main threaded rod bends, making it very difficult to turn! And of course spurring my interest in the quality of this "drop forged from heat treated high carbon steel".



Regardless, seeing as I've decided that this is a one use only tool, I continue for a couple of turns before a crack and lots of movement! The excitement of thinking the hub was off quickly turned to disappointment as I realise now the main threaded rod is bent .... and now threaded, thus completely useless.

Anyway I've sent the seller a message, asking about returns process. Though reading the listing says if it's a warranty replacement - I must pay for postage to and from the seller.
No chance.

Long story short - made the 2 hour round trip and bought a Stanley puller from $49.99 from SuperCheapAuto (none of my locals had any), quality straight off the bat much better, and it pulled my hub off in seconds with no hint of failure.

Hopefully my story will save someone else buying this rubbish and then having their car on stands for 3 days until they can get out to buy a new, better quality one!

So just post up what you bought, where from and why we should avoid it!