Lap pump = harbor freight tools pump

Just received my Harbor Freight pump ($24.99). The gauge is zeroed @ 10 Hg. I know I can just consider that zero, but does anybody have any hints on resetting the gauge?

I bought that one about 3 years ago when it was 19.00. DON’T waste your money. Looking back I would say it worked for 2 weeks tops. I still have it and have tried to repair it in many ways to no avail so far. One of the diaphragms is essentially held in place by a piece of attached rubber that looks like a rubber band. When it breaks—- Game over baby!

That is unless they fixed the problem. But the last time I read the reviews it still sucked.

Appreciate the input, Homer. I’ll let everyone know if I have the same problem. I was able to reset the gauge, however. By pulling off the lens and gently pulling off the needle, I was able to replace the needle at the zero mark.

Well all I can say is I have accidently discovered a pumping technique that works but I still need 14 more posts before I can share it.

Jeez, Homer, the suspense is killing me…

Post your magic discovery thread in the Newbie Forum and I will move it to the Pumpers forum for you.

Oh wow that sounds like magic! :)

I can do such things.

FYI - there is a thread (see below) that addresses how to accurately measure vacuum, see below:
Anyone using water lift to measure/regulate vacuum?

This may be important to guys as a way to calibrate their pumps (manual or electric). My own testing was an eye-opener! The gauge on the brass brake bleeder is not very accurate on the low end - the range in which we are most interested. So, for anyone interested, please check out the thread linked above.

Can anyone suggest a place to buy the male/female coupler in store? Buying online isn’t an option for me at the moment.

I’m planning on buying a Velseal cylinder (which comes with the female coupler), a male coupler, and the Harbor Freight vacuum pump/brake bleeder. Will the tube on the HF pump fit the coupler or do I need a different size tube?

Found the answer after searching through this thread. gprent mentioned that the tubing that comes with the HF pump will fit, but it’s pretty short, so I’ll pick up some longer tubing.

Any pic of those home made pumps in action? Any permanent gain? I am not as handy as some of you guys. The idea of putting the pump together is a bit daunting to me. Thank in advance.

Just to be clear; the guys are not building the actual pumps.

The Harbor Freight vacuum pumps have multiple item #s, the original 69328 (which is now slightly different in that the gauge face is now perpendicular to the pump body instead of parallel to it) and 92474 (which is the older style with gauge face parallel to pump body).

These are both on sale for $26, and you can apply a 20% or 25% coupon to the sale price to knock it down further. Also, from 6/18 - 7/1, the pump will be on sale for $23, and I assume you can use a 20% or 25% coupon as well.