Harbor Freight had developed a less-than-sterling reputation for its tools, but things have dramatically changed recently. Now, the budget-friendly company offers products that can compete with those of Home Depot and Lowe's.
A great way to save money is to score a deal on everyday tools that you'll use around the house or shop.
Here are 10 Harbor Freight tools that are a better deal than similar tools at Home Depot.
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Pittsburgh Mechanics Set vs. Husky Mechanics Set
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Price: $139.99
When it comes to purchasing a large tool set for your garage, Harbor Freight's Pittsburgh line offers excellent value and impressive ratings.
With 1983 reviews and an average rating of 4.8 stars out of five, you'll save $50 over a similar set from Home Depot. Throw in a lifetime warranty, and this is something you'll be using for years.
Hercules 20V Cordless Drill vs. DeWalt 20V Max
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Price: $97.99
If you're looking for a powerful drill at a more affordable price point than a name brand like DeWalt, the Hercules is the one for you.
The Harbor Freight model will cost you around $80 less than the DeWalt from Home Depot. With an average star rating of 4.7 out of five, many buyers agree it's an excellent drill for the price.
Daytona 3‑Ton Floor Jack vs. Husky 3‑Ton Jack
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Price: $179.99
The Daytona is a Reddit favorite, and for good reason. Between an ergonomic design, strong build, and affordable price point, it's a solid purchase.
While the price isn't drastically lower than the Husky three-ton floor jack from Home Depot, you're getting a lifetime warranty when shopping at Harbor Freight in addition to one of the most durable jacks on the market.
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Bauer 2.8 Amp Orbital Sander vs. Ryobi Orbital Sander
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Price: $39.99
You'll get high build quality and plenty of sanding power with the Bauer, and save a significant amount (around $30) on the price as well.
The Bauer also has more orbits per minute, so you'll get a smooth finish to anything you sand. With a 4.6-star rating out of five, based on 4,407 reviews, people really love this little sander.
Quinn 4-Piece Pliers Set vs. Milwaukee 4-Piece Pliers Set
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Price: $24.99
Durability and reliability are two hallmarks of the Quinn line of pilers, so you can scoop up a set for $40 cheaper than a similar set of Milwaukee's.
Plus, you get a lifetime warranty in case something happens. Many buyers appreciate the consistency and solid build of the pliers, making them a go-to choice for their tool bag.
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Hercules 20V Ultra Torque Impact Wrench vs. Milwaukee 18V Impact Wrench
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Price: $189.99
As the name suggests, the Hercules packs a lot of power, with 1,500 foot-pounds of bolt breakaway torque. Reddit users love its reliability and ease of use, so you're getting a great tool at a fraction of the price of a Milwaukee, which will cost you over $100 more.
Bauer 20 V 2000‑Lumen LED Work Light vs. Ryobi Hybrid LED Work Light
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Price: $34.99
While the Ryobi packs slightly more Lumens (3000), the price difference is significant. You'll be paying twice as much for the Ryobi, and the Bauer's compact design and ease of use beat out its competition. With a 4.9-star rating out of five and 327 positive reviews, the light gets great marks for being long-lasting and powerful.
Pittsburgh 1/2 in. Click Torque Wrench vs. Tekton 1/2 in. Click Torque Wrench
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Price: $21.99
Harbor Freight customers have been raving about the Pittsburgh torque wrench, with over 8,000 reviews and a 4.6-star rating out of five.
Customers have praised the ease of use and strong build quality. A comparable Tekton from Home Depot will cost more than twice as much, and is not backed by a lifetime guarantee, so it's a no-brainer to go with the Pittsburgh.
Bauer 20V/120V Dual‑Power Jobsite Fan vs. DeWalt 20V MAX
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Price: $24.99
Having a work fan is a necessity for those hot days in the shop or garage, so the Bauer is an excellent choice. It's 75% cheaper than the DeWalt and has plenty of positive reviews. With a 4.7-star rating out of five and more than 600 reviews, buyers love the portability and power of the Bauer.
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Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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July is in full swing, bringing the height of summer. That also means peak season for hot deals and unbeatable savings. Now’s the time to save big on:
- Grills, coolers, and outdoor living upgrades
- Travel must-haves for road trips and beach days
- Swimwear and summer fashion
- For grocery savings, grab seasonal produce like watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes
While you're enjoying the sunshine, retailers are quietly making room for back-to-school inventory. That makes July a prime opportunity to scoop up summer favorites while the deals are still blazing.
Quick tips: How to cut costs on your utility bills
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Many people overlook their monthly utility expenses as fixed costs. But with small changes, you can see immediate drop in your bills. Here are some tips:
- Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures
- Switch to LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than incandescent
- Wash clothes in cold water and hang items to dry
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degree Fahrenheit
Don't waste money. Remember that every dollar saved on a monthly bill turns into $12 annually.
Hercules 20V Brushless Oscillating Multi‑Tool vs. Milwaukee 18V Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool
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Price: $79.99
This little tool packs a lot of power in a small frame and at a significantly lower price point compared to the Milwaukee, which costs three times as much. Customers rated the Hercules at 4.7 stars out of five and really enjoyed its durability, versatility, and excellent build quality.
Bottom line
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Harbor Freight has stepped up its game, offering tools that not only rival but often beat pricier options from Home Depot.
These alternatives deliver impressive value for DIYers and weekend mechanics alike who want to make their paycheck stretch a bit further.
Harbor Freight's in-house brands, such as Hercules, Bauer, and Pittsburgh, have earned a loyal following on Reddit and other sites, with many buyers reporting years of reliable use — a notable achievement for the company, which was previously unheard of a decade ago.
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