10 Reasons Harbor Freight Is Better Than Lowe's or Home Depot

Harbor Freight can be a good alternative to Home Depot or Lowe's the next time you need to pick up things for your home improvement needs.

But why choose Harbor Freight over those other stores? Here are some reasons you might want to seek out a local Harbor Freight to save money shopping for your home improvement projects.

Harbor Freight is known for having cheaper tools, which can be a good option if you want to try something new, refresh your toolbox, or expand your home options.

For example, an eight-piece screwdriver set at Harbor Freight could cost $9.99 compared to $11.75 at Home Depot.

Home Depot can offer discounts on sale items, but Harbor Freight may cut prices more and offer a better deal.

For example, Harbor Freight will already have a discount on an item and slash the price even more than a higher starting price at Home Depot.

You may be looking for a specific tool and want to find the best deal on things like hand tools or power tools.

Home Depot or Lowe's may not have the tool you need compared to Harbor Freight, which will likely have a larger selection and lower prices.

So what happens to your hand tools when you buy them, and something breaks?

Harbor Freight offers a lifetime warranty on its hand tools, giving you extra peace of mind if you ever have issues with them while you're working.

Harbor Freight has its own membership for customers who pay $29.99 for a one-year membership to its Inside Track Club.

It may cost you to be a member, but you can get exclusive discounts and deals that you might not be able to find at the big box stores. You can also start saving as soon as you pay the membership fee.

Home Depot, on the other hand, has a free loyalty program, but you have to earn your rewards by spending money there instead of getting instant savings.

It can be daunting to go into a Home Depot or Lowe's and wander the aisles looking for what you need or to ask someone for help navigating the shelves.

But Harbor Freight is usually a much more manageable space, making it easier to find what you want without walking half a mile in a huge store just to get somewhere.

One of the reasons Harbor Freight can keep costs low is that it purchases tools directly from the manufacturer.

That means the retailer can cut out any middlemen and pass those extra savings on to you rather than charging more compared to big box retailers.

It can be expensive to try something only to find out later that it's not what you wanted or didn't work out.

But Harbor Freight's low prices make it easier to test out things without worrying. The tools cost less, and you won't spend as much money.

Home Depot and Lowe's are great for general options when you need something for around the house or have to fix a small issue.

But Harbor Freight is a much better option if you're looking for automotive tools and supplies or workshop equipment. It offers a deeper dive into tools and equipment if you work in those specialties.

It's possible to buy something only to find out later that Harbor Freight had a coupon for it.

You're still in luck, as the store honors coupons up to 30 days after you purchase an item, helping you save money and keep cash in your pocket.

Harbor Freight could be a good option for you, depending on what you need to fix your home or budget.

It's also a good idea to use the best cashback credit cards to earn extra points and perks when you make major purchases at Harbor Freight, such as tools, hardware, and other items for your household projects.