News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

10 Harbor Freight Tools That Are Better Than Home Depot's

These 10 Harbor Freight tools offer better value, solid performance, and strong warranties compared to similar, and often pricier, options from Home Depot.

harbor freight tools items
Updated July 18, 2025
Fact check checkmark icon Fact checked

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.

Get a protection plan on all your appliances

Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.

Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.

For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.

Get a free quote

Pittsburgh Mechanics Set vs. Husky Mechanics Set

Courtesy of Harbor Freight pittsburgh mechanics set

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight hercules cordless drill

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight daytona three ton floor jack

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.

Earn as much as $1K doing simple online tasks

A company called Freecash has compiled all sorts of quick cash tasks from about a dozen advertisers and market research companies thirsty for more data. Freecash has paid out over $13 million to users since 2019, and has over 50,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

Sign up here to see how much you could earn.

Bauer 2.8 Amp Orbital Sander vs. Ryobi Orbital Sander

Courtesy of Harbor Freight orbital sander

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight four piece pliers set

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.

Hercules 20V Ultra Torque Impact Wrench vs. Milwaukee 18V Impact Wrench

Courtesy of Harbor Freight ultra torque impact wrench

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight led work light

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight pittsburgh torque wrench

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight dualpower jobsite fan

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.

Get instant access to hundreds of discounts

Over 50? Join AARP today— because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks like discounts on travel, dining, and even prescriptions.

Get 25% off membership — just $15 for your first year with auto-renewal — and a free gift if you join today.

Become an AARP member now

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

methaphum/Adobe person holding a wallet

August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:

  • Travel and getaway must-haves
  • Back-to-school basics
  • Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
  • For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries

As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.

Quick tips: How to cut costs on your utility bills

Nuttapong punna/Adobe Best Credit Cards for Utility Bills

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

Courtesy of Harbor Freight brushless oscillating multitool

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

Trevor Cook/Adobe harbor freight store frontage

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.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details


Must-Read Buzz

Financebuzz logo

Thanks for subscribing!

Please check your email to confirm your subscription.