15 Harbor Freight Tools That Are Better Than Lowe’s

Lowe's is one of the biggest names in home improvement. They've got a huge rewards program and over 1,700 stores across the nation, compared to just over 1,600 Harbor Freight stores.

Yet many items can be a better value at Harbor Freight, with shoppers and consumer review sites scoring the smaller retailer higher than Lowe's in categories like power tools and hand tools. Bonus: Harbor Freight offers the Inside Track Club membership, which gets you access to a range of benefits and even lower exclusive pricing.

These 15 Harbor Freight tools are a better buy than their Lowe's equivalent, helping to keep more cash in your wallet.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $69.99

Suitable for interiors and exteriors, this paint sprayer provides an even finish fast. It's considerably less expensive than the Wagner equivalent at Lowe's, which costs $129.

Some Lowe's buyers reported faults after only four uses, whereas Harbor Freight customers stated the Avanti model was efficient and fast.

Price: $19.99

Cordless screwdrivers are essential for daily DIY tasks. This model from Harbor Freight has an integrated flashlight, four bits, and can change from a pistol to an inline grip.

At Lowe's, the equivalent screwdriver is $34.98.

Price: $4.99

Lowe's offers a 25-foot Kobalt tape measure for $19.98, rated 4.3 out of 5 by verified buyers. The Harbor Freight alternative is $14.99 less and rated 4.7 out of 5.

Customers who have purchased the Pittsburgh tape measure praise how easy it is to read and the quick retractable action.

Price: $24.99

This multimeter is feature-packed and highly rated at 4.7 stars by independent reviewers. Lowe's has one, but it is $44.98 and only has a 4.5-star rating. 

Price: $124.99

Keep your bigger projects safe and well-lit: These lights are bright and detach from their stand so you can position them however you like.

A similar version from Lowe's costs $146. At least 96% of buyers recommend the Braun lights from Harbor Freight compared with just 85% of Lowe's purchasers.

Price: $184.99

This Portland chainsaw from Harbor Freight comes in under $200 and has a range of features, including "easy-start" and anti-vibration technology.

The equivalent 18-inch chainsaw at Lowe's costs $5 more and has mediocre ratings. Reviewers comment on the Lowe's chainsaw failing after a few uses or the chain detaching.

Pro-tip: For a more expensive purchase like this, bring your best cash back credit cards to earn more rewards. 

Price: $44.99

Harbor Freight sells this heavy-duty saw for just $44.99, compared with a Bosch near-equivalent from Lowe's, which costs over $100 more and has worse reviews.

An impressive 97% of buyers recommend the Bauer saw, compared with just 90% who chose the Lowe's option.

Price: $7.99

Consumables are an important consideration when buying DIY tools. These Bauer sanding belts get much better reviews compared to those from Lowe's. 

One customer said, "This sanding belt lasted longer than other brands before snapping." Some reviews of the Gator brand from Lowe's said they ripped easily.

Price: $19.99

The Warrior multi-tool cuts, sands, and scrapes, depending on what add-ons you purchase, with an accessories kit coming in at just $9.99.

Plus, the tool brings in 4.5 out of 5 stars, compared to Lowe's budget version, which scores just 3.3 out of 5 and costs almost $22 more.

Price: $11.99

You'll reach for your hand saw over and over again if you're a DIYer or handle much of your home maintenance yourself. Harbor Freight sells this Portland Saw version with a long blade, dual-action teeth for faster sawing, and a sturdy TPR handle.

The closest equivalent at Lowe's comes from the brand Irwin, and gets decent reviews, but costs more. Harbor Freight wins out for value on this toolbox essential.

Price: $54.99

Suitable for job sites as well as home projects, this Harbor Freight heat gun has 108 temperature settings and a cooling fan for safety. It's recommended by 88% of buyers.

A similar item at Lowe's costs $119 and only impressed 79% of its purchasers.

Price: $89.99

A sturdy drill press is useless without accurate drilling. Ready to tackle wood, plastic, metal, and more, this Harbor Freight option is a great value and is recommended by 93% of buyers.

Lowe's offers an equivalent from Craftsman that costs nearly double the price. Plus, its reviews aren't great, with some customers commenting on poor quality and missing parts.

Price: $99.99

Make quick work of yard cleanup with a blower. Harbor Freight's offering includes two-speed air control and a battery that works with all other Bauer tools. Simple yet effective, this leaf and debris essential scores 4.6 out of 5 from shoppers.

Lowe's alternative costs $19.01 more plus has lower ratings.

Price: $39.99

Make sure things stay where they're supposed to with a power stapler. This ergonomic option from Harbor Freight provides 700 staples per charge, and wowed 93% of buyers.

A similar cordless stapler from Lowe's had good reviews from just 87% of shoppers. It's also $189, making the Harbor Freight option the better value.

Price: $97.99

Drill 350 holes on one charge with this powerful Harbor Freight model, suitable for most materials and jobs. Features include a built-in LED light and a detachable side handle.

The DEWALT version from Lowe's has very similar features and ratings. However, it will set you back $269 (or $199 when on sale). Comments on the Hercules drill praise its great torque and value.

Plenty of shoppers prefer Harbor Freight to Lowe's and other hardware stores, and great-value tools are just one reason. All Harbor Freight hand tools come with a lifetime warranty, and the retailer offers a no-hassle returns policy.

Before shopping at Harbor Freight, always check their coupons page for the latest deals, many of which can be used in-store or online. With discounts on items ranging from tarps to towels, they're a smart way for savvy shoppers to pocket extra cash.