/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2024/05/11/harbor-freight-store-monroe-washington.jpg)
/authors/cassandra-yorgey-headshot.jpg)
/authors/amanda-machado-headshot.jpg)
Harbor Freight is an overlooked home improvement secret-savings spot, constantly overshadowed by Home Depot at the expense of the major retailer's marketing budget and strategies.
If you've got lots of home repairs, improvements, or other crafty projects, then you'll want to know how you can save money next time you go shopping for tools and materials that you need. Choosing Harbor Freight can be a smarter move for shoppers compared to a visit to Home Depot.
Here are 10 reasons you'll want to skip Home Depot and go to Harbor Freight instead.
Amazon Prime members: get a $150 Amazon Gift Card!
If you're an Amazon Prime member, apply for the Prime Visa(Rates and fees) credit card here and you can get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly loaded into your Amazon account's Gift Card Balance upon approval (get an instant decision within 15 seconds).1 <p class="">If you respond via the Internet, the majority of applications are responded to in less than 15 seconds. Your actual response time may vary depending on the Internet connection and volume of submitted requests. We may not be able to give you an immediate answer in every instance.</p>
There is no extra work or spending requirement and no annual fee!
The Prime Visa credit card also lets you earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
If you spend a good amount on Amazon this card could be worth $100s in cash back every year. Don't delay — apply today!
Good or excellent credit (typically 670 or higher) is recommended.
Click here to apply for the Prime Visa credit card today and get an instant decision in 15 seconds
Lower prices
In a direct price comparison, Harbor Freight's tools and equipment often cost less than similar items at Home Depot. Low-budget items tend to show less difference, but the difference becomes more noticeable as prices rise. That makes it attractive for shoppers who want to save money, especially on basic tools or infrequent purchases.
Pleasant experience
The layout at Harbor Freight is more streamlined and easier to navigate than The Home Depot's large, sprawling stores. Maze-like store layouts are designed to trick shoppers into spending more on impulse purchases, so customers appreciate that Harbor Freight makes finding what they need quicker and less overwhelming.
Frequent sales, coupons, and discounts
Harbor Freight runs special promotions, coupons, and parking-lot sale events more often than Home Depot typically does, helping you stretch your dollars even further. Even better, many discounts and coupons can be stacked together to maximize your savings.
Aimed at homeowners
Harbor Freight is aimed at budget-conscious homeowners, while Home Depot often targets contractors and other professionals with different needs. This can make Harbor Freight a better choice for home projects and repairs.
Friendly return policy
Because tools are cheaper at Harbor Freight, you can buy, try out, and even replace tools without feeling guilty if something underperforms, perfect if you don't use them often. Their return policy allows customers to return an item if they are unsatisfied for pretty much any reason within 90 days, provided they present a receipt, and exceptions are often made for reasonable circumstances.
Home Depot has a complicated return policy that varies by product: some have only a week return window, others a month, and others 90 days.
Lifetime warranties on many hand tools
All Harbor Freight hand tools include lifetime warranties, giving you peace of mind for the items you use most often. Their official policy dictates that "Harbor Freight Tools will replace any hand tool that fails to properly work during the lifetime of the original purchaser."
Membership deals with extra savings
Harbor Freight's Inside Track Club (paid membership) unlocks deeper discounts that can make regular savings even better compared to Home Depot's standard pricing. For frequent shoppers, the $29.99 membership fee can pay for itself very quickly, sometimes even on just one purchase. There's an even better "secret" membership deal available in person at the register, which gets you a two-year membership for only $45.
Focus on tools and workshop equipment
Harbor Freight specializes in tools, workshop gear, and automotive equipment, so if that's your core need, you're likely to find a deeper selection of those specific items than at Home Depot. The major retailer focuses its selection on major building projects, while Harbor Freight is geared toward casual everyday life needs or DIYers.
Retroactive coupons
We've all given that wry frown to a great coupon that comes out just after we've already purchased the item in question. That frustration is easily removed at Harbor Freight, because they will give customers a price adjustment (partial refund) within 30 days of purchase, as long as they show proof of purchase.
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.
Smaller stores
The more compact store footprint typically feels less overwhelming and more accessible than Home Depot's huge warehouse layout. The smaller stores offer a more selective variety of products, with fewer brands to compare on the same item, which can help customers avoid decision fatigue from comparing multiple brands of the same product.
Bottom line
Harbor Freight is often overlooked, but it can help drastically reduce the cost of your repairs, improvements, and home projects. Before investing in products and materials, be sure to do price comparisons between Harbor Freight and Home Depot to make sure you're getting the best deal.
For extra savings, you can make your purchases on the best cash back credit cards, and those large purchases can yield additional savings.
More from FinanceBuzz:
- 12 ways to pocket up to $300
- Are you a homeowner? Get a protection plan on all your appliances.
- 10 little weird hacks Costco shoppers should know.
- Learn how to escape the paycheck-to-paycheck grind.
/images/2024/10/17/adobestock_805669930_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
Intro Offer
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2023/05/09/amazon_prime_visa.png)
/images/2024/11/07/solitaire-game-1200x628.jpg)
/images/2025/06/13/triumphant_woman_looking_at_computer.jpg)
/images/2025/01/06/person_on_smart_phone.png)
/images/2025/02/04/person_using_card_in_atm.jpg)
/images/2022/12/29/downtown-atlanta-skyline.jpg)
/images/2023/10/06/in_the_mall_with_shopping_bags.jpg)
/images/2018/11/08/free-gift-cards.jpg)
/images/2019/10/08/how_to_get_cash_back_when_you_shop_at_target.jpg)
/images/2019/11/18/earn_serious_cashback_at_walmart.jpg)
/images/2020/12/01/walmart-shopping.jpg)
/images/2020/12/07/woman-saving-money.jpg)
