11 Harbor Freight Hand Tools That Are Better Than Lowe's

Finding reliable hand tools at a good price doesn't have to be complicated. Harbor Freight offers well-reviewed options that often cost less and earn higher ratings than comparable tools at Lowe's.

If you're looking for a smart way to save money, here are some of the best Harbor Freight hand tools shoppers can't stop raving about.

Price: $67.99

The Harbor Freight ½-inch Drive Professional Long-Reach Flex-Head Ratchet with Comfort Grip is rated 4.8 out of five stars. Lowe's sells a much more expensive option, the Kobalt 72-Tooth ½-inch Drive Comfort Grip Handle Flexible Head Ratchet, for $87.98, and its reviews only average 3.5 stars.

Customers love that the price is so low for a high-quality ratchet, and some reviewers even claim the Icon brand is the best all around.

Price: $11.99

With over 100 five-star reviews, the Icon 11-inch Long Reach Needle Nose Pliers are an affordable, high-quality choice. This pair features slim, straight tips for use in tight spaces. Lowe's has a comparable option, the Kobalt 11-inch Needle Nose Pliers, costing over double the price.

One Harbor Freight customer shares that this set has the "same warranty, power, feature, durability, and ease of use" as high-priced options.

Price: $14.99

Harbor Freight's Long-Reach Magnetic Pickup Tool with Quick Release allows you to pick up and release metal without bending over. Customers love that they can easily grab small pieces of metal, like nails, washers, or bolts, with this tool.

Lowe's sells a Stalwart Aluminum handheld magnetic tool with a handle-release for significantly more at $31.81, and that's the sale price.

Price: $18.99

​Measuring large areas can be tricky without an open-reel measuring tape, and this one by Pittsburgh will do the trick. Many reviewers comment on how easily the tape reels in and out and how it saves them time compared to using a smaller measuring tape.

The same length tape by Kobalt at Lowe's costs much more, at $32.98.

Price: $34.99

​This eight-inch digital caliper is a customer favorite, with customers raving that it works perfectly for their needs, is easy to use, and maintains a good charge.

With it costing only a fraction of higher-end brands, like Lowe's Neiko Stainless Steel Electronic Caliper at $42.99, the Harbor Freight option is clearly the way to go.

Price: $6.99

This three-piece Wood Chisel Set with PVC Handles is a highly-rated hand tool, with over 550 five-star reviews. Customers love that these are both sharp and durable, making them an essential addition to their toolboxes.

In contrast, a three-set pack of Woodworking Chisels at Lowe's costs $14.98 and only has a 4.3-star rating.

Price: $12.99

You never know when you'll need bolt cutters, and this 18-inch version is an affordable way to go. A comparable option at Lowe's is significantly more costly at $34.48, and has a lower rating with only 4.3 stars compared to Harbor Freight's 4.6 stars.

Price: $39.99

This 18-gauge, ¼-inch Crown Air Stapler is a cost-efficient option that'll get your job done. Customers share that it works well with no jams, and it's a far better deal than a similar item at Lowe's: the 18-gauge Metabo HPT Pneumatic Stapler that costs nearly $80 on sale.

Price: $14.99

Not only can you score a highly rated 24-inch Ratcheting Bar Clamp at Harbor Freight, but it's also half the price of other comparable options. It even boasts a 4.8-star average rating and over 330 five-star reviews, with customers sharing that it has great holding power and is easy to use.

A similar option at Lowe's is over $32.

Price: $31.99

Priced at $31.99 for five pieces, the Pittsburgh Flex-Head Metric Ratcheting Combination Wrench Set breaks down to about $6.40 per wrench. Shoppers say the flexible design saves time, and many point to the set's solid warranty as a major plus.

At Lowe's, a seven-piece Craftsman Metric Flexible Head Ratchet Wrench Set runs $77.48, or $11.07 each, and they have lower reviews, with one customer noting the set's flimsiness.

Price: $67.99

Save on a ½ inch Drive Professional Long-Reach Flex-Head Ratchet with Harbor Freight's Icon brand, featuring high ratings and a low price. It's also available in a ⅜-inch choice. Customers say they use this tool more than other ratchets and praise its smoothness.

A similar tool at Lowe's, the Capri Tools ½-inch Flexible Head Ratchet Set, costs $79.99.

Buying hand tools with good reviews and much lower prices than popular brands is a great way to save money while finishing projects.

While you're at Harbor Freight, pay with one of the best cash-back credit cards to earn more back for each purchase, furthering your savings.