When it comes to finding crazy low prices on tools, Harbor Freight is a prime destination. But they aren’t the only game in town. There are lots of other stores like Harbor Freight that can also help you save big on equipment.
In this article, we’ll explore the top alternatives and competitors to Harbor Freight for scoring quality tools at the lowest possible prices.
Whether you’re a pro or just a DIYer on a budget, these Harbour Freight competitors have got you covered.
Read on to discover 12 of the best sites & stores similar to Harbor Freight for rock-bottom prices on power tools, hand tools, tool boxes, and more. With the right approach, you can outfit your shop without breaking the bank.
12 Best Shops & Stores Similar To Harbor Freight for Quality Tools at Lowest Prices
These stores match or even beat Harbor Freight’s prices, while also providing good quality products, wide selections, and convenient shipping options.
1. Grainger
Grainger is America’s leading industrial supplier, providing equipment, tools, and safety products for commercial and industrial facilities. While serving businesses, Grainger also sells to individual customers at competitive prices.
They carry professional quality power tools from brands like Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, DEWALT, Metabo and more. Grainger offers frequent promotions, coupons, and seasonal sales to help maximize savings on their already fair prices.
Key Benefits:
- Commercial quality tools from top brands
- Very competitive pricing for individuals
- Ongoing promotions and seasonal sales
- Reliable shipping on all orders
2. Ridgid Professional Tools
Ridgid offers a nice range of affordable professional quality power tools and accessories under their Ridgid brand. As a manufacturer, they are able to pass more value to the customers through lower prices.
Ridgid tools are sold through Home Depot and other retailers. They are backed by a lifetime warranty against defects. For plumbers, electricians, and handymen looking for pro-grade tools on a conservative budget, Ridgid is a brand to check out.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Professional quality tools at factory-direct prices
- Lifetime warranty against defects
- Available at Home Depot and other retailers
- Targeted at tradespeople and contractors
3. Toolup
Toolup is an online store similar to Harbor Freight that stocks a huge range of tools from all the major brands. They cater towards professional contractors with large bulk orders, but also sell individual tools at highly competitive prices.
For home DIYers on a budget, Toolup is a great source for discounted prices on quality power tools, hand tools, air tools, shop equipment, and more.
Free shipping, price matching, and regular promotions make Toolup competitive against other online tool retailers. Their focus on professional tools makes them a great alternative to Harbor Freight.
Key Perks:
- Caters to pros but friendly for DIYers too
- Deep discounts on all top tool brands
- Bulk pricing with low $5 flat-rate shipping
- Easy online ordering process
4. Northern Tool
Operating for over 40 years, Northern Tool is a popular online and catalog retailer of high-quality tools and industrial equipment. They stock a nice range of professional brands like DEWALT, Milwaukee, Porter-Cable, Bosch, Metabo and more.
While geared for pros, Northern Tool welcomes home DIYers and hobbyists. Northern Tool has become a staple among home workshops looking for pro-grade tools at bargain prices.
Regular sales promotions and their price match guarantee ensure buyers get quality tools at the lowest prices. They are a great site like Harbor Freight for convenient in-store access to professional tools and equipment.
Why Shop Here:
- Professional quality tools at affordable prices
- Regular sales and promotions for added value
- Convenient online and catalog ordering
- Wide range of tools beyond just power tools
5. Lowe’s
Another huge home improvement chain, Lowe’s has nearly 2,000 locations across North America. Known best for appliances, building materials, and home goods. This Harbor Freight alternative also stocks a wide array of tools from all the major brands.
They offer great prices on top names like DEWALT, Makita, Bosch, Craftsman, and more. The store also has their own Kobalt line of mechanics tools that offer pro level quality at affordable prices.
As a big box retailer, Lowe’s has the buying power to keep their tool prices low. They frequently discount select tools and run promotions like their “Spring Black Friday” event. Customers can shop online for in-store pickup or delivery.
Key Advantages:
- Every major tool brand available
- Excellent prices on pro quality power tools
- Affordable Kobalt hand tools line
- Regular tool sales and markdowns
6. Ace Hardware
With over 5,000 locally-owned hardware stores across the country, Ace Hardware is one of the largest retailer-owned cooperatives. They offer a good range of major brands like DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita and more at competitive prices.
The store also has their own line of professional grade hand tools and power tools that are affordably priced. Many locations offer tool rental services as well. As independent retailers, local Ace stores can choose to run their own sales and promotions as needed.
What Makes Them Popular:
- Wide range of major brands at good prices
- Quality Ace-branded power tools and hand tools
- Many locations offer tool rental services
- Local owners can customize sales and deals
7. Menards
It was founded in 1960 and headquartered in Wisconsin. Menards is a family-owned home improvement chain operating around 300 stores across the Midwestern United States.
The store has a wide selection of over 35,000 tools covering power tools, air tools, hand tools, automotive tools, and more. They stock major brands alongside an extensive range of MasterForce private label tools comparable in quality to big names but offered at lower price points.
Regular rebates and sales promotions allow savvy shoppers to save big on quality tools and equipment. With a great combination of brand name products and affordable private label alternatives, Menards is a great Harbor Freight competitor in the Midwest.
Key Perks:
- All top tool brands available
- Affordable MasterForce power tools
- Ongoing 11% rebate on all purchases
- Regular rebates and promotions on tools
8. Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company has over 1,900 stores across 49 states stocking a wide range of tools and equipment for home, farm, ranch and rural living.
Their products span automotive, welding, generators, pressure washers, power tools, hand tools, air tools, tool storage, outdoor power equipment, and more. Shoppers can find leading brands like Lincoln Electric welders and Honda generators. And also pressure washers, Craftsman tools, and Husqvarna outdoor power equipment.
Along with regular sales and instant savings specials, they provides another option for conveniently accessing quality tools at reasonable prices.
Why Shop Here:
- Fair prices on major tool brands
- JobSmart line of affordable hand tools and power tools
- Caters to home DIYers rather than pros
- Stores conveniently located in rural areas
9. Outdoor Supply Hardware
Outdoor Supply Hardware is a specialty retailer catering to outdoor power equipment products. They have a specific focus on brands like Honda, Toro, Stihl, Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, and Kohler engines.
Along with outdoor power equipment, they also stock welders, power tools, hand tools, air compressors, generators, pressure washers and other shop equipment to support homeowners and hobbyists.
While a smaller chain than the big box stores, Outdoor Supply Hardware provides access to leading brands and specialty outdoor equipment that other Harbor Freight alternatives may lack.
Key Benefits:
- Serves pro contractors and home DIYers alike
- Lots of major brands and budget options
- Weekly RED Hot Buys sale on discounted tools
- Competitive everyday pricing
10. Walmart
Walmart needs no introduction as one of the largest retailers in the world. Their tool department stocks big brands like DEWALT, Stanley, Craftsman, Kobalt and many more—often at prices below other stores.
They also carry lesser known brands like Hyper Tough, reliked brand tools, and Hart that offer even more budget-friendly options. Savvy shoppers can outfit their whole workshop on a tight budget at Walmart. They also offer convenient in-store pickup and 2-day delivery on many tool purchases.
While lacking the depth of selection and focus of other Harbor Freight competitors, Walmart allows buyers to bundle tools and hardware with general shopping. Their everyday low pricing also makes Walmart worth checking for deals.
What Makes Them Popular:
- All major brands at low prices
- Affordable lesser known value brands
- Convenient delivery and in-store pickup
- Weekly “Rollbacks” sales on select tools
11. Home Depot
Home Depot is one of the most popular home improvement retailers, with over 2,000 stores across the US, Canada, and Mexico. They offer a huge range of tools and construction equipment for professionals and DIYers.
While not exclusively a discount tool retailer, Home Depot does have an impressive selection of value-priced tools covering power tools, hand tools, air tools, compressors, tool storage, and more. They also sell exclusive brands like RIDGID power tools that are affordably priced while being reliable.
They frequently runs special values and promotions both online and in stores. Their website also allows customers to sort products from low to high price to easily shop on a budget. Savvy shoppers can snag professional quality tools for cheap at Home Depot.
Key Benefits:
- Huge selection of major brands and value-priced options
- Offers exclusive budget-friendly brands like RIDGID
- Regular sales and special buys on tools
- Convenient locations across US, Canada, Mexico
12. Target
Target is another general retailer that still manages to stock an impressive range of tools and hardware both online and in their 1,900+ stores.
Power tools, hand tools, automotive specialty tools, tool storage, compressors, and more are available from brands like Craftsman, DeWalt, Ryobi, Hoover, Bosch, and Stanley.
While the range doesn’t match home improvement stores like Harbor Freight. But their convenient Target locations and low pricing make it handy for basic tools and hardware. RedCard members save 5% on all tools and equipment purchases.
Key Advantages:
- Growing range of major tool brands
- Very low prices on house brands
- Regular sales and promotions
- In-store pickup and free standard shipping
Conclusion
Scoring amazing deals on tools doesn’t require limiting yourself to just Harbor Freight. Their competitors are ready to battle it out for your budget-savvy business.
The Harbor Freight alternatives covered here showcase the range of options that exist for finding quality tools at clearance prices across top brands. From home improvement giants to specialized industrial suppliers, these Harbor Freight competitor stores featured provide similar value.
Yet they also bring unique advantages through discounted private brands, convenient locations, simplified shipping and regular promotions. So explore beyond Harbor Freight alone during your search for the best bargains. Compare retailers, pay attention to sales cycles and always leverage coupons. That’s the formula for furnishing your workshop with pro-grade tools without draining your bank account.
FAQs About Harbor Freight
What are some of the best selling products at Harbor Freight?
Some of the most popular and best selling products at Harbor Freight include hand tools like wrenches, socket sets, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers and specialty automotive tools. Other top sellers are tarps, moving blankets, flashlights, tool boxes and storage solutions.
Does Harbor Freight offer coupons?
Yes, Harbor Freight regularly offers coupons both online and in their print ad circulars. Coupons provide 20% off or more on select regularly priced items. New coupon codes are issued weekly.
Can I return items to Harbor Freight?
Harbor Freight accepts returns of unused items within 90 days of purchase, with receipt. Some items like compressors have shorter 30 day return periods. Returns must be in new condition with packaging.
Does Harbor Freight offer price matching?
Harbor Freight will match a competitor’s printed advertised price on an identical in-stock item. Bring the ad to the store for an on-the-spot price match. Some exclusions apply.
How often does Harbor Freight have sales?
Harbor Freight runs new sales and promotions every single week. They have the Weekly Ad circular with discounts refreshed each Monday. Online daily deals and flash sales are also offered.
Is there a Harbor Freight credit card or rewards program?
No, Harbor Freight does not currently offer any store credit card or formal customer rewards program. However, they do issue frequent coupons and discounts to help loyal shoppers save.
Are Harbor Freight tools any good?
While some very cheap tools sold at Harbor Freight are hit-or-miss, they do sell high-quality name brands and their own professional Pittsburgh line. Proper inspection avoids “duds”. With research, Harbor Freight can be a source for good performing affordable tools.
