Ryobi has made a very successful name for itself in the power tool market by releasing powerful tools that are still relatively affordable. That’s especially true when compared to other big-name brands like Milwaukee or DeWALT. However, many DIYers and homeowners are looking for even more value, and that’s where Harbor Freight comes in.
Pro-grade brands like DeWALT, Snap-On, and even Milwaukee have their fans for a reason. Pros need dependable gear on the jobsite.
But if you’re a homeowner who reaches for a tool on occasion or wants to start a new DIY project, budget brands can offer a similar quality and are more than enough to get the job done.
If you’re a budget-conscious homeowner or are looking for a few new affordable tools, Harbor Freight is a great place to start. The hardware store has multiple in-house white-label tools that deliver solid results, good reviews, and a loyal following. In fact, Harbor Freight offers “top-tier” brands that aim to compete with Milwaukee, along with affordable options that cost less than Ryobi. Here are a few worth considering.
Hercules 20V Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit
When people hear Harbor Freight, they usually think of cheap gear, but the retailer has slowly begun offering products that rival those of bigger brands. A good example is Hercules, which offers robust “pro-level” power tools. This is Harbor Freight’s best power tool brand.
Buy something like the Hercules 20V brushless 1/2-inch drill/driver combo, which comes with a side handle, a 2 Ah battery, and a charger, all for only $98. This tool delivers up to 1200 in-lb of max torque thanks to a modern brushless motor, and can drill 350 holes on a single charge.
Sure, it might not be the absolute best drill on the market, but it’s more than enough for most, and it’s far more affordable than Makita or Milwaukee. Users on Reddit love this tool, especially at its price point.
Bauer 3-Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum
Everyone needs a good wet/dry shop vac, but it’s understandable if you don’t want to spend big bucks on an outside vacuum, especially if you’ll only use it sparingly.
That’s where another Harbor Freight brand, Bauer, comes to the rescue. Bauer is a mid-grade line at the retailer, offering everything from cordless and corded tools to home equipment and more. If I were looking for a cheap vacuum, the Bauer 3-Gal Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum for $39 is a no-brainer.
Similar-sized shop vacs from Ryobi are upwards of $140, and even smaller vacuums from Milwaukee are around $200. The Bauer might not be the best option in the world, but it comes with an extended hose, multiple attachment heads, and a replaceable filter, all without breaking the bank. There’s a reason it has nearly 4,000 positive reviews online.
And if you like what you’re hearing about price/performance and value, Bauer has a pretty solid 20V Brad Nailer for $120, or a cordless right-angle drill for $45 bucks.
Hercules 12V 3/8-inch Extended Reach Cordless Ratchet
One of my favorite Milwaukee tools is the M12 3/8-inch extended reach ratchet, but it cost me $250. Sure, it’s an excellent tool, but that’s a lot of money for someone who’s not a professional mechanic.
I use it all the time while working on my truck or on repairs around the house. But had I known that Hercules sells a pretty comparable model with 40 ft-lb of torque that reaches all the same tight spaces, all for $60, the decision wouldn’t have been so easy. Don’t get me wrong, I love my Milwaukee tool, but I’m not sure I use it enough to justify the price, and you’re probably in a similar boat.
As I said earlier, Hercules is one of Harbor Freight’s premium brands, and this ratchet looks very much like the Milwaukee competition. It’s compact and powerful, and you’ll love the angled head at the end of the extended-reach arm. If you’re a weekend warrior doing occasional automotive repairs, check it out.
Warrior Corded 4-1/2 inch Angle Grinder
Certain DIY projects require tons of torque or a cordless power tool, but sometimes, a cheap corded tool is more than enough. When’s the last time you spent under $20 on a powerful tool? I’ll wait.
Another popular Harbor Freight brand, Warrior, offers a lot of tools similar to Ryobi at a fraction of the price. One I own and have used several times is the Warrior 4.3-amp angle grinder. It’s a corded power tool, so you don’t have to worry about battery packs, and considering you’ll likely use it in the garage with ample AC outlets, that’s not a concern.
Here’s the kicker. Warrior’s 4-1/2-inch angle grinder is only $15 and occasionally drops to $12. Yes, for a little more than a Starbucks, you can have a rugged angle grinder. It features a two-position side handle, adjustable blades, a slide-lock mechanism, and 12,000 RPM of power. For comparison, Ryobi’s corded variant is usually around $65-$70.
Part of the design uses plastic, but over 1,300 reviews suggest it’s an excellent tool for the price.
Warrior 1500 Watt Heat Gun
Over the weekend, I fixed faulty wiring in my older Toyota Tacoma, which had caused the HVAC blower to stop working. I had to splice four wires and replace a connector. That’s one of those quick jobs that’s honestly not that difficult, as long as you have the proper tools.
Sure, I could spend $160 and get Milwaukee’s 18V cordless option, or even $90 on a Ryobi, but that’s entirely unnecessary. Instead, I ran down to my nearby Harbor Freight and paid $19 for a Warrior 1500 Watt heat gun. And thanks to some Solder Seal heat-shrink tubing from Amazon, the entire task took about 15 minutes.
A heat gun is one of those tools you don’t ever think about until you actually need one. I was in that situation, and it’s another prime example of why it’s worth skipping Ryobi or Milwaukee for some tools and getting something truly affordable at Harbor Freight.
Above, we only highlighted a few of the many budget-friendly tools you can find at your neighborhood Harbor Freight. With spring around the corner, consider other items like the Hercules 20V leaf blower for $45, a $65 pruning saw, or affordable pressure washers.
In closing, everything detailed above is highly regarded with thousands of glowing reviews, positive comments on Reddit, and more. Better yet, most Hercules tools from Harbor Freight come with a 5-year warranty. So, the next time you need a quick tool, consider some of these.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
