When it comes to DIY video streaming or the DIY blogosphere, one of the most popular topics is "what to buy at Harbor Freight." Despite the opinions of some high-end electricians, Harbor Freight offers a wide range of products that you may not find elsewhere, either due to their affordability or unique availability. From items priced between $3.49 to $149.99, there are several things worth considering purchasing from HF. Some may be considered luxuries, while others are daily essentials, and a few can even serve as substitutes for a variety of other items. Here is a curated list of items to check out:
Security bit set
If you've ever tried to take apart certain electronics, or have ever been trapped in a restroom stall long enough to notice how things are put together, you've run across screw and bolt heads that appear to be some sort of alien technology. Some have strange shapes in place of the usual slotted, Phillips, and Torx star heads, while others appear to be designed so that they can't be removed at all. You have discovered the world of security screws, a secret place known only to authorized people and those with $9.99 for a 100-piece security bit set from Harbor Freight.
If you're in need of a versatile set of driver bits, look no further than this 100-piece kit. These bits go beyond just the standard slotted and Phillips bits, offering a wide range of sizes and types to tackle various fasteners. From Pozidriv bits to hollow-tip Torx and square-drive fasteners, this set has you covered for different types of screws commonly used in DIY projects. With over 3,400 reviewers giving it a 4.6-star rating, it's clear that this set is highly regarded by users for its quality and variety.
If you've never found yourself in need of a magnetic sweeper, count yourself lucky. This handy tool can save the day when you're stuck with a flat tire from a stray screw or nail at a construction site. Harbor Freight offers a 30-inch magnetic sweeper for $49.99, a small price to pay for peace of mind, especially for those working near roofing projects where nails are a constant hazard.
Magnetic parts holders and trays
From sweepers to neodymium rare-earth magnets, Harbor Freight has something of a specialty in magnetic goodies. While we're going to recommend the remarkably cheap ($3.99) Pittsburgh Automotive 6-inch magnetic parts holder (4.8 stars from over 2,300 reviews), there's actually a whole category of offerings from HF that you'll try once and never be without again. These range in price from $2.99 to $19.99 and include both magnetic and silicone devices for catching whatever screws, bolts, and nuts you're removing as you work. The Pittsburgh Automotive tray is good enough that you'll probably want three or four — or 8 to 10 if you have enough projects going on at once.
The idea is simply to keep you from losing the parts and tripling the length of your project by having to make a trip to the hardware store (or even Fastenal) to find replacements. This product not only holds fast to whatever magnet-compatible metal you put in it, but you can also stick it to metal things like toolboxes and rolling carts, so you can always find a tray when you need one.
Cable ties ... and more
If you're looking to save some money on cable ties, Harbor Freight has you covered. A pack of 100 11-inch black UV-resistant cable ties will only set you back $3.49 at HF, while competitors like Home Depot sell them for $15.52 and Lowes for $9.98. Despite the lower price, Harbor Freight's cable ties have a similar tensile strength rating of 50 pounds compared to Home Depot's, and slightly less than Lowes' 75 pounds. With a high customer satisfaction rate of 98% and an impressive 4.8-star rating from over 8,500 reviews, these cable ties are a steal.
Cable ties are versatile and handy for various tasks like cable management, hanging tools, and even cleaning drains. But beyond just cable ties, Harbor Freight offers a range of affordable commodity consumables like rubber bands, O-rings, and nails. These items may be basic, but if you can get them at a fraction of the price compared to other stores, it's a smart choice to shop at Harbor Freight for your everyday needs.
