6 Home Depot Finds That Are Way Cheaper at Harbor Freight

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Harbor Freight doesn’t have quite as robust a supply of tools and other goods as, say, Home Depot. But where these big-box hardware stores have plenty to offer, Harbor Freight excels in quality and price.

For those shopping on a budget, here are six Harbor Freight items that are cheaper than similar items you’d find at Home Depot — and still worth the price.

Home Backup Generator

• Harbor Freight price: $1,299.99
• Home Depot price: $1,799.00

Need a backup generator for your home? Harbor Freight sells this Predator 13,000-watt tri-fuel portable generator for just under $1,300. It comes with a remote start and carbon monoxide alert shutdown. It runs on propane, natural gas or gasoline — as desired — and can keep going for up to 12 hours on gas. It’s also EPA-certified.

Home Depot’s Duromax 13,000-watt backup generator has similar specs, but normally costs about $500 more. Both options are highly rated with nearly five stars.

Electric Air Compressor

• Harbor Freight price: $399.99
• Home Depot price: $499.00

This 26-gallon Fortress auto air compressor costs less than $400 at Harbor Freight. It is 80% quieter than other auto/workshop compressors, has a brushless four-pole induction motor that boosts its runtime and has a fairly low, vertical profile. It’s also portable.

Home Depot sells a 26-gallon air compressor (from brand-name DeWalt) for about $100 more. It’s roughly the same size, and its noise rating (65 decibels) is only slightly lower than the Harbor Freight option (69 decibels).

Basic Home Repair Tool Kit

• Harbor Freight price: $32.99 (regularly $39.99)
• Home Depot price: $177.43

For those who need an all-around tool set for basic home repairs, Harbor Freight has a great deal. This highly rated Pittsburgh tool set comes with 130 pieces, including wrenches, screwdrivers, fasteners, accessories and a hammer.

Though the exact pieces included differ slightly, a similar tool set at Home Depot costs more than five times as much. It does include 146 pieces, but it might not be worth the higher price. Be sure to check with tools you need before purchasing.

Wireless Security Alert System

• Harbor Freight price: $16.99
• Home Depot price: $26.01

At Harbor Freight, you can get a battery-operated, wireless security alert system to protect your home. It chimes whenever something sets off its motion sensor (within 30 feet). It’s also weather-proof, so you can put it anywhere you’d like. The included receiver has a 400-foot range and is also wireless.

A wireless sensor at Home Depot costs about $10 more. While this might not seem like a massive dollar-for-dollar difference, it’s a 53% increase.

Safety Vest

• Harbor Freight price: $9.99
• Home Depot price: $14.97

Safety comes first when handling any outdoor project, especially if you’re in a low-visibility area.

At Harbor Freight, you can nab a reflective safety vest for about $10. It’s breathable, durable and adjustable to fit most individuals. It’s also machine-washable.

At Home Depot, a similar safety vest costs nearly $15. It has nearly the same design and is also designed to be lightweight and durable.

Paint Kit

• Harbor Freight price: $12.99
• Home Depot price: $19.98

Pick up a nine-piece paint kit from Harbor Freight for under $13. It includes 9-inch and 4-inch rollers, an angle paint brush, a paint tray and a plastic liner. It’s ideal for latex and oil paints, as well as for stains.

You can get something similar from Home Depot, only its paint kit costs more and comes with one fewer piece.

Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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