Best Harbor Freight Tools
The Stubbornest – 24 INCH CROW BAR
This Pittsburgh Pro 24-inch crowbar is a solid mass of steel, making it exceptionally durable and reliable for heavy-duty tasks. We have owned this one for about a year and used it in demo and construction projects, and it’s hard to find anything to criticize. At only $10, this crowbar offers incredible value for its price. It’s rare to find a tool this sturdy at such a low cost.
DURABILITY
Just a beefy mass of steel
COST
Can’t beat the price at only $10
USEAGE
Sturdy and great for prying up boards and nails
Pros
Cons
Also Great – 9 and 24 inch Aluminum Level
This little red level comes in 9 and 24 inch lengths and cost 10 or 20 dollars. It is made of one solid chunk of machined aluminum and the 3 bubbles are accurate. We love this little guy and think he (or she?) is built to last. It is a great thing to have in your tool box. 5 Anvils.
Great Value – Lug Wrench
Over the past year, we’ve changed plenty of tires using this 20-inch long 4-Way Lug Wrench, and it has consistently performed well. It’s solidly built, with a sturdy center weld joint that’s held up under pressure. We’ve even used a cheater bar for extra leverage on stubborn lug nuts, and it hasn’t bent or shown any signs of weakness.
At $16, it’s a great value for a tool this durable, earning it a solid 5 anvils in our book. If you’re looking for a reliable, heavy-duty lug wrench, this one is a smart buy.
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VIDEO REVIEW
Our video review of the most durable Harbor Freight Tools.
CANDIDATES
Harbor Freight tools often stir up strong opinions. Some people swear by them, while others think they are unreliable junk. The debate about Harbor Freight’s value has continued for years and we’re diving into that conversation by taking a closer look at some of their top-rated tools.
We tested 18 tools from Harbor Freight with a focus on durability, functionality, and overall performance.
1 – Crow Bar
Summary: This 24-inch crowbar is a solid mass of steel, making it exceptionally durable and reliable for heavy-duty tasks. We have owned this one for about a year and used it in demo and construction projects, and it’s hard to find anything to criticize.
At only $10, this crowbar offers incredible value for its price. It’s rare to find a tool this sturdy at such a low cos. We’re giving it a well-deserved 5 anvils for durability and value.
2 – 9 Inch Aluminum Level
Summary: This little red level comes in 9 and 24 inch lengths and cost 10 or 20 dollars. It is made of one solid chunk of machined aluminum and the 3 bubbles are accurate. We love this little guy and think he (or she?) is built to last. It is a great thing to have in your tool box. 5 Anvils.
3 – Lug Wrench
Summary: Over the past year, we’ve changed plenty of tires using this 20-inch long 4-Way Lug Wrench, and it has consistently performed well. It’s solidly built, with a sturdy center weld joint that’s held up under pressure. We’ve even used a cheater bar for extra leverage on stubborn lug nuts, and it hasn’t bent or shown any signs of weakness. At $16, it’s a great value for a tool this durable, earning it a solid 5 anvils in our book. If you’re looking for a reliable, heavy-duty lug wrench, this one is a smart buy.
4 – Magnetic Parts Tray
Summary: Harbor Freight frequently runs sales on their magnetic parts tray, and we snagged one for just $2. For a stainless steel tray that keeps all your parts organized during a project, it’s hard to beat that price. We recommend picking up a few to have on hand. At this price, you really can’t go wrong. Definitely a 5 anvil buy in our book!
7 – F Clamp
Summary: What we love most is its simplicity and the fact that most of it is constructed from durable steel. Available in 6, 12, 18, and 24 inch lengths, it’s a much more affordable option compared to similar clamps from other big box stores, with prices ranging from just $3 to $6, depending on the size. If there’s one downside, it’s that the plastic feet on the pads tend to fall off over time.
8 – C Clamp
Summary: These 4-inch and 5-inch C-Clamps are robust and made from solid, good-quality steel. While the machine screws have a bit of slop in them, they still get the job done reliably. For just $4 and $6, they’re a solid buy, especially considering how useful extra clamps can be in any workshop. After all, you can never have too many clamps! 4 anvils.
9 – Doyle Pliers
Summary: Harbor Freight’s Doyle line is their mid-tier product that delivers solidly built pliers and wrenches, backed by a lifetime warranty. While they may not offer the same precision as the top-name brands, most users won’t notice the difference for everyday tasks. In fact, even some professionals rely on these tools, simply exchanging them as needed when they wear out.
We were impressed with the quality of the Doyle line, especially the Needle Nose Pliers, Linesman Pliers, and Channel Locks. Overall, these tools strike a good balance between affordability and performance, earning them a solid 4 anvils from us.
11 – Air Adapter
Summary: This simple air tool adapter is made entirely of brass, which makes it highly durable. If you only need one, it’s a solid deal. However, if you’re looking to stock up, you can find better per piece price by purchasing a larger set of adapters online. This slide will link to a set we’ve had good experience with in the past. For a single piece, though, this one does the job well.
12 – Hose Nozzle
Summary: For just $5, this all-brass hose nozzle offers impressive durability and should last a long time, with the only maintenance being an occasional replacement of the rubber washer. While it doesn’t have the fancy multi-spray options like some nozzles, it’s simple and effective for basic tasks. Overall, it’s a reliable, no-frills option that earns a solid 4 anvils from us.
13 – Magnetic Pickup
Summary: This magnetic pickup tool is incredibly useful, especially when you drop a nut or bolt into a hard-to-reach spot, like an engine compartment. It’s sturdy enough for regular use, but the telescoping feature means it’s not exactly a “buy-it-for-life” item. That said, at just $4, it’s a solid investment for those moments when you need a quick save in a tight spot.
14 – Jack
Summary: We’ve been using the 4-ton version to lift our heavy SUV, and it’s been an absolute beast. It handles the load with ease and feels solid every step of the way. The jury is still out on if this is a “buy it for life” tool, but it has all the potential to last for a long time with proper care. If you’re looking for durability and value, this jack is a smart investment. 4 Anvils.
15 – Jack Stands
Summary: These jack stands come in 3, 6, and 12-ton capacities. The 3-ton version is not tall enough for vehicles with larger tires or higher clearances, like trucks and SUVs. The 6-ton model is capable of extending up to nearly 2 feet off the ground, making it a better option for those types of vehicles. Overall, we’ve found the newer models to be reliable and well-engineered, earning them a solid 4 anvils in our rating system.
16 – Speed Square
Summary: The 7-inch Doyle Speed Square, also known as a Rafter Square, offers decent quality with easy-to-read numbers. However, we have concerns that the markings may wear off over time with regular use. For this reason, we tend to prefer the brand-name Swanson Speed Square (this slide will link to that modelo), which is actually a better deal at around $10.
17 – 24×16 Square
Summary: The 16 by 24 inch steel square is a staple in any workshop, and this one from Harbor Freight is decent but not spectacular. It’s true and square, with etched markings rather than painted ones. That adds durability and ensures the measurements won’t wear off over time. While it’s solid and reliable, at $10, it’s not the best value considering that other brands like Swanson or Johnson offer similar squares for around the same price.
18 – Spring Clamp
Summary: These clamps are decent for a variety of tasks, offering solid grip and functionality at a low price point. However, over time, we’ve noticed that the rubber handles and tips tend to come off, which can be a bit frustrating. The pinned connection also seems like a potential weak point that could impact long-term durability.
ANALYSIS
This is a matrix showing our anvil rating of each tool. It also shows the price we paid and the main pros and cons. You can easily lookup the tool at Harbor Freight by typing in the 5 digit SKU number on the Harbor Freight website.
It also pays to wait for the frequent Harbor Freight coupons or sales to get the best deal.
Our findings in the table above include the Stubborn Gear Anvil Score and the price at the time of testing.
Stubborn Gear is made up of a small team of mechanical engineers with decades of experience in the defense industry. We use that knowledge to carefully evaluate products with one simple goal: to help you find gear that is built to last. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or someone who relies on your tools for professional work, we explore whether Harbor Freight can deliver durability at a lower price point. Our goal is to see how well these tools hold up and whether they’re worth adding to your toolbox.
*Disclaimer: We don’t accept payment from any company, so you know our reviews are honest and unbiased. We are completely supported our fans. This page contains affiliate links. That means that we are awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost for you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.