Harbor Freight has established itself as a reliable source of tools over its nearly 50-year history, continuously introducing new products. The company is known for offering quality items at reasonable prices, and there’s no shortage of beneficial finds at Harbor Freight. Previously, we explored top-rated tools under $25, but with rising costs, $25 may not be feasible for everyone, prompting questions about the potential impact of tariffs on tool prices.
With that in mind, it’s prudent to consider some affordable options at Harbor Freight before prices rise. The company has numerous products available for under $5 that are worth considering. To assist in finding the best values for your budget, we’ve highlighted some exceptional items useful for woodworking, organizing, automotive tasks, and painting. More details about our selection process can be found at the end of the article. If you’re eager to snag these deals before prices increase, read on.
Pittsburgh Quick Release Bar Clamps
Pittsburgh, an exclusive brand of Harbor Freight, is known for its extensive range of tools and generally favorable reviews. Among its top-rated products is the Pittsburgh 6-Inch Quick Release Bar Clamp, rated by over 5,000 users on Harbor Freight’s website with an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars. Costing $3.49, this carbon-steel clamp features cast-iron jaws and weighs 1.15 pounds, measuring a total length of 10 inches, offering 6 inches of clamping capacity and a 2½-inch throat depth. If you require a larger size, the 12-inch version from Pittsburgh is available for $4.49 and provides double the clamping capacity.
For those who have a quick-release bar clamp already, the 6-Inch Pittsburgh Ratcheting Bar Clamp/Spreader can be purchased for $3.99, boasting a 4.5-star rating with over 94% recommendation from its 4,200-plus buyers. Additionally, consider the 25-Foot QuikFind Tape Measure available for $4.99, rated 4.7 stars with over 7,600 reviews, or the Pittsburgh Eight-Piece Ratcheting Right Angle Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set priced at $3.29, which boasts 4.6 stars from more than 2,000 customers.
Storehouse Stacking Bins
Storehouse provides a variety of organizers designed to keep everything from crafting materials to hardware sorted. Although some options can be expensive, many organizers are available for under $5. The most economical is the $2.97 Storehouse Clear Stacking Bin, which has an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,000 buyers. Made from durable plastic, it measures 12¾ by 8¼ by 6 inches and can support up to 15 pounds of items. Note that it is only available in-store on clearance.
For just $2.99, you can opt for the Storehouse 4-Inch Stacking Tilt Bin, which can be attached from both the top and bottom, holding a strong 4.8-star rating from over 800 reviewers. The advantage of stacking bins is their ability to interlock, allowing customers to gradually expand their collection as needed over time.
U.S. General Magnetic Accessories
U.S. General has become a favored brand for tool storage solutions, ranging from tool cabinets to toolbox accessories. They also offer magnetic solutions for organizing tools priced below $5. For instance, the 18-Inch Magnetic Tool Holder is recommended by 99% of over 12,200 customers and has a 4.8-star rating, showcasing its strength and affordable price at $4.99.
If you tend to misplace small items like screws and nuts, the $4.99 U.S. General 6-Inch Magnetic Parts Tray might be just what you need. Even though it’s small and weighs only two-thirds of a pound, it can hold up to 10 pounds and is designed not to damage painted surfaces thanks to its non-marring rubber base—all while holding 4.8 stars from over 1,300 buyers.
HFT Brushes
Brushes are essential for car cleaning and other applications like painting. It’s no surprise that Harbor Freight’s HFT product line offers various brushes under $5 suitable for different tasks. The most popular option is the $2.99 36-Piece ½-Inch Horsehair Bristle Acid Shop Brush Set, with each brush measuring half an inch by 6⅛ inches and constructed with horsehair, making them suitable for oil, paint, or glue. With an average rating of 4.7 stars from 1,800 reviews, users appreciate its versatility from greasing to gluing tasks.
If you need something sturdier, consider the $4.99 Deluxe Dip & Wash Long Reach Brush, rated 4.8 stars from over 350 reviews. At 18 inches long, it’s perfect for hard-to-reach areas. Alternatively, the $3.99 Deluxe Wheel & Grill Brush Set, which features 1-inch bristles, is designed to access tight corners in vehicles and comes with ergonomic grips.
Quinn Painting Tools
Quinn is another prominent brand within Harbor Freight, known for offering a variety of highly-rated hand tools such as diagonal cutters and screwdrivers. If you’re not prepared to spend on larger sets yet, there are affordable painting tools available. For just $4.99, you can find the in-store exclusive Quinn 14-In-1 Painters Tool, which boasts a remarkable 4.8-star rating from over 780 buyers. This compact yet versatile tool can scrape, open cans, and spread, weighing only 0.32 lbs.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Quinn 2-Inch Putty Knife is available for $2.99, and 95% of its 200+ buyers recommend it. Quinn’s products proudly showcase that approximately 85% are manufactured in the United States, emphasizing quality.
Why We Consider These Harbor Freight Finds Worth Buying
With Harbor Freight’s vast inventory, locating a few gift items under $5 is simple. The selection of products in this article was based on unique features and high ratings. We highlighted well-known brands, ensuring multiple options existed in the same category at this price point, and included only those with a minimum of 200 reviews and an average rating above 4.5 stars.
Moreover, though it wasn’t a deciding factor for inclusion, we specified which products are available online versus in-store, catering to customer preferences.