'Just What I Needed': The Harbor Freight Tool DIYers Are Loving For Any Type Of Project

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As you move into a home or apartment, you will probably need to begin a tool collection to handle quick repair DIY jobs. There are certain tools that every homeowner should have, like a hammer, cordless drill, and wrench set. Sometimes, though, when you want the handiest option, a multi-tool is the right choice. Sometimes referred to as a Swiss Army knife multi-tool, this device is small enough to carry in your pocket, ensuring you always have the right item on hand for the job.

Unfortunately, these products can be quite expensive, as some of the best-known manufacturers charge $100 or more. If you're interested in receiving a far lower price for your new multi-tool, you may want to check Harbor Freight. This discount retailer is known for selling all kinds of hardware-related products at low prices. Among the Harbor Freight tools under $50 that are worth buying is one of its popular multi-tools. The Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool can be purchased online or in many local stores for around $40.

On Harbor Freight's website, 90% of customers say they'd recommend purchasing this product. Many reviewers appreciate the versatility they receive from this Gordon product, as well as the fact that they can pull it out of a pocket in an emergency and solve many different problems. One Harbor Freight customer reviewer says the Gordon product is "Just what I needed. A great tool. Great quality, and great value for the price."

Harbor Freight offers several top-rated multipurpose tools, such as oscillating power tools and multi-bit screwdrivers, but the Gordon tool is the only Swiss Army knife-style multi-tool found on the discount hardware retailer's website. It's a handy product because of all the different features it offers.

You'll find a wire cutter, wire stripper, bit driver, wood file, mini-saw, pliers, eyeglass screwdriver, regular screwdriver, and more with this Gordon tool. It also has some features like you'd expect to find with a Swiss Army knife, such as a knife blade, a bottle opener, and a can opener. It can stand up to constant use and some abuse, as it's made of stainless steel. Dozens of reviewers on the Harbor Freight website highlighted the Gordon tool's durability. "This is a great tool; durable and light," one reviewer says. The tool has a shipping weight of 0.75 pounds.

At 4 inches in length, it might be a little big for some people to want to carry in a pocket. It ships with a belt clip for people who prefer to carry it that way. Several reviewers mentioned using the Gordon tool with a pocket clip to make it easier to grab in a hurry.

Several reviewers on the Harbor Freight website mentioned that the Gordon product compares favorably in its feature list and build quality to much more expensive multi-tool options. "This Gordon tool is almost as good as the much pricier Victorinox Swiss Tool X," one reviewer says. Amazon offers a 24-function Victorinox Swiss Tool X for $145.

Many other reviewers compared the Gordon product to Leatherman multi-tools, which are significantly more expensive but are considered by some reviewers to be the best multi-tools made in the United States. Amazon offers a 19-in-1 Leatherman Change Plus Multi-Tool for $160. The Gordon model is a "great deal on a Leatherman clone," according to one Harbor Freight reviewer.

Several Harbor Freight reviewers highlighted the importance of the Gordon product's versatility. They mention that they carry it with them for DIY jobs where they aren't sure exactly what will be required, negating the need to haul around a heavy toolbox. "I was surprised how many times I have used it to do minor chores around the house," one reviewer says on Harbor Freight's site. Another reviewer says it's a must-have tool for fishing trips, as it can fix multiple problems that may occur on the water. Others prefer using the pocket-sized Gordon as a part of their emergency preparedness kits. Because this tool has so many functions, it's great for emergency situations that may arise.