10 Of The Highest-Rated Bauer Power Tools You Can Buy From Harbor Freight

Like all of Harbor Freight's in-house brands, some of Bauer's tools are worth buying and some are worth avoiding. However, there's no need to gamble on whether you're picking up a bargain or a dud. Harbor Freight's website is flooded with reviews of all of Bauer's most popular tools, and those reviews are a great way to work out which of the brand's products are worth picking up. The highest rated Bauer tools have average review scores of 4.7 out of five stars or higher, with the vast majority of reviewers leaving five star verdicts.

Even with such positive reviews, it's always worth setting your expectations accordingly. Bauer is known for its affordable prices and varied range, but it isn't as high-quality as costlier Harbor Freight brands like Hercules. If you're looking for professional-grade equipment, Bauer likely isn't the brand for you. But, if you're a keen DIYer who's looking to pick up some extra tools without breaking the bank, reviewers say these top-rated tools are all worth considering.

Most big-name brands offer their own grease guns — Milwaukee even offers two, one each for its M12 and M18 tool lines — but buyers looking for a more affordable alternative aren't short on options. One of the highest rated options available at Harbor Freight is the Bauer 20V Cordless Variable-Speed Grease Gun. More than 500 reviews have shared their feedback about the tool and almost all of them have been impressed, giving it an average review score of 4.8 out of five stars.

Many note how easy it is to use, with a number of reviewers saying that the Bauer grease gun was their first electric grease gun after relying on a manual gun for years. Users report putting it through its paces on farming equipment, trailers, mowers, and more.

One caveat is that buyers who are new to the Bauer brand will need to purchase a suitable battery and charger to operate the tool, since it's sold only in standalone form. However, that battery will also work with all other tools in the brand's 20V cordless range, so if you're planning on buying multiple tools, it might still work out as a good deal.

Even if you're a pro, using an angle grinder can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you're not fully confident in the quality of the tool you're using. Some buyers might assume that a pricier angle grinder automatically means a better one, but buyers of the Bauer 8 Amp, 4½-Inch Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder say that you don't necessarily need to shell out for a costly model from a big-name brand.

Customer reviews have bumped given the angle grinder to an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars from over 2,000 reviews, many of which highlight the tool's value for money. Since it's corded, there's no need to worry about having to buy additional batteries or a charger.

Bauer says that the tool can hit a maximum of 11,000 rpm thanks to its 8-amp motor. Buyers report that it's powerful enough for a range of uses, although some say that they still keep another grinder handy for heavy-duty work. Like most of Bauer's other power tools, the angle grinder is backed by a 90 day warranty.

Another Bauer tool that undercuts its big-name rivals on price is the 20V Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Oscillating Multi-Tool. It can be picked up at Harbor Freight as a standalone tool, and so users will need to purchase a battery and charger separately if they don't already have one. More than 900 customers have left a review about the tool to date, awarding it an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars.

Users note that the multi-tool's range of available attachments make it particularly useful for a variety of jobs, and that its cordless design saves the hassle of needing to find an outlet. Some say it was personally recommended to them by other tool owners, and the vast majority are happy to recommend the tool to others. When asked, 97% of reviewers gave it "recommended" status. The only potential downside is that, like many Bauer power tools, it only comes with a 90-day warranty, though very few reviewers express any concerns about longevity.

The Bauer 1000 CFM, ⅕-hp Floor Blower has earned strong praise from both home DIYers and professionals, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from over 300 reviews. One reviewer reports that they have purchased multiple examples of the blower for their cleaning business, while another reviewer notes that they have used the tool to dry out carpets after flooding. Several users say that they've put the blower to work keeping basements and crawlspaces dry after plumbing leaks, and one even talked about using the blower served a temporary AC replacement when their home AC unit unexpectedly failed.

Unlike many of the tools here, the blower is corded rather than being part of Bauer's 20V cordless line. As such, it doesn't require batteries or chargers, and so it's just as good value no matter whether you're a seasoned Bauer buyer or you're completely new to the brand.

According to Bauer, the 20V Brushless Cordless ¼-inch hex, three-speed Impact Driver can set over 400 screws on one full charge. It isn't just Bauer that says the tool is capable — reviewers also agree, giving the impact driver an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars from over 800 reviews. A number of owners compare the tool's performance to that of pricier rivals, saying that it's as capable as drivers from the likes of DeWalt and Milwaukee.

Others say that they appreciate the tool's compact size and ease of use, and its three speed settings are also frequently pointed out as a highlight. Many reviewers praise its affordable price. Some owners report using the tool as their primary impact driver, while others claim that they keep it as a backup alongside a pricier tool, but both sets of buyers come away impressed with its performance.

As a cheaper alternative to a tool from the major circular saw brands, there isn't much to dislike about Bauer's 7¼-Inch Circular Saw. It offers a 2-7/16 Inch maximum cutting capacity and, according to one reviewer, can rip through wood "like butter." No blade is included with the tool, and so buyers will have to purchase one separately. Over 350 reviewers have left their feedback on the tool to date, giving it an average score of 4.7 out of five stars.

Customers say they've used it to cut a variety of materials, including asphalt and granite, and each time it has proved powerful enough to get the job done. One reviewer says that they've bought the saw to give to their shop employees, although many reviewers report using it solely for DIY. Several note that the Bauer saw has replaced their aging Craftsman tools, and one user claims that it cuts as well as a DeWalt.

Drilling in tricky spots should get a whole lot easier thanks to the Bauer 20V Cordless, ⅜-inch Right Angle Drill. It's available at Harbor Freight, but since it's a standalone tool, you'll have to purchase a battery and charger separately if you don't already have them. Over 600 reviews for the tool have been posted by buyers on Harbor Freight's website, with an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars across them.

The drill's power, price, and ease of use are all consistently praised by customers, who report using it for a wide variety of DIY jobs. Some say bought the drill to replace an aging tool from a big-name brand, while others say it was their first right-angle drill. The uniting factor among nearly every account is that they left the drill a five star rating, making it a safe bet whether you're a seasoned Bauer buyer or a Harbor Freight newbie.

The Bauer 20V Cordless, 200 MPH Compact Workshop Blower won't break the bank. It's cheaper than many blowers from big-name brands, but many reviewers say that it's just as capable. Across more than 1,600 reviews, they have awarded the tool an average rating of 4.8 out of five stars.

Despite its small size, many users have been impressed by its power, using it for small pieces of debris in the yard as well as in the shop. According to Bauer, the blower can hit a peak air speed of 200 mph and an airflow of up to 120 cubic feet per minute (CFM). A three-speed selector lets users prioritize either blowing power or battery life.

A number of users say that, in order to get the best from the blower, you'll need a suitably large Bauer 20V battery. The most commonly recommended battery capacity is 5Ah, although some say they have used the blower with smaller batteries. Anyone who doesn't already have a 5Ah battery in their tool kit will have to factor in the cost of buying one on top of the tool's retail price. 

The brand's full-size reciprocating saws might be more capable, but the Bauer 20V Brushless Cordless Compact Reciprocating Saw is the clear choice in Bauer's range for portability and ease of use. It delivers up to 3,000 SPM and features a built-in LED light to illuminate the cutting area. The tool is sold in standalone form without a battery or blade, but buyers can purchase a four-pack of Bauer blades.

Like all of Bauer's other top-rated tools, reviewers highlight its affordability as one of the saw's biggest selling points. They also report that it has plenty of power, and can be easily used with one hand thanks to its compact design. At the time of writing, more than 600 reviewers have given their thoughts on the tool, giving it an average score of 4.8 out of five stars.

Bauer's smaller, cordless wet/dry vacuums are also worth considering, but if you're looking for maximum cleaning power, the brand's corded tool range will probably have more for you. With 6 hp and 14 gallons of capacity, the Bauer 14 Gallon Wet/Dry Vacuum is a great place to start. As well as being powerful, it's also very highly rated among Harbor Freight buyers, with an average rating of 4.7 out of five stars from over 1,300 reviews.

When asked, 96% of reviewers say that they'd be happy to recommend the vacuum. Aside from everyday cleaning dues — like tidying up the shop or garage — reviewers also report using it for everything from cleaning up water in flooded basements to draining a hot tub. It comes with all of the accessories most people will need, including a utility nozzle, floor nozzle, crevice nozzle, wet nozzle, and two extension wands. 

Bauer has a huge range of products in its current lineup — Harbor Freight's website lists over 350 Bauer products across all departments — but a few stand out from the rest as being particularly well-reviewed by buyers. We scanned through the current range to find a selection of top-rated tools, with each one boasting an average rating of at least 4.7 out of five stars from at least 200 reviews.