Getting to Know Hart Tools
Hart Tools originated over 35 years ago as a brand focused on delivering reliable, affordable tools to amateur home improvement enthusiasts and DIYers. They aimed to fill a gap between the cheap, flimsy tools at the low end of the market and the expensive, professional-grade options at the high end.
In 2007, power tool giant Techtronic Industries (TTI) acquired Hart Tools with the goal of expanding the brand. TTI owns other well-known tool companies like Milwaukee, Ryobi, and Hoover. In 2019, Hart entered into an exclusive retail partnership with Walmart.
So in summary: Hart tools are designed for non-professionals completing projects around the house. TTI produces the tools to a reasonable quality standard. And you can only purchase them at Walmart stores or HartTools.com.
Hart Tool Categories
Hart‘s lineup covers all the bases when it comes to home improvement. They offer both hand tools and power tools suited for:
- Woodworking – drills, saws, sanders, clamps, nails, screws, etc.
- Yard work – mowers, trimmers, tillers, blowers, chainsaws
- Auto maintenance – jacks, wrenches, diagnostic tools, fluids
- Cleaning – vacuums, power washers, floor care
- Painting and decorating – rollers, brushes, caulk guns, ladders
- Electrical work – testers, security, batteries, flashlights
and more. Like many tool brands today, Hart uses a lithium-ion battery system that‘s interchangeable across tools. So you can buy into the 10V, 20V, or 40V platform and use the same battery to power different devices.
Now let‘s take a detailed look at some of Hart‘s bestselling tools.
Hart 20V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
One of Hart‘s most popular products is their 20V cordless drill driver kit. This versatile tool handles drilling, driving screws, and screw removal.
Hart‘s kit includes the drill driver, a 20V lithium-ion battery, charger, and a selection of bits. It offers up to 600 rpm no load speed. There‘s a handy onboard bit storage area to keep your accessories close.
At 3.5 lbs, the tool feels solid without being excessively heavy. The handle uses a textured rubber overmold grip to reduce hand fatigue over long jobs. And it has a built-in LED to brightly illuminate your work area.
In terms of performance, Hart‘s 20V drill has ample torque to bore holes through dimensional lumber. The two-speed transmission provides good control when driving screws. And the battery easily lasts through typical DIY tasks before needing a recharge.
Considering the entire kit costs just $49, this drill represents fantastic value. It has all the key features of competitors double the price. The only downside is lack of an extra battery for continuous work. But overall this is an impressive tool that punches far above its weight.
The Verdict
For most home DIYers, Hart‘s 20V drill driver has all the power and features they‘ll need for occasional jobs. Only those completing professional work would require pricier hardware. This kit delivers outstanding affordability and utility.
Hart 20V Rotary Hammer Drill Kit
Another top product in Hart‘s lineup is the 20V Rotary Hammer Drill. This tool goes beyond regular drilling by adding percussive, hammering action. This allows it to drive holes through concrete, brick, and other masonry.
Features include:
- 24,000 BPM for powerful hammer drilling
- Auxiliary handle for stability
- Depth rod for consistent hole depth
- Onboard bit storage
- LED light
- 20V lithium battery & charger included
Weighing just over 7 lbs, Hart‘s hammer drill isn‘t featherlight. But the soft grip handles reduce fatigue. The motor delivers impressive torque in rotary drill and hammer modes. It made drilling concrete anchor holes a fast, mess-free process.
The depth rod ensures consistent hole depth when doing repetitive tasks like setting anchors. And the onboard storage holds multiple bits and accessories.
Considering all the key features packed in, this hammer drill‘s $129 price tag makes it highly appealing to anyone occasionally needing to work with concrete or masonry. You‘d have to spend over $250 to get something comparable from a brand like DeWalt.
The Verdict
Casual DIYers should grab Hart‘s rotary hammer drill for infrequent masonry tasks. The performance rivals pro brands for a fraction of the cost. It‘s too underpowered for all-day use but perfect for the occasional weekend project.
Hart 20V Oscillating Multi-Tool
Oscillating or multi-tools have become a popular addition for DIYers in recent years. Their rapid oscillating blades let you accurately cut openings through drywall, wood, metal and more. It‘s great for installing recessed lighting, plumbing, or framing projects.
Hart‘s version includes:
- Powerful 20V motor
- Variable speed dial with up to 20,000 OPM
- Tool-free blade change mechanism
- Auxiliary handle for stability and control
This corded multi-tool is compact, weighing under 3 lbs. Yet it has impressive cutting power thanks to the 20V motor and fast oscillation rate. The variable speed gives great control when carefully slicing drywall or wood.
While Ryobi and Craftsman sell their oscillating tools in kits, Hart just includes the tool itself for $79. So you‘ll need to budget another $20+ for a starter pack of blades.
But even factoring in blades, this oscillating multi-tool still comes in $30+ cheaper than big brands. And it has all the same capabilities—perfect straight cuts, rounding corners, flush cutting, and more. Unless you use the tool professionally, Hart‘s version is a smart budget choice.
The Verdict
Hart‘s oscillating multi-tool delivers great functionality for light DIY use. The price is unbeatable compared to brands like DeWalt or Milwaukee. Factor in some extra for blades and enjoy precise cutting power.
Hart Mechanics Tool Set (215 piece)
Any home DIYer needs a solid collection of hand tools for basic repair work. Sockets, wrenches, drivers, pliers—the basics to tackle small electrical, mechanical, or construction jobs.
Hart‘s 215 piece mechanics set provides professional-grade tools covering just about any task you‘ll encounter around the house or garage. Highlights include:
- Chrome vanadium steel for durability
- Laser-etched sizing marks
- Rubberized grip handles
- Includes carrying case
The set includes metric and SAE sizes of sockets, combo wrenches, hex keys, screwdrivers, and more. Despite the low $138 price tag, these are proper forged tools, not any gimmicky molded parts.
Durability seems excellent based on early testing. The tools have good heft in the hand while remaining comfortable to use for extended periods. And the case keeps things organized between jobs.
For a homeowner that doesn‘t already have an expansive tool collection, this set forms an ideal starter kit. You simply won‘t find better quality hand tools at this price even from top brands.
The Verdict
Hart‘s 215 piece mechanics tool set wins on both quantity and quality. The tools are properly forged, not molded. The selection provides coverage for virtually any DIY task. And the included case makes organization easy. This should be the first purchase for any new homeowner.
Hart vs. Comparable Brands
Now that we‘ve looked at specifics, how does Hart compare to other players in the budget tool space? I stacked them up against two top brands.
Hart vs. Ryobi
Ryobi has established itself as a value leader for homeowners and DIYers. Like Hart, Ryobi promises decent power and durability without the professional price tag.
In terms of quality, Hart and Ryobi tools are quite comparable. Both use lots of plastic housings to save cost. But they pack reliable motors and batteries that hold up well to casual use.
Where Ryobi pulls ahead is diversity of products. Being exclusive to Home Depot, Ryobi has expands into niche categories like power cleaning equipment and smart home devices. Hart‘s lineup stays focused mainly on core tools.
However, Hart remains the value leader on most comparable products like drills, sanders, and tool storage. And their batteries demonstrate better lifespan compared to Ryobi‘s.
So while Ryobi wins on product range, Hart takes the crown for affordable prices on essential tools.
Hart vs. Craftsman
Craftsman has been a trusted brand for over 90 years. Today they aim to occupy a middle ground between DIY-grade tools and commercial quality.
There‘s no doubt you get superior materials and performance with Craftsman over Hart. Aluminum gear cases instead of plastic, forged steel where Hart uses cheaper alloys, and so on. And reviews suggest Craftsman products hold up better over years of use.
That being said, you pay a hefty premium for those Craftsman upgrades. Their drill/driver kits run $169, over triple Hart‘s price. And the gap remains just as large across every other tool category.
For homeowners doing occasional work on their house, Hart gives you all the quality you genuinely need. Craftsman becomes overkill you pay extra for without needing the bump in durability. Save your wallet and choose Hart for casual use.
Pros and Cons of Hart Tools
To summarize the key strengths and weaknesses of Hart as a whole:
Pros
- Very affordable prices for the performance
- Lightweight without feeling flimsy
- Good ergonomics like rubberized grips
- Reliable lithium-ion batteries
- Battery interchangeability across tools
- Hassle-free returns through Walmart
Cons
- Durability trails pro brands
- Plastic housings prone to cracking
- Spotty quality control
- Lacks depth of niche specialty tools
- No international shipping
Any $50 drill that works is a steal. But understand Hart sacrifices some long-term resilience to hit those bargain prices. As long as you grasp realistic expectations, these are fantastic budget tools for around-the-house jobs.
What Hart Tool Users Are Saying
Most people who buy Hart Tools seem genuinely delighted by the performance and value. As of this writing, Hart‘s top-selling products maintain around 4.5 out of 5 stars across thousands of reviews.
Here‘s what actual Hart users praise:
- Easy to use right out of the box
- "Plenty strong" for home DIY tasks
- Comfortable, ergonomic design
- Very budget-friendly prices
- "Workhorse" battery life
Any criticisms focused mainly on isolated durability issues or batteries not holding a charge after a year or so. But these problems exist across brands, and Hart provides warranties to protect against defects.
Considering the bargain pricing, most customers feel they got even more value than expected. Hart tools deliver where it matters for casual homeowners.
The Final Take: Who Should Buy Hart Tools?
Hart Smart tools live up to their name by offering an optimal mix of performance, features, and pricing for casual DIYers. If you‘re a homeowner doing occasional work on your property, these tools present tremendous value.
On the other hand, the brand makes compromises to hit low price points. Plastic housings and cheaper materials mean Hart lags behind Milwaukee, DeWalt and other pro brands in ruggedness. And you sacrifice specialty tools found from other major players.
So while I can recommend Hart for light residential use, professional contractors or those tackling major renovations should invest in heavier duty hardware. Shelling out more upfront for say the Craftsman V20 platform ends up more economical in the long run.
But when used within reasonable limits, Hart delivers all the quality and power needed for smaller home improvement projects. They allow ordinary folks to gain experience and gradually build their confidence and capabilities over time.
So don‘t expect jobsite-grade performance, but for household tasks, Hart won‘t let you down. Their tools open the door for everyone to embrace their inner DIYer and take pride in maintaining their home.
