Harbor Freight survey shows majority of tool users prioritizing home maintenance and repairs as project season begins
CALABASAS, CA — For many Americans, spring — not January — marks the real start of the year. As longer days and warmer weather arrive, both professional tradespeople and DIYers are shifting from planning projects to actively tackling them.
A recent Harbor Freight survey found that three-quarters of Harbor Freight customers plan practical home or vehicle maintenance projects this spring. Rather than taking on major renovations or even prioritizing outdoor work, most are focused on repairs, tune-ups, and home refreshes.
Survey findings show a clear emphasis on upkeep:
- 75% plan home or auto maintenance projects, including general home projects and improvements (35%), repairs and installs, painting or staining, auto maintenance, and cleaning or pressure washing
- 25% plan outdoor improvement or build projects such as yard and garden work, deck, fence or patio builds, and shed or structure builds
For professionals, spring signals the start of peak season as construction schedules, automotive repair appointments, and outdoor installations accelerate. For DIYers, it is an opportunity to improve functionality, safety, and curb appeal after winter wear.
Trending Tools for Spring Project Resolutions
As project activity increases, Harbor Freight is seeing seasonal momentum across categories that serve both Pros and DIY customers.
- Pressure washers and painting tools are in demand as exterior cleaning and refresh projects begin. Contractors prepare for larger job volumes while homeowners restore siding, decks and fences. Harbor Freight offers more than 75 paint brush and roller options for projects ranging from touch-ups to full exterior updates.
- Power tools including cordless drills, saws and sanders see increased demand as jobsites expand and home projects move forward.
- Auto detailing and maintenance equipment gain traction as drivers clear winter residue and prepare for spring travel. Harbor Freight offers a wide range of solutions for both professional detailers and DIY enthusiasts, with tools for oil changes, brake service and general automotive repair also seeing seasonal growth.
- Winches and off-road gear experience renewed interest in regions where spring marks the return of off-road recreation and rugged jobsite access. Harbor Freight carries one of the largest selections of off-road products of any retailer.
Embracing Spring as the “Unofficial New Year”
This year, Harbor Freight is formally embracing spring as the “unofficial New Year” with a national campaign across TV and streaming, digital and social channels, encouraging customers to set project resolutions and begin checking jobs off their lists. While January may be a time for planning, spring is when tool users actually begin taking action — moving long‑intended projects from the to‑do list into motion. Harbor Freight’s focus is on ensuring customers have access to tools that deliver professional‑grade performance and real value right when project season peaks.
With more than 1,600 stores nationwide and a broad assortment of tools engineered for both quality and affordability, Harbor Freight continues to support professionals and DIYers alike as they gear up for the busiest project season of the year.
Explore spring products and seasonal savings at your nearest Harbor Freight store or visit HarborFreight.com.
