It depends on the tool. A clicker torque wrench can be had there for $21.99 (1/2 inch, 30-150 pounds), and the identical spec at Lowe's for $42.99. For hand tools for a day of weekend warrior-ing, HF can be decent.
Power tools and such, again, if you don't mind completely tossing the tool when it breaks, go HF. If it costs too much to consider junking on the spot, hit a hardware store for a decent brand. It will cost more, but at usually what you will buy can be repaired, and will last longer.
As for generators, every so often, I see people buying the two-stroke ET800 clone that HF sometimes sells with a coupon for about $100. Of course, this generator is an identical copy of the Yamaha design they made in the early 1970s before sensitive electronics were an issue. If budget is an issue, then it is understandable, but one is better off paying a couple C-notes more and getting a Champion model that has voltage regulation. If space is an issue, one is better off with a 1000 watt inverter model that will provide clean power, but not fill up the storage bay.
