I know that a number of HF members have mentioned buying some of their prop making tools and items like step pads from Harbor Freight Tools (they have 360 stores nationwide). Don't know if anyone has mentioned it before but if your newspaper gets an insert called American Profile, sort of like a Parade Magazine others of you might be familiar with, and you live near a Harbor Freight Store, look for a 20% Off Single Item Coupon in their ad section. The printed coupon, which I've noticed each week for quite a while actually, usually appears near the back of the insert. The current printed coupon expires 4/18/12 and must be presented at the store (so no online, 800 phone call orders for example). One original coupon per day (with the long expiration date, clip and save the coupons for your projects). Other limitations apply. Details on the coupon.

If you wonder if you live near a Harbor Freight Tools store, here's their website: www.harborfreight.com . I just discovered that they have recently opened 2 new stores in the San Jose/Santa Clara, CA area that I didn't know about, so it appears that they are expanding their presence.

If you want to find out what local newspapers carry the insert, here's the website for American Profile: http://www.americanprofile.com/ . There's a link at the very bottom for Circulation Sales to contact.

BTW, don't live near a Harbor Freight store and need to order online? They have a a $6.99 Flat Rate Shipping offer right now through 12/31/11 (see website for details).