Harbor Freight Tools
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Harbor Freight ToolsReviews 290

1.6

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Harbor Freight Tools Reviews Summary

Harbor Freight has garnered a mixed reputation among customers, with some praising the affordability and variety of tools available. However, a significant number of reviews highlight persistent issues with product quality, including defective items and poor customer service experiences. Common complaints revolve around strict return policies, including restocking fees and unhelpful staff interactions, which have left many customers feeling frustrated and undervalued. Overall, while the company attracts budget-conscious shoppers, its customer service approach and product reliability appear to be major areas needing improvement to enhance overall satisfaction.

This summary is generated by AI, based on text from customer reviews

service
152
value
142
shipping
87
returns
112
quality
130

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Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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Do not buy from Harbor Freight!
April 1, 2025

I am extremely disappointed with the quality of the products sold by HARBOR FREIGHT. In my opinion, the equipment does not meet the minimum standards required in the USA. Additionally, their return policy is incredibly frustrating. After opening a product, I was forced to use a third-party website for the return process, which took an unreasonably long time—weeks, even months—to receive my refund. This experience has left me feeling like I've been taken advantage of, and I will never be purchasing from them again. The entire process has been a major letdown, and I would caution others to consider these issues before buying from this company.

Date of experience: April 1, 2025
Louisiana
12 reviews
61 helpful votes
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Scammers!
May 21, 2024

Used to love this store, but changing my review after being charged a restocking fee on a BROKEN product. Bought it, didn't work as described, returned it WITH receipt and was charged a $40 restocking fee. This was NOT mentioned when I purchased it from the store nor was there a sign on/near the item. If there is a restocking fee this NEEDS to be mentioned BEFORE I purchased. I generally don't return items but this was a pricier item and it didn't work. After this I feel like this store is not honest and I will not be shopping here again.

I tried talking to customer service who claimed this was on the receipt and on their website - which is great except I shopped IN STORE and it's not shown on my receipt until AFTER purchase - as in I had no way of knowing about this until AFTER the purchase. Never trusting this company after this scam.

Date of experience: May 21, 2024
Connecticut
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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Bought a 20 Gallon Oil tank at the Bristol location in CT.
When I brought it home and put the wheels together. I noticed that the tank leans to one side. It rolls unevenly on the floor. Very dangerous once it becomes full of oil. It can tip over, hurt someone and cause a mess. The store will not work with customer to give a discounted rate for the annoyance. I called the customer number and spoke to Olivia at customer service. She stated to fill out an online warranty claim form to get my money refunded since the store won't take it back because it's in the pumps and sprayers category. I filled out the form. I received an email days later that my claim is denied. Harbor freight has the worst customer service that I've ever dealt with.

Date of experience: May 2, 2024
California
2 reviews
5 helpful votes
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I bought a tool that advertised fitting my car. It didn't. I brought it right back and was denied a refund. I was told that their system tagged me as a Known Retail Theif. They say I go around returning items in various stores. Total lie. I use Amazon to avoid these kinds of businesses. But today I went into harbor freight and was instantly ripped off. They gave me a number to call. I called their complaints number and was treated like a criminal. The fact is, Harbor Freight sells garbage and when you try to return their garbage they call YOU a Thief.
I will Never wasl into that Sewer again.
Amazon is still the Safest way to shop

Date of experience: March 21, 2024
Illinois
1 review
0 helpful votes
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Had a tool cart held for me to pick it up the next day and they sold out from under me won't shop there again…….

Date of experience: March 16, 2024
Virginia
1 review
0 helpful votes
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In a quest for an upgrade to my reliable Furman generator from Lowe's, I ventured into Harbor Freight, drawn by the promise of the Predator 2000. The appeal of a seemingly powerful and efficient generator blinded me to the potential pitfalls of straying from a tried and true brand. My experience, however, rapidly devolved from hopeful to disheartening, culminating in a staunch warning to others considering the same path.Initially, the Predator 2000 seemed to fulfill its promises. Upon bringing it home, it started up smoothly, and I meticulously followed the break-in process. It ran commendably through its first tank of gas, leading me to believe I had made a wise investment. Yet, this performance was a fleeting illusion. Beyond the first use, the generator faltered, refusing to start or even ignite, betraying the basic expectation of reliability.Compelled by this failure, I sought to return the product, hoping at least for a straightforward resolution. My disappointment was compounded when Harbor Freight imposed a $125 restocking fee, a financial penalty for the generator's inadequacy. This fee felt less like a policy and more like a punishment for trusting in their product's quality.The interaction laid bare a stark reality: the allure of lower prices and new products can mask the true cost of inferior quality and customer service. This ordeal with the Predator 2000 and Harbor Freight not only resulted in a loss of time and money but also in a profound sense of frustration and betrayal.I share this experience not out of spite, but as a cautionary tale for others who might be lured by the prospect of a "deal" at Harbor Freight. The true cost of their low prices can be unexpectedly high, factoring in the potential for product failures and punitive fees. As for me, I returned to Lowe's, to the reliability of brands that have stood the test of time and use, with a newfound appreciation for the value of trust in a product and the company behind it.I urge potential buyers to consider this experience and weigh the true cost of opting for products from Harbor Freight, particularly the Predator 2000. It's a reminder that sometimes, an "upgrade" can turn out to be anything but, leading to more hassle and expense than sticking with what is known to be good. Harbor Freight has lost a customer in me, and I hope my story can prevent others from enduring a similar disappointment.

Date of experience: March 6, 2024
California
1 review
1 helpful vote
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I used this on my outboard and it measured 60-30 psi. So I borrowed a tester and it read 176-174 psi. So I would have had possibly scrapped motor due to bad compression. Good thing I tested again with a accurate tester. To make things worse Harbor Freight charged me 20% restock fee for their defective tools. 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed as long as you pay restock fee.

Date of experience: February 14, 2024
Arizona
1 review
1 helpful vote
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A nice gentleman named Vincent came to aid me as I looked for your information on a drill press. I had needed to know about the difference uses for the sizes and recommended for steel. Even though I didn't purchase an item he wished me luck on my journey.

Date of experience: February 3, 2024
Colorado
1 review
0 helpful votes
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On Hold... On Hold
February 2, 2024

I called the Westminster store in Colorado. I asked about a product, the young lady told me she would check and get right back to me. I waited for 35 minutes and then was hung up on. I call back and promptly disconnected.
It must be hard to have a business when customers are treated so badly.
Good luck in the future!

Date of experience: February 2, 2024
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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I BOUGHT WATER PUMP AND 2HRS STOPPED WORKING, TRY TO CHANGE, THEY REFUSED, SEND TO HFTPUMPRTN.COM,THIS PAGE DON'T OPEN, WHEN I BOUGHT THE RACISM MEXICAN LADY CHARGED FOR WARRANTY AND TELL ME, ANY PROBLEM COME TO HERE AND E CHANGE, TODAY MANAGER ANOTHER MEXICAN REFUSED RETURN. ******* HWY 290.JERSEY VILLAGE, TX.*******. DON'T BUY IN HERE MEXICAN WORKERS COOPERATE TO STOLEN OUR MONEY, VERY RUDE AND IRRESPECTIVE WITH COSTUMERS., IN THE SAME TIME ANOTHER PERSON TRY TO USED WARRANTY AND THEY ARE BROKE HIS CIVIL RIGHT. NEVER, NEVER BUY TRASH TOOLS OR ANYTHING IN THIS STORE. CHECK ALL REVIEWS AND SEE IS A TRASH STORE.

Date of experience: January 24, 2024
New Mexico
3 reviews
0 helpful votes
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Saving money
January 23, 2024

If you're looking for decent tools and don't want to pay an exorbitant amount of money. Look at Harbor freight. I've been using their tools for years and I've never had a problem and they're returned. Policy is very generous so like I said. If you wanna save money, used Harbor freight.

Date of experience: January 22, 2024
North Dakota
1 review
0 helpful votes
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Paid extra for 2 to 4 days shipping. Didn't even get a shipping number for 4 days. Then when I emailed about it they said sorry for the confusion it takes us 1 to 5 days to process your order, then 2 to 4 days from there. So if you have a timeline on a job don't order from here.

Date of experience: January 21, 2024
Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote
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Refund?
January 19, 2024

I wish I could give no stars. I purchased a circular saw for 47.00…regular priced 59.00. I used it one time and it stop working. I had only had it 1 month. I took it back to the store where the store manager, Ashley Wattley, who was aggressively rude, stated I had 5 days to figure it out and refused to refund me my money. My perception, this is robbery, you just going to take and keep my money for a non working tool.
I left the saw at the register counter, I can not do anything with it, it does not work. The manager picked it up and took it somewhere. Now I have to go through my bank to recover my loss. What kind of customer service is that?

Date of experience: January 19, 2024
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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Never have a order delivered. You might not live long enough to receive it. 3 weeks for a hand held sand Blaster.

Date of experience: January 16, 2024
Arizona
1 review
1 helpful vote
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Be aware of the coupons and read the fine print of witch there is a lot of.
I recreantly went to Harbor Freight tools because the emailed me a coupon 30% off the entire store. I picked a few things out and when I get to the check out they say it is only for items $20 or less and you can only use it on one item. I left my cart and walked out! Then I thought I will call and complain 1-800 number. I asked to speak with a manager and this looser comes to the phone. I explained everything and ask if he thinks there advertising was deceptive and he said no he thought it was clear. I never will go back. They just lost a customer for life!

Date of experience: January 16, 2024
Florida
1 review
0 helpful votes
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This online experience was the worst of ever had.
They didn't feel my order even though it showed locally and at other stores but I couldn't get out to get it.
So I tried to online order they shipped half my order said some was back ordered.
Just terrible go to the store it's a great place to shop but not online.

Date of experience: January 15, 2024
South Dakota
3 reviews
6 helpful votes
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Questionable marketing
January 13, 2024

Harbor Freight sends out ads that say "30% off entire store - no exclusions". Then when you read the small print, it's not the entire store. It excludes anything over $19.99 and limited to one item. They must think that everyone is a fool. The marketing words are a lie and they don't care. I'm guessing that it gets people in the store one time. The most you could save is under $6.

Date of experience: January 12, 2024
Texas
2 reviews
0 helpful votes
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Poor customer service
January 10, 2024

I was to receive a Pittsburgh 225 piece tool kit back in November and still have not received it. Company is not responding to calls or emails. I think company is scamming me, be careful with this comapny.

Date of experience: January 10, 2024
Indiana
1 review
1 helpful vote
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I'm always asked for my phone number. I never give it out. This tile the poor cashier looked like she had a really bad day going and she snapped."phone number" and I said "what's yours?" "You're NOT getting mine." I said "you're not getting mine then." "FINE...she said something about warranties and returns and I would have to have a receipt. I said duly noted and I keep all my receipts. I then said I was just trying to lighten the mood about the phone number thing. She said, "I get people doing that about 100 times a day". I paid and started to walk off and she said, "dumb m-fer". I turned and said "I hope that wasn't directed at me" and she ignored me. I certainly will avoid her from now on. If it's needed this was at the Columbus, Indiana HF. Store #*******.

Date of experience: December 29, 2023
Arizona
1 review
0 helpful votes
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Better buy the warranty!
December 17, 2023

So last night I purchased the Chicago electric Flex 125amp welder.Today I go to use it and I'm getting 0 arc.Its feeds but absolutely no charge.I tried different thickness of metals and different outlets around my house and still nothing.So right away I go to return it and by "Right away"i mean the day after I bought it and im told at the store that because I didn't buy their warranty I'll be charged a 20% "restocking fee".So even tho the welder didn't work right out the box I was still charged the $21 restocking fee.I didn't make a scene because that's just not my style,but believe me i was seriously pissed off.So my advise to anyone buying any complex item like a welder or a generator or any electric tool,its in your best interest to buy the extended warranty.This is honestly in my opinion just bad business.So home Depot here I come...

Date of experience: December 17, 2023