Harbor Freight Tools (www.harborfreight.com) has a 1.6 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 101 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Construction & Manufacturing and its reputation is poor. 78% of reviews are 1 star, a relatively high share; The business has not yet replied to negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Product, Price, Quality. Last updated 2026-08-31.
What reviewers say
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Most reviewers were let down by their experience overall. Consumers frequently reported receiving defective items straight out of the box, noting that various machines often failed quickly or arrived missing essential components. People also expressed deep frustration over return policies, highlighting unexpected restocking fees, unhelpful store managers, and rigid receipt requirements.
Some reviewers were happy with the affordable pricing, mentioning that they always managed to secure a good deal on various store items. A few other people also felt that certain power tools and equipment exceeded expectations, lasting for many years of regular use without any major functional issues.
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My husband and I are not very experienced with DIY home renovation projects. In the past, we always hired professionals, but with the rising costs of labor and materials, we decided to take on a paving project ourselves.
We have purchased materials and tools from several home improvement stores over the years, including Lowe's, Home Depot, Busy Beaver, and Menards. Unfortunately, our recent experiences with Lowe's and Home Depot were disappointing. While store associates were generally polite, we often found it difficult to get knowledgeable advice about the best tools and materials for our project. In addition, a large paving stone order from Lowe's turned into a frustrating experience due to damaged materials and lengthy delays in resolving the issue.
Our experience at Harbor Freight Tools in Washington, Pennsylvania was completely different. The employees took the time to understand our project and recommended the right tools for our masonry and paving work. They clearly explained how each tool worked, the advantages of different options, and why it might make sense to invest a little more in certain tools based on the scope of our project.
We left feeling informed, confident, and appreciated as customers. The staff's knowledge and willingness to help made a significant difference for us. We will definitely return to this location for future projects and highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who are new to DIY work.
On July 6, 2026 I received an email from Harbor Freight Tools stating “we’ve got BRAND NEW Coupons just for you.” After reviewing the sale, I decided to go in and buy a few things I both need and didn’t need but because of the sale I would purchase for future use. I went to the store located at 6508 Skillman St in Dallas, TX.
When checking out, I was asked for my phone number which is in the system. I told the sales associate I had received the coupon email and there were several items I appreciated being on sale. He acknowledged the coupon sale was a good opportunity to save money and proceeded to ring up my purchases. I thought the total was a bit high but I did buy a few items that were not on sale. However, when I got home and looked at the sales receipt, I discovered NONE of the sale items were reduced. I called the store and actually spoke to the associate who checked me out. When I explained the reason for the call and that I was disappointed about being overcharged, he said he was sorry but he had to see the coupons in order to apply the discount. HE NEVER ASKED FOR THE COUPONS!!!!!!!!! He said “my bad” and accepted FULL responsibility along with an apology for messing up.
I told him I would be returning all items and he said that was fine…. After thinking about the overcharge vs the time (I live across town) and price of gas to return the items, I have opted to just stop patronizing Harbor Freight and take my business elsewhere. So if you go into ANY Harbor Freight due to an email advertising a sale, BUYER BEWARE and check your receipt before leaving. And to Home Depot and Lowes, thank you for the proper training you give your employees, never have had an issue like this with either of them. Harbor Freight should take some of your training classes…..
Worst experience ever, product was missing a part and all I was offered was a refund no exchange. I'm disabled and it cost me $40 in gas and 8 hours of my time to buy and then return the item. I'll never step foot in their store again.
Yesterday I bought a small tool for $3.97 from Harbor Freight. Today I tried to return it and I had the receipt. Staff wanted my name, phone number, address, and my driver's license to scan into their computer. They said they could not refund me without all that information. I told them to throw the tool in the trash and that I will never shop there again, and that their behavior is privacy invasion. Yesterday was my first (and now last) time shopping there. Where does it state the "policy" clearly and boldly so that prospective customers can see it before deciding to buy anything? I saw no signs, and if it is only written in tiny print on the receipts after the purchase is made then they are not allowing informed consent. Had I known how invasive Harbor Freight is I would not have bought anything. they have no ethical or moral right to violate people's privacy, and I think that their excuse of "fraud prevention" is BS used to gather people's private information.
Well, you advertise sales like 15% of this 4 th of July weekend. The cashier used to have a printed coupon by the register to make sure that you get the discount. Well no more, that are ruthless. Yeah it says discount with a coupon. Just go back to helping the customers with the discount. That’s all we ask
I’ve been going there for about 5 years and I have seen and felt how much they improved. I still have tools to this day like the improved jack stands. You’re an idiot if you don’t come here from time to time
I waited for a couple of months for the rock tumbler coupon. It just came out and there are no rock tumblers in any of the many stores in the Phoenix metro area. I guess it's just a dishonest bait and switch rip off. If they had any integrity they would offer rain checks. POS chain just trying to rip off their customers. Very dishonest, don't count on them to have the items they put on sale.
Doesn’t take down expired job posting or is posting fake jobs and when you go to the link for the application on their own site it says the jobs been filled. That’s foul. Def won’t apply to another post I see by them.
Bought a generator from them and it didn’t work straight out of the box. I called them immediately and they said to return it. When I went to the store they are trying to charge me a 20% restocking fee. They don’t have another generator to replace it with. So now I am out of 100 because they sold me defective merchandise
I bought a generator for 540 bucks the one I picked out had wheels on it and there was only one price for it after I paid for it they gave me one without wheels and tried to change me 40 bucks for the wheel then I tried to return it and they said I would have to pay 20 percent to return it and that would be 106 they are thieves and liars I will never go back there again
Stephanie the supervisor at the uniontown location busted through a crowed of people with her wobbly self to interfere with a return i was doing on a canopy.
I was told I could just bring a piece in. I brought a 10ft leg. That wasn't good enough for her.
She started yelling and flipping out before I said a word. Even my 8 year old son asked (whats wrong with that lady?)
I really hope harbor frieght starts drug testing their employees. She smelled like weed and pee.
The store is also disgusting. Dust and garbage laying everywhere. A total mess. Just like Stephanie.
Harbor Freight could care less about my $2100 generator purchase, 1 month out of 90 day warranty, not even broken in yet with only 2 hours run time. If you didn't purchase the $400 extended warranty you are SOL. They simply don't care. After spending thousands of dollars with this company, I'm totally done and will go out of my way to tell everyone to avoid this company at all costs. Oh...and you can forget support using the toll free phone number, or online chat, for help. Endless loops that eventually hang up. They simply don't care after they get your money. Run away...very far away from Harbor Freight
I bought a grinder put 2 year warranty on it had to bring it back twice but to malfunction my warranty did not go out till July this is early June they said I could not bring it back due to it was there twice it's not my fault it had a fauli cord first time 2nd time the motor stopped and was burning
3-5 sales events in a row have I gone to purchase a generator, I've driven up to 70 miles based on information from the website, only to arrive and be informed that "low stock" includes the floor model, and that might be the only one that's actually on hand.......the floor model that they can't or wont sell.
I work in retail, so I am well acquainted with the phenomenon of posting a sale only to have the DC not send you enough, or any at all.
Harbor Freight? You need to get your collective #*)_(*&^ together before you loose even more customers.
I purchased a 2 gallon sprayer on 3/31/2026 on 6/4/2026 using it for the third time, I pumped it up as usual on about the 15th push of the plunger the fluid started pouring out a split at the bottom. The store won’t accept sprayer returns, they directed me to a web site that required everything but my first borns birth certificate for a refund. Going to Ace today where they stand behind what they sell.
Just purchased a 11 gallon air tank, the air chuck will not shut off, no matter what you try the air just keeps blowing out, since I live 35 miles from harbor freight I called the service assistance number that was in the packing with the tank to see if they would replace the defective air chuck and 3ft hose and I was told that they have no replacements parts for the air tank but that I could buy one from them if I wanted to, So not real happy with my purchase of this 11 gallon air tank
I went to lumberton location talk to Manigor and ask to buy the icon tool box and told me 36 months financing with 0% interest he told me to get the Garnett Freaght credit card and you will get extra discount I applied the card got prove for 2500 I told the girl did you put that total amount it she said no I called the credit card company and I told them the whole story the guy told me the only do the 0% on amount1700 Doller gals advertised wrong information and the pull my credit for no reason would never get this company card in the begun with I would never deal with lumberton Herbert Freaght store anymore false advertisement and the bad info from the store management and they pull my credit for no reason I did call the credit company and cancel the raton card and close my account plz plz plz wach out for there advertisement
Do not pre-order a tool cart. I ordered one in early April and I was supposed to receive it today (May 28th), which is already a long wait. But now I just received an email saying it's delayed and I won't receive it until July 1st. This is ridiculous, and customer service was zero help. They said they couldn't do anything except cancel it. It is ridiculous waiting three months for an order. My buddy, who ordered the same thing, already received his a week ago.
I first thought HF was great and sold good stuff cheap but after buying their stuff from hammers to drills , you name it I have found it doesn't last like it should and usually quits right after the time the warranty quits. Triggers on power tools and batteries in particular! Steer clear of HF especially their electronic stuff like drive way alarms and solar lights I have found this is some of the top of the line junk. Even their hammers that "look" good but the heads fall off after a year when the wooden handles shrink and get loose
Nadine was the cashier on the Chula Vista store, she was very rude I asked from the beginning about the paint gung and she told me where they’re so after I went to paid I picked the wrong one, so she sent me back to get the correct one—even though I was standing right in front of her. Then, she rudely ordered me to get back in line again; she blamed me for being an idiot and treated me terribly just for not bringing the right item, forcing me to start all over again at the back of the line.
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