On August 22, 2026, my wife made a purchase at the Harbor Freight location in El Cajon. Assistant Manager Brian checked her out using my Harbor Freight credit card. Brian told her the charge did not go through. My wife showed him the Harbor Freight credit card app, which clearly showed that the charge had gone through. I then called Synchrony Bank, the company that issues the Harbor Freight credit card, while she was still at the store. The Synchrony representative confirmed directly to Brian that the charge had gone through and cleared. Despite both the app and Harbor Freight's own credit card company confirming the charge, Brian would not allow my wife to leave with the merchandise. He insisted the system showed otherwise and said he needed to charge my card again. I was obviously concerned about being charged twice. Brian assured me that the second charge would not go through and specifically told me that if there were any problems, I should contact him and he would take care of it personally. Well, the second charge went through. I was charged twice. I called the El Cajon store today to get this resolved. Brian wasn't available, so I spoke with Kevin, who identified himself as the Store Manager. Instead of honoring what his Assistant Manager had promised or trying to correct a duplicate charge created at his store, Kevin's response was essentially that there was nothing he could do and I needed to deal with my credit card company. That's unacceptable. Now, because of what Harbor Freight employees themselves described as a glitch in their system, I have to file a credit card dispute, provide documentation, do all the legwork, and potentially wait up to 60 days for the dispute process--all because their store charged my card twice after I specifically warned them that the first charge had already gone through. What makes this even more frustrating is that this is the second time I've had this happen at Harbor Freight. When it happened at the Lemon Grove location, they actually stepped up and took care of the problem. The El Cajon location, however, apparently thinks a customer should simply deal with the consequences of their system malfunction. Mistakes and computer glitches happen. What determines good customer service is how you handle the mistake afterward. Brian at least assured me he would personally handle it if the second charge posted. Kevin's response today was basically, deal with your credit card company. Harbor Freight charged my card twice. I shouldn't have to spend my time filing disputes and fighting to recover money that should never have been charged twice in the first place. Very disappointing customer service from the El Cajon location. read more

I have been going to harbor frieghts for all my tools I think for a decade now. This location only about 3 years since I bought and renovated my rv here in El Cajon. I needed a lot of tools and I always came here or Home Depot after when harbor freights didn't have what I needed. 90% of my car engine work was done with harbor frieght tools they are cheap and reliable. I have had my tool sets for about 7 years or so and they work fine. The tool magnetic organizers for my shed work amazing. Car scanner from Maddox Amazing! The magnetic cup holder on my blackstone everything comes from here and I will always come here until I die! read more

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I actually stopped in just to get a telescoping magnet to get a part out of a tranny that fell down inside. But after I found the magnet, I ended up buying several other things, paint rollers, a Brad nailer and some nails, of course. I'd ask where things were a couple of times and I was always directed exactly to the right spot. Everybody's always friendly and the value here is unbeatable. The prices are great. read more

Harbor Freight Tools - A bargain at $19.95 - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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I got to the store 1/2 hour after they opened and got the last of one of the items I wanted and totally out of another...d;^P On the bright side got a GIANT 99* HF bag and check out was a breeze! read more

I felt like I was going to get robbed just parking and walking to the store. I will never shop here.

First, handy store for me.. BIG deal was today. As a older man, I so needed to use a restroom! ( truth and senior men, you know!) I was at two stores prior. 'NO' when asked to use a facility. I walked in to harbor. Immediately asked and was given the Restroom code! That is deceny! Always knew I liked this store..thank you to the man at register! read more

Went in to get a Compact drill, Went okay finding it on my own, Went to go buy said drill and there was 2 Lines, a big one and small one, without any thought i went into the small one because who wouldn't right? Kim was goig to help me it seemed but i asked a question about Drill bits, she said i needed some so i went to go get some, I came back, no one in her line but one person, who she was finishing helping, i get in line and im told "You're gonna have to the other line".. I did so, but as i was in line, she started helping someone else who just goes inro her empty line. So inconsiderate and so annoying. Thanks alot Kim read more

The female manager, a Hispanic woman, opened a new cashier station, and handled the customer in front of me. I stepped out of the line to approach her station, and she rudely told me the line was in isle three. I said, yes, I just came from there and I am next in line. Well, she huffed, I'm only handling ONE person... I can only assume she is racist and took the opportunity to exercise her minuscule power. The old saying is true, of men and women; "Give a little person a little power, and you'll soon see how little she is," I left my purchases on the counter, and will shop online instead. Racism in California against whites is at an all time high, and now that we're standing up for our country, it has become rampant. Hope Harbor Freight will survive without white people. read more

I thought I was buying a brand new jack but turns out there was a old used one inside the box. The want to be manger named "Mike" was extremely rude and was not helpful at all. He was refusing to return the jack and making it seem as if I had placed the jack inside the box. I was not returning it nor did have the receipt as I was planning on keeping it. It was on my credit card statement along with other stuff I had purchased a couple of days prior. Zero customer service skills and support. Very disappointed and unhappy with my experience as a loyal customer for many years. Well that's done! read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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After a long day at work today, I barely made it into the El Cajon Harbor Freight store just 10 minutes before 8pm closing time to buy 5 of the Super Quiet 3500 inverter generators. By the time I waited my turn in line and arrived at the register, it was well past their normal hours and they already closed down and locked up their warehouse. Carlos, a store manager was working tonight, and after I explained to him how badly I needed these generators for an event this weekend, he reopened the warehouse and made sure that I left there with the 5 generators that I came for. Carlos made the judgement call to take a few extra minutes to go above and beyond to meet my needs today. Thank-you Carlos! read more

This place has terrible customer service, and I believe I was racially profiled. There was a sale going on for an item which is one per person. I walked in with my brother we were each going to get an item and the girl that was working the morning shift told us we were not allowed to get One per person, because we walked in together. This is ridiculous. The ad said one per person!!!! she was DEFINITELY racially profiling us. read more

HONOR YOUR WARRANTY We bought a two year warranty on a lawn mower, charger and battery. The battery is not even a year old and will not hold a charge. When we contacted the store we were told they do not warranty batteries. We called customer service and were told the battery was covered. We went back to the store with the customer service number and they still will not honor the warranty. They even called corporate and they too denied the warranty on the battery. Batteries should last more than a year read more

Hire more cashiers on Saturdays, aside from that, there is a nice selection of tools.

Today was the first time I ever stepped into a Harbor Freight. I've heard about them and their tools for years but never made it in. I was blown away. Their prices are crazy cheap. The quality is pretty good. This location is kinda run down but that's fine. I worked with multiple staff to get what I needed. Everyone was above and beyond friendly and helpful. The supervisor, Michael, went out of his was to help. The warehouse guys were super nice and helped me load everything. I will for sure be back. Side note, I got the 44" US General tool chest. If you are unloading it, you will need 4 people. read more

Harbor Freight Tools - The unload of a 350 lb. tool chest. - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Theres a female manager that has the worst attitude for helping customers . Definitely does not belong in any kind of retail or any store . Asked for help and told me to go get someone else she was already doing something, I was like whoa!! definitely not coming to this harbor freight anymore or any harbor freight read more

Went there today for my monthly visit. I used my coupon and got a few great deals. The store was really clean and organized. The cashier was super friendly. read more

Rudest lady I've ever experienced. Called to see if they had something. She said she thinks they have one. I asked if she could check to make sure she had one. She rudely said, "I have one!" Not exactly promising. I get there. I look everywhere two times. I don't see it. I get in line. I get her, she's the only lady working there and I can tell from her snippy tone it's her. I say I called about blah blah. She snaps "Yes, you called. I told you I have it. Do you have a number with us? Are you getting anything else?" I tell her I don't have a number with them. She snaps "Are you getting anything else?" I say I'm going to shop more, I just wanted to make sure they had it. She snaps "Yes! We have it!" Again she asks if I have a number in the system. Again I tell her no. I had to put my hands up and give her a thumbs up so she would stop being so hostile. I'll never go back to this place. It's worth it to pay more and not have to deal with this type of rude behavior. I later found out Home Depot had the same thing I needed and was only $3 more, which would have been well worth it to avoid the hostility in this place. The guy who checked me out was cool, the other lady needs to work some place where she doesn't have to deal with people, because she apparently hates everybody, I'm reading other negative reviews and the lady described in them seems like the one I'm writing about, and she must be the owner or manager or something because you'd think after getting so many complaints they'd fire her. read more

Been here many times. It is a struggle to get the price right the first time. Secondly you have to prepare to wait awhile in line, and then have people trying to buy things that you are standing around, and you will stand around for well over 15 minutes. The only reason I mention it is that we are so happy when we get to the register, you do not notice that you never received any discount as promised. By the time you get home and look at things it is not worth fighting to go back and try to make things right. So, i believe going to Home Depot or Lowe's may cost more but in the long run it is better for your health. read more

I picked up a generator here yesterday. The guys at this location are SO MUCH MORE HELPFUL than the chula vista location. They were super knowledgeable and patient. Ive never used or broken in a generator and they helped answer all my questions and give me the right supplies. (The one is CV told me to watch a video on the website about generators, refused to answer any questions AND sent me home with the wrong oil). I would definitely drive the extra 40 mins to come here over the CV location. You guys are awesome! Thank you!! read more

Harbor Freight has a lot of cheap tools but their customer service is crap... There is only one employee (Rick) I like at this location and he is AWESOME!!! But the rest suck at life. I tried to swap a brand new defective screwdriver and they refused. Carlos is inconsiderate prick with a huge ego he needs to be fired based on his customer service skills! I'm to the point where I don't even want to go to this Harbor Freight anymore so good luck to anyone who does. read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

My husband and I came here today to get some stuff. There was an extra 20% off coupon in the paper. Employees were helpful-- one helped in the aisle, and the other told us about the extra discount at the register. We got a tube/pump set (to replace some aquarium water) for $3.99, ear protection muffs for $1.99, and eye protection goggles for $1.99. I also found a set of 3 fabulous painted plaster garden gnomes for $10! They look like transvestite Santa Clauses. The parking lot's accessible from the alley on the back side, so go to either street and go behind the store. The neighborhood is kind of sketchy; I wouldn't have felt comfortable going there by myself. read more

Bought an "opened package" driver extension set missing the 1/4" marked down from $9. Gave it to the cashier, he scans it and I noticed it was full price so I showed him the label that's priced at $5 and he said " you gave it to me facing the wrong way" apparently it had two barcodes and he scanned the original one. My reply was I didn't know I was to do his job and apologized. read more

I've shopped here for years. During this visit the store was notably even more clean and I could hear multiple staff members offering customers assistance. I was looking for a high volume compressor and did not see it in the compressor section. I was asked if I was finding what I was looking for and shared what I needed. "Mike" immediately took me to another part of the store and showed me the correct location for this item. The spot on the shelf was empty. Before I could ask, Mike said, "Let me check the back". Mike came out with two of the compressors I needed. I was a happy customer. Before leaving, the Supervisor, "Carlos" ensured there were enough cashiers to assist the volume of customers, and asked me if I had all I needed prior getting in line. This was top notch service from a discount tool store. read more

This organization is clearly owned, managed, and run by caring, community minded individuals. Their whole organization is donating millions of gloves,hundreds of thousands of N95 masks, and tens of thousands of face shields. The local stores are donating directly to healthcare facilities here in San Diego County. They are helping to protect our healthcare workers here locally. When this finally ends, they will have my patronage on a permanent basis. Thank you. read more

This place carries not only decent quality tools but also many other items - at relatively low prices. My first visit was simply to buy batteries but seeing all sorts of other things offered prompted me to come back another time - and to keep them in mind for a variety of other items the next time I go shopping. read more

Harbor Freight is more than just your typical hardware store. It has a whole range of items at very reasonable prices: some expected, some not quite as much. This week, I saw a collapsible wheelchair (yeah, the standard folding type you see used at airports and such) for $119. At that price, I almost considered convincing my friends to get some with me and start a wheelchair racing league. Heck, we could have also geared out with gloves, knee/elbow pads and probably some kind of bike helmet all from the same store. I'd have picked up a $7 machete just to look gangster as Hell while I raced too. Just shopping here has got to raise the testosterone level more than a couple points for even the most dedicated World of Warcraft player. It's a great place to pick up the odd set of drill bits and little items that make home improvement duties so much easier. Parking is a bit tight as you have a small lot sized for compacts and a bunch of full-sized pickup trucks overlapping spaces. read more

They have a great selection of tools. The cost for some tool like. Hammer may be $10 at Home Depot but $5 here. Anything made basic that can't really go wrong is great from these places.... the huge mechanical stuff it's better paying extra from somewhere else for the longevity of the parts. read more

Harbor freight is awesome. They have pretty much everything you'll ever need at really reasonable prices. They usually have sale ads for 20% off or free items too. I always come here if I need tools. Parking sucks. Better luck finding street parking unless you want your car to look like you braved a Texas hailstorm from the door dents. read more

holy moly i do love me some harbor freight. This place has it all. if you live in a house and have not been to this store, what the heck is wrong with you. the tools are super cheap, and you can get all sorts of crazy stuff here like digital safes, cool carts, radio controlled planes, airbrushes, a three foot pipe wrench. the sky is the limit here. defiantly check it out, or go to the web site to see all their wonderful items read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

Harbor Freight is a great store for a lot of stuff. Their tools are Chinese made and cheap in price and quality. If you're a serious DIY person, don't get tools here. These are fine for that once-in-a-while job or easy jobs around the house. I get a lot of my camping stuff here. They have a great selection at super cheap prices. I bought a set of cast iron skillets here and they are great. Also tent/EZ-up stakes, flashlights, ratchet and motorcycle tie-downs, tarps, moving blankets, rope lights, etc. The cargo carrier that slides into the trailer hitch receiver is great. I use it with our motorhome every outing. Another reviewer pointed out that the parking is shitty. It is. It's behind the building, small spaces and awkward in and out. read more

Frankly, this place doesn't even deserve one star, but it is the lowest rating I can leave. Worse than the abysmal quality of their tools, is their completely incompetent "staff". The "workers" here appear to be California DMV rejected applicants. Service? You came to the WRONG place. I am not expecting the service you would get in a real store, but C'MON... the IQ's of these people is hovering around the ambient temperature. Oh, there is one thing worse than the staff... the bottom feeding scavengers that shop this place. read more

Over 10 minutes waiting to pay People just dropped everything at the register and still keep going back looking for more stuff. And the guy who was never around , but in the end decided he was before me, even though my mom just paid before me. Worst customer service ever, the cashier didn't do anything and just let everybody to do whatever they want without caring for the other customers. Honestly the only one loosing is the store and the people working there won't even care. read more

This store has helped El Cajon tremendously. I've seen a rise in carpooling and bike riding so as we try to budget this store has helped us buy the necessary tools to fix our bikes anf vehicle at reasonable prices. read more

Great place for everything under the sun in the tool world.

I got to give these guys a shout out just due to their great service! I love harbor freight because they have cheap but quality tools, compressors, tarps, knives etc. The best point is that whenever I have a question or need help even on a busy sale day someone always takes the time to help me or even go to the back and find what I need if the shelves are empty, home depot doesn't do that. read more

Lifetime warranty on their tools - need I say more? Just remember that the parking lot is at the rear of the building!!! read more

Love this place! Love their deals and coupons. Staff is friendly and they have cool stuff other than tools. Only downside is it smells like rubber so strong in there I get an instant headache and need to run in and out so fast I don't get to enjoy the place. read more

Its like Christmas time for guys, Here Is the Harbor Freight Tools Secret. If you need a tool, etc that you are going to use a lot or professionally, get it somewhere else. If you want / need a tool that you will only use rarely, get it here. Most of the stuff is Chinese made, but the prices are soo cheap, that it doesn't matter if you are going to use it once and then let it sit in your tool box for a year before using it again, I've bought stuff there that I didn't even need, but I'm like "I cant pass that up". REMEMBER.. my reviews are "reviews for what the store is intended" You cant compare their products with snapon or matco or even sears. But at 1/5 the price, count me in, Plus then I also get to go the Surplus store next store and buy stuff I don't need. read more

Harbor Freight Tools - Ouch!! - Hardware Stores Near Me - El Cajon, California

I enjoy Harbor Freight Tools and I don't usually enjoy tool stores (or whatever boys call them). Mostly I'm able to stand this store because there are cheap things besides tools for me to look at. Mostly. They have camping, pet, and general household supplies available (although no mops). I get my lithium batteries for my book light here. They cost $6-$7 for two at Target and at Harbor Freight they are only $3 for four batteries. Deals! This particular HFT is sort of weird since it's in downtown El Cajon and you have to park in the back and the entrance is back there too. I don't even think you can enter from the street; I believe they have that door closed. It's generally pretty mellow in the store with just a bunch of dudes quietly wandering around picking up supplies. read more

I purchased a number of inexpensive items; gloves, hooks, magnets, etc. The total value of the merchandise was about $19, but I was charged $41. I was distracted by pain and didn't pick up on the overcharge. Upon returning home, I examined the email copy of the receipt (nice feature) and saw I was charged for a tarpaulin that didn't purchase. I called and was told to come back in, which I did the next day. The store manager was very accommodating, refunded the amount I was overcharged ($21) and comped me a $5 item (which I was going to buy anyway) for my trouble. For the most part, this place believes in old-fashion, Sears & Roebuck style, customer service. However, I am a little concerned that they seem to have changed their warranty and return policies on a number of items; previously most things were warranted for life, now it seems many of those items have significantly shorter warranties and return windows. read more