+ New location + Plenty of parking + Friendly/helpful staff + Great prices How can you not love Harbor Freight? I'm happy this location opened up recently as it is closer to my home than the other locations. The store is great for inexpensive tools for the occasional weekend mechanic. They aren't high quality and they have broken on me in the past, but I usually use these for spares or for working in dirty areas. Harbor Freight is also great for accessories like extension cords, safety glasses, speed squares, levels, etc. I would advise everyone to get on their mailing list. There are quite a number of amazing sales that are not advertised or labelled in the store. Their in-store flyer also may have higher prices, so it is best to check your mail and cut coupons for the items you need....or want. Lots of free stuff too like scissors, flashlights, and tape measures. Keep in mind that you need to actually purchase something for each "free item" coupon you use. You will need to do separate transactions to do this UNLESS you get the occasional cashier who will just do it for you in a single transaction. read more

I bought a woodworking tool on Father's Day. I asked the clerk at the check out to see if they have any promotion sales and the guy told me " not until July 4th". I came home and discovered that there was 20% sale on any item on that day. There was even coupons on Harborfreight website. Management should educate their staffs to give customer better help than put it off by their laziness. read more

This store is a joke shitty service and closes at 6pm on Sundays which is horrible business practice I've only been in the parking lot for less then 4 mins and they have turned away 10 potential clients oops make that 15 now. Lost revenue shouldn't be taken lightly ..... read more

Great tools, great selection. For home user, does what I need. I don't need to pay a fortune for better tools at other home improvement stores when I don't use them daily and not relying on them for my daily survival, so they serve a great purpose. The newer more industrial tool offerings most likely solve that need too. read more

As a first-time customer, I was a little hesitant about what to expect from some of these reviews. I'm pleased to share that Edgar and Matt provided an excellent customer service experience. I was greeted as I walked in, had my questions answered and my purchases delivered to my car as one was a bit heavy. And when I needed to return one of the items a few weeks later, it was taken back no problem. I'll be baaaaack. read more

If you're looking for a reasonably priced tool, this is the place. It's a busy place, but it's a good trade off for the pricing and selection. I'm here all the time. read more

Great prices can't beat them anywhere. They have everything you need. Easy parking always.

Another trip here and once again I find they don't have things in stock that they state they have on the website. Trying to get help to search possible back inventory is near impossible, and always a long line to check out I believe it's worth it to pay a bit extra for a higher quality tool at Home Depot and get something that will last, and better service read more

I placed an order on 12/18/22 at the Harbor freight store in Lake Forest Ca. #00605. Was told it would arrive on 12/31/22 and they would call me when it arrives. On 01/02/23 no call from them. I called them and was told it would be here on 01/22/23 and again they said they would call. I decided to go to the store to check on my order but before I went I checked online to see if they had it in stock. They did. No call from them. I went to the store and I asked the emploee working the register about my order. He asked me if they called me. I said no. He looked dumbfounded and really didn't know what to do. After about a half hour they finally found my order and got my item. It's sad when you order something and you have to check if it's there. They had them in stock and failed to call me. Good thing I checked online than went to the store. I probably be still waiting for months to a year to get my order from them. It's just sad that a company operates this way. To anyone thinking of ordering something from Harbor Freight. DON'T. Unless you don't really need it for at least a month or more. Find where it's in stock and drive there and get it. DON'T order anything from Harbor Freight. read more

MANAGER told me I have to purchase a extended warranty for each product I purchased or I would not be able to purchase any of them! Then manager says if I opened another ITC membership with a random name he would apply one discount but the rest I had to buy a extended warranty. FRUAD AND SCAMMING. THIS IS GOING TO CORPORATE. read more

I manage several repair shops and purchase tools from Harbor Freight regularly. I chose to purchase the extended warranty they offer and normally don't have a problem getting it replaced. They have been able to search with my phone number and find the receipt they need to honor the warranty. Today I went into this particular location and an older man by the name of Steven would not honor my warranty nor do a search with my phone number to find the necessary receipt. It seems as if he did not want to honor their warranty. Luckily I have my receipts emailed to me and was able to locate it and return for the exchange with a copy of my receipt. Other Harbor Freight locations are always helpful and willing to assist you. Not this location! A little advise. Have them email you a copy of your receipt during your purchase for any warranty you might need with their tools. I will not return to this location!! read more

I have a coupon that says "20% off any single item" so I went to Harbor Freight to pick up a rotary hammer drill that I needed that costs $99.99. Went to the register to pay for it and they said the coupon won't work for this item, you need to look at the fine print on the coupon. When I read the fine print it looks like half the items in the store can't be purchased with this coupon (compressors, floor jacks, welders etc, and anything made by several manufactures like Hercules, Diamondback, Poulan, and several others). What a joke. The large print giveth and the small print taketh away. read more

Harbor Freight has pretty good sale prices on tools that are known to be of lesser quality. This is okay if you aren't a heavy user. My rating is for the management. I've been there several times, and it seems there is always an issue with whether or not an item is in stock. Today, for example, I went in looking for a stand for my tile saw. It was on sale, so I figured it was a good time for one. The display area has a pouch with tickets to take up to the register. I took one, gave it to the clerk, and the mess ensued. First, one of the guys says they didn't have any, but he was actually referring to the tile saw, not the stand. Then he brings one that is for the smaller saw, not mine. The register clerk checks inventory, says they have two in stock, and goes to look for them, since the guy he sent hunting never came back. Nope. Not in stock. This is the issue. They have very poor inventory control, which is not a reflection on the floor guys. Shopping here is pretty painful for that reason, unless you're just grabbing something off the shelf and don't need any help. In that case it's okay. read more

As a long-time customer I was really disappointed when I showed up at 8 p.m. I needed to get some things they were closed but they had a long line waiting for them to be helped and kicked out I thought when the guy came to open the door he was going to let me in but he said sorry we're closed better luck next time that was rude I knew what I came to get and he didn't have the courtesy to say go ahead come on Inn they were like 8 people in line I could have done the things I needed fast and would have been out for the time they had helped everybody his common was rude read more

With a lack of customer service ethic an acting female manager refused to accept their 20% discount tonight on a 12" black tool bag. Reading the fine print she quoted," oh, it says not for tool storage items. I guess this is a tool bag so.... no". Really? The coupon states," Not valid for storage cabinets". Mailed to me as one of their subscribers I tried to use the other "come on " coupon offered. A free electrical tester with purchase. " Oh were out of those and we don't substitute anything". The only thing worse than the quality of their tools is the quality of the management at this, "worst of the worst" HFT's. Go to the Oceanside or the Garden Grove stores if you want someone who has a clue of customer service ethic. I can see why the majority of Yelper's are low starring this location. read more

Adam, i believe is the manager went above and beyond to help me out. I had to wait a little bit to get his attention, but it was well worth it. He graciously helped me out with a return that i was trying to get done through corporate. Not only did he get it done, but followed up with me via cell and email. My faith is reassured with this company just because of him. Thank you! read more

This location just opened and they are still getting their ducks in a row. Looks OK for now and it will hopefully improve soon. They have the basic selection of tools at good prices, pretty typical for HF stores. read more

The staff know nothing about the tools, the quality is horrible and feels like it's going to fall apart. Also, the prices are average, you're better off going to Home Depot for what they charge and at least you'd get better quality tools that will last longer. Don't go here, the employees literally told me they don't even know which tool was better, why hire a bunch of dumb guys who are not knowledgable of what they're selling? Awful.. read more

Manager Monica...... Scowls and is not customer friendly. It wasnt a busy dayon a Wed morning at 11:30am. Why the attitude? Needed to make an exchnage and she just made everyone feel bad. read more

This new location is great. The store is clean and neat the four times I have been here. They had the items I was looking for in stock. The staff was friendly and helpful. read more

Horrible customer service from the manager himself Tom. If you're planning on going to harbor freight, the drive to a different place is more worth it. read more

This place is a God Send since they tore down the Sears in Laguna Hills. And now that craftsman tools are made in China anyway, might as well come here and at least pay Chinese prices. The prices for these items can't be beat, as we all know it's no Snap-On quality products but for a 6th-3rd of the price, what way are you really going to go? Only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is the customer service could use some improvement. Hiring/training employees to have basic product knowledge and a willingness to help customers is all it will take. read more

I now know why the Lake Forest Harbor Freight location has the lowest Yelp ratings of other nearby locations. It is customer service. If you are going to be rude to your customers, they will just go online and get the items cheaper and have a more pleasant shopping experience. I'm sorry you had a bad day, but when you project it onto your customers they do not return, then you become unemployed and will be even more unhappy. read more

I am glad they have a Harbor Freight in our area. It is a little smaller then the ones I have been to but it will do. Everything is cheap the quality is ok just keep your receipt and they will take it back. read more

I'm glad they opened a story in El Toro. It's a great story, and it usually has what I want at a good price. I have a lot of tools some from HF, some from HD, Lowes, Sears, Amazon, and most every place they sell tools. I have expensive tools and less expensive tools. I purchase tools based on how often I will use them and price. HF sells a lot of different brands. I recommend HF all the time read more

was making a purchase and presented a gift card and this location(lake forest, CA) said they cant accept for "fraud protection" concerns although the Westminster,CA and Lakewood,CA gladly take them without any issues. one of the guys said he was the supervisor of all the stores in CA who when i called the 800 didnt agree that this guy was telling the truth and said he did not hear anything about not taking electronic gift cards (again other stores are taking them). the register guy hit a button and kept telling me see it wont take the gift card but i was trying to tell the guy he was not following the instructions correctly as it was written on the gift card (as the workers at the other stores were doing) only for him to keep interrupting me and not listening to what i was trying to tell him. He kept deflecting me to talk to the manager and "CA stores supervisor". i love harbor freight tools but this store sucks. ill stick to the other stores i visit and avoid this one read more

I was so excited about the new location near my home, I signed up & paid for their discount club. This Club Card Membership is completely misleading - and I am sure they will face a class action suite soon. Here is how it works - When you see Orange Price on a Item, that displays the Special Discount for Members. You would think when you go to the Register - and they ask for your number and confirm you are a Club Member - that the discounts would be given as they ring up items -- Right? isn't that pretty much the way? ANSWER is NOPE! You have know when items - and you need to know what the discount price is, then they will look up the price on copy of their publication. You have to go through that process on each item you buy. It took them more than 5 Minutes to confirm 1 item, I had many more in my cart. I realized they were going to take 1 hour to check each item. SO if you don't know better - they will ring you up - and give you NONE of the DISCOUNTS you (if you are a PAID member of their Club) WOW that sounds totally dishonest to me - How many people think they were getting the discounts and had no idea they did not. Too bad because - I like the store, but I cannot support a business that intentionally deceives it's Customer to make an extra buck! DO NOT JOIN THE CLUB - IF YOU DID DEMAND A REFUND!!!!!! read more

I have now bought from this store a number of times. It is not Nordstrom's service, but one shouldn't expect that with the profit margins that they are working with. The service people have been very nice and helpful when they aren't busy. And the prices ... well the great value is why we go there. And, btw, when I have had to return anything, they have taken it back without any fanfare. I'm glad they are around. read more

a+ to the staff and b- to the power tools. they actually hold up ! prices are worthy and the location is ideal. everybody give them a whoooooweee. read more

I gave it a one because there are no 0's except those that work at this HF. Came in at 7:15 p.m. It took 15 minutes for someone to tell me where the sand blasting media was. Needed assistance understanding the different kinds of material; yes I am a sand blasting novice. That took another 15 minutes. Then the poor guy who I asked for assistance; the only one in the store; knew less than I did. He suggested searching the internet etc. Great idea except I had workers showing up the next morning at 7:00 a.m. Then out of nowhere comes a guy who says, not so nicely, we're closing you have to leave now and kept on me until I headed for the door. Followed me out. I had a few choice words for the A-----hole. I can not believe they hire people like him or the guy who knew nothing about what they sell. NEVER AGAIN..... read more

Ok, I'm not a regular tool shopper or a HF customer, but I needed something for my truck and HF had what I needed for a great price. As I walked in, I saw 20% coupons on the counter so I grabbed one. How cool is that? I then went looking for what I came for. I went through each aisle and couldn't find it. At that point I decided to ask an HF associate. He knew exactly what I was looking for and took me directly to where it was located and he told me that they had two different models and what were the differences. Very cool customer service. I then went to the cash register and tried to use my 20% coupon which was REJECTED by the cashier, because the coupon didn't start until the following week. He was very nice about it. The cashier then said, "if you get our e-mails, you might have an electronic coupon." I then started searching my iPhone e-mails. STUPID me, I put in "Northern Tool", which is one of their major competitors. DUH! Brain fade. I didn't even know what I was doing wront until the cashier said, "Why don't you search on Harbor Freight?" I did, but I couldn't find a 20% coupon. The cashier said I can come back next week and get a price adjustment. Very nice people and patient with dingbats like me. read more