Harbor Freight Tools is a privately held discount tool and equipment retailer, headquartered in Calabasas, California, which operates a chain of retail stores as well as a mail-order and eCommerce business. The company has over 400 stores in 45 states, offering over 7,000 tool and related products. The company currently employs over 11,000 associates nationwide.

History
Harbor Freight was founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt and his father, Allan, in a small North Hollywood building. It was originally called Harbor Freight & Salvage Co., as a mail-order business. After finding early success, the company changed its name to Harbor Freight Tools and, in 1980, launched its first retail store in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1985, Eric Smidt became President of Harbor Freight; he served under that title until 1999 when he became CEO.

Mail order
After launching Harbor Freight & Salvage Co., the company subsequently acquired US General, another mail-order company that specialized in tools and equipment. At first, the company mailed promotions in standard #10 business envelopes, which was immediately successful. In the early 1980s, the company relocated to Camarillo, CA, acquiring the former headquarters of Unity, another large mail-order company. Harbor Freight launched its first full-blown mail-order catalog in the mid-1980s.

Retail stores
In 1980, Harbor Freight opened its first retail store in Lexington, Kentucky, to sell returned merchandise from its mail order business. The venture proved highly successful, and Harbor Freight began to open stores across the United States. As of 2013, Harbor Freight operates over 425 stores in 45 states.

Number of stores opened:
1980 to 1990 - 11
1991 to 2001 - 103
2002 to 2012 - 304

Products
Harbor Freight Tools carries approximately 7,000 tools and products, including:

Engines and Generators:
Gas engine generators, gas engines and accessories.

Power Tools:
Drills, reciprocating saws, miter saws, grinders, buffers, oscillating tools, tile saws, rotary tools, polishers and hammer drills.

Garage & Shop Equipment:
Abrasive blasters, anvils, abrasives, safety apparel, blast cabinets, eye and ear protection.

Hand Tools:
Axes, bolt cutters, chisels and carving tools, hammers, wrenches, socket sets, saws, pliers and ratchets.

Welding Equipment:
Arc welders, MIG and flux welders, plasma cutters, plastic welders, spot welders, TIG welders, soldering and welding accessories.

Automotive and Motorcycle Tools:
Floor jacks, winches, lifts and stands, tie downs, batteries, steering tools, trailers, cargo carriers and diagnostic tools.

Air Tools:
Air compressors, ratchets, nailers and staplers, impact wrenches, paint sprayers, air hoses and air tool accessories.

Lawn and Garden:
Pumps, greenhouses, landscaping power tools, lighting, wheeled carriers, tarps, sprayers, landscaping hand tools and recreation equipment.

Material Handling supplies:
Swivel casters, dollies, moving supplies, chain and hooks, hand trucks, load binders and levelers, pneumatic tires and rope.

Household Supplies:
Security, lighting, electrical tools, gloves, plumbing tools, adhesives and chemicals, paint tools and assisted living accessories.

Among the company’s top-selling products are portable generators, electric winches, roller tool cabinets, workbenches and torque wrenches.

Brands
During its expansion in the early 80s, Harbor Freight focused on working directly with manufacturers to provide customers with quality brands while maintaining the lowest prices in the market.

Harbor Freight sells brands sourced directly from manufacturers. These brands include, US General that encompasses tool storage options, Central Pneumatic which covers pneumatic tools and accessories, Pittsburgh for its automotive and hand tools, and Chicago Electric for its power tools.