Harbor Freight Tools

Harbor Freight Tools is a prominent American discount tool and equipment retailer. Founded in 1977 by Eric Smidt and his father Allan Smidt, the company began as a mail-order business in North Hollywood, California, under the name Harbor Freight Salvage. It quickly grew into a retail powerhouse by cutting out middlemen and sourcing products directly from manufacturers, allowing them to offer significantly lower prices than traditional hardware stores.

The core of Harbor Freight's business model involves developing and branding its own lines of tools rather than selling third-party brands. Major house brands include Pittsburgh for hand tools, Chicago Electric and Hercules for power tools, and Predator for engines. While the brand is American, the vast majority of its manufacturing takes place in China and Taiwan to maintain its competitive discount pricing, though they have diversified some production to other global locations in recent years.

Today, Harbor Freight remains a privately held company headquartered in Calabasas, California. It is still owned and operated by the Smidt family through Harbor Freight Tools USA, Inc. The company has expanded to over 1,500 retail locations across the United States, serving both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople through a vertically integrated supply chain.