Harbor Freight Tools — Local services in Blaine

Harbor Freight is usually fantastic and spot on. However, Harbor Freight Blaine, MN, is understaffed and overwhelmed. Unless you are going for something off the shelf, they do not have the staffing to help.

Today, I called to verify they had the trailers in stock and that I could pick one up. They said yes over the phone. After driving in heavy traffic for about 35 minutes the manager ignored me as I waited the one man cashier and customer service representative did his best to help as many folks as he could in the store and on the phone. After waiting for help for another 20 minutes, the superhero employee asked the manager to look in the back of the store for the trailer. The manager advised they have names on them. I asked if one was mine, and he said no, and I could order one for pickup at a later date. With no apology, he said there was nothing he could do. I advised how poor my experience was and left.

I called Harbor Freight in Burnsville, MN, and they happily placed one on hold for me. Hopefully, tomorows experience will be that of the fantastic experiences I have had with Harbor Freight...

I went in looking for an inverter generator. The location below the display model was empty, so I asked the manager if more were coming in soon. She directed me to another location in the store where she had a few available generators of the model I was looking for. She even found a discount for me. My experience at this location was an exceptional one.

For those unfamiliar with Harbor Freight, this discount tool company offers many cheap tools and other products. Some of these products are quite frankly junk. Some are a reasonable value for the price you pay and will serve perfectly for light duty. They are even making some tools that will go head to head with more expensive items at the home improvement stores. In recent years they have added some top notch tools at affordable prices. Check out the Hercules line, especially the Hercules 12" miter saw. Also check out their Predator line of generators. There is excellent value available at Harbor...

The quality of many power tools is dubious. I can't speak for the most expensive equipment because I tend to purchase things at budget. But some stuff that I would expect to work great, like a $37 rotary tool kit from Chicago electric to last at least a year; it lasted 6 months)

Accessories and parts like sand paper or Carbide drill bits, are cheaper, and uphold in quality compared to similar things from other big box stores.

Selection of hardware is comparable to other stores, some hand tools like finishing or coping saws I dont see anywhere else. Other things like garage mechanic storage systems seems cheaper and of decent quality, but I can't attest to that personally.

Overall its good savings for most things, but really do reasearch into what you're intending to buy before you do.

I also have the impression the staff aren't entirely knowledgeable of products or can give the best recommendations, but I don't expect this from 95% ...