Harbor Freight — Local services in East Peoria

As long as you realize most of their products are foreign made (primarily China), and thus the quality leaves quite a lot to be desired, you can enter Harbor Freight with the proper level of expectation. Most craftsman, contractors and other professionals who use tools and equipment daily will find their products woefully lacking. But for the average do it yourselfer or occasional repair their products are a great bargain. They have recently begun carrying a higher end equipment tool line and saw & other blades by Admiral that cost significantly more but do a better job much longer. An example: I used to four-wheel a lot when in Colorado, owned a FJ40 Landcruiser, and equipped it with a $900 eight thousand pound WARN winch. That winch pulled me out of everything and then some with long periods of use. I now own a Jeep Liberty Sport Off Road certified and because I don't four wheel much any more, I purchased Harbor Freight 's 9000 lb winch a couple years ago. What you don't know till after you buy it, is that it is limited to pulls under a minute at a time because longer pulls produce overheating. (also consider replacing the cable right after your install because reviews tell you the cable is prone to snapping under load). I find it difficult to find specific items in the store, especially "coupon" items. There is a Harbor Freight app for Android ( not by Harbor Freight) that is a must if you plan on shopping here regularly. Assistance is available but often hard to find someone depending on time of day, how busy, and if staff is unloading product from a shipment. At this particular store I do not find their cashiers particularly friendly, rather almost that I'm an imposition. Conclusion? Yes, I shop here regularly and buy here. Would I recommend it. Yes, you'll save big dollars, just remember you get what you pay for, so as long as you go in with your eyes open and mind aware of the quality, it is a very good place. Don't forget to bring your coupon for a freebie that comes with every purchase...

Every month I go over to Harbor Freight Tools and I find myself just wandering up-and-down the aisles making sure I know everything they have and taking note of the pricing. Very rarely do I get out of there without spending at least $50 on something and they have a lot of tools that I'm really intrested in. Their pricing is comparable or less than Menards on several items like vinyl gloves etc. I have also purchased sand blasting materials here including a sandblasting kit that came in quite handy. They also have a good selection of winches and quite a few inexpensive tools that can save you some money. Recently I bought a plate compactor there for concrete preparation and it works perfectly and if you use a 20% off coupon and you're buying an item like that which costs over $500 will save you quite a bit. I would highly recommend shopping at Harbor freight if you're looking for tools or many other items. Also, it's a good idea just to walk up-and-down the aisles to note all the different things they carry. You should go online and check out what they carry and certainly get on their mailing list...

Tradesman or "Do-it-yourselfer" paradise. Absolutely affordable tools, tool storage (tool carts, chests, bags), and some other good things for getting a job done. Super nice and helpful staff and very well laid out store. If for some reason you can't find something the staff absolutely will know where to send you. I refrain from going only to not spend all of my money... However.. Even if i splurge i get often times more than my money's worth of what i do buy. Never a wasted cent spent at this store. Have been here many times and ordered off of their website several times as well. Never an issue. Highly recommend to anyone. Especially dealership technicians such as myself where there's always a tool needed to get it done right the first time. Would rather spend my money here and I'll get my money's worth instead of a tool truck or big name...