Harbor Freight — Local services in West Hartford

I came in looking for a dead blow hammer, and the cashier said where it would be and it was there. Many options, and got the one I needed It works great. Although while I was there, two African Americans walked in each with a carriage. They started loading up the carriages faster and faster. One passed by me, and I said don't walk out the door without paying, and he seemed high on something. Cap covered his top of his face. I waited for the officers to come, and give a description but never showed. They are told not to do anything the cashier said or it's automatic fire. The cashier said they come in here all the time, and I know what they look like. I left with the dead blow hammer after paying for it, slightly shook up, but OK. Drove around looking for them pushing the carriages to no avail. I don't even think they called the police, as I waited for a bit in the parking lot. They were in and out in less than 5 minutes. Nice store, but they definitely need a security guard to deter people from theft, and flash mob thefts. Either way it cost money, but loss can be written off but life can't. I hope they make it more secure with an armed guard on New Britain Ave. In Hartford, Connecticut.Wish I could give 5 stars 🌟, but that happened and their life was in danger, as I carry protection, and wish I could have controlled them, but didn't know if they were high with a weapons or not. By the time I thought of calling 911 they were out the door. People that worked there were trying to keep an eye on them. I did yell but the thieves didn't care, didn't say anything. I think they were able to communicate as they went where they planned beforehand to Grab & Go. Cellphones or radios, because they were talking, but not together. I did have pepper spray but I forgot it, as I don't need it, so don't...

I went in to purchase an item that was in stock and in-store only. The Associate told the warehouse guys to grab it. The supervisor said no because someone called over the phone to hold it hours before. The same associate helping disagreed with that statement also saying we do not hold items for people. How can you hold an item that has yet to be purchased? and is an in-store-only item. Another associate who looked like a pre-teen said that I should've called to get the item on hold. In this world, we live in you either pay online for pickup (this item was in-store only) or buy in-store. It doesn't make sense to refuse to sell an item to a customer who is in the store ready to purchase an available item. The supervisor then said he'll price match the item in a different color, I was fine with that because I am not picky but then the supervisor 2 seconds later said he couldn't price match it to the price he told me seconds ago he would as I refused to fight over a difference of $50 I still bought the item. But overall the supervisor is horrible and has no empathy or acumen. If he were in that position he would have felt the same way, luckily got in the hold of corporate who made the situation right and will get me in touch with the district manager. Horrible experience and will not be shopping at the...

Bad Experience with Management

I shop at the Harbor Freight in West Hartford (983 New Britain Ave) frequently as a multi-business owner. Most of the staff here are great—shout out to Fabricil and Nicole for always being helpful and professional. However, my recent experience with the manager, Harry, was disappointing.

He came out from the back visibly frustrated, complaining about staff overstocking shelves. I greeted him, and he didn’t respond—instead, he just stared at me. When I asked about metal zip ties, he bluntly said, “They’re right in front of you.” I made a light joke, but he ignored it and walked away.

I tried to clarify that I was actually looking for the kind you can screw down (like hose clamps), but he cut me off mid-sentence and said, “We don’t have it,” then turned away again. His attitude was rude, dismissive, and unprofessional.

What’s more concerning is that after reading through other reviews, it seems I’m not the only one with complaints about the management—several others have mentioned similar experiences, which leads me to believe they’re also referring to Harry. It’s unfortunate, because the rest of the team is doing a great job, but poor leadership like this can create a toxic work environment. I hope upper management...