Harbor Freight Tools was started in Los Angeles in 1968 by Alan Smidt. The company originally bought damaged freight goods and sold them to contractors from the back of a truck. Soon a small army of telephone salesmen were hired and the company began to grow.
The Harbor Freight mail order catalog started as a single sheet of paper in a standard envelope, and after massive success with that, the company rolled out a full-blown catalog in the mid 1980’s.
Now based in Camarillo, California, the company offers a large variety of tools through its mail-order catalog, web site, and retail stores. The Harbor Freight website claims to have “one of the largest selections of brand-name tools, plus many items you just can’t find elsewhere.” Brands offered include Chicago Electric, Pittsburgh, Central Machinery, Central Hydraulic, and Central Forge.
As a Harbor Freight Catalog fan, we know you enjoy shopping for tools and supplies for home improvement from the comfort and convenience of home, so here are a few More Great Tool Ideas you need to see.
