Who remembers when Harbor Freight Tools was called Harbor Freight Salvage Co.? If you do, consider yourself one of the hardcore long-timers. I was searching on Google the other day, looking for any mention of the company’s former identity, when I stumbled onto this old ad that ran in the February 1988 issue of Popular Mechanics. I immediately recognized a number of items that Harbor Freight still carries and was astonished to see that, in many cases, the current prices are less than they were 25 years ago!
So I went to the site, usinflationcalculator.com, and had some fun. Check it out: The 20-Gallon Parts Washer with Pump on the top of the ad listed for $145 in 1988. According to the inflation calculator, that product should be selling for $285.31 today. The actual current Harbor Freight price? $95.99!
Next, take a look at the 9-pc. Wobble Extension Kit for $13.95. The calculator suggests it should sell now for $27.45– but you can pick it up at Harbor Freight at just $12.99. Another example, in 1988, we were selling a 15″ Central Machinery scroll saw at $119. Today, even though inflation justifies a price tag of more than $234, we’re now carrying the Central Machinery 16″ Variable Speed Scroll Saw at just $67.99.
In the Popular Mechanics ad. the Central Pneumatic Air Paint Spray Gun is listed at $25.50. Instead of the inflation-adjusted 50 bucks, Harbor Freight sells it today at $24.99.
Finally, take a look at the first item in the ad: the Chicago Electric 8 volt, 120 amp portable MIG welder, on sale in 1988 for $199.95. Now, we currently don’t sell a MIG welder with exactly those specs, but if we did, the adjusted-to-2013 price would have been $393.43. What we DO sell, however, is a Chicago Electric 170 Amp 22 Volt MIG/Flux Welder for just $199.99– that’s more power that can cut into much thicker metal. And, if you look at the reviews, you’ll see it’s a real performer.
Finding this ad was extremely gratifying to me. It told me that, 25 years later, Harbor Freight’s mission is right on course: to deliver quality tools at the lowest possible prices and save our customers some of their hard-earned cash. And, now– with 20 MILLION satisfied customers– we will continue to make this our Number One job.
Eric's Tool Kit 
Thank you Harbor Freight , for selling great tools at a great price.
I’m glad your prices have dropped relative to inflation – your customers, the American workforce, sure isn’t making income enough to keep up with inflation!! Keep up the great work.
Great prices and customer service!! Come visit us in Fairview Heights, Illinois
Better quality tools at even better prices, that’s Harbor Freight!!!