Tool shopping in France 🇫🇷

[CGarage]

Because of my detour out of Switzerland, I received an (un)expected phone-call from the women that since I was in France, I had best return with cases of a particular wine from the South of France, and if I didn’t, I could expect my cars to be torched, tools and garage contents as well, garden ruined, and my comic books turned into water absorbing paper towels. And my bed moved into the dog house proper.

Sufficiently warned, I made the long drive south, and upon returning north, I decided to stop off in the French city known for its lake and mountains, Annecy. There is a large tool store here, so I thought I would go in and have a look around.

This is amazing to think of, but this store is nicer than the Home Depot’s and Lowe’s stores I have gone to in the U.S. The primary hand tools they carry are Facom, Bahco (wrenches and pliers) and an Asian import tool line called “Dexter”.
There was not a lot of Facom, but they had a bit, including tool bags. Staff was very friendly and proud of the store. It was nicely kept, well lit, and clean. Home Depots in the U.S. look like dumps compared to these Euro home stores.
I have yet to visit a Home Depot with adequate interior lighting that wasn’t dim, that had clean floors that were properly finished and not “warehouse floors”.

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

Cles a pipe, individually, in many sizes, with two brand options - must be France.

You might do a business of tool tours of Europe! Throw in some factories too.

 

[Old tool guy]

The bare concrete floors are the same as HD. But maybe they are better at cleaning up busted bags of sakrete.

 

[CGarage]

These floors were ground and polished concrete.

 

[CGarage]

My purchases in France today, both by French manufacturer Nespoli, known for their spatulas and scrapers and wall treatment tools. Both items made in France and well made.

 

[Nutria]

Yeah, well, I bet that they don't have quality plywood like our big boxes.

 

[CGarage]

Yeah, well, I bet that they don't have quality plywood like our big boxes.

On the contrary, the building materials section was huge, and they had a diverse plywood inventory and the boards were beautiful. I had a look. France is a leading forestry producer, so this is why.

I saw another customer carrying birch ply out to his vehicle while I was parking and I was shocked. All of the birch ply was something like an AA grade, no imperfections. I was very impressed by the quality.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

This thread is worthless without pics of the wine & estate!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[CGarage]

Since you asked so kindly, Olli.

Owned by an English gentleman and absolutely exquisite in every way.

 

[f121]

My wife is going to be so pissed next time we’re in Annecy

 

[CGarage]

My wife is going to be so pissed next time we’re in Annecy

Wine and shoes my friend, wine and shoes.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. Wonderful! Thank you for sharing, always great inspiration!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[PlanB]

Darn it! I need to get out more

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

Wine and shoes my friend, wine and shoes.

No you go to Spain for shoes.

Or Italy if you want to overpay for bad shoes and bad wine.

 

[RTM]

****, five hours fastest on the trains from Basel. Guess I’m not going any time soon.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm really beginning to hate you.

 

[esben57]

Wine ?!?!? PFFT.
Beer and Tea. BEER AND TEA.
It's the English way.

 

[Two Speed]

On the contrary, the building materials section was huge, and they had a diverse plywood inventory and the boards were beautiful. I had a look. France is a leading forestry producer, so this is why.

I saw another customer carrying birch ply out to his vehicle while I was parking and I was shocked. All of the birch ply was something like an AA grade, no imperfections. I was very impressed by the quality.

DId you catch any prices in the store on the wood products?

 

[jar944]

On the contrary, the building materials section was huge, and they had a diverse plywood inventory and the boards were beautiful. I had a look. France is a leading forestry producer, so this is why.

I saw another customer carrying birch ply out to his vehicle while I was parking and I was shocked. All of the birch ply was something like an AA grade, no imperfections. I was very impressed by the quality.

I'm assuming that was scarasam. The box stores here have mostly warped garbage, with C2 as the best grade.

 

[CGarage]

I'm assuming that was scarasam. The box stores here have mostly warped garbage, with C2 as the best grade.

Not sarcasm.

I know what you mean. Warped garbage lumber with lots of defects and knots is what I see at US home stores. If you want good quality plywood or building lumber, you best purchase from a mill or specialty lumber yard in the states.

Not in France. I was quite impressed.

 

[CGarage]

DId you catch any prices in the store on the wood products?

No, I only looked for French made or EU made hand tools. The lumber and building materials section occupies an entire wing of the store. If you stand facing the front doors, it is the entire right hand “wing” of the building.

 

[CGarage]

I'm really beginning to hate you.

Have a drink!

 

[CGarage]

****, five hours fastest on the trains from Basel. Guess I’m not going any time soon.

Actually, there are bigger and better tool stores in France. I just happened to be in Annecy and wanted to check this one out.

 

[jar944]

Not sarcasm.

I know what you mean. Warped garbage with lots of defects and knots is what I see at US home stores. If you want good quality plywood or building lumber, you best purchase from a mill or specialty lumber yard in the states.

Not in France. I was quite impressed.

I meant @Nutria comment was sarcasm.

 

[CGarage]

Purchased in Switzerland but a French made tool, a spatula for caulk and adhesives with a small form factor for working in a confined area

 

[danski0224]

Any cheap burglary tools?

Too soon?

 

[CGarage]

An absolute disgrace what is happening to safety and security in many large European cities….

 

[neophyte]

Any cheap burglary tools?

Too soon?

 

[CGarage]

Don’t forget the get-away scooters!