To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Harry J Epstein Day 2026

O

Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,298
Location
Columbus, Ohio
ptabatcher said:
Maybe an “unofficial” garage journal/epstein day Wright tool meet-up?
Click to expand...
I would be game...

Editing to add a link

Harry J Epstein Day / Wright Tool Meet-Up

Interest was expressed in a meet-up for an HJE meet-up and Wright Tools factory tour. See the post by @jsackin here Post in thread 'Harry J Epstein Day 2026' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/harry-j-epstein-day-2026.557168/post-11624404 The factory is located at "1 Wright Pl...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com

I know the link goes to a specific post, but the interesting part is the entire thread
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
J

jsackin

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
1,129
Location
Kansas City Missouri
I think Wright would absolutely love a meetup / tour so let me know if that’s something that has some momentum and I’ll talk to the appropriate people.

In terms of us buying more imported stuff…. I made the decision to buy more from Japanese / German tool companies lately because there is just a ton of stuff that they’re doing where there isn’t a US made equivalent. I wish there was! I wish US companies were coming out with new products every couple months but thats just not how it’s been working.

That being said, I’m in contact with Wilde, Wright and Channellock and other US companies and they are all having excellent years. Business is way up so they are actually doing great.

I’d say about 80% of what we sell is US made and I try to highlight those companies for HJE Day. For instance this year I’ve talked to Channellock, Mayhew, Bondhus and Wright so far in terms of offering deals.

So that’s my two cents. I’ll be back with more details as we get closer.
 
E

Etchase

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2017
Messages
2,001
Location
Hawaii
jsackin said:
I think Wright would absolutely love a meetup / tour so let me know if that’s something that has some momentum and I’ll talk to the appropriate people.

In terms of us buying more imported stuff…. I made the decision to buy more from Japanese / German tool companies lately because there is just a ton of stuff that they’re doing where there isn’t a US made equivalent. I wish there was! I wish US companies were coming out with new products every couple months but thats just not how it’s been working.

That being said, I’m in contact with Wilde, Wright and Channellock and other US companies and they are all having excellent years. Business is way up so they are actually doing great.

I’d say about 80% of what we sell is US made and I try to highlight those companies for HJE Day. For instance this year I’ve talked to Channellock, Mayhew, Bondhus and Wright so far in terms of offering deals.

So that’s my two cents. I’ll be back with more details as we get closer.
Click to expand...



Thanks for the update. Some of your HJE day buyers might have filled up on your U.S.A. suppliers items over the last few years, and are pleased to have access to your Japan and German offerings. Thanks for supporting SK to the very end of their in-house USA manufacturing. You did everything you could to encourage them to restart, and they lied about their intentions to sell off inventory. Not my favorite business practice. You have many U.S.A. tool lines making rules, squares, knives, levels… all kinds of stuff. Your NOS inventory of U.S.A. tools and tank periscopes is unequalled. Happy to support a nostalgic old time hardware store, a modern industrial supply house, a modern retail tool source, and a purveyor of fine products of all kinds. Where else am I going to find 50 year old East German test tubes. Now if GJ could just put together enough orders to encourage you to retail Proto! Looking forward to another great Fourth of July!
 
O

Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,298
Location
Columbus, Ohio
jsackin said:
I think Wright would absolutely love a meetup / tour so let me know if that’s something that has some momentum and I’ll talk to the appropriate people.
Click to expand...
Ignoring traffic that's roughly 2 hours would you get there for me... I absolutely would take time off work to do that.

Should I start a thread specifically on this?
 
L

LB-1911

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Sep 24, 2011
Messages
5,742
Location
Northwestern Il.
Cougar said:
All the years I've been coming to this site and I don't know what this is.
Or I'm really getting old and just forgot.
Click to expand...
2012 The beginning

Want to Support a Small USA Company With a Cool Product?​

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...small-usa-company-with-a-cool-product.177488/

Harry J. Epstein Day 2025​

Harry J. Epstein Day 2025

Hey, it's March already. Wil there be a 2025 Epstein's day? Fireworks, seared flesh, apple pie and tools from an American Small Business. :bounce: On behalf of Fedwrench, @jsackin First of all, how is Steve and can we get an update ? Secondly, Jori is this going this going to happen this...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
 
Last edited:
R

RTM

Well-known member
Joined
May 13, 2019
Messages
13,171
Location
SF Bay Area
Cougar said:
All the years I've been coming to this site and I don't know what this is.
Or I'm really getting old and just forgot.
Click to expand...
The good news is our site search tool doesn't show you posting anything with Epstein, or anything with Epstein in the title (fishy that this post doesn't show up), so possibly not forgetfulness.
 
M

mikeinri

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
8,239
Location
MA
Cougar said:
All the years I've been coming to this site and I don't know what this is.
Or I'm really getting old and just forgot.
Click to expand...

LB-1911 said:
2012 The beginning

Want to Support a Small USA Company With a Cool Product?​

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...small-usa-company-with-a-cool-product.177488/

Harry J. Epstein Day 2025​

Harry J. Epstein Day 2025

Hey, it's March already. Wil there be a 2025 Epstein's day? Fireworks, seared flesh, apple pie and tools from an American Small Business. :bounce: On behalf of Fedwrench, @jsackin First of all, how is Steve and can we get an update ? Secondly, Jori is this going this going to happen this...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
Click to expand...

Not the silliest question. Can the OP add a brief description of the event / rules to the first post of this thread? Might encourage more newbies to participate.

Obviously, if you're done this before, you've got a list and are chomping at the bit, but if you're new (or forgetful, etc.), nothing in the first couple of pages here clearly explains this, and jumping to another link doesn't quickly get to the point, either.

Thanks for considering this suggestion.

Mike
 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
And here I was, assuming it was too soon for the thread to be started. I've been building my list all year!

As for American made, I've bought plenty of pry bars, hammers, crescent wrenches and the like over the years from HJE. This year it will be some piddly old American made NOS punches and chisels, maybe. But one thing I love about HJE is how they find so many interesting things from everywhere, like the Japanese-made "melon machete" I got last summer!

1779219987201.png

Alas, that was a surplus score by HJE last year, no longer in stock. I've since learned the price was very nice.
 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
Since we last met, it appears HJE is carrying Council Tool again. I have never understood the modern fad of paying too much for odd Scandinavian axes and hatchets when high quality American-made axes are still here for less!

www.harryepstein.com

Council Tool

The Harry J. Epstein Co. - USA Hand Tools - Surplus/Retail/Liquidation
www.harryepstein.com
 
J

jsackin

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
1,129
Location
Kansas City Missouri
Squankum said:
Since we last met, it appears HJE is carrying Council Tool again. I have never understood the modern fad of paying too much for odd Scandinavian axes and hatchets when high quality American-made axes are still here for less!

www.harryepstein.com

Council Tool

The Harry J. Epstein Co. - USA Hand Tools - Surplus/Retail/Liquidation
www.harryepstein.com
Click to expand...
Council said they'd be participating this year. Might roll out a special axe around that time and have it available July 4th weekend for us.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
P

pat9198

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 9, 2017
Messages
259
Location
Tennessee
Squankum said:
Since we last met, it appears HJE is carrying Council Tool again. I have never understood the modern fad of paying too much for odd Scandinavian axes and hatchets when high quality American-made axes are still here for less!

www.harryepstein.com

Council Tool

The Harry J. Epstein Co. - USA Hand Tools - Surplus/Retail/Liquidation
www.harryepstein.com
Click to expand...

jsackin said:
Council said they'd be participating this year. Might roll out a special axe around that time and have it available July 4th weekend for us.
Click to expand...


I already planned on picking up a Council Tool pickaroon, so that's great to hear! I'd love to pair it with an axe, and maybe some choppin' box art! :cool:
 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
One thing I'm pondering getting for HJE day is some more adjustable/"Crescent" wrenches. I've bought many good American-made ones from HJE in the past, but now I've become aware of what the Japanese are up to, making some with thin jaws. The little one, at 2.5mm thickness, why, it's a cheap and space-efficient set of cone wrenches.

www.harryepstein.com

Top Short Eco Fork 4 1/2" (117mm) Adjustable Wrench (HY-26STR)

Tip is Extremely thin, 2.5mm. Only 95g! Compact head and there is no projection. Finger hook provides efficient work. 7-26mm opening width ///brand_for_product_detail=Acme,close_out=Yes,companydescription=??? - Made in Japan,condition=New,condition_google=new,cost=0.250000,countrymade=Made in...
www.harryepstein.com

www.harryepstein.com

Top 6 3/4" (168mm) Thin Exact Bent Wrench (HT-150B)

Adopting “Backlashless knurl” Able to be used as a spanner. 20° bent point. Able to be used as a simple vernier caliper. 0-20mm ///brand_for_product_detail=Acme,close_out=Yes,companydescription=??? - Made in Japan,condition=New,condition_google=new,cost=0.250000,countrymade=Made in...
www.harryepstein.com
 
0

09Q

Active member
Joined
Mar 13, 2016
Messages
41
For me I appreciate the ability to participate in Epstein Day as this is a great way to support a small family owned and run hardware store and ideally support current American manufacturing. In an era where "fast" free shipping seems to be more important and I'll admit I cannot say I don't appreciate that myself; I just appreciate the ability to support a family owned business and also the ability to support USA jobs.

Sure Home Depot and these other big box stores have their place; yet it's not and will not ever be the same as supporting an business where you can speak to the owner if you want, have personal artwork drawn and there is something to be said about being able to purchase items not sold at big box stores.
 
O

Ohio Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 31, 2024
Messages
2,298
Location
Columbus, Ohio
09Q said:
For me I appreciate the ability to participate in Epstein Day as this is a great way to support a small family owned and run hardware store and ideally support current American manufacturing. In an era where "fast" free shipping seems to be more important and I'll admit I cannot say I don't appreciate that myself; I just appreciate the ability to support a family owned business and also the ability to support USA jobs.

Sure Home Depot and these other big box stores have their place; yet it's not and will not ever be the same as supporting an business where you can speak to the owner if you want, have personal artwork drawn and there is something to be said about being able to purchase items not sold at big box stores.
Click to expand...
This particular day never works out for me as intended... It works as follows

Wow, I should go look at cool stuff and make a list of things that I want to buy on that day.

Wow! I want that right now. I'm buying it right now... (Buys a bunch of stuff)

The day rolls around and I just bought a bunch of of stop so I don't buy anything more.

As people receive their cool things they post what they bought and I say oh wow I need that too...

Proceeds to buy more stuff after the day.

It's really hard to peruse the website and not buy a bunch of stuff.
 
M

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
214
Location
Southern Germany
Squankum said:
One thing I'm pondering getting for HJE day is some more adjustable/"Crescent" wrenches. I've bought many good American-made ones from HJE in the past, but now I've become aware of what the Japanese are up to, making some with thin jaws. The little one, at 2.5mm thickness, why, it's a cheap and space-efficient set of cone wrenches.
Click to expand...
Be careful with those japanese tools, it's a slippery slope. Ask me how I know...
 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
09Q said:
For me I appreciate the ability to participate in Epstein Day as this is a great way to support a small family owned and run hardware store and ideally support current American manufacturing. In an era where "fast" free shipping seems to be more important and I'll admit I cannot say I don't appreciate that myself; I just appreciate the ability to support a family owned business and also the ability to support USA jobs.

Sure Home Depot and these other big box stores have their place; yet it's not and will not ever be the same as supporting an business where you can speak to the owner if you want, have personal artwork drawn and there is something to be said about being able to purchase items not sold at big box stores.
Click to expand...

I know somebody who recently ordered a dryer from Lowe's. Paid the extra $50 installation fee. When making the order on the internet, added some hose clamps and new duct hose, and a spare 220V power cord (not sure why.) I was there when they showed up. They declared that the only installed the new and took away the old and didn't (gesture at other items) install that stuff. What the hell? $50 doesn't get you installing a new flex hose?

My friend was there to supervise my watching. Two installers. I'm ashamed to admit it never crossed my mind... it never crossed four minds... hours later, I got the call. "This dryer makes horrible noises." Nobody had thought to press the big button to see if it worked. Something was very loose/untightened/wrong in there! The installers didn't test it. And they were two of the four brains involved that day.

Friend wound up calling their sibling who manages a Lowe's in a nearby state to try to get the tree shaken to make the nuts fall out properly, so to speak, yadda yadda yadda, two weeks later, a dryer from Home Depot gets installed.
 
Last edited:
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
M.Jay said:
Be careful with those japanese tools, it's a slippery slope. Ask me how I know...
Click to expand...

Oh, I know. But I'm monogamous with my $20 HF locking extensions. They keep working. Those Ko-Ken extensions are just too expensive! And their ratchets are too small for my hands, and damn, I have a lot of ratchets already.

Now, those hexahedron-CV-joint-like U joints, yeah, you gotta have those.

www.harryepstein.com

Koken 3/8" Drive Z-Series Double Joint Universal Swivel (3772Z)

Koken 3/8" Drive Z-Series Double Joint Universal Swivel (3772Z)
www.harryepstein.com


 
N

NightSky

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 29, 2024
Messages
542
Location
Southwest OH
Squankum said:
Oh, I know. But I'm monogamous with my $20 HF locking extensions. They keep working. Those Ko-Ken extensions are just too expensive! And their ratchets are too small for my hands, and damn, I have a lot of ratchets already.
Click to expand...
Your resolve is admirable, indeed. However, don't ever idly pick up a Ko-ken ratchet and, what ever else you may do, don't spin the anvil on that ratchet. :devilish:
 
M

M.Jay

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 3, 2025
Messages
214
Location
Southern Germany
Squankum said:
I have a lot of ratchets already
Click to expand...
...said no GJ Member ever!

NightSky said:
Your resolve is admirable, indeed. However, don't ever idly pick up a Ko-ken ratchet and, what ever else you may do, don't spin the anvil on that ratchet. :devilish:
Click to expand...
Thankfully the direction lever on them works in the opposite direction I am used to. Saved me from dropping money on their ratchets.
 
S

Squankum

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 28, 2011
Messages
7,712
Location
Southeast
M.Jay said:
Thankfully the direction lever on them works in the opposite direction I am used to. Saved me from dropping money on their ratchets.
Click to expand...

When I first heard such a complaint here at GJ I realized that I had no preconceptions about what direction does what, I always put socket on, test, adjust. Probably all of those years with ratchets with no labeling. Then having a lot of ratchets.
 
N

NightSky

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 29, 2024
Messages
542
Location
Southwest OH
M.Jay said:
Thankfully the direction lever on them works in the opposite direction I am used to. Saved me from dropping money on their ratchets.
Click to expand...

Squankum said:
When I first heard such a complaint here at GJ I realized that I had no preconceptions about what direction does what, I always put socket on, test, adjust. Probably all of those years with ratchets with no labeling. Then having a lot of ratchets.
Click to expand...

I posted this pic on the show your new tools thread. All the ratchets are set to move in the same direction and Ko-ken is the odd one (hard to tell on the USAG, though).
1779663399803.png
Like Squankum, I cannot remember which way is for tightening or loosening and go by trial and error -- maybe someone can give amnemonic.
 
M

mikeinri

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 29, 2019
Messages
8,239
Location
MA
NightSky said:
Like Squankum, I cannot remember which way is for tightening or loosening and go by trial and error -- maybe someone can give amnemonic.
Click to expand...

"Amnemonic" Ha, I see what you did there! (Unless that was a typo...)

All this time, I thought I was the only one who can never remember which way to point the ratchet lever...

Worse, even after trial, error, and correcting it, I often bump the lever and have to start over.

So, my personal mnemonic is, "Hey stupid, don't forget to check the rotation, and keep your mitts off the lever once you start!"

Mike
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom