Hunting tools in the USA

[buckwheat_la]

So I found myself in Montana this weekend and checked out all those places you all talk about for tools. My observations so far.

Home depot/Lowes stuff is not any more spectacular than here in Canada. Not all the same things but I didn't come across any huge must have deal (although Home Depot tool chest was intriguing at $500 for a 60inch)

Harbor Freight is very much like Princess Auto EXCEPT Princes Auto does it better. Were some intriguing deals there. Biggest disappointment was the tool chests, Injust don't think they are any better than Home Depot. Will probably buy some tomorrow.

Napa Carlyle brand tools were the most pleasant surprise. Really nice. Expensive but definetly show quality differences vs other brands.

 

[Steiger9]

I haven't been to Canada since I was a kid but if I ever make it there again I'd like to check out Princess Auto. (Only learned of that place since AvE became a thing.) I'm curious what you mean by them doing it better? I once was searching a unique tool and found it on their website, but shipping to the US was cost prohibitive for what it was.

Whether you love or hate Harbor Freight, as far as I know they're the only national chain exclusive tool store. It'd be nice if there was one that dealt in US tools. Fortunately I live near a "mom & pop" industrial supply that stocks Proto and the like. Still they don't carry near the range of tools that Harbor Freight does.

On the down side to where I live, all the Napas I've been in are rather dingy affairs that only have a smattering of the Carlyle lineup.

Speaking of domestically produced tools, does Canada have any tool manufacturers? About a third of the farm implements we run seem to come out of there.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I haven't been to Canada since I was a kid but if I ever make it there again I'd like to check out Princess Auto. (Only learned of that place since AvE became a thing.) I'm curious what you mean by them doing it better? I once was searching a unique tool and found it on their website, but shipping to the US was cost prohibitive for what it was.

Whether you love or hate Harbor Freight, as far as I know they're the only national chain exclusive tool store. It'd be nice if there was one that dealt in US tools. Fortunately I live near a "mom & pop" industrial supply that stocks Proto and the like. Still they don't carry near the range of tools that Harbor Freight does.

On the down side to where I live, all the Napas I've been in are rather dingy affairs that only have a smattering of the Carlyle lineup.

Speaking of domestically produced tools, does Canada have any tool manufacturers? About a third of the farm implements we run seem to come out of there.

Gray tools makes sockets and wrenches every bit as nice as SK

 

[buckwheat_la]

I haven't been to Canada since I was a kid but if I ever make it there again I'd like to check out Princess Auto. (Only learned of that place since AvE became a thing.) I'm curious what you mean by them doing it better? I once was searching a unique tool and found it on their website, but shipping to the US was cost prohibitive for what it was.

Whether you love or hate Harbor Freight, as far as I know they're the only national chain exclusive tool store. It'd be nice if there was one that dealt in US tools. Fortunately I live near a "mom & pop" industrial supply that stocks Proto and the like. Still they don't carry near the range of tools that Harbor Freight does.

On the down side to where I live, all the Napas I've been in are rather dingy affairs that only have a smattering of the Carlyle lineup.

Speaking of domestically produced tools, does Canada have any tool manufacturers? About a third of the farm implements we run seem to come out of there.

The biggest thing that I like about Princess Auto is that when things go on sale they tend to go crazy good. And sometimes you see actual brand names too (like Channellock) Don't get me wrong, Harbor Freight was neat, but I didn't walk out going "damn there are deals there that blew my mind". I thought the Carlyle ratchet wrenches having 90 tooth counts was interesting. And those wrenches with the "bite" on them was impressive.

 

[WittHay]

I have been down to Washington a few times for tools. The Sears Hometown store had a large selection of USA Craftsman tools. It shut down last summer. The Home Depot has a larger selection of tools in each brand. Picked up up a Estwing hammer and some Stanley stuff. Never been to the Harbor Freight store in Bellingham

Princess Auto has a rural touch to it and is probably closer to Northern Tools than Harbor Freight. PA makes hydraulic hoses and has a lot of trucking and outdoor stuff. US brands that PA sells off the top of my head Lisle, Milton, Channellock, Hobart, Fill-Rite, Goodyear, Wilton plus things like Honda engines and Shurlift hydraulic cylinders

Wish they sold Carlyle up here, gonna have to check out Napa in Washington sometime

 

[Tallpilot]

Harbor Freight is very coupon driven. Even during 'sidewalk sales' you need a coupon. You are correct, you will never walk in there and see an incredible deal. Fortunately it is easy to get the coupon you need thanks to the online database. All you need is the number not anything physical.

I agree about Carlyle. It is probably the highest quality stuff you can regularly find in a retail store. Napa has a very complicated pricing system though. If you have a good commercial account you will probably get decent everyday pricing on the tools, otherwise you need to watch the flyers because the retail prices are absurd.

 

[mudflap]

Harbor Freight is very coupon driven. Even during 'sidewalk sales' you need a coupon. You are correct, you will never walk in there and see an incredible deal. Fortunately it is easy to get the coupon you need thanks to the online database. All you need is the number not anything physical.

I agree about Carlyle. It is probably the highest quality stuff you can regularly find in a retail store. Napa has a very complicated pricing system though. If you have a good commercial account you will probably get decent everyday pricing on the tools, otherwise you need to watch the flyers because the retail prices are absurd.

I can second this concerning Carlyle..very nice professional grade tools...I would have no problem paying walk in prices for most of it...But if you, or your employer has a Commercial acct. Depending on the sales volume you will get up tp 20% off ..and same, or next day delivery of anything they sell, or warranty replacement tools.

 

[gnpenning]

Did you come to the new HF by Costco? If so you at least didn't have to go far for Lowe's/ HD.

HF prices have increased and on many items the quality has as well. As mentioned no great bargains.

By the title I was thinking the thread would be about hunting....

 

[Lelandwelds]

So, you are unimpressed by HF, HD, and Lowes but like NAPA? I could have saved you a trip. I would add Walmart, Sears, O'Reilly, and anything found in a shopping center or mall.

Tools have a broad user base but they last too long. I think retail needs more of a razor blade sales model to base a chain store on.

I know of a fantastic industrial tool supply but it keeps bankers hours and is in a seedy part of town. Every inch is packed with stuff and you are shoulder to shoulder (literally ) with tradesmen waiting their turn. You have to tell the counter Salesman what you want and he has to walk a round and pull your order. No Internet sales. Only one location. Most guys fax an order the day before for something the computer has sales history of.

 

[buckwheat_la]

So, you are unimpressed by HF, HD, and Lowes but like NAPA? I could have saved you a trip. I would add Walmart, Sears, O'Reilly, and anything found in a shopping center or mall.

Tools have a broad user base but they last too long. I think retail needs more of a razor blade sales model to base a chain store on.

I know of a fantastic industrial tool supply but it keeps bankers hours and is in a seedy part of town. Every inch is packed with stuff and you are shoulder to shoulder (literally ) with tradesmen waiting their turn. You have to tell the counter Salesman what you want and he has to walk a round and pull your order. No Internet sales. Only one location. Most guys fax an order the day before for something the computer has sales history of.

I'm sorry if I come across as pompous, wasn't my intention. In the end as a Canadian I hear/see so much about Harbor Freight, Lowes, and Home Depot from you guys here, I was rather excited to see what the fuss was all about. It just wasn't anything spectacular is all. In the end, I think the real treat would be hearing what some of you would think of Canadian Tire or Princess Auto

 

[buckwheat_la]

Did you come to the new HF by Costco? If so you at least didn't have to go far for Lowe's/ HD.

HF prices have increased and on many items the quality has as well. As mentioned no great bargains.

By the title I was thinking the thread would be about hunting....

I did. It was fun. People down here are super friendly. Especially when they were taking my money at the poker table

 

[kelpaso1]

So, you are unimpressed by HF, HD, and Lowes but like NAPA? I could have saved you a trip. I would add Walmart, Sears, O'Reilly, and anything found in a shopping center or mall.

Tools have a broad user base but they last too long. I think retail needs more of a razor blade sales model to base a chain store on.

I know of a fantastic industrial tool supply but it keeps bankers hours and is in a seedy part of town. Every inch is packed with stuff and you are shoulder to shoulder (literally ) with tradesmen waiting their turn. You have to tell the counter Salesman what you want and he has to walk a round and pull your order. No Internet sales. Only one location. Most guys fax an order the day before for something the computer has sales history of.

I'm sorry if I come across as pompous, wasn't my intention. In the end as a Canadian I hear/see so much about Harbor Freight, Lowes, and Home Depot from you guys here, I was rather excited to see what the fuss was all about. It just wasn't anything spectacular is all. In the end, I think the real treat would be hearing what some of you would think of Canadian Tire or Princess Auto

Agreed! Not sure wtf his problem is

I would also add Busy Bee Tools to your list.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Agreed! Not sure wtf his problem is

I would also add Busy Bee Tools to your list.

I would probably add Bolt supply house (if they aren't in the USA). Peavy Mart too.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I well say we Canadians are getting the **** end of the stick when it comes to Napa. I mean wtf? Why are webstuck with Ultra-pro and Gearwrench when they have the line of Carlyle available!

 

[Wanna Ride]

In the end, I think the real treat would be hearing what some of you would think of Canadian Tire or Princess Auto

I travel to Canada about 6-10 times a year for work, covering all provinces, and have done so for about 15-20 years.
Princess Auto - love it, kind of like a mash-up of something like a Rural King and a Harbor Freight, with a little higher-end tools scattered in. And minus all the livestock and dog food items.

Canadian Tire - Doesn't have much use in my opinion regarding tools and the like, they're about like a small WalMart, without all the variety on other household items.

Now, keeping those comments in mind, I haven't been in EVERY store in Canada, just a select few. So maybe they're different from one location to the next. As far as HF goes here in the states, you have to know what's good and what's not. The deals there are compounded with use of coupons, and being a savvy shopper is to your advantage.

 

[buckwheat_la]

I travel to Canada about 6-10 times a year for work, covering all provinces, and have done so for about 15-20 years.
Princess Auto - love it, kind of like a mash-up of something like a Rural King and a Harbor Freight, with a little higher-end tools scattered in. And minus all the livestock and dog food items.

Canadian Tire - Doesn't have much use in my opinion regarding tools and the like, they're about like a small WalMart, without all the variety on other household items.

Now, keeping those comments in mind, I haven't been in EVERY store in Canada, just a select few. So maybe they're different from one location to the next. As far as HF goes here in the states, you have to know what's good and what's not. The deals there are compounded with use of coupons, and being a savvy shopper is to your advantage.

Interesting you say that about Canadian Tire. I wonder how large of one you have been in. They don't have all the different Jacks and Welders that Harbor Freight does however I think the one where I am has more hand tools and variety of hand tools.

I agree about the savy shopper part. I bought a couple small things there the guy at the til almost fainted when I told him I didn't have a coupon

 

[gnpenning]

I did. It was fun. People down here are super friendly. Especially when they were taking my money at the poker table

We love you Canadians coming and spending money. I have a friend in ft McCloud that comes and spends the weekend monthly. His gf spends most her time helping our local economy.

I'm sure you know someone on your side of the border that has a second home here. Very common. Don't know if you paid any attention to plates. In the hf/Lowe's/hd part of town you will see tags from 3or 4 of the provincial areas.

Feel free to touch bases with me.

Thanks for your visit and come again!

 

[buckwheat_la]

We love you Canadians coming and spending money. I have a friend in ft McCloud that comes and spends the weekend monthly. His gf spends most her time helping our local economy.

I'm sure you know someone on your side of the border that has a second home here. Very common. Don't know if you paid any attention to plates. In the hf/Lowe's/hd part of town you will see tags from 3or 4 of the provincial areas.

Feel free to touch bases with me.

Thanks for your visit and come again!

I dated a girl who had a place in Whitefish otherwise I just get things shipped to the border.

I went to a pawn/tool place that had a Wilton bullet. $400 Amercan. Nope. Not going to happen. Then I start looking around. Almost all his stuff is more expensive than new. Jesh lol

 

[gnpenning]

I dated a girl who had a place in Whitefish otherwise I just get things shipped to the border.

I went to a pawn/tool place that had a Wilton bullet. $400 Amercan. Nope. Not going to happen. Then I start looking around. Almost all his stuff is more expensive than new. Jesh lol

I know exactly where you are talking about. Across from the uhaul store. You aren't the only one to notice that. Most the pawn stores around here are that way. I don't think they take pawns anymore??

I'm not surprised you would know at least one Canadian that had a place down here. We try to make it easy for you to buy here. When the Looney was higher than the dollar it was crazy how much business that created.

 

[DieselSaves]

I know exactly where you are talking about. Across from the uhaul store. You aren't the only one to notice that. Most the pawn stores around here are that way. I don't think they take pawns anymore??

I'm not surprised you would know at least one Canadian that had a place down here. We try to make it easy for you to buy here. When the Looney was higher than the dollar it was crazy how much business that created.

I know the shop mentioned and they are fine for filling in sets but steep on anvils and vises. Decent guys run the place.

A few years back the Costco and Home Depot you visited might as well have been 100 miles north for all the BC and Alberta plates there.


We visited Lethbridge last spring and I really like Princess Auto. If there is a story behind the name it would be fun to know it. I'll be back there next year to see about a Fendt Vario, Lemken Rubin and to restock on the good Kinder Eggs.

 

[Wanna Ride]

Interesting you say that about Canadian Tire. I wonder how large of one you have been in. They don't have all the different Jacks and Welders that Harbor Freight does however I think the one where I am has more hand tools and variety of hand tools.

I agree about the savy shopper part. I bought a couple small things there the guy at the til almost fainted when I told him I didn't have a coupon

I believe you're probably correct, but this has just been my experience. The Canadian Tire stores I went to, didn't offer very much variety or inventory at all. Not that they were "small" stores, and there may very well be larger ones in some areas. The ones I visited were probably somewhere in the range of about 30,000 square feet, and seemed to focus more on regular household items with rather small tool/hardware departments. I stopped in a few different stores in Halifax, Ontario, Manitoba and BC. Not multiple locations in each area, but I 'd stop in one and if they didn't have whatever it was I looking for, I'd move on to another retailer in that area. There were also Home Depot and Princess Auto stores close by, that I was able to locate the items I needed. I'm sure they're just like other retailers that have different size stores, with expanded inventories and larger departments.

 

[mmason7764]

Home depot/Lowes stuff is not any more spectacular than here in Canada. Not all the same things but I didn't come across any huge must have deal (although Home Depot tool chest was intriguing at $500 for a 60inch)

Harbor Freight is very much like Princess Auto EXCEPT Princes Auto does it better. Were some intriguing deals there. Biggest disappointment was the tool chests, Injust don't think they are any better than Home Depot. Will probably buy some tomorrow.

Buckwheat,

You observed accurately. These shopping choices result from a government that allows consolidation to run rampant then pays lip service to 'competition' and 'deregulation'.

I try to avoid those big stores and shop the small local ones, that is, while we still have a choice.

Mark