Alternative source to Grainger for hand tools?

[strutaeng]

Hello guy, I haven't really posted anything until now...

I'm mainly into woodworking, but every then and now I'll do mechanic work. I've got the basic Craftsman mechanics tools. Recently I've been buying Proto tools from Grainger. I know they are more expensive. What are the alternative tool sources? I'm interested in S-K, Proto, etc., not really Snap-on, et. al, since they are out of my budget and I'm not using them daily.
I always seem to resort to Sears when I'm changing something on my truck on Saturday night before they close

My worst nightmare is going to Autozone (or worst, Horror Freight!) for something that I need in a hurry.

By the way, most of my tools are Lie-Nielsen
Made in Warren, Maine, U.S.A.

 

[bob15]

MSC, McMaster Carr or find the brand you want and do a google search for a company or use "google shopping".

Ebay can have great deals on tools, as can watching Craigslist, pawnshops, flea markets and swap meets.

bob

 

[slob]

If you're interested in S-K, Tooltopia.com is generally the place to go. Free shipping over $100. I've had nothing but pleasant experiences with them.

 

[Cookannapurna]

Grainger also has SK stuff now, check the web site. I am the caretaker of a large camp with numerous vehicles, boats, and various small engines. We are a little "out there", and I love dealing with Grainger. Many times I may pay a little more but I have never had a problem with shipping, and I can't think of a time they were out of stock on anything. All and all they are a pleasure to deal with.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

What are the alternative tool sources?

Do you have any other industrial supply stores in your area besides Grainger? I find that the privately owned industrial supply stores have the best tools.

 

[slob]

SK 4147 47 piece 1/2" drive 12 point socket set

Grainger: $511
Tooltopia: $272 and you get a free 10pc universal/adapter set. An adapter set that sells for $224.75 at Grainger.

Grainger is great for lots of stuff. SK tools ain't one of them.

 

[kippieland]

Amazon is great as well. +2 for tooltopia and ebay.

 

[ActAppalled]

I've bought a lot of tools through MSC, including Proto. They have one of the best selections of Proto that you are going to find. The company I work for had a very large account with them. I get to take advantage of the company discount so I'm a little biased, but they have always been very good to deal with.

 

[nikonica]

Another vote here for MSC. They put out discount coupons several times a week, and at least once every two weeks or so the deal is something like 30% off orders over $299, or 15% off orders over $199 plus free shipping. Furthermore, their standard shipping is overnight, which is nice. Almost as convenient, in fact, as the tool truck, if not more so. MSC is a great company to do business with, and their sister company, Enco, also carries a limited selection of Proto and other tools for slightly lower prices than MSC.

BTW, Proto tools are every bit as good as any of the fancy more well-known names you read about on here, and far better than most. JMHO.

 

[woody 73]

Honey Child if snap on tools are out of your budget...Then Lie-Nielsen should be out of the stratosphere!

 

[strutaeng]

Thanks guys. I have checked the websites that you recommended. I had not heard of MSC, but it turns out they are within 1 mile of the Grainger I go to. Also, Motion Industries has good tools; they are within driving distance. I bought a Bahco hacksaw from them a while back, but didn't realize who they are sold until now.

Honey Child if snap on tools are out of your budget...Then Lie-Nielsen should be out of the stratosphere!

Woody 73, Lie-Nielsens are great hand tools. I was up there last year and stopped by the plant. They were kind enough to give me a tour of the plant. It's a small facility, with great American folks enjoying what they do for a living. If I were to calculate the dollars spent per tool use, they are a bargain (woodworker speaking)! Not to mention how enjoyable they are to use...

 

[shampoop]

It seems to be very difficult to find a place to buy proto stuff either in store or online. I've recently bought a few of their items which I love, but had my best luck when simply looking up the part number, and searching for it in google shopping. The 2 ratchets I bought ended up being bought through amazon as a middleman for some random companies. It was much cheaper than grainger.

 

[jeffmoss26]

www.harryepstein.com!