Harry J Epsteins Trip

[Penny88]

I recently took a trip to Kansas City to watch a friend play in a National Basketball tournament. While there I decided to pay a trip to Harry J Epsteins.

The store is located downtown, and is pretty easy to find. I simply walked in, told the person at the counter I was one of their customers from California and I learned about them through Garage journal and would like a tour. A man sitting in the back overheard and replied "Did you just say Garage Journal?".
I said,"yes."
"Well of course you can have a tour."

The store is straight out of the 30's. Original floors, original elevator, original bathroom! It's like a museum with modern American tools! And they gave me a ride on the elevator. The store is similar to the website and is quirky. I will tell you the prices are written backwards so if your dyslexic you will be fine. If not bring a pen and paper. You will be amazed at all the American made tools you will find. Also their are some easter eggs, I was sworn to secrecy but those no-name brand white dead blow hammers they have for sale just happen to have a very reputable brand on the side of them that asked the store not to publicize it. Believe me buy a set.

 

[Farmall450]

White dead blows? Do you have an Epstein's #? Thanks.

 

[Big Bob]

Worked for years a few blocks from HJE's and to say it's a time warp is an understatement. I bought a set of Wright metric open ends there a few years ago and the receipt was handwritten and the tax (KC's massive sale's tax) was calc'd by a guy using a early 70's calculator.

 

[Penny88]

white dead blows? Do you have an epstein's #? Thanks.

#10-140

 

[ChevyEFI]

What size / drive are that socket and wrench in your pics?

 

[Penny88]

Worked for years a few blocks from HJE's and to say it's a time warp is an understatement. I bought a set of Wright metric open ends there a few years ago and the receipt was handwritten and the tax (KC's massive sale's tax) was calc'd by a guy using a early 70's calculator.

I think that same guy is still using that same calculator!!!

 

[Penny88]

What size / drive are that socket and wrench in your pics?

About those: I asked the guy Jori why did he have all the Texas sized tools he told me Kansas City was a major railroad hub with all the oil they were producing. And tool companies routinely made custom tools for the train/railroad/oil workers etc..etc...

 

[PFSard]

When I first saw that Texas-sized socket, I thought it was a waste-paper basket. LOL. And that wrench!!!

 

[Trey T]

Sounds like a place I want to visit. how much was that giant socket going for?

 

[sk farmer]

hje is worth the trip. i was there last summer and jori gave me the 10 dollar tour. from the top floor to the basement. ahhh........ the sights and smell are still fresh.

 

[sonvolt]

I've ordered quite a few items from there, good quality and prices !

 

[jeffmoss26]

HJE is on my must-visit list. I talk to the guys often. Ken, Steve, and Jori are awesome!!

 

[fatfillup]

Thanks for the pics and description. Matches the description of everyone I know who has been there. Great people and great company to do business with. I will make the pilgrimage one day.

 

[Dugan]

Kinda curious who the company making those deadblows is now haha.

 

[G_P]

Kinda curious who the company making those deadblows is now haha.

Says NUPLA right on the website. Probably made for a truck brand.

 

[Dugan]

Says NUPLA right on the website. Probably made for a truck brand.

"They private labeled these for another prominent US manufacturer who shall remain nameless."

 

[Penny88]

Sounds like a place I want to visit. how much was that giant socket going for?

I doubt its for sale. But that socket was so heavy it required both hands for me to lift it, and I broke a sweat.

 

[Penny88]

Kinda curious who the company making those deadblows is now haha.

I'll give you a hint. You should be able to figure it out. Hopefully everyone that knows can keep a secret ....

At one time the "mystery company's" ratchets were made by Wright and their wrenches by Bonney.

 

[SteveCh]

After making a number of orders over the past year, I'd love to go there in person.

On the other hand, I shouldn't go there in person.

 

[ambenz]

Okay, take away my man card....I had no clue about this tool emporium.
For us members who don't count tools in our sleep, here is a link...http://store.harryepstein.com/
Now, you won't have your man card revoked for asking, you'll know!

 

[BJ42LX]

I was there last summer and saw the socket. The store is worth the trip. Lots of cool stuff all over.

 

[Scout Driver]

Thanks for posting the pics! I was there in 2012. Thank you for bringing back great memories. I hope to go back sometime.

Scott

 

[eborcim]

The retail floor is amazing. You have to see the basement and upper floors as well for some hidden gems.

 

[monomach]

#10-140

Ah. These I have seen on a truck.

It's not MAC, it's not Cornwell, and it's not Snappy.

I don't know whether Nupla still does or not, but they also used to make a Craftsman dead blow.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Ah. These I have seen on a truck.

It's not MAC, it's not Cornwell, and it's not Snappy.

I don't know whether Nupla still does or not, but they also used to make a Craftsman dead blow.

I've been looking at the 1-1/2lb deadblow for my portable box (instead of dragging around my 48oz Snap-On). Temped to pick one up, but not sure if I want to pay the extra $10+ for the mystery branded version when they're $15 shipped on Amazon.

 

[NorDel Garage]

I need to find an excuse to drive from the east coast to Kansas City ! I'm sure my wife would understand.

 

[monomach]

I've been looking at the 1-1/2lb deadblow for my portable box (instead of dragging around my 48oz Snap-On). Temped to pick one up, but not sure if I want to pay the extra $10+ for the mystery branded version when they're $15 shipped on Amazon.

I have one that looks the same as the "mystery" HJE, but is a different color scheme. Whatever brand you get it in, this Nupla is worth having.

Here's $12 shipped on clearance from Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938351000P

 

[G_P]

I have one that looks the same as the "mystery" HJE, but is a different color scheme. Whatever brand you get it in, this Nupla is worth having.

Here's $12 shipped on clearance from Sears:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00938351000P

Found the hammer on Epay under its "mystery" brand name

 

[monomach]

Found the hammer on Epay under its "mystery" brand name

Yeah, I think they're the only one to offer a Nupla in straight white.

Oh, forgot to mention...Nupla makes the SK, too.

They might make everyone's.

 

[dtt454]

i believe that same socket has been on the floor for years haha

 

[Jawn]

Great place, I was in there about a year and a half ago. Didn't mention GJ, so I didn't get a special tour.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Found the hammer on Epay under its "mystery" brand name

Just found it too.