I found tool heaven... or at least something close to it.

[Swingpress]

In my quest for worthy additions to my Secret Santa package I decided to visit Epstein's. I figure since I hadn't been before and it was a 10minute drive I could kill some time while gaining ideas. Well, I'm hooked! Knocked out all my Secret Santa shopping and then splurged on myself! Who else has been there? While I admit it was unorganized, the sheer volume of tools is kinda crazy!

 

[yjWrangler]

10 minutes away and you were never there? I'd be there all the time!

 

[Swingpress]

10 minutes away and you were never there? I'd be there all the time!

It just never was a priority to go I guess? I could go broke in that place! Knipex, S-K, PROTO, N.O.S. made in U.S. Craftsman... everywhere! Oodles and ooodles of it!

 

[JohnDeere1]

OMG I'd kill anyone to go 8(

 

[mikebaker1129]

Didn't know they carried Proto also.

 

[Swingpress]

Didn't know they carried Proto also.

Yeah, me and one of the guys behind the counter chatted about that. From what he was telling me, I guess that whenever a brand/manufacturer changes design, discontinues a line, etc. Epstein will buy the remaining stock by the lb. so I guess they function more as a liquidator of sorts. I was shown a ton of stuff and apparently they recently got in over 30k lbs of Warwood hammers!

 

[L.Cheapo]

Several years ago, I used to go to KC all the time on business. Was within a block of it on my way from Wheeler Downtown to Jack Stack Freighthouse most of those times. If only I knew then what I know now.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

A person can for sure go broke there if you visit to often. Just went there the other day. I stop in every so often, to see what shows up. There are lots of oddities alongside the mass of quality tools. Swingpress if you like Epsteins you should also check out Clark's Tool they have a huge selection of mechanics tools. I have found both Epsteins and Clark's both have the internet beat on price. Pretty lucky in KC.

 

[sk farmer]

hje is well worth a trip. even if you have to go out of the way.

 

[chrisnazzy]

Well if I ever find myself in KC I guess I'll need to make sure to set aside a couple hours for tool shopping. Sounds like an awesome place. Nowadays its very unfortunate that you can't just walk into your neighborhood tool store and check out all sorts of USA made tools. I mean even when I was a kid and teenager in the 80's & 90's Sears was still selling USA Craftsman. Its just all China now and it makes me sad.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[jeffmoss26]

Been buying from them since I found GJ...one day I will visit!!

 

[pamike]

How are their prices? Any examples of what you can get and the price?

 

[notlob]

http://www.harryepstein.com/blogs/

 

[paulsomlo]

I was there two weeks ago, spent over two hours wandering the aisles. A friend spent over $200 on various and sundry items - yes, you can go broke if you're not careful.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Been buying from them since I found GJ...one day I will visit!!

Now I understand the reason for your fan club allegiance! Good choice.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I get to Kansas City for work several times a year. Whenever tim allows, I grab a company car and visit HJE. It's like Toys are US for tool junkies.

 

[Jbullfrog]

A person can for sure go broke there if you visit to often. Just went there the other day. I stop in every so often, to see what shows up. There are lots of oddities alongside the mass of quality tools. Swingpress if you like Epsteins you should also check out Clark's Tool they have a huge selection of mechanics tools. I have found both Epsteins and Clark's both have the internet beat on price. Pretty lucky in KC.

My brother lives in KC, so we get there annually. He's not much for entertainment, so I try to go shopping or pickup Craigslist purchases to justify the trip. Where is Clark's Tool, and what do they carry?

 

[Swingpress]

My brother lives in KC, so we get there annually. He's not much for entertainment, so I try to go shopping or pickup Craigslist purchases to justify the trip. Where is Clark's Tool, and what do they carry?

Clarks is in Blue Springs Mo., and I'm sure they have 2 other locations but I'm not sure where. They carry Bel-Air, S-K, Wilton, and a few others. Not near the selection/volume of HJE but prices are reasonable and they have a tidy set up of quality stuff. They stock a lot of carbide stuff too so that has come in handy.

I wish I could give an example of pricing at HJE but I don't want to risk spoiling a surprise! Lol, let's just say there was a specific item from Knipex that was $55+ from every other site and even on HJE' website but I paid $40 in the store...

 

[Farmall 1066]

Love HJE. Get to KC 4-5 times / year and always try to stop.

 

[bartels_metal_works]

Bought my fantastic new set of Wright Combination wrenches there a couple weeks ago. The staff is great to talk to and they know where everything is. Can't beat supporting a local company too. I don't stop in too often though, as said previously you can go broke quick...

As for Clark's Tools, there are three locations. Claycomo, Blue Springs, and Shawnee. Good place, though a completely different atmosphere than HJE. I knew the founder, Lloyd Clark, in fact when I was young he was my next door neighbor after he retired and before he passed away. I mowed his yard for a couple years.

 

[ericb445]

I have a place like that close to my Home town. Called Waltco Tools, In Wood River IL. Very nice selection of everything.

 

[bixxjs]

I watched a YouTube walk round video ,I’d love to visit.

 

[shelbysguns]

I live an hour from KC and had no idea they had a storefront or that it was so close. Will be stopping by very soon.