It is worth it. Bring a wheelbarrow full of money.
Local, independently owned old-timey tool stores
- Thread starter noahwins
- Start date
Yes Hardwicks does have a store in Post Falls, Idaho. I drive past it occasionally. A nice looking building was erected over a year or two ago, it seems, but they still haven't opened the store to walk in customers. Their Facebook page is not very informative, but it appears they are still working on the interior of the store and it might open in late 2022.
Hardwick's | Post Falls ID
Hardwick's, Post Falls. 2,529 likes · 1 talking about this · 624 were here. RUST & DUST SINCE 1932 - For nearly four generations, Hardwick's has provided customers with a unique shopping experience...
www.facebook.com
The offline prices are usually list prices. Online is cheaper. But like you said if you know the people.....I used to buy my hand tools from the same store for years so after a while the gave me 20% rebate...
kngelv
Well-known member
So I visited two of the places mentioned earlier. A few weeks ago I was at Kitts just outside Detroit. Found a few cool things for sure. It’s sort of like a time machine in there. They have a bunch of SK stuff in a showcase. One of the owners told me the last time he ordered from SK was 1987 so everything they have is older than that. I took my son and two of his buddies to Ray’s Mountain Bike Park in Cleveland today - where I’m typing this on my iPad - and after dropping them off went to Lakeshore Tool and Equipment in Lorain, Ohio. Super nice guy and an older lady - his mom? I picked up a couple Proto ASD wrenches and a couple cans of Kroil. They had a nice selection of tools. The Proto racks were pretty filled while the Wright ones were a little bare. They said they had issues getting stock from a lot of their suppliers. They had some Norseman HSS tap and die sets that I’m contemplating since I go to Ray’s like every other week from October to April for my son’s MTB fix.
James
James
Slkay944
Active member
Berlands House of Tools
600 Oak Creek Dr
Lombard, IL 60148
They have 2 locations outside of Chicago. great Selection of tools.
600 Oak Creek Dr
Lombard, IL 60148
They have 2 locations outside of Chicago. great Selection of tools.
vanapplebomb
Well-known member
Location; Holland, Michigan.
Lamb Industrial Supplies.
This is a great little industrial supply store. They have a little bit of everything, and reasonable prices to boot.
Things I regularly get from them include machine lubricants, cutting fluids, grinding wheels, die grinder burrs and sanding pads, end mill cutters, drill bits, taps, reamers, etc.
They have a nice collection of IR, CP, and Jet air tools. They also have some basic Jet power tools like drill presses and horizontal band saws. A good selection of electric drills and grinders from various makes.
It’s a great go to store for a hobby fab and machine shop.
The guys that work their know enough about the things they stock to guide you in the right direction for most of their products.
Lamb Industrial Supplies.
This is a great little industrial supply store. They have a little bit of everything, and reasonable prices to boot.
Things I regularly get from them include machine lubricants, cutting fluids, grinding wheels, die grinder burrs and sanding pads, end mill cutters, drill bits, taps, reamers, etc.
They have a nice collection of IR, CP, and Jet air tools. They also have some basic Jet power tools like drill presses and horizontal band saws. A good selection of electric drills and grinders from various makes.
It’s a great go to store for a hobby fab and machine shop.
The guys that work their know enough about the things they stock to guide you in the right direction for most of their products.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
If there are any in Phoenix I haven't found them. We use to have one called "The Shop" but that went out of business about 20 years ago. You're only going to find these kinds of stores in older cities. When I lived in Pittsburgh if a panel truck said "In Business since 98" that meant 1898. Out here if a business has lasted more than ten years they're considered old-timers.
d9gdon
Well-known member
Richards Equipment in Waco, Texas. Wall to wall tools and everything you can think of.
Finance Guy
Well-known member
Thanks for this ... I'd never heard of them before, and yet they're literally right down the street from me.
rmack898
Well-known member
Because of this thread I went to the Tool Shack today and I'm glad I did. I needed a 5/8" annular cutter and they had it. They also had ANYTHING that Milwaukee makes on the floor. Mayhew, knipex, Wright, Wilton, DeWalt, you name it and they had it on the shelf.
It's 35 miles from home but I'll be back there when ever I'm in the area.
Last week, I went to a hardware store I've been wanting to visit. It's under the Ace umbrella but much more like an old fashioned store. The original owner of the company (long since passed) was a friend of my dad and his first store was right around the corner from my dad's business so we'd go there regularly when I was a kid (1960's for the most part). This location (one of several now) is quite reminiscent of the old store - the rows, bulk hardware & nails... They have a bit of everything. I needed a couple of keys made that Home Depot could not do. These guys whipped them out in no time.
While I was waiting at the counter, one of the young kids working there was kibitzing with the young (45'ish?) woman also working there. He was waving a hose cutter around asking what was this for? I casually mentioned "Watch your fingers around that thing - you'll end up with a nub". He playfully asked the gal to give him her hand. She says "No way. Did that once before and not doing it again." Holds out her hand and the index finger had been clipped off at the outermost knuckle. She said she didn't do it there but liked to tease the kid with it. She was laughing but I felt about 2' tall....
While I was waiting at the counter, one of the young kids working there was kibitzing with the young (45'ish?) woman also working there. He was waving a hose cutter around asking what was this for? I casually mentioned "Watch your fingers around that thing - you'll end up with a nub". He playfully asked the gal to give him her hand. She says "No way. Did that once before and not doing it again." Holds out her hand and the index finger had been clipped off at the outermost knuckle. She said she didn't do it there but liked to tease the kid with it. She was laughing but I felt about 2' tall....
RTM
Well-known member
You gonna leave us hanging? Or is this a puzzle where we have to decipher your avatar to your dad’s store to which of the businesses was around the corner, Once we figure out which of the 56,500 sq miles of SoCal you called home in the 60s?
Ton ton
Well-known member
I agree, how could someone leave us hanging like this?You gonna leave us hanging? Or is this a puzzle where we have to decipher your avatar to your dad’s store to which of the businesses was around the corner, Once we figure out which of the 56,500 sq miles of SoCal you called home in the 60s?
You gonna leave us hanging? Or is this a puzzle where we have to decipher your avatar to your dad’s store to which of the businesses was around the corner, Once we figure out which of the 56,500 sq miles of SoCal you called home in the 60s?
It wouldn't be worth the drive to visit. It's not THAT classic. Just a nice vibe - likely highly enhanced due my nostalgia. And, it was only a couple miles from where I needed to be for an appointment that morning. It sure ain't no Harry Epsteins.
I was posting more for the nubby finger story. I had to laugh (inside) but, like I said, I felt pretty bad about my comment to the kid after she held up that hand.
LB Johnson Hardware
Norwalk, CA
The original, still there, is in Maywood. Haven't been to that store in probably 50 years.
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Since this post I did end up ordering a number of Proto sets, an ATD hub removal tool, and some Ullman pieces. Tim Jr. at Lakeshore has been helpful in acquiring the tools of interest. I've come back a few times with more items to order. It is challenging as there are long lead times these days with many of the manufacturers. Tim Sr and Nancy of Lakeshore have been very helpful also.
A previous post noted coffee being offered at some of the old time hardware stores. That was the case one time here too.
FloorPaint
Well-known member
Coastal Tool in Hartford, Connecticut is a gem. I’ve been shopping there for nearly 30 years (back to when they were operating from an old house on Sisson Avenue) and have never been disappointed. I haven’t lived in Connecticut since 2004, but I still shop there whenever I can. Their in-store staff can be a bit gruff, but they know what they’re talking about.
Coastal Tool was one of the earliest pioneers of online tool retailing. They have a lot more in their store than they offer online. https://www.coastaltool.com/
Coastal Tool was one of the earliest pioneers of online tool retailing. They have a lot more in their store than they offer online. https://www.coastaltool.com/
nbpt100
Well-known member
Sadly nothing like this near me. There use to be a used tool store in Hampton NH. A small shop they had a lot of quality machine shop inspection tools as well as other hand tools. Not too many machine shops around here any longer. Maybe that is why they did not survive.
ronkz650
Well-known member
Tool Barn in the Amish part of Missouri, near Sadalia. This part of the country has the greatest people in the World in my opinion. Check out the Amish grocery stores too if in the area.
versaillestoolbarn.com
Versailles Tool Barn | Versailles Tool Barn
versaillestoolbarn.com
ElectroMechTech
Well-known member
I can vouch for that. lol.
Hey guys, I'm glad I found this thread since for a year and some change I've been struggling to find a location to scavenge and look for collectible tools. Mostly old USA tools. I'll be checking the ones near Oakland CA so thanks. One question, I have a huge lot of collectible tools I would prefer to sell in a single transaction. Would any of these stores take it? It includes 20+ old pipe wrenches, 20+old monkey wrenches, 20+ old bicycle wrenches. About 300+ sockets(Craftsman=v=, -v-,-vv-,proto,plomb,mustang,SK,snap on and more.) About 150+ wrenches of the same previously stated brands also (Ford, Amsterdam Bonnie plus a lot more) there's also hand planes and my favorite the 275 wood handle screwdrivers.
gfd_703
Well-known member
I am so jealous of everyone who has access to these stores. Does anyone know of a good tool store near North West Tennessee? Could be in Western Kentucky or South Eastern Missouri.
Ton ton
Well-known member
W.L.Zimmerman,***********,PA. It’s a real town in Lancaster County,PA. Must see to appreciate. I’m being dead serious. I have bought stuff from this store recently.
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HoosierBuddy
Well-known member
Here's a review I did of Kliendorfer's Hardware in Bloomington Indiana 10 years ago. It's still there and hasn't changed a bit!
www.garagejournal.com
Rave - Kleindorfer's Hardware & Variety Bloomington Indiana
I'm approaching 50, and I want to tell you...I remember HARDWARE STORES. To you kids that don't know better, I'm not talking about the 6-foot wide "Hardware Aisle" at your putzy Lowes or Home Depot. I'm talking about honest to God hardware stores. These were large, dark, crowded buildings...
www.garagejournal.com
Tucson is slim pickens and getting slimmer!
The last good mom and pop hardware store (Lowry's) closed in 2019. And just found out yesterday that a large estate sale clearing house shut it's doors. Dang it.
All that's left - and good - is the local fireman's thrift store (Safe Shift) and the surplus department of the local electronics supplier (Elliot's).
safeshiftestatesales.org
elliottelectronicsurplus.com
The last good mom and pop hardware store (Lowry's) closed in 2019. And just found out yesterday that a large estate sale clearing house shut it's doors. Dang it.
All that's left - and good - is the local fireman's thrift store (Safe Shift) and the surplus department of the local electronics supplier (Elliot's).
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safeshiftestatesales.org
Elliott Electronic Surplus – Tucson Surplus Store
elliottelectronicsurplus.com
NoahG
Well-known member
While not exactly hardware stores, I feel the need to mention a couple of the well established, local, independent suppliers we purchase from. Truly the last of a dying breed.
Acme Ladder & Supply Co
10101 Capital St
Oak Park, MI 48237
United States
Great service, huge Milwaukee tool selection, and lots of dusty NOS on their shelves. They’ll let you poke around behind the counter and you won’t leave empty handed.
American Integrated Supply (formerly Perry Bolt)
4250 Grand River Ave
Detroit, MI 48208
United States
Another multi generational company that’s always more than happy to dig thru their basement for weird old screws.
Brooks Lumber & Ace Hardware
2200 Trumbull St
Detroit, MI 48216
United States
Aside from being one of the best stocked hardware stores in the city of Detroit proper, they have a very active Millwork department, and even build brand new custom wooden window sashes!
Acme Ladder & Supply Co
10101 Capital St
Oak Park, MI 48237
United States
Great service, huge Milwaukee tool selection, and lots of dusty NOS on their shelves. They’ll let you poke around behind the counter and you won’t leave empty handed.
American Integrated Supply (formerly Perry Bolt)
4250 Grand River Ave
Detroit, MI 48208
United States
Another multi generational company that’s always more than happy to dig thru their basement for weird old screws.
Brooks Lumber & Ace Hardware
2200 Trumbull St
Detroit, MI 48216
United States
Aside from being one of the best stocked hardware stores in the city of Detroit proper, they have a very active Millwork department, and even build brand new custom wooden window sashes!
Ton ton
Well-known member
American Tool & supply, Mount Union,PA. Right hand side of US. 522 going south bound. Decent selection of Klein pliers and DeWalt power tools. Owned by contractors and run by contractors. 7 am -5pm.
Chrome Vanadium Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2021
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- 663
Any suggestions in Chicago? Got a trip there coming up
NoahG
Well-known member
Off the top of my head, city proper, Clark & Devon Hardware and Crafty Beaver, and in the suburbs Berland’s House of Tools and Skokie Ace Hardware, specifically the basement.
Also American Science & Surplus is always worth a visit.
Chrome Vanadium Cody
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2021
- Messages
- 663
Thank you!
JoshGuitar
Member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2006
- Messages
- 13
Hamilton is about 10 minutes from me. I can have a good time just wandering through all the floors without buying anything. Even without the tools the building itself is amazing like you said.
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Funny to see Reiman's Hardware mentioned here; I grew up in SI and have been there many times- it's a true old-timey hardware store, or at least it was 35 years ago. Yes, Reimans did have a large lumber yard across Victory Blvd for a few years, I think in the early to mid 80s. IIRC it was next to Victory Lanes, or maybe where Victory Lanes once was?
IIRC, Reiman's was originally on Jewett Avenue, not far off Victory?, and moved to the present location in the mid to late 1970s. I'll have to ask a friend for a memory refresher as he still lives there and would remember- he goes there whenever he needs something they'd have.
Edit- Reiman's was originally on the corner of Victory and Manor Road, about an eighth of a mile from where it is now. After they moved, their original location was a picture framing and art shop for a long time, and I'm sure has been 20 things since.
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NFH2740
Well-known member
DB Sales in Ft Wayne IN has a large selection. Most of the US made tools are old stock; Tekton has become the stocked brand for hand tools. The inventory of twist drills, taps, and dies is quite good- up to M22.
Century Trading in Van Wert OH has a lot of hardware, surplus old stock tools, and an ever growing inventory of Milwaukee tools and accessories. They did carry SK, but have little inventory now. It seems they are replacing SK with SATA and Milwaukee hand tools.
Century Trading in Van Wert OH has a lot of hardware, surplus old stock tools, and an ever growing inventory of Milwaukee tools and accessories. They did carry SK, but have little inventory now. It seems they are replacing SK with SATA and Milwaukee hand tools.
still not open i dont know what is happening?Yes Hardwicks does have a store in Post Falls, Idaho. I drive past it occasionally. A nice looking building was erected over a year or two ago, it seems, but they still haven't opened the store to walk in customers. Their Facebook page is not very informative, but it appears they are still working on the interior of the store and it might open in late 2022.
Hardwick's | Post Falls ID
Hardwick's, Post Falls. 2,529 likes · 1 talking about this · 624 were here. RUST & DUST SINCE 1932 - For nearly four generations, Hardwick's has provided customers with a unique shopping experience...
Ton ton
Well-known member
Falkenhan’s in Hampden, Baltimore, MD has a decent selection of hand tools. They’re still open.
NoahG
Well-known member
Sad news for the hardware scene in Metro Detroit today. Frentz & Son in Royal Oak announced its closure after 93 years. Building is up for sale for $1.7 million. I’m sure it’s block will be hi rise condofied in two years.
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Well that just *****. Royal Oak has changed so drastically and so fast. I lived there for a while.
Noah, have you ever gone to ReNu on John R?
NoahG
Well-known member
The one just south of 8 mile? I drive by it all the time but never been in.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
We lost Samsel Supply this past year.
neo-trans.blog
Samsel Supply to close its doors after 66 years – NEOtrans
neo-trans.blog