Places worth a visit.

[JasonB1989]

I read constantly on this forum arguments between different tool manufacturers in the US so I'd like to avoid this thread turning into one of those. I am from Britain originally but now live in Australia and currently planning a visit to the US. We obviously have the Snap on/Mac franchises over here but where would be worth a visit to buy 'made in the USA' tools for a visitor. I'd even stretch to visiting a truck if I could get contact details and arrange a time/place.

 

[ddawg16]

The US is kinda big.....where will you be going?

 

[JasonB1989]

Newyork then up to Boston

 

[LB-1911]

New york then up to Boston

I would consider a stop at the

New Britain Industrial Museum


185 Main Street, CCSU/ITBD Building, 1st Floor
New Britain, CT 06051 • 860-832-8654
Tu,Th,F 2-5pm, W 12-5pm, Sat 10am-4pm

 

[bsg1]

a large, OldSchool swap meet visit may provide a true treasure hunting experience for tools and other things. you never know what you're going to get.

 

[rsanter]

For used stuff, search craigslist, offer up, letgo, and visit so,e swap meets.

For new stuff, if you want to order a bunch of stuff I get an industrial discount on snap on. I could buy the stuff for you and hold it till you get here.

I have heard that snap on costs even more there than here

Bob

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

Anywhere north of the Mason-Dixon line

 

[JasonB1989]

The prices of tools in Australia are extortionate however you only foot the bill for four years if you are in the trade. You can claim the depreciation in value on your tools back in your tax return so if you're clever and good at keeping your numbers correct, a set of wrenches depreciate cost new/four for the next four tax years!

 

[JasonB1989]

What are the mid range tool lines like and where do you buy that. Store bought stuff?

 

[jakemac]

For used tools,
The Tool Shed - Worcester, Ma (mid-state, restricted hours)
The Tool Shed - Waltham, Ma (different owner, smaller, closer to Boston, restricted hours)
Todd's Farm Flea Market - Rowley, Ma (35min north of Boston, Sunday morning only)
Lynnway Flea Market - Lynn, Ma (I don't recommend this one for outsiders, rough crowd)
Lynnway Tools - Lynn, Ma (if he's still in business, not sure, tries to stock truck brands)
125 Tools - Plaistow, NH (45+min north of Boston, just over the Ma state line)

All used markets are pot-luck for pricing and availability.

While at your hotels, ask at the desk for locations of local hardware or tool stores. Who knows, they may not stock ****.

Here is a link to some hardware stores in the greater Boston area.
https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=hardware&find_loc=South+Boston%2C+Boston%2C+MA

I used to go to Warren Electric and Backstage Theatical, but that was 20yrs ago. I'm not sure what they stock now.