where to find tool suppliers?

[BerninicaCO3]

Hi!

If I don't see the tool trucks, I can of course order online... and sears has a lot more than home depot. But not enough. How do I begin to find the more specialized supply houses that would carry good ratchets, a full variety of sockets, and many more of the tools I'll want as a mechanic-in-training?

Looking for something near gaithersburg, maryland.
What key words would you type into the yellow pages search engine?
"automotive supply," "tools auto," other ideas?
Having trouble finding such a business.

Never been in a NAPA; do they have more than sears in the way of auto tools...?


thanks!
-Bernard

 

[Davefr]

Hi!

If I don't see the tool trucks, I can of course order online... and sears has a lot more than home depot. But not enough. How do I begin to find the more specialized supply houses that would carry good ratchets, a full variety of sockets, and many more of the tools I'll want as a mechanic-in-training?

Looking for something near gaithersburg, maryland.
What key words would you type into the yellow pages search engine?
"automotive supply," "tools auto," other ideas?
Having trouble finding such a business.

Never been in a NAPA; do they have more than sears in the way of auto tools...?


thanks!
-Bernard

Other then HF and Sears, B&M tool stores are pretty rare. The NAPA's I've been in only have the basics however you can special order just about anything.

I think your best bet is to shop online.

 

[kams1973]

Go to local shops and ask them what day the tool trucks come by.

 

[harryhood]

from your other posts it appears you are just beginning your career in auto repair. My suggestion would be for you to save some $$ and look for tools on CL, swap meets, tag sales etc..

Don't try to keep up with the tool hounds on this site.

 

[scott37300]

If you are looking to hook up with a tool truck I'm pretty sure snap on and the other trucks have a dealer locater that you type in your zip and they will give you the contact info for the dealer in your area. Then you could find out when he is in your area and meet up with him.

I have built my tool collection over the last 15 years or so and have all the basics and have been ordering a lot of "specialty" tools from tooltopia and ebay. Tooltopia has good prices and free shipping on orders over 100 bucks. There are some other good sites out there also. I buy some of my tools used but you have to be careful not to buy junk or worn out tools.

There are also a bunch of pretty good deals on the classifieds on this site but seems like you have to act fast because the good deals seem to go quick.

 

[woody 73]

If you call the tool companies they will give you the phone numbers of the tool trucks in your area. You can give msc a call at 1-800-645-7270,they carry a big selection of tools. Another source is the Harry J. Epstein Co. at 1-800-821-5503,they also have a nice selection of tools.

I had to laugh at the comment about not keeping up with the tool hounds,try as you might,once you start buying tools it becomes very addictive,kind of like living without a fix.

Happy hunting.