Tools and tool retailers are the focus of this part of our web guide.
Tools have been an integral part of human civilization, enabling us to shape our environment, build structures, and create art. The ability to develop and use sophisticated tools is one of the factors distinguishing human beings from other animals.
The history of tools dates back to the earliest days of human existence. As human beings, our first tools were simple stone implements. Used millions of years ago, these tools were primarily used for hunting, cutting, and scraping. Over time, humans learned to create more sophisticated tools from bone, wood, and metal.
The Stone Age marked the beginning of the use of tools by human beings. During this era, hand axes and other stone implements were developed. The Bronze Age saw the introduction of metal tools, which were more robust and durable than the equivalent stone-made tools. The Iron Age further advanced tool technology, creating even more efficient tools.
The primary function of tools is to extend human capabilities and make tasks easier. Cutting and shaping tools like saws, chisels, and knives are used to cut and shape wood, metal, and plastic. Fastening tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and wrenches are used to fasten materials together using nails, screws, and bolts. Tools like tape measures, levels, and marking gauges are used to measure distances and mark precise points for cutting or assembly, and tools like pliers, clamps, and vises are used to grip and hold materials securely in place during work.
Today, tools can be broadly categorized into hand tools, power tools, and machine tools.
Hand tools are those that are operated manually. They have been an essential part of human civilization since the Stone Age—the earliest known tools, dating back to 3.3 million years ago, were simple stone implements used for hammering and cutting.
During the Bronze Age, tools were made by casting copper and tin alloy, which were sharper and more durable than stone tools. The Iron Age saw the introduction of iron, which was stronger and more effective. Over time, hand tools have evolved with advancements in materials and design, leading to the sophisticated tools we have today.
Historically, some of the more notable hand tools have included the Nicholson Molding PLane, the Norris Jointer Plane, the Tidey Patent Beveling Plane, the Adams Patent Patternmakers Plane, the David Patent Double Inclinometer, and Gunmetal Miller Patent No. 50.
The general categories of hand tools include wrenches, pliers, cutters, striking tools, struck or hammered tools, screwdrivers, vises, clamps, snips, saws, drills, and knives.
Power tools are those powered by electricity, batteries, or compressed air. Examples include power drills, saws, sanders, and nail guns. While all power tools have their hand-tool equivalent, they are essential for tasks that require more power and precision.
The modern era of power tools began in 1895 when the C&E Fein Company invented the first electric power tool, combining an electric motor with a manual drill.
Power tools are often classified into two main categories: stationary power tools (table saws, lathes, and drill presses) and portable power tools (hand drills, circular saws, and angle grinders).
They can also be categorized by their function: cutting tools (jigsaws and chainsaws), drilling tools (hammer drills and rotary drills), grinding tools (angle grinders and bench grinders), sanding tools (belt sanders and orbital sanders), fastening tools (nail guns and impact drivers), and shaping tools (lathes and routers).
Machine tools date back to the Industrial Revolution. Before then, hand tools were primarily used to shape and cut materials. The advent of the steam engine in the 18th century marked a shift, enabling the development of power-driven machines capable of producing dimensionally accurate parts in large quantities.
Today, machine tools are generally electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic.
Examples of machine tools include lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, and punch presses.
While both machine tools and power tools are used for shaping and forming materials, machine tools are typically stationary and used in industrial settings, whereas power tools are portable and designed for hand-held use, with some exceptions. Machine tools offer higher precision and can handle larger, more complex tasks than power tools. Machine tools are used for heavy-duty industrial applications, while power tools are more commonly used for smaller-scale tasks and do-it-yourself projects.
The above represents just a sample of the types of products and tool retailers who may be featured here.
Categories
Garden ToolsHand ToolsMachine Tools | Power ToolsWoodworking Tools |
Recommended Resources
Acme Tools is a well-known online and in-store retailer specializing in a wide range of tools and equipment. Its product catalog features more than 1,300 brands, including power tools, hand tools, outdoor landscaping equipment, woodworking tools, and heavy equipment. Family-owned and operated, Acme Tools provides free shipping on orders over $199 and employs a knowledgeable sales staff to assist customers. Acme has retail stores in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa.
https://www.acmetools.com/
Serving do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts, professional tradesmen, contractors, builders, electricians, plumbers, and others, CPO offers a large selection of quality corded and cordless power tools, hand tools, outdoor power equipment, automotive supplies, and power tool accessories from top brands and specialty manufacturers. Shoppers may browse by category, brand, reconditioned tools, new arrivals, or special deals. Its affiliate program is defined, and contacts are posted on the site.
https://www.cpooutlets.com/
Grizzly specializes in providing a wide range of woodworking and metalworking machinery, power tools, hand tools, and accessories. Founded in 1983, the company has grown into a national retail, mail-order, and e-commerce company in the United States. Grizzly offers table saws, planers, bandsaws, jointers, dust collectors, drill presses, and other woodworking tools, along with lathes, mills, combo lathe mills, drill presses, bandsaws, sanders, brakes, shears, and other metalworking machines.
https://www.grizzly.com/
Harbor Freight Tools is a privately-held American tool and equipment retailer. Headquartered in California, the company operates a chain of retail stores and its e-commerce website business. It began as a mail-order tool business dealing with liquidated and returned merchandise in 1977 and opened its first retail stores in 1982. Its stores may be located through its website, and products may be purchased online. Shoppers may browse by brand or by product categories. Guides are available.
https://www.harborfreight.com/
The online hardware and tool store offers tools and hardware for automotive, building materials, clothing, safety equipment, electrical, lighting, electronics, farm and ranch, pets and animals, hand and power tools, hardware, housewares, cleaning supplies, lawn and garden, outdoors, painting, decor, plumbing, and HVAC, along with special offers. Customer testimonials are posted, along with its address, contacts, customer service hours, shipping policies, and charges.
https://www.hardwareandtools.com/
Home Depot is an American retail corporation specializing in tools, construction products, appliances, and services, including fuel and transportation rentals. At its retail stores and online, Home Depot carries a variety of electric and battery-operated power tools from several major manufacturers. Its site can be browsed by category, features, cordless/corded, or brand. Descriptions, customer ratings, prices, store pickup, and delivery information are provided.
https://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Power-Tools/Electric/N-5yc1vZc298Z1z0xcqk
Jim's Tool Reviews helps consumers make buying decisions when purchasing hand and power tools. They specialize in hand tools, power tools, biscuit joiners, angle grinders, jaws, and jigsaws. They also provide deals on hand tools like hammers, clamps, sockets, saws, and knives. All products are put through stringent testing to ensure accurate data. Viewers may opt to browse by brand. Reviewed products may be purchased online through an Amazon Associates affiliate program.
https://jimstoolreviews.com/
The Canada-based business serves customers all over the world. Founded in 1978 as a small store selling woodworking tools, the company now has eighteen stores in Canada and an online shopping site, offering an expanded product line that includes gardening tools, hardware, gifts, and homeware. The company offers workshops, seminars, and in-store demonstrations at its retail stores, while its website includes informative articles, how-to videos, project plans, and other resources.
https://www.leevalley.com/
Stocking more than 5,000 products across popular tool brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee, the online retailer offers exclusive discounts to its email subscribers, as well as rotating monthly price cuts and tool specials on electricians' and plumbers' tools, job site equipment, lawn and garden tools, hand tools, safety equipment, tool belts, bags, and air tools, with free shipping on orders over $199. Shoppers may browse by category, brand, or special deals.
https://mytoolstore.com/
Family-owned and operated, Skyway Tools is located in Chico, California, where it has a storefront open Monday through Saturday. Its address, telephone and fax numbers, email address, and hours of operation are posted on the website. Its online product catalog is sorted into categories for automotive and body repair tools, hand tools, heating and AC tools, radiator tools, welding tools, tools used in working with wood or metal, and general tools. Free shipping is available on orders over $100.
https://www.skywaytools.com/
Established in 1920, Snap-on is a Wisconsin-based designer, manufacturer, and marketer of high-end tools and equipment for professional use in the transportation industry, including the automotive, heavy-duty, equipment, marine, aviation, and railroad industries, distributing its tools through franchisee dealers who visit their customers' workplaces weekly in vans carrying items for sale, while it distributes lower-end tools under the "Blue-Point" brand. A full list of its brands is featured.
https://www.snapon.com/
100% Australian-owned, this is an online tool, automotive, and safety equipment retailer. Shoppers can browse its tools category, including cordless tools, outdoor power equipment, hand tools, tool storage, accessories, welding tools, automotive batteries, 4WD camping and adventure supplies, and safety equipment, or by brands. Gift cards are also available. A full catalog of products is available, and new products and promotional offers are highlighted. Its affiliate offers are outlined.
https://www.tools.com/
The online store specializes in industrial cutting tools, power tools, and CNC machines, including a wide range of products, including router bits, saw blades, shaper cutters, and other tools and accessories. Besides its core products, the site also offers downloadable CNC plans and safety posters, CNC tool files, a router big quiz, safety guidelines, and an overview of its affiliate and rewards programs. Videos and other informational articles and contacts are included.
https://toolstoday.com/
