bogdann

Hi
I am heading to New York for an unexpected wedding and thought it would be a good chance to have a look at a reasonable tool store and find some of those unusual tools we can't find at home. Staying near Empire State but will be travelling to Park Slope and Astoria areas. Forgot I am also going to visit my sons future in-laws in Conneticut but I don't think I will be allowed to stop to buy tools!

Any suggestions?

Jerry Feather

We have Harbor Freight Stores all over the place in this country. Perhaps you can find one closer to the shotgun wedding that you could slip away to when they are drinking it up at the reception.

hb253

Harbor Freight is fun, but it's hit or miss in terms of quality. Some stuff is great, some good, some dangerously bad.

I've always liked Sears myself. I guess it depends what specific tools you are looking for. That may help set your tool store itinerary.

I suspect you will find it very difficult to find automotive tool stores in Manhattan. I don't think Park Slope would be much better.

Hugo

gcthree

Also, Northern Tool has an amazing array of tools. I picked-up the 32mm 3/4" drive socket for the rear hub bolts, and paired it up with the 3/4" drive torque wrench I bought at Harbor Freight to set those pesky bolts. The wrench goes to 300 lb/ft, but one extra tug once past the 300 lb/ft click should get me to the required torque level.

Eplebnista

You can't use the word "reasonable" in the same sentence with New York (Manhattan). You could go down to Canal Street - there are some "hardware" stores down there that have all kinds of interesting stuff, but it could be a bust. Canal Street is knockoff heaven, you can get a watch or a Gucci bag for your better half. Just remember that there is only one "L" in Rolex and haggling is mandatory.

Rob Edwards

Midtown Manhattan would not be my first choice of places to buy tools. Hassle, sky high rents and absurd NY sales taxes are going to wither any market that might exist there. There is one Harbor Freight in the Bronx but I wouldn't go there without my kevlar vest and security detail.

Same question has been asked on garagejournal, here's the thread. Slim pickings:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ores+manhattan


Where are you going in CT? That's a much better bet for good/interesting tool shops.

Fnic99

Not many tool stores in midtown Manhattan. Most people that live in Manhattan don't own cars or do any handy work.There is a big Home Depot on 3rd ave and 60th (or 62nd). Should be a 35 minute walk from where your staying. It is deep underground in the sub-basement of a building. I don't know of any others. Enjoy your vacation.

Home Depot: 980 3rd Ave,
New York NY 10022

snoz

There are plenty of tools on Wall Street aren't there?

Fogey1

Which unusual tools are you looking for? If they're really unusual they may not be stocked in a store anyway.

Weddings and "time to do stuff" don't fit very well. If I were you, and had a week or so, I'd do my shopping online and have the tools delivered to you or your relatives in NY or Connecticut.

Rob Edwards

As a hopeless German-car tool junkie, almost every 'interesting' quality tool I own was purchased on-line or off a truck. If I had a list of 928-specific tools I wanted to buy, I'd order them all online and then have them shipped to the CT address, and bring an extra suitcase.

Here are your quality tool time-waster sites:

ZDMAK:

http://zdmak.com/

Baumtools:

http://www.baumtools.com/stage/

Sam Stag sales:

http://www.samstagsales.com/

Chad's Toolbox:

http://chadstoolbox.com/

Stahlwille:

http://www.stahlwille-online.de/inde...=2&mid=2&shid=

Snap-On:

http://www.snapon.com/

Proto/SK:

http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/Pa...FeZxQgodvjYAZA

Ad0911

Didn't you know you were getting married? And using the opportunity to make a wish list?

Reddog2

i think he is looking for useful ones

NoVector

Whatever tools you buy, when it’s time to go home, pack it in your suitcase and not in your carry-on. You would be amazed at what TSA will classify as a weapon and not allow on a plane. I put the heavier tools in my carry-on so my suitcase wouldn’t be overweight. Epic mistake…

Adamant1971

I like it!

bogdann

Thanks for the tips. My son is getting married to a CT lady and will be settling in NY so there will be a few more trips and I may get to Dallas and Milwaukee on another trip.
Even though our city is just short of 2 million residents the choices here are very poor. I can go to 5 different stores for something as simple as circlip pliers and no one will have a pair. If I want to buy cheap oil, armorall or air freshener it is not a problem but not much else.
I thought it would be interesting to look around and see what is available plus pickup a few small items.