Even with the advent of electrical-powered tools, hand tools have remained invaluable items in every toolbox. From Screwdrivers and hammers to ratchets, wrenches and more, Ace can help you stock up on these essentials with a huge selection of hand tools and hand tool sets.
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The Benefits of Hand Tools
Hand tools operate with manual force. They don’t require access to a power outlet, connection to an air compressor, or the need to keep a battery charged. And because they don’t require tool batteries or power cords, they tend to weigh less. Compared to power tools, hand tools usually take up less storage space, too, and can be transported between worksites easily. What’s more, they conveniently fill out a toolbelt so that the right tool is always close to hand.
Grow Your Tool Collection with Hand Tool Sets
While you can purchase hand tools individually, many brands like Craftsman, Milwaukee and STIHL also offer hand tool sets. With a hand tool set, you receive a variety of tools for a low price. Often, tools come already neatly organized and arranged in a tool box for effortless storage and transport.
There are many types of hand tool sets available, and some include an assortment of different types of tools. For example, a starter tool set may contain a hammer, assorted screwdrivers, a wrench and a pair of pliers. Manufacturers also create sets that provide assorted sizes or types of a single tool. Examples of these types of hand tool sets include screwdriver sets and pliers sets. What comes in each hand tool set varies, so check out the product description for a complete listing of the tools found in the various sets available online.
Specialty Woodworking Hand Tools
If you're new to woodworking, getting the right hand tools is an important first step in starting the hobby. Some key hand tools for woodworking include:
- Chisels: Available in a variety of sizes, chisels allow you to cut, scrape and sculpt wood.
- Mallet: Hitting a chisel with a mallet helps to drive the tip into the wood when shaping.
- Hand planes: Use a sturdy hand plane to cut away thin sections of wood.
- Saws: Joinery and panel saws are must-have hand woodworking tools for cutting materials to size.
- Clamps: Hold wood in place while sanding and shaping and keep wood components together for gluing and fastening with clamps.
Buy a Hand Tool Set or Individual Tools at Ace Hardware
Whether you’re looking for hand tools or power tools, Ace has what you need to keep your home in top shape. Our collection of hand tools and hand tool sets is available for you to shop online 24/7 for added convenience. Click on any of the tool types featured above to explore your options. Or, visit your neighborhood store for assistance with selecting hand woodworking tools and more that align with your needs. While you're there, you can also get ideas and inspiration for your project from our knowledgeable associates.
Following are ToolGuyd’s favorite places to shop for tools, workshop supplies, and related products.
There are of course many places where you can buy new tools, with different retailers offering benefits over others.
As a tool user, I’m usually looking for lower prices, better customer service, and an overall easy and satisfactory customer experience. I still haven’t found the best-overall retailer – have you?
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Here’s how I break down the different types of retailers:
- Online Distributors (e.g. Amazon.com)
- Big Box Retailers (e.g. Home Depot, Lowe’s)
- Industrial Suppliers (e.g. McMaster Carr)
- Woodworking Shops (e.g. Lee Valley, Rockler)
- Specialty Supply Shops (e.g. TEquipment)
- Marketplaces (e.g. Ebay)
The following tool store recommendations were last updated in August .
Online Tool Retailers
Acme Tools – Great selection of power tools, hand tools, and tool storage, usually at competitive pricing (or better). I check Acme’s deals and promos regularly.
Use coupon code TOOLGUYD for $10 off $79+.
Amazon – Wide selection, great prices, excellent customer service, easy return policy, many items eligible for free shipping. One of my favorite place to shop for tools and supplies.
Ohio Power Tool – A great source for power tools, plumbing equipment, and Milwaukee Tool products.
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Tool Nut – One of my favorite power tool retailers, with good selection, fair prices, lower free shipping threshold.
If you’re looking for information about where to buy cordless power tools, we have a separate post on that here:
The company is the world’s best stainless steel hand tools supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Recommended article:Unleash Power: The Sledge Hammer Custom Experience
Big-Box Retailers
Home Depot – Vast selection, decent prices, many items are eligible for free shipping and time-saving free in-store pickup. I have had great customer service experiences as well.
Lowe’s – Good sales, and different tool options than other home improvement retailers.
I shop at both major big-box retailers, and typically pick one over the others depending on what I’m looking to buy. If both offer the same tools or supplies at similar prices, I prefer Home Depot.
Industrial Suppliers
McMaster Carr – Vast selection, ambiguous branding (which I sometimes dislike), quick shipping.
MSC Supply Co – Great selection, great prices if you shop from the monthly sales flyers, quick shipping.
Zoro – Typically very good pricing, especially with a 20% off promo code, great customer service.
Woodworking Tools
Lee Valley – Home of Veritas tools, great customer service.
Woodcraft – Good selection, occasional good bargains with deals and promos.
Knives, Multi-Tools, EDC Tools
BladeHQ – One of my favorite places to shop for multi-tools and pocket knives.
Knives Ship Free – Another much-liked source for EDC knives with fair pricing and great customer service.
Specialty Tools and Supplies
Harry Epstein Co – A friendly mom & pop shop with focus on USA-made tools.
KC Tool – Focused on German hand tool brands, great customer service.
TEquipment – A great source for benchtop test equipment products with friendly customer service.
Marketplaces
This includes Ebay, Craigslist, community forums, shows, yard sales, and swap meets.
I don’t shop for second-hand tools often, but have scored some nice deals and trades on enthusiast forums. There’s always a risk factor.
I also tend to visit the traveling Woodworking Show with a healthy budget, as I never know what goodies I’ll find and feel compelled to buy on impulse.
Reader Recommendations
Which vendors would you add to this list? This isn’t an exhaustive list of where I purchase new tools from – the above list reflects where I shop and spend the most.
Disclosure
ToolGuyd has affiliate/referral relationships with many of these retailers, but I have also been buying our own tools and supplies from them for many years, and strongly recommend them without hesitation.
How does a retailer get on this list? Simple – by winning over my business.
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