Last updated on March 24, 2026 8:39 am
Looking for tool shops in Chicago?
When I think about Chicago, I can only think of its rich history in the industrial and manufacturing field, which aligns with most of the tools we need for our homes and renovations.
Chicago is home to many tool stores in Illinois. I can say that a lot of locals share experiences about stores that provide supplies and tools that help them complete small and big projects at home.
According to Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox: You’ll never run out of tool shops in Chicago that most builders and DIY enthusiasts keep in high regard. There are plenty of huge hardware stores in Chicago like ACE Hardware, Woodcraft, and Do It Best.
You can also find flagship stores of tool makers like Hilti and Northern Tool. You’ll find fastening tool shops, power tool stores, woodworking shops, and lots of home improvement stores that operate like Home Depot.
With plenty of tool shops and specialty stores in Chicago, locals keep coming to their favored store for their home improvement projects and of course, tools.
We’ve also seen most long-running tool shops run as family businesses.
Overall, Chicago provides quality service with quality tool brands. I also observed that only a few of them have limited stocks.
Choosing a tool store in Chicago
Availability of tools, parts, and accessories
With the high demand for tools for commercial and residential projects, you can find every type of tool, parts, and accessories in Chicago.
Most tool stores in Chicago boast partnerships with big power tool brands like Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Bosch.
And they also come with blades, bits, and parts replacements. So you’ll never worry about not completing your project in time.
Quality tools
Locals in Chicago have quite a good taste for different hand and power tools and that’s why most tool shops sell quality tool brands.
Most of them do not sell tools that you can only use twice. I can say that they compete in selling the best quality hand and power tool brands.
Atmosphere
As I have observed, most tool shops here have a decent and welcoming ambiance. They have organized shelving for tool placements with good lighting.
The shops have safe and plenty of space to stock tools for display and demonstration.
Some shops offer parking spaces for car owners.
Most shops have old-style vibes because they are decades old and were built way before WWII.
But even so, they offer modern power tools found in bigger hardware stores.
Customer service
The staff are informative and would give plenty of advice on the best possible tool to use.
Just let them know about what you want to do and they will help you find the right tool for your project.
You can purchase online in most shops, but a few do not offer online delivery.
Some shops offer small repairs, and most power tools come with a warranty and after-sales support.
Specialty shops
Chicago has specialty stores for woodworking, fastening, and automatic taping and finishing tools.
Workshops, trainings, and demonstrations
Most tool shops in Chicago train their staff to provide informative details about the tools they sell.
Some shops host tool workshops and demonstrations on how tools work and how to care for them.
Some shops offer online demonstrations of the tools they sell like Berland’s and AMES taping tools on their social media channels.
Here’s where you can buy top quality tools in Chicago.
DISCLAIMER: The tools shops mentioned below are not listed according to ranks.
1. AMES Taping Tools
What is AMES Taping Tools?
AMES Taping Tools is a well-known tool shop and supply store for taping and fastening equipment in different parts of the US.
Founded in 1939, AMES Taping tools pioneered automatic taping technology and finishing.
This shop also provides equipment rentals and specializes in drywall finishing supplies, tools, and equipment.
Chicago is one of the top-rated AMES taping stores in Google because of its exceptional service and knowledge in fastening and drywall finishing.
What to expect from AMES Taping Tools?
You will be greeted by a professional staff who will attend to all your questions. You will be given helpful bits of advice that will help you find the right taper or fastening tool.
Just tell him about your project, and you will get an informative answer. The shop is well-stocked with all the taping fastening tools you need.
What kinds of tools do they sell?
They specially sell automatic taping and finishing tools.
Where to find them?
2. Kim’s Hardware
What is Kim’s hardware?
Kim’s Hardware is a staple of Edgewater in Chicago. This neighborhood shop contains almost everything you need for fixing things around the house.
They also offer small, windows, and patio door repairs.
Aside from that, the family-owned business running for over 40 years also offers repair or services for locksets and key cuts.
What to expect in Kim’s Hardware?
Kim’s Hardware has a wide selection and has pretty good reviews both from Yelp and Google. They offer pretty good advice to their customers.
Their staff has good orientation of tools and would suggest the right tools you need for your project. Aside from that, they also offer reasonable prices and help downsize as needed.
That’s why most of them find the staff accommodating and knowledgeable of their stuff.
You’ll find almost any tool and part you need for your project in this shop. Also, they offer small repairs.
What kinds of tools do they sell?
Kim’s Hardware sells home improvement and DIY tools.
Where to find them?
3. Mutual Sales Corporation
What is Mutual Sales Corporation?
Mutual Sales Corporation doesn’t sound like any power tool shop store or hardware company but it has been a long-standing construction supply shop in Chicago.
They specialize in providing construction supplies and fastening tools and equipment for commercial and residential clients.
They are also a great source of power tools in Chicago through their partnership with reputable power tools and fastening company brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and 3M.
What to expect in Mutual Sales Corporation?
MSC has been a trusted tool store with its length of service and knowledgeable and welcoming staff.
They provide your needed tools quickly. A great source for fasteners.
What kinds of tools do they sell?
MSC sells fasteners, power tools, and construction supplies.
Where to find them?
4. Berland’s House of Tools
What is Berland’s House of Tools?
Berland House of Tools is a tool store found in Joliet.
Run by the Sherman family, they sell mostly power tools and accessories.
The store is not full-blown hardware so you’ll find anything but tools and accessories.
They don’t serve online deliveries.
However, you’ll find the most innovative tools, especially cordless technology.
What to expect in Berland’s House of Tools?
A true tool shop. The store has a wide selection of quality power tools like electric drills and cordless circular saws.
Some people call it a man’s toy store because you can find any tool for men in this store.
Staff has great customer service and they are very knowledgeable and expert in different tools.
What kinds of tools do they sell?
Berland’s sells hand and power tools.
Where to find them?
5. Albany Steel & Brass
What is Albany Steel & Brass?
A century-old fastener tool shop in Chicago, Albany Steel & Brass specializes in selling bolts, nuts, bits, and different types of fasteners.
Currently managed by the fourth generation of the family, Andy Lebovitz, the company sells hardware, fasteners or accessories, cabling hanging systems, power tools, cutting tools, and struts and accessories.
They also provide supplies for HVAC contractors.
What to expect in Albany Steel Brass?
People here know their stuff and would give the best advice for your project.
You can find all types of fasteners and bits in this shop. They are helpful in finding the appropriate tool for your job.
What kinds of tools do they sell?
You can purchase any types of fasteners, bits, sockets, bolts, nuts, HVAC supplies in Albany Steel & Brass.
Where to find them?
Why buy tools locally in Chicago?
You don’t have to go to any other city to find the tools you need. If you need a certain tool while you are in Chicago, you’ll probably find it. You are sure to find one nearby close to your residence because of the abundance of home improvement stores scattered around the city.
Aside from that, I love that the locals have good taste for tools and would not settle for less. And the good thing is that most sales staff know the tools they sell.
In customer service, educating the customers about your products is going the extra mile for the love. The store owners offer quality tools to showcase their brand. And that is why most of them have been long-standing for years.
In Chicago, you’ll find every type of tool: hand tools, cutting tools, corded & cordless power tools, carving tools, plumbing, HVAC, and electrical tools.
Just make sure to look at the reviews and look for ones with great after-sales service, especially if you are buying power tools. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.
