Tucson Tool Shop — Attraction in Tucson

I absolutely love this place. After reading other reviews, however, I think that it's important to understand where Kent's really shines.

Someone mentioned that $70 was way too much for a 24" used bolt cutter, and they could buy three new ones for that price." This may be true, but it's the result of certain tools that used to be pretty dang expensive coming way down in price due to China (think hydraulic floor jacks, you can get a 1.5 ton Black Jack branded floor jack by Torin for $19 NEW, formerly costing $150 to $200) and/or online retailing (think PEX crimping tool online for $37 at Amazon formerly $300!).

So on certain tools, I think that Kent's just hasn't realized how the price points have changed. But consider... Let's say you want a specialized little tool like a tire tread gauge. That would be about $10 on Amazon, hard to find in any store, and only $2 at Kent's.

Before I buy any tool, I quickly do a search for the tool (on my phone) on Craigslist, Harbor Freight, and Amazon and then I call Kent's. About half the time, Kent's wins.

And to the one star anonymous reviewer that claimed Kent's tools are no longer relevant, come on, what "relevant" tool could you possibly need that Kent's tools doesn't have, that you could find at Harbor Freight or Home Depot? You sound like disgruntled competition trying to talk crap to somehow lower their business. Implying that Kent's doesn't have a wide enough selection is like saying Arizona doesn't have enough sand.

Here's all you need to know about buying tools. 1) Don't buy tools from Home Depot; 2) ALWAYS call Kent's before...

I haven't been to Kent's in quite some time: I have moved further away within the valley, and I've built up my tool collection over many years with the help of Kent's and a few other local gems. When I did need a hand tool, or ultra-fine mini-file for antique clock repair, Kent's came to mind first. I really need to try the specialty gem and mineral store - the booth at the Gem Show has been a knockout. If need a tool out of the norm, or vintage, or really specialty, VERY good chance that they'll have it! My advice for a shopper (and again this is dated knowledge, so situation may have changed) is to know your brands and quality and prices of new SMALL POWER TOOLS before you go - they don't carry junk, but I always felt that this was the least/smallest 'must shop here' section bonus for pricing, unique choices, used but top-notch quality & condition, American fabrication, and keeping dollars local. Just my opinion, and again may be dated. But if you wanted a micro machinists vice, or a piece of RR track to use as an anvil, or a choice of at least a dozen styles of hammers - you...

I really can't say enough good things about this place. A huge selection, of almost any tool you would need. Very nice staff. Offered to actually "make, modify" an existing tool if that is what I needed. I found the prices to be fair for what I was looking for. Don't expect to walk in and pay 5 cents for a socket or wrench, just because he has a bin full of them. If you think something is overpirced.... DON'T BUY IT!! Go somewhere else and get it. Most tools don't wear out, so a used wrench/socket might as well be new. Go price a set of Craftsman sockets at Sears, and realize your cost savings at Kents. Wish I had known about this place a long time ago. Go to Kent's first, if he doesn't have what you need, or it is too pricey, then go to Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace, whatever. GREAT PLACE TO START FOR...