HJE is one of my favorite places on planet earth. They have a range of traditional hand tools for woodworking that you just won't find at the big hardware stores. read more

Speaking with a Canadian at a music conference this past May; I asked him what was the highlight of his first visit to Kansas City. His immediate and enthusiastic response was "I finally got to visit Harry J Epstein!". I was not familiar with the business even though I had lived in the Garment District. He explained that as a woodworking craftsman he bought a lot of his high-end tools on-line and had them shipped to Canada from KC because of the top of the line and rare items that HJE carried. He also told me that they will create a wonderful hand drawn piece of art on the order if you request "box art". He urged me to visit and this week I popped in before heading to work. I'm not a craftsman or even a slight handyman, but my visit was amazing. The quantity and variety is mesmerizing and I only visited the ground floor and basement, the top floors I saved for a return visit. I now just have to determine what my carpenter buddy needs as a Christmas present before returning. The journey into the basement was quite memorable, it felt as if wandering down into 19th century Kansas City's underbelly. I feel quite out of touch that it took a foreigner to get me up to speed with a 90 year old Kansas City retail icon. I so glad that such an old business has kept itself relevant and grown it's sales and reputation internationally in the digital age. May Harry J. Epstein Co prosper into the next century. read more

See all

Very kind people. A small mom and pop kinda store but every time I've been here for work, they've came in clutch with having things that my company needs. As they're not a Walmart, their prices may be a little high and I understand why. But the service is always amazing and the people there are so helpful. read more

Incredible selection of tools. The staff knew where everything is in the 4 story bldg. Nice folks that loved figuring out the best solution for a specific need. Prices were good compared to other sources (online). read more

Not a bad place, just taking a star off on behalf of the other nervous people out there. Took me a year living down the street to work up the nerve to go inside. Pretty excited to head in after passing by so many times but, unfortunately, the owner decided to follow me around while slurping down some pasta. Simultaneously, a small child started screaming because he broke a finger, somehow? Cool store, hope this was a one-off bad day. It's a small space kind of place, so heads up. read more

So happy places like this still exist. I purchased four pairs of Malco locking pliers from Harry J Epstein Co. Their prices beat everone by a substantial margin, so much that I wasn't even sure they were legit until I did my research. I saw that they were a business since the '30s and have been in the same location since opening. They are a business that still does business the old fashion way of having people there to help you. If you do an online chat, there is an actual person responding. If you call, there is a person who will answer the phone. I love places like this and will try to give them business whenever possible. I did have a question that I sent to them through a chat, and someone quickly responded. I placed my order on a Sunday, and they were shipped on Monday. The package arrived to me in Los Angeles in a few days, and was very well packaged, with substantial wrapping around each plier to assure they arrived in good condition. You could tell a person wrapped them by hand and cared about what they were doing. I can't recommend places like these enough and hope they last another 100 years. I am very satisfied and will think of them first next time I need something else they provide. Please help keep businesses like this alive. read more

Harry J Epstein Co - USA Made Malco Locking Pliers - Hardware Stores Near Me - Kansas City, Missouri

This is the most interesting and fun place, and the owner is a delight! Anyone who complains about this store, just doesn't get it. We wandered in one morning because I'd been wanting to visit for years. I could've spent a solid week looking at everything and asking "what is this?" because there is an endless array of unusual items and decades-old treasures that you can hardly believe still exist. This is a high-end, niche store with products that are pricy because they are crafted (often hand-crafted) of high-quality materials. This is where people who really work and want durable, lasting tools go. We bought a few things (some sort of saw, for one thing) and we'll be back next time we need something of quality. We talked with the owner quite a bit. He is friendly, knowledgeable and just lights up when you ask about things. The store is truly special, and he is carrying on the family business and legacy. You won't regret visiting! read more

Cool stuff. Lots of great things you had no idea you needed. Support small business and enjoy the staff.

Epstein's is great for what they do: provide professional quality American tools both new and new old stock for reasonable prices, which usually more than offset the cost of shipping (the only downside to ordering from Epstein's). For example, you want the USA Husky Pro screwdrivers you no longer see at Home Depot? Epstein's has them. You want a great price on the game changing SK 3/8 pear head ratchet, or prefer the tried and true SK round head? Epstein's. Now if they would just open a satellite store in the greater Philadelphia area read more

This place is amazing! The staff are very helpful and knowledgeable about everything. The prices are amazing as well cheaper than most places including amazon. My only complaint is when you go in the store everything is a bit unorganized and prices aren't on everything. read more

Good gawd! No one has reviewed Epsteins! Well, lemme tell ya, you're missing out. They won't feed you here and you won't get your happy hour buzz on, but have you ever been in a time machine? Nuff said.....but, none the less I will say more. Located here since 1930, Harry's is operated by the grandsons of Harry and I believe a grandspring has wormed his way into this dusty operation. The place is primarily a wholesale operation that distributes hand tools, military surplus, and macho chatchkes around the world. Though ho-sale, they are open to retail walkins, as well. Get your butch on, along with a dash of archeologist, and stroll the isles of this old line operation. You can anticipate discovering things along the lines of five foot bolt cutters next to diamond cutter kits, periscope cleaning kits standing next to a blacksmiths anvil, Italian officers deluxe field dining setups next to tooled and engraved saddles sized to fit a schnauzer. For years I have treasured a stainless steel Soviet military flask from Harry's. Pray tell is there anything more appropo to keep your vodka handy? read more

I found out about Harry's from a friend at my bow making club. They have an awesome collection of Mora bushcraft knives and you can get them cheaper here than from Amazon.com. I also found an excellent Wetterlings Forest Axe here too. This isn't your neighborhood Ace Hardware. Definitely my favorite hardware store in KC. read more

Two smooth purchases of Wright Tools items from Harry J Epstein Co. Every item purchased was in stock as listed on the store's web page (I really like that). A great selection of goods, competitive prices and fast delivery. Thank you for great service! read more

Outstanding , great prices , most items " in stock " and when they are not in stock a prompt and accurate estimate as too the shipping date . A truly brilliant company to deal with ( A lot of online business's would do well to learn from the example from Harry J's ) . In my experience they also only tend too deal with brands that are known as high quality manufactures . You can not go wrong at Epstein's ( other then overspending on the credit card ! ) . read more

My go-to for tools when the country of origin matters, which for me is practically the main consideration. The box art is a very nice touch too. read more

If you like a mess, getting no service and only like to shop during bankers hours, this is the place for you. Don't waste your time.

I found out about Epstein's through the Garage Journal forums. I have ordered from them many times, and always find something I did not know I needed! Everyone is extremely helpful and friendly, even going so far as to special order items for me. One day, I will make it to Kansas City to see this legend in person. Keep up the great work!! read more

Primarily American Made products (tools and accessories) Some overseas products, but they ONLY sell PREMIUM products. Seriously cool and knowledgable staff (and friendly to all non-morons) It may be the coolest man store on the planet. If you haven't visited in person, you are truly missing out. Get there. Then again, I kind of like that it's not flooded with too many people, so nevermind. Keep shopping at Walmart and leave this place in tact. read more

This the premier hardware and tool store to shop at. As a professional I appreciate their broad selection of high quality tools and accessories. Also, they have the coolest quirky things like new safety glasses that were made in 1975. Somehow they get shipments of stuff like this that was stockpiled in some warehouse for decades. Harry's definitely has a unique merchandising ethos. I feel lucky to live close to Harry J Epstein Co.. read more

I have been going to Epsteins for years. Best tool store, knife shop and curiosity around. They guys are super helpful and friendly. If you are looking for a specialty hand tool or an odd size, Epstein will have it. It has been said "they have stuff you don't even need". You will leave with a new treasure. read more

Found out about them via the garage journal. Have done some mail order with them. THEY ARE AWESOME. If I'm ever in kc I'll stop by.

Absolutely the place to go for tools in the KC area. A legend among men and women that use tools to make their living. It's no Home Depot; it's a real tool store, so expect shelves and shelves of tools and not the most organized setup. If you don't like it, you've probably no business being in there anyway. As an added bonus, the prices are usually lower than any of the box stores, and they carry many more specialty and quality brands like Klein and RudeDog. A must-see. read more

No better place to buy tools. I recently moved away from Kansas City and after 4 years I still feel nostalgic for Harry J Epstein's. Great tools, fantastic atmosphere, amazing prices. If you are passing through KC, stop in they are right off I-70 and Broadway. read more

After losing all my old quality USA made tools in a fire, Epstein's came to the rescue with some great NOS tools from companies that now manufacture overseas. All I can say is keep up the good work. read more