Vintage tools in Chicago

[Gary Herrmann]

Anyone know of any good shops in Chicago? I'm going to be heading up there in a week or so, and may be able to find some time to go through a shop or two...

[Mike Brady]

Hi Gary. Unfortunately, I have not discovered any dedicated sources for vintage tools here in Chicago. New tools, yes; but not hand tools and not anything other than Woodcraft and Rockler. I get my tools at flea markets and the MWTCA shows once a year; and of course, from internet sources. When I travel, likewise I do not know where to go for tools other than in Maine. I'm afraid the days of stores selling vintage tools are pretty much a thing of the past for most parts of the country. Your best bet may be antique stores. I learned something recently from an antique dealer. He said that antiquers don't like to have glass and iron in the same store. That is the reason you don't find many old tools in the antique stores you encounter. The prices are usually right out of the price guide books anyway and way too high.