Northern Tool and Equipment often called Northern Tool is a U.S. based retailer and manufacturer specializing in industrial and DIY tools and equipment. Founded in 1981 by Don Kotula this family owned company began by selling log splitters out of a garage. Today it has grown into a billion dollar business offering over 70000 carefully chosen tools via catalogs online and retail stores. With more than 130 stores nationwide and an expansive online presence Northern Tool and Equipment serves contractors tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts across 22 states.
Key Facts: Northern Tool + Equipment is a major supplier of light industrial equipment and DIY supplies. The company private brand lineup and national brands cover a wide spectrum of power tools generators compressors welders and more. In 2017 it had already opened its 100th store and surpassed $1 billion in annual underlining the trust professionals place in their products.
One Stop Shop for Every Trade
Northern Tool and Equipment storefront in Madison Wisconsin. Trades of every kind rely on Northern Tool vast product selection. Electricians find power drills and conduit benders plumbers get pipe threaders and water pumps mechanics shop tool chests and lifts; and farmers access generators and hydraulic equipment. Even hobbyists and weekend warriors benefit: Northern Tool stocks welding gear pressure washers air compressors and other equipment for construction, agriculture, automotive repair and home improvement. Each product page lists technical details so professionals can compare specs. For example the NorthStar line Northern Tools own brand includes log splitters generators pressure washers and air gear often used in landscaping construction and farm work.
Northern Tool and Equipment commitment to providing the right solution for our customers means it curates products for both pros and hobbyists. Its Tools for the Trades program even donates high quality tools to school trades programs encouraging the next generation of builders and technicians. Whether it is a contractor needing a diesel generator on a jobsite or a DIYer looking for a reliable drill Northern Tool and Equipment aims to have it in stock.
Extensive Product Range for All Trades
Northern Tool and Equipment covers nearly every category a tradesperson might need. Key product categories include:
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Power and Hand Tools: Corded and cordless drills saws grinders impact wrenches hand tools tool sets suitable for carpenters electricians mechanics and more. Brands include DeWalt Milwaukee Makita plus Northern private labels.
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Outdoor Power Equipment: Portable and stand by generators pressure washers log splitters snow blowers wood chippers useful on farms construction sites and large properties.
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Air and Hydraulic Equipment: Air compressors air tools hydraulic presses pipe benders. Essential for auto shops machine shops and construction.
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Automotive and Shop Equipment: Car lifts jacks hand trucks tool chests battery chargers equipping garages and service centers.
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Construction and Material Handling: Concrete mixers welders cranes scaffolding hoists heavy duty gear for builders and fabricators.
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Safety and Shop Supplies: Work boots gloves safety glasses shop lights lubrication and fasteners everything needed to maintain a safe and efficient worksite.
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Plumbing and Electrical: Pumps pressure tanks conduit tools work lights and circuit testers for plumbers and electricians.
Each bullet above represents dozens of products. Northern Tool site and catalogs list exact specs so tradespeople can choose the right tool. The breadth of inventory means industrial contractors and small business owners can consolidate purchasing: one Northern Tool shopping cart can include a power saw an air compressor and a tow behind generator covering multiple jobs.
Quality Brands and Manufacturing
Northern Tool offers both top national brands and its own labels. Its private brands are built to competitive standards. In fact the company started manufacturing in 1991 under its NorthStar brandstartribune.com. That line covering log splitters compressors generators and more often comes with robust warranties and a focus on durability. Independent reviews note that many NorthStar products hold up under heavy use making them a cost effective choice for professionals.
Meanwhile major brands fill out the catalog. An electrician may prefer a Milwaukee drill while a farmer might choose a Northern owned Powermate generator. By pairing competitive pricing on house brands with a full array of name brand tools Northern Tool ensures tradespeople can balance budget and performance. Its quality control is strong: private label tools undergo testing in Northern Tools own facilities and the company highlights that 40% of its sales are from private labels reflecting confidence in those products.
Shopping Convenience and Support
Northern Tool and Equipment is not just a catalog or store it is an omnichannel retailer. Customers can order online or pick up items in store. There are over 130 physical locations as of 2022 strategically placed so most urban and rural tradespeople have a location nearby. Use the Northern Tool Store Locator to find hours and services at each shop. The catalog once the company sole channel is still published and NorthernTool.com lets users filter products by category or trade.
Customer service is a focus. Every retail store has a Parts and Service departmentstartribune.com where technicians repair equipment or help find replacement parts. Northern Tool advertises fast shipping and a 365 day return policy for added confidence customers should verify the latest policy on northerntool.com. The company also offers membership deals like free shipping on some items and regular promotions appealing to budget conscious buyers.
Some highlights of Northern Tool service and policies:
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Holiday Returns: 365 day return policy on many items easing long term satisfaction policy subject to change check website.
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Fast Shipping: Most orders ship within 2 to 4 business days reducing downtime on the job.
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In Store Pickup: Buy online and pick up same day at many locations.
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Customer Support: Live support lines user manuals and detailed product Q and A help both novices and experts.
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Trade Financing: Special financing and bulk purchasing options for businesses availability varies.
All of this translates into time savings for tradespeople. As one industry columnist notes Northern Tools strategy includes expanded Parts and Service offerings to take the burden off weekend warriorsstartribune.com meaning they help do it yourselfers and professionals troubleshoot and fix tools just as a small repair shop would.
Northern Tool vs. Big Box Retailers
Compared to general home improvement chains Northern Tool and Equipment is often seen as the heavy duty alternative. While Home Depot or Lowe carry some contractor grade tools Northern Tool catalog goes deeper into industrial categories e.g. 50 HP compressors PTO generators or farm specific equipment. Pros appreciate the niche focus: a logger for example can find a hydraulic wood splitter and log archer at Northern that would not appear in a typical hardware store.
That said prices can be higher than Walmart or Home Depot on common items but Northern Tool justifies this with specialized inventory service and bundled deals for trades. For instance the ability to buy a welder helmet and welding rod together from one retailer saves time. Reviews often note that for complex or uncommon tools Northern Tool is worth checking first because of its variety and knowledgeable staff.
Tips for Buying Tools at Northern Tool
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Research your trade: Use NorthernTool.com filters to browse by category.
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Read product details: Check motor specs amperage voltage details are listed with each item.
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Compare brands: Use customer reviews and ratings on the site. Sometimes Northern house brand offers similar performance to name brands at lower cost.
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Take advantage of deals: Look for seasonal promotions on popular items e.g. chainsaws in spring snow blowers in fall.
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Ask for support: Contact Northern Tools Parts and Service or call center if you need help choosing the right tool or understanding maintenance needs.
Conclusion
In summary Northern Tool and Equipment is a one stop resource for tools and equipment for all trades. With a massive selection 70000+ items high quality brands and services tailored to professionals and DIYers alike startribune.com it stands out in the industrial supply market. Whether you build repair or maintain you can find grinders welders air compressors and specialized gear under one roof. If you work in construction automotive repair agriculture or any skilled trade Northern Tool inventory is built to meet those needs.
For the latest offerings and store locations visit Northern Tool + Equipment website. Feel free to comment below with your experiences share this guide with fellow tradespeople or ask questions the community thrives when experts exchange tips. And if you found this article helpful please share it on social media to help others in your trade discover the right tools!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is Northern Tool and Equipment and who is it for?
Northern Tool + Equipment is an American industrial retailer founded in 1981. It provides light and heavy duty tools machines and supplies for contractors mechanics farmers and DIY hobbyists. Its catalog and 130+ stores covers everything from hand tools to air compressors so it is ideal for virtually any trade or home project.
Q: What kinds of products does Northern Tool carry?
They carry over 70000 products. Key categories include power tools air tools generators and power units shop equipment, welders, pumps and garden outdoor equipment. Both big name brands and Northern own brands are availablestartribune.com.
Q: Does Northern Tool have physical stores or is it online only?
Northern Tool operates retail stores in 22 states. As of 2022 there were around 130 locations nationwide. You can order online at NorthernTool.com or visit a store to pick up items get technical advice or access repair parts.
Q: Can both professionals and DIYers shop at Northern Tool?
Absolutely. Northern Tool caters to a broad audience. Professional contractors and equipment dealers frequently shop there for industrial grade gear while DIY homeowners and hobbyists use it for home projects. The company philosophy is to serve those who do the tough jobs which includes weekend warriors and students in vocational programs via their Tools for the Trades program.
Q: What is the Tools for the Trades program?
Tools for the Trades is a charitable initiative by Northern Tool + Equipment. The company donates high quality tools and equipment to vocational and technical school classrooms. This program helps teach students the value of skilled trades by giving them hands on experience with real tools fostering the next generation of electricians plumbers mechanics and more.
Q: How can I contact Northern Tool or find a store?
Visit the Northern Tool + Equipment website northerntool.com and use the Find a Store link to locate a branch. Customer service can be reached by phone or email through their Contact Us page. In store you can speak with Parts and Service staff for product support. Remember Northern Tool + Equipment is often listed by its full name or simply Northern Tool in directories.
Q: Does Northern Tool ship internationally?
Northern Tool primarily serves the U.S. market. Shipping policies can change so check with customer support for the most up to date information. Domestic shipping is available across the continental U.S. and many items qualify for fast delivery.
Q: What sets Northern Tool and Equipment apart from other retailers?
Its focused specialty in industrial and contractor grade tools sets Northern Tool apart. It offers more specialized equipment like pneumatic roof nailers or PTO driven generators than general retailers. The combination of deep inventory expert staff and customer programs like tool rental and repairs makes it a go to source for serious tradespeople. Its private label brands also mean customers can often find high quality gear at competitive prices backed by the company support networkstartribune.com.
