Northern Tool + Equipment is a chain that sells tools, equipment, and supplies for construction, farming, and home projects

Northern Tool + Equipment operates physical stores across the United States and sells online at northerntool.com. The company stocks hand tools, power tools, safety gear, workbenches, tool storage, hydraulic equipment, generators, compressors, and supplies for contractors, farmers, and homeowners. Unlike some hardware stores that focus on general household items, Northern Tool specializes in heavier-duty equipment and industrial-grade tools.

The chain has over 200 locations, mostly in the Midwest and South, though you can order from their website regardless of location. Stores typically carry both their own brand and name brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Snap-on. Prices tend to be competitive with big-box retailers like Home Depot and Lowe's for comparable items, though selection varies by location and product category.

Key Takeaways

  • Northern Tool specializes in construction, farming, and heavy-duty equipment rather than general household supplies.
  • You can shop in person at over 200 store locations or order online at northerntool.com for delivery or in-store pickup.
  • The store carries both house brands and major tool manufacturers, with prices comparable to other large retailers.
  • Northern Tool offers rental services at some locations for equipment you need temporarily rather than buying.
  • Return policies vary by product type and whether items are final-sale, so check before purchasing expensive equipment.

What you will find in a Northern Tool store

Northern Tool divides inventory into several main categories. Hand tools include wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, hammers, and chisels. Power tools cover drills, saws, sanders, grinders, and nail guns. Safety equipment includes hard hats, gloves, respirators, eye protection, and fall protection gear.

The equipment section is where Northern Tool differs most from general hardware stores. You can find air compressors, generators, pressure washers, welding equipment, hydraulic jacks, engine hoists, and tool chests. Outdoor power equipment includes chainsaws, leaf blowers, and snow blowers. Farming customers can find implements, trailers, and livestock handling equipment at larger locations.

Storage and organization products — tool boxes, wall-mounted systems, workbenches, and shelving — take up significant floor space. The store also stocks consumables like fasteners, abrasives, lubricants, and cleaning supplies. Availability of specific items depends on store size and location; smaller stores carry a narrower range than flagship locations.

How to find what you need before you go

The northerntool.com website lets you search by product name, brand, or category. You can filter results by price, customer rating, and availability at your nearest store. The site shows stock status for each location, so you can confirm an item is in stock before driving there.

If you know the product you want but are unsure whether Northern Tool carries it, call your local store directly. Store phone numbers are listed on the website's store locator. Staff can tell you whether the item is in stock and sometimes hold it for you for a limited time.

For large purchases or specialized equipment, some stores offer in-store consultations. If you are buying a generator, compressor, or welding equipment for the first time, asking a staff member about sizing and features can save you money on a wrong purchase.

Ordering online and picking up in store

Northern Tool offers buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS) for many items. You order on northerntool.com, select your nearest store as the pickup location, and receive an email when the order is ready — usually within one to three business days. You then go to the store, provide your order number, and take the item with you.

BOPIS is useful when your local store does not have stock but a nearby location does, or when you want to avoid shipping costs on heavy items like tool chests or compressors. Shipping costs for heavy equipment can be substantial, so in-store pickup often saves money.

For items not available at any nearby store, Northern Tool ships to your address. Shipping times and costs depend on item weight and your location. Large equipment may take one to two weeks to arrive and may require signature on delivery.

Renting equipment instead of buying

Many Northern Tool locations operate rental departments where you can rent tools and equipment by the day, week, or month. Common rental items include pressure washers, concrete saws, drywall lifts, scaffolding, generators, and compressors. Rental is useful when you need equipment for a single project and do not want to buy it.

Rental rates vary by location and item. A pressure washer might rent for $40 to $60 per day, while a generator could be $30 to $80 per day depending on size and power output. You typically need to provide a credit card and photo ID, and you may be charged a damage deposit that is refunded when you return the equipment in good condition.

Call your local store's rental department to check availability and reserve equipment in advance, especially during busy seasons like spring and summer when rental demand is high.

Understanding Northern Tool's return and warranty policies

Northern Tool's standard return window is 30 days from purchase with a receipt. Items must be unused and in original packaging. Some items — like final-sale equipment, clearance items, or rental equipment — cannot be returned. Check the product page or ask at checkout whether an item is returnable.

Manufacturer warranties vary by brand and product. DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita tools typically come with one- to three-year warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. Northern Tool house-brand items usually carry a one-year warranty. Warranty claims are handled by the manufacturer, not by Northern Tool, so keep your receipt and original packaging.

For defective items within the return window, you can return them to the store for a refund or exchange. For items outside the return window, contact the manufacturer directly with your receipt and proof of purchase.

Comparing Northern Tool to other hardware and tool retailers

Northern Tool competes primarily with Home Depot, Lowe's, and Tractor Supply. Home Depot and Lowe's carry a broader range of general household items and building materials, while Northern Tool focuses deeper on tools and equipment. Tractor Supply overlaps on farming equipment but carries less construction-focused inventory.

Prices are generally competitive across all four retailers for the same brand and model. Northern Tool sometimes offers better prices on heavy equipment like compressors and generators because that is their specialty. Home Depot and Lowe's may have better prices on common items like paint, lumber, and fasteners because they buy in larger volume.

If you are a contractor or farmer making regular purchases, Northern Tool's loyalty program and contractor discounts may offer better value than occasional sales at general retailers. Ask in-store about contractor accounts if you plan to buy regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Northern Tool have a loyalty program or contractor discount?

Northern Tool offers a rewards program for regular shoppers that earns points on purchases. Contractors can set up a business account for volume discounts and net-30 payment terms. Ask at the customer service desk or visit northerntool.com to learn current program details and enrollment requirements.

Can I return an item I bought online to a physical store?

Yes, most items purchased online can be returned to any Northern Tool store within 30 days with your receipt or order confirmation. Some final-sale or clearance items cannot be returned. Check the product page before purchasing if return policy matters for your purchase.

What should I do if I need a tool Northern Tool does not carry?

Call your local store to ask whether they can special-order it. If not, you can order from online retailers like Amazon or directly from the manufacturer. Some specialty tools may only be available through industrial suppliers rather than retail chains.

Is it cheaper to rent or buy a tool I will use once?

Renting is almost always cheaper for one-time use. A pressure washer that costs $300 to buy might rent for $50 per day. If you think you will use the tool again within a year or two, buying may make sense; otherwise, rent.

Do Northern Tool stores price-match competitors?

Northern Tool's price-match policy varies by location and product. Call your local store to ask whether they match Home Depot, Lowe's, or other competitors on specific items. Some stores match; others do not, so confirm before shopping.