Liberty Tool Company in Liberty, Maine sells salvaged tools. This lovely three minute video featuring Liberty owner and tool buyer H.G. “Skip” Brack provides a glimpse into a solid small-town business that provides a useful service to its patrons.

There’s a huge problem with structural unemployment where many people don’t have the skills and there’s really no role for them except as consumers. But underneath that, for the sustainable economies of the future, we really have a vibrant group of artists and craftspeople who will play a major role in the future, in terms of sustainable economies, because they are able to use tools.

BY Laura Cochrane

I'm the assistant editor at MAKE and CRAFT. I like etymology and dislike endings.

10 Responses to Liberty Tool Company of Liberty, Maine

  1. Pingback: Too many people, not enough to do » Why Aren't You Outraged?

  2. Georgeous

  3. Wow! The sort of place that you can be lost in time whilst looking for the special thing!

  4. Bruce on said:

    Been there, love that… One of the most amazing stores I’ve ever been to!

  5. on my must go to places

  6. They actually have three locations. Liberty Tool in Liberty, in two seperate buildings facing each other across the street. Captain Tinkhams, in Searsport. Hulls Cove Tool Barn, in Hulls Cove, just outside Bar Harbor. I would suggest not visiting if you are with any non tool users, you will loose them quickly as you dive in and explore.

  7. tatagatha on said:

    Someone should get this man more press time as a maker movement spokesperson. That is one of the best articulations of the economic and personal fulfillment aspects of Making. We would all do well to be able to repeat that quote that Laura cited in the post to express to other people why the Maker movement has real value.

  8. I live in Maine and have never been there. Guess I need to sometime.

  9. ameyring on said:

    My father-in-law’s former shop somewhat resembled a smaller version of this guy’s, as my father often seeks old tools at flea markets and estate sales. He’s met folks who make everything without using a single power tool.

  10. Pingback: MAKE | Liberty Tool Company of Liberty, Maine « Void Warranties

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