Acme Tools: The Family-Owned Powerhouse That's Been Outfitting America's Tradesmen for Over 75 Years

Look, we get it. You've got a million options when it comes to buying tools these days. Big box stores on every corner, online marketplaces that promise the world, and sketchy websites that may or may not ship what you ordered. But here's the thing: we've been doing this for over 75 years, and we didn't get here by cutting corners or treating our customers like transaction numbers.

I'm talking about Acme Tools, and yeah, this is personal for us. We started as a small electric motor repair shop back in the day, and we've grown into one of America's leading retailers for professional-grade tools and equipment. The crazy part? We're still family-owned and operated. That's not just a tagline we slap on our website; it's how we run this business.

Back in August 2025, we put together a straightforward video that basically laid out who we are and what we're all about. No Hollywood production crew. No over-the-top gimmicks. Just honest talk about our operation and what we bring to the table for contractors, tradesmen, and serious DIYers.

The response was solid, pushing 1,000 views from people who are in the market for quality gear. These aren't casual browsers killing time on YouTube. These are pros and homeowners who need to know their supplier can deliver when the job's on the line. And that's exactly the kind of customer we want to serve.

Here's what we're working with: over 1,300 brands under one roof. Milwaukee, DEWALT, Bosch, Makita, all the heavy hitters you'd expect. But we don't stop there. Whether you need a 60-foot boom lift or you're hunting down a specific precision hand tool that nobody else seems to carry, we've got the inventory depth to back it up.

We now operate more than 12 retail store locations across North Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. If you're not in our neck of the woods, don't worry, our online store at AcmeTools.com is open 24/7. We run two distribution centers to ensure your order ships fast and arrives securely. And here's something we're proud of: free shipping on orders over $199, with some exclusions applying, of course. That's not a limited-time promotion or some seasonal deal. That's just how we do business.

What really makes us different is that we've built out a complete system to support how contractors and tradesmen work. It's not just about selling you a tool and sending you on your way.

Acme Rents is our equipment rental division, and it's been a game-changer for our customers. Sometimes buying doesn't make sense for a one-time job. Need a boom lift for a week? We've got it. Planning a company cookout and need tables and chairs? Yeah, we rent those too. We understand that flexibility matters in this business.

Acme Equipment is where we get into the heavy-duty stuff. We've got six locations dedicated to new and used heavy equipment. Whether you're looking to add a skid steer to your fleet or upgrade your excavator, our team knows this equipment inside and out. We've designed the buying experience to be straightforward, whether you're walking into one of our locations or submitting an online quote request. No pressure, no runaround. Just knowledgeable people who want to get you the right gear for your operation.

Before you dive deeper into what we're all about, check out our introduction video. It's a quick two minutes that'll give you the complete picture straight from us:

Anyone can stack tools on shelves and call themselves a retailer. We've spent over 75 years building expertise and relationships with our customers. When we say "expert support," we mean our team members who understand the difference between brushless and brushed motors, can recommend the right amp-hour battery for your specific application, and won't steer you toward something just to move inventory.

That family-owned mentality runs through everything we do. There's accountability here. There's pride. When your family name has been tied to this business for three-quarters of a century, you don't mess around with customer service. We're in this for the long haul, and that means treating every customer the way we'd want to be treated.

Whether you're building out your tool arsenal or replacing gear that's seen better days, here are some categories where we absolutely deliver:

Power Tool Combo Kits: Our Milwaukee and DEWALT combo kits deliver serious value. We stock everything from basic drill/driver combos to comprehensive 6-tool and 9-tool packages that'll set you up for virtually any job. The brushless technology in these newer kits delivers longer runtime and more power, helping you get home earlier and keep your crew productive.

Cordless Battery Platforms: Committing to a single battery platform is the smart move, and we carry the full ecosystem from all major manufacturers. Milwaukee M18, DEWALT 20V MAX, Makita LXT, whatever system you're invested in, we've got the complete lineup of tools and batteries to keep you running without interruption.

Pneumatic Tools: For contractors running compressors on the jobsite, our selection of nailers, staplers, and impact wrenches from brands like Bostitch, Senco, and others is comprehensive. We know these tools take a daily beating, so we only stock brands that can handle the abuse and keep performing year after year.

Heavy Equipment Through Acme Equipment: Need to spec out a compact track loader or excavator? Our Acme Equipment team helps you navigate the entire process, from choosing the right machine to exploring financing options. Whether you're going new or used, we make sure you're getting equipment that fits your operation and your budget.

Hand Tools & Precision Instruments: Sometimes it's the small details that make or break a job. Our selection of measuring tools, levels, laser systems, and specialty hand tools ensures you never compromise on accuracy or quality when it counts.

Look, we know you've got options—lots of them. But we've been serving contractors, tradesmen, and homeowners since before most of those options even existed. We've adapted, expanded, and evolved without losing sight of what got us here, treating people right and standing behind what we sell.

The fact that we're still family-owned after 75 years says a lot about how we operate. The fact that we've grown to 12 retail locations and built out rental and heavy equipment divisions shows we're not resting on our laurels. And the fact that we ship fast with free delivery over $199 shows we understand your time is valuable.

Whether you've been swinging hammers for 30 years or you're just getting started on your first major project, we've got the inventory, the expertise, and the customer service to earn your business. Check us out at AcmeTools.com or stop by one of our Midwest locations. We're looking forward to serving you. If you're already a customer, thank you. Seriously. Your business means everything to us.