Quality Gear and Power Machines from Northern Tools

Northern Tools (Northern Tool + Equipment) is a leading manufacturer and retailer of industrial-grade equipment and DIY supplies. Founded in 1981, the Minnesota-based company has built a strong reputation over 40+ years for supplying professional-grade power tools, hand tools and heavy-duty machinerystartribune.com. Today, Northern Tools operates roughly 130–131 stores nationwide, alongside an online catalog and mail-order catalog (Kotula’s) that offer over 100,000 products to contractors, farmers, mechanics and serious hobbyists. This article explores why Northern Tools is trusted for quality gear and power machines, from its vast product range and private brands to its customer support, deals and durability.

Why Choose Northern Tools?

Northern Tools stands out for its decades of expertise and commitment to quality. Key reasons professional users turn to Northern Tools include:

• Decades of Experience: Founded as Northern Hydraulics in 1981, the company has grown into a national chain with a billion-plus dollars in salesstartribune.com. Its longevity and family ownership underscore a focus on service and quality.

• Extensive Inventory: Northern Tools offers a massive selection – over 100,000 items across nearly 130 U.S. stores. Whether you need a simple wrench or an industrial generator, the catalog and online store cover virtually every category of tools and equipment.

• Strong Private Brands: About 40% of Northern Tools’ sales come from its own engineered labels (NorthStar, Powerhorse, Klutch, etc.). These in-house brands allow Northern Tools to control quality and offer competitive pricing on heavy-duty gear.

• Customer Focus: Northern Tools consistently earns praise for helpful service and product information. Shoppers note high-quality products, competitive prices and detailed listings on its user-friendly website.

• Convenience: You can shop online or in person. The Northern Tools store locator helps you find a Northern Tools store near you, and their online catalog (including the Kotula’s catalog) lets you browse tools 24/7. Fast shipping and a generous return policy (up to 365 days) give buyers confidence.

These factors make Northern Tools a go-to source for equipment. As one industry article notes, even as some retailers shrink, Northern Tools continues to expand store locations and services.

Northern Tools Product Range & Catalog

Northern Tools’ product catalog covers virtually every equipment category a workshop or worksite might need. The online and print catalogs are organized into major sections, such as:

• Power Tools: Cordless and corded drills, impact drivers, saws, grinders and more. Top brand names (Bosch, Milwaukee, DeWalt) sit alongside Northern’s own Klutch line and other value alternatives.

• Hand Tools & Garage: Wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, automotive lifts, creepers and storage solutions – everything a mechanic or DIYer needs on the bench.

• Outdoor & Yard Equipment: Chainsaws, log splitters, pressure washers, tillers and garden tractors. These are built for property maintenance and farm tasks. For example, NorthStar and Powerhorse lawn mowers, log splitters and generators are offered for heavy-duty use.

• Air & Hydraulic Equipment: Air compressors, pneumatic tools, hydraulic jacks, lifts and pumps for industrial and automotive jobs.

• Specialty Gear: Engine-driven welders, pole saws, surge protectors, shop vacuums, material handling carts, trailers, and more. (Northern Tools even carries towing and trailer parts under the Ultra-Tow brand.)

• Generators & Pumps: Portable and standby generators (e.g. NorthStar, Powerhorse) for backup power, as well as water pumps and vacuum pumps. These heavy-duty machines often carry long warranties.

For example, the Northern Tools website notes it stocks generators, pressure washers, air compressors, welders, automotive gear and much more. The catalog (both print and online) is searchable by category, so whether you enter the words “northern tools generator”, “northern tools trailer” or “northern tools equipment” you’ll find relevant products quickly. The site also features detailed product specs, manuals and videos to help you choose the right tool for the job.

Northern Tools Private Brands & Quality

A hallmark of Northern Tools is its in-house engineering and brands. Beginning in 1991 the company launched its NorthStar line for log splitters, generators and pressure washersstartribune.com. Over time, Northern Tools has added brands like Powerhorse (small engines), Klutch (hand tools), Strongway (lifting equipment), Roughneck (hardware), Gravel Gear (outdoor equipment) and Ultra-Tow (trailers). In fact, nine Northern Tools private labels now make up about 40% of sales.

This vertical integration means Northern Tools can control quality and value. Each private-label product is designed to meet professional standards. For instance, NorthStar generators and log splitters are built with heavy-gauge steel and often come with multi-year warranties. Customers often find that a Klutch hand tool set performs comparably to a leading brand, but at a lower price. Northern Tools rates each item with customer reviews, and many of their branded products have high 4–5 star ratings.

The company’s dedication to quality is reflected in customer feedback. Reviews and Trustpilot posts commonly highlight product durability and reliability as key benefits of shopping at Northern Tools. This focus on performance over cut-rate pricing means Northern Tools gear is suited for serious contractors and tradesmen, not just casual DIYers.

Heavy Equipment & Power Machines

Beyond handheld tools, Northern Tools offers industrial-strength machinery for tough jobs. The lineup includes engines, welders, pumps and even construction equipment. For example:

Image: A technician inspects a heavy-duty Northern Tools power generator in a shop. Northern’s NorthStar and Powerhorse generators are built for farm, workshop and construction use.

• Generators: Northern’s NorthStar and Powerhorse portable generators range from small jobsite units to large standby generators. These are built for reliability on farms and worksites, and often have the “best warranties in the industry”. They power tools, welders and equipment during outages.

• Water Pumps & Compressors: Heavy-duty transfer pumps, trash pumps and air compressors from NorthStar and Ironton handle farm irrigation, flood cleanup and shop air needs.

• Engine-Driven Welders: Specialized welding machines that run on gasoline or diesel engines, used on remote job sites.

• Construction Machinery: Through its retail network, Northern Tools sells compact excavators, bulldozers and skid loaders suitable for professional contractors. (These machines are often sourced from equipment makers but sold under Northern’s brand umbrella.)

• Utility Trailers: Towing solutions like utility trailers and dump trailers (e.g., under the Ultra-Tow brand) for hauling equipment and materials. These are built with rust-resistant frames and come in various capacities.

The point: if you need power equipment – from a pocket chainsaw to an industrial generator – Northern Tools has it. They also support this equipment with service: nearly every store offers parts and repair, and since 2022 Northern Tool even acquired Jack’s Small Engines and now runs 17 mobile service trucks for on-site repairs. This means if your piece of gear breaks, help is not far away.

Customer Experience & Support

Northern Tools aims to cater to both professionals and dedicated DIYers. This shows in their customer service and shopping experience:

• Detailed Product Listings: Every item on northerntool.com comes with full specifications, images, user manuals and often video demos. This transparency helps buyers know exactly what they’re getting, from dimensions to capabilities.

• Expert Advice: The sales staff (in-store and online chat) are trained in tools and machinery. Many products have Q&A sections where buyers and staff answer technical questions. For example, a customer might chat with an expert to select the right fan or controller for their needs.

• Parts & Service Centers: Northern Tools offers replacement parts and service manuals for many products. Their Jack’s Small Engines subsidiary provides engine repairs, and many stores feature a “Parts + Service” counter for warranty or maintenance issues.

• Shipping & Returns: In-stock items typically ship within 2–4 business days, and Northern Tools offers competitive shipping rates (often free shipping promos). Importantly, they support a 365-day return policy for most products (30 days for major power equipment), so customers feel secure trying out tools and returning if needed.

These conveniences are appreciated by customers. One reviewer noted that free shipping and fast delivery made Northern Tools their go-to over Amazon or big-box stores. On review sites, shoppers frequently praise Northern Tools for its combination of high product quality and helpful support.

Deals, Coupons & Warranty

Northern Tools frequently runs sales and special promotions, which is great news for budget-minded buyers. The website has dedicated “On Sale” and clearance sections with thousands of discounted items. There are also seasonal coupons, rebate programs and gift card deals. For example, searching for “Northern Tools coupon” often yields codes for free shipping or percentage discounts on selected categories.

Warranty coverage is another plus. Because Northern sells many name-brand products (Milwaukee, etc.) alongside its own brands, warranty terms vary by item. However, Northern Tools’ own brands typically come with robust warranties – multi-year coverage is common on NorthStar engines and Generators. The retailer will register warranties for you and honor repairs. Their generous return policy (one year on most items) further ensures you can shop with confidence.

Shopping Online and In-Store

Whether you prefer browsing from home or hands-on shopping, Northern Tools accommodates you:

• Northern Tools Online Store: Visit northerntool.com to shop 24/7. The site’s search and filter tools help you zero in on what you need. You can order products online to ship anywhere in the U.S., or choose in-store pickup. The online catalog (formerly Kotula’s) contains the same items and detailed descriptions as the print catalogs.

• Retail Stores (Northern Tools Stores): Find a Northern Tools store near you using their online store locator. As of 2022–2023, Northern Tools has about 130–131 stores across 19 states. Each store is a large warehouse showroom (usually ~22,000 sq. ft.) stocked with tools, parts and equipment. You can see and try out many products, and speak directly with staff.

• In-Store Services: Many Northern Tools locations house Jack’s Small Engines repair shops. If you have a broken generator, log splitter or other engine-driven tool, technicians can service it there. The integration of Jack’s Small Engines has expanded the parts and service business nationwide.

• Catalog Shopping: Northern Tools still mails its catalog to interested customers (the Kotula’s catalog). You can browse this catalog and then order online or by phone. It’s a useful resource for discovering products and savings.

Whether shopping online or at a store, Northern Tools’ inventory spans generators, trailers, power tools and more. The combination of online convenience and physical stores means you can always find and access the equipment you need. As their FAQ states, “You can shop online at northerntool.com or visit one of their nearly 130 retail stores nationwide”.

Community & Engagement

Northern Tools also builds community around its brand. They sponsor events (for example, the NorthernTool.com 250 NASCAR race) and run active social media pages. Their company blog and YouTube channel share project guides and new product videos. Readers are encouraged to leave comments or share tips on using Northern Tools gear. These efforts keep customers engaged and informed about the latest sales and product releases.

If you discover a great deal or product hack, Northern Tools encourages customers to share it online. In turn, peer discussions help future buyers. (For example, forums often discuss whether a NorthStar log splitter matches a name-brand splitter in quality – generally, users praise the Northern products’ durability.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What products does Northern Tools carry?
Northern Tools offers an enormous range of equipment. You’ll find hand tools, power tools, generators, air compressors, welders, outdoor equipment and heavy machines. The inventory spans over 100,000 items, from cordless drill kits and socket sets to pole saws and log splitters. Categories include shop equipment, automotive tools, hydraulic gear, trailers, safety gear and more. Essentially, if it’s a tool or industrial machine, Northern Tools likely sells it.

Q: Are Northern Tools products high quality?
Yes. Northern Tools emphasizes professional-grade quality. They stock well-known brands recognized for durability (e.g. DeWalt, Bosch, Honda) and also build their own equipment (NorthStar generators, Klutch hand tools) to high standards. Many of their products are designed for heavy use. Customer reviews often note the solid build of Northern’s private-label items. Plus, Northern Tools backs its gear with solid warranties and support, reflecting their commitment to quality.

Q: Where can I buy Northern Tools gear?
You can shop online at northerntool.com or visit a physical Northern Tools store. The website ships products across the U.S., and the online catalog is available 24/7. For in-person shopping, Northern Tools has nearly 130 stores nationwide. Just use their “Store Locator” to find the nearest location. In stores you’ll get hands-on demos and expert assistance.

Q: How do Northern Tools’ prices compare?
Northern Tools generally targets professionals, so its prices are often higher than bargain-bin chains. However, many customers find the pricing competitive given the quality. Trustpilot reviews mention that Northern sometimes beats other retailers on price, thanks to free shipping promos and frequent sales. In practice, buyers say the slightly higher price is worth it for the durability and service you get. Watch for Northern Tools sale events and coupon codes to maximize savings.

Q: Does Northern Tools offer deals and warranties?
Yes. Northern Tools runs regular sales, coupon codes and gift card specials. Their website highlights clearance items and rebates. On the warranty side, terms vary by brand, but most items have good coverage. Northern’s own equipment usually comes with multi-year manufacturer warranties, especially on engines and generators. Additionally, they support a year-long return policy on most products (30 days for power equipment) so you can buy with confidence.

Q: Who are Northern Tools’ main customers?
Northern Tools caters to both professionals and serious hobbyists. Customers range from farmers and contractors to woodworkers, mechanics and DIY homeowners. Because they carry both consumer-friendly tools and industrial-grade machines, Northern Tools is popular with anyone who needs equipment that won’t quit. Pros appreciate the durable selection and expert support, while DIYers enjoy the wide range of tools and easy online shopping.