Tool Tourism: Charlie's Second Hand Store, Denver, Colorado. "We Are Oddly Fond of Tools" Est. 1928!

[@RandyJurgens]

What a great store and very friendly people I have been shopping there for the last 30 years. I bought many of tools from there and never a problem with anything. Hope they stick around another 100 years. My grandfather took me there for the first time and it brings back memories. Great video thanks for sharing.👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸💯💯🔧🔧

[@chetleonard169]

What?! I'm not the only weirdo who loves to walk through old hardware stores to see what's unique?

[@gaillaffer7579]

What a fabulous shop. I hope he’s around for another 100 years

[@ronmcrae7216]

I bought everything I needed to start a construction job 50 years ago, great place.

[@davidvaughn5914]

Have been a regular customer here for years, the best place ever.

[@rickoneill4343]

Love that you narrated this one instead of music. Great job.

[@mrestum]

He didnt narrate most of it, he just read reviews from google that i can read myself.

[@Anonymous-b3m]

**facepalm** @@mrestum

[@stephaniebenjes8356]

My grandfather owned a roofing company in Denver and I'm sure he started bringing me into Charlie's as a toddler. I worked with him as a teenager and we went in often. It's absolutely delightful to see Steve is still running this the same way his grandpa did. The shop hasn't changed a bit from my 60 year old memory. I hope to stop in next time I'm visiting Colorado.

[@FowlerAskew]

This is exactly the kind of place I note down in my Google maps "want to go" list so that of I'm ever in the area I can stop by. It's full of secondhand shops, niche museums, electronics stores, and retro electronics resellers

[@leoahearn7382]

Packed w a lot of crap. 💩 I’ve been there.

[@mybigfartsreallystin]

​@@leoahearn7382Not to mention... ...you just described yourself *perfectly* ... XD

[@curmudgeon1933]

@@leoahearn7382 . Did you try and sell them a load of stolen tools, Leo? lol

[@Shmyrk]

Did not know that was a thing. Thanks!

[@valeriemacleod9627]

I lived in Denver and got to know about the store through family. I have bought tools there for over 30 years. Harold was a real character, wounded in the Battle of the Bulge. I have retired and moved to Nebraska, but still visit Denver a lot. If I am looking for a tool, I head down there when in town. My wife and sister-in-law still take Steve’s mom out to lunch. She celebrated her 100th birthday last year and has more energy than most young people today. I just used a radial arm saw that I got at Charlie’s today. I have bought everything from hand tools all the way up to a snowblower. It is truly a unique store.

[@MikeM-Colorado]

I have lived in Denver for 25 years and I’m a tool nut. I didn’t know about this place. I’m going next week! Thanks for posting!

[@Arthur-kq7qr]

I no longer live in Denver but lived in the suburbs for 33 years. Never heard about this place. What s nice little gold mine. I'd have to be dragged out of there. Haha

[@yayinternets]

Same. I grew-up in Colorado and have lived in the Denver area now for 24 years and had no idea this place was here. I used to go down to that area more often and have probably walked by it a bunch of times.

[@mrbyamile6973]

I work in Denver (live not far outside it) and never heard of this place. I used to go to a tool and surplus place just West of I25 on Alameda. The place isn't there anymore, it was a family owned hole in the wall odd tools new, used and surplus stuff. This place might be my new go to for oddball items. Many times I just need that odd wrench size like 1 5/16" that doesn't come in most sets you buy. Will be adding this to my visit list possibly next week.

[@JoyfulJapaneseMaples-us7on]

Add me to the list - sadly, I'd normally appoint myself as "most likely to be found wandering in a used tool store, no matter the location on the globe." To think that this place is less than 6 miles from my house is insane. I will be there this afternoon

[@hokepoke3540]

In about 1967 or so I had a long layover at the old airport in Denver and had met a Denver veteran coming back from Vietnam and being in the military myself at that time he invited me to go into town with him and he took me there. I was amazed but I never had a chance to go back. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@RLBsciart]

Love Charlie's! Steve is the man when I was first starting off my lawn care business he would always give me student discounts on already discounted tools. Good guy, good business, and a great place to be!

[@Mr19thcenturyman]

I sold my house near there in 2007. I took a truckload of tools I used to work on the house. I was paid more fairly than I expected.

[@shopie2100]

I have a 1948 Studebaker which has a tapered rear axel which is impossible to remove the rear hubs without a heavy special puller. I found one here. I also filled out several socket sets that I had inherited.

[@robertmerrill621]

I'd have to park my RV in front of that store! I'd be there for days! Heaven on earth for the working guy!!

[@robertkerby2581]

I am a tool guy; love my tools; and I enjoyed your walk thru and history lesson of "Charlie's 2nd Hand Tool Store" in Denver, Colorado! If I ever find myself in Colorado; I will be sure to stop by Charlie's! Well done, Sir!

[@billseward2274]

Excellent video! If I ever get there, I’ll need a truck and a search party to pull me out. 😊

[@jimrosson6702]

Wow what an incredible place so ashamed I’ve lived in Denver all my life and have never been there but definitely going to make it a point to visit there now. Thanks for sharing

[@billjohnson5793]

I really loved that place,I unfortunately moved out of Denver but got a lot of good deals from Steve. Just going through everything was a pleasure, now I have a new place called Lost Creek Machine. Wife’s not happy lol. Thanks for the memories

[@sully3acr]

I just sent this to my buddy down it Trinidad Co, we are going for sure!!!!

[@brianlittle3452]

Thanks for taking us along to visit Charlie's.

[@RobertDeForest96]

Whenever I go into an antique store I always look for the tool section, this is just so much better than that

[@mainiacjt]

Everything said in this video is spot on. Steve and the rest of the gang are really fun. I stumbled in here after a Google search for used tools while "in the big city" visiting from Montrose. Since this first visit, every single time I visit Denver for any reason I stop in Charlie's unless they are closed. Steve always remembers my wife and I and we always leave with a pile of tools for our house and auto repair shop. This place is not just a place to get tools, it's a full immersive experience and Steve understands, it's not an accident.

[@ehenry556]

I’m an aircraft mechanic moving to Denver in 8 months, I’m STOKED to find this place before I buy any more tools!

[@stanleyhape8427]

I went to a place like this it was a huge warehouse with tiny pathways and packed rooms with no thought of organizing. I asked the guy how he was able to find anything, and he said the owner knew where everything was. And indeed he did. I bought a bunch of stuff and as they were loading it all up ,I watched multiple workers ask him if they had this or that ,if they had it he would tell them exactly where it was. Amazing

[@biggiefitz6275]

I only live 5 hours away and have family in the area too. This place is now on my list of places to visit.

[@ElectroAtletico]

If I lived within 500 miles of Denver I would make a regular pilgrimage to that place!!

[@brienakers3533]

Holy Moly!! I wish I was 1000 miles closer. Thanks for the tour!

[@Antiqueexcavator]

This reminds me of a store my uncle owned in Valparaiso, Indiana called Fetla’s. He had a lot more than just tools but it was a mad house of variety and interesting items including guns of all types.

[@bertroost1675]

Every time I need to work on something around the house or out in the garage, on the lawnmower etc.. I thank God for the dad that left me so many useful tools.

[@CT393]

My dad lives in Denver, will have to stop by here the next time I visit.

[@yayinternets]

Wow! I have probably walked by this place just thinking it was a pawn shop or something. Definitely stopping by as soon as I can. Thanks for the video and find! Will let them know how I came across them.

[@bernhardfahrni2336]

Beautiful place! I have never seen such a big tool box, so big that you can walk in! I definitely will drop by when I am in Denver! Thank you for sharing this video with us!

[@Monedge]

Amazing, I wish we had these kind of shops in Switzerland. We have second hand shops but usually cannot find tools. People seem to hang on to those. I almost always have to buy new when some older tools are such good quality and unique

[@forteandblues]

Hey I’m from the Suburbs of Denver! I’ll have to check it out!

[@nachoisme]

Me too…didn’t know it existed. Saturday trip planned

[@forteandblues]

@@nachoisme just saw this! How did it go and Happy Easter!

[@Holly-ku8vz]

Looks like heaven…thanks for the video!

[@larryborkstrom3580]

This is the first I head of this place been living in CO for 15 years now I'll have to check it out it was sad when there was a place in Lakewood that closed up

[@westllen1]

Awesome Video, just love those type of stores, thank you

[@DW10463]

I shopped at Charlies for three decades. Never regretted it. I am on the west coast now. It is nice to see Charlies is still there!

[@57hound]

Another great place to check out is Get a Grip and More in Washington NJ. An alladin’s cave of tools, antiques, etc. LOTS of tools, hand and power, some stationary machines. Woodworking, machining, carpentry, welding, automotive-many trades represented. You can spend hours in there-very cool!

[@RossRadford]

I saw at least ten things I didn't know I needed until this video.

[@caseytailfly]

Great store and great walkthrough ! I haven’t been there in many years, but I am going to make it a priority to get back there!

[@russellpottenger8584]

Thank you so much for sharing Doc. Happy Easter my friend.

[@stevecramer517]

I would love to walk around and look at everything

[@modernageauto]

Awesome shop. I found quite a few gems there when I lived in Denver, including a great vintage Snap-on tool chest. I need to make another pilgrimage soon.

[@kozemchuk]

Looks incredible! I've only been in Denver once, briefly, about 15 years ago, but I'll be sure to visit Charlie's next time I'm there!

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

FANTASTIC VIDEO , Thanks for SHARING.!!

[@jacobs7764]

Thank you so much for recommending a great tool store in my area! So excited to go pick up some things I need!

[@jonflanagin6682]

I'm a tool fanatic, i wish i could visit.

[@PsychoticAnarchist69]

Wow I’ll have to check it out. Just moved here, glad to hear of a place like this

[@gamereactz]

Used to live next to this and it was sooo cool to still see today as so many relis like this have been modernized or completely torn down 😢

[@randysmith9636]

Thank you for the tour. I just told the wife to plan on stopping by when we head out west. I could spend hours in there searching for goodies.

[@robmonroe635]

I stumbled on this gem one day and picked up a couple wrenches. This is just around the corner from Coors Field. Great place to visit and fair prices. I remember some funny signs in the store also.

[@matthewanderson2464]

I've been in Denver for 15 years, and this is the first I'm hearing of this place. I'm even familiar with the area. I may head over there today. It's a great day to go buy some tools!

[@matthewrinehart2367]

Thanks for the reference. People believe all the old tools were melted down to make war weapons but there's still a lot that survived and I often enjoy the belief of the Samurai that the instrument retains the soul of the one who wields it.

[@toddjones1403]

Who, where and when-believes an old pair of pliers is ‘melted’ to make weapons????😂😂😂

[@deedeeramone34]

@@toddjones1403there were tons of scrap drives during the two world wars in America

[@matthewrinehart2367]

@@toddjones1403 On January 10, 1942, the US launched the “Salvage for Victory” program (Read more on the National World War II Museum blog). Citizens scoured their homes, farms, and businesses for metal. Housewives donated pots and pans, farmers turned in farm equipment, and children even sacrificed their metal toys. "Make It Do - Scrap Drives in World War II"-Sarah Sundin

[@kevinthekozakian]

Great video! Tool shops and hardware stores are always a labor of love from the owners nowadays!

[@Freabyrd]

Bought my first construction tools there over 35 years ago. Still have some of them 👍

[@lovedadonald.]

Wow ! That's my kinda place and if I'm ever near Denver I'll certainly stop at Charlie's and check it out. Thanks for showing us all this cool place !

[@lauralake7430]

Just moved back to the area and cant wait to visit!

[@timothymercer3526]

I have Been going to Charlie's second hand tools for nearly 25 years and everything said in this video is 100% true except about Steve he is 10 times the guy they say he is these fellas have helped me through some of the worst situations that a small businessman can endure. Everything from having my truck and tools stolen to going through chemotherapy and needing help fixing my oxygen acetylene torch and gauges. They are awesome both professionally and on a personal level you can't find a better store to do business with and you can't find better prices on quality tools anywhere.

[@ryanbeard1119]

Charlies is still awesome, is old Charly still there. I went in as a kid like 12 w my dad and his best friend who was basically a construction super. I was blown away by all they crazy atuff...

[@JWoodcock]

Wow thank you for showing this! I've lived in golden for more than a decade and didn't know about it. I'm going there the next time I need specific individual tools.

[@trober1104]

Super cool I used to get my tattoos in the area at Larimer street tattoo. I will have to make a trip over there.

[@s0nnyburnett]

Only had a small used tool shop like this around me once briefly. Which it was still around, saved so much time than checking flea markets and antique shows every weekend.

[@kevindowd7769]

Fantastic… will have to make a trip to Denver just to see this treasure!

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

What a great place! That flexhead Armstrong ratchet was a good one they still have kits for them.

[@TylerDickey1]

Loved this place when I lived in Denver!

[@Resto-Rob]

Wow! Next time, I am in Denver I will head in. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@granthaller9544]

I wish there were more stores like this. I went into a similar shop in Garibaldi, Oregon and got a great deal on a high quality US made 1/2” socket drive; used but in great condition.

[@9rjharper]

I LOVE Charlie’s. I found a brand new, in the original case, original cellophane, and original cardboard, Mitutoyo 6” dial calipers from the 1980s. In perfect shape. I still haven’t even broken them in a few years later. It even came with the original little paperwork and little pin for rotating the dial mechanism. It was $20!!! I also found similar condition Mitutoyo vernier calipers that I use daily. Among a million cool old tools. You just gotta dig a little.

[@jasonm887]

Im about an hour south of this store. Im definitely gonna take the drive up! Thanks for the tip!

[@jameshiggins1505]

Oww wow, have I died and gone to heaven , I love this store 😮

[@robertstwalley3662]

Just WOW, thanks for sharing, if I ever get back to Denver, I will check it out. Prolly should take a trailer!

[@kirkyorg7654]

used to shop at a shop in Toronto Canada back in the 70's/80's called Tracey's Hardware on the Danforth the mum and pop place was floor to ceiling chockablock with any and every kind of hardware you could think of Mr. Tracey & his lovely wife knew where everything in the place was an inventory of thousands of things it was amazing he saved my dads bacon so many times over the years have something no other place had i lost count, This place reminds me so much of Tracey's it was an end of an era when they closed up the whole neighborhood missed them badly

[@lindboknifeandtool]

I’m oddly fond of tools too, I’m on the western slope. Maybe I’ll go there some day. I loooove old tools.

[@adorabledeplorble8497]

I love Charlie’s! I have been there a handful of times, always finding something I want.

[@darkdan3379]

I've been a regular shopper at Charlie's for years, stopping by on a regular I find rare or antique tools for bragging rights or for my peg board...

[@mjdiiii]

I wish I had known about this store. We used to visit family in the area, that have since moved. It's unlikely I'll get back to the area. I would love to visit this shop.

[@2yoober]

I'll be damned. I used to find tools for myself there, when I lived in Denver! Thanks for the memories! 😎

[@MikeyDee]

I just drove past this place the other day, now I will have to check it out! Also, next time you are here check out Denver tool library, they seem cool too

[@bigperm005]

I've been there! Found it by chance and had a fun afternoon

[@pauljanda5262]

I love stopping by Charlie's!

[@pierrenorman421]

love this place. shocked that it's still survives and hasn't been turned into a pub.

[@Coondawgwoopwoop]

Whats funny is this use to be a really sketchy area of Denver and now is where the fancy restaurants are popping up. There’s a great taco place next to it, a tattoo shop and not far away is death and co cocktail bar. I stumbled along this place last year on a Sunday so they were closed but was fascinated by it.

[@bfed2831]

very cool, I worked downtown forever and never knew it was there!

[@skateparkreality]

I have bought ball bearing there a bunch of times for my slingshot. Very good store.

[@thisissoeasy]

I wish I'd live a bit closer... Cheers from Outback Australia...

[@MichaelAllanFrancisSheaver]

This brings back memories from the 70s in Barnhart, Missouri, where we had a hardware store called Kohler City Supply. It had been there a long, long time, and it felt just like Charlie's; if you needed anything, you could find it there, and I mean ANYTHING! It might take some digging, but if you needed a part for an old tractor, they were sure to have it. Sadly, the building was destroyed by fire, and it never felt the same after they rebuilt.

[@drengskap]

Ooh, that makes me want to rummage! It's been a long time since I spent time in a store like that - shopping online just isn't the same.

[@Ju794]

This place is awesome. Wish all cities/towns had a place like this, but guess that would make places like this run of the mill (other than the customer service).

[@TdK71]

God is good! There's still a few places like this around, but they are getting to be fewer and far between. Thanks Doc for the tour, next time I'm in Denver I'm stopping in for a looksee.

[@jimtownsend7899]

Incredible. Fortunately, I'm along the East Coast, otherwise you have a visual of what my garage would soon look like if I was anywhere close to Charlie's! But talk about being right up my alley - good used tools and low prices! Thanks for sharing and wouldn't it be wonderful if we had more of these old businesses around?

[@fuxluck1]

I live an hour north of Denver and I had no idea! I AM THERE!

[@mikebaker3662]

Thanks for the tour

[@fonstersnickare_johansson8375]

When it comes to swrewdrivers and more simple tools, I don't think we have to manufacture more for a couple of decades. There are TONS of them out there, and most of them much better than you can buy today. There should be more of these "used tool shop" , a bit better organized though. But this is much better than throwing it away. Thanks for sharing your video!

[@toubielo8788]

Way cooler than I thought it would be. Judge it wrong times I passed the store…

[@nholly86]

Thanks for sharing, I live in Denver and didn’t know this place existed.

[@samsontowwers377]

That's an awesome shop, love it.

[@matambale]

Excellent review - hope this drives up business there.

[@adriansanders2438]

Great video, that is my kind of place!