Liberty Tool Company has its roots in a small coastal town in Downeast Maine.
In 1970, Skip Brack opened the Jonesport Wood Company in Jonesport, Maine. What began as a mix of handmade items and salvaged finds quickly took a new direction. While a variety of items were offered, it was the tools that drew the most interest. Customers came looking for practical, well-made tools, and that demand shaped the future of the business.
As interest grew, Skip began actively sourcing tools. He placed ads and traveled throughout New England, buying tools from basements, garages, barns, and workshops. These tools were brought back to Maine, cleaned, and offered for sale. This steady flow of tools became the foundation of the business, and it continues today through our tool buying.
In 1976, Liberty Tool Company opened in Liberty, Maine. The store expanded on the success of the original shop, offering a larger space and a wider selection of tools and antiques. Over time, it grew into one of the largest used tool stores in the region, known for its variety, scale, and constantly changing inventory.
As the business evolved, additional locations and projects followed. In 1983, Skip moved to Hulls Cove and opened the Tool Barn, located near Acadia National Park, along with the Hulls Cove Sculpture Garden. He also operated Captain Tinkham’s Emporium in Searsport, Maine. Each location reflected the same approach of sourcing, preserving, and offering useful and interesting items.
Skip also established the Davistown Museum, located just across the street from Liberty Tool Company, in the early 2000’s. The museum focused on the history of tools and technology and further reflected his long-standing interest in preserving working history.
Over the years, the business continued to grow. But eventually, after decades of buying, selling, and collecting, Skip retired and began to scale back operations. Today, Liberty Tool Company continues as the primary store, carrying forward Skip’s work and legacy. The Sculpture Garden is also still open to visitors.
Now family-run, Liberty Tool Company remains known for its wide selection of tools, but also antiques and one-of-a-kind finds. In more recent years, vendor booths have been added throughout the second and third floors, bringing even more variety. Visitors can now explore booths filled with antiques, vintage decor, glassware, collectibles, artwork, books, clothing, and many other interesting treasures alongside the store’s large selection of tools.
With multiple floors, constantly changing inventory, and decades of history behind it, Liberty Tool Company continues to be a place where people can wander, explore, and discover useful, unusual, and memorable finds around every corner.