White screwdriver on a light background at an angle
Visit Us

873 U.S. Route One
Woolwich, ME 04579
(207) 442-7938

Store Hours

Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Saturday: 9am-4pm
Sunday: Closed

Get Directions
An illustration made of white lines of a house sitting on a hill

Tools

Building Quality.

Building Quality.

Every tool in our collection has been tested in the field and proven in our workshops. For three generations, we've been curating the finest woodworking and timber framing tools available—tools designed to work as hard as you do and become lifetime companions in your craft.

SHOP QUALITY THAT LASTS
Shelter Institute building with chairs on wooden porch, surrounded by greenery

Visit Us

873 U.S. Route One
Woolwich, ME
04579
Get Directions

Store Hours

M-F: 8am-5pm
SAT: 9am-4pm
SUN: Closed
(207) 442-7938

What You Can Expect

An icon of a toolbox full of tools, colored in Shelter Institute Green

01. Expertly selected for quality and durability

02. The same tools we use in our own buildings and teachings

03. From hard-to-find specialty items to essential everyday tools

04. Supported by people who actually use what they sell

Trusted Brands

These aren’t just brands we sell–they’re the companies whose tools we reach for when precision and reliability matter most.

01

Gransfors Bruk

Gransfors Bruk

Hand-forged Swedish axes made with traditional techniques and uncompromising quality standards.

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02

Opinel

Opinel

Classic French folding knives beloved by craftspeople worldwide for their simple, reliable design.

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03

Brant & Cochran

Brant & Cochran

Maine-made heirloom axes that honor New England’s heritage.

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04

MHG Messerschmidt

MHG Messerschmidt

Precision German-engineered tools built for accuracy and long-lasting performance.

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05

Robert Sorby

Robert Sorby

Sheffield-made turning and carving tools crafted by England’s finest toolmakers.

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06

Snow and Neally

Snow and Neally

Hand-tempered, hand-ground, and hand-finished axes made by skilled Maine craftspeople.

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07

Peavey

Peavey

Traditional logging tools made in Maine using time-tested methods and materials.

Shop Now

08

Tormek

Tormek

Swedish water-cooled sharpening systems that deliver professional-grade results every time.

Shop Now

09

Makita

Makita

Power tools engineered for reliability, performance, and the demands of professional use.

Shop Now

01

Gransfors Bruk

Hand-forged Swedish axes made with traditional techniques and uncompromising quality standards.

Shop Now

02

Opinel

Classic French folding knives beloved by craftspeople worldwide for their simple, reliable design.

Shop Now

03

Brant & Cochran

Maine-made heirloom axes that honor New England’s heritage.

Shop Now

04

Messerschmidt

Precision German-engineered tools built for accuracy and long-lasting performance.

Shop Now

05

Robert Sorby

Sheffield-made turning and carving tools crafted by England’s finest toolmakers.

Shop Now

06

Starrett

Measuring tools trusted by professionals for over 140 years.

Shop Now

07

Peavey

Traditional logging tools made in Maine using time-tested methods and materials.

Shop Now

08

Tormek

Swedish water-cooled sharpening systems that deliver professional-grade results every time.

Shop Now

09

Makita

Power tools engineered for reliability, performance, and the demands of professional use.

Shop Now

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They used them, they loved them.

“I am so blown away as to how each and every person at the Shelter Institute treat you like family, the good kind. I will now and forever be there customer. Thank you Shelter Institute. Think, build, live is not just what they do but a way of life.”

Dave M.

“We love visiting the tool store several times a year. There are many wonderful and innovative tools available for a wide variety of tasks from wood butchering to kitchen tools to gardening tools. The depth of knowledge of the staff is impressive and the quality of the items for sale is outstanding. You won’t be disappointed.”

Paul W.

“Super bon service tres rapide, pour de la qualité”

Pat B.

“I have found the team to be responsive, caring and helpful. A pleasure to deal with.”

Enzo T.

“Beautiful facility, amazing owners and staff. A business full of heart! ❤️ More than worth your time and dollars.”

Jessica N.

“Best tool selection! Quality and hard to find tools. Very happy to have a place I can get tools and keep business local.”

Laurie T.

"Great vibe and pretty store. They have plenty of tools and the staff seem very knowledgeable. Overheard 2 of them, definitely putting their customers first. Would have loved to talk to them about their courses but they were quite busy. If you work with wood or care about building sustainably, check them out."

Michael G.

"While on vacation we had the pleasure of stopping by the Shelter Institute. Having taken one of their online courses, it was great meeting them in person. The store was well stocked with everything related to timber framing. It did not disappoint. Keep up the good work!"

GBB

"This tool store is a hidden Gem of southern Maine. They have a extensive selection of carving, sharpening and general woodworking hand tools. Their staff is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable, specially in the area of timber framing."

Rick U.

"Wonderful wonderful place. Their courses are phenomenal and their shop is like a candy store filled with some of the most I retesting and useful non electric building and green living supplies. Have been a customer for 30+ years and plan to continue being one for 30 more!"

Barbara S.
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