Somers' Tool Nut: Open Rain or Shine

SOMERS, N.Y. - Bob Ackerman, owner of The Tool Nut on Mahopac Avenue, said that Tropical Storm Irene “was good and it was bad.” Ackerman kept the store open every day, even though his power and internet were down and only one of his seven phone lines was working.

“People needed flashlights,” he said.

After the storm, he sold water pumps, hoses, ladders and more flashlights. Nobody seems to be buying repair tools yet, he said.

“They’re still assessing the damage," said Ackerman.

The most frustrating part of the experience was not being able to get a delivery of generators.

“I sold out of generators as soon as they started talking about a hurricane," he said. "I sold 35 on Wednesday. Every storm has boosted our generator business.”

Ordinarily, he deals directly with the manufacturers, but when he tried to re-stock, he had to contact suppliers and dealers as well. A few made promises but did not deliver. One promised delivery if Ackerman paid in advance. He did, but still no generators.

“Well, people couldn’t get generators, but they came in for their pumps, their flashlights, a warm and friendly smile and a few jokes," he said.

Ackerman moved to Somers from Brooklyn in 1981. He opened The Tool Nut in 1994 in Yorktown and moved the business to Somers in 2003. He loves living here, he said.

“Somers has a great school system and magnificent parks," he said. “That’s why I felt bad. I didn’t have the product to help the community.”

Have you shopped at The Tool Nut? Comment below.

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