Bolts Antique Tool Museum in Oroville

Review №1

2023-06-13 17:34:31

Awesome displays. Amazed on array of tools, cleanliness, research including date and inventors names. The detailed design of each panel looked as lovely as quilt patterns. I brought my friend also a fan of tools. He was impressed. Thank you for your dedication to this museum.

Review №2

2023-12-23 10:37:58

I went there with a friend who was friends with the owners . Everyone was so incredibly friendly and them joking around together made it a wonderful experience. The old tools were very cool. I loved this place !

Review №3

2020-01-12 04:14:50

This is the largest hand tool collection in North America! Very well organized with sections of pliers to shoe maker tools, barbed wire and black smithing as well. For such a small museum, it packs a pretty big punch! Definitely worth the trip if youre into tools at all and even if you arent. The docents are very knowledgeable and when you get to hear some of the history and stories behind the pieces that have been collected, its easy to get hooked in. You can also take home a souvenir of your trip from books, t-shirts and lots of other fun stuff.

Review №4

2016-10-03 04:02:13

Not really into the tools myself but fascinating to see and appreciate one mans life long passion and the museum he built.

Review №5

2017-07-16 02:40:19

Not only can you see over 13,000 tools beautifully mounted on the walls, and identified and databased, but there are presentations on the 3rd Saturday of every month (except December). Their website gets over 50,000 hits a month! People write in asking for help identifying tools or sharing their finds. Many experts in diverse fields (mechanical, electronic, steel working, finances, etc.) are speakers and explain the tools of their trades. Oftentimes when a topic is related to cars, tractors, military vehicles, stationary engines, etc. the parking lot will be FILLED with examples where discussions continue. The museum was founded by Bud & Laila Bolt 11 years ago; they donated 6,000 of their tools to the city to get things off and running. One of Buds goals was to be open 7 days a week and the museum has been doing that for some years now. Groups like the local DAR chapter and the Old Time Fiddlers use the facilities in the evenings... its a nice building, with good heat and air conditioning. Please, bring your family and friends and check it out! Hit the website to see what might be coming up talk-wise to add to your experience. And... remember, that if you have old tools youd like to share, come by and see if yours are already represented or if theyd be appreciated donations.

Review №6

2018-04-18 07:01:49

This place is incredibly cool. Billed as the largest tool collection on the planet its probably true. The guy that guided me through was as antique as the tools themselves and knew a little story about just about all of them. I was the only one there on a weekend afternoon which is a pity considering how many people love tools. Go and enjoy a simple pleasure. Tools.

Review №7

2020-05-30 15:58:02

I worked here before they closed due to Covid. I loved working there as a volunteer and the people are nice there. The museum is very interesting and its fun to learn about the history of tools. People should come to see this place when it reopens. I cant wait to work there again.😁

Review №8

2023-08-27 22:14:55

Very cool place to bring the kids and learn about all the interesting old tools.

Review №9

2019-06-28 22:19:15

They do have a lot of tools. Most of them are very old and many are very rare. They have binders with the history of the tools but it is a bit awkward to look up an individual tool. The presentation of them could be a little better but the building is limited on size so I think they are doing the best they can with what they have. Only just a small portion of their tool collection is on display but it is still a lot of tools.

Review №10

2018-08-22 22:23:30

We were in Oroville from Raleigh, NC visiting my wifes mother. I just happened to see a flyer for this place at the motel we were staying at. I never imagined such a place existing. If you have even the slightest interest in tools you should stop by. So many different types and varieties from decades, centuries ago. We were on a bit of a time line so we only stayed about an hour. However, next time we are in Oroville I will be devoting a good 2-3 hours to look at every piece and take it all in. The two gentlemen working were very knowledgeable about the tools and were eager to answer any questions.