Trump Tariffs Are Still Driving Tool Prices Up — Here's Why Repairing in Canada Makes More Sense Than Ever
These past few years, tool prices have crept up—not just a little, but in some cases by 30–50% or more. What’s behind it? One major factor: U.S. tariffs on imported tools and tool parts, many of which were introduced during the Trump administration and still remain in effect today.
At Torque Medic, we’re seeing firsthand how these tariffs are pushing customers to reconsider buying new—and turning instead to rebuilding and repairing their torque wrenches and air tools right here in Canada, without the border markups.
Let’s break it down.
What Are the Trump Tariffs—and Why Do They Matter?
Beginning in 2018, the Trump administration implemented a series of Section 301 tariffs targeting imports from China and other nations. These included many categories of hand tools, power tools, tool parts, fasteners, steel and aluminum components—all core materials and products in our industry.
These tariffs range from 10% to 25% and are applied on top of regular duties, freight charges, and dealer markups. The result? Tools that were already expensive are now significantly more costly by the time they hit shelves in Canada.
Over the past year, Canada has grappled with a sweeping wave of U.S. tariffs targeting imports—from tools to auto parts—and 2025 brought fresh rounds that continue to inflate the cost of buying new. At Torque Medic, we're helping Canadians sidestep these rising costs by repairing, rebuilding, and recalibrating their tools right here at home.
The Smarter Move: Repair, Don’t Replace
At Torque Medic, we specialize in bringing professional-grade torque wrenches and air tools back to life—for a fraction of the price of buying new. Here’s how it stacks up:
Option: New Torque Wrench Ballpark Cost: $400-1000+ Why it Matters: Inflated by tariffs, brokerage, exchange rates
Option: Repair & Calibration Ballpark Cost: $100-350 Why it Matters: Canadian prices—no tariffs or border fees
Option: New Air Tool Ballpark Cost: $300-700+ Why it Matters: Also subject to levies, taxes, and shipping
Option: Rebuild in Canada Ballpark Cost: $150-300 Why it Matters: Local labour, OEM parts, same-day services
Not only is repair the budget-friendly option, but it also keeps high-quality tools in service longer, reducing waste and helping your business stay efficient.
Why It Pays to Service Tools in Canada
No Cross-Border Shipping Costs
Sending your tools to the U.S. for factory service? You’re likely paying extra fees, brokerage costs, and weeks of downtime. Torque Medic services everything in-house in Calgary, with a mobile pick-up service available in select regions of Calgary and shipping options Canada-wide.
No Surprise Duties or Currency Fluctuations
When you buy new from a U.S. supplier, you're not just paying more for the tool—you’re also getting hit with:
Border tariffs
Fuel surcharges
Exchange rate losses
Tax on tax
With Torque Medic, what you see is what you pay—Canadian prices, Canadian service.
We Repair the Tools You Already Trust
From high-end names like Snap‑On, CDI, Norbar, Proto, and Mac Tools to industrial-grade air tools from Ingersoll‑Rand, Chicago Pneumatic, AirCat, and more, we’ve got the OEM parts, rebuild kits, and expertise to restore performance and calibrate to factory specs.
Even if your tool is discontinued or out of warranty, we’ll do our best to bring it back to life—saving you time and money.
Bonus: Better for Your Wallet and the Planet
In an age of rising costs and global uncertainty, tool longevity is king. Rebuilding and calibrating your tools:
Reduces waste
Saves money
Avoids unnecessary imports
Supports a local Canadian business with over 40 years of experience
Don’t Let Tariffs Make the Decision for You
You don’t need to overspend on new tools inflated by U.S. trade policy. At Torque Medic, we offer affordable repairs, rebuilds, and calibrations that extend the life of your tools—without the tariff burden.
So before you click “buy” on that expensive new torque wrench, ask yourself:
Could my current tool be brought back to life—for less?
If the answer is yes (and it probably is), we’re here to help.
Ready to Save?
Contact us today to get a quote on tool repairs or calibration services.
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We’ll get your tools back to work—without the Trump tax.
Repair. Restore. Perform.