Saw Billy the Tool Man last in Anaheim for the big train show. He still has that kind of stuff but he also has a web site,

www.Hobbytools.com

For those of you in Japan or have a connection living there, 100 yen stores!  These are the price equivalent to dollar stores in the US, but are jam-packed with things you can not only actually use, but wonder how you ever lived without.  Things like sheets of styrene, self-healing mats, alligator clips, plastic containers, all kinds of tweezers, scissors, and handtools abound, not to mention all the "I'm buying that 'cause I'll probably need it one day" items.

Outside of Japan, I've found most useful tools from electronic supply stores, craft stores, thrift or pawn shops, and rummage sales.  You can find the best deals at thrift stores and rummage sales, since many items are sold as a case lot or "by the bag".  I've gathered an assortment of small pliers, tweezers, blades, and other micro-tools over the years from rummage sales...there are some better quality items to be had from someone intent on cleaning out their garage or attic.

I used to show at a lot of modle railroading shows in and around Texas. One of the vendors we all looked for was called "The Tool Guy" he sold a lot of used surgical supplies like hemostats, tweezers, scissors, dental picks etc at fantastic low prices. Most was stainless steel, still in very usable condition and very affordable. He also carried other hobby tools and supplies at good prices so my point is if there is a hobby show make a bee line for it and check out some vendors.

Michaels! you will be surprised how much "hobby" stuff you find in there; the weekly 40/50% off coupons are tasty.

Also, don't forget good ol' Harbor Freight Tools.

From them I get jewelers files, micro drills, magnifying visors, airbrushes, airbrush compressors, razor knife and saw sets which includes a miter box, rotary tools and bits and blades, specialty saws, etc.

Tom

As Ed's post says, it pays to shop around, especially on line:

MicroMark: higher prices but very reliable and usually good quality.

Widget Supply: lower prices but variable quality. A great place for disposables, though.

Jewelry tool suppliers: This is where you find high quality tools. Often pricey, but you'll pass them on to your kids—and they will pass them to your grandkids. 

McMaster-Carr Supply Company

ARCO Tools

Gunsmithing tool suppliers: Brownells

Professional Equipment:This is where I get latex and nitrile gloves.

 Gyros Precision Tools

Micro-Tools

Shore International—saw blades

Small Parts

Google or whatever for others. Use "jewelers tools" "jewelers supplies" "machinists tools" and  "gunsmithing tools" 

 

Not the hobby shop.  They cater to mostly RC anyway.

Sanding sticks are from the local Sally Beauty Supply.  My favorite sprue nipper is a cuticle clipper (like a fingernail clipper but with a different shaped blade) from Target.  Pipets/paint stirrers from the coffee mess at work.  Wet-n-dry sandpaper comes from the local auto supply store.  I also get my  filler putty there, in the form of Bondo (catalyzed putty & glazing compound).   Micro drill bits come from the Ace Hardware store.  I buy paint thinner by the gallon at Lowes.   RTV & polyurethane resin comes from a local supplier - not Alumilite.  Instead of Gator Glue I use Aleene's Tacky Glue from the craft store.

Model companies didn't invent the products they sell to us.   They have repurposed them and added their own logo.   That logo adds to the price without adding anything to the value.   It pays to look around in whatever store you are in.

EDIT:  Things to add

1 to 2 oz mixing cups: disposable condiment cups from Ace Restaurant supply

Cutting boards - craft store & Ikea,

Tile for cutting PE -- Lowes & leftovers from bathroom remodel

Plexiglas scaps -- dumpster behind plastic supply warehouse

Micromesh Sanding System -- Rocker Tools