Many popular tool brands have made big names for themselves, but are actually part of larger corporate families. Complicating things further, brands can change hands during acquisitions, mergers, and spin-offs.
To help you sort things out, we put together the following guide, identifying the most popular tool brands and the companies that own or are affiliated with them.
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Please note that these are not full lists of brands each parent company owns. This list highlights construction, industrial, DIY, and other tool-related brands, with the focus mainly on hand and power tool brands.
This guide discusses the following parent companies: Stanley Black & Decker, Tectronic Industries (TTI), Bosch, Fortive, Apex Tool Group, TTS Tooltechnic Sytsems, KKR, Chervon, Emerson, Werner, Illinois Tool Works (ITW), JPW, Snap-on, Ideal, Newell Rubbermaid, Delta PEC, Kyocera, and Positec.
This information was updated and republished on February 24th, 2019. Although infrequent, brand ownership can change. Please let us know if you discover an inaccuracy in this listing.
Table of Contents
Stanley Black & Decker (including Dewalt, Craftsman, Irwin)
TTI/Tectronic Industries (including Milwaukee, Ryobi, Empire Level, Ridgid Power Tools)
Bosch (including Bosch, Freud, Dremel)
Fortive (including Fluke, Matco)
Apex Tool Group (including Crescent, Gearwrench, Wiss)
Festool Group (TTS Tooltechnic Systems, including Festool, SawStop)
KKR (including Metabo, Metabo HPT)
Chervon (including EGO, Skilsaw)
Emerson
Werner
ITW (including Paslode, Tapcon)
JPW Industries (including Jet, Wilton, Powermatic)
Snap-on
Ideal Industries
Newell Rubbermaid
Delta Power Equipment
Kyocera (Senco)
Positec
Stanley Black & Decker
Headquarters: New Britain, CT, USA
Construction and DIY (CDIY)
- Black & Decker
- Bostitch
- Dewalt
- Porter Cable
- Stanley
- Irwin (Acquired in 2017)
- Lenox (Acquired in 2017)
- Craftsman (Acquired in 2017)
Hilmor(Acquired in 2017, sold to DiversiTech in August 2018)
Industrial
- Blackhawk (Proto)
- Bost
- Britool
- Facom
- Lista
- Mac Tools
- Pastorino
- Powers
- Proto
- Sidchrome
- USAG
- Vidmar
More Info (via Stanley Black & Decker)
Irwin Tool Brands (Sold to Stanley Black & Decker in 2017)
- Irwin
- Hanson
- Marathon
- Marples
- Quick-Grip
- Record (vises)
- Speedbor
- Strait-Line
- Vise-Grip
- Unibit
More Info (via Irwin)
Techtronic Industries (TTI)
Headquarters: Hong Kong, China
Power and Hand Tool Brands
- AEG
- Empire Level (owned by Milwaukee Tool, as of mid-2014)
- Hart
- Imperial Blades (acquired by Milwaukee Tool in 2018)
- Milwaukee Tool
- Ryobi
- Stiletto (owned by Milwaukee Tool, as of 2007)
Milwaukee Tool is headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin.
TTI owns the Ryobi power tools and accessories division in the USA, North America, the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, but Ryobi is also an independent company with separate product lines in some other parts of the world.
TTI also develops and produces Ridgid power tools, under a licensing agreement with Emerson. This arrangement began back in 2003 (press release, PDF).
Home Appliance Brands
- Dirt Devil
- Homelite
- Hoover
- Vax
More Info (via TTI)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Headquarters: Stuttgart, Germany
Power Tools and Accessories
- Bosch
- CST/berger
- Dremel
- Freud (and Diablo)*
- RotoZip
SkilSold to Chervon- Vermont American
*Bosch purchased Freud’s power tool accessories segment in December 2008, namely their saw blades, router bits, and cutters division.
Automotive Tools and Equipment
- Accu-turn
- Actron
- Beissbarth
- OTC
- Robinair
- Sia Abrasives
- Sunpro
Gardening Tools
GilmourSold to FiskarsNelsonSold to Fiskars
More Info (PDF via Bosch North America 2013 Publication)
Fortive (Formerly Danaher)
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
- Matco
Test & Measurement
- Amprobe
- Fluke
- Keithley
- Pomona Electronics
- Tektronix
Fortive was spun off from Danaher in mid-2016.
More Info (via Fortive)
Apex Tool Group
Headquarters: Sparks, MD, USA
(Apex Tool Group was a joint venture between Danaher and Cooper industries, and is presently owned by Bain Capital.)
Hand, Electrical, Industrial Tool Brands
In late 2017, many Apex Tool Group hand tool brands were rebranded as under the Crescent Tools brand.
(Apex Tool Group’s most popular and well-known brands are in bold.)
- Airetool
Allen- Apex
ArmstrongRead More about the closure- Atkins
- Belzer
- Campbell
- Cleco
- Collins
- Crescent
- Delta (Truck Boxes)
- Diamond
- DGD
- Doler
- Dotco
- Erem
- Gearwrench
- Geta
- H.K. Porter
- Iseli
- Jacobs Chuck
- Jobox
- KD Tools
- K&F
- Lufkin
- Master Power
- Mayle
- Metronix
- Niagara Tools
- Nicholson
- Plumb
- Quackenbush
- Recoules
- Sata
- Spline Gauges
- Utica
- Weller
- Wiss
- Xcelite
More Info (via Apex Tool Group)
TTS Tooltechnic Systems
Headquarters: Wendlingen, Germany
- Festool
- Tanos (Systainers)
- Cleantec
- Microcell
- Narex
- SawStop
- Shaper Tools
- Schneider Airsystems
SawStop was acquired by TTS Tooltechnic Systems in 2017.
Shaper Tools, a handheld CNC Router technology company, was acquired in 2019.
KKR
Headquarters: New York, NY, USA
- Metabo HPT/HiKoki – formerly known as Hitachi Power Tools
- Metabo
KKR acquisition of Hitachi Power Tools and Metabo was announced in early 2017.
Hitachi Power Tools was rebranded to Metabo HPT (North America) and HiKoki (internationally).
Chervon
Headquarters: China
- EGO (outdoor power tools and equipment)
- Devon
- Flex
- Skilsaw (acquired from Bosch in 2017)
- Skil (acquired from Bosch in 2017)
- X-Tron
- Hammerhead
- Calmdura
Chervon is also an OEM that produces cordless power tools for other brands, including private label brands such as Lowes’ Kobalt 24V Max brushless power tools line.
More Info (via Chervon)
Emerson Tools
Headquarters: St. Louis, MO, USA
- Greenlee – as of 2018
- Klauke – as of 2018
- Ridgid
- ProTeam
- Workshop
Emerson also manufactures wet/dry vacuums under Dirt Hound, and goClean brands.
Emerson acquired Greenlee from Textron in 2018, along with Klauke and Paladin (acquired by Greenlee in 2007).
Greenlee and Rothenberger engaged in a joint venture agreement for handling the North American market, lasting from 2004 thru 2015.
Ridgid power tools sold exclusively by Home Depot are developed, produced, and marketed by TTI. Ridgid hand tools and other plumbing and professional industry tools are not included in the arrangement.
More Info (via Emerson)
Werner Co.
Headquarters: Greenville, PA, USA
- Bailey
- Green Bull
- Keller
- Knaack
- Weather Guard
- Werner
More Info (via Werner Co)
Illinois Tool Works (ITW)
Headquarters: Glenview, IL, USA
- Buildex
- Duo-Fast
- Kester
- Hobart
- Miller
- Paslode
- Racor
- Ramset
- Red Head
- Tapcon
More Info (via ITW)
JPW Industries/WHM Tool Group/Walter Meier Manufacturing
Headquarters: New York City, NY, USA
JPW Industries is currently owned by Gamut Capital Management, a private equity firm (as of July 2017)
- JET Tools
- Powermatic
- Wilton
Other JPW Brands
- Edwards Manufacturing
- Promac
- Tool Air
- GYS
More Info (via JPW)
Snap-on Incorporated
Headquarters: Kenosha, WI, USA
- Snap-on
- Acesa
- ATI
- Bahco
- Blue Point
- CDI Torque
- Irazola
- Irimo
- Lindstrom
- Palmera
- Sioux
- Wanda
- Williams
(These companies fall into four groupings – Snap-on, Snap-on Industrial, SNA Europe, and Snap-on Specialty Tools, with some overlap.)
More Info: Snap-on Incorporated, Snap-on Industrial, SNA Europe
Ideal Industries
Headquarters: Sycamore, IL, USA
- Ideal
- Anderson Power
- Casella Measurement
- Pratt-Read
- SK Hand Tools
- Trend Communications
- Western Forge
More Info (via Ideal)
Newell Rubbermaid
Headquarters: Atlanta, GA, USA
- Dymo
HilmorLenox(Sold to Stanley Black & Decker)- Rubbermaid Commercial Products
Sharpie
Irwin Tool Brands (Sold to Stanley Black & Decker)
More Info: Newell Rubbermaid
Delta Power Equipment Corporation (Chang Type Industrial)
Headquarters: Anderson County, SC, USA (Delta PEC); Taichung City, Taiwan (Chang Type)
- Biesemeyer
- Delta
More Info (via ToolGuyd)
Kyocera
Headquarters: Japan (Kyocera Parent Corporation)
Kyocera acquired Senco, known for their air compressors and nailers.
Kyocera also acquired Ryobi, but not the Ryobi brand that North America users are familiar with – that brand’s tools and accessories North America business is still owned by TTI.
- Senco
- Aerfast Europe BV (formerly Van Aerden Group BV, a European pneumatic tools brand)
- Ryobi (not the Ryobi most USA readers are familiar with)
Positec
- Rockwell
- Worx
Positec has also been known to manufacture tools for other brands.
More Info (via Positec)
Reader Recommendations
Which other companies should be added to this guide to corporate tool brands?
Independent Brands
Makita is one of few remaining power tool brands not owned by a larger corporation. Fein and Hilti are also independent.
There are very many hand tool and tool storage brands that remain independent. They’re not listed here, although you can inquire about your favorite brands if you’re unsure.
Cameron says
so unless I missed something makita is independent?
Stuart says
Yes. If a brand isn’t mentioned here, it either means they’re independent (e.g. Makita and Hitachi), or part of a company I forgot about.
jeff says
Isnt Hitachi owned by GE? or are we only regarding tool companies?
Stuart says
The only affiliation between GE and Hitachi that I am aware of is their joint nuclear energy business. Hitachi power tools are not – to my knowledge – connected to GE in any way.
Chris says
*nukeular
Brian says
I believe Hitachi power tools got changed to HiKoKi power tools now.
Stuart says
Metabo HPT in the USA.
John says
Is Matco still under Danaher?
I think Werner is based of PA. They also have Keller Ladders and Green Bull Ladders under them.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) has tool companies like Miller Welders, Hobart Welders, Ramset, Paslode, and a slew of consumables under their corporate umbrella. http://www.itw.com/business-segments/
Snap-On has Bahco, Williams, Blue Point, and CDI Torque as industrial brands.
Ideal owns SK, Pratt-Read, and Western Forge. http://www.idealindustries.com/
Stuart says
Thanks!
Matco should still be under Danaher’s umbrella, but I didn’t see it on their corporate site in their business directory. I’ve added it in.
You’re also right about Werner, which is indeed based in Greenville, PA.
I updated the post a little while ago with ITW and JPW, and am still working on Snap-on, Ideal, and Newell Rubbermaid.
I might not delve too far outside of tools and into fasteners, tooling, and consumables, as that could really complicate things.
Nicholas says
If I’m not mistaken Williams make snap on hand tools don’t they?
Stuart says
The lines are so blurred it’s hard to tell. Williams is a Snap-on Industrial brand. Even if certain tools appear similar, there might be small nuances that differentiate the Snap-on tools from Williams ones.
Nicholas says
I know that Williams make tools for other companies. Like you said the lines are very blurry there.
Stuart says
OEM and private label tools is tough to follow as well, as contracts and arrangements change every now and then. Right now, I have no clue as to who else Williams manufacturers tools for outside the Snap-on corporate family.
Jeff says
It is,the other way around . SnapOn acquired the bankrupt Williams name and made Williams product here and later in Taiwan.
Steve says
No snap on owns Williams it is part of their indiustrial department it equal to blue point
John says
Couple of more that I thought of:
Stanley Black & Decker has Emglo compressors as a unit but it doesn’t look like they really want to sell any compressors unless they’re rebadged as DeWalts – no mention of where to buy them on the website and they’re down to just two models. http://www.emglo.com/index.html
I’m not sure how Irwin classifies everything they make like Vise-Grip, Marples Chisels, etc since they are a unit of Newell-Rubbermaid. Lenox is also under N-R
Textron has Rothenberger, Klauke, and Paladin operating under Greenlee. http://www.textron.com/about/our-businesses/index.php
Stuart says
I’m still working on updating the post with Newell Rubbermaid and Textron information. UPS stopped by with a new tool delivery and I got distracted.
John says
New tool deliveries are always an acceptable reason to be distracted.
stephen griffith says
Danaher is making Craftsman tools now, Danaher started making them in China, Its interesting to know Danaher is owned by Bain capitol which was founded an owned by Mitt Romney, no wonder Craftsman tools are being made in China, Romney absolutely hates American workers!, after finding this out I will never buy another Craftsman tool, I would rather overpay for SK, or Snap On than buy a piece of shit Chinese made Craftsman tool!!!!
Stuart says
Sorry, but you are wrong. Danaher is not owned by Bain Capital.
Apex Tool Group is owned by Bain Capital, and was previously a joint venture between Danaher and Cooper Tools.
Fritz says
Here’s the Wikipedia page about Bain Capital, basically a brief summary of it’s history and assets:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bain_Capital
Whilst Mitt Romney was a co founder of Bain Capital though his being a partner in the Bain and Company consulting firm, he was also a co owner, not THE owner. In any event he apparently retired as CEO of the firm in 2002, at which time Bain Capital also retired the position of CEO. Since that time Mr Romney has had nothing to do with Bain Capital’s management or with what acquisitions it has made. Sorry if you don’t like Mitt Romney, or believe that he hates American workers, because he had nothing to do with Danaher, Craftsmen tools being farmed out to China, or even Bain Capital purchasing the Apex Tool Group from Cooper Tools and Danaher.
Barry Crane says
Craftsmen is under Stanley etc now & so is Erwin, Lenox & himor.
I can’t remember the rest. Unibit also.
Stuart says
Yes. This is already indicated in the post. I didn’t realize about Hilmor, though – thanks!
Fritz says
By the way, Bain Capital bought out Apex Tool Group in 2012, for $1.6 billion dollars, I forgot to mention that.
Jeff says
Boy, you got that all wrong. Danaher never made anything in China. Danaher and Cooper group spun off their tool divisions to form Apex . They sold Apex to Bain Capital that has been closing tool divisions like Armstrong, Allen and KD and making tools in Taiwan. Mitt Romney has had nothing to do with Bain for many years so your attempt to tie him to the current situation is just you political viewpoint.
Skip Dow says
What do you consider Many years that Romney has had nothing to do with Bain ??
According to what I have read in several places, he closed an American computer parts company through Bain and sent it to China either election day, or the day after election day, when he ran for president. I remember it because it’s such a stupid, uncaring thing to do on election day, IF Romney is the one running for President. Sound’s exactly like a King Turnip idea.
Again from what I read in more than one place, the company was making a profit in the U.S. when it was moved. Many folks had been there over 25 years.
I try to stick to the Truth — Do you?? You make it sound as if Romney hasn’t had a thing to do with Danaher for 25 years. Please provide some references. Also look up the computer parts company Romney sent to China. You don’t need the name of it to read about it. Just look up Romney sends computer parts company to China. Many articles about it.
Keith says
Not on election day, these were things that happened in the 1990s that were reported on during the election. Read through this fact check article by PolitiFact. http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/jul/13/barack-obama/were-romneys-companies-pioneers-outsourcing/
Steve says
Danaher makes almost nothing in the states
Jkeith says
Regardless of when, from whom, or where these acquisitions and transfers took place, the story is fundamentally the same. These corporate conglomerates are nothing more than profit drones – machines in their own right. “They” have no concern for quality, American workers (or any workers for that matter), or the consumers who buy their tools.
They function from a calculus that simply states: What can we do to minimize material, labor, and all other operating costs as close to zero as possible while still generating maximum profitability and growth. It’s about maintaining quarterly profits to enrich shareholders and corporate executives – that’s literally it. If Mitt Romney doesn’t exemplify that pathology, I don’t know who does.
Long gone is the norm of companies who took pride in the tools they produced, whose principle concerns were quality and reputation while making enough of a profit to keep the business going, i.e., companies who took satisfaction in creating something of real and lasting value. Sounds quaint doesn’t it?
So where’s the list of people like Thomas Lie-Nielsen of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks who created and carefully built a company based on the principles of quality and reputation, and whose success is one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise dismal industry? Yes, it would be a very short list of a few rare individuals, but it would be nice to provide some recognition for these folks who are not hell bent on destroying everything they touch for the sake of their personal wealth and power.
Stuart says
I can’t praise individuals I haven’t met and don’t know much about. I don’t have experience with Lie-Nielsen tools, although I am quite aware of their reputation.
Your idea is a good one, and I’ll keep in mind to try and build a list of laudable independent tool brands focused more on quality than maximized profit. A lot of the time, this results in premium pricing, but there are some brands that are able to offer a lot at near entry-level pricing.
Jkeith says
Thanks for the reply, Stuart. The idea was more of a general query/observation and not directed necessarily toward you. In fact, off the top of my head I’m hard pressed to come up with even a handful of independent tool manufacturers.
Anyway, I came across your website only recently, and wish I had found you earlier. Great stuff!
MichaelHammer says
Oh, my friend, to hold a Lie-Nielsen plane is to hold a piece of history, not only in the painstaking replication of perfect, beautiful Stanley planes of a lost era, but also that era’s quality manufacturing to the nth degree. They are worth every penny as even your children’s children will enjoy the ribbons of wood that curl from its finely-tuned throat.
Lenny says
Other than Bosch (Germany) and TTI, all of the companies are headquarted in the US. It still burns me that TTI is a Chinese owned company and it produces Milwaukee tools. Not knocking their products, they make nice stuff, I just have a hard time seeing the profits go back to China too.
Stuart says
A lot of these biggers companies really are global companies. It doesn’t quite matter if Bosch and Milwaukee are owned by parent companies based outside the USA, as they have massive infrastructures here.
Delta and Biesemeyer are part of Delta PEC, which is owned by Chang Type Industrial Co., which is based in Taiwan.
Cleveland, Bassett, Chicago-Latrobe, Cli-Line, Putnam Tools, and Vermont Tap & Die are part of Greenfield Industries, which is owned by Dalian Far East Tools, which is based in China.
Jeff says
This is a great site. I was always fascinated by the corporate machinations of my favorite tool brands.
Black & Decker acquired Porter Cable and Delta from Pentair that had merged their operations. Then Stanley bought B & D and the first thing they did was sell Delta to Chang Type, who was one of their suppliers. Chang Type moved Delta from It’s plant in TN to a new plant in NC.
Delta dates back to before 1940 and if you were willing to pay the price you could get a part for almost anything. According to a big tool dealer in my area, support is not so good under the new owner
Dr Duke says
I still remember when Delta was Rockwell. Makers of tools, automation equipment and the space shuttle.
firefly says
That’s just part of globalization… If you really care where the profit go, a good place to start complaining is with the US government as they have made US a very hostile place for corporation in general.
Happy Mondays says
Came for the Koch Brothers, mindless drone sound-byte, left satisfied.
Do me a favor and outline the US Government policies that hold corporations hostile?
I mean really, you do live in the same country I do, right? Where nominally, one would expect to be able to drink clean water, eat safe food, ensure some decency in labor conditions?
Sure, we can go cheaper/better/faster with gung-ho-corporations-are-people-too… in places where, when the corporation is done with you, they throw you in the same run-off ditch the factory waste goes into.
The “US being a very hostile place for corporations” is exactly what the oligarchs want you to say. Kudos between you and them!
Steve says
If you do not think the government is hostile just ask any one in the generation industry.
Joseph says
Try opening a manufacturing plant in New York, Massachusetts, California, Oregon, Washington State and many more. I worked as a Location Planner for Rosemount Industries. I can tell you with 100% certainty, state and federal agencies intentionally make it nearly impossible to build (permits) and operate (taxes, regulations) in this country. You obviously have never worked in the private sector nor have one ounce of business knowledge. The liberal US government is hostile to manufacturing industry. Period!
ron says
It is not the Liberal government that is making all the regulations–many have been instituted under republican admins as well—It has to do with “not in my back yard” mentality. Every one wants energy independence and manufacturing jobs–but not in my backyard–don’t spoil my view. Ps, while I am fine with paying more for my American made tools, to ensure domestic workers have decent wages and conditions the rest of the Wal-mart connoisseurs are only about the cheap price with no regard to the fact their neighbor lost his job and now his kids qualify for free lunch at school because they refuse to look for the USA label.
Will says
I live in Pittsburg, Kan., and there are multiple manufacturers here; Vinylplex (PVC pipe), Pitt Plastics, Masonite (doors), Atkinson (steel electronics buildings) and various other machine, cabinetry and manufacturing outfits.
If you want to set up manufacturing in the U.S., it can easily be done, and most municipalities will fall over themselves to offer tax breaks and other amenities (the state damn near offered to pay Boeing to keep its Wichita plant in operation before they decided to relocate).
Companies blame “regulations,” i.e., laws, so they don’t have to say they don’t want to pay their labor force.
MichaelHammer says
I don’t understand what your talking about. There are already lots of manufacturing in those states. In fact I see ads from New York State specifically targeting manufacturers touting tax breaks and favorable laws. There are bygone manufacturing hubs in those states that would be ecstatic to see a resurgence.
Steve says
Snap on does all day every day
Victoria schrudder says
Where can I find out how much these companies have paid for a tool product or tool line. I have one for sale? I’ve had interest from a couple of well known companies and I don’t know what number I should put out there.
Stuart says
For a tool product or tool line? I don’t think such information is ever publically available. If a publically owned company (one where anyone can be a shareholder instead of private owners), corporate acquisitions and purchase prices are usually disclosed.
For a tool product or tool line, I wouldn’t even know where to direct you to for more info.
I can’t give you advice if there’s money on the line, as I don’t want to steer you the wrong way. I don’t even know if there’s an obvious authority you could consult with about this.
Eco Mouse says
I’d have a conversation with FastCap. They actually look at new tool ideas and inventions from regular people, Help develop them and share in the profits!
Hank says
From a valuation perspective, I would apply a multiplier to revenue or earnings to come up with an initial price. You should be able multipliers for different industries on the internet.
Rick says
Sounds to me like Happy Monday is really bitchy Thursday!
Fritz says
Corporate income tax policy for one, the U.S is the only Western government that expects U.S based companies to pay taxes twice on profits they earn overseas. So if a U.S company had an overseas division in France, or Great Britain, and paid corporate income tax on the profits they made there to the French or the British government, they currently have to pay U.S corporate income tax on those same profits. This was why Burger King moved their head office to Canada a few years ago.
Then you have the various regulations and red tape, some estimates peg the cost of complying with those at $500 billion dollars or more. Whilst some are necessary, such as many labor and workplace safety standards, others are complete balderdash.
Jeff says
Thank you Bernie Sanders. The EPA was calling a puddle on private land a water resource to regulate. They poked a hole in a coal slag retaining pond to “inspect it” caused a break that poured millions gallons of sludge into a river. The US has the highest corporate tax rate in the world. US companoes are holding billions of dollars offshore, that could be invested, because the government would take most of it. All you liberals do is talk. The infrastructure is crumbling and you want to stop global warming. Look at the dam that just collapsed in lefty nutland, California. They couldn’t spend the money on a dam that leftys think is an insult to the environment.Nobody wants dirty air and water but all you guys do is use it as an excuse to get elected and raise taxes. In NJ a super toxic waste site stood unfixed for years until a builder wanted the land for a luxury condo and store complex. He spent several years and millions of his own money cleaning up the mess. All ya got is hot air and slogans. You can’t be bothered with actually doing something. You think that if you raise taxes AGAIN it will all get fixed. The money doesn’t fix anything. It just ends up in somebody’s poccket. If course you will never learn this watching MSNBC and CCN. Name calling is not the same as information.
Eli says
Hong Kong, while now part of China, is not really China as far as business goes. Many big businesses originated in Hong Kong, especially when it comes to trading and investments, but not only. The biggest example being HSBC (“Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation”), but other examples are Cathay Pacific, Mandarin Oriental hotel chain, Creative Labs audio and more.
The same way I would not underestimate Taiwan and Korea as industial powers. Some of the biggest brands in cell phones and computers and parts are from Taiwan. Just to mention a few – Asus, HTC, Acer.
Taiwan is very strong on tools, and I feel most on the tool inovations of the last decades came from there, such as the ratcheting wrench. In fact, the Gearwrench brand is owned by a Taiwaneese company (Lea way), now owned by the Apex group.
LARRY says
Ratcheting wrenches are not a new idea – there are vintage examples made by domestic companies that go back over 50 years.
Many “new” ideas are in old catalogs, printed decades ago.
I can’t honestly compare asian companies with their western counterparts when it comes to innovation. They aren’t even close. They haven’t been close for centuries. Not since spaghetti, anyway. China never will be until their people have freedom to be creative
Jeff says
There is nothing new about ratcheting wrenches. Before the forged ones were around, the stamped sheet metal ones were around forever. There have been recent advancements like the finer step, multi pawl version from SK.
Barry Crane says
Gear wrench is owned by someone else. Forgot who. I think I read it above.
Stuart says
Gearwrench is owned by Apex Tool Group, as indicated in the post.
Jeff says
Just a useless factoid: Milwaukee used to be owned by Domino Sugar
Barry Crane says
Didn’t know that😃
Richie says
Not to mention the fact that TTI is also producing power tools for Ridgid under a negotiated contract. They are probably making those tools overseas to. It is unclear exactly what tools TTI is manufacturing for Ridgid? If anyone knows I would like to know.
regopit says
I thought that TTI also has Ridgid not sure
regopit says
My bad AGE is there
Stuart says
I mentioned this in the post, but added emphasis for greater visibility.
TTI designs and manufacturers Ridgid power tools under a licensing agreement with Emerson (Ridgid’s parent company), exclusively for The Home Depot. TTI is the OEM for a lot of Ridgid power tools, but does not own the brand.
Noah says
From the photos I’ve seen, many Ridgid tools are simply relabeled AEG in other parts of the world. So its not so much that there are two lines of tools, but rather two name plate stamps at the factory.
Eli says
I would say its the opposite – TTI has the global brand AEG. In the USA they sell AEG tools under Home Depot’s private label Ridgid (Which, as mentioned above, is actually owned by Emerson, and made its name making plumber tools).
Fritz says
AEG is a defunct company, it used to stand for Allgemeine Elektricitäts-Gesellschaft AG, or General Electricity Company. What was left of it was bought out by Electrolux in 1994, who now licenses the brand to anyone who wants it. It’s rather like RCA, when you see something sold under the RCA brand it’s usually a piece of junk made in China by Funai or a Chicom owned company, there hasn’t been a real RCA product manufactured since 1987.
DRT says
You got it.
Nicholas says
TTI also makes craftsman power tools but who makes their hand tools?
Stuart says
TTI develops and produces Ridgid tools and some Craftsman power tools. Chervon also produces certain Craftsman power tools, and Black & Decker produces the Craftsman Matrix modular power tools.
Chervon also makes tools for Kobalt and other brands, and have also launched their own Hammerhead brand in 2013.
Craftsman’s hand tools come from EVERYWHERE. Apex Tool Group makes a lot of their mechanics tools, Vaughan makes some of their hammers, Stride used to make some of Craftsman’s wire strippers (and Klein’s as well), Knipex made two Craftsman water pump-style adjustable pliers, Keter makes some of Craftsman’s tool boxes, Waterloo makes a lot of Craftsman’s tool chests and cabinets, Bosch produces some of Craftsman’s power tools (e.g. Dremel-style rotary tools) and accessories, Wilde used to make Craftsman’s pry bars, and Western Forge produces (or used to produce) some of Craftsman’s screwdrivers and pliers.
It is REALLY difficult to keep track of OEM and private label arrangements, as nobody really likes to talk about who makes what. Things change every so often, which further complicates the matter.
Nicholas says
Thanks for all of the info.
Noah says
It would seem Western Forge is still making most of their pliers and adjustable wrenches. They are also now making the screwdrivers as well.
As I understand it, a big reason that Pratt Read ended up being bought by Ideal was the result of their cutting ties with Seas Craftsman over screwdrivers. Prices on materials went up, Pratt Read asked for a sales price increase, Sears said no, and thus Pratt Read left Sears. Cutting off their nose to spite their face? Perhaps.
Jeff says
It used to be easier with Sears when the first thee digits of the model number identified the vendor. The vendor ID number list is easily found online.
Javier says
Good article, now you should make one about where these brands produce their tools so that people aren’t surprised when they find out their products aren’t built here.
Stuart says
Even if that wasn’t a herculean task, it’s not something I would be eager to do.
It’s not uncommon for companies to move product production around, and so COO information would need to be updated very frequently.
Thus, it would be an enormous burden to compile, add to, and update such information.
I created a broad beans and COO list a while back and will republish it at one point.
Tool buyers can, and should, contact brands or dealers for updated country of origin information. That’s really still the best way to get the most accurate information.
Harry says
Good job assembling who owns who in a single place!!
Larson says
Funny that Techtronic, Textron, and Tektronix are all on the list, caught my eye at first.
Speaking of Techtronic I remember reading that Oreck vacs was going to be bought out by Hoover (or TTI I assume) but never heard much more about it or if the family was going to buy it back. Maybe with all those brands they can come up with something as good as my Dyson LOL.
I thought Delta was with Dewalt at one point, or was that one of the licensing things? It’s so hard to keep up with who’s licensing what. Had a Husky compressor once that the motor warranty was one company, the tank was another company, and I want to say some part was yet a third company. Husky and Kobalt are hard to follow, craftsman for that matter too. I wonder if they are muddying their brand names or if it’s only us tool nerds that notice.
Stuart says
Stanley Black & Decker sold Delta to a Taiwanese company back in early 2011.
Generally, consumers don’t really take notice if/when Craftsman, Husky, and Kobalt switch to different OEMs.
Jeff says
At one point, Delta and Porter Cable were owned by Pentair. They sold it them B&D . Right after Stanley bought B&D, they sold Delta to Chang Type, that had been one of their suppliers The Taiwanese company built a new plant in NC to build Delta, that had always been made in Tennesee.
Eli says
Under the Stanley-BD umbrella, the Facom brands are missing – Bost (France), USAG and Pastorino (Italy). Those companies still manufacture many of the global SBD tools – mostly under the FACOM name, but not only – for example, Stanley Fatmax screwdrivers (at least in Europe) are rebadged Bost.
There is some inconsistency regarding non tool brands – You mention TTI’s home appliance business but not Bosch’s (one of the wolrd biggest in home appliance). You mention Newell-Rubbermaid’s Sharpie brand, but this is only a line of Sanford – the big stationary bran, which now also owns Parker and Waterman pen companies.
Stuart says
Thanks for the Facom additions!
TTI’s vacuum/home appliance businesses were included because it might come as a surprise that they own familiar name brands. The link between Bosch and Bosch appliances is more straightforward.
I recently picked up Sharpie industrial markers, which is why I consider them to be a tool-related brand.
The inconsistencies are not deliberate, but result from discretionary decisions. I refrain from mentioning some of the more esoteric industrial parts brands, but mention ITW’s Tapcon and Red Head brands. I tried to focus on tools, in a semi-strict sense, as much as possible.
Some of the parent companies have even more brands under their umbrellas, which is why I included outgoing links to their “our businesses” and “brands” pages. Textron, for example, also owns Bell Helicopters, Cessna, and a Textron Systems subsidiary with feet in the defense and unmanned aircraft industries.
Robert says
Seeing Milwaukee under the same parent company as Ryobi and Homelite is interesting, to put it politely. That image would cause my wheels to turn the next time I’m plunking down the cash for a Milwaukee drill.
Then again, I would’ve said the same thing about the affiliation between DeWalt and Black and Decker. I guess it hasn’t deterred me from my share of DeWalt purchases.
Eli says
Isn’t it why companies have different brands and subsidiaries?
In the tool world, Bosch has skil, Stanley has Proto (which in turn has blackhawk as mid-level) etc.
but why stop at tools – Chevrolet + Cadilac, Ford +Lincoln, Volkswagen+Audi, Toyota + Lexus, and the list goes on and on.
The problem is when a brand has mixed quality, so you never know what to expect (modern Carftman, maybe?)
DanG says
Thanks for all the tool listings. It really surprised me to learn of the mother companies of a lot of tools I possess. I had no idea that Ideal owed S*K tools. Which is one of my most favorite brands. I always thought Faacom was affiliated with S*K. Tells you what I know.
A mechanical engineer friend of mine awhile back printed several pages of “Who Owned What Tool Company.” I’m sure it is very inaccurate now due to drastic changes in marketing. On the list it showed that Stanley tools formerly made Craftsman hand tools and this was taken over by Danaher. I was always under the impression that Danaher was still making the hand tools for Sears. It looks like to me that the process was part of the Cooper/Danaher merger that was sold to Bain Capital and made into a new company called Apex. Bain seems like such a dirty four lettered word to me. This company knowingly buys big conglomerate companies and breaks them up into little pieces and spits them out all over the place to maximize their profits. Being involved with Bain is what partly hurt Mitt Romney’s chances of election. I shudder when I hear that Bain is part of an acquisition, especially tools.
Judging from this list would you say that Bosch is the largest, most profitable tool company in the world?
Stuart says
SK was purchased from Ideal in 2010 following their bankruptcy.
OEM and private label relationships are too complex for me to sort through, and as mention it’s made more complex by product managers and marketers who don’t want to discuss these relationships.
Danaher and Cooper merged their tool industries as part of a joint endeavor, but the companies themselves didn’t merge. It was Apex Tool Group before and after the sale to Bain Capital.
Danaher was the primary OEM for Craftsman mechanics tools before Danaher and Cooper joined forces, and then the Apex Tool Group took the arrangement with them. I believe the Apex Tool Group is still the primary OEM for Craftsman mechanics hand tools.
It’s hard to say which is the largest and most profitable tool company in the world, as some of these companies are involved in a lot more industries outside of tools, accessories, and related product categories.
For example, did you know that Bosch is also in the business of designing and manufacturing MEMS devices (microelectromechanical systems)?
According to data from Stanley Black & Decker, as discussed in a recent post, SBD is the largest and most profitable tool manufacturer in the world, at least in regard to construction and DIYer tools.
Jeff says
Danaher and Cooper spun off tool divisions to create Apex. They later sold it to Bain Capital. It was politically convienient to tar Romney with the activities of Bain Capital long after he had no connection with the company. It was the usual Democrat stuff about “evil capitalists”. The same people they come to for political contributions.
MT_Noob says
Great post! And the comments are informative also. Thanks for another great article.
Kalvin says
Very interesting, a list of companies that actually manufacture the tools for the retailers would be helpful to trace tool quality, and then money savings. In other words a list from the bottom up instead of the top down.
Stuart says
A lot of brands have their own plants.
Connecting OEMs to tool brands would require access to a lot of private information I do not have and cannot access.
Dave L says
To me, who owns what is less of a problem than what they DO with what they buy. I worked for a lock company some years ago that got locks in by the case. I could always tell when a company had been acquired the moment I opened a box: Parts would be missing, hardware would be damaged or I would even find the wrong model in a box (or the wrong box for the model).
Matthew Sumner says
Great list. Thanks for the info all in one spot.
D_Hack says
Great post, you put this together really well. I have to ask though… how did you find out all of this information? If you went through every parent company’s website and pieced all of their subsidiaries together that’s impressive.
Stuart says
Thanks!
That’s pretty much what I did. It was time consuming, but I got the hang of it after the first few. The frustrating part was that some of the parent companies don’t explicitly list all of the companies in the umbrella, which meant a lot more work.
I started with Bosch, Stanley Black & Decker, Apex, TTI, and Emerson, and then added the others by the next day.
D_Hack says
That does seem like a whole lot of work so kudos to you! It may be after-the-fact now, but there is a really relevant business database that has corporate hierarchies and all the related subsidiary company information. I guess you could get a free trial and see if there is anything else to expand on here. Ironically the database is called Corporate Affiliations http://www.corporateaffiliations.com
Stuart says
Thanks for the link!
I forgot to mention it, but I also looked at some of the public companies’ annual reports and investor pages.
Even with a trial to that site, I would still have had to vet everything and filter out non-tool-related companies and endeavors, which might have been more of a hassle.
There are other tool-related companies that I could possibly include here, but the perceived interest level to readers is probably not going to be high enough to warrant their inclusion.
Tool Editor says
Like RIDGID brand power tools, TTI also makes Ryobi tools for the US market as a licensee. They do not own Ryobi which is a company based in Japan which offers totally different tools.
Stuart says
Are you sure about that?
http://www.ttigroup.com/en/our_brands/by_brand/ryobi
https://www.ryobitools.com/outdoor/content/about
According to both company’s sites, Ryobi’s Power Tools and Accessories division is owned by TTI.
TTI is the parent company of One World Technology Inc., which owns the Ryobi power tools division.
My understanding is that the Ryobi name is trademarked and used under license by OWT, but the entire Ryobi power tools and accessories business itself is owned by TTI. The arrangement TTI has with Ridgid is a little different.
The arrangement is similar to how Church & Dwight and the Arm & Hammer company bought the Crest Spinbrush business from Procter & Gamble. Church & Dwight owned the business, Procter & Gamble owned the Crest brand name. I’m sure there was a licensing agreement in there somewhere. These days, C&D has moved away from Crest branding.
CT says
Tool Editor is correct. Ryobi makes their own product line for different markets. See the disclaimer at the bottom of the link below.
http://www.ryobi-group.co.jp/en/projects/powertools/products/index.html
Jeremy says
I believe TTI owns Stiletto as well
Thompson Dental says
Is Danaher Corp just out to hurt small business or what?
Jeff says
What are you talking about. Danaher has sold off all of their tool businesses. The current owners are Apex owned by Bain Capital and Fortive. Danaher is now only in the the precision measuring equipment business. Medical or some such. NO TOOLS.
CT says
Positec Group owns Rockwell and WORX
Scott says
I get asked a lot who own/makes Kobalt Cordless Power tools, my research has produced a company called Chervon… What other brands do they own/make? Also… doesn’t Emerson also make Kobalt corded tools in addition to Rigid’s? Some of the models look identical.
Stuart says
Chervon makes some power tools for Craftsman as well, and certain tools for other brands. They’re an OEM. Chervon also makes HammerHead and EGO tools.
Lynyrd says
Hang in there Channellock! Don’t sell out, stay independent and privately owned.
Steve DGerolamo says
Great job Stuart. Another company I have dealings with is the Nilfisk-Advance Group. Off the top of my head, some of the affiliates and corporations in this group include…. Alto/Wap, Nilfisk, Nilfisk CFM, Euroclean, Clarke-American, Kew, and Advance.
There may have been some changes in the last few years. Steve D
Nathan says
Great post, and thread. Please try and update it as possible. Great info, especially as people need to shop and vote with their pocket books.
jon clarke says
i believe that i saw that emerson now makes rigid elec tools and shop vacs for home depot and ryobi was making crapsman tools.
Stuart says
TTI designs, produces, and markets Ridgid power tools for Home Depot, and they also produce certain tools for Craftsman. TTI is also responsible for Ryobi power tools in the USA, North America, and Australia, perhaps in other regions as well.
Jeff says
It is explained in the original post. Ridgid plumbing tools are owned by Emerson Electric. Emerson owns the Ridgid name. They have licensed the name to TTI to make the Ridgid power tools sold exclusively by HD. Notice the orange and gray HD colors on the Ridgid power tools. Ridgid plumbing tools are red.
jon clarke says
excellent listing and a lot of work to produce. nice job
Carl says
I’m just curious about Freud tools. I know Bosch owns the power tool accessory part of Freud (bits and blades etc.), but who owns the rest of Freud, e.g. the power tool part? Assuming that part is still in operation. I can’t find any info on the Freud site about any of their power tools, only their accessories.
Stuart says
It’s hard to say. I haven’t seen Freud power tools marketed on the USA for a couple of years.
JL says
No mention of Craftsman.
Also, there is another line of professional tools that most people don’t know about in the US, or at least they aren’t that popular, but they do have some serious tools. It is Festool.
ORD says
Craftsman was independent, owned by it’s creator Sears until December 5th 2017 when Black&Decker bought Craftsman.
ORD says
That should be “Stanley Black & Decker”
Stuart says
The deal was announced on January 5th, 2017, and it has not been finalized yet.
Jeff says
They are available from Woodcraft and made in Germany They are serious tools at even more serious prices. Their “domino”joiner has attracted a lot of attention. But $500 to $700 is more than most can spend on a hand power tool.
Matt says
I believe Frued power tool division is or was still owned by the family that started it if my memory is right after they sold the accessories division. It’s been six years since I worked for BOSCH. Just so everyone knows. Bosch power tools North America has a cooperate office in Mt Prospect IL. It is huge and employs a lot of people. Also Bosch is privately owned and is owned in majority by a charity and others including the Bosch family. Robert Bosch was an inventor and invented a lot things. He worked in a Thomas Edison factory at one point.
larry hill says
What happened to easco tools?
Made hand tools for sears.napa,master mechanic,and easco
larry hill says
Scherr turmco?
larry hill says
Vise grip went over seas but the retail price did not drop wonder why.
Was this move caused by corporate greed,goverment regulations and taxes,unfair
Trade laws.
Our patent laws mean nothing to china, who will clone an item recently patented and sell it in the usa and many in cases parts from the cloned item will inter change with usa made items
How much of this issue falls with the retailer like harbor freight,walmart or the consumer who buys cheep knock offs
Bob Pelan says
Thanks so much for the info. The companies are so big now and quality seems to be an afterthought for so much of it. I recently bought a Delta table saw and was quite impressed with the quality. Made in Taiwan as you noted.
Vern Lewis says
Stuart,
I really appreciate the fine work you have done here. With your permission I would like to link your info here in my Blog about Aircraft Mechanics hand tools https://avtool.wordpress.com/ .
You have really helped me keep in touch with the market, THANKS!
Leo Enright says
I could not find Metabo on the list. Any comments please?
Stuart says
Metabo isn’t part of a larger corporate family, are they? I don’t believe they are, please correct me if I’m wrong.
This post is about brands that are owned by large corporate conglomerates, and so individual tool companies are not mentioned at all.
Mikko says
Metabo was bought by Hitachi about a year ago but the rumor is that they are both up for sale now.
Hilton says
This is an incredible list, well done Stuart.
Harry says
2yrs ago I went to Sears to exchange my 3/8 ratchet that stripped after 35yrs use. I didnt strip it myself btw I know better…lol
The salesman told me no repair kit for it so would have to mail me a new ratchet as they no longer switched ratchets on site. He’d worked there over 10yrs said it changed 2 yrs prior. Even though one was on rack, he couldnt switch & still had to tell new buyers they can walk in for new ones too. I left mad!
About 10 days later I recieved a junk china ratchet in mail. I tried to switch to a usa next day, no way. I left pissed!
I wrote 52 bad reviews just on amazon warning folks to keep usa, not exchange but order kit repair their self, its easy. Amazon removed all but 4 a week later and stated I bent a rule? So I filed bbb complaint on Sears,Amazon,Menards, anyone else google sent me too selling crapsman tools for false advertising walk in warranty & all had made in USA on websites. They bent rules too…lol
Most know they are china now. But’ if USA is not on the crapsman tool itself, its 98% chance china made. After 2 weeks a district manager calls me 9am sat morning says come in before noon he’ll give a usa ratchet. 1/2hr later Im there, he’s gone nobody knows anything about me! Now’ Im disabled so not easy to run to store on whim so I went the F off, the salesman opened 6-8 big sets and finally found a USA 3/8 ratchet. He became my go to guy “if”/when I buy at sears, very rare now. Amazon was first to state crapsmans made in china over it all a few weeks later. They knew as other reviews stated china made before this but I turned them in to bbb for breaking the #1 rule . Honesty!
Not sure sears ever has on its sites, liars!!
Salesman told me that day Kmart/Sears built a huge manufacturing plant in china a few yrs back and been making craftsman engines & tools. They are junk & get returned daily! They still make money because of cost to make vs selling price, if they give you 100 returns they’re still ahead. Before then you’ll quit and buy another brand. Great company today. Sorry so long, Im almost over it as you can tell…lol
john7 says
Amen! NO MORE craftsman for me either; wont send money to red china.
Matt says
Some friends of ours have a Craftsman mower. They get a single use from it before it must be replaced. I believe they’re on their 6th one now. Rather sad that quality doesn’t seem to be a part of anything.
PhilnTX says
Nice article. A bunch on OEM tool kits are produced by a large Italian firm http://www.ferval.com/
. Also, most screnches come from these guys.
Mohamed ibrahim says
Hi, would like to start to distribute tools in Paraguay?
Would you please advice the durable brands with good prices.
Thank you
Mike St.George, Utah says
Husky THD950L tile saws are built by Chervon – – apparently they are making quite a few Husky power tools for Home Depot now.
Mike St.George Utah says
Husky THD950L tile saws are made by Chervon. Apparently according to Home Depots technical assistance line they are making quite a few Husky power tools for Home Depot.
Liudmila Baksheeva says
That is a very nice article~! My company is in translation business for many tools companies and at the first it was difficult to get to the right person in this industry with our services, as almost all the companies are not independent!
justin says
Does Lowes own Kobalt?
Stuart says
Yes, Kobalt is a Lowes “house brand.”
J. Hurren says
Hey Stuart!
Great work on your vids and site, definitely my go-to when researching my next tool purchase here in Toronto, Ontario.
Just wanted to add, I know that it’s not exactly a tradesman tool company, but I guess it’s somebody’s tool company – Oreck vacuums is owned by TTI too.
Cheers!
Eric Gibson says
I’m in England, 80 years old and in the motor trade since I left school at 15, I just found your site by accident whilst looking for something else.
I’ve had a wander through and found it very interesting but being a Brit I notice there is little mention of British tool companies, however your mention of Facom reminded me of my long time tool supplier Britool, they have a history which might be of interest to members.
http://www.britool-expert.co.uk/about/
Don T says
Very interesting. Danaher cares not about quality or people and are driven by bottom line. The companies they own have seen lots of good talent leave and they appear to do little reinvestment into R&D.
Price is what you pay, value is what you receive. Harbor Freight? Some stuff junk, some OK, some quite good and some excellent.
Who is the manufacturer of items like the nice sliding miter, the Predator generators and some of their other more expensive machine tools?
James says
Any idea who makes the welding and plasma cutting equipment for Eastwood?
Dan says
Does anyone know who originally made Kobalt tools for Lowes?
Stuart says
Snap-on’s Williams brand, I think.
Dr Duke says
That is what I was told when they first rolled out Kolbolt.
Don says
Stuart —
Congratulations on this Herculean task – well done sir!! I have been interested in this topic for years. By virtue of our last name I had a special interest in HK Porter tools. My grandfather claimed a long lost relative had invented the double-action jaws of bolt cutters, but sold the patent for a pittance. He said if we ever came across those tools with the “HKP” initials molded into the handles we should hang on to them – I have collected 4 antique examples, I wrote to the company asking if they had a company historian who might fill me in on the company’s past. Below is what I received. BTW my genealogical research never turned up any links to that Henry K Porter. It’s also confusing that there was also another Henry K Porter with his own company in those days – they became the 3rd largest manufacturer of locomotives in the US. I’ve never found a link between those two Henrys or companies.
H.K. PORTER HISTORY
1880 – Henry K. Porter, a partner in the general machine shop of Porter and Wooster, located in Boston, Mass., patented an improved, adjustable “bolt cutter”. It was designed for blacksmiths, wheelwrights, and carriage makers to snip off the excess lengths of bolts after the nut had been tightened.
1888 – The firm became H. K. Porter.
1900 – The firm moved from Boston, Mass., to Everett, Mass., a suburb of Boston.
1900 to 1940 – As the horse and buggy gave way to motor power, “bolt cutters” were adapted to many new, modern cutting applications. New cutters were constantly being designed and refined to keep pace with all the new materials to be cut as industry expanded.
1946 – H.K. Porter moved to Somerville, MA expanding its operations and facilities.
1950 to 1980 – During this period, H.K. Porter expanded its product lines to include ratchet, pneumatic and hydraulic cutting tools. Specialized tools were designed for every conceivable application; such as special equipment to help Astronaut Charles Conrad and Alan Bean salvage Surveyor III during their 1969 moon walk.
1987 – H.K. Porter was acquired by CooperTools.
1988 – The H.K. Porter operation was relocated to the Wiss facility in Statesboro, GA. The H.K. Porter/Wiss/Plumb plant is one of the largest manufacturers of hand held cutting tools in the world.
Ken C says
Anyone know of Jonard Tools? Any Good? Made in USA?
James Petersen says
Jonard has been around for decades. They mfr specialty tools. I use their burnishers cleaning contacts in protective relay.
P. K. Neuses is a similar company.
Mike says
They are well known in the CATV and telecom industries, not too surprising since those are their target customers. COO is China.
Ron Bishop says
Chicago Electric Tools / Harbor Freight… Are they the same company?
Who Owns Chicago Electric Tools? I need assistance with a problem with Chicago Electric Tools parts and can not get assistance from Harbor Freight where I originally purchased the tools. Any help, any ideas.
Stuart says
Yes, it is my understanding that Chicago Electric is a Harbor Freight house brand.
Did they say why they won’t help you?
Mycreativestreak says
Makita being one of the few independents. It has one of the largest ranges of cordless equipment and continues to add more products to their range faster than any other manufacturer. I have watched them continually add more brushless cordless tools and 36v (2x18V) cordless tools. They have one of the fastest chargers on the market.
Yi Ru Li says
Hi there. i’m a new auto body apprentice. I am looking for a socket set for my work. I wonder which of these tools are useful and last longer (Stanley socket set, mastercraft, or maximum)
KLBilyeu says
None of these…go Snap-on!!!
James says
Any major name set with a lifetime replacement guarantee.
Things desireable.
1. Flank Drive (a relief in the corners, for a tighter fit along the side of the hex)
2. The hex should come out to the end of the socket wall.
3. For “typical” work, not heavy torque, thinner walls are useful for getting to fasteners in thght places.
Here’s a discussion of selecting tools. (NOTE: I have NO vested interest in the post)
http://www.exploringoverland.com/overland-tech-travel/2015/11/23/tools-101-part-1
Ken C says
As long as it has a chrome finish. A lot of new stuff has that cool
looking oxide finish, DON’T! Leave one of those black wrenches
in the sun for about a half an hour and pick it up with a bare hand.
You will only do that once! The same is true for really cold weather.
The black radiates off the heat much faster and to a greater extent
then the chrome. Leave a black wrench out in below freezing temp
for a while, remember Ralphie from “A Christmas Story”, you get
the idea.
Another thing, ratchets, greater the number of teeth the better.
Cutters, get the best! or keep buying replacements. For the most
part the China stuff is junk! Only get the High-Leverage type. Klein,
Channellock, Knipex but NOT the China Stuff.
Same for screwdrivers, One good set of Klein will outlast 10 of the
cheap sets. Of course the best, if you got the money it the king of
the hill Snap On! Snap On tools 30 years old work as good as the
day the were new. Beware, even the king has started to cut corners
like the black oxide finish nonsense. There is always eBay. Some of
the Snap On stuff looks as good as new but a half the price.
Good Luck!
Ken
James says
Also, I prefer a textured finish over the high polish. It is a better grip for me.
Ken C says
Totally! Problem is, those textured ones are getting harder and harder to find.
Ken
Todd says
Ok so who makes the batteries for these cordless tools ..use many different tools…and rigid batteries seem to last the longest..!
Jeff says
Batteries and battery packs are two different things. The actual cells are made by companies in China, Japan and the USA. There is no way of knowing where the cells came from but as Ridgid is made by TTI in China, I would guess they are Chinese cells. In some cases opening up the pack and looking at the markings on the cells might yield sone information.
Christoffer Odden says
what about the merge between Lennox, Irwin and the Stanley Black And Decker group?
Stuart says
It hasn’t been finalized yet. The deal is expected to be finalized in early 2017.
And it’s not a merger, it’s an acquisition/purchase of Irwin and Lenox by SBD.
Cliff says
Lenox and Irwin coming out from under ownership by Rubbermaid will be a good thing.
I have 3 horizontal saws and one vertical saw in my machine shop, and used Lenox blades for a number of years because they outperformed other brands by a noticeable margin. Shortly after the acquisition by Rubbermaid, the quality deteriorated to a level approximately equal to that of Irwin which has always been a producer of hardware store quality cutting tools as opposed to the true industrial quality of Lenox.
As we might expect, the quality went down but the price continued to climb. Given the good quality level of SBD brands like DeWalt and Bostich, its obvious SBD management knows you have to produce a quality product to command a premium price from people who make their living with tools. Rubbermaid obviously doesn’t understand this.
Gary says
Hi – Great Tool Guide! Have you possibly updated this list to 2017 or are you thinking about doing so? As you know, changes/buyouts happen way too quickly in these times and I was just hoping that there is a newer version of this guide? A very valuable “tool” for the tool guru and all to use. Thanks for producing it and “Always Have A Great Day!” 🙂
Stuart says
I’ve added some updates recently. If you find an inaccuracy, please let me know!
There are a few acquisitions that are not yet finalized.
Gary says
Thanks and always have a great day!
Keith says
Hilmor was included in the Rubbermaid deal with SBD along with Irwin & Lenox
Patrick says
I believe Hitachi power tools has bought Metabo power tool brand??
Stuart says
Yes, they did. That’ll be included in the next update.
https://toolguyd.com/hitachi-acquires-metabo-power-tools/
Steve says
See this for some businesses that were spun off from Danaher in 2016.
http://www.fortive.com/our-businesses/business-directory
CT says
Stanley Black & Decker has closed its acquisitions of Craftsman and Newell Brands
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20170309/NEWS01/170309927
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20170314/NEWS01/170319975
Jeff says
Update to the list: Apex has shut down Armstrong and Allen and will no longer be using the KD name. The KD/Gearwrench products wil now just be Gearwrench. Whether those model numbers will still start KD… is anybody’s guess.
ML says
You don’t list Mich Industrial Tools / Tekton
“Our company is Michigan Industrial tools. M.I.T. offers the brands TEKTON, Maxcraft, Workshop, and we currently are a licensee of Goodyear air hose and reels.”
source (2015/Feb): http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4663205&postcount=135
Cedar Log Tom says
Working at a Woodshop for the several past years that have different brands of tools such as Delta, Porter Cable, Dewalt, Jet, Craftsman, Grizzly, Hitachi and some of that No-Name Chinese garbage, I found out an interesting thing. Many companies have and use the EXACT SAME PARTS on their machines, they only have different part numbers…….sometimes. Sometimes the part numbers are exactly the same as they don’t add any of their own numbers on to the Part Manufacturer’s Numbers.
If you have an older Delta Bandsaw or a Craftsman Weed whip that says the Parts are Obsolete, start looking at the parts diagrams of other companies. First look to make sure the parts look similar, then look at the part numbers, many times they will have some of the numbers the same. That is because whomever the part was purchased from had them “Add” some numbers onto the original part numbers. Granted, some companies will contract with Part suppliers to make a specialized part to their specs. But for most, it is just easier to pick a standard part that the company makes. Often the look or design of the part may change, but it is still interchangeable with the machine. Thus the “updated” or “Superceded” part numbers on some products.
If you see a part that is labeled as “Obsolete”, that doesn’t mean the part isn’t made anymore, it just means the Manufacturer of the Product or the Distributor doesn’t want to have to purchase a mandated Minimum amount of them. Sadly, in some instances, it does mean that part is no longer made as that style of part has been redesigned or upgraded so much it is no longer applicable for that product. (means it won’t fit). Delta and Craftsman are the absolute WORSE for this kind of BS.
Look at it this way. If you wanted to design and make your own line of Woodworking tools, you would not be making your own parts, for the most part, you would be purchasing them from an existing parts manufacturer. They have standard parts they make and sell to several different manufacturers. Some are proprietary and can only be sold to that company, but for the most part, to have that, it costs a lot of money so most parts are and can be interchanged. Take a Bandsaw wheel for example. There are only a few different sizes made, i.e. the reason most companies sell the same Bandsaw sizes. So you would pick from the sizes that company is already making, most likely for someone else. Bandsaws really only have two types of designs, the “Box” look and the “Half-Round” look. Take a look at how closely a Jet Bandsaw looks to a Grizzly. I am betting they are getting most of their parts from the same exact manufacturer. Delta may be as well.
Just a heads up from a guy who gets pissed off from “OBSOLETE PARTS” on products that are less than 5 years old.
Ryan says
Man, equally problematic (to tracing the maddening mergers) is actual quality.
You probably remember when CRAFTSMAN made fantastic hand tools…specifically rachets. They were quality and they stood behind them.
Their stuff is junk now. Absolute junk.
And I find it revealing that they are owned by Black & Decker, which is the king of junk in my book.
My automotive tools are all SK. Very pricey, very good quality. But even then….I wonder how much has changed with them since I acquired alot of this stuff in the 1970’s.
Thank you for putting this list together.
Slowburn says
Is this list correct from the date of its first being published (2014)? I thought Paslode might be part of the Stanley Black & Decker empire now?
At some point I think this consolidation of ownership is counterproductive such as the GM model where you had Pontiac models eating into Chevrolet sales.
In a lot of cases there is extreme overlap of marketing / Sales organizations which does not bode well for workers in those areas I supposed.
John says
Just to update, Waterloo Tool boxes were purchased by Stanley Black & Decker, Bosch spun off SKIL to Chervon.
Right now APEX is still mfg. Craftsman tools but that is coming to an end as their contract turns it over to Stanley Black & Decker, and from what I understand SBD is going to be building a factory in the US to mfg. Craftsman.
Danaher is still involved with tools as they still own MATCO. Much of the COBALT brand (Lowes) is made by JS Products out of Las Vegas, they also own Steelman. That may be coming to an end as Lowes will take on Craftsman tools as soon as the dust is settled.
Stuart says
SBD did
notpurchase Waterloo.Update: I have yet to find a public announcement, but I think I’ve seen enough evidence to know what you said to be true! I’m sorry for doubting you!
Barry Crane says
Thanks for your info. Actually I had heard about a year ago that Lowes may get them. I have a lot of hand tool ideas and it’s getting harder to deal with the big company’s. Do you have an updated list of the main companies. Not who they own but which ones to deal with?
robert says
Does chevron manufacture for bosch north america
Stuart says
Chervon manufacturers different tools for different brands.
I don’t know if they make anything for Bosch, but it’s possible.
-Tommy Lee says
Hey Stuart,
First and foremost, …thank you VERY MUCH for this article. It’s great to find this information in one centralized location, rather than having to repeat all of the research 🙂
Second, …it looks like the original publication date on this article is 2014, …yet I see references to 2017 acquisitions? May I ask, why wouldn’t you update the publication date to let people just finding this article know from the get go, that the information is more recently relevant? Just an idea.
Stuart says
Thanks!
There’s no way to do so at the top, at least without “republishing” a post. When that happens, things can get confusing because comments look to pre-date the article.
I could add a revised note at the top, but it does say “his information was accurate at the time of this posting, February 5th, 2014, and has been updated several times since then.”
It has been 4 years, so maybe it is a good time to refresh the post from top to bottom.
-Tommy Lee says
Thanks for the response, and for letting me know of the publication date restraints :p
Should you decide to republish, maybe you could keep the same title, and simply predate it with a year? …like;
2018 Tool Brands: Who Owns What? A Guide to Corporate Affiliations
…or, since you can’t change the publication date, does it allow the title itself to be modified?
Thanks again for even producing the article in the first place, …it was exactly the information I was looking for, and extremely helpful to find it in one location 🙂
And if you do republish, …I’m sure a great deal of people would more than appreciate it.
Jim Thompson says
Very good article, I learned a lot. Thank you for the effort you put into it.
Before I went into the Army, I was an appliance service man at sears in 1966-1967 and I still have many of my craftsman hand tools over 50 years old and still function as they did 50 years go.
Ryan says
Any way to get some outdoor power equipment on this list?
Stuart says
I’m not as well-versed with outdoor power tool brands to be able to do the same for them.
James Smallwood says
Who makes WEN, Kobalt(power and hand) Tools?
John says
Not sure about Wen and cobalt power but cobalt hand tools at this time are made by (imported) JS Products out of Las Vegas this will most likely change when Lowes takes on Craftsman Tools made by Stanley Black & Decker
Stuart says
Wen? I don’t know. Likely various OEMs.
Kobalt hand tools are made by several OEMs, such as Great Star. Their power tools are made by several makers, such as Chervon (24V Max).
J.W. says
How about the yard tool and Chainsaw world? Poulan/Husqvarna.
Mike says
Stuart, Matco stayed with the Fortive portion of the Danaher breakout. To answer some of the other questions: Prior to Apex the majority of Craftsman tools were built in USA. Places like Dallas, North Carolina, Arkansas.
I was a part of Danaher (now with Fortive) and saw the operations in Dallas and NC. IMHO there was no need to run these products to China as the costs to produce in the US were next to nothing. The Danaher tool group was making Matco, Proto, Nappa, and Craftsman – I think some more brands also.
loup68 says
I think that Mike means NAPA in the above post.
Warriorblaze says
FYI – As of April 30, 2018 Hultafors has purchased Johnson Level & Tool.
Source – http://www.hultaforsgroup.com/news/latour-acquires-johnson-level-tool-mfg.-co.-inc/
Source – http://www.johnsonlevel.com/ConstructionToolPress/JohnsonHultafors
Stuart says
Did not hear about that – thank you!! I’ll try to work this into the next update.
Warriorblaze says
You’re welcome, happy to contribute.
I own a couple of Hultafors levels (HV120/PV60) and they’re very nice. I would put them up against anything from Empire, Stabila, or Kapro. So I don’t think product quality will suffer.
If you’re planning an update, Picard was purchased by Halder last year as well.
Dan says
Stuart,
Amazing list. Great that this list is being mentioned as a primary source from the equivalent Wiki page.
I am an MIT student and interested in learning more about this world;
the relationships between these manufacturers and sellers, strategic agreements, different channels of distribution – and in general map the supply chain from manufacturing to the sole consumer, including margins, challenges etc.
I believe that there is a good amount of friction and I would like to learn much more about it.
Are there any sources you recommend or can refer me to ?
Thank you,
Dan
Stuart says
Thanks!
Is this for a course project, or your own interest?
As you can see, brands’ corporate relationships are not always obvious. But making sense of the relationships between brands and retailers is actually a lot more complicated, because the details of any promotional or marketing arrangements are rarely made public.
Unfortunately, there aren’t many public sources of information. Most of my insight comes from direct observations over the years, and what can be gleaned from private conversations.
Your project sounds like a very interesting one, but I am not envious of the challenges you face. Mapping the supply chain for a more complex multi-component product, such as a cordless power tool for instance, would be quite the endeavor.
Some brands have OEM arrangements which are far less obvious than licensed product arrangements.
Dewalt’s lighted tool backpack is obviously made by Custom Leathercraft. But who makes the motors in their woodworking routers? Do they manufacture or assemble the routers at a Stanley Black & Decker-owned facility?
I’m not quite sure what direction to point you in. But, I would think that looking at Holiday season tool deals might give you a good idea of what types of specific questions to ask and investigate.
https://toolguyd.com/tag/holiday-2017/
https://toolguyd.com/tag/black-friday-2017/
https://toolguyd.com/tag/holiday-2016/
https://toolguyd.com/tag/holiday-2015/
Looking at Home Depot’s Black Friday efforts might also be interesting. https://toolguyd.com/?s=home+depot+black+friday
Father’s Day promo displays would have been a good time for you to explore brand-retailer promotional arrangements.
Visit your local Home Depot and Lowes stores, and take a stroll down the aisles. Which brands of hammers do they carry? Adjustable wrenches? Which brands are featured in their promo floor displays? (Right now, Home Depot has Klein screwdriver display boxes = https://toolguyd.com/klein-11-in-1-screwdrivers-deal-072018/ ).
What brands of clamps? Levels? Screwdrivers? Wood chisels?
There are private label brands as well – Husky for Home Depot, Kobalt for Lowes. Also, exclusivity arrangements. You cannot find Hitachi tools at Home Depot, or Milwaukee tools at Lowes. Home Depot has Klein, Lowes now has Southwire.
Analyzing the market requires a lot of data, but luckily if you narrow your scope down to one or more major retail chains, you can gather a lot of that data with just some legwork.
Daniel says
Stuart, thank you so much for your detailed reply – I am truly grateful. toolguyd is a real gem!. I have mapped out the players, from sole manufactures (over 100 with most selling under the name of 18 brands, as part of acquisition or strategic partnerships). This list includes private labels that are being offered by the sellers themselves. Do you have any direction to where I could find the margins that this manufactures are doing ? How much are they make selling their products on Amazon vs. HomeDepot for example ?. I know that this is kinda going out of scope, I am grateful enough for your prior reply. I’d be happy to share my final notes, might find them useful!
Stuart says
You’re welcome – I’m glad to help!
Unfortunately, you will be hard pressed to find anyone willing or able to talk specifics about margins. You might be able to find cumulative broad category revenue and earnings figures in public brands’ financial reports, but that’s as close as one can normally get to such proprietary information that’s often heavily protected and held close.
larry clark says
Why not have Stanley buy Lowe’s and get retail margins instead of wholesale?
Rin says
Who makes Haster nail guns
MagicHands0419 says
I’m wondering if anyone knows who manufactures the cordless battery-powered tools for professional mechanics tool lines, specifically the Snap-On, MATCO and MAC brands?
OhioHead says
Mac = Stanley Black & Decker, I know Mac sells tools using DW batteries (not sure on other non DW batteries).
Steve says
Chevron has a US headquarters in Naperville IL now.
Stuart says
A lot of foreign companies have US-based headquarters or offices. But technically, Chervon is headquarters in China. I tried to focus on the main location for all parent companies, for the sake of simplicity.
fred says
Thanks again Stuart for the update.
Keeping up with the M&A activities and spinoffs (sometimes partial divestitures too) is challenging.
Some minor players – could be added – like:
Hangzhou Great Star (I believe their lineup includes Arrow Fastener, Goldblatt, Pony-Jorgensen and Mossy Oak – plus lots made under the Kobalt name)
Rand Tech (Wiha, Heyco, Heynen)
Klein (Klein, Mumme, Vaco)
Mayhew (Baltimore, Mayhew, Old Forge)
and the English – Thomas Flinn Co. that may still have brands like Crown, Ray Isles, Garlick Saw, Lynx, Robert Sorby, Clico/Clifton and some Marples products under their umbrella
Stuart says
Ooh, I forgot about Hangzhou Great Star! I’ll try to add that one in soon.
I don’t know about Klein’s Mumme brand. Is Vaco still around? Klein also did recently acquire Wattmaster in Australia, but I don’t know if the brands are big enough to be included.
Bonhus apparently owns Hex Pro now (or I’m misinterpreting “Hex Pro by Bondhus”).
Mark says
I believe Diablo is made by Freud – so that puts them in the Bosch category too.
fred says
Like Diablo – Avanti and Avanti-Pro are also Bosch brands under the Freud umbrella.
I believe that Bosch Automotive – also includes Sunpro and Kent-Moore under its OTC (formerly Owatonna Tool Co.) brand
Robert says
Bookmarked this page. I have wondered about some of these brands…
Obviously TTI and SBD are the most commonly known, but I will refer back to this when I get lost among all of the branding.
Thanks again!
Robin says
I believe Emerson does not make Craftsman Vacuums for Sears anymore.
I think it’s the same people that make Vacmaster that is Sears’ new Wet-Dry Vacuums OEM now.
In addition, they may also be the new OEM for the new 20v Craftsman Cordless drills that Sears sold over the holidays.
Stuart says
Thanks! They’re not – as far as I am aware – the OEM for SBD’s Craftsman wet/dry vacs either.
Robin says
They’re not for SBD either. I looked at the box at my local Lowe’s. It’s Shop-Vac.
Chris Varney says
They do make Craftsman vacs for ace tho
Bobby says
Informative post. Didn’t realize Homelite was owned by TTI. Really happy with my Homelite gas leaf blower.
Cliff says
Anyone here remember SeberTech multi tools. I.e. the M4SeberTech USA tool or even the Craftsman 45505 during the 1990’s? Sure Leatherman came out in the late 1980’s, but this was truly a mini multi tool that was made in California and the M4 was the only mini multi tool back then that had a locking blade and tools you could access from the outside.
Well they were acquired by IDL Tools sometime before 2007 and IDL moved all production to China. RocWizard was introduced in 2007, Home Depot and Ace carried this for a while. From what I’ve gathered, Stanley Black and Decker bought IDL tools a while ago.
While I am relieved that Stanley Black and Decker, TTI Industries and some of the other big names haven’t completely shipped all manufacturing overseas, I am displeased to see such centralized consolidation.
Wright hand tools is the last remaining 100% independent non multi national , excluding Cougar Pro, 100% American manufacturer for sockets, ratchets and potentially even ratchet left.
Klein, Channellock, Wilde are the final three independent USA manufacturers for specifically in regards to pliers.
Folks let that sink in. There isn’t ANY independent USA manufacturer for power tools of any kind anymore and only Stanley Black Decker with their Dewalt/Craftsman line produces either a USA assembled and or with some unknown percentage of USA made parts.
Unlike the information technology industry with their so called research and development that other countries have been stealing for decades and will continue to steal until the end of time, while I am not thrilled in order to support any American manufacturing, I must also support other countries that have nothing but hatred for America and the freedoms that we have. You are kidding yourself if you think the CEO’s, the investors or higher up executives remotely have any loyalty to their American workers. They’d shut down all manufacturing if this meant they could save even more money by sending the work to China, which has no labor laws, EPA, virtually any regulations or let alone minimum wage.
Merely because their headquarters are located in America, doesn’t make a corporation an “American” corporation. All the big corporations are globalist in nature, thankfully not all the manufacturing is done in China or other 3rd world countries.
At the cost of millions of American jobs, including jobs surrounding these manufacturing plants, surrounding cities, we have cheap goods from China, India, Mexico, Indonesia, Haiti and over countries that have no issues with child labor, legitimate worker abuse be it physical or otherwise and the solution from people such as Tim Cook is to put up suicide nets and punish those that speak out against any of this.
Even worse, these same companies want that cheap labor in the United States instead of hiring legal American workers. This happens far more often than is reported, but then again, this isn’t profitable to report on, so this is why this seldom is ever mentioned by the “news”.
This could have all been prevented decades ago, had more of the public been motivated enough to push back against monopolization of manufacturing industries. Then again, that would take effort, action and I’ve noticed most people like to talk about what needs to be done, but aren’t committed.
If even half of the people were as invested in Hollywood, video games and social media as they were with making sure they, their neighbors, children and grandchildren had manufacturing jobs, which in turn support other jobs, America wouldn’t be in this situation. Looking at these multi million and multi billionaires in Hollywood and the entertainment industry, these people often don’t give a darn about anyone but themselves. They’ve made it big on the backs of the middle class, yet far more often than not, these same Hollywood elite are completely out of touch with the middle class and often have nothing but disdain for them. Because of their status, they look down anyone that isn’t in their league.
hangovna says
Every single one of us goes to work daily to make a living correct? In order to provide for ourselves and our family? To start a company, you have to borrow large sums of cash to build the infrastructure needed to make the business profitable and repay the loan. In order to successfully do this and satisfy the investors risk, you need to look at all the possible options at the time of making a financial decision. We do this daily when purchasing products and services. Everyone wants the best quality for the best price, i.e. the best value right? The global market more often than not satisfies the goals of the business. I for one don’t care where a product is manufactured as long as the quality is acceptable and I find it a good value for the price, with good support.
Jim Felt says
And I sadly believe beginning in the seventies and accelerating in the eighties “America” became driven by Wall Street. Not Main Street. And certainly not by creative industry. Look at KKR as the poster fund for where we are now. And they’re still at it.
And frankly a “them v. us labor/management/ownership” attitude likely caused by an ever increasing sense of personal entitlement.
And nothing is “ever increasing” except maybe the cosmos itself. And greed.
Otherwise we’d still have the profoundly fair to all tax structure of Ike and even JFK.
And now look at the ever accelerating educational and financial devide of the coastal v. “heartland” America. AKA our America.
Can we ever get “the New Frontier” optimism back?
Certainly not in a Citizen’s United era of dark money.
I dunno.
Anyone?
fred says
Maybe a few independents left – like Kett Tool
I’m also not sure how much of Martin’s tool production has moved offshore.
But in general – US manufacturing of electronic instruments, hand and power tools is a very limited thing.
OhioHead says
Kett used to resell DW bodies/motor for their shears in early 00’s, I have not seen a Kett shear in years (not on job sites/supply houses to confirm if DW still is the supplier).
Craig says
Is Ridid now owned by One World Technologies who is owned by TTI? I’ve been confused about this for over a year. I had a defective Ridgid tile saw and the customer service took me to One World. Customer Service was awful so I returned the Ridgid and bought a Ryobi. Curiously, when looking at manual I noticed the One World Technologies logo for the Ryobi too. I looked up address and it was the same as Ridgid’s warranty department. Both in Anderson, South Carolina.
Stuart says
It’s discussed in the post.
TTI also develops and produces Ridgid power tools, under a licensing agreement with Emerson.
Craig says
Sorry. Just went back and read again. Not sure how i missed last sentence where you even put “Ridgid” in bold. Thanks Stuart
TonyT says
I’d like to see a category for independent manufacturers -you shouldn’t have to be bought out to be on this list.
Company names missing that might be independent include Bondhus, Wera, Wiha, Geodore, etc.
Craig says
Don’t forget Eklind! HQ and manufactured right outside Chicago
Jim Felt says
Wow. I’m kinda pleased that it appears only 3 (unless I missed some while skimming) groups are owned by basically predatory “venture” (vulture?) capital funds.
Good to know.
And easy (for me) to avoid.
Thanks, Stuart, for the great update!
Diamond Dave says
I knew about 70-75% of this already however there were quite a few unknowns so thanks for the info. Many of the companies I am not familiar with also.
Did not know Hoover was now owned by TTi. Would explain a lot regarding their demise of quality vacuums. Been purchasing Hoover all my life but now they are just another Chinese Owned Company. I got suckered into the “Bagless” Vacuum craze and after a year went back to bagged. A lot less routine maintanance ie primary filters and secondary filters and emptying the dust bin is messy and annoying! Most bagless vacuums seem to only have a 2-3 year life max and IMO it’s becuase people don’t maintain them by cleaning the filters often enough which means the motors run hotter and this results in shorter lifespans of vacuums. This surely helps the manufacturers to sell new vacuums every couple of years instead of every 8-10 years in days gone by. Bummer! Hoping a get at least 5 years from my new Panasonic Bagged Vacuum!
TonyT says
My German-made Bosch bagged home vac is >12 years old and still going strong. Buying 3rd party bags in bulk keeps the cost reasonable.
Diamond Dave says
I got rid of my old Bagged Hoover when I upgraded (or so I thought) to a newer Bagless Hoover. The old Hoover was still running strong after 10 years. Stupid me! My new Panasonic Bagged Vacuum has lots of suction and I agree with your comments regarding good quality replacement bags for keeping the cost down. Bags are quick and no mess. Take the bag out, wide piece of tape over the inlet hole, throw in a new bag and vacuum! No messy banging the container on the side of the trash can in a pile of dust or reaching into the Bagless container pulling out the stuck lint pieces! The when the container is finally clean, having to check the main vacuum filter that ALWAYS looked like it needed cleaning whether the onboard clogged filter light was on or not!
fred says
We have a central vac in one place – but have bought 3 Miele’s – and even use one instead of the central vac. I think that the oldest Miele (Bolero) might well be the best in terms of cleaning – but I never run them side by side so maybe I’m dreaming.
The Miele bags (some sort of cloth) are very good – but at about $4.75 per bag (about $19 for a 4-bag package) – my old frugal self sort of cringes every time I toss one out
OhioHead says
TTI has owned Hoover for about 10 years (or more), the demise of Hoover started in the late 90’s and more specifically early 00’s when they closed the North Canton/Green, Ohio manufacturing facility and moved the jobs to China.
The factory sat empty for years and now is a “mega church,” an ex DW leader, is running the Hoover division (as of year or 2 ago).
I totally forgot about Wright ratchets/wrenches, they are located about 20 minutes away from the old Hoover factory in Barberton, OH area.
Great post Stuart.
Pro Tools recently posted an article around OPE brand ownership.
jayne defranco says
This a great post. As always useful info for people who love tools. Thanks
bobad says
Brands mean nothing these days. They change parent companies like I change socks.
I have all the tools I can use in 2 lifetimes, and I’m perfectly happy with what I have. The worst thing I have to worry about is my battery packs fading. All my packs fit a ubiquitous brand, and I will always be able to find them anywhere for cheap.
Brian A says
Is Bessey part of JPW? Because the Jet clamps I saw the other day I could of sworn were Besseys.
fred says
I believe that Bessey is still family-owned (German Family)
Once the Bessey parallel clamps went off-patent – there were lots of copies (like Jet)
Brian A says
Ah, that explains it thanks
Jim Felt says
Sounds like what happened to InterMetro wire shelving 20 years. Both good and bad.
The knock off commodity chrome steel shelving all went off shore. Or rather all came back from “off shore”. But the brand concept became both available and affordable to many many who could barely find it let alone rationalize buying into it before their US design patents expired.
Good? Bad? Very mixed in my mind (as a very long term commercial user/buyer).
Aaah. The “future”.
Charles says
How does METABO really fit in? On the German website, they continue to claim that they are an independent German company – although the CEO is German, the other officers appear Japanese.
Funny how the lines blur. I’d suspect that most Germans believe that Metabo (and AEG for that matter – although AEG in Germany only makes washing machines and kitchen appliances) are German.
Stuart says
Hitachi bought Metabo – https://toolguyd.com/hitachi-acquires-metabo-power-tools/
KKR bought both Hitachi Power Tools and Metabo – https://toolguyd.com/hitachi-power-tools-and-metabo-bought-by-usa-based-kkr-private-equity-firm/
Whit says
Thank you for all the tough work. I’m seeing Tacklife tools pop up more and more often. I haven’t seen you do a review of any and from their low price I’m guessing they are not the best available. Does anyone have experience with Tacklife tools? Thank you.
Stuart says
Tacklife is a direct-from-China type brand that I have only ever seen on Amazon.
I’ve been yo-yoing about buying one or two of their tools for review. They contact us regularly with offers, but so far I have not responded.
Frank D says
I have a few tacklife hand tools. They’re OK for DIY needs.
Just saw an advert for a Tacklife drill, and my thought was it looked like Harborfreight Hercules with a different skin, but even lower price.
Whit says
In general I’m not in favor of “made in China”, particularly if there are other options. Thank you.
David Hervens says
Question Teng Tools are they also independant
Barry Zimmerman says
Who bought the tradesman tool power tool line?
Don B. says
Would anyone know if and when Dremel made hi-speed drills for Sears?
Thanks
Quiggley says
Menards sells a ToolShop brand. Who manufactures this brand?
Marcel Baumgartner says
Who manufactures the Kobalt Axes?
Don B. says
So, Fortive (Formerly Danaher) Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
OWNS Fluke, Keithley, and Tektronix Logos only, or do they own the Companies?
Stuart says
Fortive owns those companies and their subsidiaries.
https://www.fortive.com/our-businesses/business-directory
Stephen says
Who makes Kobalt (Lowes brand)?
Stuart says
A lot of different OEM brands.