10 Hand Tool Brands That Don’t Get The Love They Deserve

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Marketing has taken over the world. Over the years companies have found a way to squeeze advertising into virtually every aspect of our lives. In the United States alone there is something like $120 Billion dollars spent each year just on TV and Internet advertising. That’s a staggering number, one that it’s hard to believe exists outside the National Debt, and at this point you’re probably trying to wrap your head around just how much that really is. Let me help you out. Of the 186 Countries who’s GDP’s (Gross Domestic Product’s) the International Monetary Fund tracks, that’s more than 121 of them and more than the bottom 40 COMBINED! At $4,000,000 for a :30 ad, the Super Bowl alone probably boast close to $100 million in ads by itself. Needless to say, marketing is big business. Companies spend enough on ads every year to cure all or most of the worlds problems, but instead they spend it just to get you to notice them for a few seconds between the Evening News and American Idol….crazy isn’t it?

These companies (or the agencies they hire) are good at what they do. The key to effectiveness is getting the product in front of people who are apt to buy the product. It’s the reason you see Mac Tools logos at car races, bail bondsman signs across the street from the jailhouse, and the reason Army recruiters hang out at high schools.

Then theres publicity you just can't buy.
Then theres publicity you just can’t buy.

 

But despite today’s trend of high dollar ads and awkward celebrity endorsements, there are some companies who, despite having awesome products to sell, just don’t spend a Rockefeller sized fortune to tell you about them. There are a number of reasons for this. Sometimes it’s because they aren’t relying on the customer base these type of ads generate, sometimes it’s because they simply don’t have the budget for it, and sometimes it’s undoubtedly because their products speak for themselves.

That’s why today’s focus is on some of those oft forgotten companies that exist solely on their reputation without regard clicks, likes, and shares, the companies who’s products sell themselves, regardless of who’s hands they are pictured in, the companies who’s tools just don’t get the love and attention they deserve.

In this list I tried to focus on companies have significant product lines, and sell a good portion of items unique to their line. The is no scientific formula behind the rankings, it’s simply a reflection of my own personal observations both in the internet tool community and in my real life. Some of these are very famous brands, others not so much, but this list isn’t about brand recognition, it’s about the attention they get, versus the attention I feel they deserve. If you have any of your own picks (or you have a problem with mine) feel free to come over to our forum and talk about it.

10.  J.H. Williams

Williams logo

Williams has been around since 1884. That’s a long time ago. To put it into perspective, Chester A. Arthur was in the White House, there were only 38 U.S. States, and Coca-Cola wouldn’t be invented for 2 more years. Acquired by Snap-On a few years back and now technically just Williams Tool Group, it now operates as SO’s industrial tool division. As you’ll see with several companies on our list, industrial brands are not typically marketed at the consumer level and their primary focus is on industrial sites, government, and military contracts etc. In all cases, this bodes well for the consumer as marketing costs only drive the cost of the tools up. Williams has a lot of good stuff and they’re certainly worth checking out. Be aware however, there are 2 Williams lines. One is USA made, while the other is Taiwan sourced, so be mindful before clicking buy if that’s an issue for you.

 

9. Carlyle

Carlyle Tools logo

Carlyle is the premium house brand for NAPA. They have a budget Evercraft line, but Carlyle is a step up. In the city and county garages of America, as well as many other places where tools are provided, Carlyle is a regular fixture. They are mostly imported tools, but the quality is good and prices are reasonable. Carlyle does have a lifetime warranty on all but torque wrenches, but last time I checked it did require a receipt. That’s a bummer, but I don’t typically shop for warranty. I hope to see some Carlyle tools for review in the future. I’m really digging their Power 90 ratchets and I’m not sure theres a more comprehensive hex bit socket set on the market than their 42 piece BSH42 set.  Online availability is poor and you’ll probably have to go to NAPA, but you can check out their products HERE.

 

8. Channellock

Channellock Tools logo

Channellock is another company thats been around since the beginning of measured time. Founded in 1886 as the Champion Bolt and Clipper Company by George B. DeArment, it is still owned by the DeArment family to this day. I know what you’re thinking, “everybody knows who Channellock is”. True, but this article isn’t about companies you’ve never heard of. In todays society where the big box stores drive the market, house brands are pushed beyond others, and fancy new multi-purpose pliers gain all the attention, it’s easy to forget about a true to their roots company like Channellock. Through the years Channellock pliers have maintained their true colors. Simple, high quality, American made, pliers. They aren’t flashy chrome, and they don’t have self adjusting capabilities or built in voltage detectors, but they work hard and last forever. I have 20 different pairs of them and wish I had more. Check them out HERE

 

7. Proto

Proto logo (New)

I routinely profess my unconditional love for Proto. I can’t help it. I got my first Proto ratchet from my dad when I was 15 and it was old then. It’s a long handled, 1/2″, J5450 I call “Big Bad John”. For my entire adult life it has gotten all the big, nasty, jobs that leave other ratchets cowering with fear, and it’s never failed. If you can’t bust a fastener with a 5450, you’d better have an impact.

The other day my wife’s grandfather, who retired as a mechanic in the late 80’s, came into my garage for the first time. He immediately picked up one of my numerous Proto ratchets and commented that Proto made great tools, but you just never see them anymore. He asked me how old it was and when I told him I bought it new last year, he looked at me like I was crazy. Being 82 and out of the business for 20 years, he really doesn’t keep up on things, but his reaction isn’t all that uncommon from people who don’t work in heavy industry where Proto is still King. For the majority of the 20th century Proto (Known as Plomb until 1948) was a widely known and trusted brand in the auto shops of America, but in 1970 they turned their focus almost entirely on the industrial market and never looked back.

Today’s Proto is still the high quality stuff it always was, but they just don’t market themselves to consumer level markets much. Owned by Stanley/B&D since 1984, Proto is their top shelf industrial line opposite the Mac line of premium mechanics tools (that’s where the marketing $’s go). They are predominantly USA made and import items are very few and far between. In some cases a Proto item will be near or completely identical to a Mac item in all but color, for half the price. You can view their lineup HERE

 

6. Armstrong

Armstrong Tools logo

 

Armstrong is another old brand thats still thriving. Founded in Chicago in 1890 as Armstrong Bros. Tool  Company, it operated in recent history as Danaher’s industrial line opposite their Matco mechanics tool division. Armstrong was rolled into Apex Tool Group in 2010 while Matco was retained as sole property of Danaher, but the 2 lines still share many traits. As with Proto/Mac and Williams/Snap-On, Armstrong offers predominately USA made quality on par with the tool trucks in many cases, at a significantly more affordable price. Armstrong is known for their very unique looking ratchets which are excellent quality, but when you mention Armstrong, a lot of times you realize many people have forgotten they exist.

Armstrong Rat

I’d love to see some armstrong reviews here at TIA, but in the mean time you’ll have to check them out HERE.

 

5. Martin Tools

Martin Tools logo

When’s the last time you were on a tool forum or talking shop in your buddy’s garage and someone recommended a Martin tool? Exactly. Founded in 1951 and based in Arlington, TX, Martin is a family owned, multi-national, manufacturer who in addition to industrial hand tools, also manufactures Sprockets, Pulley/Conveyer parts, material handling, and power transmission products. I knew of none of this beyond their tools prior to this article, but all the Martin tools I’ve ever used were nice quality and USA made. Check them out HERE

 

4. Blackhawk

Blackhawk Article Title

If you read my article about Blackhawk a couple weeks back (If not you can read it HERE) then you know a lot of what I’m going to say here. Blackhawk has a rich history and their mid-century stuff is some of the most sought after collector tools out there. But while they days of being a mainstay in the auto part stores of the country may be gone, Blackhawk is still around and still making some great tools. Today they exist as Proto’s “budget” industrial line and offer many American made tools. Pretty much anything with a ratcheting mechanism is Taiwan sourced, but regardless of Country of Origin, it’s all good stuff. I’ve said it at least 100 times and I’ll say it once more, Blackhawk sockets and combo wrenches are the best value in their respective categories, bar none. You can get a 17 piece, USA made, set of Blackhawk combos, with ASD open ends like their Proto cousins at Zoro Tools right now for under $120 shipped. You can’t beat that anywhere for a new set. I’ve recommended them I couldn’t tell you how many times, and at least half a dozen times I’ve received follow up communications from people who are tickled to death with what the got for the price.

 

3. Wright Tools

Wright Tools logo

 

Founded in 1927, Barberton, OH based Wright Tool is a privately owned company that focuses on the industrial market. They produce very high quality tools on par with other high end industrial brands, but unlike most of the other industrial brands which operate as an arm of the big boys, Wright is a smaller, stand alone company. In 2010 Wright introduced their now popular WrightGrip wrench design which offers the benefits of Snap-On’s FlankDrive+ design, for a fraction of the price. They produce 100% American made tools, and in this day and time, thats something worth supporting. Wright is another company I’d love to see here at TIA, but for now you’ll have to check out their lineup HERE

 

2. Wilde Tool

WILDE-RED LOGO ON BLACK_REGISTRATION

It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if you’ve never heard of Wilde Tool at all. Founded in 1922, Hiawatha, KS based Wilde Tool is a manufacturer of high quality, American made, tools. While their name may not ring a bell, if you, your father, or even your grandfather, bought tools from Sears, Montgomery Ward’s, JC Penny’s, or even Western Auto, theres a real good chance you’ve had a Wilde made tool in your hands. You see, Wilde has been the OEM for many house brand products over the years, in fact, it’s been a majority of their business. Known primarily for their quality pliers, chisels, and pry bars, Wilde offers a wide range of items. They sell products they make in house, as well as rebranded items made by others, but all are USA made quality. Affordable too. Their online catalog is worth a look.

1. Lang Tools

Lang logo 2

The most unloved, yet deserving of love, company on our list is Lang Tools. Founded in 1932, Racine, Wisconsin based Lang is currently under it’s 4th generation of family ownership. They owe a little of their obscure nature to themselves though. They previously operated 4 brands, a lot of branding for a small company to handle. The best known of these was Kastar, while the other 2….well, I’ve never even heard of them. Last year they wised up and consolidated all 4 brands under the Lang banner which I feel will help boast their brand recognition. Like Wilde, even if you’ve never heard of them, you’ve used their tools. Remember those old school ratcheting box end wrenches everyone had before the ratcheting combos came out? Lang invented them, and while they seem a little antiquated now, they were hot sellers at one time. Lang also manufacturers virtually every thread restorer or “chaser” made in America. Whether you buy the 48 piece set from Sears for $65, or the 48 piece set from Mac for $125, or the 48 piece set from Snap-On for $129, they all came from the same production line and they’re all made by Lang. Don’t send me any strongly worded messages about how the Snap-On version is forged at a secret foundry in an undisclosed location near the earth’s core by holocaust surviving leprechauns and christened in unicorn tears either, because (to quote Jules Winfield) “we both know that shit ain’t the truth”. Check out Lang’s catalog HERE.

42 COMMENTS

  1. Conductor great write up on all these tool brands. I have to admit that I haven’t heard of most of them, but I will check them out. It’s great to see that there are great American tool companies out there and we have the option to by USA brands & quality. Thank you for pointing out some of these companies to the TIA community. Laters Conductor & TIA

  2. Amazing article Conductor, u definitely know ur stuff…awesome details as well…. I am very integrated wete my tools come from and the manufacturer, getting the best deals and best quality is what i like… Good stuff.. Lots of info for me.

  3. I would love to buy American made hand tools while browsing the internet, but most of the websites make it very hard to navigate, see pictures, and especially purchase from the manufacturer.

    • That’s what we’re here for. If you ever have a question about an item, we have some really knowledgable guys over on the forum to brainstorm with. Feel free to come on over and check it out.

  4. Awesome article Conductor!!! Perfect timing too because I was just looking through some of my Craftsman tools and I could not help but think about how crappy they are. They break or get ruined all the time, and it’s always when I need them the most. There quality has definitely went down hill over the years and it’s at a level I thought I would never see. This being said, I have been on this new kick to figure out what tool brand that I will change over too so that I can leave this Chinese cloud that hangs over my head called Crapsman (Craftsman) in the dust. It’s too bad too because I they were always knowns as a decent tool brand at an affordable price. Plus they always had that awesome lifetime warranty that they stood by (which has now changed). Now there brand sucks and there warranty is crap. I was just in to sears a month ago to buy a new pick set and they broke as I was taking them out of the packaging. I then took them back and they would not return them without a receipt. It was not a big deal because I had it with me but I was still pissed. Such BS.

    Alright there’s my rant for the day.

    Anywho, I’d still like to find my “go-to” brand that is still affordable. Can you tell me if there is a store or chain that I can actually go into to look at the tools? A place that an average person can walk into without a business slip or contractors license. Or is most of this stuff now on-line?

    • Matthew: Most of the tools on this list (with the exception of Carlyle) will be found in much greater capacity, and for much cheaper prices, online.

      My favorite online hand tool retailers are Zorotools, Tooltopia, and Trident Supply. Zoro’s site is awful though. You pretty much have to use their ebay store to get anywhere.

  5. GREAT article. I have most of those brands in my box. Love, love, love the PROTO (PROfessionalTOols). I have a set of the Lang offset ratchet wrenches you mentioned…..never knew about them. Just liked that they were made in USA.
    As far as the Martin…..never knew that, either. All I knew about Martin was I had one of their 8 inch adjustable “crescent” wrenches. It was my go to wrench because I thought it was a cheapie, it felt great in the hand, and I didn’t want to destroy my good ones. I couldn’t wreck that thing.

    As the other reader stated, he is looking for a Craftsman alternative ever since Craftsman left us all high and dry…….I , too, have been replacing my Craftsman junk with other tools. I have been buying used Proto on ebay, and a new, affordable brand I like are the Gearwrench stuff. Sockets, end wrenches….truly amazing stuff. Good feel.

    SUPER article……great info, good insight, love the snap on dig at the end…….you’re the best. Loved it. Good read. Thank you.

  6. SK Tools is another old, but good one. They were almost dead and came back after being purchased by Ideal. We sold them at the family auto parts store up until the 80’s when we were forced to switch to Blackhawk and the SK was the better tool. My dad still has ratchets, sockets, and wrenches that are 30-40+ years old that are still as good as ever.

  7. wow i didn’t know there is so many tools that i have never heard of. I’m gonna buy some when i see tools i need.

  8. Great article that I just stumbled upon. I decided to put some of the aging Stanley and Craftsman tools I bought in the early 90’s into my tool bag (which I use for my rental homes), so I went shopping for new tools for the bench at home. I wanted American-made tools, and discovered ChannelLock makes their products in the USA still. Amazon sells the complete line of ChannelLock for a GREAT price. I ended up buying an entire set of pliers, screwdrivers, and some other tools. They are all exceptionally well made. Hopefully these brands continue to thrive!

  9. How do you guys feel about kobalts products?… Though overpriced… How do they compare quality wise to these brands you mentioned?… Un-biased opinions only please.

  10. I love wright, Armstrong, and Williams they all are great but weight is my favorite they make awesome quality tools. They keep it simple and tough as Armstrong got
    look. Williams are good quality as well I got older USA made and newer Taiwan and both are equally nice. I also love the older kobalt made by them it’s a shame they switched from them. But if you look on a socket or other Williams made kobalt they have same font and date codes as snap ons. I buy all I can find of all those brands used that I can get and have a ton.

  11. As I recall, the Armstrong Company was sold and stopped production in the U.S. sometime in late 2016 or early 2017. I believe production was to go overseas, but I haven’t followed up yet to buy any additional tools. What a shame.

  12. Need some help! I have spent months reading and researching good American tools. Instead of gaining knowledge I have totally given up. Love this & hate that, then find the loved is hated and hated loved. At work we use all older American made tools Proto, Williams, SK, old Craftsman, SO and so on. But heck back then even craftsman was good. I just want to find a good set of American tools without buying a name that doesn’t hold up to its old standard of quality. I have almost pulled the trigger on a Gear Wrench set since I wouldn’t expect life long tools. Figuring if I’m not going top shelf at least I’ll know it. Then I sleep on it and demand that I buy American. Can some one give me clarity?! Had been leaning towards Proto until someone bashed it and said quality had dropped haha what’s new!

    • Why are you so stern on USA made? Principal? That’s fine. Don’t say quality. And I know, I’m unamerican for admitting the truth.
      Fact of the matter is, US made just isnt what it once was. The American manufacturing industry is gone. Bottom of the barrel. The auto industry in the us basically highlights the entire manufacturing industry here. We have nobody but ourselves to blame. It’s because in Asia, they aren’t all selfish egotistical crybabies who thinks the world owes them a job that pays six figures. Work only 2hrs of your 8. And show up 4 days a week on a good week because Friday’s and Monday’s coexist….. as I stated before. I’ve broken 1 craftsman for every 10snapon over last 25yrs of career and hobby. That pretty much explains my distaste for us made tools. Triple to quadruple the price. And triple to quadruple the quality on imported tools. Its like beer, we can’t mass produce beer for crap either lol

    • If you’re going to buy Chinese. Get Jet, at least it’s made in Taiwan. Buying Chinese, is supporting a lot of bad things.

  13. When I look for a quality tool all the ones in the article are great, but I still look for asme/ansi b107 rating, no matter who makes it,

  14. Cornwell make quality tools and I believe all items they sell are made in the USA. They can be pricey thou. Klein also makes great tools for screwdrivers and pliers. Although more geared for electrical applications.

    • I found your article very informative..
      It’s sad to see how America has let itself go to the Sub standard Asian tool market..
      Simply because our Politicans sold out our Country..
      This is a green flag for any entrepreneur..
      If I had the smarts, I’d start a new American Made Tool company that could put American Made back on top..
      Sad to see all the different tool companies producing such crap..And Americans are stupid enough to buy them..
      If it don’t say American,
      It shouldn’t be in your hand..

  15. Update, the Blackhawk 17 piece combo wrenches at Zoro for less than $120 in 2014 are now just north of $250. That’s close to Proto pricing

  16. I do not know who builds MasterCraft at Menards, They are stamped made in USA. I have found them to good quality and for less $$ than Crapsman Imports.

    • Not anymore, unfortunately. I went to Menards to replace my U.S.A. made 90 pc. socket set, which was stolen, several months ago. The Masterforce sets all say “made in China” now. Even though it’s also Chinese, I ended up buying a 154 (?) pc. Kobalt set from Lowe’s for just a few bucks more…only to start hearing rumors that Kobalt hand tools are being discontinued because Lowe’s is becoming ANOTHER Crapsman retailer. I knew that they were selling Crapsman, but, hopefully, the rumors about the end of Kobalt are false!

      • Do you really think your kobalt is superior to craftsman? (Since you used a term to try and insult) Nobody can tell any difference between kobalt, craftsman and husky. Its all the same…….. and again for your craftsman quote, I’ve broken one craftsman for every ten snapon in my career and hobby… and then we got the whining kids about crafts man made in China now blah blah blah…. who cares. It’s made the because the us manufacturing industry is shit and we got nobody but ourselves to blame

  17. We use Proto tools at work. I hate them. Can’t tell you how many ratchet wrenches have broken. Lost count. I have used Snap On at my other jobs and their quality is undeniable.

  18. Carlyle is an overpriced imported line of tools that’s only been around 10 years or so. A regular fixture in the garages of America? That’s a laugh.

  19. I’ve broken one craftsman for every TEN snap-on over the last 25yrs… I think SO is the most overrated tool co around. And proof that made in USA ain’t what it used to be. And ive said that for years.

  20. I collect Draw Knives, Spoke Shaves, Brace Drills, and Hand Planes.
    I recently acquired a Brace with a light copper or brass finish that was pretty well weathered. I cant find a brand name or logo on it anywhere. Any idea what it could be?

  21. Caleb, first, Craftsman was Made in USA for 99% of it’s existence. It’s only been in recent years it’s gone overseas. Second, 1/3 or more of Snap-On is now made overseas, and Snap-On has ALWAYS been overpriced. And finally, the only hand tools that have flat out failed to perform the function were made in Asia. Blown up sockets, twisted extensions, etc. I had an Asian socket and extension both fail before a 1/4 drive US made Craftsman ratchet (on the same job). So, I’ll stick with my US made tools, since I know from experience they are much higher quality. I won’t give Crap-On my money, but I will continue to buy NOS Armstrong, SK, Wright, Proto, and what companies like Channel-Lok and Crescent still make here. I’ll buy used Snap-On (only American bits), Williams (again, only American bits), MAC, etc, if I find a good price.

  22. It’s been my experience any American tool warrants consideration! I find old hand tools at auctions and garage sales.

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