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Famous Tool Company Origins

Origins of major tool brands that stocked dealer and independent shops.

44 answers · last reviewed 2026-11-04

When was Craftsman introduced?

Short answer: Sears introduced the Craftsman brand in 1927.

Sears introduced the Craftsman brand in 1927. Craftsman hand tools became known for their lifetime warranty and were widely used by home mechanics and professionals.

Who owns Craftsman today?

Short answer: Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears in 2017.

Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears in 2017. Craftsman tools are now sold through several retailers.

When was Stanley founded?

Short answer: Stanley traces its origins to 1843, when Frederick T.

Stanley traces its origins to 1843, when Frederick T. Stanley founded a hardware business in New Britain, Connecticut. Stanley later became a major toolmaker.

When did Stanley and Black & Decker merge?

Short answer: Stanley Works and Black & Decker merged in 2010 to form Stanley Black & Decker.

Stanley Works and Black & Decker merged in 2010 to form Stanley Black & Decker. The company owns many tool brands.

When was Proto founded?

Short answer: Proto traces its origins to the Plomb Tool Company, founded in Los Angeles in 1907.

Proto traces its origins to the Plomb Tool Company, founded in Los Angeles in 1907. The company later adopted the Proto name for its tools.

When was SK Tools founded?

Short answer: SK traces its origins to 1921 in Chicago.

SK traces its origins to 1921 in Chicago. The company became known for sockets and wrenches.

When was Wright Tool founded?

Short answer: Wright Tool was founded in 1927. It became known for American-made industrial hand tools.

Wright Tool was founded in 1927. It became known for American-made industrial hand tools.

When was J.H. Williams founded?

Short answer: The Williams wrench company was founded in 1882 in Brooklyn, New York.

J.H. Williams & Co. was founded in 1882 in Brooklyn, New York. It became known for drop-forged wrenches.

When was OTC founded?

Short answer: OTC, originally Owatonna Tool Company, was founded in Owatonna, Minnesota in 1925.

OTC, originally Owatonna Tool Company, was founded in Owatonna, Minnesota in 1925. It became known for pullers, presses and specialty tools. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.

When was Lisle founded?

Short answer: Lisle Corporation was founded in Clarinda, Iowa in 1903.

Lisle Corporation was founded in Clarinda, Iowa in 1903. It became known for specialty automotive tools.

When was Cornwell Tools founded?

Short answer: Cornwell Tools was founded in 1919 in Ohio.

Cornwell Tools was founded in 1919 in Ohio. It sells tools through mobile dealers.

When was Mac Tools founded?

Short answer: Mac Tools traces its origins to 1938. It became known for selling tools through mobile distributors.

Mac Tools traces its origins to 1938. It became known for selling tools through mobile distributors.

When was Kennedy Manufacturing founded?

Short answer: Kennedy Manufacturing was founded in 1911 in Ohio.

Kennedy Manufacturing was founded in 1911 in Ohio. It became known for steel toolboxes and machinist chests.

When was DeWalt founded?

Short answer: DeWalt was founded in 1924 by Raymond DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw.

DeWalt was founded in 1924 by Raymond DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw. DeWalt later became a Black & Decker brand.

When was Makita founded?

Short answer: Makita was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1915.

Makita was founded in Nagoya, Japan in 1915. It began as an electric motor repair business and later became a power tool maker.

General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.