Famous Tool Company Origins
Origins of major tool brands that stocked dealer and independent shops.
When was Bosch founded?
Short answer: Robert Bosch founded his company in Stuttgart in 1886.
Robert Bosch founded his company in Stuttgart in 1886. Bosch became a major supplier of automotive components and tools.
When was Hazet founded?
Short answer: Hazet was founded in 1868 in Remscheid, Germany.
Hazet was founded in 1868 in Remscheid, Germany. The company grew into a well-known German maker of professional hand tools, sockets and tool trolleys used in European workshops.
When was Gedore founded?
Short answer: Gedore was founded in 1919 in Remscheid, Germany.
Gedore was founded in 1919 in Remscheid, Germany. Its forged wrenches, sockets and torque tools became widely used in European industry and auto repair.
When was Stahlwille founded?
Short answer: Stahlwille was founded in 1862 in Wuppertal, Germany.
Stahlwille was founded in 1862 in Wuppertal, Germany. It became known for wrenches and torque tools.
When was Wera founded?
Short answer: Wera was founded in 1936 in Germany Over the decades it focused on screwdrivers, bits and fastening tools, and its designs became popular with professional technicians.
Wera was founded in 1936 in Germany. Over the decades it focused on screwdrivers, bits and fastening tools, and its designs became popular with professional technicians.
When was Wiha founded?
Short answer: Wiha was founded in 1939 in Germany The company built its reputation on precision screwdrivers, bit sets and later insulated tools for electrical work.
Wiha was founded in 1939 in Germany. The company built its reputation on precision screwdrivers, bit sets and later insulated tools for electrical work.
When was Channellock founded?
Short answer: Channellock traces its origins to the Champion-DeArment Tool Company in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Channellock traces its origins to the Champion-DeArment Tool Company in Meadville, Pennsylvania. It became known for tongue-and-groove pliers.
When was Vise-Grip invented?
Short answer: Vise-Grip locking pliers were invented by William Petersen in DeWitt, Nebraska in the 1920s.
Vise-Grip locking pliers were invented by William Petersen in DeWitt, Nebraska in the 1920s. The brand later became part of Irwin.
When was Crescent founded?
Short answer: Crescent Tool Company was founded in 1907 in Jamestown, New York.
Crescent Tool Company was founded in 1907 in Jamestown, New York. It became known for adjustable wrenches.
When was Black & Decker founded?
Short answer: Black & Decker was founded in 1910 in Baltimore.
Black & Decker was founded in 1910 in Baltimore. It became known for power tools.
What is the history of Mac Tools?
Short answer: Mac Tools traces its roots to 1938 in Ohio and became known for selling professional hand tools directly to mechanics from mobile tool vans.
Mac Tools traces its roots to 1938 in Ohio and became known for selling professional hand tools directly to mechanics from mobile tool vans. The brand later became part of Stanley Black & Decker, which still sells through mobile distributors.
How did the mobile tool truck sales model start?
Short answer: Snap-on is widely credited with building the van-based sales model, where dealers drive stocked trucks to repair shops on a regular route.
Snap-on is widely credited with building the van-based sales model, where dealers drive stocked trucks to repair shops on a regular route. The model let mechanics buy tools on the job and pay over time, and competitors such as Mac Tools, Matco and Cornwell adopted similar approaches.
Why did Snap-on's founders sell tools directly to mechanics?
Short answer: Snap-on's founders built their early business around salesmen demonstrating sockets and interchangeable handles directly to mechanics.
Snap-on's founders built their early business around salesmen demonstrating sockets and interchangeable handles directly to mechanics. Showing the tools in use proved effective, and that direct relationship became the foundation of the company's later dealer-van network.
What was Robinair known for in automotive service?
Short answer: Robinair became widely known for air conditioning service equipment, including vacuum pumps, gauge sets and refrigerant recovery machines.
Robinair became widely known for air conditioning service equipment, including vacuum pumps, gauge sets and refrigerant recovery machines. As refrigerant recovery became required in the 1990s, Robinair machines became a familiar sight in repair shops. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.
When was NAPA founded?
Short answer: The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) was founded in 1925 in Detroit.
The National Automotive Parts Association (NAPA) was founded in 1925 in Detroit. It was formed to improve the distribution of replacement parts, and its stores later became a major source of tools and equipment for repair shops.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.