chicago brand power tools manufacturers

Everybody – and we mean everybody can use a cheap reciprocating saw to accomplish household maintenance and repair projects (well, OK, maybe not your mother-in-law). It’s just a super-convenient tool that lends itself well to being a multi-purpose “grab-it” solution. Harbor Freight’s Chicago Electric Tools 4-1/2″ Rotating Reciprocating Saw looks to be the cheapest product we’ve seen in some time, retailing for $25 and often being on sale for less than $20 (we know, that’s less than a combo pack of recip saw blades ). We had wanted to review this product for some time and finally were able to procure one – on an out of town trip, no less. Never truly off the job, we latched onto the tool and opened up the box to begin our testing. Within, we quickly found the 6-amp 4-1/2″ reciprocating saw, a 10 tpi wood-cutting blade, 24 tpi metal-cutting blade, and even a pair of replacement brushes. Lifting the saw from the box to feel how well it was made, our initial impression was that it was not exactly top-notch in the build quality department, but it did feel like a great occasional-use power tool.

We have invested millions of dollars in our own test labs and factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you. It"s just that simple!

We have invested millions of dollars in our own test labs and factories, so our tools will go toe-to-toe with the top professional brands. And we can sell them for a fraction of the price because we cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you. It"s just that simple!

This Chicago electric power tools review is intended to enlighten you on the right and wrong about Chicago electric power tools and help you decide whether it will suit your needs or not.

This might come as a shock to you, but Chicago tools is a brand owned by the harbor freight tools. In addition to Chicago tools, harbor freight tools also own earthquake, drill master and Bauer.

This is what the store uses to ensure their prices remain low and pocket-friendly. The tools are cheaper because the company spends much less to have them made.

So, if you’ve been wondering why Chicago tools are so much affordable, then there you go with the answer. Their cost of tool’s acquisition is only a fraction of what their high-end competitors spend.

Based on value for money, you might be wondering whether these tools deliver. The fact is that Chicago electric power tools produce reliable mid-range and entry-level tools. The quality of what they produce is more so equivalent to brands such as Ryobi, SKIL, and Craftsman.

While other brands considerably cost more, Chicago tools cost lesser for more or less the same quality. Most users argue that their devices satisfy needs and preferences.

It is justified for a professional framer to invest in expensive but high-quality tools, but for any other cases, Chicago electric power tools work fine.

So, in wrapping up, the main argument behind the worth of Chicago electric power tools is not on their low-cost devices alone but also based on their quality.

The devices will not last forever, as nothing does anyway, but will serve you for a long time. Based on durability concept, Chicago power tools last for long only if they are maintained correctly.

Besides, harbor freight ensures that each device comes with a custom warranty to give you peace of mind. You can thus trust these tools whenever you have any work that requires their service.

Distributor of pipe, tubing, valves, fittings, hangers, strut products, hose, pipe insulation and jacketing products, pumps, chemicals and tools. Types of fittings include adapters, clamps, connectors, joints, elbows, tees, crosses, bushings, nipples, couplings and plugs. Chemical products such as thread sealants, PVC and CPVC cement, primers, silver solder, anti-seize compounds, flux, leak detectors, paint markers, hand cleaners, thread cutting oils and protective tapes are also available. Saws, blades, bits, power tools, pipe threading equipment and drain cleaning equipment can be provided. Heating supplies include pumps, hydronic heating equipment, vents, expansion tanks, boiler controls, steam traps and regulators. Tool rental, custom hose assembly and valve actuation services are available. Serves the piping system, mining, heating, energy and plumbing industries. 24/7 emergency services available.

Regardless of what power tools you might need, Chicago Electric Power Tools might not be the first name that comes to mind. At least not to my mind. I’ve tested dozens of tools over time, but have recently noticed a certain general interest in this brand.

Not only I decided to dig into the matter, but I actually discovered quite a few interesting things about this brand. If you’d like to know whether or not it’s worth your money, read my Chicago Power Tools review to find it out.

Chicago Electric Power Tools is a brand owned by Harbor Freight Tools. Yes, you’re right. The renowned power tools store we’ve all visited at least once in the lifetime. My biggest surprise was that Harbor Freight doesn’t own Chicago Electric only. It also owns other names including Bauer, Drill Master, and Earthquake.

What makes Harbor Freight’s tools different is not their quality, but their price. The company buys the power tools from renowned manufacturers who produce the tools under the desired brand name.

This is basically the strategy used by the store to keep its prices low. In fact, Harbor Factories doesn’t resell famous brands only. The tools manufactured under their own brands are cheaper, mainly because the store spends less to have them.

With the economic crisis striking, it’s easy to understand that both amateurs and professionals are looking to invest as little as possible in tools as reliable as possible.

And this is where Chicago Electric Power Tools come into play. Produced by Harbor Freight at a fraction of the cost of a high-end brand, these tools appeal to most users. But do they live up to the expectations? And what are your options? Find it out below.

Chicago Electric Power Tools is a brand name that covers a wide range of tools and accessories. Most of them are dedicated to contractors, beginners, and amateurs. Among the most popular, we can mention:

Now, getting to the part that is perhaps the most interesting, you’re probably wondering if these tools are worth your money. And you’ll be pleased to know that Chicago Electric produces reliable entry-level and mid-range tools.

The brand addresses homeowners and amateurs majorly; moreover, their saws and oscillating tools are perfect for constructors who don’t need extreme precision in their work. Obviously, if you’re a professional framer, investing in an expensive but high-quality tool will pay off. In all other cases, a Chicago Electric Power Tool will do just fine.

We already told you that Chicago Electric power tools are cheap, but to understand their value, know that they are cheaper than other entry-level brands including RIDGID, DOIT, Ryobi, TACKLIFE, and SKIL.

It is hard to judge a brand without consulting other consumer reviews. What amazed me is the overall positive feel people have about this brand. Chicago Electric is defined as a reliable brand, and most tools enjoy overall positive feedback from the users.

Obviously, you’ll have to account for the tools’ limitations. Chicago Electric is not a high-end brand comparable with Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and the like.

However, it stands out among the entry-level and mid-range tools. Comparative testing has shown that Chicago Electric performs as well as more established brands like SKIL and RIDGID. In some cases, it even outperformed the more popular brands.

Overall, users declared they would invest their money in Chicago Electric power tools without overthinking it unless the nature of their job truly requires a high-end alternative.

It is hard to argue that Chicago Electric’s main benefit is the low cost of their tools. It doesn’t matter what tool you need; if it’s produced under the brand’s name, chances are it will cost you way less than any other tool on the market.

Another great advantage is the overall quality of the tools. Perhaps they won’t be your forever tools and will fail after a number of years. Yet, you’ll definitely get great quality for the money.

In terms of durability, if maintained correctly, the Chicago Electric power tools will last as long as most entry-level tools. You’ll get to enjoy them for quite some time but don’t expect utmost precision from them.

We can’t say Chicago Electric tools have many drawbacks. They are great tools considering their price tag and category. Obviously, if you’re a professional looking for a high-end tool, you’re going to find a thousand flaws in a Chicago Electric tool.

Chicago Electric Power Tools are undoubtedly surprising. These entry-level and mid-range tools can satisfy the needs of most novice contractors and find their place in an amateur’s arsenal. They offer reliability and dependability at more than affordable prices, all packed under Harbor Freight’s warranty.

So, if you’re a novice looking for their first power tools, an avid amateur, or just a homeowner who feels he could use a saw, electric drill, or oscillating tool every now and then, the Chicago Electric Power Tools are undoubtedly excellent products to consider.

Apex Fastening Tools, Belzer, Campbell, Cleco, Crescent, Delta, Dotco, Erem, Gearwrench, HKP, Jacobs, Jobox, Lufkin, Nicholson, Recoules Quakenbush, SATA, Weller, Wiss, Xcelite

Pliers, screwdrivers, nut drivers, wire pulling and stripping tools, crimping tools, scissors, snips, shears, cable and bolt cutters, conduit benders, personal protective equipment, tool bags for the electrical trade

Distributor of pipe, tubing, valves, fittings, hangers, strut products, hose, pipe insulation and jacketing products, pumps, chemicals and tools. Types of fittings include adapters, clamps, connectors, joints, elbows, tees, crosses, bushings, nipples, couplings and plugs. Chemical products such as thread sealants, PVC and CPVC cement, primers, silver solder, anti-seize compounds, flux, leak detectors, paint markers, hand cleaners, thread cutting oils and protective tapes are also available. Saws, blades, bits, power tools, pipe threading equipment and drain cleaning equipment can be provided. Heating supplies include pumps, hydronic heating equipment, vents, expansion tanks, boiler controls, steam traps and regulators. Tool rental, custom hose assembly and valve actuation services are available. Serves the piping system, mining, heating, energy and plumbing industries. 24/7 emergency services available.

Distributor of pipe, tubing, valves, fittings, hangers, strut products, hose, pipe insulation and jacketing products, pumps, chemicals and tools. Types of fittings include adapters, clamps, connectors, joints, elbows, tees, crosses, bushings, nipples, couplings and plugs. Chemical products such as thread sealants, PVC and CPVC cement, primers, silver solder, anti-seize compounds, flux, leak detectors, paint markers, hand cleaners, thread cutting oils and protective tapes are also available. Saws, blades, bits, power tools, pipe threading equipment and drain cleaning equipment can be provided. Heating supplies include pumps, hydronic heating equipment, vents, expansion tanks, boiler controls, steam traps and regulators. Tool rental, custom hose assembly and valve actuation services are available. Serves the piping system, mining, heating, energy and plumbing industries. 24/7 emergency services available.

Jobsite Supply is proud to offer a full line of power tools & accessories for concrete and construction trades. From Bosch to SAIT, Jobsite Supply carries the best power tools from the industry"s leading manufacturers.

Jobsite stocks the latest technology from one of the worlds leading power tool companies including SDS and SDS MAX Rotary Hammers, Litheon I-Drivers & Pocket Drivers, Brute Tough Drills, Impacts, Mini Grinders, Cut-Off Machines and Hammer Drills.

Jobsite has recently added a broad selection DeWalt Tools to our stock product lines, including Rotary Hammers, Circular Saws, Grinders, Cordless Drills, and Cordless Impacts.

Which is the best power tool brand? Ranking number 1 on our list of the top power tool brands in the world in 2020 is Bosch. Bosch is a German multinational engineering and technology company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. Aside from power tools,  Bosch’s core operating areas are spread across four business sectors: mobility (hardware and software), consumer goods (including household appliances and power tools), industrial technology (including drive and control), and energy and building technology. Bosch’s power tools division is a supplier of power tools, power tool accessories, and measuring technology. In addition to power tools such as hammer drills, cordless screwdrivers, and jigsaws, its extensive product portfolio also includes gardening equipment such as lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, and high-pressure cleaners. Last year Bosch generated USD 91.66 billion in revenues — making Bosch one of the best power tool brands in the world in 2020.

Ranking number 2 on BizVibe’s list of the top 10 tool brands in the world is DeWalt. DeWalt is an American worldwide manufacturer of power tools and hand tools for the construction, manufacturing, and woodworking industries. Currently headquartered in Towson, Maryland, DeWalt has over 13,000 employees with Stanley Black & Decker as its parent company. Popular DeWalt products include A DeWalt screw gun, used for countersinking drywall screws; a DeWalt circular saw; and many more. Last year DeWalt generated USD 5.37 billion — making it one of the top power tool brands in the world in 2020 by revenue.

Ranking 3rd on this list of the top 10 best power tool brands in the world is Makita. Makita is a Japanese manufacturer of power tools, founded in 1915. Makita operates in Brazil, China, Japan, Mexico, Romania, the United Kingdom, Germany, Dubai, Thailand, and the United States. Makita generated USD 2.9 billion in revenue last year — making it one of the largest power tool companies in the world in 2020. Makita specializes in cordless tools such as cordless screwdrivers, cordless impact wrenches, cordless rotary hammers drills, and cordless jigsaws. As well as offering various other tools such as battery saws, cordless angle grinders, cordless planers, cordless metal shears, battery-powered screwdrivers, and cordless slot mills. Makita power tools include classic tools such as drilling and stemming hammers, drills, planers, saws and cutting & angle grinders, gardening equipment (electric lawnmowers, high-pressure cleaners, blowers), and measuring tools (rangefinders, rotating lasers).

Ranking 4th on this list of the top 10 power tool brands in the world in 2020 in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is an American company that develops, manufactures, and markets power tools. Milwaukee is a brand and subsidiary of Techtronic Industries, a Chinese company, along with AEG, Ryobi, Hoover, Dirt Devil, and Vax. It produces corded and cordless power tools, hand tools, pliers, hand saws, cutters, screwdrivers, trims, knives, and tool combo kits. Last year Milwaukee generated USD 3.7 billion — making it one of the best power tool brands by revenue in the world.

Black &Decker ranks 5th on this list of the top power tool brands in the world in 2020. Black & Decker is an American manufacturer of power tools, accessories, hardware, home improvement products, and fastening systems headquartered in Towson, Maryland, north of Baltimore, where the company was originally established in 1910. Last year Black & Decker generated USD 11.41 billion — making it one of the top 10 tool brands in the world by revenue.

Not just a leading power tool brand. Hitachi is a Japanese multinational conglomerate company headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan. Hitachi manufactures regular cordless tools and lithium-ion battery tools. Last year Hitachi generated USD 90.6 billion — making it one of the top power tool brands in the world by revenue. Hitachi is known for the best power tool warranty in the industry (limited lifetime on tools, 5-year on batteries).

Ranking 7th on our list of the top 10 best power tool brands in the world is Craftsman. Craftsman is a line of tools, lawn and garden equipment, and workwear. Originally a house brand established by Sears, the brand is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Popular Mechanics named Craftsman their favorite brand of hand tools in their Reader’s Choice Awards. Last year Craftsman generated USD 196 million in sales for the Black & Decker brand.

Ryobi ranks 8th on this list of the power tool manufacturer rankings in 2020. Ryobi is a Japanese manufacturer of components for automobiles, electronics, and telecommunications industries. It also sells printing equipment, power tools, and builders’ hardware. The Ryobi Tools brand in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand is licensed by Techtronic Industries of Hong Kong. In the United States and Canada, Ryobi power tools are sold primarily through Home Depot and online shopping stores. In Australia and New Zealand, the line is sold exclusively by Bunnings Warehouse. In the UK the power tools are sold at hardware stores.

Stihl ranks 9th on our list of the top power tool brands in the world in 2020. Stihl is a German manufacturer of chainsaws and other handheld power equipment including trimmers and blowers. Stihl’s headquarters are in Waiblingen, Baden-Württemberg, near Stuttgart, Germany. Last year Stihl generated USD 4.41 billion — making the company one of the top 10 tool brands by revenue.

Industrial chainsaws, string trimmers, cultivators, cut-off saws, leaf blowers, construction tools, edgers, pole pruners, augers/drills & protective apparel

Techtronic Industries rounds out our list of the top power tool brands in the world in 2020. Techtronic Industries designs manufacture and markets power tools, outdoor power equipment, accessories, hand tools, layout and measuring tools, floor care, and appliances. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Last year Techtronic Industries generated USD 7.7 billion — making it one of the best power tool brands in the world by revenue.

This is BizVibe’s list of the top power tool brands in the world based on revenue and brand value. These companies are changing the way businesses are innovating in the power tools market.

In this infographic, the size of each company’s hand & power tool revenue is shown by circle area. Stanley Black & Decker is inside the biggest circle because it has the largest revenue from hand & power tools. Close behind is Bosch’s hand and power tool business. And so on until we reach Positec, JPW Industries and Ingersoll Rand with the smaller circles representing their smaller respective revenues.

Statista.com is a data analysis website that has a wide range of free and premium industry reports, statistics and analysis. The most interesting tidbit we found investigating hand and power tools is this:

Most of the companies (who make and who own tool brands) sales figures are available in tax forms and company annual reports. But even with that information some estimations have to be made to arrive at the tools only sales numbers. Here are some notes how we arrived at estimations for the following companies.

The Bosch annual report tells us their Consumer Goods division had 17.1 billion euros revenue (~18.5 billion USD) in 2015. The division consists of power tools (drills, jigsaws, impact screwdrivers, lawn mowers, best pressure washers etc.) and household appliances (fridges, washing machines, dryers, ovens etc.).

The household appliances portion of the Bosch Consumer Goods division was a 50:50 joint venture with Siemens until Bosch bought out Siemens for 3 billion euros (~3.25 billion USD) in late 2014. That was for the 50% share that Siemens owned, valuing the total household appliance company at 6 billion euros (6.5 billion USD). The company reported 10.5 billion euros revenue in 2013. So what’s the 2015 revenue to give us the portion that is power tools? With a growth rate of 4% yearly the revenue is 11.36 billion euros in 2015 leaving 5.74 billion euros (~$6.2B USD) as power tools revenue.

You’ll notice there is an ‘Other’ row in the above table. In that row are Home Depot, Lowe’s and Harbor Freight Tools. Since these companies don’t manufacture their own tools they were not included in the above infographic. However, they still collect substantial revenues from the global tool market with their home brand tools – Husky, Kobalt and US General, for example.

Looking at Home Depot and Lowe’s, we estimated both companies are collecting around $500M for home brands and $4.5B from selling other companies brands on their shelves. This estimate came from looking at their online stores portion of products that are home brand vs. external brands in the tools & hardware categories. When you include cost to purchase the home brand tools from the OEM and the consignment cost of the external brands’ tools, the cut they get of the total is probably around 30%. That gives Home Depot and Lowe’s somewhere close to $1.5B in global tool market revenue each. And leaves Harbor Freight around the same.

In this graphic, the outer rectangles contain logos of brands owned by the parent companies in the middle. Not all brands owned by the parent companies are in the rectangle – just the most well-known. Hilti and Makita only sell tools under their own names. Take a look. What brands owned by parent companies surprise you?

The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Harbor Freight are not original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) or original design manufacturers (ODMs). They are purchasing companies who form partnerships with OEMs and ODMs (like Stanley Black & Decker) to get their tools made for them to distribute under their own brand names.

In many tool categories these big-box hardware stores simply buy from an OEM and slap their Husky, Kobalt or Drillmaster stickers on the product for sale. In other categories, they approach ODMs with specific product specifications and then work with them to get the tool built to their specs. Exactly which categories of Husky, Kobalt and Harbor Freight tools are ODM or OEM is impossible to find in their tax documents or annual reports.

Bosch’s Consumer Goods division sells power tools and household appliances. They own many brands in both industries. Their Global HQ is in Gerlingen, Germany. It is 9km west of Stuttgart.

Fortive Corp. spun out from Danaher Corp. in 2016 to become its own company. It is foremely the Tools & Measurement division of Danaher. It operates out of the Fluke Corp. headquarters in Everett, Washington.

Hilti is still a family owned company based in Schaan, Lichtenstein. They are known for their professional tools and are very popular throughout the world. Hilti has more than 23,000 employees.

Makita is a large power tool manufacturing company based in Anjo, Japan. They are well-known for their rechargeable power tools and were the first to produce a rechargeable drill. They introduced it in 1969.

Snap-on is best known as the company / tool brand that visits you at work with a van full of tools for you to buy. They started as a socket wrench company and now offer a wide-range of tools for professionals in the automotive, aviation, marine and railroad industries. The Snap-on Global HQ is in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Emerson Electric is a massive company with a sizeable tools business. They are best known for their process-automation products and services (valves, regulators, measurement & analytical instruments). The Emerson Global HQ is in Ferguson, Missouri.

Harbour Freight buys their tools direct from manufacturer and then offer them as home brands for affordable prices. Here is a selection of the brands they own and sell under:

Hitachi Koki operates as a subsidiary to Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi Koki manufactures and sells power tools and power equipment. It has HQ in Tokyo, Japan.

Textron is a diversified manufacturer in aircraft, industrial and automotive products. Within their industrial segment they make tools and equipment and sell them under the brands shown here:

The Home Depot owns two home brands in the tools category. They also exclusively sell brands of power tools and equipment such as Ryobi and WORX. Overall, they have sales of hand and power tool/equipment over $5 billion per year.

Ideal Industries is based out of Sycamore, Illinois. Ideal Industries is now well-known for their Pratt-Read, Western Forge brands and SK Tools brands, which they acquired in three separate deals in 2010. It is rumoured they paid ~$50 million for Western Forge and a fair bit less for Pratt-Read.

JPW Industries is based out of La Vergne Tennessee. It was originally known as Walter Meirer Manufacturing, Inc., and represented the tools arm of Swiss based Walter Meier AG. In 2013, Tenex Capital Management purchased Walter Meirer Manufacturing, Inc. and named it JPW Industries to represent the three main brands – JET, Powermatic and Wilton.

Who makes Ryobi tools? Techtronic Industries (TTi) is the OEM for Ryobi. TTi owns the Ryobi brand of power tools in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. They are sold exclusively at The Home Depot in United States. Ryobi Limited, which sold the power tools businesses to TTi in 2000/2001, is a Japanese company that sells power tools, die castings, hardware and printing equipment in Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa

Who makes Kobalt tools? Chervon the Chinese OEM (not Chevron the oil company) makes many of Kobalt’s power tools. In 2016, Lowe’s awarded them a vendor award in innovation for the Kobalt 24-Volt cordless power tools. Sunrise Global/Greenworks Tools is the OEM for Lowe’s Kobalt cordless 80-volt outdoor power equipment (they were awarded 2015 innovation award).

What happened to Danaher the tool maker? Danaher spun out their tool and power tool brands and OEM capability to a company called Fortive Corp. in 2016. Danaher tools are now Fortive, essentially. Fortive operates out of the Fluke HQ just north of the Boeing Everett Factory.

Where are Milwaukee tools made and who owns Milwaukee brand? Dongguan, China. In Aug-2004, TTi Group acquired two divisions (Milwaukee Electric Tools and AEG Power Tools brands) of Atlas Copco’s Industrial Technique business for a total sum of $627 million ($797 million in 2016 dollars). By 2004, all of Milwaukee’s tool production facilities had left Wisconsin for Mississippi. And in 2008, when TTi opened their massive Dongguan facility, the move for Milwaukee Electric Tools from U.S.A. to China was complete.

Who makes Snap-on tools? Snap-on makes Snap-on tools. Snap-on is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and they make tools in their vast production facilities.

Who makes Ridgid tools and who owns the brand? TTi Group makes Ridgid brand tools through a partner agreement with Emerson and their OEM subsidiary One World Technologies. They first entered into an agreement in 2003 for TTi to make Ridgid woodworking power tools (and have since furthered the partnership to other tool categories). Ridgid has been a subsidiary of Emerson Electric since 1966. The brand is targeted at plumbers and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) trades.

When did Stanley and Black & Decker merge? Officially, Stanley Works acquired Black & Decker for an all stock deal worth $4.5 Billion ($3.5B stock and $1B debt), which was announced in Nov-2009. The “merge” was finalized in Mar-2010. At the time Stanley Works owned the popular brands Stanley, Facom, Bostitch, Proto, Mac Tools, Vidmar (and others) and Black & Decker owned Black & Decker, DeWalt, Porter-Cable, Baldwin, Emhart, Kwikset, Price Pfister (and others). The combination of the two created a tool and equipment powerhouse valued at nearly $10B.

Who makes Husky tools? Husky is a home brand of Home Depot. The tools are made by various OEMs including Stanley Black & Decker, Western Forge and Apex Tool Group.

Who owns DeWalt tools brand? DeWALT is owned and made by Stanley Black & Decker. Black & Decker owned DeWALT since 1960. In 2010, when Stanley Works and Black & Decker merged the new company, Stanley Black & Decker, became the owner of DeWALT.

Who makes and owns Craftsman tools? Craftsman tools are made in factories around the world. Depending on the tool category, it could be made in USA, Mexico, India, Honduras, Japan, Taiwan, China, Germany or France. Many manufacturing companies have been contracted to make different tools for Craftsman over the years. These include: TTi Group, Stanley, Apex Tool Group, Western Forge, Easco, Danaher and Pratt-Read. Sears, the creator of the Craftsman brand, never made Craftsman tools – they owned the brand. In 2016, Sears sold the brand to Stanley Black & Decker for $900 million. With the sale, it is more than likely all manufacturing of Craftsman Tools moving forward will be done in Stanley Black & Decker manufacturing plants.

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.

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.

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.

Williams is much better than bluepoint. A lot of Williams tools are US made, a lot of bluepoint tools are not. And besides, most bluepoint stuff is rebranded anyway.

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!!!!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

“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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dewalt air compressors, air tools, and air compressor accessories like hoses are versions of other companies’ products. Compressors seem to be a mix of companies under Stanley Black and Decker like Porter-Cable and Emglo an air hose and accessories come from a variety of sources like Sanborn Manufacturing.

Generally, Dewalt power tools are top tier but they’ve really spread out and some lines like their air compressors are no the best on the market. Dewalt has one of the broadest lines outpacing Milwaukee but a lot of it’s just upgraded Stanley Black and Decker or contract manufactured once you get away from the core power tools.

Given Harbor Freight’s growth in the last years, and the extension of their brand collection, that might not be a bad list of brands to add, even if they all are sold through their own outlet. I don’t know how or whether they manufacture their own tools (I assume not)

Furthermore, one might argue that some of the HF brand names were picked out of that hat with an aim to convey a marketing message that would obfuscate their origins – or even possibly deceive some unwitting buyers. Such names like :Chicago Electric or Pittsburgh – to convey some USA heritage or Bauer – to possibly suggest some Germanic woodworker origin? If I’m off-base in this – please excuse my cynicism. I do think that some of the more recent HF brand names – like Hercules may represent a departure away from fictitious naming practices – and hopefully represents a change at HF to sell tools that appeal based on their price and performance rather than on US or German sounding brand names.

I thing HF came into being to make decent tools affordable to everyone. Yes, they do make some throwaways for city dwellers that need to fix something once, then give the tools away of trash them.

Their suppliers (contractors) are quite capable of making superior tools that hang with the best, but they would be so expensive they wouldn’t sell many at HF. For example, their Mother’s wax and Goodyear air hose is just as expensive as the big box stores.

Einhell is produced at the same place where Parkside is produced – at Positec. That’s because on Parkside tools it’s said that they are produced by Grizzly Industries, which is Positec.

Kango Tools are a TTI big box store brand popular in New Zealand and Australia. Trade quality, with a focus on SDS/masonry. The multi purpose bits are amazing.

Where is Kobalt? I realize that they are mostly in China, but they seem to be Lowe’s Ryobi (HomeDepot). I have reviewed their 40v leafblower, 40v hedge trimmer, and 40v chainsaw, all of which are surprisingly powerful and durable enough for DIY/home use.

Atlas Copco (American Pneumatic, Chicago Pneumatic, Desoutter Tools, Fuji Air Tools, Greenfield, Precision Plus, Quincy, Saltus, Seti-Tec) – Nacka Sweden

AMERICAN GENERAL TOOL GROUP (Air Locker, American General Tools, Big Horn Tools, Fuller, Gladstone, Interstate Pneumatics, Superior Electric, Time Shaver Tools, Tool Designs)

AMES – USI INDUSTRIES INC. (Acorn Products, Ames, Dynamic Design, Hound Dog Products, Jackson Professional Tools, True Temper, Union Tool, Wooding-Verona)

Hello! I am wondering if anyone out there might know who made a Air framing nailer with the name RAM TOOLS on it? I have my parts catalog and know the part I need but the website is no longer active nor is the phone number? I believe I bought this about 15 years ago or more and have never had a problem with it.I’ve been looking online trying to see what brands have a similar build.Maybe Campbell Hausfeld or Husky but I can’t be sure. Any help would be great! Thanks!

Klein Tools is independently owned. They have a couple of subsidiaries, such as Ergodyne. Some Klein tools are made in the USA, others are imported from various countries.