A short list of products that’ll get the job done.
Whether you’re in the trades, an at-home carpenter or just trying to put batteries in the remote, hand tools are a saving grace and necessity for everyone. Still, going to the hardware store can be daunting. As dozens of brands stare you in the face, it’s hard to know which to choose when they all seem to shout, “Pick me, pick me!” To keep it simple, we’ve put together seven Made in America hand tool brands for varying needs, so you won’t find yourself frantically flailing for a flathead again.
Wilde Tools
A hundred years ago, two brothers sought to refine a standard pair of pliers for better gripping potential and Wilde Tools came to be. Over time, this company has expanded to produce various hand tools like screwdrivers, scrapers, wrenches and others. Its customer base caters to industry professionals and home crafters alike, so Wilde Tools is a great fit for everyone!
Loggerhead Tools
Chicago-born Loggerhead Tools created an innovative screwdriver to keep your toolbox less cluttered. Able to perform in more ways than one, Loggerhead streamlines by developing multitools for different handy needs. Its “Bit Dr™”, a popular item, offers multiple drivers and lengths in one, four-inch tool! These are handy for on-the-go work, a new apartment or a new craftsperson not wanting to get lost in a sea of unfamiliar tools.
Mayhew Steel Products
Mayhew Steel Products is the oldest punch and chisel manufacturer in the United States and is dedicated to using American-made steel to craft various hand tools like hooks, picks, scrapers, screwdrivers, and more. Operating for over 160 years in Massachusetts, Mayhew tools is a well-established company distributed in hardware stores like Ace Hardware, Home Depot, True Value and O’Reily. For the full list of their retailers, click here.
Chapman Manufacturing
Chapman Manufacturing is your screwdriver specialist! Selling both sets and individual pieces, it has screwdrivers for homeowners, gunsmiths, industrialists and machinists. The company prides itself on sourcing everything is uses in the United States, including packaging and promotional items. If you want to safely Buy American, Chapman Manufacturing is the place for you.
Klein Tools
We have featured Klein Tools on our blog before, but we’re such big fans we had to give them another shoutout. Manufacturing for almost 170 years, Klein Tools strives to produce the best quality for all tradesmen with over 5,000 different products available in its catalog. It has a strong commitment to utilizing American-made steel and is making an effort to source 100% of its materials domestically. If an item is not made in the U.S., it is transparent in Klein’s packaging.
Channellock
Channellock has a history of manufacturing 100% of its products in the heart of Pennsylvania. Channellock tools are made for the trades, mechanics, first responders and agriculture with wrenches, pry bars, screwdrivers, pliers, snips and storage. The company curates collections on its website of its best tool for each working sector; you can find its specialties for your profession here.
Wright Tool
Wright Tool wants to make sure you’re getting the right tool for the job to get done! Wright believes in quality tools and storage you can rely on for a long time, instead of buying cheap dupes over and over again. The tools it produces are geared towards commercial and professional projects like construction, mining, oil and heavy equipment mechanics. You can find Wright Tool both in store and online at retailers like Grainger, MSC, ACME Tools and more.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing does not receive a commission from purchases made through the above links, nor was the organization or author paid for favorable coverage.
Labeling Note: This story is intended to highlight companies that support American jobs and that make great products in the United States. We rely on the companies listed to provide accurate information regarding their domestic operations and their products. Each company featured is individually responsible for labeling and advertising their products according to applicable standards, such as the Federal Trade Commission’s “Made in USA” standard or California’s “Made in USA” labeling law. We do not review individual products for compliance or claim that because a company is listed in the guide that their products comply with specific labeling or advertising standards. Our focus is on supporting companies that create American jobs.
For more on the Federal Trade Commission’s standards for “Made in USA” claims and California’s “Made in USA” labeling law, please also read this guest post by Dustin Painter and Kristi Wolff of Kelly Drye & Warren, LLP.