Wrenches are the unsung heroes of the toolkit, silently facilitating repairs and maintenance across various industries. As globalization has shifted manufacturing to various corners of the world, it’s natural to wonder if there are any wrenches made in the USA.
In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the realm of American-made wrenches, highlighting some key brands that have maintained their commitment to quality and craftsmanship on home soil.
Are There Any Wrenches Made in the USA?
Despite the allure of cheaper overseas production, a handful of brands have chosen to uphold the tradition of American manufacturing brands like Ampco Safety Tools, Williams Industrial Tools, Proto Tools, Ridgid, and Armstrong do produce American-made wrenches.
List of American Made Wrench Brands
Let’s learn more about these brands in detail:
Ampco Safety Tools
AMPCO Safety Tools, established in 1922, is a prominent global manufacturer of hand tools known for being non-sparking, non-magnetic, and corrosion-resistant.
Initially producing aluminum bronze safety hand tools, the company expanded into various industrial tools like hammers, wrenches, shovels, and more. With a history rooted in the discovery of steel-cutting bronze, AMPCO evolved to include Ampco Pumps for saltwater applications and a “Dallas Division” based in Texas.
Presently, AMPCO’s core production occurs in Garland, Texas, while additional manufacturing sites are located in Europe and Asia.
Their product range includes hammers, axes, and picks featuring durable fiberglass handles, non-sparking, non-magnetic wrenches, and specialized hazmat kits separating non-sparking tools for heightened safety.
Williams Industrial Tools
Since 1882, Williams Industrial Tools has been a reputable manufacturer of robust tools for industrial experts.
Founded as a drop forging business by James Harvey Williams and Matthew Diamond, it later adopted the name J.H. Williams & Co. It was among the pioneers in mass-producing drop-forged hand tools. Acquired by Snap-on in 1993, the company was renamed Snap-on Industrial Brands in 2011.
With manufacturing locations in Brooklyn and Buffalo, New York, it provides a diverse range of tools like wrenches, sockets, and torque tools. Known for durability, their products include various types and sizes of wrenches made from high-quality materials.
Proto Tools
Proto Tools, established in 1907 as PLOMB Tools, is an American industrial hand tool company.
It originated in Los Angeles and was co-founded by Alphonso Plomb, Jacob Weninger, and Charles Williams. Morris Pendelton, in the 1930s, introduced their notable line of combination wrenches, based on Plomb’s design.
The company evolved over the years, adopting the name Proto in 1948, denoting “professional” and “tools”. In the early 1960s, Proto was sold to Ingersoll Rand and later acquired by The Stanley Works in 1984, forming Stanley-Proto Industrial Tools.
Presently, Proto produces over 5,000 top-tier tools adhering to ASME specifications, featuring TorquePlus™ drive, and accompanied by a limited lifetime warranty. Their products encompass various industrial tools like wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers of diverse types.
Ridgid
Ridgid, an American manufacturing company established in 1923, is renowned for its Ridgid-branded tools.
With its origins in Ohio, the company now produces over 300 tool types for various industries, including plumbing, construction, and HVAC. Notably, Ridgid’s invention of the modern pipe wrench in 1923 remains vital across global trades.
The company’s flagship manufacturing site is in Elyria, Ohio, having started in North Ridgeville. Its signature red pipe wrenches, celebrated for strength, stand out among other tools like adjustable wrenches, basin wrenches, and more, alongside a broad tool range encompassing pipe cutters, saws, drills, and more.
Conclusion
Ampco Safety Tools, Williams Industrial Tools, Proto Tools, Ridgid, and Armstrong are shining examples of brands that produce USA-made wrenches.
These brands not only provide wrenches made in the USA but also deliver tools that reflect the skill, dedication, and quality that define American craftsmanship.
