Klein Tools is a family-owned American manufacturer of professional-grade hand tools for tradespeople. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company supplies the electrical, utility, telecommunications, construction, HVAC, plumbing and automotive industries, serving tradespeople worldwide. Fifth- and sixth-generation members of the Klein family remain involved in the business.
The company's origins lie in practical craftsmanship. Founder Mathias Klein forged a replacement half of a broken pair of side-cutting pliers for a telegraph lineman - the tool that launched the firm. Its first forge shop produced tools for the nascent telegraph industry, and side-cutting pliers remain part of its product line.
Manufacturing is central to the business. Klein Tools works in forging and metalworking, and most of its products are still made in the USA; it produces more items in America than any other hand tool company serving the electrical and utility market. Hundreds of new products are designed and launched annually, with an emphasis on product design and innovation for tradesperson tools.
Company culture signals a commitment to craftsmanship, quality and innovation, with a mission centred on tradesperson performance and safety. Rather than broad tool diversification, the company maintains a focused dedication to electrical and utility applications.
