Klein Tools
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| Type | Privately owned |
|---|---|
| Industry | Manufacturing |
| Founded | 1857 |
| Founder(s) | Mathias Klein |
| Headquarters | Lincolnshire, Illinois |
| Products | Hand Tools, Electrician Tools, Linesman Tools |
| Website | www.kleintools.com |
Klein Tools is an American company based in Lincolnshire, Illinois[1] that manufactures hand tools. The company is known for its popularity with workers in the electrical[2][3][4] and telecommunications[5][6] industries. Lineman's pliers are often called "Kleins," an example of a genericized trademark[citation needed].
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[edit] Products
Klein Tools offers more than 3,800 different tools that include 165 different types of pliers as well as cable & bolt cutters, chemicals, conduit benders, crimping tools, drill bits, drop lites, fish tapes, flashlights, gloves, hand cleaners, hard hats, insulated tools, levels, measuring tools, nut drivers, occupational protective equipment, safety products, saws, scissors, screwdrivers, sheet metal tools, snips and shears, telecom/datacom tools, tool bags and buckets, tool belts, tool pouches and holders, tool storage, wire pulling grips, wire strippers and wrenches.[7]
[edit] Tool Categories
- Hand Tools - Klein Tools has a wide range of hand tools including pliers, screwdrivers, nut drivers, wrenches, hammers, punches, levels, drill bits, measuring tools, and block and tackle.
- Electrical Tools - Electrical tools, including fish tapes, insulated hand tools, voltage testers, circuit testers, continuity testers, multi-meters, conduit tools, benders, and other electrical tool accessories.
- Linesman Tools - These include buckets, slings, hooks, and other linesman accessories.
- Voice, Data, and Video Tools - Telcom tools, terminals, cable ties, stripper tools, termination tools, all-in-one tools, cutters, crimpers, and other telcom and datacom tools.
- Knives and Cutting Tools - Knives, saws, blades, utility knives, cable cutters, bolt cutters, scissors, sharpening tools, and other cutting tools.
- Steel Construction and Sheet Metal Tools - Tools related to steel construction and sheet metal including connecting bars, construction wrenches, bars, tube cutters, benders, folding tools, notching tools, crimping tools, duct stretching tools, and other sheet metal tools.
- Flashlights and Lighting - Lighting accessories, including flashlights, spotlights, cord reels, and drop-lites.
- Tool Storage - Tool holders including tool bags, storage chests, tool boxes, pouches, belts, suspenders, and other storage products.
- Lubricants, Cleaners, and Chemicals - Products include hand towels, cleaners, wasp spray, firestop caulk, and other lubricants and cleaners.
- Protective Equipment - Safety equipment including goggles, gloves, hard hats, and face shields.
[edit] Journeyman Series
Klein Tools also offers the Journeyman Series, which are claimed to have higher quality and workmanship combined with innovations in handle design.[8]
[edit] Klein Tools Branded Collection
The Klein Branded Collection includes apparel, outerwear, headwear, drinkware, grilling gear, novelties, and collectibles. The 150th anniversary collectibles and the insulated beverage holder in the shape of Klein Tools screwdrivers are popular items.[citation needed]
[edit] History
[edit] Mathias Klein Builds a Legacy
[edit] 1826
Mathias A. Klein is born in Worms, Germany.[9]
[edit] 1848
Mathias leaves Germany destined for the United States. He arrives in New York on May 26 and sets sail for Stonington, Connecticut, as a blacksmith on a whaling ship.[9]
[edit] 1855
Mathias opens a blacksmith show on State Street in Chicago's downtown. In the late 1850s he repairs a lineman's tool and in effect makes his first pair of pliers.[9]
[edit] 1871
Mathias loses everything in the Great Chicago Fire. He is back in business within two weeks at the same location and contributes substantially to the rebuilding of the city. By now, the company is known as M. Klein Iron Works.[9]
[edit] The Company Expands
[edit] 1890s
The company, now known as Mathias Klein & Son, is exclusively manufacturing hand tools.[9]
[edit] 1900s
By 1900, Mathias was able to reach beyond his local thriving business by offering his first catalog. For the first time, the toolmaker could market his wares to a national audience. The catalog, called Klein's Red Book, targeted, the telephone and electricity industries. In 1901, Telephony magazine ran an ad for Mathias Klein & Son. The advertisement featured a photo of a lineman climbing a pole, and the text read: "Write to-day for our Red Book. It is of pertinent interest to every telephone man and will be sent free upon request."[9]
[edit] 1912
Klein introduces the first version of its now-familiar logo. The company makes between 65,000 and 75,000 pliers this year.[9]
[edit] 1913
Klein buys a new site on Belmont Avenue and builds at 54,000-square-foot plant. The company has 133 employees.[9]
[edit] 1917
The company incorporates as Mathias Klein & Sons, Incorporated. At age 91, Mathias still works every day, but his sons John M. and Joseph A. run day-to-day operations.[9]
[edit] 1918
Mathias dies at age 92. John M. Klein becomes president.[9]
[edit] Mid-1930s
The company introduces the Klein-Kord lineman's safety strap and perfects wire grips for electrical workers.[9]
[edit] 1941
The company continues to sell to the public at the same time it makes tools for the military during World War II.[9]
[edit] 1953
Illinois seizes Belmone Avenue site for new Northwest Expressway. Klein moves to new 105,000-square-foot factory and office on McCormick Boulevard in the Chicago suburb of Skokie.[9]
[edit] 1957
The company celebrates its 100th anniversary.
[edit] 1968
Klein makes its first acquisition, purchasing Fort Smith, Arkansas based R.H. Buhrke, a manufacturer of safety belts and other occupational protective equipment.[9]
[edit] Klein Tools Growth
[edit] Mid-1970s
Klein's customer base expands significantly beyond its traditional electrical, telephone and iron tradesman.[9]
[edit] 1976
The company acquires William Warne and Son Company, a manufacturer of leather products such as tool pouches.[9]
[edit] 1980
Klein opens a new 125,000-square-foot international distribution center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.[9]
[edit] 1981
Klein becomes the first company in its industry to use CAD/CAM technology to design tools. The company acquires Grip-It Manufacturing Company, a supplier of strap and chain-link wrenches.[9]
[edit] 1986
Klein acquires Vaco Products Co., a manufacturer of screwdrivers and other hand tools.[9]
[edit] 1989
The company opens a 24,000-square-foot plant to manufacture adjustable wrenches in Roselle, Illinois.[9]
[edit] Klein Tools Today
[edit] 2005
Klein Tools acquired Kalfact Plastics Company and opened a new 130,000-square-foot (12,000 m2) headquarters and manufacturing facility in Lincolnshire, Illinois.
[edit] 2007
Klein Tools celebrates its 150th anniversary, acquires Heritage Cutlery Inc., and expands its presence in the HVAC market. Klein Tools increases its presence in the international market with the acquisition of tools manufacturer and marketer Tulmex, now known as Klein Tools de Mexico.
[edit] 2010
The company builds an Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Mansfield, Texas.
[edit] Plants
[edit] Lincolnshire, IL
The Klein Tools corporate headquarters, which also includes a State of the Art manufacturing facility, producing multiple product lines of screwdrivers, nut drivers, and hex keys.
[edit] Skokie, IL
The largest and oldest Klein Tools manufacturing facility served as the previous corporate headquarters, produces multiple types of pliers, wire pulling grips, fish tapes, bolt cutters, crimping tools, and other product lines.
[edit] Roselle, IL
Manufactures multiple types of wire strippers, pump pliers and adjustable wrenches.
[edit] Elk Grove, IL
Klein Tools state-of-the-art forging facility is also known as Turn Key Forging & Design, Inc. This facility supplies forgings of high quality, proprietary steel to the Skokie and Roselle facilities as well as third party customers.
[edit] Fort Smith, AR
Manufactures leather and canvas goods, such as tool belts, lineman harnesses, tool buckets, and tool bags.
[edit] Bolivar, NY
Formerly known as Heritage Cutlery, it manufactures high quality scissors and other cutlery products under the Klein Cutlery brand name.
[edit] Rockford, MI
Formerly known as Kalfact Plastics, LLC, it manufactures high quality plastic products, such as screwdriver handles, packaging solutions, and other products used at the Lincolnshire, Fort Smith, and Cedar Rapids facilities. It also provides plastic products to third party customers.
[edit] Cedar Rapids, IA
This state-of-the-art facility manages distribution of Klein Tools products to customers all over the world.
[edit] Mansfield, TX
Klein Tools' newest facility, the Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center.
[edit] Gallery
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Three Klein screwdrivers, with their distinctive handles.
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Klein Tools Pliers
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Klein Tools Journeyman Series
[edit] References
- ^ Electrical Contractor Magazine (2006-08). "Klein Tools Moves Corporate Headquarters". http://www.ecmag.com/index.cfm?fa=article&articleID=6874. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation (2000-05-01). "Klein Tools: A Tradition of Quality and Success". Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation. http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-28081805_ITM. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ Cage, Chuck (2007-03-16). "Reader Find: Klein’s “Beverage Tool”". Toolmonger. http://toolmonger.com/2007/03/16/reader-find-kleins-beverage-tool/. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ Brewer, Jay (2008-05-20). "Klein Tools Turns 150!". Tool Snob. http://www.toolsnob.com/archives/2008/05/klein_tools_turns_150.php. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ Contracting Business (2007-04-01). "Klein Tools Founder Inducted into Lineman's Museum, Hall". http://contractingbusiness.com/business_bits/cb_imp_66190/. Retrieved 2010-01-09.
- ^ Alloy Artifacts. "Various Hand Tool Makers". http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/other-makers-p2.html#klein. Retrieved 2010-01-25.
- ^ Klein Connection. "About Us". https://www.kleinconnection.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/AboutUs_10001_10001_-1. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
- ^ Klein Tools (2001-08). "Klein Tools Introduces New Journeyman Line of Premium Pliers for Professionals". http://www.kleintools.com/pressreleases/Jouneman_PR.html?osform_template=display.oft&oid=ddccc854144d90f0. Retrieved 2010-01-12.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Wack, Kevin (2008). Forging Endurance: The Klein Tools Story. Greenwich Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0944641695.
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