The Real History of Klein Tools! (160 Years of Made in the USA)

The Real History of Klein Tools! (160 Years of Made in the USA)
A Brief History of Klein Tools.
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[@Erik_The_Viking]

My dad was an electrician and used a lot of Klein tools, along with Craftsman when they were still built in the US.

[@kevincedeno8899]

Klein was considered quality networking testing tools back in school. After year's I still have those same tools and barely ever had to replace them.

[@jameswhitejr5291]

I’ve been IBEW since 99. Klein are the only pliers I’ve ever owned.

[@texasdad8031]

I’ve tested tools for them over the years. They really do care about what their customers want and try hard to make quality tools.

[@JDLarge]

Linesman… just call’em “nines.” Growing up in the electrical trade this was the holy grail of the majority of hand tools. Built to last for sure, I’ve had the same electrical go bag since freshman year in 76. Of course I’ve replaced nines after cutting a hot wire here and there but I’ve pretty much stayed loyal. The one pair of nines I do have that aren’t Klein’s are made by Stanley, (fat max 9&3/8” linesman) and they just feel great in the paw, what can I say… They also make multi nines which are nice too. Anyway, thanks the taking us along on this stroll, it’s always cool to learn something new especially about tool history. 👍🏼👍🏼from this guy… ✌🏼

[@matthewmartelli6061]

klines

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Red and Mrs. Bear Thank you for another Great Video. I really enjoyed the historical trip experience. Again thank you

[@muth3393]

Man I missed these videos! Glad to see you doing them again!

[@GeekGinger]

The Klein 11-in-1 screwdriver is a tool that I find myself using all of the time, even though I have plenty of regular screwdrivers. It's comfortable and it just works. I also have a Klein rechargeable work light that I really like. I can vouch for how tough it is. Neither of these are US built, as far as I know, but they're both quality tools.

[@jpdub45]

their safety glasses, not so much.

[@bemckinn1985]

I love these videos! Thanks for doing another one!

[@edd2771]

I enjoy when you do these historical pieces. Very interesting.

[@sillygooseshyt]

I love this video! Ive always used Klein tools, I have a dozen or more Klein tool bags, both large and small, and I had no idea they were privately owned, and still this relevant and successful!

[@benkanobe7500]

I really appreciate this tool history. I purchased both my kids the Vice Grips after you told the story of their development and then/now new manufacture in The USA!

[@ThriftyToolShed]

Love Klein tools. They are made so well. I have a lot of favorites, but the J2000-48 Diagonal cutters are one of my favorites. One of the must haves in my tool bag!

[@dpyles9396]

This is a great detour from normal. Other brands and updated conglomerate tool companies would be nice to see. Thanks Bear

[@jamesupton143]

My dad was an electrician and his tool pouch was full of Klien tools. My tool chest are full of them also. Thanks for their history Bear.

[@qposton25]

I love these deep dives

[@truthserum9157]

That was a great story, I’ve been using Klein sense the mid 80’s I still have some tools from mid 80’s.

[@stevehoag8463]

Thanks for the nice history lesson

[@fraskokennedy3177]

Hi, I love your videos. Thank you. Could you please talk about the ega master tools one day? I can't find much information and I would like to know how good they are thanks

[@branned]

Amazing story!

[@davidwalle5025]

great job bear. Klein is my go to tools for wire cutters. Shine on.

[@adamb6516]

Chicago Local here, pretty cool to learn they have a local presence.

[@matthewescoto3819]

as an electrician i loved this video please do more like this maybe do LENNOX TOOLS , MILWAKEE OR GREENLEE THANKS SO MUCH --MATT

[@denoftools]

I did Milwaukee a few years ago.

[@royireland1127]

Thanks!

[@keltecshooter]

I still have my Klein linesmen pliers i got in1980 when I apprenticeed as an electrician. The pivot is getting worn and you can barely read the Logo but I still use it today.

[@miltfreberg9582]

Very cool and interesting to about their history. I’ve always liked Klein tools and have always had good luck with them. Another tool manufacturer that I’d like to learn the history of is Leslie. I’ve always had good luck with them and I believe they are American made as well.?.? You may have already been there and done that

[@randybrechbiel9748]

You should do one on Mag Lite

[@jimhaines8370]

Was always called VAco at electronics shop that sold them back in the day in the Roseville sign it has a Rose so I’m guessing Roseville. So does this mean they have US made adjustable wrenches still as nobody else does I know of.

[@Rickmakes]

My dad was a telco worker so I was exposed to Klein at a young age. Love their tools. I have a number of their pliers and a few screwdrivers.

[@djsi38t]

I have a Vaco screwdriver that I purchased new 2 or 3 months ago.It is a slotted tip that has the sliding mechanism to hold on to screws.I also have usa made tools that do not say made in usa on them.Yes it is rare to not find the usa stamp but not every usa made tool has it stamped right on them.

[@SpadeAce]

Bear, can you please do a video about what you know of ToughBuilt? I've been curious about that brand for a while, it was huge when I was a kid (I'm in my 30s) but seems to have fell off hard. Figured you'd know!

[@leeb.7188]

I’m interested in learning about the Douglas Co. Their pump pliers are considered the elites tools of the plumbing trade. Channelocks are far more well-known, but Douglas are what the real pros use.

[@lamplighter5545]

I'll stand with Jimmy Webb and Glen Campbell as the definitive arbiters in the lineman/linemans debate. l"I am a lineman for the county."

[@KameraShy]

That is what crossed my brain. The OFFICIAL and LAST word.

[@truthserum9157]

Do you drive the main road.

[@lamplighter5545]

@@truthserum9157 -- Personally, I prefer the road less traveled :)

[@UsNCollord216]

More history!!

[@lordrayden3045]

Farm and fleet have a whole section of Klein tools. Just about the only place I can remember seeing in store

[@nmende00]

Can you do a series on the stackable/lockable Ratchet/Socket sets made by DEWALT. such as the DWMT 73804, DWMT 73807, DWMT 73813 Quality looks good and at reasonable prices.

[@justavillain]

I was always told it’s Lineman’s pliers as it’s a Lineman who uses/develop them for the trade. This is coming from a union Lineman ( my father retired out of MI Bell/Ameritec/ATT ). I’m always shocked when I go to help a friend and they don’t have one in their tool box.

[@lordrayden3045]

That’s why you always take a tool box with you

[@justavillain]

@@lordrayden3045 oh I learned that long ago many tools, and extra batteries for the portable equipment.

[@stevenyoung7394]

I've never had a Klein tool that I didn't love. Functional, comfortable, durable and good looking.

[@johnhouchins3156]

I'm retired from the Bell System. Klein will ALWAYS be my "go to" choice for any tool. I've been retired for years and still have my "nines" and "snips" from when I started. I'm convinced that of all my "estate", it's my Klein tools that will be fought over.

[@jackoff1826]

It's hard to find tools make in the USA these days. Is there a specific store selling Klein tools?

[@tngtacticalmiata1219]

I've always liked Klein Tools.... This just made me like them more...

[@blaquejaque9702]

I LIVED IN ELK GROVE VILLAGE AND WENT TO SCHOOL THERE.

[@45lc48]

id love to know more about the history of sunex? newer brand, unreal prices for what you get

[@phillipmoody710]

From what I've heard they refused to make the Kobalt OEM tools for Lowe's.

[@danielbackley9301]

The town is pronounced Rose-elle and as far as Klien goes it hard to find an electrician years ago that didn't have any pliers other than Klien . As far as VAco goes the thing I had from them years ago were nutdrivers and a speciality tamper proof screwdriver they were all right but the nutdrivers i bought from ace back in the 80s were better than the Vaco ones simply because they had better handles.

[@mcluvin28x]

As a hispanic watching this I immediately went to look for Made in Mexico pliers by Klein 💯 edit: Found none lol but I saw some on Etsy with an aztec calendar laser engraved ones

[@millibarman]

Cool history. Thank you! *WM. = William Warne, not “W.M.”

[@bighorn9119]

I love that they built a factory in Mexico my dad is Mexican and a electrican

[@BobOBob]

I have multiple Klein scissors made decades before they acquired Heritage, as well as Heritage branded scissors made after. I'm glad they didn't put their name on. They need to go straighten out that subsidiary, because the quality today is not even close to the scissors Klein was making 40 to 60 years ago.

[@Cahoula]

Last Christmas I decided to buy a high quality ratcheting screwdriver. It was also important that it was a U.S.A. made type too (even though it would be more expensive). I got the KLEIN 32558...MADE IN TAIWAN.. ????????????????? I had no idea. It is quality, but I thought this company was always made in U.S.A.

[@garbo8962]

Used to get a pair of heavy duty Klien sidecutters. They were the only ones that could easily cut thru 1/4" round head screws. We had trouble about 5 years ago with Klien 11 in 1 screwdriver bits falling out of holder when only bin back pocket a minute. Never had this trouble with older ones. Never know they bought bout Vaco. Still have a couple of old Vaco tools. Still prefer Channelock pump pliers & Needle nose pliers..

[@DDB168]

I dont own any Klein tools, they're not so easy to get here in Australia - at a decent price anyway. Mumme is common here, they make pry bars, chisels, hammer heads that sort of tool.

[@Homepros888]

Vaco was the best screwdrivers and nut driver until Klein brought it over and did nothing with it. I still have over 40 Vaco hand tools and all of them still work like new after 38 years.

[@notmestillnotme3082]

Bolivar, NY Baa....sound a sheep makes. Li....as in lid. Var.....as in silVER. Baa....li....ver. Bolivar. Greetings from Turtlepoint, PA 20 miles southwest of Bolivar, NY

[@Tommy.461]

I have a separate drawers for my Klein tools. I know, stupid.

[@spacecatboy2962]

yeah i bought a klein tool and i had to email them back and forth with them many times before they admitted that the tool was not made in the usa, kind of shady

[@thezfunk]

I didn't know Elisha Wood was a member of the Klein family!?

[@1D10CRACY]

Just picked up a Klein Punch Down, it says "Made in Taiwan".

[@KameraShy]

BUT ... what is their warranty?

[@notmestillnotme3082]

I can't say myself, never needed a replacement. I still use tools I bought in the '80s. Still going strong doing what they were built to do.

[@denoftools]

The "Normal Life of the Tool" whatever that means.

[@del-boysnostalgiatvads7416]

You do the lawnmower huh, ???

[@gngbngr]

1957

[@KLartrandM]

I think the bear has a little dyslexia 3:38

[@denoftools]

Just a little

[@JNRII]

Roselle: Rose, like the flower - L

[@mountainman971]

Western Forge

[@onsiteelectricianscott4025]

You tube getting comfortable with these 30 second non skip commercials 👎

[@notmestillnotme3082]

Yeah alot of that going on lately. Couple channels I watch it's about even 7 minutes. A non-skippable followed by a skippable.

[@denoftools]

Yeah, I've been seeing a lot of double non skips recently.

[@bighorn9119]

Klein tools are designed for the best electricians

[@daniel326935]

the more time big companies stay on market ... more cheaper they become lol 😆 😂 🤣 sometimes a dollar tools do the job 🤣

[@scottc4321]

Apex tool group

[@hayesginther897]

Klien quality has gone downhill over the last 10 years. German and Japanese tools are the way to go today for any new tradesmen to invest in.

[@blaquejaque9702]

@4:04 78 COMPLETELY RULES 🪨 out