Klein

Since 1857, the company operated by Mathias Klein and his descendants to the fifth generation, has grown and developed along with the electrical and telecommunications industries where Klein pliers first found major usages.

Klein Tools Inc. today represents much more than Klein pliers. The company's product line has broadened to include virtually every major type of hand tool used in construction, electronics, mining, and general industry in addition to the electrical and telecommunications fields.

Mathias Klein in 1857 emigrated from Germany and made his way west to set up shop in Chicago's bustling downtown business district, the "communications industry" amounted to nothing more than a few bare wires strung on lean telegraph poles.

Perhaps the only job Mathias Klein ever did "halfway" involved the first tool he ever made, which was in fact one half pair of pliers.

In 1860 Mathias Klein prospered from the demand for durable hand tools for the professional tradesman. Mathias Klein's forge shop grew into a full-fledged business, a company making a worldwide, respected line of hand tools.

In 1910 to the standard lineman's pliers were added more than 100 different types and sizes of pliers.

In 1968 Klein acquired R. H. Burhke Company to meet the need for a line of occupational protective equipment, leather and canvas products.    

In 1975 Klein Tools erected a new, modern drop-forging plant in Moran, Kansas. The multi-million dollar facility provides the ability to substantially increase forging production.  

In 1978 The William Warne Co., a leather pouch manufacturer, joined the Klein family of companies.

In 1980 the company built its international Distribution Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the same time, Klein expanded the facilities of their Mexican subsidiary, Herramientas Klein, and also the tool pouch facility in San Luis, Arizona.

In 1986 Klein acquired Vaco Products Company, of Jonesville, Michigan, a major manufacturer of screwdrivers, nut drivers, hex-key wrenches, electrical terminals and connectors, plus other related equipment. This acquisition expanded Klein's market coverage and added new lines of tools and supplies to the company's product line.  

In 1989 a new plant in Roselle, Illinois, went into operation. Klein's adjustable wrenches, recognized as the world's finest, are produced at this new facility along with a number of other important Klein products.    

In 1996 a new plant in Schaumburg, Illinois, was added to expand Klein's Chicago-area manufacturing capacity.  

Today the Klein brand is the #1 preferred hand tool in the electrical industry, as well as one of the leading brands used in the construction, maintenance and industrial trades. Klein tools is committed to professional tradesmen hence loyalty to Klein tools is strong and professionals feel the difference every day.

Products

Klein’s Side-cutting plier is a cutting plier tool. Its tool steel is US-made. Its hot-riveted joint ensures smooth action and no handle wobble. For long life it has induction hardened cutting knives. Its unique handle tempering helps absorb the "snap" when cutting wire. 2000 Series pliers are available. It cuts ACSR, screws, nails and most hardened wire. Its "Handform" handles are available for full gripping and cutting power. For on-the-job toughness it has precision-hardened plier head. It has Sure-gripping cross-hatched knurled jaws. Plastic-dipped handles are also available for comfort and ease of identification.

Klein’s Cushion-grip screwdrivers handle allows for greater torque and comfort. Patented Tip-Ident rapidly identifies the type of screwdriver and screwdriver tip orientation. Premium chrome plated is available for smooth feel and corrosion resistance. Internal flanges within handle provide solid, twist-resistant blade anchor. Its shafts are special heat-treated. It has Precision-machined tip that fits exactly. It meets or exceeds applicable ASME / ANSI specifications.

Klein’s Adjustable Wrenches features precision-machined jaws which are individually chosen and assembled by hand for smooth operation. For long life it is heat-treated. For easy operation its Knurl are turned smoothly. It has contoured handles for comfortable use. For rust resistance it is chrome-plated. It is offered in high capacity.

Klein’s 9" High-Leverage Side-Cutting Pliers is a Fish Tape Pulling that quickly and easily pulls 1/8” or 1/4" flat steel fish tape without damaging the tape. It has high-leverage design. Rivet is closer to the cutting edge for 46% that provides greater cutting and gripping power than other plier designs. Its design is streamlined with sure-gripping and it has cross-hatched knurled jaws.

Klein offers Hammers that features comfortable, perforated neoprene grip bonded to handle. It is polished, forged and with tempered-steel head. Its high-strength fiberglass shaft absorbs shock and keeps head tight. Its durable plastic-alloy jacketing helps protect neck from fraying and splintering if incorrectly struck or over struck.

Klein offers 69105- Circuit Tester which is an electric tester. Its tests circuits are rated from 80 to 600 volts AC/DC. High-visibility neon lamp indication is available. High-impact, sealed 5 11/16" (144 mm) probes on long 24" (610 mm) leads for ease in testing motors, fuses, relays, switches etc. Between each probe and lead there exists a resistor. It is a reliable electronic component.

Klein’s Cord Reels and drop-lites features cord pulls out, locks and retracts automatically with a quick tug-and-release motion. It is just plugged in and no junction box is required. It can be easily mounted on wall or ceiling. It has a rugged steel case. Its cord is 3-conductor (grounded) type. Locking mechanism is also incorporated. Its ceiling-mount reels allow 360° rotation and wall-mount 180° side-to-side rotation.