While we love any and all purpose-driven well-built tools, there’s a special place in our hearts for things that are American made. Perhaps it’s patriotism manifested as gear appreciation. Or maybe it’s because we know that anything made in the USA is always of the utmost in both quality and craftsmanship.
Whatever the case, we fawn over things just a little bit more when we see “American-made,” like a stamp of approval, emblazoned on hand and/or power tools. And while they’re all the better when made with USA-sourced materials, we don’t decry internationally-sourced materials in our American-manufactured tools, as the craftsmanship behind them is still top notch. With that in mind, we put together the following list of 15 of the best tools that are still made right here in the USA.
Stanley Screwdriver Set
As far as toolbox essentials go, screwdrivers cannot be done without. From flatheads to phillips, virtually no DIY home improvement job can be completed without them. And you could do a lot worse than this set from lauded American brand, Stanley. Inexpensive and abundantly useful, these drivers should be added to every toolbox.
Derma-Safe Folding Utility Razor
We’ve found that one of the most common things people seem to be missing from their tool collections is a utility knife – and we think that’s a big mistake. From cleaning up edges, to precision cutting sheet materials, to scraping sticker residue off of delicate surfaces, utility knives are an excellent thing to keep alongside the rest of your tools. And these ones are all the better for the fact that they were made in USA to military specification.
Vaughan Original Superbar
The weapon of choice for one of our favorite video game characters (Gordon Freeman of the Halflife series), crowbars are actually a very useful real-world tool. Whether you need to pry up some old flood boards, wrench open a stuck door, or just get some unwieldy nails out from a surface, this USA-made tool can do it all. And it’s also powder coated, so it will resist rust for a lifetime of usage.
Bully Tools Round Point Shovel
Whether planting a garden, rerouting some backyard plumbing, or filling in holes dug by your pet dog, a shovel should be in everyone’s tool shed. And if you’re going to have this tool, you should make certain the one you get is up to task. This round point shovel from Bully is built from American ash wood and steel, so it can stand up to just about any digging task. Pick one up; you won’t be disappointed.
Estwing Sportsman’s Axe
When it comes to packable camp axes, it’s hard to do better than Estwing’s Sportsman’s Axe. This little hatched is built from a combination of a single piece of forged steel and a genuine leather grip wrapped around the handle. It also comes with a ballistic sheath for easy storage and portability. Truly, with this chopping tool, you can’t go wrong.
Klein Tools All-Purpose Pliers
Klein pliers are so ubiquitous in the world of linemen (the electrical workers, not the football players), that the tools are oftentimes referred to simply as “Kleins.” And that plus the fact that they’re made in the USA is enough of an endorsement for us to back them as a superb addition to any toolbox. It helps, too, that these ones feature a wire crimper and insulated handles for a little extra protection.
Armstrong Blacksmith Hammer
Your average nail-driving hammer is great for, well, driving nails. But it isn’t exactly suited for the kinds of hard use typical of metalworking. Whether shaping body panels for a car or, perhaps, constructing a bastard sword, this hickory-handled blacksmith hammer will be your best friend. And if you’re worried about how tough it actually is, don’t be – it comes with a lifetime warranty.
Trucker’s Friend Survival Tool
Designed specifically for long-haul truckers, this beefy all-purpose survival tool is as tough and function-driven as they come. The elongated fiberglass handle makes for excellent leverage, whether you’re using the pry bar attachment or hacking apart some ice in your way. All told, this badass tool serves more than seven different functions, from hammering to chopping and so much more.
Council Tool Michigan Double Bit Axe
A small pack axe is great for camping and backpacking trips, but if you live somewhere that gets below freezing, you’ll probably want a better and beefier tool for chopping wood. This double bit axe from Council Tool is the perfect one for the job. With a forged tool steel head and a long straight wooden handle, this double-sided axe is perfect for chopping all the wood you’ll need to make it through winter.
Channellock Plier Set
From plumbing to working on cars, pliers are a tool type that just cannot be done without. And this American-made set from Channellock is perhaps the best out there. With five different styles of plier (which ranges from slip joint to needle nose), you’ll have all your bases covered and more. And they even come with their own tool roll for easy storage and portability.
Hardcore Hammers The Original
A hammer might be the most ubiquitous tool in anyone’s toolbox – and that’s probably because it’s definitely one of the most important. And shouldn’t you make sure, with such a vital instrument, that you have the absolute best? Pick up Hardcore Hammers’ Original hammer and you’ll never be wanting for a better tool ever again.
Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
Leatherman got into a little bit of trouble when it was revealed that they source some of their materials from overseas. And while we understand the outrage to a degree, we’re still firm believers that they make some of the best multi-tools in the world – and they still build them here in the USA. That’s enough for us to stay onboard. Especially when you consider the Wave; this 27-function folding multi-tool is, hands-down, one of the best ever made.
DeWalt Cordless High Torque Impact Wrench
Powertools can be a craftsman’s best friend – especially if you do a lot of work often. That goes double for this DeWalt torque wrench, since it was constructed right here in the USA. Boasting plenty of wrenching power, this cordless handheld tool will save your wrists and keep your jobs quick and easy – whether you’re changing a tire or building a robot.
Yost Heavy Duty Reversible Bench Vise
Whether you’re a DIY craftsman, a scrappy mechanic, or you just like to fiddle around in your garage every now and again, a vise can be an indispensable tool. And they just don’t get any better than this one from Yost. Built from heavy-duty iron, this vise features a 360-degree swiveling base so you can get it at the right angle every time and the jaws are replaceable and reversible for some added versatility.
Delta Unisaw Table Saw
A table saw is not exactly on the short list of workshop essentials unless you’re a professional carpenter. Still, if you’re going to be doing a lot of woodworking, you should seriously consider getting one. And if you’re going to spend the scratch on such an expensive piece of equipment, you’ll always be better off getting the best. This one from Delta was built here in the USA and, though the price tag is high, you can depend on it for all your woodcutting needs for years and years to come.
4 Ultimate Tool Kits For Men
Most of these tools just scratch the surface of what you need to complete your DIY collection. Find everything else in our ultimate guide to men’s tool kits.
