There is something about tools made in the USA that makes them stand out from the rest. Perhaps it’s the idea of supporting a local craftsman or the feeling of patriotism they conjure up in us.
Whatever the case, there is no denying that products manufactured in the United States are superior in craftsmanship and quality.
Unfortunately, the majority of tools that were once made in America are now being manufactured abroad. However, some companies and brands still believe in locally manufactured goods and remain committed to producing the best tools that money can buy.
Best American Tools to Have in Your Home
Here are some of the best American tools that are still manufactured in the USA today.
1. The Estwing Sportsman Axe
Made from a single piece of forged steel and a genuine leather grip, the Estwing Sportsman axe is crafted in Rockford. The manufacturer uses the finest American tool grade steel, making it the perfect camping hatchet for chopping logs and splitting firewood.
Estwing has been making some of the finest outdoor tools for over 90 years, and their Sportsman axe is forged to perfection with keen attention to detail.
Designed in the 1940s, the axe is a fine display of American craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. It features a hand-polished head, and the leather grip is sanded and lacquered for a durable, long-lasting finish. A durable nylon sheath provides added safety by acting as safe storage for the axe.
2. Derma-force safe utility razor
A utility knife is a tool you can’t afford to miss in your collection. The Derma-force safe utility razor is proudly made in the USA to military specifications and has a wide range of functionality and usage.
It will come in handy when opening boxes, cutting tags off your new clothes, sharpening pencils, or shaving a marshmallow roasting stick.
The razor includes a super sharp high-quality stainless steel blade that is housed in a plated steel rib with a plastic handle for easy gripping.
You will find it in many survival and first aid kits, and it is a popular choice tool among the United States military. It was designed and patented by world war two veteran Warren Grosjean.
3. Vaughan Original Superbar
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a serious professional, you could never go wrong with the Vaughan Original Superbar.
This tool is great for levering, prying, pulling, and splitting. Thanks to its wide range of functionality, you can use it to pull out those pesky nails, remove striking boards or wrench open a stuck window.
It features a “Shepherd’s Crook” rocker head design to provide maximum prying power and is made from spring tempered high-quality carbon steel to withstand heavy-duty use.
The steel is powder-coated for rust resistance, and its 21-inch length provides enough leverage to rip up old floorboards without breaking a sweat. The fact that it is made in the United States means that you can rely on its quality.
4. All-Purpose Pliers from Klein Tools
Klein Tools has been manufacturing hand tools for 160 years, and they are known for making premium-quality tools that deliver high performance and precision.
The American company boasts six generations’ worth of expertise and blends high-quality materials and superior workmanship to make professional-grade tools that stand the test of time.
The all-purpose pliers from Klein Tools are no exception. These will crimp, loop, cut, strip, crimp and shear whether you’re using them for commercial, industrial or residential applications.
Their cutting end is made from forged steel for maximum durability, and the long nose allows for extended reach in tight spaces.
Thanks to the dual material journeyman handle that is contoured for a comfortable grip, you can use the tool all day without getting fatigued.
5. Blacksmith Hammer from Armstrong
The Blacksmith Hammer from Armstrong is designed for heavy-duty metalworking that an average nail-driving hammer cannot handle.
Whether you’re constructing a bastard sword or shaping the body panel of your car, this hammer with a hickory handle will not disappoint.
It is made from high-quality alloy steel with a black polished surface and features a large face for striking unhardened metals and a cross pain useful for shaping softer metals.
Armstrong’s Industrial Hand Tools embodies the spirit of American craftsmanship and has earned quite a reputation for their high-quality tools made from the best materials for unrivaled strength and durability.
They demonstrate confidence in their hammer by giving you a lifetime warranty to cover against poor workmanship and faulty materials.
6. Trucker’s Friend Survival Tool
Whether you want to pry nails, cut branches, or chip away at hand-packed ice, you will be at home with Trucker’s Friend Survival Tool. This handy all-purpose tool from Off Grid Tools works as a spanner, nail puller, curved axe, hammer, pry bar, tire chain hook, and lever.
The axe head is made from hardened carbon steel for durability, and it features a shock-absorbing fiberglass handle to provide a firm and comfortable grip.
It is a fantastic tool that you can take along with you during hiking or camping but is specially designed for professional truck drivers. It is easy to use, and the elongated handle provides enough leverage to handle the toughest of tasks without breaking a sweat. The fact that it is made in the United States means that it is a reliable tool.
7. Channellock Plier Set
If you are a regular DIYer, pliers are a tool that you can’t afford to live without, and it doesn’t get better than the Channellock Plier Set.
The 5-piece tool includes two tongue & groove pliers (9.5 & 10 inches), an 8-inch long nose, a 7-inch high leverage diagonal plier, and a 6.5-inch slip joint.
These pliers are made from high-carbon steel with an anti-rust coating. The teeth and cutting edge are heat-treated for better grip and durability.
And that’s not all; the Channellock’s iconic blue handle not only provides a firm and comfortable grip but also makes it easier for you to spot the pliers in your tool bag. This USA made tool comes with a patented reinforcing edge designed to minimize stress breakage
8. DeWALT Cordless Impact Wrench
A cordless impact wrench is an indispensable tool in a workshop or garage, and this particular one from DeWALT proves that tools made from the USA are unrivaled in quality and performance.
The DeWALT Cordless Impact Wrench features a variable speed trigger that enables you to switch between three different speed settings depending on the nature of the application.
With 330 foot-pounds of maximum torque, you can handle a variety of heavy-duty applications, including removing lug nuts and rusted bolts.
The precision wrench control prevents overtightening by pausing before impacting and lowers the speed when unscrewing a fastener to prevent runoff.
DeWALT sweetens the deal by including a one-year free service contract and a 90 days money-back guarantee.
9. Delta Unisaw Table Saw
If you are a professional carpenter or a homeowner who does a lot of woodworking, a table saw will be a great addition to your workshop. Don’t let the high price tag scare you; this table saw from Delta Unisaw is worth its weight in gold.
The Delta Unisaw Table Saw is ideal for boat building, cabinet making, and woodworking. It features a powerful 60 Hz American Marathon motor that produces 220 volts to handle some of the most demanding tasks. The vibration control guarantees continuous smooth operation.
10. Leatherman Wave Multi-Tool
The Leatherman Wave Multi-tool is a true testament to how far USA manufacturers are willing to go to produce high-quality products.
Tim Leatherman took eight years to perfect his 1975 prototype and established his company in 1983. Today, Leatherman is one of the most reputable multitool manufacturers in the US.
This instant tool kit is designed for one-handed opening, and it has everything you need to get the job done, including pliers, wire cutters, saw, knives, spring-action scissors, bottle opener, ruler, screwdrivers, and files.
Leatherman stands behind their product by offering a 25-year warranty, so you can be sure that the tool will serve you for a lifetime.
11. Bully Tools Round Point Shovel
If you’re looking for a commercial-grade shovel that will serve you for a lifetime, you can never go wrong with this heavy-duty shovel from Bully Tools.
Made from 100% American 14-gauge steel, the Bully Tools Round Point Shovel is designed to endure years of hard labor.
The D-grip handle is made from Polypropylene Co-Polymer for strength and durability and features a no-slip extra-wide design for a comfortable and firm grip.
Its compact design makes it ideal for working in tight spaces, and you can keep it in your car in case of emergencies.
To demonstrate confidence in their shovel, Bully Tools offers a limited lifetime warranty. So if the shovel fails during normal use, they will replace it or refund your money with no questions asked.
12. Council Tool Michigan Double Bit Axe
An axe is one of the oldest hand tools to be used by man. With a history that goes back thousands of years, this tool is still relevant today and has a wide range of applications.
You can use it to shape and split wood, harvest timber, or as a status symbol. In the hands of a skilled fighter, it can also be an effective weapon.
Not many companies make high-quality axes that can last a lifetime, and Council Tool is among the chosen few.
The Council Tool Michigan Double Bit Axe features a forged steel head that is heated coated with red enamel for rust resistance and a curved wooden handle. The axe is 100% made in the United States, so you can be sure that the craftsmanship is top of the range.
13. Eklind Tools Hex Keys
Eklind Tools has been making high-quality hex keys since 1950. Its tools are proudly made in America and meet all the required standards of professional mechanics, DIYers, and hobbyists.
The Elinda Tools Hex Keys is made from high-quality alloy steel that is heat-treated for durability and coated for rust resistance.
Thanks to the extra-long shaft, you can access hard-to-reach areas and get the extra leverage required to handle heavy tasks.
The vinyl handle will give you a comfortable non-slip grip when working. It is also color-coded in red to indicate the respective inch sizes, ensuring you identify the correct tool with ease.
14. Occidental Leather’s Pro Framer Tool Belt Set
Occidental Leather has been making tool belts and other high-quality leather products since 1980 from their workshop located in Sonoma County, California.
The premium top-grain leather is locally sourced, and the belt is 100% made by highly skilled American leather workers. So you can rest assured it will serve you for a long time to come.
Designed with the professional builder in mind, the Occidental Leather’s Pro Framer Tool Belt Set is fine-tuned for maximum efficiency and comfort to ensure your working rhythm is uninterrupted for hours. The leather is tanned with a special blend of oils and waxes, while the copper rivets serve to reinforce the main bags.
It is available in a variety of sizes and includes 22 pockets and tool holders.
15. Yost Heavy Duty Reversible Bench Vise
Whether you are a professional mechanic or just a DIY enthusiast, a vise is an essential tool to have in your garage or workshop.
If you’re looking for a high-quality model that can handle any type of application, you will be hard-pressed to find anything better than the Yost Heavy Duty Reversible Bench Vise.
This American beast is made to last for a lifetime. It features a heavy-duty ductile iron construction and comes with a 360-degree swivel base so you can adjust the jaws to whichever direction you like. To keep your mind at ease, Yost also includes a lifetime warranty.
Tools Made in USA: Conclusion
All the tools listed above are authentic examples of quality American Craftsmanship. Of course, this list is in no way exhaustive—there are many other high-quality tools that make us proud to be American. But it is a good place to start if you want to add more tools to your collection.
You will not only get a professional-grade tool that will serve you for a long time but also assist in perpetuating a centuries-long tradition of manufacturing high-quality tools. Additionally, buying American is a sure way to support the local economy.