Founding (1890)

Armstrong Bros. Tool Company was founded in 1890 by the five Armstrong brothers in Chicago. The business initially manufactured bicycle components and tools during the bicycle boom of the late 19th century. Their early workshop quickly evolved into a manufacturing company as demand increased. 1

Early Innovation

One of Armstrong’s earliest successes was the Armstrong Tool Holder, patented in the 1890s. Unlike traditional forged cutting tools, it used interchangeable cutting bits attached to a reusable forged shank, reducing tooling costs and improving efficiency. This innovation established Armstrong as a respected manufacturer of industrial machine tools. 2

Expansion

The success of the Tool Holder allowed Armstrong to expand rapidly:

• 1900: Built a larger factory in Chicago.
• 1905: Opened a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
• 1909 onward: Began forging wrenches and other hand tools.
• 1910–1930s: Expanded into clamps, alloy-steel wrenches, taps, dies, vises, and machinist tools. 2

During World War II, Armstrong became an important supplier to the U.S. military. The company manufactured precision tools and industrial equipment used in defense production and received the prestigious Army-Navy “E” Award for manufacturing excellence. This period strengthened its reputation for quality and reliability. 2

Armstrong manufactured a comprehensive lineup of professional hand tools, including:

• Combination wrenches
• Open-end and box-end wrenches
• Socket sets
• Ratchets
• Torque wrenches
• Breaker bars
• Screwdrivers
• Hex keys
• C-clamps
• Punches and chisels
• Pullers
• Pliers
• Industrial tool storage
• Specialty aerospace and government maintenance tools

Its tools were designed for heavy industrial use rather than the consumer DIY market. 1

Armstrong earned a reputation for:

• Precision machining
• High-strength alloy steel construction
• Tight manufacturing tolerances
• Excellent chrome plating
• Long service life
• Reliable warranty support

Many professional mechanics regarded Armstrong tools as comparable in quality to other premium American brands. The company also manufactured tools for certain private-label and industrial customers. 1

Independent Company

For over a century, Armstrong operated as a family-owned manufacturer.

Danaher Corporation (1994)

In 1994, Armstrong Bros. Tool Company was acquired by Danaher Corporation, becoming part of its industrial hand tool division. Under Danaher, Armstrong continued producing premium U.S.-made tools and remained focused on industrial and government customers. 1

Apex Tool Group (2010)

In 2010, Danaher’s hand tool division—including Armstrong—became part of Apex Tool Group, a joint venture that combined several major tool brands. Armstrong continued as a premium industrial brand for several years. 1

In 2017, Apex Tool Group announced it would discontinue the Armstrong and Allen brands, closing related production and laying off workers at its Sumter, South Carolina facility. This effectively ended new Armstrong tool manufacturing after more than 125 years of history. Existing tools remained in circulation through distributors and the secondary market. 1

Armstrong developed a loyal following among:

• Aircraft mechanics
• Industrial maintenance technicians
• Tool collectors
• Machinists
• Government maintenance departments
• Military mechanics

Collectors and long-time users continue to value vintage Armstrong tools for their durability and craftsmanship, and unused “new old stock” (NOS) tools are often sought after. Community discussions frequently describe Armstrong as one of the classic American industrial tool brands. 3

Although Armstrong Tools no longer manufactures new products, the brand remains well respected within the professional tool community. Its legacy includes:

• More than 125 years of American manufacturing.
• Significant innovations in interchangeable cutting tools.
• A reputation for high-quality forged hand tools.
• Long-standing service to aerospace, industrial, and military sectors.
• Recognition as one of the notable historic American hand tool manufacturers. 1

1. Armstrong Tools
2. ARMSTRONG BROS. TOOL CO.
3. (NOS) Armstrong tools.