Once in a while you hear of someone who claims to know someone who works in tool distribution that claims one company make all the tools for S-K, Craftsman, Snap-On, MAC, Proto, Allen, Armstrong, Williams, MATCO, Husky, Kobalt, etc and that they are all the same quality. Nothing can be farther from the truth. All urban legend!! One big misconception is when you hear stuff like Danaher is the one who makes Craftsman tools. That's only about 10% true. There are about 20 to 30 different manufacturers and subcontractors who manufacture various basic handtools for Craftsman. Those include makers like Lisle, Midwest, Knipex, Klien, Western Forge, Pratt-Reed, Channellock, Irwin, and many others who make various hand tools for the Craftsman brand. Danaher only makes the bulk of their ratchets, sockets, extentions, and many of their wrenches, and that's it, and some of those are also made by S-K too.
One thing that tends to be true though, especially with Proto, MAC, Snap-On, and S-K. A few of the tools in their own line-up are rebranded for them by companies like Lisle, Channellock, IREGA, Western Forge, Cooper, OTC, etc. I'm talking tools like, puller, adjustable wrenches, various pliers, etc. Seems like lately Snap-On doesn't even make their own wrenches anymore, they have their sub-company Williams making stuff for them.
