Klein tool dulipcates?

[Mr. Tool]

Earlier this morning I was at my local True Value store and I happened to just check out their tool selection and kinda surprised to come across this screwdriver set.

Looks a lot like either, Klein duplicates or could possibly be made by Klein for a different manufacturer here known as MintCraftpro or?

What you y’all think?

 

[jumbojak]

That style screwdriver is made and marketed by many differ companies. I doubt they're Klein but it's possible.

 

[FigureItOut]

They look like knockoffs to me. Maybe that design isn't unique to Klein, but it looks like a direct copy. I don't believe Klein has sold any imported screwdrivers yet, so checking the COO of those will tell you everything.

 

[Gummi Bear]

So there are a few relative newcomers to the electrical tool game.

For example: Ideal and Southwire both make tools that look an awful lot like Klein, and some of them are made overseas.

Whenever that is the case, the market gets flooded with cheap knockoffs.



I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[dwasifar]

I have a Craftsman multi-driver that was clearly intended to resemble the Klein driver. Looks like this:



It superficially looks like the Klein but you only have to put them next to each other to see it's not the same.

 

[JR 42]

I've got a decent PH2 screwdriver I found used ten years ago that looks a lot like a Klein, so this has been going on for a while.

JR

 

[reptilezs]

stanley has a set with the same cushion grip handles

 

[BKF]

I have a Craftsman multi-driver that was clearly intended to resemble the Klein driver. Looks like this:



It superficially looks like the Klein but you only have to put them next to each other to see it's not the same.

I used to have that Sears screwdriver. Not nearly the same quality as the Klein. There's just something about the balance of a Klein tool.

 

[BKF]

I acquired a VERY old and large screwdriver with the teardrop handle. The wood is pretty roached out, so I'm considering replacing it. I make knives, so it would be pretty easy for me to make it look like new.

Any thoughts about losing the considerable patina and character of this screwdriver? It will be spectacular when I'm done, but not the same, so I'm hesitating.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Probably a knock off. I bet it has been decades since the patent expired.

 

[neophyte]

Earlier this morning I was at my local True Value store and I happened to just check out their tool selection and kinda surprised to come across this screwdriver set.

Looks a lot like either, Klein duplicates or could possibly be made by Klein for a different manufacturer here known as MintCraftpro or?

What you y’all think?

This style of screwdriver has been around for decades, so I doubt any patents still remain viable whether for design or function.

The Mintcraft trademark is registered to Sound International Inc. , and was last listed as being registered to Orgill Inc.
Orgill is a general purpose hardware and retail supplier..
The Mintcraft trademark was listed for tools, plumbing supplies, hardware, clothing etc. etc. etc. basically anything you that might be sold at a hardware store.
I’m not sure about Sound International Inc.
the packaging on those looks lkie typical import generic packaging, but I don’t know where the screwdrivers were made. Klein isn’t above doing private label manufacturing either.

 

[southalabama]

My vote for cheap knockoff.

 

[davethorik]

I believe Bridgeport Hardware made the first screwdriver handle of the type. IIRC patented in 1959.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Urrea ,Armstrong and Proto both have made the same style of screwdriver.Urrea still manufactures this style in Mexico. Much more crude than Klein in every way,but a very durable screwdriver.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

I acquired a VERY old and large screwdriver with the teardrop handle. The wood is pretty roached out, so I'm considering replacing it. I make knives, so it would be pretty easy for me to make it look like new.

Any thoughts about losing the considerable patina and character of this screwdriver? It will be spectacular when I'm done, but not the same, so I'm hesitating.

Are you referring to prefect handle screwdriver?

(not my pic)

In general most are not particularly valuable so replacing the scales is not much of an issue.

 

[cybrdyke]

.... Ideal and Southwire both make tools.....

Maybe I'm being nit-picky, but Southwire doesn't make tools. They buy tools with their logo on them and re-sell them.
CD

 

[Taniawolf]

Earlier this morning I was at my local True Value store and I happened to just check out their tool selection and kinda surprised to come across this screwdriver set.

Looks a lot like either, Klein duplicates or could possibly be made by Klein for a different manufacturer here known as MintCraftpro or?

What you y’all think?

I noticed tens of companies selling the drivers with just a difference of manufacturer.