Klein tools that aren't Klein tools

[dwasifar]

I bought sets of nut drivers in both SAE and metric sizes this week. I got Channellock for the SAE, but there is no matching metric set, so I ordered the Klein 70200 set of 10.

In the Amazon listing the picture appeared to be Vaco branded tools, not Klein:



But it's a fuzzy picture and I figured it might be an error. Nope. They arrived today, and although the box says Klein, the contents are Vaco:





That's fine, actually. Vaco are good, and the stand is nice (although I wish the text were larger). And I know Klein owns Vaco. But it's funny that they would sell them as Klein and imprint them as Vaco.

 

[humber2]

But wait, there’s more.....

 

[sparky 1971]

They are shown as Klein on the web catalog too. The stand says Vaco, but there's nothing in the description.

Nut Driver Set, Metric Nut Drivers, 3-Inch Shafts, 10-Piece - 70200 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Metric Nut Driver Set is organized in a white enameled metal stand. The nut drivers in this 10-piece set meet or exceed applicable ASME/ANSI specification. The chrome-plated shafts help prevent corrosion.

www.kleintools.com

 

[southalabama]

Interesting.

I have older Vaco nut drivers and screwdrivers prior to being purchased by Klein. I’ve also got new Klein nut drivers.

 

[sparky 1971]

When did Klein purchase Vaco? The 1993 Klein catalog has Vaco branded screwdrivers and nut drivers in it. I just assumed Klein had always made Vaco as a less expensive option.

 

[dwasifar]

They are shown as Klein on the web catalog too. The stand says Vaco, but there's nothing in the description.

Nut Driver Set, Metric Nut Drivers, 3-Inch Shafts, 10-Piece - 70200 | Klein Tools

The Klein Tools Metric Nut Driver Set is organized in a white enameled metal stand. The nut drivers in this 10-piece set meet or exceed applicable ASME/ANSI specification. The chrome-plated shafts help prevent corrosion.

www.kleintools.com

The description in that link also includes this part:

"Nut drivers' identification labels and color coding make individual size selection easy"

You'd think they'd include a key chart of the color codes, but they didn't, so I had to make up my own:

• 4mm - Black
• 4.5mm - Black
• 5mm - Black
• 5.5mm - Black
• 6mm - Black
• 7mm - Black
• 8mm - Black
• 9mm - Black
• 10mm - Black
• 11mm - Black

That will certainly help keep them straight. I'm glad I have the color coding to help me.

 

[southalabama]

1986

 

[dwasifar]

When did Klein purchase Vaco? The 1993 Klein catalog has Vaco branded screwdrivers and nut drivers in it. I just assumed Klein had always made Vaco as a less expensive option.

1986.

 

[dwasifar]

Interesting.

I have older Vaco nut drivers and screwdrivers prior to being purchased by Klein. I’ve also got new Klein nut drivers.

Metric or SAE?

 

[southalabama]

Metric or SAE?

I’ll have to look. My brain is foggy. Life is chaotic.

I’ve got craftsman sae and metric. That I know. I’ve got Klein and vaco too. Not sure which or both. I’ve been also integrating some of dads tools into my shop since his death.

 

[southalabama]

And I have some master mechanic.

 

[dwasifar]

I’ll have to look. My brain is foggy. Life is chaotic.

I’ve got craftsman sae and metric. That I know. I’ve got Klein and vaco too. Not sure which or both. I’ve been also integrating some of dads tools into my shop since his death.

I'm sorry to hear about that. My dad's been gone for ten years and I still keep thinking of things I wish I'd asked him.

No tools to integrate from him though. He typically bought cheap junk tools, and there was nothing worth saving in his workshed.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I have a few Vaco screwdrivers. The tips and shanks are the same as Klein, but the handles are all acetate, and no rubber. I generally only use Klein drivers for electrical/electronic/computer work, since the rubber can deteriorate when exposed to grease, and sawdust sticks to the rubber as well. The all-acetate handles clean up nicely. I wish they still had Phillips #3, and Torx sizes, though.

 

[southalabama]

I'm sorry to hear about that. My dad's been gone for ten years and I still keep thinking of things I wish I'd asked him.

No tools to integrate from him though. He typically bought cheap junk tools, and there was nothing worth saving in his workshed.

I’ve looked. All the metric nut drivers we have are craftsman and are in the mechanics toolbox. The Klein are in the electricians tools and neither dad nor I had metric. The vaco are all sae.

We’ve got a number of vaco screwdrivers that are red (screw holder) and most golden acetate. Kleins are mostly rubber handle but their appears to be a set of journeyman drivers.

 

[sparky 1971]

At least the Vaco drivers have ties to the Klein brand. The newer style pump pliers are rebranded NWS. I give props to Klein for doing it though, the pump pliers that are actually made by Klein are terrible.

 

[PBCampbell]

I have a suspicion that Klein rebranded Western Forge pump pliers. I say that because only Klein and Sears had right angle types and the Craftsman are stamped WF.

 

[genog]

I posted these pics in the Klein Addiction thread.....

Does anyone know who made the Klein wrench on the right?
I am going to say that S-K made the one on the left

Big differences between the two combos strongly suggests different mfrs