Lesota: The Truth
- Thread starter Bull
- Start date
senlow
Well-known member
Re: Lesota: Anyone Ever Heard of Them?
Cool. That's a brand that I've never seen.
Cool. That's a brand that I've never seen.
Re: Lesota: Anyone Ever Heard of Them?
I will have an update on this topic within a week. Since there is ZERO info on Lesota on AA or anywhere else that I can find, I'm excited to have a new tidbit to contribute. Stay tuned, you lover of oddballs!
I will have an update on this topic within a week. Since there is ZERO info on Lesota on AA or anywhere else that I can find, I'm excited to have a new tidbit to contribute. Stay tuned, you lover of oddballs!
Mickey O
Well-known member
Re: Lesota: Anyone Ever Heard of Them?
I've heard of them and have seen them but no almost nothing about them, I saw some old Lesota power tools at an estate sale, they also had a beautiful Duro (Indestro) Table saw as well, looked like new, was very tempted.
I've heard of them and have seen them but no almost nothing about them, I saw some old Lesota power tools at an estate sale, they also had a beautiful Duro (Indestro) Table saw as well, looked like new, was very tempted.
Re: Lesota: Anyone Ever Heard of Them?
The connection between Truth and Lesota has been firmly established.
In two of the pics, you can see the underside of the handles, where the brand names are stamped. On the Truth, the name is stamped atop a raised pad. On the Lesota, the stamp is in the same exact place but in a scallop that has been made into the handle. That might be a clue as to which was the parent company. I assume Truth is the parent/actual manufacturer since it is the better-known brand of the two.
The connection between Truth and Lesota has been firmly established.
In two of the pics, you can see the underside of the handles, where the brand names are stamped. On the Truth, the name is stamped atop a raised pad. On the Lesota, the stamp is in the same exact place but in a scallop that has been made into the handle. That might be a clue as to which was the parent company. I assume Truth is the parent/actual manufacturer since it is the better-known brand of the two.
Yes, that is correct. 1950-ish, as I recall.
speed bump
Well-known member
Bull are you collecting Lesota tools now? I swear I have seen a bunch of them in various bins on days when I was motivated enough to do some digging. I can scoop them up for you if you want.
TireTracks
Well-known member
The lesota ratchet looks likes it was finished better.
J.A.F.E.
Well-known member
Those are some nice ratchets.
TheGrooveking
Well-known member
For some reason, only on appearance those look to be the grandfathers to Craftsman ratchets. Not that they are, but just the finish alone makes me think that.
TheGrooveking
TheGrooveking
Kevin54
MEMBER EMERITUS
I did a quick search and the Lesota Tool Co. was in Alber Lea where ever that is at. Minnesota I believe. It must have been a major player back in the 40's and 50's
Yes, I read that somewhere, too. I have one universal joint that is stamped "Albert Lea," and I'd like to know if that's yet another tool company from that town or a part of a larger company or what.
Speed Bump: if the tools are cheap enough (they are oddballs, after all) then scoop them up and give me a holler. I'd be grateful.
lbgradwell
Well-known member
That's good info, Bull! I've only heard of Lesota on this forum...
Truth was acquired by OTC; that is, the company wasn't simply re-named...
Jbullfrog
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I found some spotty info that LeSota Tool Co. was an implement store that started handling tools in the 30ies. Albert Lea is close to Owatana where OTC is at. I'm guessing this would require local investigation.
My dad and I each have a Lesota combination wrench set. They are identical to my Barcalo wrenches. I beleive that most, if not all of Lesota's manufacturing was farmed out to other tool companies. My dad did say that there used to be a guy that would drive from farm to farm selling Lesota tools in the 50's and 60's, much like modern day Snap-On. Incedently, my dad's set is missing the 9/16, if anyone knows where I could find one....
LNKMK8
Well-known member
I realize this thread is 8 years old, but it seems to be the only Lesota thread here. I went to an Estate sale today and there were several Lesota combination wrenches, adjustable wrenches, and a combination wrench set in a roll. I had never hear of the brand before and they had them priced up in general, so I passed on them. Interesting to find out a bit of the history on them.
3baygarage
Well-known member
Too bad you couldn’t grab them. The Lesota wrenches I’ve run into appeared to be made by Barcalo. Also seen Albert Lea marked wrenches.
LNKMK8
Well-known member
They are probably still there... I just had no interest in them myself, and they do not seem to have much resale value, outside of 2 or 3 people here 
If someone really wants them, I can stop by and see if they are still there (I'm guessing they are)
If someone really wants them, I can stop by and see if they are still there (I'm guessing they are)burnin53
Well-known member
Last edited:
Oldtuleguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2017
- Messages
- 10,461
