Malco Tools - care to share some history?

[DanMan90]

I've been working on cleaning/organizing my grandfathers SO box that I recently inherited and came across these unique Malco tools. They appear to be body or sheet metal tools? (I am guessing here...)

I was just curious if anyone had a better understanding of what they are, what time frame they came from, and just a little history lesson.

Thanks for checking them out!

 

[JackDiddly]

They are sheet metal tools commonly used in HVAC. In the first pic, Top left is a notcher - cuts out a relief when forming sheet metal. Bottom left is a set of snap lock punch's used for joining pieces of sheet metal together. Bottom right is a set of crimpers - for crimping the end of round duct, though nowadays most use sets with more than one crimp at a time. Top right is a set of seamers used to bend and straighten sheet metal also commonly used in field as a hammer on slip and drive. Not sure of the center tool!

 

[woody 73]

I wanted to do a made in the USA post on Malco; the lady on the phone was super nice. Alas they make some of their products in China these days no longer all American made.

A web site for you along with their phone number that you can call them up and ask for a free catalog of all their products.

http://malcoproducts.com/

 

[DanMan90]

Hey - thanks! I knew someone here would know what they were!

Just curious - was/is Malco a big name in HVAC tools? I did a search on them and they still appear to be active.

 

[woody 73]

Yes Malco is a big name.

yes they are still active, (in case you missed my recent phone call see above).

If you get their free catalog hint, hint, hint you can see some of your tools listed in that free hint, hint, catalog.

 

[6PTsocket]

Malco has recently purchased the former Vice Grip plant in DeWitt, MN where they will be making more USA tools.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[bonneyman]

Malco was sort of an innovator in sheet metal working tools starting in the 1950's. Most of the tools in my sheet metal tool box are Malco's.
I always liked there "indestructible" orange-handled drivers. Made from a polycarbonate, they could take all sorts of abuse - and never once can I recall a handle breaking or loosing the shank. Sadly, these were discontinued a few years ago as Malco couldn't compete with the Chinese on costs.

Thus, I snag any old orange handles I come across in the wild. Just grabbed an awl of theirs for $1 and reground the tip. And into the sheet metal box it went!

 

[Jc2043]

I snagged this orange handled Malco driver at the swap meet. I also have this Malco knife, sadly it’s made in China.


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