Pratt-Read Tool LLC

[Dzmax77]

Ideal hasn’t updated the Pratt-Read website with any detail on product offerings. Are they still making screwdrivers? I know Menards has Pratt Read made screwdrivers for their Masterforce house brand and I still see them being sold there but I don’t know anything else about what they make or for whom. I would presume they make drivers for SK and Ideal electrician tools but they may use old Western Forge products for that.

I just hope they’re not being phased out. Ideal did get rid of Western Forge but I know they at least stayed committed to keeping Pratt and SK around so those guys deserve support.

 

[measuredtwice]

The Pratt-Read factory in Shelton closed around 10 years ago when they went bankrupt. So the old factory isn't making screwdrivers. Ideal is making Pratt-Read screwdrivers in their own facilities in the USA. Ideal bought the Pratt-Read name and assets.

https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/Workers-hope-for-aid-in-closing-537957.php

 

[Lesserstore]

I don't think that they use the PR name anymore and that Ideal has integrated their brands into SK and Ideal. Ideal also makes the made in USA screwdrivers for Channellock, Masterforce, Husky, and Master Mechanic.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I don’t know. I’ve seen NOS at the hardware store and Rural King of their Pratt Read brand screwdrivers. I honestly didn’t even know they were still in business.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[KnurledNut]

I would imagine the Ideal US-made comfort grips that Lowes sells are manufactured with PR sourced tooling.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I did notice my local True Value hardware has switched from PR sourced screwdrivers and picks to China.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I don't think that they use the PR name anymore and that Ideal has integrated their brands into SK and Ideal. Ideal also makes the made in USA screwdrivers for Channellock, Masterforce, Husky, and Master Mechanic.

They no longer make screwdrivers for Master Mechanic. True Value has gone with chinesium, with Craftsman-style handles.

 

[NoahG]

Menards has switched recently too. Last week I noticed the newest drivers on the racks were imports.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I had better get my online order in
.

 

[measuredtwice]

Ideal hasn’t updated the Pratt-Read website with any detail on product offerings.

The Pratt-Read website seems to be down now. --> http://www.prattread.com/

On Ideal's website, it no longer lists Pratt-Read on the brands page --> https://www.idealindustries.com/us/en/brands.html
They haven't removed SK from the brands page yet even though it has been sold. But Pratt-Read is missing. The Pratt-Read page is still there even though it isn't linked --> https://www.idealindustries.com/us/en/brands/pratt-read-tools.html

Doesn't look good.

 

[Dzmax77]

And now we know why…

Pratt-Read is closing

Haven't seen this posted. The HJE guys discuss in video below.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[vssjim]

The handles may have come from this company they bought back when they were in the buying mode. I have no idea what has happened with them.

A&L Handles

Designing custom screwdriver and specialty tool handles for more than three decades

www.idealindustries.com