What happened to Thorsen tools?

[928'er]

I've got a great set of satin finished Thorsen metric combination wrenches that I bought when I got out of the AF back in the early 70's. Quality stuff, but haven't seen the Thorsen brand for years.

I've recently seen Chinese made **** branded as "Thorsen" at the box stores. What happened to Thorsen USA?

J.

 

[retDAC]

If you like history, check this out: http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/thorsen-manufacturing.html#history

In short by 1995 (probably sooner) Thorsen had become merely a brand name.

I have a SAE set of combo wrenches bought new around '72. They have some chrome peel, but have been okay for home use. Have couple more from God-only-knows-where and they have good chrome and different markings. Probably pre-68.

 

[unslow1]

Advance Auto was selling them until a couple of years ago. I don't know who does now.

Found this.

http://www.thorsentoolco.com/

 

[turbowoodworker]

There are sets on the Sears Outlet website but I doubt they are USA, seriously doubt.

 

[Outlawmws]

If new they aren't US; a Chicom co.bought the name IIR correctly. Certainly it's now Asian..

 

[Steinmetz]

I've got a great set of satin finished Thorsen metric combination wrenches that I bought when I got out of the AF back in the early 70's. Quality stuff, but haven't seen the Thorsen brand for years.

I've recently seen Chinese made **** branded as "Thorsen" at the box stores. What happened to Thorsen USA?

J.

I have some that I acquired in the late 1960's. They were pretty nice. Still have them.

 

[water-works]

According to this thread, and the thread posted above:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58778

Sounds like they've changed hands several times.

1968 - Acquired by Hydrometals (became a division of Hyrdometals)
1969 - Hydrometals restructured and made Giller and operating division of Thorsen
1977 - Hydrometals was acquired by Wallace Murray
Name was changed from Thorsen Manufacturing to Thorsen Tool Company
Moved headquarters to Dallas, TX.
Built new factory there.

(1980's?) - Factory sold to National Hand Tool
Operations, name and trademarks sold to Elgin National.
Elgin also owned CG Electronics
Name changed to CG Thorsen, Inc. a subsidiary of Elgin National.

1995 - CG Thorsen acquired by Katy Industries.
Thorsen Tools were separated from CG Electronics

Crazy how companies can go through so many hoops over the years, and history can get convoluted.

 

[Steinmetz]

According to this thread, and the thread posted above:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58778

Sounds like they've changed hands several times.

1968 - Acquired by Hydrometals (became a division of Hyrdometals)
1969 - Hydrometals restructured and made Giller and operating division of Thorsen
1977 - Hydrometals was acquired by Wallace Murray
Name was changed from Thorsen Manufacturing to Thorsen Tool Company
Moved headquarters to Dallas, TX.
Built new factory there.

(1980's?) - Factory sold to National Hand Tool
Operations, name and trademarks sold to Elgin National.
Elgin also owned CG Electronics
Name changed to CG Thorsen, Inc. a subsidiary of Elgin National.

1995 - CG Thorsen acquired by Katy Industries.
Thorsen Tools were separated from CG Electronics

Crazy how companies can go through so many hoops over the years, and history can get convoluted.

GC Electronics. Where the "GC" stood for "General Cement".

 

[RedFordTruck]

I see them at Northern tool in the bargain bins. 2 pack of pliers for $5 or something like that.

 

[Davefr]

I've got a great set of satin finished Thorsen metric combination wrenches that I bought when I got out of the AF back in the early 70's. Quality stuff, but haven't seen the Thorsen brand for years.

I've recently seen Chinese made **** branded as "Thorsen" at the box stores. What happened to Thorsen USA?

J.

If you stumble on any of their exposed gear ratchets get them!! The heads were ultra compact and could make it into some very confined spots where pear head ratchets wouldn't stand a chance.

It looks like Thorsen's factory was in Oakland, CA at one time.

 

[Dberglind]

First tools I ever bought were Thorsen 1/4" ratchet, 3/8" ratchet and a couple of socket sets. Got them when I was still in high school in the mid 80's from the local hardware store. Still have them, and they still work fine.

 

[Steinmetz]

If you stumble on any of their exposed gear ratchets get them!! The heads were ultra compact and could make it into some very confined spots where pear head ratchets wouldn't stand a chance.

It looks like Thorsen's factory was in Oakland, CA at one time.

"For Radio, TV and Ignition Work" How times change. Three things no one works on anymore. Very nice sets, nonetheless.

 

[SteveCh]

Costco is selling sets of Thorsen swivel ratcheting wrenches in both SAE and metric. Different sets of each. I bought the metric and like them, though I've only used them a few weeks so don't know whether or how long they'll hold up. The sets [seven wrenches ea.] are currently marked down to around $35.

Packaging says made in Taiwan.

Doesn't answer the OP's question, I toss it in here in case anyone wants some.

 

[Hootbro]

There is a lot of nostalgia about USA Thorsen tools but it always was an "economy" brand tools and made to that price point.

I grew up around my Grandfather that had a good mix of Craftsman and Thorsen USA made stuff. The Thorsen sockets seem to crack more than the Craftsman.

 

[wayne55]

My first socket set was a Thorsen set that I got when I was a kid by using my mother's Top Value stamps from the Piggly Wiggly. I still have and use them today.