The Ultimate List Of The 21 Best Hand Tool Brands On The Market

Even in the modern world, where power and air tools are commonplace and affordable, the humble hand tool is still the most popular by far. Almost everybody has a screwdriver, a hammer, and a wrench. Hand tools are easy to use, easy to maintain, easy to store, and extremely durable. They can be used in many industries, from engineering, to automotive, to carpentry.

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A hand tool is more than a brand name. There are some brands that make subpar tools at a premium price, and many people are more than willing to pay just for that name.

What separates good hand tools from great hand tools is the quality of their materials, the innovation in their designs, and the care taken by the craftsmen who make them.

In this article we’d like to introduce you to some brands you may not have heard of, brands that produce high quality tools that can easily compete with the big names, at much more affordable prices.

This is our ultimate list of the best hand tool brands on the market. If you’re in the market for a hand tool, you’re bound to find something for you on this list.

Anex

Over its 70 years of history operating out of Sanjo, Niigata - an area renowned for quality stainless steel, Anex has established itself as one of the world’s leading fastening tool specialists.

Anex has a great range of quality JIS Japanese screwdrivers and drill bits, which make up the bulk of their catalog, but they also sell nippers, hammers, and tweezers.

Their screwdrivers are popular worldwide thanks to their compatibility with JIS screws, making them extra versatile.

Canary

Canary is a sub-brand of bladesmith Hasegawa Cutlery. Hasegawa Cutlery was founded in in Seki, a premier blade-making city, and Canary was established roughly two decades later in . 

Canary is one of the world's most popular brands for bladed tools and scissors. Their corrugated cardboard cutters, particularly, are carried by many logistics workers to cut and break down cardboard boxes. They also have a wide variety of very sharp office scissors and other cutting tools.

Deen

Deen is a tool brand developed by a leading tool shop, Factory Gear, in response to public demand. Factory Gear specialized in selling high-end American automotive tool brands, but after listening to the feedback of their customers, they became aware of many ways that they could improve upon the tools on the market. 

Deen have added features and design improvements to a variety of popular tools, and developed some entirely unique tools and supplies too. They make various types of ratchets and wrenches, swivel ratchets, pliers, vise grips, crimping pliers, ratcheting screwdrivers, steel tool boxes and more.

Engineer

Engineer is a popular tool making company that makes some pretty special tools. In particular, their Neji Saurus range of screw removal tools are very popular around the world. These unique pliers were designed to remove stuck and damaged screws wherever they may be. Their specially-designed jaws grip onto the screw head so that you can twist it out.

Aside from the Neji Saurus range, Engineer's award-winning combination scissors are highly recommended. These 4-in-1 scissors can cut paper, cloth, wire and cardboard. With micro-serrations, and a built-in wire cutter and box opener, these are the last scissors you'll ever need.

Fujiya

Fujiya makes some of the world’s best pliers, nippers and wrenches. Their Kurokin range of premium tools really stand out among the competition with black and gold styling and high-end materials.

Popular with linemen, electricians, and mechanics, Fujiya tools don’t just look great, they’re functional and durable, and will take the beating that those tough industries often provide.

If you're looking for cable cutters, lineman pliers, adjustable monkey wrenches, nippers, or wire strippers, look no further than Fujiya.

Godhand

Godhand is a brand that is globally known and loved within certain hobbies and niches. For those who love to build plastic models like Warhammer, Gunpla, or model aircraft, these nippers are the best on the market.

Known for their special design that features a single, ultra-thin blade that shaves through plastic - rather than pinching it between two blades - the result is a super clean cut without white, stressed plastic or burrs. 

Gyokucho

Gyokucho was founded in the s in Miki City, a region well-known for its tool-making industry. Their flagship brand, Razorsaw, contains a variety of quality Japanese pull saws - saws that cut on the pull stroke, rather than the push. Pull saws are less physically demanding, and more accurate than the push saws we're used to in the west.

Gyokucho's range includes woodworking saws, pruning saws, and specialist saws for raw wood, fruit trees, bamboo and more. They have saws in the traditional shape and style, with bamboo handles, and more modern folding saws with rubber grips. 

Hounen Kihan

Hounen Kihan is another popular toolmaker from Miki City. They specialize in bladed tools such as sickles, pruning shears, and nata hatchets.

They use Japan's finest high-carbon steel, yasugi aogami, for many of their blades, ensuring they're incredibly sharp. They also produce hardened steel and stainless steel bladed tools, such as their stainless steel sickles, for a more day-to-day option that is resistant to rust and other elemental damage.

Their tools are trusted by gardeners and farmers alike for their high quality and durability.

Kakuri

Kakuri was founded in , and had their first hit product just a few years later. Their Carpentry Tool Set, a wooden box full of various useful tools such as hammers, planes, and chisels, was just what Japan needed during the post-war reconstruction. 

It was so popular that it spurred a DIY boom in Japan, and was even selected as a New Year Prize in the annual Japanese Postal Service giveaway in , , and . The popularity of the set is a testament to the quality of Kakuri's tools.

Not only are their planes, kiridashi carving knives, and chisels extremely sharp, all of their tools, from hammers to saws, are made from quality, yet simple materials. They're easy to use, easy to maintain, and quite affordable too. Because of this, Kakuri's tools have a great reputation among professional Japanese carpenters.

Keiba

Keiba has 100 years of history producing tools, and it really shows in the quality of their products and the respect their brand carries. Keiba was one of the earlier tool brands founded in Sanjo City, which is now one of the world's major hubs for toolmaking and blacksmithing. Their range of nippers are their most popular tools, and they've been selling across the world with great success. 

Keiba plastic nippers are not only popular with electricians and other tradespeople, but a huge hit with hobbyists too. They're a great choice for people who build plastic models, do 3D printing, or otherwise work with soft plastics. Their linesman pliers and hobby pliers are also among their most popular products.

Koken

If you work in the automotive industry, or like working on cars and bikes as a hobby, Koken is a brand that won't need any introduction for you. Perhaps the most popular Japanese professional automotive tool company, Koken's wrenches and sockets are lauded around the world for being made to the highest standards of quality, durability and comfort.

Founded in , Koken got off to a great start, securing certifications, awards, and contracts from the Japanese Ministry of Trade, Japan Airlines, the United States Military Procurement Agency in Japan and more. Today, Koken is the leading Japanese brand for professional mechanics, and their Z-Series (Z-Eal) sockets and socket wrenches, their flagship products, are extremely sought-after in the US and other countries.

KTC

KTC, or Kyoto Tool Co, is another very well-respected automotive tool brand. During the war years, KTC existed as another company, providing tools for aircraft maintenance. After the war, this company was forced to shut down, but a few years later, in , they were able to re-open as an automotive tool manufacturer.

In the same year of its founding, KTC tools were adopted as the standard for Toyota Motor Corporation, and the next year they began selling their tools to the public. Thanks to its relationship with Toyota, in the s KTC became the top performing toolmaker in Japan, with a market share of over 10%. Their relationship with Toyota continues strong to this day, as they continue to supply Toyota, Gazoo Racing, and the Toyota F1 team with KTC tools, and their professional line "Nepros" hand tools.

KTC tools are a great choice for anyone who likes working on cars, and would like to use the same tools the professionals use.

Mitutoyo

In , when micrometers used in Japan were all imported from abroad, the founder of Mitutoyo took the first step to creating domestically-produced micrometers. Two years later, in , Mitutoyo had the capacity to develop a single lot of 100 Japan-made micrometers for the first time - and 17 of these still exist to this day, in perfect working order!

Now Mitutoyo's micrometers, calipers, gauges, microscopes, and other measuring tools and machines are known to many as the best, and most accurate in the world. Mitutoyo prides itself on its accurate measuring, and produced cutting-edge measuring machines for a variety of niche industries, such as roundness measuring machines, and roughness measuring machines.

However, it's their hand tools that are most well-known. Mitutoyo micrometers and calipers are the gold-standard for mechanical engineering and machining.

Mokuba

Mokuba's motto is "The best work starts with the best tools", and this has helped guide them to becoming a leading construction and demolition tool company. Founded in in Miki City, Mokuba joins the long list of renowned tool companies from the city.

They started by exclusively making chisels for carpentry, but have since expanded their range to include crowbars, scrapers, metal and rock chisels, punches, and rebar bending tools. If you work in construction or demolition, there are probably a few Mokuba tools that would go perfect in your kit. Their crowbars and pry bars in particular are extremely tough and durable.

Nonaka

Nonaka is one of the oldest companies on our list, as it was founded over 100 years ago in as a sewing machine company.

In they began developing their most popular product, the Screw Punch, a hole punch for fabric and leather that could be used quietly, without causing excess damage to the material around the hole.

Now the company is managed by the grandson of the founder, and the Screw Punch and its various blades are the only tool they continue to produce. For anyone interested in leatherwork, bookbinding, or other crafts that require clean holes to be cut through tough fabrics, the Screw Punch is a fantastic choice!

Olfa

Olfa's story is one of the most interesting on this list. In , when Yoshio Okada was 13 years old, he lost his family home to an air raid. At the time, he decided to drop out of junior high to support his family by working. He began working as an electrical engineer, and then got a job at a printing company.

At the printing company Yoshio was tasked with cutting segments of paper with a razor blade. When the blade became dull, it had to be thrown away. Around this time, while Yoshio was eating some chocolate, he realized that the segments of chocolate could easily be snapped off, and was inspired to create a razor blade that could do the same.

In , when he was in his early 20s, Yoshio developed a utility knife with a segmented blade, that could be snapped off when dull, to reveal a new, sharp razor. It was the first of its kind, and it was a huge success. 

Since then, Olfa has made many other advancements, such as developing the world’s first rotary cutter, which is now a standard tool in dressmaking and other textile-related industries. Today, Olfa’s utility knives, cutter knives, rotary cutters, and other bladed tools are lauded as among the world’s finest.

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TONE

Tone is a fastening tool manufacturer founded and mostly based in Osaka, Japan. Their large range of fastening tools covers everything required from the home hobbyist to professional race team mechanics when it comes to torque control and bolt tightening. 

Their wrenches are some of the best from Japan, particularly their lightweight monkey wrenches, which weigh significantly less than others on the market. In addition, they make a wide variety of ratchets, screwdrivers, allen wrenches, pipe wrenches and more.

They don't limit themselves to just hand tools though, as they also manufacture professional power tools and air tools like nutrunners, shear wrenches, impact wrenches and more.

Tajima

Tajima Tool has, by far, the widest variety of hand tools out of any company on this list. While they have a heavy focus on measuring and surveying tools, their range covers pretty much everything. For example:

• tape measures
• spirit levels
• rangefinders
• rulers
• telescopic scales
• safety glasses
• harnesses
• flashlights
• knives
• wire strippers
• scrapers
• tool belts
• drill bits
• sockets
• circular saw blades
• grinding wheels
• hand saws
• pruning saws
• utility knives
• caulking guns
• wood files
• marking tools
• stud finders

And much, much more. It’s hard to pick just one industry or hobby for which Tajima is a good choice. If you’re looking for a particular tool, and you want one designed and made by a company with a great reputation, Tajima probably has it. 

Tohnichi

Tohnichi's corporate mission sits on one important goal: safety. The technology we rely on in our day-to-day lives is often held together by small parts. Heavy machinery, aircraft, cars, buses, and even bicycles - all held together by screws, nuts, and bolts. If just one fastener is improperly tightened the consequences could be dire: aircraft accidents, plant explosions, gas and oil leaks. By producing industry-leading torque control tools, Tohnichi wants to help prevent some of these accidents, by ensuring that every screw, every nut, and every bolt is tightened with absolute precision - never too tight, and never too loose. 

Tohnichi’s torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers are expertly calibrated in Japan, and each comes with a calibration certificate. These tools allow you to tighten fasteners to precise levels of torque, to avoid damage or gradual loosening. If you work with any machinery that has standard levels of torque laid out in the manual (vehicles, aircraft, air conditioning units, factory machinery, heavy machinery etc.) then a Tohnichi torque wrench is perfect for you.

Tonkachi

Tonkachi Susa, another tool manufacturer located in Sanjo City, specializes in demolition tools. One feature that sets Tonkachi apart from their competitors is that they favor premium materials, often choosing white oak for handles, and premium chrome-plated steel for heads.

Tonkachi Susa produces six popular brands of hand tools, with two leading the pack, namely: Osho and Magnum. Tonkachi's Osho brand, in particular, is extremely high quality, with their chrome-plated pry bars, shock-resistant sledge hammers, and other tools all standing out on the shelf.

Tonkachi focuses not only on using quality materials but also on producing tools with high usability and comfort. So their heads are heavy, their blades are sharp, their handles are lightweight and non-slip, and everything looks fantastic!

Vessel

Vessel is an Osaka-based fastening tool manufacturer that prides itself on making quality tools to Japanese Industrial Standards.

Founded in , Vessel was one of Japan's first companies to mass-produce screwdrivers, and while it took them some time to get started, by they had developed Japan's first domestically-produced screwdriver, and experienced rapid growth in the decades to come.

In the s they sought to expand, and came up with the idea that any tool with the name "driver" would be produced by Vessel. At this point they began producing more screwdrivers, drill bits, wrenches, and even air tools such as impact wrenches, which helped them secure a foothold as Japan's leading manufacturer of fastening tools. 

Today, Vessel's tools, particularly their Megadora range of non-slip JIS screwdrivers that grip into the screw head, and their Woody range of wood-composite handled screwdrivers and wrenches, are loved around the world for meeting JIS standards, and international standards of quality, durability and comfort.

There you have it, the ultimate guide to the world’s top hand tool brands. Have you tried tools from any of the brands on the list? Which one is your favorite?

If you liked this article, check out our other ultimate guides to tool brands:

Stainless steel is a reliable and durable material that has become increasingly popular in various industries. It’s used in fabrication of machinery, buildings, vehicles, utensils, and many other items we use daily. Cutting stainless steel requires precision, expertise, and attention to safety measures. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of cutting stainless steel and explore TDH Manufacturing’s expertise in the field.

Understanding Stainless Steel: A Primer for Beginners

Stainless steel is a metal alloy consisting of iron, chromium, and nickel. It is a versatile material that is used in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace. One of the key benefits of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion, staining, and rust, which makes it an attractive material for various applications.

However, not all stainless steel is created equal. There are many different grades of stainless steel, each with its own unique properties and uses. It is important to understand the grade of stainless steel you’re working with, as it will affect the selection of cutting tools and techniques.

The most common grades of stainless steel are 304, 316, and 430. Grade 304 is the most commonly used stainless steel and is ideal for food and beverage equipment, medical devices, and chemical containers. It has excellent corrosion resistance and is easy to clean and sanitize.

Grade 316 is another popular grade of stainless steel, commonly used in marine and chemical processing applications. It has a higher resistance to corrosion than grade 304, making it ideal for use in harsh environments.

Grade 430 is a ferritic stainless steel that is commonly used in consumer goods and kitchen equipment. It is less corrosion-resistant than grades 304 and 316, but is more affordable and easier to work with.

When working with stainless steel, it is important to use the correct cutting tools and techniques to ensure a clean and precise cut. For example, when cutting grade 304 stainless steel, it is recommended to use a saw blade with a high-speed steel tooth geometry and a variable pitch, as this will provide a smooth and accurate cut.

In addition to its practical uses, stainless steel is also a popular material for jewelry and fashion accessories. Its durability and resistance to tarnishing make it a popular choice for watches, bracelets, and necklaces.

Overall, stainless steel is a versatile and durable material that is used in a wide range of applications. By understanding the different grades of stainless steel and their properties, you can choose the right material for your project and ensure a successful outcome.

The Basics of Cutting Stainless Steel

Cutting stainless steel is a task that requires precision and skill. It’s a material that is known for its toughness and durability, which is why it’s commonly used in industrial and construction projects. In this article, we’ll be discussing the basics of cutting stainless steel, including the tools and techniques used.

When it comes to cutting stainless steel, using the right tool is crucial. Here are the most commonly used cutting tools:

• Power saws: Power saws are a popular choice for cutting stainless steel. Band saws, circular saws, and plasma cutters are the most commonly used power saws. They are ideal for thick sections of stainless steel but can be expensive to operate.
• Cutting torches: Cutting torches, such as oxy-fuel and plasma torches, are another option for cutting stainless steel. They are suitable for large sections of stainless steel but can be dangerous if not used correctly.
• Shears: Shears are perfect for thin sections of stainless steel. Hand-held shears and power shears are the most commonly used types of shears. However, they can lead to frayed edges.

Each tool has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to select the right tool for the job and use it correctly to achieve the desired outcome.

Cutting Techniques

There are several cutting techniques commonly used when cutting stainless steel:

• Straight cutting: Straight cutting involves cutting in a straight line. This technique is commonly used for cutting large sections of stainless steel.
• Circular cutting: Circular cutting involves cutting in a circular pattern. This technique is commonly used for cutting holes in stainless steel.
• Curved cutting: Curved cutting involves cutting curves and irregular shapes. This technique is commonly used for creating custom shapes and designs.

The technique used depends on the desired outcome and the shape and size of the stainless steel section. It’s important to use the right technique to achieve a clean and precise cut.

In conclusion, cutting stainless steel requires the right tools and techniques. By selecting the right tool and using the right technique, you can achieve a clean and precise cut. Whether you’re working on an industrial or construction project, cutting stainless steel is a task that requires precision and skill.

Why Cutting Stainless Steel is Different: Challenges and Solutions

Cutting stainless steel is a complex process that requires precision and expertise. Unlike other materials, stainless steel is a hard and tough metal that poses unique challenges to cutting. Its high thermal conductivity and low thermal expansion coefficient make it difficult to cut with traditional tools and techniques.

Stainless steel is commonly used in a variety of industries, including construction, automotive, and aerospace, due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, cutting this material requires specialized knowledge and equipment to ensure a high-quality finish.

One of the main challenges of cutting stainless steel is its hardness. Stainless steel is much harder than other metals, such as aluminum or mild steel, which makes it more difficult to cut. This can result in slower cutting speeds, increased wear on the cutting tool, and a higher risk of tool breakage.

In addition to its hardness, stainless steel also has a high thermal conductivity, which leads to heat buildup in the cutting tool. This can cause the tool to become discolored and lose its cutting edge, resulting in a poor-quality finish. To overcome this challenge, it is important to use the right cutting tool, speed, and technique.

Using a high-quality cutting fluid is also essential when cutting stainless steel. Cutting fluids can enhance the cutting process by reducing friction and heat buildup, improving the lifespan of the tool, and ensuring a high-quality finish. There are many different types of cutting fluids available, including oils, emulsions, and synthetic fluids, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Another technique that can be used when cutting stainless steel is to use a laser cutting machine. Laser cutting machines use a high-energy laser beam to cut through the material, resulting in a precise and clean cut. This technique is particularly useful when cutting complex shapes or patterns in stainless steel.

In conclusion, cutting stainless steel is a challenging process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment. To ensure a high-quality finish, it is important to use the right cutting tool, speed, and technique, as well as a high-quality cutting fluid. By following these guidelines, it is possible to achieve a precise and clean cut in even the toughest of materials.

Selecting the right equipment for cutting stainless steel is critical in achieving a quality cut. TDH Manufacturing has a wide range of cutting equipment to meet different needs. Our equipment includes:

• High definition plasma cutters for clean and precise cuts
• Water jet cutting machines for intricate shapes and thick sections of stainless steel
• Laser cutters, which can cut a range of material thicknesses with no material distortion or warping
• CNC shearing and punching machines for high-speed cutting of thin sections of stainless steel

TDH Manufacturing’s Proven Methodology: Our Unique Approach to Cutting Stainless Steel

TDH Manufacturing has a unique methodology for cutting stainless steel. Our approach is to combine the right tool and technique with a customized cutting plan for each section of stainless steel. We identify the grade of stainless steel and the desired outcome, then select the right tool and cutting fluid to achieve a high-quality cut with minimal discoloration and distortion.

Safety First: Precautions when Cutting Stainless Steel

Stainless steel cutting can be a hazardous activity if safety measures are not taken seriously. It’s crucial to follow safety guidelines and to wear personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and gloves. It’s also essential to ensure that the cutting area is free of clutter and that the cutting tools are used according to instructions.

TDH Manufacturing’s Expert Advice for Mastering Stainless Steel Cutting

TDH Manufacturing has years of experience in cutting stainless steel. Our expert advice for mastering stainless steel cutting includes:

• Identifying the grade of stainless steel and selecting the right cutting tool and technique
• Using the appropriate cutting fluid to reduce friction and heat buildup
• Ensuring that the cutting tool is in good condition before use
• Following safety guidelines and wearing personal protective equipment

By using these recommendations, you can achieve high-quality cuts with minimal discoloration and distortion and reduce cutting downtime and expenses.

The Role of Cutting Stainless Steel in Local Industry

Cutting stainless steel plays a critical role in local industry. Stainless steel is used in machinery, buildings, electrical appliances, vehicles, and many other applications. TDH Manufacturing’s high-quality cutting services contribute to the growth and success of local businesses, ensuring their products are of the highest standard.

Why Choose TDH Manufacturing: Your Partner for Cutting Stainless Steel

TDH Manufacturing is a reliable and experienced provider of cutting stainless steel services. We have a team of experts who understand the nuances of cutting stainless steel and are committed to providing high-quality services. We use state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge techniques to ensure that our clients achieve the best possible results. Partner with us today and experience the benefits of our exceptional cutting services.

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