American-made tools: Perfect holiday gifts for a do-it-yourselfer

In honor of the 30th anniversary that our Arizona radio program, “Rosie on the House,” is celebrating this year, our staff has put together a collection of tools from outstanding American companies that can be purchased at our Rosie EStore separately or as part of a tool kit.

Our hope is to provide a selection of high-quality hand tools that would serve as a wonderful source of gifts for those who enjoy our programming and love to do work and repairs in their homes.

Here is a description of the tools plus facts about the distinguished U.S. companies that make them:

• A solid rip-hammer with head and handle forged in one piece of American steel. The hammers are made by a historic American company, — Estwing of Rockford Illinois, a company founded in 1923 that makes 94 percent of its products in the United States. Estwing is world famous for its one-piece forging of hammers and for its shock-reducing grips. Grips are made by pouring a liquid onto the handles and then baking that substance onto the grip.

• A three-piece Channellock plier set from a company based in Meadville, Pennsylvania, since 1902. Originally, the company specialized in producing tools for horses and hooved animals. Then in 1933 the company came up with an invention that was important in auto repair — a pair of multi-position, tongue-and-groove, slip-joint style pliers that became an essential tool in repairs and construction of all kinds. The pliers were named “Channellock,” and that became the name of the company as well. The majority of the company’s tools are made in America.

• In addition, there is a tape measure, torpedo level, saw, hacksaw and utility knife by Stanley Black & Decker. Originally known as Stanley Works, the company was at first a bolt and manufacturer of other door hardware in New Britain, Connecticut. The original company was founded in 1843 but over the years has acquired other tool companies, including some in other countries. It has now become the world’s largest tool manufacturing company, featuring outstanding brands such as Black and Decker, Craftsman, DeWalt, Irwin, and Porter-Cable. Stanley Tools has also announced that it is committed to producing tools in the United States, although using multi-national materials.

The complete tool kit comes with a tool box made by Proto, one of Stanley’s subsidiaries. We’ve also included a Rosie on the House 30th anniversary hat and T-shirt.

The hammer and all items in the toolbox carry the Rosie anniversary logo. Profits will go to three of our Rosie on the House nonprofit partners: Habitat for Humanity, St. Vincent De Paul and Military Assistance Mission.

For more information, visit the Rosie EStore.