Blackhawk (tools)
Encyclopedia
Blackhawk by Proto—casually and traditionally known simply as Blackhawk—is an American
brand of hand tools. It is currently a sub-brand of the Proto
division of the Stanley Black & Decker.
as a subsidiary of the American Grinder Company (later named Applied Power Corporation). It made automotive tools, such as wrenches and sockets
, and a number of specialty tools.
Blackhawk introduced a number of innovations to conventional drive tools, such as the "Lock-On" system of locking sockets, gearless ratchets, telescoping ratchet handles, and 7/16" drive tools. Many of these designs were developed by engineers Edward Pfauser and Sigmund Mandl (the latter notable for having founded the Husky Wrench Company
prior to working for Blackhawk).
Blackhawk also partnered with the Armstrong Bros. Tool Company
in the late 1920s through the late 1940s to produce a range of open-ended wrenches under the "Blackhawk-Armstrong" label.
In the early 1950s, Blackhawk was acquired by the New Britain Machine Company
. In the 1970s, Litton Industries
purchased New Britain. In the 1980s, National Hand Tool acquired parts of Litton's erstwhile hand tools division, including the Blackhawk and Husky brands. And in 1986, the Stanley Works
acquired National Hand Tool, and with it, the Blackhawk brand.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
brand of hand tools. It is currently a sub-brand of the Proto
Proto (tools)
Stanley Proto—more commonly known simply as Proto and historically known as Plomb—is an American industrial hand tool company. It is a division of Stanley Black & Decker...
division of the Stanley Black & Decker.
History
Blackhawk Manufacturing was founded in 1919 in Milwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
as a subsidiary of the American Grinder Company (later named Applied Power Corporation). It made automotive tools, such as wrenches and sockets
Socket wrench
A socket wrench is a wrench with interchangeable heads called sockets that attach to a fitting on the wrench, allowing it to turn different sized bolts and other fasteners. The most common form is a hand tool popularly called a ratchet consisting of a handle with a ratcheting mechanism built in,...
, and a number of specialty tools.
Blackhawk introduced a number of innovations to conventional drive tools, such as the "Lock-On" system of locking sockets, gearless ratchets, telescoping ratchet handles, and 7/16" drive tools. Many of these designs were developed by engineers Edward Pfauser and Sigmund Mandl (the latter notable for having founded the Husky Wrench Company
Husky (tools)
Husky is a line of hand tools, pneumatic tools, and tool storage products. It is the house brand of The Home Depot, where it is exclusively sold. Its hand tools are manufactured for Home Depot by the Stanley Works...
prior to working for Blackhawk).
Blackhawk also partnered with the Armstrong Bros. Tool Company
Armstrong Tools
Armstrong Tools is an American industrial hand tool manufacturer. It is a subsidiary of the Danaher Corporation.- History :Armstrong was founded in 1890 as the Armstrong Bros. Tool Company in Chicago, Illinois by the four Armstrong brothers...
in the late 1920s through the late 1940s to produce a range of open-ended wrenches under the "Blackhawk-Armstrong" label.
In the early 1950s, Blackhawk was acquired by the New Britain Machine Company
New Britain Machine Company
New Britain Machine Company, was a tool company that was headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut. The company started to sell sockets and drive tools. New Britain was the main supplier for NAPA tools until its closure in the mid 80's. New Britain owned Husky and Blackhawk tools as well as making...
. In the 1970s, Litton Industries
Litton Industries
Named after inventor Charles Litton, Sr., Litton Industries was a large defense contractor in the United States, bought by the Northrop Grumman Corporation in 2001.-History:...
purchased New Britain. In the 1980s, National Hand Tool acquired parts of Litton's erstwhile hand tools division, including the Blackhawk and Husky brands. And in 1986, the Stanley Works
Stanley Works
Stanley Black & Decker , formerly known as The Stanley Works, is a manufacturer of tools and hardware and provider of security products and locks headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut...
acquired National Hand Tool, and with it, the Blackhawk brand.