In 1857, Mathias Klein emigrated to the USA from Germany and made his way west to set up shop in Chicago's bustling downtown business district, the "communications industry" amounted to nothing more than a few bare wires strung on lean telegraph poles.

Perhaps the only job Mathias Klein ever did "halfway" involved the first tool he ever made, which was — in fact one half pair of pliers. A broken side-cutting pliers was brought to his forge shop by a telegraph lineman. Mathias Klein forged and finished a new half for the tool, riveted it to the old, and the lineman went on his way. Shortly thereafter the lineman returned. The other original half of the tool had now broken and Mathias Klein forged the second pliers half, producing the first complete Klein pliers.

The world has come a long way since 1857. Klein has become a multi-million dollar manufacturer... yet a company still concerned about meeting professional needs - and making products to professional-quality standards.

Klein Tools doesn't just make great products; Klein Tools makes great products that stand up to the demands of the professionals who use them every day. Because our standards are high as yours, we demand that every one of our hand tools delivers all the performance, durability and precision that you need to get the job done right.  And by using only the highest quality materials and superior workmanship, we're able uphold those rigorous standards. Klein isn't just the name of our company, it's also our family name, so we have to be proud of everything we make.  Nothing less than the best to equip the professional tradesman. That's why we're the #1 choice of Professional Electricians in the US.

Today, Klein Tools, Inc. represents much more than Klein pliers. The company's product line has broadened to include virtually every major type of hand tool used in construction, electronics, mining, and general industry in addition to the electrical and telecommunications fields.

Klein Tools is still owned and managed by the Klein family. Direct descendants of Mathias Klein are actively engaged in every aspect of the business. And Klein Tools still makes dependable, efficient, and durable tools and equipment.

Internationally, Klein products are available around the world through a well-established network of agents and distributors who stock the products that are required for their particular markets. Klein's reputation as a leading producer of professional-quality products is global.