SEARCH

The industrial hand tools market encompasses a wide range of products for specific applications. More than ever, both contractors and manufacturers are turning toward the concept of a multi-purpose tool that can be utilized for various tasks. Manufacturers in the market say the outlook remains strong for those focused on new innovations and versatility.

Wright Tool currently holds three active patents, Wright Grip 2.0, Wright Drive 2.0 and Wright Square, for improving grip, reducing wear, and extending tool life.

WRIGHT TOOL

The demand for durable, professional-grade tools continues to grow, especially in industries like construction and infrastructure. While there are challenges like global supply chain disruptions, there are also significant opportunities.

“At Wright, we see ongoing momentum as customers place greater value on tools that are built to last, made in the USA and backed by proven performance,” says Tom Clark, director of quality assurance and product development.

As a Made in the USA manufacturer, Wright has not been impacted in the same way other suppliers or manufacturers within the industry have been by the impact of tariffs.

“Based on what we hear from customers within the distribution channel, tariff discussions have taken up significant time with other suppliers,” Clark says.

Separating itself from the tariff discussion, Wright can focus on having strategic, value-driven conversations with its partners and delivering highquality products without disruption.

At Wright, there are 17 departments working together under one roof at the company’s Barberton, Ohio, manufacturing facility to produce the comopany’s products.

In addition, Wright currently holds three active patents, Wright Grip 2.0, Wright Drive 2.0 and Wright Square, for improving grip, reducing wear, and extending tool life.

“Combined with our forging process and quality inspections to guarantee the tools meet our high standards, these advancements ensure our tools last three to five times longer than others on the market,” Clark says.

He says one of the biggest misconceptions in the hand tools product category is the belief that “a wrench is just a wrench.”

“In reality, there’s a significant difference in design, engineering and performance,” Clark notes.

In contrast to the current trend of many manufacturers scaling back or discontinuing product lines, Clark says Wright is expanding.

“We’re committed to meeting the evolving needs of professionals, which is why we recently introduced our new line of metric service wrenches,” he says. The line includes 21 sizes ranging from 19mm to 65mm, filling what Wright saw as a critical gap in the market.

Clark notes that Wright Tool’s strategic priority is to continue building the highest quality hand tools in the market that professionals can depend on for performance, safety, and longevity.

“The fact that we regularly hear from users still relying on tools made 50+ years ago speaks volumes about our commitment to quality,” he says. “As we move forward, we’ll continue investing in American manufacturing, engineering excellence, and product development that keeps the trades moving.”

Featuring Albion’s patent-pending Picatinny rail system, users can mount a flashlight, GoPro, or cell phone on the B12S20(SPE) Special Edition 20-ounce sausage gun.

ALBION ENGINEERING COMPANY

Based on the focus of Albion Engineering Company, there is steady to moderate growth within the specialized hand tool categories such as sausage caulk guns.

As structures age and environmental sealing standards tighten, demand for durable and precise dispensing tools continues to grow.

Margarita Mitchell, marketing and graphic design specialist at Albion Engineering, notes that a significant trend is the shift toward ergonomic user-centered, cordless, batterypowered designs.

“Professionals are seeking high-output tools that boost productivity and offer maximum convenience without compromising on quality,” she says.

“Today’s users are more aware of long-term fatigue and the risks of repetitive stress injuries, and they want tools that protect their hands and backs while improving dispensing control,” she says.

Also, she says, there has been a rising demand for system-based solutions that work with accessories.

“Contractors aren’t just looking for a caulk gun; they’re looking for a full setup that makes the job faster, easier, and cleaner from start to finish,” Mitchell says.

To support these industry trends, Albion unveiled a modular solution: the B12S20(SPE) Special Edition 20-ounce sausage gun, featuring a patent-pending Picatinny rail system that allows users to attach accessories, such as a flashlight, GoPro, iPhone, and more directly to the tool.

“This innovation enhances usability and visibility in low-light or confined workspaces, making the tool more adaptable to diverse job site conditions,” Mitchell says, noting that it also enables installers to clearly document the installation process with still images and video as proof that specifications were followed.

KNIPEX Tools North America suggests trade pros follow what it refers to as the four non-negotiables of hand tools, a guideline to ensure use of quality tools.

KNIPEX TOOLS NORTH AMERICA

Leaders at KNIPEX Tools North America say there are many hand tools on the market that overpromise and under deliver. To sift through the clutter, the company offers a checklist of what it refers to as the four non-negotiables of hand tools.

While filling a tool bag is determined by what tools are needed for the job and the available budget, KNIPEX Tools says these four nonnegotiables can serve as guidelines to ensure use of quality tools.

1. Purpose: According to KNIPEX Tools, while a multi-purpose, 8-in-1, “jack-of-all-trades” tool sounds appealing, it is important to remember the golden rule, always have the right tool for the right job. Trade pros want a tool that is going to function as advertised every time. While other tools may be able to get the task at hand done, using the correct tool will save time and money.

2. Accuracy: KNIPEX Tools says accuracy is equally defined by purpose and high-quality materials, meaning that tools that allow users to flawlessly execute their job are worth their weight in gold, no matter the trade.

Certain industries and jobs require perfection, so faulty or inadequate tools are simply unacceptable. KNIPEX says manufacturers with a deep commitment to quality produce a large assortment of tools dedicated to accuracy, specifically citing such products as its own precision pliers.

3. Efficiency: The quest to complete tasks faster is never-ending. For hand tools, KNIPEX suggests that customers invest in tools that allow them to work smarter, not harder. For example, find a tool that features threadless screw cutting if you need to cut a lot of screws, use a pair of locking water pump pliers if you don’t have an extra set of hands or replace a full set of open-ended wrenches with just one tool.

4. Comfort: KNIPEX encourages use of tools that reduce fatigue and not increase it, noting that two things can very directly address this issue, handle style and comfort-forward features.

Many tool manufacturers offer various handle styles to match the preferences and needs of the end user. Whether a slim, smooth handle or a wider, textured grip, users can invest in what feels best to them.

KNIPEX also notes that some tool manufacturers incorporate features specifically designed to combat repetitive tasks, such as spring-loaded cutters. No matter what the preference, the company says the expectation should be less fatigue, no slippage, and no break-in period.

The Starrett Exact Plus Hidden Edge-Retractable Blade Utility Knife has a trapezoidal blade that stays safely tucked away when not in use, and also works with hook blades.

The L.S. Starrett Company

Miter protractors are ideal for all building trades that require the measuring and transferring of angles. They take error-prone calculations out of the process of miter cuts. A miter cut scale transfers readings directly to the miter saw for miter joints.

Felipe Arntsen, L.S. Starrett Company product manager, for saws, hand and power tools tool accessories, says the 505P-7 7-inch Hardened Plastic miter protractor, part of Starrett’s ProSite 505 protractor family, is ideal for carpenters, plumbers and all building trades that require the measuring and transferring of angles, as well as being helpful for home use.

The series also includes the Starrett 12-inch Aluminum Combination protractor which provides 5-in-1 functionality with the ability to perform miter cuts, single cuts, act as a protractor or roof pitch, and offers a compound cut conversion table.

Arntsen notes that the company’s utility knives are ideally suited for the professional contractor’s cutting requirements. The Starrett Exact Plus Hidden Edge-Retractable Blade utility knife has a trapezoidal blade that stays safely tucked away when not in use, and also works with hook blades.

“An easy-to-use safety lock and lever allows the blade to be exposed instantly,” Arntsen says. In addition, the Starrett Exact Plus utility knives also include a folding knife with an aluminum die-cast body using a trapezoidal or hook blade.

He notes that Starrett jobsite hand tools also include pocket scribers, adjustable jaw cut nippers, screwdrivers and a series of punches.

According to Arntsen, the pocket scribers feature a knurled and nickel-plated steel handle. The scriber point is finely tapered for precise positioning and a hexagon-shaped head prevents the tool from rolling.

Also, the jaw cut nippers include a heat-treated steel frame for strength and are recommended for all wire-cutting applications. He says Starrett screwdrivers include a jewelers’ version for relatively small, delicate work and models with precision-machined tips for top quality and exact fit.

Arntsen notes that the company offers a series of punches including lightweight Automatic Center Punches with adjustable stroke and featuring a knurled aluminum handle for easy handling.

In addition, he says Starrett M Industrial Quality All-Purpose Lubricant, which protects metal against rust and corrosion damage by providing a molecular shield that locks to the metal is a key product to have on a jobsite. Free of silicone, it is an ideal lubricant to stand up to extreme temperatures for year-round use.

Among The Malco Group’s latest releases are the Long Cut AVs, ergonomic aviation snips engineered for longer and faster precision cutting of sheet metal.

THE MALCO GROUP

At The Malco Group, the outlook for the hand tool category remains strong and resilient.

“Trade pros continue to demand high-quality tools and solutions that save time, ensure reliability and help them get the job done right the first time,” says Rebecca Talbot, vice president of marketing at The Malco Group. “That’s why we’re focused on delivering field-proven hand tools that meet the evolving needs of HVACR and building professionals.”

Echoing other manufacturers in the sector, she notes that one of the biggest misconceptions about the category is that all hand tools are created equal.

“We’ve heard consistent frustrations around inconsistent products and solutions that fail to perform,” Talbot says. “Contractors know what they’re getting with Malco, quality, durability, and performance they can trust.”

The Malco Group has earned that trust by prioritizing use of insights gathered directly from trade pros on jobsites, hosting counter days, working with their distribution network and engaging at industry forums.

“Over time, we identified a gap, not only within our existing Malco Tools lineup, but across the wider market,” Talbot says. “The industry is being shaped by a growing demand for integrated solutions and job site efficiency.”

She says trade pros want simplified sourcing, faster service calls and improved performance.

In response, The Malco Group has broadened its offerings to include a more complete portfolio, giving trade pros access to refrigeration tools, condensate pumps, a full range of HVACR chemicals and more.

“We’re excited about innovations that directly address real-world challenges in the hand tool space,” Talbot says. “These aren’t just off-the-shelf products, they’re curated and tested to meet our standards for field-proven quality.”

Over the next few years, The Malco Group’s priority is to continue expanding its HVACR portfolio.

“We’re also investing in trade pro education through counter days, job site demos, online training tools and product videos,” Talbot says.

“Our 360-degree approach ensures our distributor partners are fully stocked and trained, while targeted digital campaigns and trade show presence help build awareness and demand. At The Malco Group, we’re proud to be a single source of job site solutions, providing everything you need to fill the back of your van.”

Zircon has moved far from simple density detection, offering intelligent scanning with its SuperScan technology featuring Target Control on such devices as the MultiScanner A200.

ZIRCON

The electronic stud finder and wall scanner category remains remarkably stable and essential, with Zircon continuing to maintain a major market share. The category benefits from consistent need, as people are always hanging shelves, mounting Tvs, installing cabinets, and doing electrical work for which they need reliable stud detection.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, Zircon has seen sustained demand by both professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts. Even during times of economic uncertainty, both professionals and homeowners often tackle more projects themselves rather than hiring out work, which increases demand for reliable tools.

“Zircon’s philosophy of making ‘tools, not gadgets,’ products that last decades rather than becoming obsolete, resonates strongly when budgets are tight,” says Bob Shortt, president of global sales and marketing at Zircon. “Our tools offer long-term value, with many customers using the same Zircon stud finder for over 20 years.”

Like most hand tools, he says the most common misconception is that “all stud finders are created equal.”

“Many users assume any electronic device will work the same way, but there’s a dramatic difference between basic density scanners and true advanced wall Scanners,” Shortt says. “At Zircon, we’ve moved beyond simple density detection to create what we call “intelligent scanning” with our SuperScan technology featuring Target Control.”

Unlike traditional density scanners that can give false positives, Target Control technology incorporates multiple sensors to minimize false-positive stud indications while filtering and alerting users to potentially hazardous metal objects like pipes, screws, and wiring.

Beyond the quality of such tools, Shortt notes that many also specifically believe that stud finders are not reliable.

“Often, this stems from user error or using the wrong tool for the wall type,” he says. “Drywall construction requires different technology than lath-and-plaster walls, and metal mesh construction presents unique challenges that can only be handled effectively by advanced multi-sensor technology.”

Within the tool category, Shortt says there is a shift from single-function tools to intelligent, multicapability devices, such as Zircon’s SuperScan line with Target Control technology which detects wood while filtering out metal.

Also, demand is always high for tools that can help minimize costly or dangerous mistakes.

“Features like our WireWarning detection, alerting users to live AC wiring up to 2 inches deep, have become essential rather than optional,” Shortt says.

Over the next three years, Zircon will be redefining its categories of products. Traditional stud finders will be positioned as “simple density scanners,” while the intelligent scanners become the new premium category, creating a clearer differentiation between basic and advanced solutions.

Shortt says the strategy offers solutions from basic to advanced such as StudSenros HD55, Multi-Scanner A200 and SuperScan M4.

“With our vertically integrated operations and 50 years of expertise, we’re focused on maintaining the quality and reliability that has made Zircon tools as reliable as a hammer while incorporating cutting-edge sensor technology,” he says.

LEARN MORE

www.albioneng.com

www.knipex-tools.com

www.starrett.com

www.malcotools.com

www.wrighttool.com

www.zircon.com

This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.