The original incarnation of what is now the international tool company known as The Stanley Works was Stanley's Bolt Manufactory in New Britain, Connecticut. The company was founded by Frederick Trent Stanley in 1843 to produce wrought iron door bolts, knobs and hinges. In 1920, that company merged with the Stanley Rule and Level Company, which had been founded by Frederick's cousin Henry Stanley in 1857. Together, these two small companies became the base for the famed Hand Tool Division of The Stanley Works.

Stanley is one of the best-known brands of tools, and noted for designing innovative products. One of their most ubiquitous inventions is the utility knife, known as a Stanley knife in Britain. Also called a box cutter, this is a metal or plastic sleeve with a razor blade or double-edged blade that can be retracted to cut to a specified depth and can easily be changed when dull. These knives are now so common that it seems odd to think someone had to invent them.

The Bailey plane, Power-Lock tape measure and Surform shaper are other Stanley innovations that have become classics. They are still bringing out new products at a rate of around 100 each year. The newest line is their Fat-Max Xtreme, 20 products in all. Stanley won the Golden Hammer Award for new products in 2000, 2001 and 2002.

Just about any kind of hand tool you might need is manufactured by The Stanley Works. Stanley makes tack hammers and sledge hammers. They make glue guns and nailers, laser tools and chisels and clamps. This company is an excellent resource for tools, whether you're an advanced builder or an amateur Mr. Fix-It.