Knipex

German pliers manufacturer. Widely considered the best in the world by tradespeople.

Approved

Founded: 1882
HQ: Germany
Manufacturing: Germany
Ownership type: Family-owned

Ownership

Family-owned, fourth generation. Manufacturing entirely in Germany.

Reversibility

What would change our verdict

Moves manufacturing out of Germany. Sells to a conglomerate or PE firm.

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Investigation · March 31, 2026

Your Power Tools Got Worse On Purpose

Two conglomerates bought American power tools in the 2000s. One built Milwaukee into the dominant cordless platform. The other spent $6B+ hollowing out Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and more. Plus the brands that refused to sell.

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