Our Story
STANLEY® has set the precedent for quality tools and engineered solutions for professionals around the globe for more than 175 years. With a legacy of reliability, STANLEY is the No. 1 tapes manufacturer in the world and continues to drive the industry forward with innovations including the STANLEY® FATMAX® product line as well as hand tools, power tools, storage and accessories that get the job done.
We’re proud of our reputation for excellence and are dedicated to continually testing, designing, and improving our products to ensure quality and maximum function. Maintaining our standing as the world's best at what we do is vital to us and what you expect from a name like STANLEY.
For more than 175 years our innovative products have helped build, repair and protect our world. Today that legacy continues. Explore our history by using the interactive timeline below.
In 1843, Frederick Stanley founded the Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut.
STANLEY begins to manufacture boxwood rules.
STANLEY begins manufacturing levels.
STANLEY introduces hammers to their line up.
Purchased Bailey®, Chaney and Company and acquired the right to manufacture tools under Bailey®’s patents.
STANLEY began manufacturing screwdrivers.
A new logo is introduced to symbolise the merger of the Stanley Rule & Level Company and the Stanley Works. The Stanley Rule & Level Company was founded by Fredrick's cousin Henry Stanley in 1857.
STANLEY introduces the first steel tape rule.
STANLEY introduces utility knives in 1936.
STANLEY builds the largest hand tool plant in the world in New Britain, CT. The same year, we introduced the PowerLock® Tape Rule.
STANLEY introduces the STANLEY® FATMAX® Tape Rule and the STANLEY FATMAX Anti-Vibe® Hammer.
STANLEY re-introduces Sweetheart™ Planes.
STANLEY launches carbide blades.
STANLEY heads into the future of smart measuring with over 75 years experience.
STANLEY continues to introduce new and innovative products that change the way we work.
SUSTAINABILITY IS OUR PROMISE
Our product development processes across all businesses are being retooled to provide increased focus on early identification of product sustainability opportunities that can be addressed during the design phase.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING YOU
STANLEY proudly supports individuals and teams who face every challenge with passion, have the ambition to compete at the highest level, delivering exceptional performance in every race or match.