Sunex tools are made by Sunex Tools, a family owned company that has operated since 1977, currently headquartered in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
The brand is best known for its impact sockets, a flagship product line launched in 1980 using chrome molybdenum steel.
Sunex Tools began in small town America and has remained family owned throughout more than four decades of growth into industrial and automotive tool categories.
Knowing who makes Sunex tools helps buyers understand how a small town company grew into a name trusted by working professionals nationwide.
This article covers Sunex ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s flagship impact socket line, and answers to common Sunex questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Sunex Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Sunex Tools was founded in 1977 in small town America and remains a family owned company today.
The company is headquartered in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and has grown steadily since its founding.
Sunex expanded internationally starting in 2005 and moved into industrial markets by 2011, broadening well beyond its original automotive focus.
Where Are Sunex Tools Manufactured?
Sunex sources many of its impact sockets from Taiwan, consistent with common practices across the automotive specialty tool category.
The company also offers USA made hydraulic presses as part of its broader product lineup.
Country of origin can vary by specific product category, so buyers focused on domestic manufacturing should check individual listings.
What Makes Sunex Impact Sockets Different?
Sunex launched its flagship impact socket line in 1980, becoming a leader in that specific category over the following decades.
The company uses chrome molybdenum steel and a no skip size spectrum, meaning every size in a set is included rather than skipping less common sizes.
Sunex backs its impact sockets with a lifetime warranty, reflecting confidence in the line’s durability.
What Other Products Does Sunex Sell?
Sunex’s lineup has expanded to include lifting equipment, air tools, hand tools, shop presses, and tool storage.
The company’s original 1977 launch focused specifically on hydraulic lifting equipment for the automotive repair industry.
Sunex now serves both everyday DIYers and industrial professionals across a much broader product range than its original focus.
Sunex vs Grey Pneumatic: Which Impact Socket Brand Is Better?
Grey Pneumatic and Sunex are completely separate companies, despite both sourcing some products from Taiwan.
Some users note Grey Pneumatic’s design and finish as slightly more refined, while Sunex remains a reliable, functional option at a competitive price.
Both brands maintain strong reputations specifically within the impact socket category among automotive professionals.
For more comparisons, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for another widely available automotive tool brand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunex Tools
Who makes Sunex tools?
Sunex tools are made by Sunex Tools, a family owned company headquartered in Travelers Rest, South Carolina.
Is Sunex the same as Grey Pneumatic?
No, Sunex and Grey Pneumatic are entirely separate companies despite both sourcing some sockets from Taiwan.
Are Sunex tools made in the USA?
Some Sunex products, including certain hydraulic presses, are made in the USA, while impact sockets are commonly sourced from Taiwan.
When did Sunex launch its impact sockets?
Sunex launched its flagship impact socket line in 1980, three years after the company was founded.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.