Irwin tools are made by Stanley Black and Decker, which has owned the Irwin brand since 2017.
The brand is best known for Vise-Grip locking pliers, Quick-Grip clamps, and Marathon saw blades used by tradespeople worldwide.
Stanley Black and Decker acquired Irwin as part of a 1.95 billion dollar deal to purchase Newell Brands’ tools business, completed in March 2017.
Knowing who makes Irwin tools helps buyers understand how this 1885 founded American brand ended up inside one of the world’s largest tool conglomerates.
This article covers Irwin ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s history, and answers to common Irwin questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Irwin Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Irwin Tools is owned by Stanley Black and Decker, headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut.
Irwin was founded in 1885 by Charles Irwin in Martinsville, Ohio, originally launching with auger bits.
Stanley Black and Decker acquired Irwin as part of its purchase of Newell Brands’ tools business, a deal completed in March 2017.
Where Are Irwin Tools Manufactured?
Irwin’s headquarters remain in Huntersville, North Carolina, though much of its production has shifted overseas over the past two decades.
In 2008, Irwin closed its DeWitt, Nebraska plant and moved Vise-Grip production to China, ending eighty years of domestic manufacturing for that product line.
Today Irwin sources production from multiple countries as part of Stanley Black and Decker’s broader global manufacturing network.
What Products Is Irwin Known For?
Irwin’s Vise-Grip locking pliers remain one of the most recognized tool designs in the industry, invented decades before Stanley’s ownership.
The brand also produces Quick-Grip clamps, Strait-Line tape measures, and Marathon saw blades that continue to win industry awards.
Irwin’s Speedbor augers and self feed bits remain popular for high speed drilling applications in construction.
How Does Irwin Fit Into Stanley Black and Decker’s Portfolio?
Stanley Black and Decker also owns DeWalt, Craftsman, Stanley, and Lenox, giving it one of the largest tool portfolios in the world.
Irwin operates as a specialty hand tool brand within this larger family, focused on clamps, pliers, and cutting accessories.
This shared ownership means Irwin benefits from Stanley Black and Decker’s global manufacturing and distribution scale.
Irwin vs Craftsman: Which Stanley Owned Brand Is Better?
Craftsman covers a broader range of hand and power tools, while Irwin specializes more narrowly in clamps, pliers, and cutting accessories.
Both brands share the same parent company, so overall quality control standards remain closely aligned between them.
Buyers often choose Irwin specifically for its Vise-Grip and Quick-Grip product lines, which have no direct Craftsman equivalent.
For a closer look at the parent company, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for more on Stanley Black and Decker’s broader portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irwin Tools
Who makes Irwin tools?
Irwin tools are made by Stanley Black and Decker, which has owned the brand since 2017.
Is Irwin owned by DeWalt?
No, Irwin and DeWalt are separate brands that share the same parent company, Stanley Black and Decker.
Are Irwin tools made in the USA?
Some Irwin products are still made domestically, though much of the lineup, including Vise-Grip pliers, has moved to overseas production.
Who invented the Vise-Grip?
The Vise-Grip locking pliers were invented well before Stanley Black and Decker’s ownership and remain one of Irwin’s signature products.
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.