Vaughan tools are made by Vaughan and Bushnell Manufacturing Company, which has produced hand tools in Hebron, Illinois since 1869.
The brand is credited with helping develop the modern curved claw hammer, a design feature now standard across the entire hammer industry.
Vaughan has remained an independent American manufacturer for more than 150 years, continuing to build its products domestically.
Knowing who makes Vaughan tools helps buyers understand how a company most people have never heard of helped shape one of the most common tools in any toolbox.
This article covers Vaughan ownership, where the tools are manufactured, the brand’s role in hammer design history, and answers to common Vaughan questions.
So let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Who Makes Vaughan Tools And Who Owns The Brand?
Vaughan has manufactured tools in Hebron, Illinois since the company was founded in 1869.
The company operates as Vaughan and Bushnell Manufacturing Company and has remained independently owned throughout its long history.
Vaughan’s continuous operation for more than a century and a half places it among the oldest hand tool manufacturers still active in the United States.
Where Are Vaughan Tools Manufactured?
Vaughan manufactures its hammers and striking tools at its facility in Hebron, Illinois.
The company has kept its manufacturing domestic even as many hand tool competitors shifted production overseas over the decades.
This long standing commitment to US manufacturing is a central part of Vaughan’s identity among professional tradespeople.
Did Vaughan Invent The Curved Claw Hammer?
Vaughan was instrumental in developing many of the design features now standard on modern hammers, including the curved claw used for pulling nails.
This innovation became so widely adopted that most hammers sold today, regardless of brand, use some version of Vaughan’s original curved claw concept.
Vaughan continues to build on this heritage with straight claw, curved claw, framing, and ball peen hammer lines.
What Products Does Vaughan Sell?
Vaughan’s lineup includes straight and curved claw hammers, soft face hammers, framing hammers, and blacksmith hammers.
The company also produces bear saws and other specialty hand tools used across construction and woodworking trades.
Vaughan’s product range remains focused specifically on striking tools rather than expanding broadly into power tools or other categories.
Vaughan vs Estwing: Which American Hammer Brand Is Better?
Estwing builds its hammers from a single forged piece of steel, while Vaughan uses more traditional wood and fiberglass handle options alongside steel models.
Both companies remain independently owned and manufacture their tools domestically in Illinois.
Buyers often choose between the two based on handle material preference rather than a significant difference in build quality.
For more on other American made hand tools, see our guide to who makes Craftsman tools for a widely available comparison point.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaughan Tools
Who makes Vaughan tools?
Vaughan tools are made by Vaughan and Bushnell Manufacturing Company, headquartered in Hebron, Illinois since 1869.
Are Vaughan hammers made in the USA?
Yes, Vaughan manufactures its hammers and striking tools at its Hebron, Illinois facility.
Did Vaughan really invent the curved claw hammer?
Vaughan was instrumental in developing the curved claw feature that is now standard on most hammers sold today.
Is Vaughan an independent company?
Yes, Vaughan has remained independently owned since its founding in 1869.
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.