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STANLEY History

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.

Frederick Stanley, founder of the Stanley works in the year 1843

Founded in 1843

In 1843, Frederick Stanley founded the Stanley Works in New Britain, Connecticut.
Former employeer manufacturing an STANLEY boxwood rule in the year 1854

1854

STANLEY begins to manufacture boxwood rules.
Pattern of a vintage STANLEY logo in the year 1857

1857

STANLEY begins manufacturing levels.
Classic image of former construction employees

1863

STANLEY introduces hammers to their line up.
STANLEY tool for work the wood in the year 1869

1869

Purchased Bailey®, Chaney and Company and acquired the right to manufacture tools under Bailey’s® patents.
STANLEY vintage drawings of the firsts screwdrivers in the year 1870

1870

STANLEY began manufacturing screwdrivers.
New logo of the Stanley Rule & Level Company and the Stanley Works in the year 1920.

1920

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.
First STANLEY steel tape rules introduced in the year 1920.

1931

STANLEY introduces the first steel tape rule.
STANLEY vintage utility knife introduced in the year 1936.

1936

STANLEY introduces utility knives in 1936.
STANLEY layout of the PowerLock® Tape Rule package for its introduction in the year 1963.

1963

STANLEY builds the largest hand tool plant in the world in New Britain, CT. The same year, we introduced the PowerLock® Tape Rule.
Stanley hand tools and tape measure arranged on a wooden surface.

1999

STANLEY introduces the STANLEY® FATMAX® Tape Rule and the STANLEY FATMAX Anti-Vibe®
STANLEY 12-020 hand plane close-up, screwdriver adjusting blade, woodworking tool in use.

2008

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 10-299 utility knife cutting drywall alongside metal ruler, photography close-up of hand in glove.

2011

STANLEY launches carbide blades.
STANLEY STHT77343 laser distance measurer held with tablet displaying floor plan, indoor setting.

2015

STANLEY heads into the future of smart measuring with over 75 years experience.
Person carrying STANLEY SFMCV002B portable yellow vacuum with black hose in a construction site.

2021 & Beyond

STANLEY continues to introduce new and innovative products that change the way we work.
STANLEY Be A Force For Good

Be a Force for Good

Empowering makers, innovating with purpose and creating a more sustainable world - we've elevated our commitment to corporate social responsibility and embedded it in our vision.

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STANLEY® FATMAX®

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