Founded in 1862, Greenlee Tools got its start as a toolmaker when two brothers needed to manufacture their invention (a special drill surrounded by chisels). With the success of this effort, the Greenlee brothers quickly took on making other woodworking tools and other machinery including a machine that laid track for the railroad. In the mid-80s and beyond, Greenlee added on other toolmakers and diversified the kinds of tools they make and now Greenlee manufactures tools used by tradesmen in all vocations from communications to hydraulic pumps, plumbing, telecom, test equipment and many more. Greenlee is widely recognized as an industry leader for quality hand and industrial tools.