I like Tongue-in-cheek approach. It’s always good to know the lineage. Regarding lineage, it’s funny at this time of year for Father’s Day and ironically on this video about tool history, the TH-cam ad was for one of those plastic contour guides acting as if it’s a revolutionary new invention.
Thanks for your tool company historical videos - it is interesting to know where these companies came from and where they went. VACO Historical Catalogs: The “Internet Archive” has several VACO historical catalogs - 1955 and 1965. Not only did VACO make screw drivers but they made nut drivers, and pliers. Klein’s current hard handle (without rubber) screwdrivers and nut drivers are descendants of VACO units. A few years back, I bought some nut drivers and they were labeled VACO. The current Klein on=;ine catalog has a picture of one nut driver set with a VACO label. In the mid 1970’s,. VACO made a heavy duty pop rivet gun (PN 175002). The gun’s big features are that the gun can adjusted to have an easy but small rivet pull and the jaw pull can be adjusted. Klein does not make this pop rivet gun but Malco makes one (PN 2IN1). The only difference that I can see is that the handles have a different grip on them but the metal part looks the same.
@brianlittle3452 Thanks! It looks like Malco holds the patent for that rivet tool. I bet they licensed it to Vaco. patents.google.com/patent/US3328985A
I have some Vaco screw starter screwdrivers and a 4 in one flip screwdriver that belonged to my grandfather. Now I know the history behind the Vaco brand it makes it more important. Thank for sharing 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🪛🪛🪛
I believe the screw holding screwdriver is made by QUICK WEDGE out of Utah. They are branded with many different tools company names Thanks for the video
For me, Vaco tools of the 60s and 70s = icky sticky and cracked plastic handles with screw and allen driver sets. Still hate cushion grip tools to this day. Did not realize they made other great tools that I used especially the screw holding drivers.
I've known about these tools for many Long Years and have used them Just as long Plus the fact that people are dumb and think they're knock off and not an actual American made item that predates Kline, I am quite happy as that means I don't have to pay as much for a Quality American made Tool!!! 🤠👍
When I did apartment maintenance for a few years I had a Vaco screwdriver from my dad with a cap on the end that unscrewed and held a few 1/4” bits in the handle (just a big space to drop them in, no bit organizing or anything). It was a nice screwdriver I still have today!
3:40. The invalidation of the AMP patent vividly illustrates the weakness of U.S. patents back in the day. This was standard operating procedure in patent litigation. Anyone asserting their rights under their presumptively valid patent would find it judicially invalidated with their infringement suit kicked out. The establishment of the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in the 1980's largely ended this practice.
I have a few recently acquired Vaco Bull Drivers. Three are marked "USA" but one is not. I don't know where they were made, but they are nice tools. I never liked the cushion handled Kleins and have none of them.
@philippetays4263 I don't think so. A lot of manufacturing companies have pulled out of Illinois in recent years. Most of Klein's stuff is made in Texas now.
Great vidio. Retired electrician who purchased Vaco cabinet screwdrivers for tightening terminal block screws. Had a 8 or 10" long blade that no other company made.Their red colored split blade screw starters are the best. Have at least halve a dozen of them in various sizes. I never purchase or use ANY tools, safety & test equipment made in lying cheating lack of quality control Communist china.
@paulH46466 - I couldn't find out for sure. I 'suspect' it's from the Latin meaning of Vaco (to be free from work) so like they were saying their tools would make your job easier.
I was a Vaco distributor up until 1995 when I sold my business. I still have and use the Vaco tools including adjustable wrenches from those days.
yes I still have and use a lot their tools !
The education system should be paying people like you to make content for our future
Thanks! I appreciate it.
I like Tongue-in-cheek approach. It’s always good to know the lineage. Regarding lineage, it’s funny at this time of year for Father’s Day and ironically on this video about tool history, the TH-cam ad was for one of those plastic contour guides acting as if it’s a revolutionary new invention.
Thanks! Yeah those contour gauges aren't anything new.
Ballinator's Tool Lore videos: hands-down my favorites of all content on TH-cam!
Thanks!
Thanks for your tool company historical videos - it is interesting to know where these companies came from and where they went.
VACO Historical Catalogs: The “Internet Archive” has several VACO historical catalogs - 1955 and 1965.
Not only did VACO make screw drivers but they made nut drivers, and pliers. Klein’s current hard handle (without rubber) screwdrivers and nut drivers are descendants of VACO units. A few years back, I bought some nut drivers and they were labeled VACO. The current Klein on=;ine catalog has a picture of one nut driver set with a VACO label.
In the mid 1970’s,. VACO made a heavy duty pop rivet gun (PN 175002). The gun’s big features are that the gun can adjusted to have an easy but small rivet pull and the jaw pull can be adjusted. Klein does not make this pop rivet gun but Malco makes one (PN 2IN1). The only difference that I can see is that the handles have a different grip on them but the metal part looks the same.
@brianlittle3452 Thanks! It looks like Malco holds the patent for that rivet tool. I bet they licensed it to Vaco.
patents.google.com/patent/US3328985A
I have some Vaco screw starter screwdrivers and a 4 in one flip screwdriver that belonged to my grandfather. Now I know the history behind the Vaco brand it makes it more important. Thank for sharing 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🪛🪛🪛
You're welcome! Glad you're finding the series informative.
I believe the screw holding screwdriver is made by QUICK WEDGE out of Utah. They are branded with many different tools company names
Thanks for the video
@91Z50 You're welcome! That would explain how they're still selling them after closing the Vaco plant down.
I'm enjoying the heck out of your channel! Production style/story-board is spot-on!! Please do stick with it.
Thanks! I've been learning more about editing with every video. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it.
Thank you for this history.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching!
I always pronounced it "Vay-co" Po-tay-toe Pa-tot-toe
I'm not sure what the correct pronunciation is. I always heard "Vack-o" or "Vah-coh"
For me, Vaco tools of the 60s and 70s = icky sticky and cracked plastic handles with screw and allen driver sets. Still hate cushion grip tools to this day. Did not realize they made other great tools that I used especially the screw holding drivers.
I've known about these tools for many Long Years and have used them Just as long Plus the fact that people are dumb and think they're knock off and not an actual American made item that predates Kline, I am quite happy as that means I don't have to pay as much for a Quality American made Tool!!! 🤠👍
Yup, it's a buyer's market on them for sure.
Well done!
Thanks!
Good job love you From Dino Mares Fontana CA
Thanks!
When I did apartment maintenance for a few years I had a Vaco screwdriver from my dad with a cap on the end that unscrewed and held a few 1/4” bits in the handle (just a big space to drop them in, no bit organizing or anything). It was a nice screwdriver I still have today!
Very cool. That style you can fit a lot of different bits in the handle, since it's such an open space.
DUDEZILLA!!! GOOD STUFF! And your production/editing skills are TOTALLY RAD!!!
AND PBRmeASAP!!! PBR was one of my FAVORITE beers when I drank!!!!!
Thanks, man. Yeah I'm starting to get the hang of editing.
Sold Vaco tools and Klein for 32 years always Pronounced it vay-co. Love my K7
Thanks! I assumed it was Latin and went with "va-ko" or "vah-ko"
Having a Radio and tv repair business I own a lot of original Vaco tools
Very cool. I got into the game a little late, so most of my Vaco stuff is secondhand.
hahha, I loved the blue painted lady bit. Keep it up man!
Thanks! I'm sure she'll return in future videos when I restore another Vaco tool.
Thanks! I'm sure she'll return in future videos when I restore another Vaco tool.
Harry drippy as cuss
3:40. The invalidation of the AMP patent vividly illustrates the weakness of U.S. patents back in the day. This was standard operating procedure in patent litigation. Anyone asserting their rights under their presumptively valid patent would find it judicially invalidated with their infringement suit kicked out. The establishment of the U.S. Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in the 1980's largely ended this practice.
Interesting! Thanks for the info.
Time 709 Channeling Mrs Doubtfire. . . .
LOL. Thanks!
I have a few recently acquired Vaco Bull Drivers. Three are marked "USA" but one is not. I don't know where they were made, but they are nice tools. I never liked the cushion handled Kleins and have none of them.
I prefer the acetate handles too. Easier to clean. The rubber on the cushion grip ones gets nasty after a while.
I like and own some Vaco tools. But I saw where this story was headed from a long way off. Sure enough it went there too.
Yeah, most of these stories have a similar ending.
@@ballinator I have noticed the trend.
what ? is Klein on the decline?
@philippetays4263 I don't think so. A lot of manufacturing companies have pulled out of Illinois in recent years. Most of Klein's stuff is made in Texas now.
Klein tools have been imported for years😢
Yeah, a lot of their stuff is imported now, but there's still quite a bit manufactured at their plant in Texas.
Great vidio. Retired electrician who purchased Vaco cabinet screwdrivers for tightening terminal block screws. Had a 8 or 10" long blade that no other company made.Their red colored split blade screw starters are the best. Have at least halve a dozen of them in various sizes. I never purchase or use ANY tools, safety & test equipment made in lying cheating lack of quality control Communist china.
Thanks! Yeah I'm a big fan of their screw holding screwdrivers.
What does VACO actually stand for ?
@paulH46466 - I couldn't find out for sure. I 'suspect' it's from the Latin meaning of Vaco (to be free from work) so like they were saying their tools would make your job easier.
Avatar ripped off VACO.
Yeah, there's def a similarity there.