Garage Hangout

Tools And The Shop => Miscellaneous Hand Tools, Plumbers Hand Tools, HVAC Hand Tools, Etc => Topic started by: bonneyman on Jul 15, 2026, 08:56 AM

Title: Malco tools
Post by: bonneyman on Jul 15, 2026, 08:56 AM
Malco does a line of sheet metal tools that are high quality. It's one of the brands my dad used when I was a kid. So, naturally I started buying them when I got into HVAC.
Around 2012 they started outsourcing some of their products. So buyer beware.

First up are my tinner's hammers. The two are Malco, the right one is an Estwing. Apparently mMlco copied the idea of making the handle out of a steel core and covered with leather washers. They would soften and conform to the user's hand over time. New they are retailing for $75 or so. The middle one I just snagged for $5 and cleaned/restored.
Title: Re: Malco tools
Post by: bonneyman on Jul 15, 2026, 08:58 AM
Their scratch awls are beyond compare. An orange polycarbonate handle and the steel shanks are extremely tough. Their screwdrivers are also the same way. The handle color is instantly recognizable in a bin of tools, much like Bonney chrome and S-K green.
Title: Re: Malco tools
Post by: bonneyman on Jul 15, 2026, 09:01 AM
Their tinners snips and shears are also very nice.
Title: Re: Malco tools
Post by: bonneyman on Jul 15, 2026, 09:05 AM
A 5-finger creasing tool, a metal compass, and a newer circular hole cutter that uses a cordless drill.