An Introduction to Witte Tools

While many German tool companies have a similar origin story, namely that someone started a small forge in their house a couple hundred years ago and it grew and grew into a large tool company. Witte Tools, on the other hand, had a slightly different origin story. Back in 1785, Witte was making pins and needles. These pins and needles were of course for those who made clothes, shoes, and saddles for horses. Early on they made about 10 million needles in a year but they eventually grew to make two million in a SINGLE DAY. Even though this increase in production helped Witte grow, Witte had also expanded into making hand tools for the wagon and auto industries. This was quite lucky as horses were being replaced by cars and clothing production was largely being done in factories. In short, needles, while still needed, would be less lucrative. Their focus on developing hand tools, in particular screwdrivers, has given them the opportunity to develop and perfect this and other tools.

The screwdriver is indeed Witte’s shining jewel. They’ve improved ergonomics and materials to make the most balanced and durable screwdriver available. Aside from ergonomics and materials, Witte designed the all new Pro Bitdrive screwdriver, ratchet and torque driver. This driver design rivals that of Wera’s Rapidaptor and similar products. The Pro has an integrated bit magazine, a magnetic holder on the end, and a quick change bit holder. Each of those specialties are added or subtracted for the torque tools and ratchets according to design sense. Witte also makes a standard series of PRO drivers and another series called MAXX, each with their own plusses and minuses.

Witte, under their MAXX and PRO series, also makes a large amount of bits and ratchet accessories, pliers and cutters, a full line of VDE tools, in addition to specialty tools. Their selection of pliers and cutters is easily on par with Knipex as they make the heavy duty telephone pliers, side cutters of all types, combination pliers, cable shears and slip joint pliers. Witte’s VDE tools, of course signify that they’re safe to work with around electricity and are usually insulated, but make sure to verify this before ordering and using them.

From quite humble and unrelated beginnings, Witte has grown from a needle manufacturer into one of the undersung manufacturers of high quality German tools. Located in the “Tool Valley” of Germany, Witte is among good company and have to be of high quality to reside in Wuppertal amongst the other tool giants in the area. As we highlight certain tools made by Witte and other tool makers, be sure to sign up for our newletter down below to get the news first!