If you’ve ever searched for “Who makes Clarke Tools?” -  whether you’re a DIYer, workshop owner, or trade professional - it’s important to understand what Clarke Tools really is, who owns the brand, where the products come from, and why the name appears on thousands of tools. This complete guide answers all of that in clear, search-engine-friendly detail.

Clarke Power Products (Clarke Tools)is a well-established British tool brand known for a broad range of hand tools, power tools, workshop equipment, and garage accessories. It appears on everything from ratchet sets and socket kits to compressors, drill stands and woodworking gear.

Customers in the UK and internationally recognise Clarke tools for competitive pricing and wide availability through trade suppliers and online retailers.

Who Owns & Supplies Clarke Tools?

Contrary to some misconceptions that Clarke is purely a “house brand” of a particular retailer (like Machine Mart), Clarke Tools is part of a long-standing British brand with roots going back to the late 1960s.

Clarke International – a UK-based tool and machinery supplier established in 1969 – is widely regarded as the key company behind the Clarke Tools name.

Clarke International:

• Has been supplying tools and power equipment to the UK trade and general markets for over five decades.

• Operates large distribution centres in the UK, handling thousands of product lines.

• Is ISO 9001:2015 certified, reflecting quality and customer-service standards.

Many Clarke products on the market are supplied, distributed or marketed through Clarke International and associated UK tool wholesalers.

Does Clarke Make Its Own Tools?

The short answer: Clarke Tools is a British brand, but not all Clarke products are manufactured in the UK.

Most Clarke tools are designed or sourced by the brand owner/distributor (Clarke International and affiliated wholesalers like Chronos Ltd), and then manufactured by a network of global manufacturers - often overseas  before being branded and sold under the Clarke label. This is very common in today’s tool industry, especially for large, diverse tool ranges.

• Clarke controls specifications, quality standards, and branding.

• Actual manufacturing typically happens in specialised factories in Asia or other regions.

• Clarke products are then imported, tested, packaged, and distributed from the UK.

Where Clarke Tools Are Sold

Clarke Tools are widely available from:

• Trade and industrial suppliers in the UK

• Specialist tool retailers

• Online marketplaces and ecommerce shops

• International distributors (including the Middle East and beyond)

Products range from essentials like spanners, sockets, and ratchets to workshop essentials like air compressors, metalworking tools, and woodworking gear.

Shop Clarke Tool at Machine Mart > 

Clarke Tools Brand Identity & Reputation

Today’s Clarke Tools brand emphasises:

✔ Long heritage (since 1969) in the UK tools and equipment market
✔ Wide product coverage for DIY, trade and industrial applications
✔ Competitive pricing and broad availability
✔ Compliance with British and European safety standards on many products

While Clarke Tools is not considered a premium “professional only” brand like some specialist European or American makers, it remains popular where value, range, and availability matter.