100+ years old pliers handed down from great grandfather now worth $2,500CAD
December 15, 2014 (Lincolnshire, IL) – Klein Tools, (http://www.kleintools.com/) for professionals since 1857, set out to find Canada’s oldest pair of Klein side-cutting pliers and ended up finding them in Winnipeg with the great grandson of an employee of The Northern Electric Company.
Chris Bell, an electrician, is the winner of a search that started in October of this year and generated over 125 entries. His submission of a pair of 1911 side-cutting pliers earns him $2,500CAD and the utmost envy from treasure hunters and tool collectors everywhere.
The winning pliers was selected by Klein Tools’ engineering team based on the tool being the standard side-cutting type and bearing an original Klein trademark and ‘code markings’ that were found on the inside of the handle.
Chris’ pliers originally sold for $3.50 in 1911. True to Klein products, these pliers are still in good working condition.
“We were overwhelmed with the inquiries and heart-warming stories we received about the tools being handed down from father to son,” states Tom Barton, product marketing manager. “These really exemplify what the Klein Tools’ brand is all about – quality that lasts from one generation to the next.”
Braeden Lohnes, an HVAC tradesman, found the second oldest pair of Canadian pliers in the ceiling of his early 1900’s house while renovating. Those dated back to 1912.
“The value placed on our products is exceptional,” said Mark Klein, a sixth generation Klein who serves as the company’s vice president of sales. “As a company, our goal is to produce the highest quality product possible. In exchange, we are rewarded with incredible customer loyalty.”
From left to right: Mark Klein (vice president – sales), Chris Bell, Mat Klein III (chairman).
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Klein is a registered trademark of Klein Tools, Inc.
Since 1857 Klein Tools, a family-owned and operated company, has been designing, developing and manufacturing premium-quality, professional-grade hand tools. The majority of Klein tools are manufactured in seven plants throughout the United States and are the number one choice among professional electricians and other tradespeople. For more information, visit www.kleintools.com.