★ American-Made Company Profile

Vaughan

Striking tools made in America since 1869

⚠️ Made in USA, global materials

  • Founded 1869
  • Headquarters Hebron, IL
  • Made in USA (global materials)
  • Category Hand Tools / Hammers
American Manufacturing
Since 1869
⚠️
Vaughan & Bushnell has manufactured striking tools in the United States for more than 150 years, and its classic hammers — including the well-known Vaughan 99 rip-claw — are made in America with hickory handles and forged steel heads. Like many long-standing tool makers, Vaughan produces in the USA while sourcing some materials globally, so we label it American manufacturing rather than fully domestic.
1869
Founded
150+
years of US tool-making
Hickory
American handles
Founded
1869
Headquarters
Hebron, Illinois
Made in
USA (global materials)
Category
Hand tools / hammers
Owner
Marshalltown (since 2024)
Note
Made in USA with global materials

Where Vaughan products are made

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Made in the USA

Vaughan & Bushnell has manufactured striking tools in the United States for over 150 years, including the classic Vaughan 99 rip-claw hammer.

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Hickory and forged steel

The classic hammers pair American hickory handles with forged steel heads — the construction the brand built its reputation on.

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Some global materials

Like many long-standing tool makers, Vaughan produces domestically while sourcing some materials globally.

Vaughan produces its striking tools in the United States while sourcing some materials globally. We label the brand honestly as American manufacturing with global materials, rather than fully domestic, so buyers know exactly what they are getting.

The story

Founded in 1869, Vaughan & Bushnell is one of the oldest hammer manufacturers in the United States, with a reputation built over generations of carpenters and tradespeople who trusted its hickory-handled hammers on the job.

The Vaughan 99 rip-claw is the tool most people know: a 16 oz hammer with an American hickory handle, favoured for trim and nail work.

In 2024 the Vaughan brand was acquired by Marshalltown, another storied American tool company, which continues to produce Vaughan striking tools in the United States.

Why they matter

Vaughan represents more than a century and a half of American tool-making.

Keeping brands like Vaughan producing domestically preserves manufacturing know-how, skilled jobs, and a tradition of quality that imported tools rarely match.

Hand tools are a category where the difference between domestic and imported shows up quickly — in how a handle is hung, how a head is forged, and how long the tool survives real use.

Featured products

Browse Vaughan striking tools available now in the Buy American store.

Shop all Vaughan products →

Frequently asked questions

Is Vaughan made in the USA?

Yes — Vaughan is made in the USA, though with some global materials.

Who owns Vaughan?

Vaughan was acquired by Marshalltown in 2024; production remains US-based.

What is the Vaughan 99?

A classic 16 oz rip-claw hammer with an American hickory handle, popular for trim and nail work.

Where can I read a full review?

See our independent, scored review at Made in America Reviews.

Company profile · Buy American Campaign