General Tools and Instruments

General Tools & Instruments, established in 1922 as General Hardware Manufacturing Co., is a leading provider of precision specialty hand tools and instruments. Founded by Abe and Lillian Cohen in New York City, the company initially sold a range of hardware items, including clothesline pulleys and screen-door hardware. Abe, a former WWI veteran, began developing his own product ideas, leading to the creation of innovative tools that set the company apart. By 1946, General was among the companies producing Craftsman tools for Sears.