It seems everything was simpler in 1956 and bicycles were no exception. A common day of repairs consisted of a few flat tires, a broken spoke and possibly a coaster brake hub overhaul. As the 1960s arrived, so did caliper brakes, shifting systems, and lightweight components. One problem surfaced along with these complicated new parts. No tools!

The founders of Park Tool, Howard Hawkins and Art Engstrom, were hands on guys and took this as an opportunity to craft their own problem solvers with whatever materials and leftovers they could find. The original Park Tool stand was put together using legs from a dining room table, an empty shell casing and a truck axle from a 37 Ford. As other shops, and eventually Schwinn Bicycle Company, saw the stand in action, requests were made for a production model. Park Tool Company was born!

Our history says a lot about who we are and what we do. We still solve problems ourselves and we still insist on a "hands-on" philosophy of invention, testing, and production. The sixty employees of Park Tool take great pride in building the best bicycle tools in the world. Since that first stand, we've built hundreds of thousands more, reaching bike shops worldwide. Since the first hand tool, we've built millions more and our line now includes over 400 different items and a recent history of fifteen to twenty new product introduced each year.

Howard and Art never imagined in 1963 that Park Tool Company would grow to what it is today, but we will not take our spot at the top for granted. Our pledge for the future is simple: Build the best tools. Our commitment to that principle is stronger than ever. We build bicycle tools and maintenance equipment, it's all we do and we're good at it.

Thank you for choosing Park Tool. We're honoured to make tools for you.