Imperial^® - 100 Years of Excellence

The Industrial Age was just shifting into high gear in 1905 when four men got together to form The Imperial® Brass Manufacturing Company ("Imperial"). The company began its development featuring a line of automotive and boat brass specialties. In the ensuing years, Imperial became known as "expert specialists in brass."

Their design of the non-soldered fitting, known today as the flared fitting, led designers to the development of flaring tools and cutters. Imperial patented the first flaring tool in 1917. Over the years, the product list grew, including tube fittings, shut-off valves, drain cocks, tube working tools, refrigeration and air conditioning products, plumbing products, fuel strainers and equipment for welding, cutting, soldering and brazing.

Following the 1961 merger with Eastman Manufacturing Company of Manitowoc, Imperial became Imperial Eastman, and entered into a period of aggressive and dynamic growth establishing them as a technological leader in the fluid connector field. As a result of Imperial Eastman's success in the domestic market, company-owned operations and joint ventures in the United Kingdom, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Germany were established to grow international markets.

Stride Tool - Company Profile

Founded in 1980, Stride designs, manufactures and markets specialty hand tools to customers world-wide. Our Imperial brand has over 100 years of professional-user recognition, with locations in New York, Ohio and Illinois.

In September of 1996, the tools and accessories business of Imperial Eastman was purchased by Stride Tool Inc., Ellicottville, NY. The Imperial tradition continues under the leadership of our company, which is focused on manufacturing specialty tools for professional users worldwide.

Today, Stride Tool Inc. continues to be a world leader in the development of innovative products, including hand tools that make work easier for customers in a wide array of industries. Our first hundred years have been marked by growth and change, but one thing has remained constant: the quality of our products continues to exceed the expectations of our professional customers.