A Brief History
Sidchrome is an Australian company founded by manufacturer Royston Siddons in 1931 when he leased a metal-casting factory to make hardware for cabinet-makers. Within a few years, he had perfected the die-casting of padlocks from zinc alloy, but a fire at the factory in 1941 and wartime controls forced the company to pivot.
Siddons received Commonwealth approval to rebuild the premises, provided he installed a drop-forge to make hand tools for the armed services. The company also contributed gun parts and bomb caps to the war effort. By the end of the war, Sidchrome was supplying the domestic market with spanners, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools owing to shortages of imported tools.
The famous jingle, “You canna hand a man a grander spanner,” made Sidchrome a household name, and over the years, it has continued to innovate and extend its product range. Key innovations include:
- The patented AntiSlip Design (ASD) that features on the end of Sidchrome spanners and prevents nut and bolt slippage.
- The patented TORQUEPLUS fastening system on Sidchrome sockets and ring end of spanners. It allows users to apply more torque.
- The RINGSTOP GO THRU system which prevents a spanner from slipping past a fastener.
Reputation
Robust, durable and high-quality tools that are user-friendly and built to last.
Price
Sidchrome tools lean towards the expensive end of the price range. They come with a lifetime guarantee against faulty workmanship and materials on most of their products. Sample prices: SIDCHROME 1/2inch Air Impact Wrench SCMTTA050 – $449; Sidchrome SCMT27442 680g Antivibe Ball Pein Hammer – $68; Sidchrome SCMTSA-050M 1/2” Drive Mini Air Pneumatic Impact Wrench – $289.
Types of Tools
Sidchrome makes and markets an extensive range of professional-grade tools for mechanics, including spanner sets, air tools, socket sets, hammers, punches, screwdrivers and much more.
Known For
Sidchrome has built a strong reputation among professional and non-professional users for high-quality, premium products that last a lifetime. The company is also renowned for innovations in product development.
Overall Recommendation
Sidchrome is an excellent brand with a long history and a vast range of tools. The company is well regarded among users for their exceptionally capable products.
- Parent Company: Stanley Black and Decker
- Headquarters: Heidelberg West, Victoria
- Manufacturing Facilities: Taiwan
- Product Focus: Hand tools
- Website: www.sidchrome.com.au