Timeline
1920s
While working in a Kansas City scissor factory, Otto Froeschl fabricated the idea to angle the nose of pliers 32 degrees to create more leverage.
1922
Brothers, Otto and Paul Froeschl, an engineer and banker by trade, along with Henry J. Wilde, establish Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Company in Kansas City, MO at 29th and Fairmount Avenue. Mr Wilde, a successful local fur trapper, invested in the new start-up and idea.
1928
Wilde Tool Files for Patent Protection
1931
Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. is granted US Patent #1,800,447 for inventing the Original Angle Nose Pliers, now a standard design for pliers worldwide.
1933
Height of Depression – In need of distribution for mass production, Paul and Otto start soliciting their pliers to merchandisers.
1936
Private-label begins with customers Montgomery Ward, Sears Roebuck Co., Western Auto, & J.C. Penney’s. Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. is nicknamed The Pliersmiths for their patented Wilde Wrench.
1940
Second Generation – The Paul Froeschl Family poses for a post-wedding picture. Paul Jr. and Phil Sr., each pictured on the far-right, will soon enter the military before returning home as second generation owners.
1941
World War II – With steel being rationed and orders to fill, Wilde Tool gains government contracts to manufacture bayonets for access to steel and continued pliers production.
1943-ish
Wilde Tool is notified their bayonet contracts will not be renewed. The US Government advises Wilde Tool to continue manufacturing pliers and other hand tools for the war effort.
1945
Production of Tongue and Groove Pliers (C-Joint / Groove Joint)
1951
Great Flood of 1951 – With the manufacturing facility at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, the flood forced looking at relocation.
1954
Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Co. files as Wilde Tool Co., Inc. in the State of Kansas.
1955
Groundbreaking – Production moves to new 32,500 sq. ft. forge and machine facility in Hiawatha, Kansas.
1956
2nd Generation (Paul Jr. / Phil Sr.) Take Over Day-to-Day Management.
1957
Wilde Drop Forge and Tool Company Dissolves.
1960
Grip Tight Clip Trademarked – Recognized in the industry on Water Pump Pliers, the Grip Tight Clip holds slip-joint pliers in positive alignment while under pressure.
1967
Expansion 1 – 5,800 sq. ft. (Addition to Polishing Room)
1969
Expansion 2 – 3,925 sq. ft. (Assembly / Packing / Shipping Room)
Expansion 3 – 6,105 sq. ft. (Steel Storage / Shearing)
1970
3rd Generation Begins Full-Time Employment.
WITCO® Brand – An acronym for Wilde Tool Company, Witco was an industry-standard line of gripped pliers.
Wilde® / Quality Hand Tools / Witco® Triple Circle Logo Introduced.
1971
Expansion 4 – 4,500 sq. ft. (Nickel and Chrome Plating Room)
1972
Paul Froeschl Jr. Becomes President
1976
Expansion 5 – 10,907 sq. ft. (Forge / Heat-Treating Room)
1980
Pipe Wrench Plier® Developed – A regional pizza company, researching a tool to remove their new deep-dish pizzas, coordinated with Wilde Tool to develop the 90° nose and longer handles.
1981
Pipe Wrench Plier® Introduced into Wilde Product Line
1984
Phil Froeschl Sr. becomes President of Wilde Tool
1986
Expansion 6 – 9,340 sq. ft. (Warehouse / Shipping / Offices)
1989
Technology – Packaging Barcodes Implemented for Retail (0854320)
1990
Expansion 7 – 8,435 sq. ft. (Maintenance Dept. / Tool and Die Shop)
1992
3rd Generation Takes Over Day-to-Day Management
Dan Froeschl becomes President of Wilde Tool
2000
4th Generation Begins Full-Time Employment
First Wilde Website Introduced
2003
Marty Froeschl Becomes President
2010
Initiative to Promote Wilde Brand
2011
New Wilde Tool Logo
2012
Flush Fastener Pliers – The counter-sunk nut and bolt allow the pliers to grip low-profile fasteners and reach into tight spaces.
2013
Matt Froeschl Becomes President
2014
5th Generation Begins Part-Time Employment as Lawn Care Specialists
2017
New / Current Wilde Website Introduced
TBD
Succeeding President – Phil Froeschl, Jr.