Draper tools started out as a seller of government surplus during the early 1900's. Bert Draper started the company from a hand barrow, visiting markets in Kingston Upon Thames. From those humble beginning Draper has risen to one of the UKs largest supplier of tools with an annual turnover in 2001 of £47,365,000. This figure is larger than the combined annual turnover of Facom, Sealey and Sykes-Pickavant added together.

During Drapers early beginnings they operated as B.D.S. (B Draper & Son Limited). Up until 1963 Draper where a tool distributor selling tools made by other manufacturers such as Britospan, Lucas and Britool. Nowadays Draper sells it own brand tools, ‘Draper Tools'. Draper also supplies Knipex and Elora, with whom they have a special relationship.

Draper tools is now based in a 400,000 square foot warehouse in Eastleigh , Hampshire. The warehouse contains over 10,000 product lines making it one of the largest tool stocking warehouses in Europe . Draper tools are now dispatched using a highly modern and technological process, which is a long way from the humble beginnings of Bert Draper and his hand barrow. The Draper warehouse uses a conveyor system, barcode scanning picking process and carousel storage. The carousel storage system can dispense 8000 parts and accessories. This modern infrastructure allows Draper tools to regularly dispatch over 7500 consignments per week from there warehouse.

Draper Tools now produce a massive range of tools and other products. Including sockets & socket sets, spanners, torque wrenches, battery chargers, pullers, hand tools, pliers, cutters, riveters, screwdrivers, hammers, tool chests, roller cabinets, power tools, welders, compressors, air tools, torches, hardware………….trust me the list is endless. This massive range means that you can get Draper tools for carrying out motor mechanics, building work, wood work, plumbing, decorating, electricians work, fabricating, doing the gardening and even bicycle maintenance.

Draper products are sourced from over 30 countries world wide. These suppliers and produces that Draper source products from have to under go regular assessments and factory audits to ensure high quality tools. Even then all consignments arriving at Draper are inspected by the Draper QA department.

Most of Drapers tools are available in 3 ranges designed for all levels of users. There is a budget range named the “Draper Value” range. There are many tools that are purely Draper. For the professional user Draper has introduced the “Draper Expert” range. An example of these three options would be the Draper socket set ranges. The Draper Expert range is manufactured in accordance with DIN 3120 specification out top quality chrome vanadium steel. These sockets are aimed at the professional user. The Draper mid range socket sets “Draper Silverdrive” are also produced to DIN standards but are made of specially selected steel which is correctly hardened, tempered and chromed. The Draper Value range of socket sets are manufactured from carbon steel, hardened, tempered and chrome plated.

When it comes to garage equipment and automotive tools Draper has a wide range of tools to offer. Starting with battery chargers they offer a range priced from £15 for the home user right up to £415 for the busy professional garage. The range also includes specialty bodywork and panel tools like hydraulic