Brand Spotlight: Malco

Malco spotlight

Malco has been a trusted name for high-quality tools in the sheet metal industry for over 60 years. They offer a wide range of tools that are designed to make the job easier for the contractor or DIYer. Malco tools are built to last, and they come with a lifetime warranty.

In this brand spotlight, we will outline the Malco brand history and the Malco difference. This article will also give a brief overview of some of Malco's highest-quality tools.

The Malco Difference

The Malco brand uses the tagline "Work. Perform. Outlast." This is more than just a slogan, it is the Malco difference. Malco tools are built to last with a lifetime warranty. They are designed for the roofing contractor or DIYer who wants a tool that will perform with excellence on the job and outlast the competition.

Malco sets itself apart from other quality tool brands with its multiple awards and recognitions for the design and durability of its products including the 2021 Metal Construction News Readers’ Choice award for its line of Impact-Grade Magnetic Chuck Drivers and the ACHR News' 2020 Dealer's Design award for excellence in product design.

When you purchase a Malco tool, you can be confident that you are investing in a quality product that is backed by a company with over 60 years of experience in the sheet metal industry.

Watch Malco tools in action in this video.

The Malco Origin Story

The origin story of Malco Products, SBC begins in 1950 when Mark W. Keymer, a young steel supply salesman, started manufacturing and marketing a pipe crimper that he invented to use in the installation of “new” sheet metal ductwork which is utilized with forced-air heating systems.

The Malco name came from the combination of his first name and the first name of an early associate, “Mark and Al’s Company." By 1954, the first official Malco catalog was printed.

Over the next few years, Mark W. Keymer continued to add a larger selection of tools to the Malco line. In 1958, he was joined in the business by his brother-in-law Richard J. Cadge, an experienced tool, and dye maker. The addition of Rick Cadge to the team allowed for the expansion of the tool line and the introduction of new products, such as the first power-operated sheet metal shears.

By 1960, it became apparent that further expansion was needed, and Malco moved from his basement to a rented building on Minneapolis’ west side. In 1963, the ground was broken for a new building in Anoka, Minnesota, which is still the headquarters for Malco today.

Malco is known for the first-hand seamer to employ compound leverage; a time-saving hand notcher that made a V-shaped cut in one motion; and a hand-operated, snap lock punch to complete the basic sheet metal toolset. Metal duct fabrication could now be done easily at the job site and the tools were well received by contractor-installers.

Hundreds of additional specialty tools have been added to the early crimping, notching, and punching product line since then, along with hundreds more specialized hand tools; Malco is still recognized for introducing innovative tool designs and modifications to the industries it serves on a regular basis.

Malco tools are built to last with a lifetime warranty

The Malco Difference

The Malco brand uses the tagline "Work. Perform. Outlast." This is more than just a slogan, it is the Malco difference. Malco tools are built to last with a lifetime warranty. They are designed for the roofing contractor or DIYer who wants a tool that will perform with excellence on the job and outlast the competition.

Malco sets itself apart from other quality tool brands with its multiple awards and recognitions for the design and durability of its products including the 2021 Metal Construction News Readers’ Choice award for its line of Impact-Grade Magnetic Chuck Drivers and the ACHR News' 2020 Dealer's Design award for excellence in product design.

When you purchase a Malco tool, you can be confident that you are investing in a quality product that is backed by a company with over 60 years of experience in the sheet metal industry.

Watch Malco tools in action in this video.

Malco Tools and Products

Malco offers a wide range of tools for the sheet metal industry. Here is a brief overview of some of their most popular products:

  • Sheet Metal Snips: Malco offers a variety of snips for cutting different types of materials. The Max2000 and Max2001 aviation snips are designed for cutting stainless steel and they come in various cut lengths and cut orientations. The snips are also color-coded according to their cut orientation. Read more: The Roofer's Guide To Metal Snips.
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  • Caulking Gun: The Malco caulking gun is a professional-grade caulking gun that is designed for use with all types of sealants and adhesives. It has a comfortable grip and an easy-to-use trigger that makes it easy to apply sealant evenly.
  • Pattern Snips: The Malco pattern snips are designed for cutting curves and intricate patterns. They come in various sizes and cut lengths to suit your needs.
Midwest M1200
  • One-Inch Notcher: The Malco one-inch notcher is a hand-operated tool that is designed for cutting V-shaped cuts in sheet metal. It is made of forged steel for durability and has a comfortable grip.
  • Scratch Awl: The Malco scratch awl is a hand tool that is used for making small holes in sheet metal. It is made of hardened steel for durability and has a comfortable grip.
  • TurboShear: The TurboShear is a power-operated sheet metal shearing tool that is designed for cutting stainless steel, aluminum, and other types of sheet metal. It has a comfortable grip and an easy-to-use trigger that makes it easy to cut through tough materials.
  • Fiber Cement Siding Gauges: The Malco fiber cement siding gauges are designed for measuring and marking fiber cement siding. They come in various sizes to suit your needs.

Malco also offers a variety of other tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. All of Malco's high-quality, American-made tools get the job done with precision and they are built to last a lifetime. For your next metal roofing project, look no further for tools you can trust, Malco will always deliver.

AMSI is one of the most trusted distributors of Malco American-made specialty hand tools to professional metal roofers. Browse our Malco products today.

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