Last week our friend Chris Hill, who runs the well-regarded woodworking site Chiefs Shop, attended Tool School hosted by The AMES Companies in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.
The AMES Companies invited attendees to see their latest landscape, construction and lawn tools straight from the factories where they are made. Thanks to Chris, we have a detailed look at AMES’ history, its manufacturing facilities and the newest tool innovations.
There’s a visible comeback in American manufacturing, and an excellent example is taking shape in the suburbs around Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
In Camp Hill and Carlisle, AMES® produces some of the most durable hand tools used in landscaping, construction and gardening. If you work outdoors you likely recognize brands such as RAZOR-BACK®, JACKSON®, TRUE TEMPER® and AMES. What may surprise you is how much of that equipment is manufactured in the United States.
Ames History
Founded in 1774, AMES is one of the oldest continuously operating companies established in the United States. Captain John Ames’ blacksmith-made shovels were reportedly used at the Battle of Bunker Hill. By the 1870s, Ames was producing over 5,000 shovels per day, which represented roughly 60 percent of the world’s metal shovel production at the time. Ames tools have also played roles in major projects such as the Transcontinental Railroad, Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, the Hoover Dam and the Panama Canal.
Ames Factory
In 2014 the company rebranded from AMES TRUE TEMPER to The AMES Companies while maintaining its individual brands—AMES, TRUE TEMPER, RAZOR-BACK and JACKSON—and introducing TRUE AMERICAN by TRUE TEMPER. The TRUE AMERICAN line, intended for independent garden centers and smaller hardware stores, is marketed as 100 percent U.S.-made, with every component produced domestically.
At the Camp Hill facility, which produces about 16 million units per year, hardened steel shovel heads are forged, stamped and coated. Under the same roof, ash wood dowels are turned and shaped into handles, plastics are molded into planters, and pultrusion machines manufacture long-lasting fiberglass handles.
The Carlisle complex spans about 2.5 million square feet and produces around 19 million units annually. Much of that space is dedicated to warehousing and loading docks designed for rapid truck turnaround—empty trailers are dropped and loaded trailers depart in minutes thanks to efficient logistics.
New Ames Tools
One of the most noticeable updates is to AMES-branded tools. New bright green D-grips, redesigned long-handle grips, and a rugged finish on shovel heads are part of the refresh. Shovels now feature the updated AMES logo with the “Est. 1774” imprint and come with a revised 15-year warranty.
A standout detail is the new Comfort Step™ footstep on AMES shovels. It’s deeper than standard steps and includes raised perforations to improve traction when using footwear.
New product highlights include:
AMES
AMES Ergo Gel Grip tool line
Three additions expand the Ergo Gel Grip hand tool range: a multi-tool hoe/cultivator, a multi-tool weeder/transplanter and a hand rake. The full Ergo Gel Grip line supports garden tasks year-round—cultivating in spring, planting in summer, harvesting in fall and pruning in winter. Each tool features an ergonomic handle with a soft gel insert that cushions the hand for greater comfort.
Beyond the gel grips, the 2-in-1 cultivator/hoe uses a stainless-steel dual-purpose head for tilling and light digging. The 2-in-1 weeder/root cutter has a stainless-steel head with a serrated edge for severing roots. The hand rake features wide tines for gathering leaves and debris. These tools are designed for ergonomic comfort and practical durability.
AMES NeverLeak® Aluminum Water System
AMES expanded its NeverLeak Aluminum Water System with 14 new storage options. The product line offers durable aluminum hose reels and accessories that address common problems associated with plastic hose reels, such as leaking and cross-threading.
According to AMES, the NeverLeak system offers strength and longevity—aluminum units are more resistant to wear and cross-threading and extend product life season to season. New storage styles include wall-mount units, cabinets and swivel carts in multiple finishes. Features include easy-spin crank handles, manual hose guides, accessory trays for fittings and sturdy cabinet bases for stable use on decks or patios.
TRUE TEMPER
TRUE TEMPER Scratch Free Snow Brushes
TRUE TEMPER introduced a scratch-free snow brush that uses EVA foam instead of traditional bristles. EVA resists freezing, clogging and wear while remaining soft enough to avoid scratching vehicle surfaces. The wrap-around head design makes it easier to clear snow from tight spots around mirrors and wipers. The brush and scraper are offered in 28-, 32- and 36-inch lengths to suit different vehicles and uses.
TRUE TEMPER Aluminum Combo Snow Shovel
TRUE TEMPER introduced an aluminum snow shovel designed to carry 30 percent larger loads than a typical poly shovel. The patented aluminum blade includes side supports to keep snow from spilling during transfer. A curved ergonomic handle reduces bending, improving posture while shoveling, and an oversized D-handle improves balance when lifting heavier loads. A wear strip on the blade helps break through packed snow and ice for a clean scrape against pavement. This 20-inch Aluminum Combo Shovel is sold at major retailers and is positioned as a durable, user-friendly alternative to smaller metal shovels.
RAZOR-BACK
RAZOR-BACK Professional Roofer’s Spade
RAZOR-BACK launched a professional roofer’s spade engineered for durability and ease of use. Instead of multiple welds at the head that can snag shingles and wear over time, this spade uses a one-piece steel head that delivers smoother operation and greater longevity. The long-handled model features a D-handle for comfort and improved control; a short-handled version is also available.
RAZOR-BACK’s roofer’s spade is offered with a 7-inch head and D-handle in the long-handled version and a 5-inch head in the short-handled model. Pricing is set to be competitive for professional users.
RAZOR-BACK SuperSocket shovels
The SuperSocket® round point shovel features a Power-Step® oversize cleated step and a reinforced socket that’s five inches longer than standard industrial sockets. Built with industrial-gauge open-back steel blades and robust socket connections, the SuperSocket is designed for tough digging tasks like breaking through rock or dense clay.
Key features of the SuperSocket shovel:
- Heavy-duty, industrial-grade open-back steel blade
- Cleated Power-Step® for secure foot placement and improved leverage
- Available with premium 48-inch white ash handles or fiberglass handles with steel-reinforced sockets
- Wood handles include a 10-inch cushioned end grip
- Fiberglass handles include a 9-inch cushioned end grip with rubber liner and a 12-inch mid-handle grip
RAZOR-BACK SuperSocket shovels with the Power-Step feature are positioned as professional-grade tools for demanding jobs.
View photos from AMES Tool School in the gallery below.
Ames manufacturing facts:
- North American hardwoods are sourced from mills along the Appalachian region.
- All shovel heads made in the USA are produced from U.S.-sourced steel.
- Manufacturing is vertically integrated in the U.S., including wood turning, steel forming, forging, stamping, tempering, welding, injection molding and final assembly.
- The Harrisburg, PA facility houses the world’s largest wheelbarrow factory, producing about one wheelbarrow every six seconds.
- The Camp Hill, PA plant manufactures long-handle tools, striking tools and hose reels, producing approximately 16 million units annually.
- The Carlisle, PA complex is AMES’ largest assembly and distribution center, producing over 19 million units each year.