Albertson & Co. was founded in 1914 by Oscar Albertson and Harold Jacobson. They made piston rings and spark plugs. In 1917 they introduced a valve lathe. In the early 1920s they began making handheld power tools, including sanders, drills, hot air guns, etc. In 1958 they introduced a line of air-powered tools.

At the beginning of 1967 the company name changed to Sioux Tools, Inc. At some point they produced a bench grinder that was sold both under the Sioux Tools name and under the Sears Craftsman brand, with model-number prefix 310. In 1994 Sioux Tools became a division of Snap-on, Inc.

Information Sources

• The name change from Albertson & Co. to Sioux Tools, Inc. was effective Jan. 1, 1967 according to an announcement in the Sioux City Journal, Dec. 21, 1966.
• We have seen tools and bench grinders bearing the "Rural Craft" or "Sioux Rural Craft" names, from the Ruralcraft Division of Albertson & Co. These tools seem to be less expensive versions of the regular Sioux tools.
• The following history is from a 2007 Sioux catalog.

  Sioux Tools has a long and proud heritage of innovation as they have helped to shape the face of the tool industry. The company was started in November of 1914 by Swedish tool maker, Oscar Albertson, and office boy, Harold Jacobson, with a goal to become the “best machine and tool shop”. Sioux has since grown to become a trusted partner by a wide range of industrial and manufacturing segments.

  Originally named Albertson & Company, the first items manufactured were piston rings, spark plugs and a gas saver. They soon expanded their line to become a powerful force in the marketplace. In early 1917, Oscar Albertson designed a valve lathe- a hand tool used to seat engine valves. This invention proved to be the foundation upon which Sioux Tools has built a reputation for innovation throughout the world.

  During the 1920s the company revolutionized the tool industry by introducing some of the very first hand held power tools. In 1958 the company further solidified its position as a market leader by designing and producing its first air powered tools. Today, Sioux Tools has been granted well over 100 patents. Innovation, ingenuity and insight have established Sioux tools in the minds of the professional as the tool to depend on. Our commitment to continued development in ergonomics and innovative design ensures that we will meet the needs of professionals for many years to come.

  Wherever there are markets for quality-built, reliable products, backed by strong after-sale dedication to customer satisfaction, you’ll find Sioux Tools. Today we continue to strive to live up to our founding father’s wish of being the “best in the world”.

  In 1994 Sioux Tools joined Snap-on Incorporated, which added industrial power tools to the extensive Snap-on line. Snap-on Incorporated is a leading global developer, manufacturer and marketer of tool and equipment solutions for professional tool users. Product lines include hand and power tools, diagnostics and shop equipment, tool storage products, diagnostics software and other solutions for the transportation service, industrial, government, education, agricultural, and other commercial applications, including construction and electrical. Founded in 1920, Snap-on is a $2+ billion, S&P 500 company headquartered in Kenosha, Wisconsin and employs approximately 14,000 worldwide

• More history and machine information can be found at the Sioux Tools web site.