Draper Tools started out in 1919 when the founder, Bert Draper, sold government surplus and tools around the Kingston Upon Thames' markets. This led to the purchase of the original warehouse, from which the Draper Tool Company Limited as we know it today was born, although at this time it was known as B. Draper & Son Limited and owned the trademark B.D.S.
Although Drapers sold its own brand as early as this time, it was also a quality Engineers Merchant and Tool Wholesaler, selling brands well known today, such as, Britool, King Dick, Elliott Lucas, etc. Bert Draper Passed away in 1963 and control of the Company passed to his son Norman. With the increased business and cramped conditions at Kingston, Norman purchased the freehold rights to the current premises in Chandler's Ford, Hampshire at auction in 1963.
Norman pushed the business forward dramatically and developed the 'Draper' brand as we know it today, by importing quality tools from all around the World. He also established 'exclusive' relationships on a family to family basis, with such Companies as Elora and Knipex, which still exist today. Norman died in 1994 and the Company is now run by his son, John. His wife Joan, who passed away in 1999, produced, almost single-handed, the Company's first type-written catalogue in 1953. This level of family involvement would be rare in any other company of this size in the UK... But then Draper Tools is no 'other company!'
John took over the reins in 1992 with the task of taking the company into the new century. Draper Tools continues to thrive on a mixture of inward investment, active support for the independent stockist, striving for operational efficiency and all underpinned by the golden rule since 1919 - Guaranteed Quality.
The current premises in Chandler's Ford have been added to considerably since its purchase and has now reached a size of 400,000 sq.ft. It is now probably the largest stock of tools in one place in the UK.
Draper Expert range of socket sets are far better quality than those of bad old days, but even when the poor quality control of the past caused drives to strip, replacement drive mechanisms were available as standard. I have two sets that I purchased in the late 1980s that are still going strong. The only fault I've had in all that time is a stripped 1/4" ratchet drive thanks to an apprentice using it with a 13mm socket and length of steel conduit as a handle extension, trying to tighten a nut to a level of torque that demanded a 1/2" drive. Once the drive mechanism was replaced it was as good as new.
The biggest mistake people make with ratchet drives is to assume they are maintenance free. They should be periodically stripped and cleaned, lightly oiled or greased depending on the manufacturers recommendation, and reassembled to ensure a long working life.
http://www.draper.co.uk/catalogue/index.html
