In the inception of Strand Hardware, the quest for an apt brand name commenced. Initially, "Tool- Mate" was conceived with a hyphen, eventually merging into a single word. Approximately 25 to 30 years ago, our initial inventory comprised of unbranded bench grinders, totalling a hundred units. It became evident that affixing a distinct label was imperative. Several prerequisites guided our brand selection: superior quality, catering to discerning woodworkers seeking reliable machinery. Subsequently, Brian Jolly embarked on a foreign venture to identify suitable manufacturers in Taiwan and China, learning vital lessons regarding brand integrity and building relationships. Today, Toolmate has evolved significantly, coexisting harmoniously with our upmarket "Jet" brand. We established a dedicated servicing, repair, and spares division, catering to woodworkers of all scales.

In recent years, we have considerably expanded our Toolmate range, enabling us to offer a comprehensive selection of tools for any workshop, no matter how demanding our customer's requirements.