History

Draper Tools started out in 1919 when the founder, Bert Draper, sold government surplus and tools from a hand barrow around the Kingston Upon Thames' markets. This led to the purchase of the original warehouse (below), from which the Draper Tool Company Limited as we know it today was born, although at this time it was know as B.Draper & Son Limited and owned the trademark B.D.S.

The photograph above dates back to around c1953 and shows the outside of the premises in Kingston. The photograph (left), shows the inside of this building, with it's vast stock. A situation which is paramount in todays company, except, we hope, tidier! Bert Draper always used to say, "You can't sell nothing off an empty barrow!"

Draper delivery vehicles waiting to deliver, the Dodge on the left sports the old green and black livery.

A reps' calling card.... the tired old car was a joke we hasten to add!
Although Drapers sold it's 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 Chandlers 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 after a long illness and the Company is now run by his Son, John. In fact, his two Daughters, Margaret and Anne, still work in the Company. His wife Joan, who passed away in 1999, produced, almost single-handedly, 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 indepedent stockist, striving for operational efficiency and all underpinned by the golden rule since 1919 - Guaranteed Quality.
The current premises in Chandlers Ford, have been added to considerably since it's purchase and has now reached a size of 400,000sq.ft. It is now probably the largest stock of tools in one place in the UK.