Big Gator Tools’
story starts back 15 years ago, when the owner, Bruce Rooney was working as a machinist. He had made a tap guide that everyone seemed to be drawn to. In fact, every time he turned around someone had taken it out of his toolbox to use while he was at work.
With everyone wanting to use his tap guide, Mr. Rooney realized his creation was a product that everyone should have the opportunity to own. He filed and received patents on it, named it the V-TapGuide®, and began marketing his new product in 2005. With this, Big Gator Tools originated.
The tap guide expanded into a metric version, and then Screw Thread Inserts for Heil-Coil® type taps – coarse & fine thread. Mr. Rooney then decided to make a drill guide. The V-DrillGuide® was launched in 2013. Both of these tools, the Standard V-TapGuide® & Standard V-DrillGuide® (1/8”-3/8”) have gone on to win the PTEN Innovation awards in 2013.
The drill guide line has continued to grow and now has six different drill guide sizes. They have won the Pro Tool Innovation Awards in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Also the PTEN award again in 2019.
In 2020 Big Gator Tools was invited to represent the State of Kansas for the Made in America Product Showcase at the White House. It was a great honor to be selected for the drill and tap guides.
Big Gator Tools is very proud to have stayed strong during these 15+ years in business and has flourished. Being a family-owned and operated business has been a dream come true and they can’t wait to continue growing and launching new, innovating products. With all of the drill guides and tap guides being 100% USA-made, including the packaging.
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