Est. 1880
Heritage & History
Laroy Sunderland Starrett founded the company in Athol, Massachusetts in 1880, initially producing the Starrett combination square — a versatile layout tool that combined the functions of a try square, miter square, depth gauge, and level in a single precision instrument. The combination square design was so successful that it established the company's identity and gave machinists a tool they could use for multiple layout tasks without multiple instruments.
Starrett has operated continuously from Athol for over 140 years, through economic depressions, two World Wars, and repeated waves of overseas competition in precision tools. The company's survival reflects the genuine quality differential that precision measurement demands — when a micrometer needs to be accurate to 0.0001 inch, the machining and calibration tolerances required cannot be easily replicated at low-cost production facilities.
Made in Athol, Massachusetts
Starrett machines, grinds, and calibrates its tools at the Athol facility. The combination squares are machined from hardened steel blanks, then ground to flatness specifications that define the accuracy of every subsequent measurement made with the tool. Steel rules are hardened, straightened, graduated, and chrome-plated at the same facility. Micrometers are assembled from machined components with carbide anvil faces and calibrated against precision gauge blocks.
The manufacturing process for precision tools is inherently labor-intensive in ways that resist full automation — the final calibration and inspection steps require human judgment that cannot be reliably replaced by machine vision systems at the tolerances Starrett's specifications demand. This labor intensity is part of why Starrett has maintained domestic production while less demanding tool categories moved offshore.
What Sets Them Apart
Starrett's advantage is measurable accuracy — the combination of steel selection, hardening, and grinding that produces a measurement tool whose readings can be trusted over decades of use. A Starrett micrometer purchased in 1950 and properly maintained will still measure accurately today. This durability-precision combination is why Starrett tools are standard issue in American machine shops and why the company's instruments are found in university engineering programs, aerospace facilities, and Navy shipyards.
For tradespeople and machinists who rely on their tools for livelihood, the investment in Starrett accuracy is economically rational — a measurement error that causes a rejected part costs more than the price difference between Starrett and a cheaper alternative. The Athol, Massachusetts production represents over 140 years of accumulated knowledge about precision manufacturing that is not easily replicated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starrett made in the USA?
Yes. Starrett manufactures 5 verified products in Athol, MA. L.S. Starrett Company has manufactured precision measuring tools in Athol, Massachusetts since 1880, establishing the American standard for accuracy in machine shops, quality labs, and trade workshops across the country.
Where is Starrett manufactured?
Starrett is headquartered in Athol, MA. Manufacturing takes place in Athol, MA.
What Starrett products can I buy?
We carry 5 verified Starrett products across Tools & Hardware. Every listing links directly to Amazon with verified American manufacturing.
When was Starrett founded?
Starrett was founded in 1880. L.S. Starrett Company has manufactured precision measuring tools in Athol, Massachusetts since 1880, establishing the American standard for accuracy in machine shops, quality labs, and trade workshops across the country.