Our Numbers
5generations
136years as a family business
1666stockists
23million products sold
our history
- 2016
1880: Beginnings
Monument traces its history back to 1880 when George Collier started trading as a tool merchant in Cornwall Road, Brixton, London.August 23, 2016Read More
1905: Brothers in business
Arthur Collier takes on the Brixton business after George’s death. His brother Alfred sets up ‘A Collier & Co’ in King William Street, close to the ‘Monument’ to the Great Fire of London, selling lead dressers, plumbing and roofing tools.August 23, 2016Read More
1908: First Branding
Monument is first listed as a registered trade mark along with the ‘brand device’ – a representation of the ‘Monument’. Export plays an important role and branded moulding planes have been found in South Africa. Arthur Snr moves the business to Electric Avenue, Brixton.August 23, 2016Read More
1914-18: WW1 War Effort
When war breaks out, Arthur Collier Snr. starts making tools for the War Office, including wing compasses and engineers’ tools.August 23, 2016Read More
1924-30: Shetack
In 1924, Arthur Collier Snr. buys the patent to the Shetack Saw from the inventor. Then in 1930 he designs the Shetack Basin Wrench.August 23, 2016Read More
1931: New chapter
Arthur Collier Snr buys ‘A Collier & Co’ and with son A Collier Jnr, sells tools from Brixton Road. ‘The Shetack Tool Works Ltd’, selling only high quality products, is incorporated, and both brands Exhibit at The Building Exhibition National Hall Olympia.August 23, 2016Read More- 2014
1939-45: WW2 Production Line
Small parts made for the Ministry of Supply for the war effort including thousands of sets of instrument screwdrivers and rifle sights.July 15, 2014Read More
1955-60: Invention
First copper pipe cutters designed and produced in-house. The Monument professional adjustable basin wrench is invented and patented. John, son of Arthur Collier Jnr, joins the business.July 15, 2014Read More
1976: Brand recognition
Company changes name to ‘Monument Tools Ltd’ to enable better brand recognition.July 15, 2014Read More
1982 – 84: Awards and patents
Launch of the Size 0 Pipe Cutter, for cutting 4-22mm copper pipe. It wins award at the 1982 Spring Hardware Show. Design and patent of the Monument DIY Tap Reseater. Plastic injection moulding started in house.July 15, 2014Read More
1996: 5th Generation
The business moves to Hackbridge. Jonathan Collier becomes the 5th generation to join the company.July 15, 2014Read More
2004 – 2011: New future
New CNC machinery allows the In-house design and manufacture of the Stiffnuts range of products.July 15, 2014Read More
2015: Grip+
Launch of the Monument Grip+, the innovative advancement to the best selling Adjustable Basin Wrench.July 15, 2014Read More
