About Assenmacher Specialty Tools
About Assenmacher Specialty Tools
Assenmacher Specialty Tools, often shortened to AST, was founded in 1978 by Gerhard Assenmacher in Boulder, Colorado. Gerhard had emigrated to the United States and built a successful auto repair business in New York State, and it was from that hands-on repair experience that he began designing specialty tools to solve problems he encountered on the shop floor.
That practical, repair-shop origin shaped the company's focus: specialty tools, cooling system adapters, oil change products, cam alignment tools, and disconnect tools engineered for Asian, domestic, and European vehicles. AST has stayed independently owned since its founding, a rarity in a tool industry that has consolidated heavily over the decades.
Operating out of Boulder with a workforce in the 11 to 50 employee range, AST continues to serve independent repair shops and dealership technicians who need tools built for a specific make or engine family rather than generic universal fits. On ChatMRO, technicians can describe the vehicle make, engine, or repair task to find the matching AST tool.
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Frequently asked questions
What vehicle makes does Assenmacher Specialty Tools support?
AST designs tools for Asian, domestic, and European vehicles, with many products built around a specific make or engine family rather than a universal fit. Buyers should specify the vehicle make and engine when requesting a tool.
What is AST's most common product category?
Cam alignment tools, cooling system adapters, oil change products, and disconnect tools make up the core of the catalog. These categories reflect the day-to-day repair tasks the founder encountered running his own auto repair shop.
Who founded Assenmacher Specialty Tools?
Gerhard Assenmacher founded the company in 1978 in Boulder, Colorado, after running a successful auto repair business in New York State. His hands-on repair background directly shaped the tools AST went on to design.
Is Assenmacher Specialty Tools still independently owned?
Yes, AST has remained an independently owned tool company since its founding, which is relatively unusual in an industry where many specialty tool makers have been acquired by larger equipment groups. The company still operates out of Boulder, Colorado.
How do I find the right Assenmacher tool for my repair on ChatMRO?
Describe the vehicle make, engine, and specific repair task, and ChatMRO's search will surface matching AST tools. For shop-wide tool orders, submit the details through the RFQ form.