Our Family Invention's Story

Father-and-Son Crafted Claw Tool Made in Redwood City, California

In 2020, our father-and-son machine tool shop in Redwood City, California set out to recreate a classic: the Herbert Arnold 3-claw flange-driven glass tool. What began as a faithful copy quickly revealed limitations when used on glass lathes and roller setups—opening the door to innovation. (patent link)

The Challenge With Traditional 3-Claw Glass Tools

While the original 3-claw flange tool works well by hand, it can find that the tool can be difficult to use. The claws freely move and can get stuck.

The Breakthrough: Patented 4-Bar Linkage System

To solve this, we developed and implemented a patented 4-bar linkage system. This mechanism allows the tool to self-center automatically and apply even pressure throughout rotation, dramatically improving control and repeatability on lathes and rollers.

Built for Precision Glassblowing

Our redesigned glass flange tool is ideal for:

• Glass lathe operations

• Roller and bench setups

• Precision flange forming

• Production and studio glassblowing

The 4-bar linkage reduces fatigue, improves accuracy, and delivers smoother, more consistent results.

Made in California, Built to Last

Every tool is designed and built by a father-and-son team in Redwood City, California, continuing a hands-on American glass toolmaking tradition.

We honor classic designs while advancing them for modern glassblowers.