Frequently Asked Questions

We are pleased to announce a major product line expansion within the Kennametal portfolio of premier cutting tools. We also realize you may have questions. We try to answer many of them here. As always, if you still have questions or need help, please contact your local MSC branch or call us directly at 800-521-9520.

What's different?
Our world-class selection of cutting tools just got even better with a major product line expansion within the Kennametal portfolio of premier cutting tools. Our former brand portfolio of Greenfield Tap & Die (GTD), Hanita, Circle, Manchester, Metal Removal and Metcut products have been simplified under one Kennametal brand. As a result, we are offering top products that carry the Kennametal logo and continue to be manufactured by one of the most recognized and respected brands in the industry. The new Kennametal branded tools will have the same form, fit, function and performance standards as the previous products.

Why is MSC doing this?
Kennametal has launched a dual brand approach consisting of two distinct brand portfolios, Kennametal and Widia. MSC has chosen to align with the Kennametal platform because of the power, performance and quality assurance the Kennametal brand brings to our metalworking customers.

Why did MSC choose Kennametal over Widia?
We chose to move forward with the Kennametal platform for the following reasons:

1. Our customers will rest assured knowing that every tool branded Kennametal will deliver the highest level of customer satisfaction
2. Our customers have asked for access to the broadest and best portfolio of indexable and solid cutting tools
3. The relationships that we have built over the years with the Kennametal field support team will provide you with the very best level of manufacturing expertise
4. A single, best-in-class Kennametal branded portfolio will simplify the way we do business together

What about part numbers - will I have to update all of my records?
No. To make things as easy as possible for you, you can use the same item part numbers for all of your orders. We will simply send you the corresponding Kennametal branded tool with the same form, fit, function and performance standards. Beginning February 2012, you will begin to receive products with the Kennametal brand logo and markings.

Will MSC stock the new Kennametal products?
Yes, we are stocking all of these items, and will continue to provide our customers with the same excellent level of support. All of these items qualify for our same day shipment, next day delivery service at no additional cost.

Kennametal is a great brand but it can be expensive. Will my costs go up because of this change?
No, not at all! You will pay the same price you always paid for your previous product selection. Our goal is to make this as easy as possible for you and to continue helping you drive profitability with quality industrial solutions. We believe this product line expansion can help do just that.

This is very exciting, but what if I'd like to try the Kennametal tool first?
As in all other situations, our Metalworking Tech Team will be happy to support you with product recommendations and trial tools. Please contact your MSC representative, or call (800) 521-9520.

Do I have to buy Kennametal-branded products or can I still buy the GTD/Hanita/Metcut, etc., brands?
Similar to the brands that MSC does not offer today, we have always effectively sourced brands for our customers that MSC does not offer. We will take the same approach with the Widia brands and our team of Customer Service Representatives will be glad to assist you. We are committed to ensuring you receive products that perform at an equal or better level under the Kennametal brand offering and will work with you to make that happen.

What if Kennametal does not offer the equivalent of the tool that I am looking for?
In the unlikely event that Kennametal does not offer an equivalent tool, MSC will be happy to suggest an equal or better performing solution from one of our many world-class brands such as OSG, Niagara, Hertel or Accupro. Please enter the part number in the search window located at the top of this landing page, contact your MSC representative, or call (800) 521-9520 to obtain an alternative solution.

Is there an exact equivalent?
The new Kennametal branded tools will have the same form, fit, function and performance standards as the previous products, and you can expect the same high level of product quality and service you have come to expect from Kennametal and MSC. In the event that Kennametal does not offer an exact equivalent product, we are confident that as the world's largest supplier of cutting tools, we will be able to offer you an equal or better alternative from our broad product offering.

I have additional questions, who can I speak to?
As always, our team of Customer Service Representatives are available to answer any questions and assist you in making your purchase decisions. Please call us at 1-800-521-9520 or visit us online for more information.