Baum Tools Unlimited Inc. was founded in Los Angeles, California by Charles Baum in 1959. Beginning as a tool jobber, Charles Baum supplied Volkswagen and Porsche repair shops with metric hand tools from the Belzer Tool Company of Germany. Soon realizing that the use of special tools not only saved time for the mechanic, but generated higher earnings for the repair shop, he expanded into an extensive line of VW and Porsche specialties. As his customers businesses succeeded, so did Baum Tools.

As the business grew, Baum Tools expanded into Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo and Saab special tools. In the late 1970's Baum Tools complete operations moved to Sarasota, Florida. Then in the late 1980's, as advanced electronic control systems where introduced into European automobiles, Baum Tools expanded into the area of diagnostic tools, quickly becoming the leader in the field for European applications.

As a leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of European automotive special tools, Baum Tools partnered with Stahlwille of North America and Kukko Tools of Germany in 1997 to bring an expanded selection of high quality German tools for Automotive, Aerospace and Industrial applications.

Baum Tools has now assembled the most comprehensive "in stock" selection of OEM and aftermarket special tools available in the USA. Recently with the addition of a second warehouse in Sarasota Baum Tools has more than eight thousand different items in stock. This makes Baum Tools a one stop shop for the European automotive repair and service specialist.