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What makes a brand rank among the best tool brands? It’s not an easy question to answer. At BobVila.com, our editorial team has considerable experience with both professional and DIY woodworking, so we have some pretty strong opinions on the subject. DIY users generally want a capable, reliable tool at a reasonable price. Professionals who depend on tools for their livelihood will usually spend a little more for a tool that will withstand the often harsh environment of the jobsite and provide maximum performance.
Finding a manufacturer that meets your standards is often the first crucial step of curating a tool collection. Not only can an allegiance to a specific brand make future purchasing decisions easier, but it can also be more cost-efficient. Packaged deals that offer savings incentives to purchase multiple tools all at once, ranging from a drill and hammer drill combo to a 300-piece mechanic’s tool set, make it possible to stock the shelves with great tools at a reduced cost. Moreover, cordless tools from the same manufacturer and line can share accessories and rechargeable batteries, saving time and money if the purchases are considered in advance and selected to work with the same products.
So, what is the best tool brand? While the answer might depend on who you ask, certain brands consistently top independent tool reviews. We’ve taken a closer look at a wide range of well-known tool brands by delving into their backgrounds. For each brand, we’ve also selected some of the top products that are typical of the brand’s high standards. Realistically, most people develop a couple of favorites. Continue reading to learn more about the best tool brands to help you stock your workbench and toolbox.
1. Ryobi
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: One+ 18-Volt Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit ($299 at The Home Depot), One+ 18-Volt Cordless String Trimmer/ Edger ($79 at The Home Depot), and One+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit ($79.00 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Best Ryobi Drills
Offerings: Power Tools, Lawn and Garden Equipment
Ryobi’s recent U.S. and European operations seem to have focused on the cordless market in the areas of power tools and lawn and garden equipment. Ryobi manufactures well-designed products with competitive performance aimed at the upper end of the home user market. Part of the company’s popularity is undoubtedly due to the fact that while it has made significant improvements in battery technology, the battery packs themselves offer backward compatibility and will still fit tools made as far back as 1996.
The convenience offered by Ryobi tools is clearly user-focused, ensuring that the company honors the loyalty of their longtime customers by making it more affordable for them to continue using their existing Ryobi tools, instead of forcing DIYers into a costly upgrade by changing the compatibility of the batteries.
Shop Ryobi tools at The Home Depot.
2. Ridgid Tools
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum ($99.98 at The Home Depot), 18-Volt Brushless Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit ($179 at The Home Depot), and 15 Amp Portable Table Saw with Stand ($549.00 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Best Table Saw
Offerings: Pro and DIY Power Tools, Accessories, Outdoor Power Equipment
The brand’s core products have always been durable hand tools for the construction, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades. Ridgid Tools also produces associated inspection devices. Most of these tools are manufactured in its U.S. facility. Additionally, the company offers a range of professionally focused power tools, though these are largely manufactured in Hong Kong.
Ridgid Tools is perhaps one of the lesser-known tool brands outside the professional market, but with affordable prices and high quality products, the company aims to attract both experienced and beginner DIYers. They even have a variety of hand tools and specialized power tools for specific jobs around the home and the job site.
Shop Ridgid tools at The Home Depot.
3. DeWalt
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Top Products: 20-Volt Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit ($139.00 at Amazon), 20-Volt Max Cordless Reciprocating Saw ($99.00 at The Home Depot), and Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw ($499.00 at Amazon) as tested in the Best DeWalt Miter Saws
Offerings: Power Tools, Hand Tools, Outdoor, Safety Equipment, Fasteners, and More
A combination of power and durability has long made DeWalt tools among contractors’ favorites. These are definitely tools that focus on the professional user, and the prices reflect that fact. However, DeWalt’s reputation for reliability is such that these tools are also popular with DIY users who see the value in a long-term investment.
In fact, DeWalt is one of the most trusted power tools brands throughout the country, which isn’t an easy accomplishment given the wide variety of top tool brands available.The brand has more than earned this accolade, with a range of both common and specialized power tools that meet the needs of pros and DIYers alike.
Shop DeWalt tools at:
4. Milwaukee
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Top Products: M12 Fuel 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit ($229.00 at Ace Hardware), M18 Fuel 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Handheld Blower Tool ($129.00 at The Home Depot), and M18 Brushless Drill/Driver ($161.32 at Amazon) as tested in the Best Milwaukee Drills
Offerings: Indoor and Outdoor Power Tools, Hand Tools, Testing Instruments, and more
Milwaukee was the first company to manufacture a hammer drill that worked as an ordinary drill and introduced the reciprocating saw, or Sawzall. From the mid-1970s to 2005, the company went through various ownerships and is now part of Techtronic Industries.
Milwaukee has always been a leading electric power tool brand, only recently moving into hand tools, workwear, and storage. In terms of product quality and reliability, the brand is often compared with DeWalt. These are premium-priced tools for professional users and are also popular with DIYers looking for something more than budget brands.
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5. Craftsman
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: 57-Piece Mechanics Tool Set ($45.00 at Amazon), 8- and 10-Inch Pliers Set ($14.98 at Amazon), and 3,000-Watt Gas Portable Generator ($899.00 at Amazon) as tested in the Craftsman 3,000-Watt Generator Review
Offerings: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Outdoor Equipment, Accessories, and More
Long considered one of the great home-grown American tool brands, Craftsman tools represent good value for the DIY user. Sears created the Craftsman tool brand in 1927, which was initially only available through Sears and later Kmart. The company soon expanded its production of hand tools and now also offers power tools, gardening equipment, mechanic tool sets, work clothing, and footwear.
While some professionals may have a few Craftsman tools on hand, this brand is targeted at DIYers. The wide assortment of hand and power tools are made and sold at an affordable price, helping beginner DIYers get started on their home repair, maintenance, and renovation journeys.
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6. Black & Decker
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: 20-Volt Max PowerConnect Cordless Drill ($69.99 at Amazon), Black& Decker 42-Piece Bit Set ($9.08 at Amazon), and 20V MAX Cordless Trimmer Kit ($99.98 at Lowe’s) as tested in the Best Battery Trimmer
Offerings: Indoor and Outdoor Power Tools, Hand Tools, Home Care, and Accessories
The original Black & Decker company was a machine shop founded in Baltimore in 1920. It grew to become one of the world’s leading makers of affordable power tools for home and garden use. Black & Decker’s well-known strengths have been proved time and again in manufacturing some of the best value for money products for the DIY market.
Beginner DIYers looking to put together a simple tool kit for home repair and maintenance will appreciate both the price and quality of Black & Decker tools. This affordability makes it possible for DIYers to take on new home renovation challenges, instead of spending their hard-earned money paying for professional repairs and upgrades.
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7. Irwin
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: Vise-Grip Wire Stripping Tool ($13.99 at Amazon), 8-Piece Vise-Grip GrooveLock Pliers Set ($99.99 at Amazon), and 29-Piece Drill Bit Set ($129.99 at Amazon) as tested in the Best Cobalt Drill Bits
Offerings: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Workspace Equipment, and Accessories
Initially, Irwin’s primary markets were professional carpenters and associated trades, and the American-made tools always had a reputation for durability and precision. Production now occurs mostly in China, and while there are some critics, it seems that Irwin has preserved its reputation through this change.
The company manufactures a wide range of drill bits, in addition to saws, chisels, hammers, pliers, wrenches, snips, screwdrivers, knives, levels, and squares. These are certainly not cheap tools, but they remain a contractor standard and are popular among DIY users looking for above-average quality.
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8. Wen
Price Range: $ to $$
Top Products: Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft ($18.89 at Amazon), 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer ($39.97 at Amazon), and 5 Amp Variable Speed Drywall Sander ($116.06 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Wen Drywall Sander Review
Offerings: Power Tools, Lawn and Garden, Power Generation, and Accessories
The large Wen range includes power tools, generators, and garden equipment. Headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, Wen has been in business since 1951. Though its products sometimes lack the latest innovations, Wen uses proven technologies, and its power tools are invariably durable and reliable.
Among independent reviewers, Wen is often valued as the best tool brand for the money. This means that DIYers will have the opportunity to get the tools they want without needing to pay the premium price for a premium brand, giving DIYers the chance to experience more niche tools and tackle projects that they were previously forced to put on the backburner.
Shop Wen tools at:
9. Kobalt
Price Range: $ to $$$
Top Products: 24-Volt Max Variable Speed Brushless ½-Inch Drive Cordless Impact Wrench ($199.00 at Lowe’s), 5-Piece Pliers Set ($34.49 at Amazon), and 26-Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor ($419.00 at Lowes) as tested in the Best Air Compressor
Offerings: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Lawn and Garden Equipment, Storage, and More
While Kobalt’s reputation perhaps isn’t at the same level as professional tool brands like Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita, it is still considered a high-quality tool producer that sits above the run-of-the-mill budget market. The term “prosumer” specifies the middle ground between DIYer and professional, and it suits Kobalt tools well.
Kobalt offers high quality products at an affordable price, giving DIYers the opportunity to get professional-level tools without worrying about the impact to their bank accounts. The brand manufactures drills, drivers, power tool accessories, saws, chargers, and more, though savvy DIY investors may want to purchase the bundled power tool combo kits to fully outfit their home workshop.
Shop Kobalt tools at:
10. Skil
Price Range: $ to $$$
Top Products: Rechargeable 4-Volt Cordless Screwdriver ($29.97 at Amazon), 50-Foot Red Self-Leveling Cross Line Laser Level ($59.21 at Amazon), and 15 Amp Circular Saw ($59.00 at Amazon) as tested in the Best Circular Saws
Offerings: Power Tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, Accessories, Storage, and More
The company’s first product, the worm-drive circular saw, was incredibly popular on construction sites despite being very expensive for the time. This saw set the foundation for Skil becoming known as “the” saw company for decades, though the brand now includes many different tools.
Though it can be slightly confusing for consumers, Skil uses two brand names to differentiate target markets. Skil tools are intended for the DIY user, while those branded Skilsaw are for more professional use in construction and other trades. Specifications and prices reflect this difference. This allows Skil to sit in an ideal position between both professionals and DIY consumers.
Shop Skil tools at:
11. Stanley Tools
Price Range: $ to $$$
Top Products: 6 Gallon Wet/Dry Vac ($49.99 at The Home Depot), 1,000 Lumen Rechargeable Spotlight Flashlight ($39.56 at Amazon), and 65-Piece Home Tool Kit ($54.89 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Stanley Home Tool Set Review
Offerings: Hand Tools, Indoor and Outdoor Power Tools, Fasteners, Storage, and More
Stanley Tools is one of the best hand tool brands for both the professional and DIY market, offering a wide assortment of products from screwdrivers and hammers to chisels, pliers, and wrenches. However, Stanley Tools doesn’t just carry hand tools; they also have a catalogue of power tools that mostly specialize in jobsite cleanup.
From a power washer to clean the driveway, a shop vac to clean up after a messy woodworking project to a portable car battery charger to ensure your vehicles are ready when needed or a simple power tool set, Stanley Tools has the right product.
Shop Stanley tools at:
12. Metabo
Price Range: $$ to $$$
Top Products: HPT 3.6-Volt Cordless Screwdriver Kit ($59.00 at Amazon), HPT 18-Volt MultiVolt Cordless Oscillating Tool, No Battery ($99.00 at Amazon), and 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit ($58.49 at Amazon) as tested in the Best Brad Nailer
Offerings: Power Tools, Hand Tools, and Accessories
Although not as well-known in the U.S., the Metabo power tool range continues to expand, including a variety of cordless models that offer competitive performance thanks to lithium-ion high-density (LiHD) technology that claims to deliver up to 30 percent more power than standard power tool batteries.
While this brand does carry hand tools, the company tends to focus on small power tools that can take advantage of their battery technology, such as drills, drivers, and oscillating tools. These powered devices are designed for the convenience of the user, making it easier to tackle small jobs both around the home or at the job site.
Shop Metabo tools at:
13. Husky Tools
Price Range: $$ to $$$
Top Products: 290-Piece Mechanics Tool Set ($249.00 at The Home Depot), Standard Duty 9-Drawer Mobile Workbench Tool Chest ($698.00 at The Home Depot), and 10,000 Lumen Twin-Head LED Work Light ($138.00 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Best Power Tools and DIY Essentials
Offerings: Hand Tools, Pneumatic Tools, Tool Storage and Organization, and Accessories
“Husky” is sometimes used as a shortened version of Husqvarna, the well-known garden equipment manufacturer. However, Husky Tools is a completely unrelated company. Originally Husky Wrench of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, it was founded in 1924.
The brand has mostly decided not to compete in the crowded power tools market, focusing instead on hand tools, compressor-driven pneumatic tools, and a wide range of cabinets and tool chests. Like Kobalt, Husky Tools satisfies the needs of the prosumer market with quality equipment that offers savings over the leading tool brands.
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14. Makita
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Top Products: 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 2-Piece Drill Kit ($269.00 at The Home Depot), 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Random Orbit Sander ($113.33 at Amazon), and 18V X2 Brush Cutter Kit ($699.00 at The Home Depot) as tested in the Makita Brush Cutter Review
Offerings: Power Tools, Outdoor Equipment, Pneumatic Tools, and More
Makita started as a motor repair company, introducing its first power tool (a hand-held planer) in 1958 and its first cordless tool (a drill) back in 1978. The company has since grown to become one of the undoubted leaders in the cordless market with an extensive collection of workshop, job site, and garden tools.
These tools are not the best options for DIY users on a budget, but pricing is competitive with other professional-standard tools, which is why many contractors and other tradespeople are often seen with one or more Makita tools on hand.
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15. Hilti
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Top Products: 120-Volt SDS-Plus Hammer Drill Kit ($529.00 at The Home Depot), 22-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw ($389.00 at The Home Depot), and 22-Volt Cordless Reciprocating Saw ($199.00 at The Home Depot)
Offerings: Power Tools, Measuring Tools, Shop Management and Protection, and More
While Hilti offers some tools that could fill up a DIYer’s toolbox, the majority of their products are aimed at professionals in the construction, manufacturing, and building maintenance sectors—and the prices reflect that. However, those who have the budget to spend on Hilti tools won’t be disappointed by the high quality and long-lasting durability of these products.
Their product lineup includes power tools, such as demolition hammers, rotary hammers, and diamond cutting tools, dust management tools, firestop and fire prevention products, measuring tools, specialty cordless tools, and more. With such an impressive range of tools, it should come as no surprise that Hilti is favored by trades professions country-wide.
Shop Hilti tools at:
16. Bosch
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Top Products: Blaze 165 ft. Laser Distance Tape Measuring Tool ($112.73 at The Home Depot), Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Power Drill ($184.41 at Amazon), and 18-Volt Cordless Variable Oscillating Tool ($79.00 at Lowes) as tested in the Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Tool Review
Offerings: Hand Tools, Power Tools, Measuring Tools, Accessories, and More
Bosch is credited with introducing the first hammer drill in 1932, and that tradition of invention continues with the company boasting the development of at least 100 new products every year. High manufacturing standards make them among the most reliable tools available.
While undoubtedly a premium brand, many Bosch tools are within the price range of keen DIY enthusiasts, and these tools are a favorite among professional tradespeople. This is due to the high quality, long life span, and impressive variety of features Bosch tools deliver.
Shop Bosch tools at:
How We Chose the Best Tool Brands
There is a lot to consider when choosing the best tool brand. Selecting a brand is an important decision for DIYers and professionals, as it’s easier to use a suite of tools from one brand than spending time juggling various batteries and chargers from multiple brands. With this in mind, we carefully reviewed many of the popular tool brands.
When searching for brands to include in our list of the best tool brands, we evaluated each on its reputation for quality, availability from easy-to-find retailers, range of tool selection, and history of innovation. As not every tool user is a professional, we included brands that also offered affordable tools to meet the budgets of users who do not use tools professionally.
FAQs
Q: What is the best power tool brand?
According to this study, DeWalt, Craftsman, and Bosch are among the most trusted power tool brands. That said, it ultimately depends on which power tool you’re using and what you’re using it for. For example, auto mechanics might disagree with home improvement contractors on which impact drivers are best. The key is to ascertain your needs and budget, then balance those with well-reviewed products. All of the brands listed above manufacture durable, reliable power tools well-suited to a variety of needs and budgets.
Q: Where are Milwaukee tools made?
Milwaukee has manufacturing facilities in Mississippi and Wisconsin, having expanded facilities as recently as 2021. They also have manufacturing facilities in Europe and China.
Q: Where are DeWalt tools made?
DeWalt tools are made with both global and domestic parts, but it has seven manufacturing facilities in Connecticut, Maryland, Indiana, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Q: Who owns Milwaukee tools?
Milwaukee is owned by Hong Kong-based Techtronic Industries, which develops, manufactures, and markets power tools. Milwaukee still maintains headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Q: Where are Craftsman tools made?
A variety of Craftsman products are made with global materials in South Carolina, Connecticut, Missouri, and Illinois.
Q: Who makes the best cordless power tools?
Familiar brands, such as DeWalt and Milwaukee are among the best, continually garnering rave reviews from homeowners and pros alike, but brands such Ryobi and Craftsman also make great cordless power tools. Check out this buyer’s guide for great power tool sets.
Q: Which power tool brand has the best batteries?
It depends on how much power, or voltage, is needed, charging time, run time, and warranty. For frequent and extended use, look for power tools that come with two batteries.
