The Best Tool Brands of 2023
Whether you’re a DIY user or professional, three factors are key when buying tools: performance, reliability, and value. In this article, we take a close look at the best tool brands for satisfying those demands.
Photo: homedepot.com
What makes a tool brand rank among the best tool brands? It’s not an easy question to answer. DIY users generally want a capable, reliable tool at a reasonable price. Professionals who depend on tools for their livelihood will generally spend a little more for a tool that will withstand the often harsh environment of the job site while maximizing performance.
Different people might have different ideas of what they consider the best tool brands. Nevertheless, certain brands are consistently at the top of independent tool reviews. Time and again, they fulfill the criteria buyers expect from them.
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 a tool that we feel is typical of the brand’s high standards.
1. Makita
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: A high-quality power tool brand that’s often innovative and has a particularly strong cordless range.
Price Range: $$$ to $$$$
The impact of Japanese brands on tool markets has been relatively recent, so it’s easy to think of them as young businesses. However, Makita has been around since 1915. The company is now a manufacturing giant, with factories in 10 countries covering the Far East, the Middle East, Europe, South and Central America, and the U.S.
Makita started as a motor repair company, introducing its first power tool (a hand-held planer) in 1958 and its first cordless tool (a drill) as far back as 1978. The company has since grown to become one of the undoubted leaders in the cordless market with an extensive collection of workshop, job site, and garden tools. These tools are not the best options for DIY users on a budget, but pricing is competitive with other professional-standard tools.
Top Products:
- Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw: This recipro saw offers versatile cutting in confined spaces. Light and easy to use, it has a high-efficiency brushless motor and rapid recharging. Get the Makita 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Cordless Recipro Saw on Amazon for $219
- Makita 18V X2 LXT Brushless Cordless Chain Saw Kit: Even if you only occasionally cut firewood, this battery-powered chainsaw comes with two batteries and a double charger. It’s a great deal for those already using other Makita 18-volt lithium-ion tools. Get the Makita 18V X2 LXT Brushless Cordless Chain Saw Kit on Amazon for $399
- Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion 8-Piece Kit: For those who need all the basic power tools, this is a complete set with drill, impact driver, circular saw, reciprocating saw, sander, impact wrench, and blower. Get the Makita 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion 8-Piece Kit at The Home Depot for $399
Shop for more Makita tools at:
2. Bosch
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About the Brand: Bosch has a strong German engineering background, producing an enormously diverse range of well-designed tools known for their reliability.
Price Range: $$ to $$$
Robert Bosch founded his engineering company in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1886. The company now operates in markets as diverse as automotive, energy, home appliances, and, of course, power tools. Unusually, 92 percent of Bosch is owned by a charitable institution, which uses profits for a range of cultural, social, and scientific projects.
Bosch is credited with introducing the first hammer drill in 1932, and that tradition of invention continues with the company boasting the development of at least 100 new products every year. High manufacturing standards make them among the most reliable tools available. While undoubtedly a premium brand, many Bosch tools are within the price range of keen DIY enthusiasts.
Top Products:
- Bosch BLAZE 65 ft. Laser Distance Tape Measuring Tool: While Bosch produces just about every power tool imaginable, its Laser Distance Tape Measuring Tool underlines the brand’s reputation for precision by providing virtually instant readings over a range of 65 feet with ⅛-inch accuracy. Get the Bosch BLAZE 65 ft. Laser Distance Tape Measuring Tool at The Home Depot for $49.97
- Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Power Drill: The Bulldog has three modes of operation: rotation, rotary hammer, and hammer only. It has a comfortable D-handle design and 36 bit positions. Get the Bosch Bulldog Xtreme Rotary Hammer Power Drill on Amazon for $166.59
Shop for more Bosch tools at:
3. DEWALT
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: DeWalt’s extensive range of high-performance power tools have long been one of the top choices of contractors and tradespeople.
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Back in 1924, Pennsylvania craftsman Raymond E. DeWalt took a standard chop saw and made the first radial arm saw, a tool that gained immense popularity in pro woodworking shops. DeWalt Inc. was formed in 1947. The company now has factories in a number of countries and seven manufacturing facilities in the U.S. In 2010, DeWalt became part of the Stanley Black & Decker Group.
A combination of power and durability has long made DeWalt tools among contractors’ favorites. These are definitely tools that focus on the professional user, and the prices reflect that fact. However, DeWalt’s reputation for reliability is such that these tools are also popular with DIY users who see the value as a long-term investment.
Top Products:
- DeWalt 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Drill: As both a powerful hammer drill and a lightweight demolition tool, this exemplifies the brand’s ability to blend class-leading power with user-friendly features. Get the DeWalt 20V Max SDS Rotary Hammer Drill on Amazon for $277.99
- DeWalt FLEXVOLT 12-in. Miter Saw: Offering the ability to use both corded or cordless, this sliding compound miter saw offers unlimited runtime. Get the DeWalt FLEXVOLT 12-in. Miter Saw at The Home Depot for $799
Shop for more DeWalt tools at:
4. CRAFTSMAN
Photo: sears.com
About the Brand: Craftsman hand and power tools are a DIY favorite, offering great value for the price.
Price Range: $ to $$
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, work clothing, and footwear.
Long considered one of the great home-grown American tool brands, Craftsman manufacturing now occurs mostly in Taiwan, though automotive tool production remains in the U.S. In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the brand, though Sears retained certain rights and still sells Craftsman tools. Though critics suggest quality control is not always what it used to be, Craftsman tools still represent good value for the DIY user.
Top Products:
- Craftsman 115-Piece Mechanic Tool Set: This is a fine example of the capable and affordable tools offered by the brand that is focused on meeting the value and performance expectations of the home user. Get the Craftsman 115-Piece Mechanic Tool Set at Sears $62.99
- Craftsman 22-in 1-Drawer Tool Box: A multilevel rolling work station, this tool box can handle tough terrain and 88 pounds of load. Get the Craftsman 22-in 1-Drawer Tool Box at Lowe’s for $94.98
Shop for more Craftsman tools at:
5. Stanley Black & Decker
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About the Brand: Stanley Works is one of the world’s best-known hand tool brands, and Black & Decker is a leader in affordable power tools. While the tool brand is now called Black & Decker, the company name represents the two companies as Stanley Black & Decker.
Price Range: $ to $$
Frederick Trent Stanley started making door hardware back in 1843. Then, cousin Henry Stanley founded the Stanley Rule and Level company in 1857. Both companies were based in New Britain, Connecticut, merging into Stanley Works in 1920.
The original Black & Decker company was a machine shop founded in Baltimore, coincidentally also in 1920. It grew to become one of the world’s leading makers of affordable power tools for home and garden use.
In 2010, Stanley Works and Black & Decker merged and have gone on to acquire many of the best tool brands around the world, including Bostitch, Craftsman, DeWalt, Irwin Tools, and Porter Cable. However, each still retains a separate identity with its own brand values. Stanley’s core strength is still hand tools; Black & Decker’s strength is value for money for the DIY market.
Top Products:
- Stanley Quick-Change Retractable Utility Knife: A tool often found in professional and DIY tool kits around the world, this box cutter is so popular that it is known simply as a Stanley knife to many users. Get the Stanley Quick-Change Retractable Utility Knife on Amazon for $21.48
- BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill: An inexpensive drill with 20 volts of power, 24 position clutch, and 30 accessories, this tool can help DIYers get many kinds of projects done. Get the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill on Amazon for $81.02
Shop for more Stanley Black & Decker tools at:
6. RIDGID Tools
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About the Brand: Although RIDGID Tools manufactures an increasingly diverse range of products, it is perhaps best known for tough tools for plumbing and construction trades.
Price Range: $ to $$
RIDGID Tools began in North Ridgeville, Ohio, in 1923 and moved to its current base in Elyria, Ohio, in 1943. Since 1966, the company has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Emerson Electric.
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. While pricing is competitive at that level, it puts the company’s products beyond the budget of many DIY users.
Top Products:
- RIDGID 14 in. Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench: If a single tool represents the RIDGID brand, it’s the 14-inch Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench. It was first introduced by the company in 1923 and has become a symbol of the brand’s strength and durability. Get the RIDGID 14 in. Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench at The Home Depot for $31.27
- RIDGID 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum: Part of the NXT line, this wet/dry vacuum has several accessories, cord and accessory storage, and a blower port. Get the RIDGID 12-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum at The Home Depot for $74.97
Shop for more Ridgid tools at:
7. Kobalt
Photo: lowes.com
About the Brand: Kobalt is the house brand of Lowe’s and offers competitively priced tools for the midrange so-called “prosumer” market.
Price Range: $ to $$$
Lowe’s introduced Kobalt tools in 1998 to compete with rival “house” brands from Sears and The Home Depot. Kobalt tools are made for Lowe’s by a number of different suppliers. While some manufacturing occurs in Taiwan, some production is based in the home market. The company wholly manufactures its hand tools in the U.S. and assembles some of its power tool product line in the U.S. from components sourced worldwide.
While Kobalt’s reputation perhaps isn’t at the same level as the best tool brands like Bosch, DeWalt, and Makita, it is still considered a high-quality tool producer that sits above the run-of-the-mill budget market. The term “prosumer” specifies the middle ground between DIYer and professional, and it suits Kobalt tools well.
Top Products:
- Kobalt 24-Volt XTR Cordless Impact Wrench: This is a typical tool from this brand that provides competitive performance and pricing across an enormous range of power tools. It offers three torque settings and a built-in work light, and a battery is included. Get the Kobalt 24-Volt XTR Cordless Impact Wrench at Lowe’s for $219
- Kobalt Steel Saw Horse: This versatile saw horse is strong and also a great space saver in the work truck or garage. Get the Kobalt Steel Saw Horse at Lowe’s for $39.98
- Kobalt 21-Piece Drill Bit Set: From 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch drill bit sizes, this kit of 21 titanium-coated bits can be used in wood, metal, and plastic. Get the Kobalt 21-Piece Drill Bit Set at Lowe’s for $29.98
Shop for more Kobalt tools at:
8. Skil
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: Though its range of tools is now extensive, many consumers will recognize Skil for the Skilsaw, the powered circular saw that became so popular it has been called “the saw that built America.”
Price Range: $ to $$$
Skil was founded in 1926 in Naperville, Illinois, where its U.S. headquarters is still based today. 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 range now includes many different tools. Company ownership has been somewhat volatile, passing from the Skil Corporation to Emerson Electric in 1979, to Bosch in 1996, and to Chervon of China in 2016, where the company now manufactures most products.
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.
Top Products:
- Skil 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw: This is the modern version of the tool that started it all and it’s still one of the best of its kind, offering power and versatility for a wide range of cutting tasks. Get the Skil 6-1/2 Inch Cordless Circular Saw on Amazon for $89.99
- SKILSAW 10-1/4″ SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw: For those who need a large saw to cut through 4x cleanly, the 10¼-inch worm drive offers magnesium construction and a 51-degree bevel. Get the SKILSAW 10-1/4″ SAWSQUATCH Worm Drive Circular Saw on Amazon for $334.99
Shop for more Skil tools at:
9. Husky Tools
Photo: homedepot.com
About the Brand: Husky Tools is the house brand of The Home Depot, focusing on hand tools, pneumatic tools, and a wide variety of tool storage solutions.
Price Range: $$ to $$$
“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, founded in 1924. The brand went through various ownerships until Stanley Tool acquired it in 1986. The company then struck an exclusive deal to supply The Home Depot, which now owns the rights to the brand name.
The Home Depot has 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.
Top Products:
- Husky 10 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor with Extra Value Kit: This kit combines competitive pricing and versatility with a compressor, hose, and connectors, plus an air impact wrench and an air ratchet. Get the Husky 10 Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor with Extra Value Kit at The Home Depot for $324.99
- Husky 27 in. 5-Drawer Cabinet Tool Chest: For convenient tool storage, this rolling tool cabinet has five drawers and a 100-pound weight capacity. Get the Husky 27 in. 5-Drawer Cabinet Tool Chest at The Home Depot for $269
Shop for more Husky Tools at:
10. IRWIN
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: IRWIN is known for a vast range of high-quality hand tools, plus accurate measuring and marking devices.
Price Range: $ to $$
Irwin Industrial Tools began in Martinsville, Ohio, in 1885 when Charles Irwin started manufacturing auger bits. The company still manufactures a wide range of drill bits, in addition to saws, chisels, hammers, pliers, wrenches, snips, screwdrivers, knives, levels, and squares. Today, IRWIN is a part of Stanley Black & Decker.
Initially, IRWIN’s primary markets were professional carpenters and associated trades, and the American-made tools always had a reputation for durability and precision. Production now occurs mostly in China, and while there are critics, it seems that, in general, IRWIN has preserved its reputation. These are certainly not cheap tools, but they remain a contractor standard and are popular among DIY users prepared to pay for above-average quality.
Top Products:
- IRWIN Vise-Grip Original Locking Pliers: This is a tool that many engineers and mechanics couldn’t live without, and one that has changed little since its introduction in 1945. Get the IRWIN Vise-Grip Original Locking Pliers on Amazon for $11.99
- IRWIN Drill Bit Set: This 29-piece drill bit set from the brand is a great value, offering sizes from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch bits. Get the IRWIN Drill Bit Set on Amazon for $115.66
Shop for more IRWIN tools at:
11. RYOBI
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: RYOBI is considered an excellent innovator and particularly strong at developing cordless power tools.
Price Range: $ to $$
RYOBI is a diverse company. Founded near Hiroshima, Japan, in 1943, it initially made die-cast products. In 1961, it added printing presses and then began manufacturing power tools in 1968. The company is still involved in each market and has production facilities in six countries, including the U.S. Now Techtronic Industries owns RYOBI, with the headquarters in Hong Kong.
The company’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.
Top Products:
- RYOBI ONE+ Cordless Orbital Jig Saw: This jigsaw is a lightweight and versatile tool that’s part of the brand’s money-saving range of more than 200 cordless models, all sharing high-performance, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries. Get the RYOBI ONE+ Cordless Orbital Jig Saw on Amazon for $78.34
- RYOBI ONE+ Cordless Leaf Blower: Using the same batteries as Ryobi’s other ONE+ tools, this leaf blower weighs just 6 pounds and provides a blower delivering air up to 100 mph. Get the RYOBI ONE+ Cordless Leaf Blower on Amazon for $128.20
Shop for more RYOBI tools at:
12. Milwaukee
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About the Brand: Milwaukee makes a range of power tools and electrical equipment and has a reputation for durability in tough job site environments.
Price Range: $$$ to $$$$
Milwaukee was originally called the A.H. Petersen Tool Company and was founded in 1918 by A.H. Petersen and Albert F. Seibert. When the factory was destroyed by fire, Seibert bought the assets and formed the Milwaukee Electric Tool Company in 1924. The company always maintained high standards, and Milwaukee soon became a registered supplier to the U.S. Navy.
Milwaukee was the first company to manufacture a hammer drill that worked as an ordinary drill and introduced the reciprocating saw, or Sawzall. From the mid-1970s to 2005, the company went through various ownerships and is now part of Techtronic Industries.
Milwaukee has always been a leading electric power tool brand, only recently moving into hand tools, workwear, and storage. In terms of product quality and reliability, the brand is often compared with DeWalt. These are premium-priced tools for professional users and are also popular with DIYers looking for something more than budget brands.
Top Products:
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Kit: This is one of several value-added sets offering quality tools with high-performance batteries at very competitive prices. Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Kit at The Home Depot for $399
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rear Handle Circular Saw: This cordless in-line circular saw has a blade that produces 570 cuts per charge and has a direct drive motor and a light. Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Rear Handle Circular Saw at The Home Depot for $269
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cut-Off Saw: This 9-inch cut-off saw has enough power to cut reinforced concrete, metal, and other masonry. Get the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cut-Off Saw at Acme Tools for $599
Shop for more Milwaukee tools at:
13. Metabo
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: Metabo makes tough, powerful tools for pros and is a leader in battery technology.
Price Range: $$ to $$$$
Founded in 1923 in Germany, Metabo became very successful in Europe. In 2016, Hitachi purchased the company, then two years later sold its power tools business to investment firm KKR. The company is now officially known as Metabo HPT.
Although not as well-known in the U.S., the Metabo range continues to expand. Cordless models offer competitive performance thanks to lithium-ion high-density (LiHD) technology that claims to deliver up to 30 percent more power than standard power tool batteries.
Top Products:
- Metabo HPT 36V Brushless 4 1/2″ Grinder: Metabo’s pro-rated angle grinder uses the brand’s flexible proprietary Multivolt technology. Whereas most competitors offer 18-volt tools, Metabo’s features 36 volts for extra power and run times. It includes an AC adapter to use the tool with a cord.
Get the Metabo HPT 36V Brushless 4 1/2″ Grinder at Acme Tools for $189. - Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer: Framing nailers need consistent power, so a 36-volt cordless tool is a major advantage over its 18-volt competitors. This model can perform sequential or contact nailing at up to three nails per second to drive as many as 900 nails per charge.
Get the Metabo HPT Cordless Framing Nailer at Lowe’s for $449. - Metabo HPT Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool: Oscillating multi-tools can cut wood, plastic, drywall, and other materials. Metabo’s 18-volt cordless weighs just 3 pounds, has six vibration speeds that go from 6,000 to 20,000 rpm, tool-free blade changing, and an LED work light.
Get the Metabo HPT Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool on Amazon for $84.99.
Shop for more Metabo power tools at:
14. WEN
Photo: amazon.com
About the Brand: WEN makes low-cost tools primarily for home users, though professionals value their reliability.
Price Range: $ to $$
Headquartered in Elgin, Illinois, WEN has been in business since 1951. Design, research, and development are centered in the U.S., while production is based in the Far East.
The large WEN range includes power tools, generators, and garden equipment. 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.
Top Products:
- WEN 2.3 Amp 8 in. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press: WEN’s compact benchtop drill press is ideal for the home workshop, allowing precision drilling that can’t be achieved by hand. A cast-iron base provides stability, and the table tilts for angled drilling. The chuck takes bits up to ½ inch in diameter.
Get the WEN 2.3 Amp 8 in. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press at The Home Depot for $117.99. - WEN 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer: An electric hand planer is a workshop standard, and this model exemplifies WEN’s renowned affordability and durability. It features 16 quick-set depth stops, a 3¼-inch planing width, plus both rabbeting and parallel guides.
Get the WEN 6-Amp Electric Hand Planer on Amazon for $42.02. - WEN ½-in 2.5-HP Variable Speed Plunge Router: This router has a powerful 2.5 horsepower motor, variable speed from 8,000 to 23,000 rpm, and can be locked for use as a fixed router. It takes both ¼- and ½-inch router bits.
Get the WEN ½-in 2.5-HP Variable Speed Plunge Router at Lowe’s for $88.01.
Shop for more WEN power 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.
