Kevin JohnsonThe best tool brands offer reliable and durable solutions for professionals in different fields. They also simplify DIY home improvement and repair for homeowners. After investing your hard-earned cash to acquire your dream house, buy the best tools to help you protect your investment.
Construction and home improvement companies need top-tier power tools for their crews to enhance efficiency and safety. Analyze products from the top brands based on quality, performance, durability, versatility, affordability, and warranties to find the right tool for your projects. But which are the best tool brands for professionals and DIYers?
Here is a comprehensive analysis of the 15 best tool brands:
1. DEWALT
DEWALT is a Stanley Black & Decker brand with over 100 years of experience in the tool business. Its lineup includes corded and cordless drills, impact drivers, grinders, nailers, saws, and accessories. These products serve professionals and experienced DIYers. In Jul 2024, DEWALT POWERSHIFT was honored with Fast Company’s Innovation By Design Awards in the User Experience category. Visit the DEWALT store on Amazon. [1]
Image source: Dewalt
Pros: DEWALT offers competitively priced power tools for seasoned contractors and DIY enthusiasts. These reliable tools carry a three-year, seven-year, or limited lifetime warranty. Concrete professionals can use the DEWALT POWERSHIFT to transition from gas-powered to electric equipment without compromising efficiency and performance.
Cons: DEWALT focuses more on industry-specific tools for professionals than consumer-centric options for DIYers. Its batteries and chargers cost more than the market’s average.
2. Bosch
Bosch is a premier tool brand founded in 1886. This German powerhouse offers ultra-durable professional tools, including drills, impact drivers, circular saws, sanders, and angle grinders. Each product has unique designs and features that enhance functionality and users’ comfort and safety. In Jul 2024, Bosch introduced new 18V cordless tools for trade workers. The products include an 18V deep-cut band saw, planer, impact wrench, and blower. Visit the Bosch store on Amazon. [2]
Image source: Bosch Tools
Pros: Bosch’s diverse power tool lineup offers mid-tier products for DIY homeowners and high-end options for professionals. The brand is investing in sustainable solutions to reduce its carbon footprint. Its batteries are compatible with all Bosch power tools. The company has an extensive retail network and online channels, enhancing access to replacement parts.
Cons: Bosch’s replacement batteries are pricey.
3. Makita
Makita is a Japanese tool manufacturer founded in 1915. The brand offers industrial power tools, power equipment, pneumatics, and cleaning solutions. Its power tools portfolio includes brushless motors, drills, saws, grinders, hammer drills, sanders, and combo kits. In Jul 2024, Makita USA added two new five-piece kits to its XGT system lineup. Both kits combine drilling, driving, fastening, and cutting tools. Visit the Makita store on Amazon. [3]
Image source: Makita
Pros: Makita is known for its high-performance brushless motors that exemplify Japanese engineering, precision, and craftsmanship. It targets professionals seeking durable, efficient, and reliable power tools. All Makita products have impressive warranties: a 3-year limited warranty on battery-powered tools and a 2-year limited warranty on gas-powered tools.
Cons: Makita’s batteries are only interchangeable within compatible systems. Over 300 tools rely on the Makita 18V LXT battery, about 75 use the 12V CXT system, and over 100 work with the new 40V XGT. However, Makita lithium-ion batteries can power all products across the brand’s lineup.
4. Craftsman
Craftsman is an American tool provider founded in 1927 and a Stanley Black & Decker brand since 2017. Its lineup includes drills, sanders, saws, compressors, and oscillating tools. These products are more consumer-focused than alternatives offered by Craftsman’s sister brand, DEWALT. In May 2024, Craftsman introduced new tools to its V20 cordless battery system. The latest V20 products include a belt sander, 2-in-1 scrubber kit, powerfile, cut-off tool, and 12-in chainsaw kit. Visit the Craftsman store on Amazon. [4]
Image source: Craftsman
Pros: Craftsman offers cheaper power tool combo kits than other top brands. Its batteries are nearly universally interchangeable within the Craftsman lineup. You can easily access the brand’s tools, replacement parts, and accessories thanks to Stanley Black & Decker’s expansive distribution network.
Cons: Craftsman moved a portion of its production from the US to overseas factories. While this strategy cuts manufacturing costs and retail prices, it increases the risk of quality issues.
5. RIDGID
RIDGID is a North American power tool manufacturer owned by Emerson. The brand offers innovative tools for the professional trades. In Mar 2024, RIDGID celebrated 25 years in North America. The brand introduced press tech to North America in 1999. This platform helps professionals drive jobsite efficiencies. Visit the Ridgid store on Amazon. [5]
Image source: Ridgid
Pros: RIDGID offers industry-leading specialized plumbing tools, including drain snakes and pipe cutters. Its products use the innovative Gen5x brushless motor system that enhances power and resilience and reduces maintenance. The brand is also known for its durable tools and comprehensive warranties.
Cons: Although RIDGID offers an extensive power tool collection, most of its products cater to plumbing professionals and DIYers. However, RIDGID is the go-to brand for innovative press tools for residential, commercial, and industrial installations.
6. Milwaukee
Milwaukee is an American tool brand founded in 1924. The company offers premium corded and cordless power tools, hand tools, and pneumatic impact drivers with a limited lifetime warranty. In Jul 2024, Milwaukee unveiled new tools and technologies. The list includes M18 and M12 cordless power tools, batteries, plumbing equipment, safety gear, and vacuums. [6]
Image source: Milwaukee Tool
Pros: Milwaukee offers innovative products with a limited lifetime warranty against defects. Its battery-powered tools are compatible with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel system, delivering long operating times. Companies can use Milwaukee’s One Key cloud-based tracking system to monitor their tool inventories, maintenance, and usage across multiple job sites.
Cons: Milwaukee offers premium tools that cost more than the market’s average. Most of its products are tailored for professionals, not DIYers.
7. Ryobi
Ryobi is a Japanese tool-crafting company established in 1943. The brand offers reliable tools for DIY enthusiasts. Homeowners can easily access Ryobi tools in their local hardware stores. Another defining feature of the Ryobi brand is its One+ line, which has over 300 products. Ryobi’s 18v Lithium-ion battery packs are interchangeable across the One+ lineup. The batteries also work with older Ryobi power tools. [7]
Image source: Ryobi Tools
Pros: Ryobi offers reliable and affordable tools. Ryobi is the go-to brand for homeowners seeking tools for weekend DIY projects. Users can find replacement parts and accessories quickly and easily in hardware stores. Ryobi’s 18v Lithium-ion battery packs are interchangeable across new and old Ryobi power tools.
Cons: Ryobi tools are designed for homeowners and infrequent or light DIY projects. They might not meet the demands of professional worksites.
8. Cartman
Cartman is a consumer-focused tool brand. The company is known for its affordable, no-frills product combos. Its top-selling item is a 148-piece tool set for $35. This product has a 4.7-star average rating from over 20,000 Amazon customers. Visit the Cartman store on Amazon to explore the brand’s affordable tools. [8]
Image source: Cartman Store
Pros: Cartman offers extensive product variety for DIY homeowners. It is the go-to brand for affordable toolsets.
Cons: Cartman targets DIYers. Its power tools may not meet the needs of contractors with large-scale home improvement and construction projects.
9. WEN
WEN is a power tool brand founded in 1951 by Nick Anton. It serves woodworkers and artisans globally from its headquarters in West Dundee, Illinois. By 2001, WEN had sold over 50 million consumer units. The brand reached this milestone 50 years after its founding. You can buy WEN tools on Amazon.
Image source: WEN
Pros: WEN offers high-quality and affordable power tools. This innovative brand played a crucial role in the power tool evolution and pioneered random orbital technology used by modern polishers, waxers, and buffers. Its comprehensive collection includes bench grinders, drill presses, toolboxes, nailers, saws, hand tools, generators, and air compressors.
Cons: WEN is a niche brand catering primarily to woodworkers and artisans.
10. Kobalt
Kobalt is an American tool brand owned by Lowe’s. It offers affordable hand, mechanic, and power tools for DIY projects. The brand also provides storage and organizational kits. Its top-selling products include drills, saws, and tool combos like the Kobalt 13-in-1 double drive screwdriver and 5-piece pliers set. Visit the Kobalt store on Amazon to explore the brand’s offerings.
Image source: Kobalt Store
Pros: Kobalt offers affordable and reliable tools with easy-to-use features perfect for DIYers. Kobalt’s batteries are interchangeable across the brand’s lineup.
Cons: Kobalt tools are designed for DIYers, not professionals.
References & more information
- DEWALT (2024, Jul 23). DEWALT POWERSHIFT equipment system honored in Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation By Design Awards. DEWALT Media
- Bosch Power Tools (2024, Jun 4). Bosch expands its 18V Cordless Line to provide new product solutions for trade workers. BoschTools.com
- Makita (2024, Jul 17). Makita releases two new 40V Max XGT 5-piece kits. Makita Tools
- CRAFTSMAN (2024, May 30). DIY like a Pro: CRAFTSMAN introduces new tools to its V20 cordless system. PRNewswire
- RIDGID (2024, Mar 5). #1 in Press Tools: RIDGID Celebrates 25 Years. RIDGID.com
- Stuart, T. (2024, Jul 1). Every New Tool Milwaukee Announced at Pipeline 2024. Tool Guyd
- Phillips, P. (2024, Aug 6). Will new Ryobi batteries work with older Ryobi tools? Slash Gear
- Burke, I. (2023, Aug 17). The Essential $30 Amazon Find. Apartment Therapy
- Featured Image by Tekton
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