What tool brand do most contractors use?

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When you are buying power tools, it makes sense to choose a brand and stick with them. You do not have to worry about different types of batteries, different ways of doing things, and all the other hassles that come into play when you mix and match tools.

Before we jump into listing the best brands, I want to point out that the brand order is not ranked. The reality is that there is no one size that fits all. No one brand contains all of the best power tools, so what you find amazing in one brand, your neighbor is going to find in another.

The brands on this list are the best brands in general. We have completed some comprehensive research before compiling this list, so we’re sure that these are the best your money can buy.

In This Article

How We Researched The Power Tool Market?

The power tool industry is big and complex. One brand might make the best drill while the other might make the best jigsaw. Also, the power tool lineup within each brand can get very granular, because most brands want to cover the widest market possible.

The idea behind this article was to find the best brands based on the following criteria.

Opinions of Professionals and Homeowners

I did some major renovations in and around the house recently, so I had plenty of opportunities to talk with various contractors about the tools of their trade.

I also have some friends who are carpenters, builders, and woodworkers and they are always happy to talk about the equipment they use.

The homeowners I talked to are my DIY friends and neighbors. I’ve heard them say that they’ve either inherited their tools, bought them on sale, or they did thorough research before buying them.

I, too, own a few power tools and the difference between brands is sometimes enormous.

Warranty Length

The warranty length usually implies how confident the manufacturer is about the quality of their product. In most cases, it’s true that the longer the warranty, the better the quality.

Related: 23 High-Quality Brands With A Lifetime Warranty

I went through each manufacturer’s warranty page on their website to get a better feel for what type of warranties they offer.

In the power tool industry, it’s almost impossible to compare warranties just by brands, because almost every power tool has its own warranty policy.

But, generally speaking, each brand on this list has at least 2 years of wear and tear coverage on their tools. If you want to get deeper, I have included a link to each brand’s website, where you can also find their warranty pages.

User Ratings

We scanned the Trustpilot ratings for all major power tool brands.

We also visited the Amazon and HomeDepot websites to check the user rating for each brand’s most popular cordless drill (it’s a safe bet that cordless drills are among the best selling products for each brand).

Forums and Websites

There are quite a few forums centered around power tools. Discussions of the brands and their tools are frequent.

We’ve read the most recent topics to get a better feel for what users currently like and with which brands they have had the best experiences.

As for websites, there isn’t much research available, but there is one that stands out. It has recent research conducted by Lifestory Research on the most trusted power tool brands in America.

Search Trends and Search Volume

With tools like Google Trends and KWfinder, we were able to check the search trends for each brand and the number of monthly searches on Google.

With this data, we were able to gauge the overall popularity of each brand.

There is often a blurred line between professional and homeowner tools.

You may find tools aimed at homeowners being used on worksites, and vice-versa. Some companies create high-quality tools in both markets, while some fall short and others create amazing one-offs.

There is no one brand that does it all. There is a lot of overlap.

With that in mind, here’s what we came up with.

The Best Brands for Professionals

We have tried to find the brands that not only have the best tools but have also built a reputation over the years.

Lots of happy customers help to build trust in a brand and are a good indicator of future quality and service.

The tool market is competitive, with new companies entering the market all the time, but our recommended brands have risen to the top with years of experience, high-quality tools, and expert customer service.

1. Milwaukee

Established in Wisconsin in 1924, Milwaukee has been owned by many different companies, but the quality has remained consistent. In 2005, they were acquired by Techtonic, who also owns Ryobi and Hoover.

Their reputation formed when they released their lightweight one-handed drill, the Hole Shooter, and the company only grew from there.

Now, they offer construction tools, outdoor equipment, and more. They have amassed a large line of cordless tools, leading the way with a cordless revolution.

Credit: Milwaukee

They also have corded, gas-powered, and multiple battery-powered tools. Their One-Key platform allows them to manage compatibility and maintenance across all of their battery-powered tools.

They make some of the best tools for electricians, HVAC technicians, and automotive workers. They are popular with professional contractors, and suitable for the most rugged and tough jobs.

2. Makita

A well-known brand that was established in 1915, but was not recognizable as the power-tool company that we know today until 1958. First came the planer, then drills, followed by everything else.

You will find Makita tools on construction sites and in workshops around the world. Their power tools are solid, and they also offer yard equipment and a range of pneumatic tools.

They even make a cordless coffee maker that you can use on job sites. And if you want your tools to be powerful and stylish, you can reach for the LXT sub-compact brushless series.

Credit: Makita

Once based in Japan, the tools are now manufactured all around the world without any drop in quality. A favorite on job sites, their power tools are complemented by extra convenience equipment such as fans and radios.

Makita is well-known for their cordless platform, and have streamlined the system, featuring one voltage where others have multiple batteries. If you are looking for simplicity, then they are the way to go.

3. DeWalt

Raymond E. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw in 1923. The result of that is the multinational company that is around today. They are one of the original power tool manufacturers.

The success led to the acquisition of the company by Black & Decker in 1960, though there was a bleak period for a few decades as people saw Black & Decker as an amateur power tool company.

A successful rebranding in the 90s changed that, and DeWalt became a leading choice amongst professionals.

Credit: DeWalt

DeWalt manufactures hundreds of different power tools, with corded and cordless options. When they took over ELU, they began manufacturing German woodworking tools too.

The combination of hand tools and power tools became popular with contractors, and their reputation has grown. They have a wide variety of tools, accessories, stands, tool boxes, yard equipment, job site aids, and more. Some say that they have the best carpentry and concrete tools on the market.

When it comes to batteries, they have a range. The company manufactures the standard 12V and 18V batteries for compact tools, along with 20V and 40V batteries for outdoor equipment.

However, where they stand apart from the competition is with their FLEXVOLT technology. Depending on what tool the FLEXVOLT battery is attached to, it will switch between 20V and 60V, powering almost anything. Very cool!

4. Festool

Festool market themselves on quality. Their tools may cost you a little more than the competition, but you are paying for excellence. The engineering of the tools is incredible, they provide superior customer service, and they pride themselves on ease of use and portability.

The dust collection system alone is worth buying the tools that generate a lot of dust, such as sanders and routers. This makes the brand especially popular with contractors and carpenters. The dust-collection system is integrated into the needed tools, and it gives professionals the confidence to go into people’s homes and not leave a mess.

Credit: Festool

Cabinet makers, and other such contractors, are drawn to the track saw, a breeze for cutting wood with straight, neat, and smooth lines and edges.

The German company builds tools that are worth the money. If you need to do a professional job, or you have a lot of jobs to attend to, then the tools should be one of your top choices.

Founded by Robert Bosch in 1886 in Stuttgart, this German company is now a familiar name in many homes and workplaces.

You would expect a tool company to stand out based on the quality of their tools but, while Bosch does make excellent tools, that is overshadowed by the fact that they are 90% owned by a charitable organization, Robert Bosch Stiftung. They are a company that cares.

When contractors think of Bosch tools, they often mention build, quality, performance, reliability, and flexibility.

Credit: Bosch Tools

They are also pioneers in battery technology, with an amazing array of cordless tools.

Many people say that their batteries are the best on the market, that they are the most durable and last the longest.

In terms of battery performance, they are to tools what Tesla is to car brands.

Related: Bosch GWX18V-8N Angle Grinder Review

That technology does come at a price. Bosch tools are usually more expensive than their rivals, but you are paying for the extra quality. They are a favorite among serious amateurs, semi-pros, and professionals. If you need to do the job well, Bosch will help you.

6. Hilti

Hilti is the go-to brand of the professional contractor, and you may not find their tools in local stores.

They have a range of tools that not many other companies can compete with, and their tools are used for heavy-duty jobs, such as skyscraper construction and bridge repair.

They also pride themselves on aftercare. They support their customers with excellent customer service, solutions, and accessories. Their large sales force is also available to visit job sites to aid in problem-solving and to deliver tools and accessories as quickly as possible.

Credit: Hilti

If you are looking for large tools, such as jackhammers and impact drills, they are the way to go.

7. Ridgid

Ridgid serves the plumbing and HVAC industries. They were formed in 1923 in Ohio, and pride themselves on their wrenches. The legendary red pipe wrenches are amazing to work with, and many claim that they are the best plumbing tool manufacturer in the world.

If you check with any handyman or contractor, you will likely find that they use Ridgid tools on their job sites. Their line of power tools may be limited, but they are still worth mentioning. They mainly produce drills, impact drivers, and saws.

Their limited range of power tools does mean that they do not have as advanced battery technology as other companies, but they compensate for that by offering one of the best warranties on the market.

Credit: Ridgid

As we mentioned before, a lengthy warranty often means complete trust in the tools, and tools that are built to last. This is the case with Ridgid. They may not have the biggest line of tools, but they do guarantee quality.

The Best Brands for Homeowners

The following brands are largely focused on hobbyists, homeowners, and semi-pros, but sometimes you’ll see these power tools used by professionals as well.

What these brands have in common is that they all make durable, versatile, and powerful enough tools to finish any home project.

1. Ryobi

The Ryobi company is owned by Techtronic Industries, just like Milwaukee. You could see the two power tool manufacturers as two arms of the same company, Milwaukee servicing professionals and contractors and Ryobi focusing more on homeowners and semi-professionals.

Ryobi tools may not be as rugged as Milwaukee tools, but they are still perfect for anyone wanting to dabble in DIY.

They have everything that you need to work around the home, and they are built to last. Even on a worksite, they will get the job done, though they will not hold up to heavy use, five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year.

Credit: Ryobi

With a variety of corded and cordless options, and a focus on impact drivers, drills, and circular saws, Ryobi is perfect for home renovations and quick fixes.

2. Craftsman

Craftsman is owned by Black+Decker. It was first started in 1927 by Sears and, after being acquired by Black+Decker, it has helped its parent company to rule the tool market in the United States.

They have a variety of tools, but you may be most familiar with one of them, even if you do not know that it is a Craftsman tool. Everyone knows the Weedwhacker brand, and these string trimmers are used by a lot of people. Craftsman owns the Weedwhacker brand, along with manufacturing many other gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded outdoor and yard equipment.

Credit: Craftsman

They also pride themselves on their Versa System, a system for organizing tools, equipment, and accessories within a workshop. With this system, they are firmly marketing themselves towards hobbyists and homeowners.

3. Black+Decker

Almost everyone knows Black+Decker. Founded in 1910, the company produces power tools for professionals and amateurs. It made its name in 1917 by inventing the portable electric drill and has gone from strength to strength, weathering some storms in its time.

While one of its companies (DeWalt) went the professional route, Black+Decker went the other way, marketing to hobbyists and homeowners.

They focus on the most commonly used tools, drills, sanders, and screwdrivers, and put a lot of energy into nailing (excuse the pun) those few select tools.

Credit: Black+Decker

They do manufacture other tools, and you will find specialized tools in their range. From accessories to hand tools, they manufacture pretty much anything, though their core focus is on the most popular tools.

Venturing out from just power tools, you can find outdoor equipment, cleaning devices, and home appliances.

Kobalt is the tool company of Lowes. They supply homeowners and professionals, and their tools are designed to be used by those people.

They are often compared to Ryobi, and have a similar quality, though Ryobi has been in the power tool market for longer and has more tools in its lineup.

Their new XTR lineup of cordless power tools is the most powerful yet. It offers 50% better performance than before and its meant for serious DIY’ers and semi-professionals. It also offers exceptional value for money.

Credit: Kobalt Tools

The tools are very accessible to homeowners and hobbyists, and if you are building a collection of tools for your home, then Kobalt is worth a look.

They have a wide enough range of tools to tackle any home job.

Kobalt offers great quality at a fantastic price and I feel that they are, at the moment, still underrated.

A new company on the scene, they are sold through Walmart, and the power and money that Walmart has to back the tools are phenomenal, allowing them to hit the ground running.

Hart is another tool company that is owned by Techtonic, so you know that you are getting high-quality tools at a reasonable price.

Along with the affordability, you have convenience. As they are sold through Walmart, you can go into any store to find the tools, buy new accessories, or find replacements. And, with Walmarts renowned return policy, there is less risk.

Credit: HART Tools

Hart offers a wide range of tools on a 20V platform, and they show no signs of slowing down their growth.

6. Skil

Founded in 1926 in New Orleans, the tool company is now based in Stuttgart after being acquired by the German company Bosch in 1996. More recently they have been acquired by Chevron, a Chinese power tool manufacturer.

Skil is the Skil in Skilsaw. The Skilsaw Model 77 was introduced in 1937, and a power-tool company was built around it. Many American houses and buildings were built using the Skilsaw.

After the initial success, the company built a wide portfolio of high-quality tools, with a focus on saws.

Credit: Skil

If you need a saw, chack out Skil. If you need any other power tools, they are also worth checking out.

Popularity By Brand

At the beginning of this article, I mentioned that we used Google Trends and KWfinder to help us understand the popularity of each brand.

Here’s a screenshot from KWfinder where you can see the monthly search volume on Google for each power tool brand on our list.

These numbers tell you how many times each keyword is searched for in Google on the US market.

Milwaukee power tools are the most searched for brand with 13,500 searches per month. DeWalt (9,900) and Ridgid (7,700) follow closely in second and third place. Ryobi is the go-to brand for many homeowners, which is also apparent from the search volume (5,700). Probably the biggest surprise on the list is Hart (4,000) which is gaining rapidly in popularity.

I also took the 5 most searched for professional-oriented brands and added them to Google Trends. Here are the results.

Source: Google Trends

Milwaukee and DeWalt are leading the pack convincingly, with Milwaukee keeping a slight edge over DeWalt. Rigid, Makita, and Bosh did not seem to be able to keep up with the two leaders over the past 12 months; however, there’s fierce competition between the three.

As for the homeowner-focused brands, here’s the Google Trends chart of the top 5 most searched for brands.

Source: Google Trends

As expected, Ryobi has a lead over the competition; however, it’s surprising to see how much HART Tools has gained in popularity. They seem to have overtaken long-time and established brands like Kobalt and Skil and are now close behind Craftsman.

Conclusion

There are many power tool companies out there, both for professionals and homeowners. There is a reason why the recognizable names are the ones who have mostly been around for a long time. With years of experience and feedback, they have been able to mold and shape their companies, driving them forward in a competitive industry.

However, there are some new companies coming to market, and that can only be a good thing for you. The more quality competition there is, the more quality and affordability you are going to get, and these new companies are certainly invested in quality.

Knowing which companies to choose between when it comes to power tools is going to help you get the job done.

As we said at the beginning, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to power tool brands, but there is a brand out there that is right for you. All you have to do is choose the one that fits your needs.

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🧰 What are 2024‘s Best Power Tool Brands?

When it comes to purchasing quality items, people tend to be creatures of habit.

When you find a brand or company that makes reliable goods and sells them for a reasonable price, you are more likely to stick with them when it is time to buy other items. 

Power tools are no exception.

Whether you’re a homeowner who likes to indulge in the occasional do-it-yourself home improvement project or a professional contractor who uses power tools daily, finding the best brand for your needs can seem a bit daunting.

The power tool market has a wide range of power tool brands that claim to be the best, but how do you determine which ones are true leaders in the industry?

🧰 Introduction

To help you better understand what the best power tool brands look like for professional and home use, we took a close look at the brands we trust as professionals, along with company research.

It is important to note that no one top-of-the-line best power tool brand will work for everyone.

Some people like to mix and match brands to develop hands-on experience with multiple tools.

Others prefer tools with a reasonable price or a substantial warranty.

There’s no right or wrong way to buy power tools because what works for you may not work as well for someone else.

Keeping that in mind, we used our research and professional opinions to compile a list of the best power tool brands for professionals and homeowners in no particular order.

The compilation below provides a general overview of the best power tool brands on the market to date to help you make an informed decision on future purchases.

🧰 How We Searched for the Best Power Tool Brand

The power tool industry is much more complex than some people may think.

Many companies make quality tools, both corded and cordless, for home and professional use.

Power tool lineups and capabilities within different brands can be vastly different, while other companies seem to have similar tools.

This power tool compilation list aims to find the best brands overall based on professional and personal opinions, research, company popularity, range, and warranties.

Here at Phyxter Home Services, we are and work with experienced professional independent contractors.

These contractors specialize in various home services, including plumbing, HVAC, electrical, general contracting, home renovations, and flooring repair and installation.

We don’t shy away from using power tools to get a job done.

We regularly use various tools such as drills, impact drivers, hand tools, heavy-duty construction tools, woodworking items, pneumatic tools, and more.

As contractors, we regularly partner with other professionals who are forthcoming about their preferred power tool system.

Our home services also put us around homeowners who like to perform work on their property and purchase power tools for personal use.

To get an idea about the best tools professionals and homeowners like to use, we went over our conversations with fellow professionals and DIY homeowners.

We considered how often we would hear about a specific power tool brand, whether people purchased tools or inherited them, and what research they may have done to influence their purchases.

⚒️ Power Tool Range and Warranty

A decent range of innovative tools is a necessary component for a leading power tool brand.

Most of the tool brands on the following list have a strong power tool lineup of products that can perform multiple jobs.

Their lineups can include everything from a series of batteries for cordless drills to a hammer drill and more.

As a power tool company, having a broad range of products helps attract audiences who can become repeat customers, eventually boosting the brand’s popularity.

For instance, if you buy a radial arm saw from one brand, you’ll likely buy a cordless drill driver from them, too, if it’s a tool you need.

We chose to omit some power tool brands that don’t have a solid range despite their items’ quality.

Another consideration we made for our compilation is warranty length.

A strong warranty usually indicates a brand’s confidence in its product line.

The more extended the warranty, the better the products’ quality is likely to be.

We took a close look at the websites of various power tool brands to understand their warranties.

Because of the tool industry’s nature, most brands include a guarantee of some kind on their goods.

For this list, we added brands that provide consumers with a two-year wear and tear warranty at a minimum.

⚒️ Power Tool Brand Popularity

Google Trends Showing Last 12 Months’ Popularity

Before we created our list of the best power tool brands, we searched for the most popular brands in 2024 online through Google Trends and Ahrefs. Ahrefs is a toolset for analyzing online behavior.

Through this tool, we can analyze specific keyword rankings and popularity.

With Google, we can see the most popular search trends based on consumer search results.

Ahrefs broke down the leading power tool brands by U.S. and Canadian keyword searches. 

Surprisingly, the research showed that the most popular power tool brands are similar across the board, but individual rankings tend to vary.

For instance, Milwaukee tools have the top ranking on Google, but the company falls to second place with U.S keyword searches and third place with Canadian consumers.

As part of our online research, we read through various forums about power tools, home renovations, contracting, etc.

There are plenty of online discussion boards where professionals and DIYers talk about their favorite brands and experiences.

We read up on recent topics to better understand how other consumers feel about various power tool brands and their expectations and experiences.

🧰 The 5 Best Power Tool Brands for Professionals

A strong reputation and longevity are what separates professional power tool brands from others.

Our recommendations below include brands with years of industry experience, a robust lineup of high-quality power tools, and industry-related products.

1. Milwaukee Tool

Some tool companies exchange hands multiple times during their lifespan without altering production standards. Milwaukee Tool is one such company.

The original Milwaukee enterprise was established in 1922 by Wisconsin manufacturers A. H. Peterson and Albert F. Seibert.

In 1924 Siebert bought the company’s remaining assets after a devastating fire and created the Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation.

As of 2005, Milwaukee is owned by Techtronic Industries from Hong Kong.

Milwaukee’s reputation for superior tools began with a one-handed drill in 1922.

From there, Milwaukee expanded to include dozens of tools and equipment, such as the famous Milwaukee Sawzall brand with reciprocating saws.

Other notable Milwaukee tools include the 12V M12 System, 18V M18 System, and 72V MX FUEL, which use innovative battery technology.

Milwaukee is now home to exceptional professional-grade cordless devices, outdoor equipment, construction tools, and more. 

In addition to drills, Milwaukee also manufactures corded, gas-powered, and battery-operated tools.

Milwaukee is the preferred choice for various professionals, including general contractors, auto workers, HVAC technicians, and electricians.

Unlike some brands, Milwaukee tools can handle even the most rugged jobs.

You can expect to find them on job sites and construction sites worldwide.

2. Ridgid

While many other power tool brands make tools and equipment for multiple purposes, Ridgid targets HVAC and plumbing professionals.

Ridgid’s origins begin in 1923 in Ohio. The company has a reputation as a leader in pipe wrench manufacturing.

Many people in the plumbing industry view Ridgid’s red pipe wrench series as one of the best plumbing tools available.

Though construction workers and general contractors are less likely to use Ridgid wrenches, they will use the brand’s power tools, including saws, impact drivers, and drills.

Ridgid may not have many power tools in their portfolio or use advanced battery technology, but the ones the company makes are worth discussing.

The same company that produces Milwaukee tools also manufactures many Ridgid products.

It’s also worth noting that Ridgid tool warranties are some of the best in the industry.

With a comprehensive lifetime warranty backing its craftsmanship, it’s safe to say Ridgid is a brand that focuses on quality, not quantity.

3. DeWalt

Another top choice of tools for professionals is DeWalt, one of the oldest and well-respected brands globally. Raymond E. DeWalt, the inventor of the radial arm saw, began the company in 1923.

In 1960, Stanley Black+Decker acquired the DeWalt brand, and it was during this time DeWalt struggled to gain popularity.

Many professions considered the Black and Decker brand as inferior or amateurish.

However, Stanley Black+Decker successfully rebranding DeWalt in the 1990s as the leading brand for professionals.

DeWalt manufactures hundreds of tools and equipment, including cordless and corded tools, hand tools, and woodworking tools.

DeWalt also makes various toolboxes, job site aides, yard equipment, and plenty of accessories.

When it comes to the concrete and carpentry industries, many professionals say DeWalt offers the best tools on the market.

One way DeWalt stands apart from other brands is its lithium-ion batteries. DeWalt makes 12V, 18V, 20V, and 40V batteries for DeWalt cordless drills and yard equipment.

The DeWalt brand also has Flexvolt technology, which allows batteries to switch between 20V and 60V.

Mathias Klein is the man behind the origins of Klein Tools.

Since the 1850s, Klein and his descendants helped the company grow from manufacturing pliers for telecommunications and electrical services to a leading power tool brand.

Today, Klein hand tools are synonymous with electronics, construction, mining, and general industry. 

After 150 years, Klein continues to make the best tools and products for professionals who use them daily for many purposes.

They focus on quality materials, superior workmanship, and rigid manufacturing standards to ensure that all Klein products can handle any professional-grade job.

When it comes to power tools, Klein still delivers.

They have a line up of robust cordless crimpers, cable cutters, and an impact wrench that helps workers perform tasks quickly and efficiently with less effort.

The new Klein line uses DeWalt batteries for optimal performance.

Homeowners can find Klein tools at Home Depot and other hardware stores, while contractors can purchase Klein products from their local plumbing, HVAC and electrical wholesale suppliers.

5. Bosch

German company Bosch is a familiar name among contractors in various industries. Robert Bosch founded the brand in 1886.

Though the company manufactures exceptional products, Bosch has a reputation as a highly charitable brand, with philanthropic organization Robert Bosch Stiftung owning more than 90% of the brand.

The Bosch “home” division includes everything from home appliances to garden tools.

The brand’s power tools fall under this division, so it’s safe to say that Bosch targets homeowners more than professionals.

Though Bosch is substantially more expensive and higher quality than other tools for homeowners, its products are excellent options for anyone who takes their projects seriously, including hobbyists, semi-professionals, and professionals.

Contractors appreciate the quality, reliability, and robust performance of Bosch tools.

Thanks to the brand’s innovative batteries and technology, Bosch has an impressive lineup of cordless tools. Consumers can select anything from a cordless drill to a jigsaw. 

Despite the high cost, you can be confident in your tools’ quality if they carry the Bosch name.

🧰 The 5 Best Power Tool Brands for Homeowners

The power tool brands in the following section focus on those that are ideal for homeowners, DIY hobbyists, and semi-professional workers.

The list does include tools professional workers use as well.

However, the average person likely won’t use tools the same way we do, so it’s acceptable to purchase power tools of a lower cost and build quality.

The list below includes power tool brands in no particular order with durable products that are easy to use on any home project.

1. Craftsman

The Craftsman brand got its start in 1927 as a Sears-owned company. Stanley Black+Decker later became Craftsman’s parent company, which helped propel the Stanley Black+Decker name as a household favorite within the United States.

Stanley Black+Decker acquired Craftsman in 2017 from Sears for $900 million, but the deal did not occur without incident.

The agreement lets both companies manufacture, sell, and market power tools and other products under the Craftsman brand, with Sears having a 15-year cap on brand name usage.

However, the marketing of Sear’s new line of professional-grade power tools called the “Craftsman Ultimate Collection” brand confused many consumers.

Sears’ marketing toted the new line of equipment and devices as the “real home” of Craftsman, which Stanley Black+Decker said was a violation of the original agreement.

Today, Craftsman has a wide array of high-quality corded, gas-powered, and battery-operated tools and outdoor equipment.

The most well-known Craftsman lineup is the Weedwhacker brand, which includes widely used string trimmers.

Craftsman also offers consumers a decent tool selection of other tools and accessories through its Versa System.

The system provides workroom storage and organizing solutions for tools like hammers, pliers, screwdrivers, saws, and more.

Craftsman marketing targets homeowners and hobbyists, much like other Stanley Black+Decker products.

However, the quality, durability, and product range the company offers is attractive to many professionals.

2. Kobalt

Like Craftsman, a retailer is responsible for the Kobalt brand. Lowe’s Home Improvement store created the brand in 1998. 

The hardware store still owns Kobalt today, though other manufacturing companies are responsible for designing and producing various products.

Lowe sells a decent range of corded and battery-operated power tools under the Kobalt brand and hand tools like wrenches and screwdrivers. 

Kobalt toolsets are popular among many homeowners.

One brand that is similar to Kobalt is Ryobi. Ryobi and Kobalt tools have a similar quality, but the former brand doesn’t have as many power tools in its lineup as the latter.

Some of the best cordless power tools Kobalt offers are within its new XTR lineup.

These cordless power tools are 50% more powerful than their predecessors and are ideal for semi pros.

Like other Kobalt tools, the XTR lineup gives consumers good value for their money.

Professionals and homeowners can use Kobalt tools without an issue.

The brand’s quality and price range fall in the middle, so it’s affordable enough for a casual DIYer but durable enough for woodworking.

3. Hitachi / Metabo HPT

Hitachi is the former name of what consumers now know as Metabo HPT.

The brand deals in more than power tools.

Hitachi is a corporation that manufactures many products, including batteries, construction machinery, and aircraft components.

Hitachi also made power tools, but the KKR investment fund bought the division in 2017.

These days, the company is rebranding itself as Metabo HPT. It has a respectable lineup of hand and power tools, including drills, impact drivers, cut-off saws, and other cutting equipment.

Metabo HPT also manufactures an excellent collection of 18V tools and MultiVolt cordless power tools such as the brand’s 18V Triple Hammer impact driver.

Despite the brand’s quality of cordless devices and cutting equipment, the Metabo HPT system does not include a wide selection of cordless tools like other companies.

For instance, Makita and DeWalt have better choices, but Metabo HPT remains a compelling brand for semi-professionals who don’t mind spending a little extra on tools.

4. Makita

As one of the most well-known power tool brands globally, Makita offers some of the best tools anyone can buy.

The Mosaburo Makita began the company in Japan in 1915.

Still, it wasn’t until Makita introduced a planer and drills in 1958 that it became the power tool enterprise we know today.

Makita’s current offerings include assorted items you could find at a workshop or construction site.

With Makita, you could get anything you’d need for a substantial renovation or building project, including a circular saw, impact driver, hammer drill, angle grinder, and more.

The company also has a good selection of pneumatic tools and outdoor equipment in its portfolio.

Makita products are stylish, simple, powerful, and high-quality, which you can see in its LXT sub-compact brushless motors series.

In addition to power tools, Makita also makes job site equipment like radios, fans, and cordless coffee makers.

Makita also has a reputation for its streamlined cordless system that focuses on convenience and simplicity, which homeowners and professionals appreciate.

Unlike other companies that require multiple batteries for their cordless systems, Matika tools feature one powerful voltage.

At one point, Japan manufactured all Makita products.

Today, many countries manufacture Makita tools, but the brand maintains its high-quality standards.

5. Ryobi

Another Japanese brand popular among homeowners and semi-professionals is Ryobi, which is under the power tools and outdoor equipment division of Techtronic Industries along with Milwaukee.

Though Milwaukee is one of the top choices for professionals, Ryobi is Techtronic Industries’ go-to brand for hobbyists and homeowners.

Known for its signature vibrant green color, Ryobi tools are highly affordable and less robust than professional power tool brands.

Ryobi products are ideal for anyone who likes to keep tools on hand for occasional projects and doesn’t intend to use them several days in a row at a construction site.

You can purchase various corded and cordless tools from the Ryobi lineup, like a drill set, circular saw, or impact driver.

Ryobi products may not be as robust as those within Milwaukee’s lineup, but their parent company manufactures tools to last for years with moderate use.

While they are not the best choice for constant heavy use, Ryobi power tools will get any DIY job done.

🧰 In Summary

The power tool industry includes many brands that claim to offer the best products for professionals and homeowners.

Navigating the market can be challenging, especially when big brand names compete with new companies.

However, recognizable power tool brands have years of experience, customer feedback, and manufacturing experimentation to help them stand apart from the competition.

When searching for the best power tool brand, you must consider everything from reputation to affordability to the product range.

If you’re a new DIYer, you could complete projects with affordable, quality tools from a new company.

Though if you’re looking to keep your cost low you can always rent tools.

If you are in the US, Home improvement stores like Lowe’s have a tool rental program you can leverage whenever you need the right tool for the job without the high cost of ownership.

A professional contractor may prefer to purchase goods from a manufacturer that stands the test of time and has many tools within its lineup.

We have also reviewed trade-specific tooling; if that interests you.

You can find more info here:

🧰 The Best HVAC Tools Every HVAC Contractor Should Have in 2024

🧰 The Electrical Tools Every New Electrician Should Have in 2024

Understanding what the top power tool companies have to offer consumers will help you determine which brand is best for your needs.

No brand will accommodate everyone, but there is a company that will work best for you, regardless of your experience level.

If you’re looking for an affordable and friendly HVAC company in your neighborhood, try Phyxter HVAC Services.