Top Power Tool Brands ǀ What’s in a name?

When setting out to buy power tools, knowing which are the best brands is a good starting point. Deciding which is the top power tool brand will depend on the individual. Top-selling power tools often hail from the cheaper brands. Casual DIY tool buyers, are more concerned about price. Whereas the professional will usually be concerned with quality, prepared to pay more for the more prestigious brands.

When your site is called Top-Powertools, it seems only logical that the question: “which is the top power tool brand?” is going to be frequently asked. The answer is more complicated than one might think. As I hinted in the introduction, we all have different ideas when considering the best brand for power tools. The most popular, won’t always be the best in terms of high-end features and durability. When it comes to cordless tools, the topic needs be scrutinized more carefully.

Battery-powered tools are, undoubtedly, the fastest growing sector of this competitive market. If you’re buying your first cordless tools, choosing the right brand is more important than you may initially have thought. Using only one battery platform is more practical and saves a heap of cash over the years. Buying a couple of batteries, and one charger, that will work for all your cordless tools, is an obvious advantage.

Country of origin is, to my mind, a secondary consideration. I know many American tool buyers will prefer to buy a US brand. This is not only about patriotism. Brands, like DeWalt and Milwaukee, are considered by many around the world, to be amongst the best. However, just because the brand is American, doesn’t mean the tools are actually made in the US. DeWalt has certain branded tools proudly stating made in the USA. This is not applicable to all their tools. Even those carrying the “Made in the USA” logo, have a subtext “with global materials”. In the end, we should trust the brand and be less concerned with where they source the materials, or where all their factories are located.

This article on the top power tool brands can’t be all things to all people. Though I’ll try to provide an overview for both DIY tool users and professionals. There will always be a crossover market.

I know many DIY tool users who insist on buying the very best, regardless of price. On the flipside, some startup contractors may choose cheaper brand tools out of necessity. You need to buy a bunch of tools and simply don’t have the means to buy all from top brands. As you build your business, you will be able to replace them with better quality tools. None the less, we have to set some parameters. So, I’ll be discussing the top power tool brands under two headings: Best Power Tool Brands for Professionals and Best DIY Power Tool Brands. I think it goes without saying, that the latter category will be the more affordable power tool brands.

When setting out to buy power tools, knowing which are the best brands is a good starting point. Deciding which is the top power tool brand will depend on the individual. Top-selling power tools often hail from the cheaper brands. Casual DIY tool buyers, are more concerned about price. Whereas the professional will usually be concerned with quality, prepared to pay more for the more prestigious brands.

When your site is called Top-Powertools, it seems only logical that the question: “which is the top power tool brand?” is going to be frequently asked. The answer is more complicated than one might think. As I hinted in the introduction, we all have different ideas when considering the best brand for power tools. The most popular, won’t always be the best in terms of high-end features and durability. When it comes to cordless tools, the topic needs be scrutinized more carefully.

Battery-powered tools are, undoubtedly, the fastest growing sector of this competitive market. If you’re buying your first cordless tools, choosing the right brand is more important than you may initially have thought. Using only one battery platform is more practical and saves a heap of cash over the years. Buying a couple of batteries, and one charger, that will work for all your cordless tools, is an obvious advantage.

Country of origin is, to my mind, a secondary consideration. I know many American tool buyers will prefer to buy a US brand. This is not only about patriotism. Brands, like DeWalt and Milwaukee, are considered by many around the world, to be amongst the best. However, just because the brand is American, doesn’t mean the tools are actually made in the US. DeWalt has certain branded tools proudly stating made in the USA. This is not applicable to all their tools. Even those carrying the “Made in the USA” logo, have a subtext “with global materials”. In the end, we should trust the brand and be less concerned with where they source the materials, or where all their factories are located.

This article on the top power tool brands can’t be all things to all people. Though I’ll try to provide an overview for both DIY tool users and professionals. There will always be a crossover market.

I know many DIY tool users who insist on buying the very best, regardless of price. On the flipside, some startup contractors may choose cheaper brand tools out of necessity. You need to buy a bunch of tools and simply don’t have the means to buy all from top brands. As you build your business, you will be able to replace them with better quality tools. None the less, we have to set some parameters. So, I’ll be discussing the top power tool brands under two headings: Best Power Tool Brands for Professionals and Best DIY Power Tool Brands. I think it goes without saying, that the latter category will be the more affordable power tool brands.

Best Power Tool Brands for Professionals

Contractors and tradesman will obviously consider durability and reliability as top considerations when buying power tools. You need tools that work as hard as you do without fail. You depend on your power tools and that’s important. Dealership service and parts availability will also be important.

Amongst those in the know, the Milwaukee vs DeWalt vs Makita will be an endless debate as to which is the premier tool brand for professionals. There’s a dark horse in this race, Metabo. This is often a more affordable choice, leading some to believe the brand can’t really match up to the top dogs. This isn’t necessarily true. Then there’s the Festool. Personally, I rate these tools as the ultimate choice. They are usually the most expensive option and their product range is limited, especially when it comes to cordless tools. The Festool brand is mainly aimed at woodworkers. To this end, they are the hallmark of exceptional quality and engineering.  We can’t ignore Bosch as a top brand for both professionals and home users. Some Bosch power tools are legendary, like the Bosch Bulldog rotary hammer drill. There are also really affordable good quality Bosch tools, with a much broader appeal.   

DeWalt

Not everyone will agree, but I’m placing DeWalt at the top of the list as the number one power tool brand. There can be an endless argument as to which is the best tool brand in terms of quality. DeWalt certainly features among the top contenders in this regard.

I rate DeWalt as the top power tool brand for more practical reasons, than simply quality. Their product range is immense. Whether it’s construction tools, hand tools, or outdoor and gardening equipment, you will find a DeWalt tool to meet your needs.

It’s when you start considering cordless tools, that the DeWalt brand really comes to the fore. The DeWalt 20V MAX cordless tool lineup is the most extensive you’ll find. Making this the most versatile cordless tool brand. Furthermore, the introduction of the DeWalt FlexVolt 60V/20V MAX battery has changed the cordless tool game entirely. There are numerous advantages presented by this unique battery concept. The most important of which is the ability to use the same battery for both DeWalt 20V MAX and 60V MAX cordless tools. No other power tool manufacturer can boast of this achievement.

I have long been a huge DeWalt fan, both as the top power tool brand for professional and DIY projects. When Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw, in 1922, he could not have foreseen the legacy of power tool innovation that would follow. The DeWalt products company was established in 1924. Their first product, aptly named the DeWalt “Wonder Worker”, was a multi-function power tool with nine different configurations.

Since 1960, DeWalt has been part of the Black & Decker group, now known as Stanley Black & Decker. Although Black & Decker is better known as a home appliance and DIY power tool brand, the acquisition of DeWalt set the company on an entirely new trajectory. DeWalt became, and still is, the flagship brand for the group. Among the brands that make up the Black & Decker repertoire, DeWalt is considered the top professional choice.

Milwaukee

Since its inception, in 1924, Milwaukee has been recognized as one of the top US power tool brands. Favored by many professionals as the best tools for hardworking conditions, Milwaukee is not, by any means, a cheap power tool brand.

Many cordless tool users consider the Milwaukee M12 and M18 battery-powered tool ranges to be the very best. These batteries are known to withstand intolerable punishment, without giving up the ghost. While the Milwaukee cordless tool selection may not be as impressive as DeWalt or Makita, you’ll find the right tool for the job in their lineup of high-quality cordless tools.

In 2005, Milwaukee became part of the Techtronic Industries Group. With this change in ownership, came a rejuvenated interest in the Milwaukee brand as a forerunner in the manufacture of tools for professionals. A considerable effort has been made to develop tools with innovative features and robust design.

Makita

Makita is a Japanese power tool brand, founded in 1915. Makita USA, Inc was established in 1970, with a focus on developing and manufacturing power tools specifically for the American market. Today, Makita USA has training, engineering, and manufacturing facilities to service the needs of the US consumer.

Makita became the first power tool brand to develop battery-powered tools in 1969, the Makita 6500D handheld drill. For many decades, Makita was the world leader in the field of rechargeable batteries for power tools. In recent times, the Makita 18V LXT range of batteries, cordless tools, and battery chargers have been recognized as among the best.

Second only to DeWalt, Makita has an enormous selection of cordless tools, sharing the same battery platform. Makita power tools are also amongst the most durable.  

Metabo

Metabo is a brand that embodies the finest German engineering. The company derived its name from the German word for a metal drill, Metallbohrdreher. The acronym, Metabo, was chosen as this was the invention that established the brand. Metabo founder, Albrecht Schnitzler, developed the first hand-held drill in 1923. Metabo tools have been on cutting edge of technological development ever since.

The brand holds over 700 patents and registered designs. Their focus has always been about manufacturing heavy-duty tools for construction and other professional environments, where functionality and durability are paramount. Metabo drills and angle grinders are seen by many professionals as the ultimate in quality and productivity.

While Metabo cordless tools are fairly limited, they have several specialized battery-powered equipment that are unrivaled by any other brand. They were the first tool manufacturer to introduce a high-powered 36V cordless angle grinder.

Metabo HPT is a more affordable consumer power tool brand. Formerly Hitachi, a Japanese tool and appliance manufacturer, the Metabo HPT brand was established to provide high-quality power tools to a wider market. Within the Metabo HPT lineup, you will also find a good selection of cordless tools.

Festool

The Festool brand is better known for woodworking tools, with many specialized options. The company has a unique approach to modular systems for complete solutions. Dust extraction systems feature highly in the Festool repertoire. Something that is of great importance for the carpenter.

The Festool brand history hails back to Germany, 1925. Founded by Gottlieb Stoll and Albert Fezer, the company was first known as Fezer and Stoll. The Name Festo was adopted in 1993, changing to Festool in 2000. Power saws have always been a staple for the brand. In 1927, they introduced the first portable chainsaw.

Bosch

Another great German Brand, Bosch, is a global giant in the field of auto electrical components, appliances, and power tools. In 1886, Robert Bosch established the company as one of the first electrical engineering establishments.

Before World War II, Bosch engineering was entirely devoted to the automotive industry, and has remained a leader in this field ever since. Diversifying into power tools was done in an effort to make the brand more sustainable.

Bosch power tools range from affordable cordless and corded tools for the general consumer market, to high-end drills and saws for the professional.

Best DIY Power Tool Brands

For the home user, the emphasis on choosing the best power tool brand is probably more about quantity over quality. This is not to say that all DIY tool brands are junk. If you take a look around your garage, you may find tools that haven’t been used for quite a while. Though, a day will come when you dust them off and expect them to do the job you require.

For home renovation and DIY projects, we need quite a selection of power tools. Today you may be renovating the bathroom. Next week it could be repairs to the car. While these tasks require the correct tool for the job at hand, we won’t be using any specific tool every day. Some cordless tools, like a drill driver, will be more common and, therefore, used more frequently.

Essentially, the DIY tool buyer is looking for an extensive range of affordable tools that don’t necessarily have to hold up to rigorous daily work. We need something that is reliable and easy to use, but in need not be an industrial grade machine.

There are many brands that cater to these needs. Some of a higher standard than others. In reviewing the top power tool brands for less frequent use, I’m going to set my sights on tow of the best and most popular names in the business. There are others that may up to the task, but few brands can hold up to Craftsman and Black & Decker in this regard.

Craftsman

Craftsman has never been a tool manufacturer. The brand started out as an exclusive range, owned by Sears, registered in 1927. The idea behind the Craftsman brand was to establish a trusted name for the avearge consumer when buying affordable tools for general use.

The Craftsman philosophy has been to source good quality tools, using the buying power of the Sears retailer to negotiate the best price and pass this saving on to the consumer. While generally considered a cheap tool brand, in the light to medium duty category, Craftsman tools are not all equal. There are three tears in the Craftsman marketing hierarchy. These range from professional grade high-end tools, to more affordable mid-range tools and cheap tools of reasonable quality standard.

Today, Craftsman tools is owned by the Stanley Black & Decker group.

Black & Decker

No brand exemplifies the concept of quality consumer products like Black & Decker. In 1910, S Duncan Black and Alonzo G Decker founded a small manufacturing shop, producing some of the first portable power tools. Many years prior, the British manufacturing company, Stanley was established in 1843. Today Stanley Black & Decker owns numerous brands, including DeWalt, Craftsman, Porter Cable.

Black and Decker tools and appliances have always be recognized for their outstanding quality and reasonable prices. Probably one of the most influential and respected US brands. Great innovations have come from the company. In 1961, Black & Decker were the first power tool brand to supply a cordless drill, using Nickel Cadmium battery cells. Before the advent of lithium ion batteries, this was the best battery for power tools and other cordless appliances.

Only a year later (1962) Black & Decker develop the first cordless hedge trimmer, which was the beginning of the popular cordless outdoor equipment market. Probably the most renowned innovation to hail form Black & Decker would be the DustBuster, in 1979. A revolution in the appliance industry.

The homeowner, seeking reliable tools, can find everything they need in the extensive Black & Decker range. This includes corded and cordless power tools, of every description, to regular hand tools.

Conclusion

Which brand of power tool is the best? The answer will differ, depending on who you ask. I believe all the power tool brands mentioned in this article can be classified as the best in one way or another. Some, like Black & Decker and Craftsman are the best for casual tool users. Inexpensive and greatly accomplished. 

As for the more expensive tool brands reviewed here, these are all widely considered to be the top names in the business on every level. As I said in the introduction, my vote goes for DeWalt. I like the massive cordless range and the fact that they have some great deals on more reasonably priced, good quality tools. Though each of the best power tool brands have some models that are just sublimely amazing.

When discussing the top power tool brands, there’s one question that keeps popping up: Is Milwaukee better than DeWalt? On a technical level, Milwaukee could take the crowning glory. Given that Milwaukee tools are usually more expensive than their DeWalt equivalents, the question becomes more about value for money. Is the higher price tag justified? Perhaps, especially if you’re a contractor who needs a tool that can handle extreme punishment. 

If you’re interested in buying the best option for a specific power tool, a drill, saw, or any other, you should compare models from the brands I’ve mentioned. Trusted review sites should offer a good deal of insight. In the end, if you choose any tool from a reputable brand, you can’t really go wrong.