You don’t need to be a remodelling contractor or professional woodworker to appreciate the many benefits of power tools. A trusty cordless drill will help you speed through various projects, from hanging shelves to assembling furniture. A high-powered pressure washer can blast away stains from decks and driveways in a fraction of the time, And a capable circular saw is the only way to cut through large pieces of lumber short of sweating for hours over a handsaw.
No wonder home centres and hardware stores have aisle after aisle of power tools. That raises the question: Which brand is right for you?
When shopping for power tools, it is essential to consider what kind of job you are tackling and what type of tool you need. To help you with the decision-making process, here are some famous power tool brands you can trust to meet your requirements. Each of these brands offers something different, so take a look to decide which is right for you. While one brand might be perfect for one individual, another could offer a better solution for a different person. Consider the warranty and price of each tool, as well as your own needs, to determine which is the best fit.

Makita

Makita is the brand to turn to for those looking for reliable, long-lasting power tools. Its dedication to quality has become the power tool brand of choice for many. Makita is renowned for being one of the top power tool brands, not only due to its higher price tag but also because of its outstanding quality. Established in 1915, the company made a significant impact in the power tools industry in 1958 with its innovative planer. Since then, the brand has expanded into other woodworking tools and has become a symbol of quality and versatility. Makita also offers a wide range of cordless tools which can be taken on the go. Professionals have come to rely on the brand for its reliability and longevity. Makita is now the go-to choice for those seeking dependable power tools. With its commitment to superior craftsmanship, Makita is the power tool brand of choice for many.

Dewalt

Here’s another brand popular with pros, especially carpenters and remodelling contractors, who stand by the performance and reliability of DeWalt’s drills and cutting tools. Many homeowners who want the best and have the money to spend gravitate toward DeWalt. And why not? Given the durability and reliability that our tests have consistently seen with the brand over the years, the next DeWalt drill or circular saw or impact wrench with hog ring anvil kit could be your last.

Bosch

With its roots dating back to 1886 in Germany, Bosch is one of the oldest brands on the list. Bosch produces excellent tools that place quality in front of quantity, yet a charitable organization owns it. They offer great value, top-of-the-line quality, and reliability, making them incredibly impressive. Bosch is an expensive option, so it’s primarily for professionals or semi-professionals. As with other early pioneers of the cordless revolution, Bosch also made its mark in early battery technology. Their well-built batteries are durable and long-lasting.

Milwaukee

Since 1924, Milwaukee has established itself as a leader in the automotive, electrical, and HVAC industries. Their tools are designed to meet the needs of professionals, making them one of the top choices for industry specialists. Acquired by Techtronic Industries, a Japanese company that also owns Ryobi, Milwaukee has been able to continue providing durable and dependable tools. Their success story began with the Hole Shooter, a one-handed drill, which was an instant hit. Now they offer construction tools, power tools, outdoor equipment, and a range of cordless tools, leading the cordless revolution adopted by multiple brands.

Black & Decker

Another legend of the power tool industry, Black+Decker has been a trusted brand among our experts for decades. Although its small appliances — everything from toasters to coffeepots — have been in and out of the Labs the most, we’ve also been impressed by the brand’s power tools, especially given the affordable price tags.While brands like Craftsman and Ryobi can hold their own on a construction site (or at least with hard-core DIYers), Black+Decker tools are best reserved for light-duty projects, like drilling into drywall or refinishing furniture.

Craftsman

Craftsman is renowned for providing top-notch corded, gas-powered, cordless tools and outdoor equipment. Their Weedwhacker brand of string trimmers is highly popular and second-to-none. In addition, Craftsman’s Versa System has a great selection of tools and accessories that can be sorted and stored neatly. Homeowners, hobbyists, and professionals alike can enjoy the many benefits of Craftsman – from high quality to durability and a vast range of products. Stanley Black+Decker’s association with Craftsman has made it a top choice for a variety of tool needs.

Ryobi

For homeowners looking for a reliable and cost-effective tool brand, Ryobi is the perfect choice. Owned by Techtronic Industries, Ryobi is lighter and more affordable than its sister brand, Milwaukee. Ryobi offers a vast selection of hand and power tools, as well as economical kits that save both time and money. From drills and impact drivers to circular saws, Ryobi has it all – both cordless and corded versions are available. Whether you need basic tools for home improvement projects or more advanced tools for semi-professional use, Ryobi has the perfect solution.

Kobalt

Kobalt is a tool company owned by Lowe’s and is a great option for homeowners and semi-professionals. While Kobalt is often compared to Ryobi in terms of quality, the latter is more highly ranked due to its decades-long presence in the industry and larger product line. However, the XTR line of Kobalt products is an exceptional value for money, providing 50% more power than their predecessors. These cordless power tools are durable and affordable enough to satisfy casual DIYers and woodworkers alike. Whether you need a tool for professional or home use, Kobalt is an excellent choice.

Ridgid

For over 97 years, Ridgid has been a leader in the plumbing and HVAC industries, providing the most reliable pipe wrenches on the market. Their signature red pipe wrench is a staple among contractors and DIYers alike. Despite not having a wide selection of power tools, Ridgid’s drills, impact drivers and sizes are impressive. What sets Ridgid apart from the competition is their three-year warranty that includes exclusive features not offered by other brands. For plumbers and HVAC professionals, it’s clear that Ridgid is a good choice.

When selecting the best power tool brands, what should be taken into consideration?

Corded or cordless

There used to be a clear trade-off here, with battery-powered tools being more straightforward than corded models but not as powerful. However, lithium-ion technology has become so good that battery-powered tools can go toe to toe with their corded electric counterparts in most categories. The only compromise is run time since most battery packs need a recharge after a couple of hours. For pros on the go for eight or 10 hours daily, corded tools are still preferred in some situations.

DIY or professional

Pro-grade tools are also faster, thanks to their high-efficiency motors, battery cells, and circuitry that can better manage heat-generated current. The biggest downside of pro-grade power tools is that they cost two or three times as much as DIY models. They’re also heavier and more challenging for an amateur to handle.

Warranty/service agreement

As with any mechanical product, the warranty or service agreement’s terms indicate overall quality. One-year coverage is the minimum we see with most power tools. Given the competitive marketplace, some have sweetened the deal with three- or five-year warranties covering the repair or replacement of any defective equipment. And a handful even offers lifetime service agreements, usually covering labour costs and replacement parts.
Power tools are popular with DIY enthusiasts, professionals and homeowners alike. When choosing the brand of power tools, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Each of these brands offers a variety of tools and accessories to suit different needs and budgets. Before buying power tools, you can consider the object of your construction, frequency of use and budget to select the most suitable tools for you.