In the world of home improvement, these are the best power tool brands for both homeowners and pros.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
The 9 Best Power Tool Brands You Should Reach for First
Updated on Oct. 15, 2024
On Sale
via merchant
Craftsman
Is there a more iconic tool brand than Craftsman? One of the best power tool brands, your dad, your granddad—maybe even your great-grandad—probably had at least one Craftsman tool, and very likely way more than that. Founded in 1927 as the in-house tool brand for Sears (though the tools themselves were built by third parties with their own strong reputations and branded “Craftsman” for sale through Sears), Craftsman built a name for quality by offering a lifetime warranty for decades. Since 2017, Craftsman has been owned by Stanley Black & Decker (those two legendary tool companies merged in 2010).
It may just be me, but when I think Craftsman, I think of a tool that fits in one hand and has multiple uses, and the Craftsman V20 cordless ratchet wrench fits the bill. It has a variable speed of up to 300 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 35 foot-pounds of torque. Other features include the ability to switch between powered and manual operation, and a light-emitting diode (LED) light that illuminates the work area. This is certainly an exceptionally handy handyman’s tool.
Note: The battery and charger are sold separately and the days of lifetime no-questions asked warranties are over, but Craftsman does guarantee its power tools for 12 months.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 300 | Torque: 35 foot-pounds
On Sale
via merchant
DeWalt
Another brand dating back to the 1920s, DeWalt was a household name among professionals. Pros were discovering the hardcore reliability of DeWalt, which was founded in 1924 by Raymond DeWalt, who invented the radial arm saw. The brand, bought by Black & Decker in 1960 (and now a corporate stablemate of Craftsman), sold the radial saw branch of the company in 1989. Three years later, Black & Decker chose to rebrand its professional-quality gear as DeWalt.
The best power tool brands have dependable battery-powered, cordless options, as well. That’s where DeWalt shines. Among DeWalt’s highest-rated offerings is its 20-volt Max XR impact driver with more than 8,400 five-star ratings on Amazon. With up to 3,400 RPM and 1,835 inch-pounds of torque, driving large-diameter screws is quick and easy. The Max XR impact driver also includes a three-LED light so you’re not driving (screws) blind.
Note: Battery and charger are sold separately.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 3,400 | Torque: 1,835 inch-pounds
On Sale
via merchant
Skil
Not all power tools are cordless. There are some applications where 120-volt Alternating Current (AC) power from a wall socket is preferable. The tool itself will have higher output and you can rely on consistent power delivery rather than starting a job and finding yourself with a battery that’s running on fumes. If you’re looking for quality corded tools, then Skil is the way to go. This company was founded by Edmund Michel, who invented the circular saw in 1924.
Unlike DeWalt, Skil still makes the tool that put them on the map—as the company calls it, “the saw that built America”. Its 15-amp 7.25-inch circular saw features a 5,300-RPM motor, a carbide-tipped blade, a built-in dust blower to keep the line of cut clear and a single-beam laser to keep that cut straight as an arrow.
Power source: Corded electric | RPMs: 5,300
via merchant
Makita
One small step for man, one giant leap for power tools. In 1969, the same year we landed on the moon, Makita invented the first rechargeable power tool: a battery-powered drill. Not bad for a company that had only been in the power tool business for 11 years! Makita and the power tool industry never looked back and has been one of the best power tool brands ever since.
The Makita XFD10Z rechargeable drill carries on the tradition, with 55 years of research and advancements baked in. A four-pole motor delivers 480 inch-pounds of max torque. Plus, the drill includes a two-speed transmission, is dust- and water-resistant and has dual LED lighting.
Note: Battery and charger are sold separately.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 1,900 |Â Torque: 480 inch-pounds
On Sale
via merchant
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is another best tool brand with a deep history. Founded in 1924 and instantly recognizable by folks who’ve served our country, Milwaukee started producing tools for the U.S. Navy in the 1930s and was one of the fastest-growing brands in 2022.
If there’s one breakthrough product that secured Milwaukee’s place in the toolmaker hall of fame (there isn’t one, but there should be), it’s the Sawzall reciprocating saw, introduced in 1951. Milwaukee still makes Sawzalls today, and the most popular is the 2621-20 M18, a cordless model with a 3,000-RPM motor. It also features a quick-lock blade clamp and an all-metal gearbox, which protects it if it gets dropped. A counter-balance mechanism also reduces vibrations.
Note: Battery and charger are sold separately.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 3,000
On Sale
via merchant
Bosch
Quite possibly the most diverse company on our list, Bosch is involved in automotive, household appliances, industrial technology, energy efficiency and healthcare along with power tools.
In 1927, its breakthrough power tool product was the first electrically powered hammer drill, for use on masonry and concrete. And Bosch still makes such a product today in the 11255VSR Bulldog. It’s a corded drill that’s able to lock a chisel into 36 different positions. Plus, it features a variable-speed trigger, a clutch that’ll disengage the transmission if the drill bit gets bound up and equal power in forward and reverse.
Power source: Corded electric | RPMs: 1,300 | Torque: 2 foot-pounds
via merchant
Ryobi
Ryobi’s roots go back to World War II as a die-casting company. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Ryobi began making its own branded products for consumers, including power tools. With no deep history tied to one breakthrough product a century ago, Ryobi makes a wide variety of power tools, all in a distinctive shade of green with a large logo.
Its P601 One+ cordless fixed-base trim router is one of its most popular products. With a 29,000-RPM motor, the P601 One+ is ideally suited to specialty woodworking projects. It features a sturdy aluminum base for stability, rubber coating for a firm grip and a built-in depth adjustment knob.
Note: Battery and charger are sold separately.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 29,000
via merchant
Black & Decker
It’s hard to beat Black & Decker when it comes to the best power tool brands. It’s been around since 1910, but it has a somewhat lower profile these days. Part of that is due to the 2010 merger with Stanley, which got it second billing and under the same corporate roof as Craftsman and DeWalt as its prestige brands.
That said, Black & Decker still makes very good power tools, including a version of its breakthrough product, the handheld, pistol-grip electric drill, which it invented and brought to market in 1917. Honoring that heritage, our pick is the brand’s corded model DR260C, a straightforward, reasonably priced tool. Its 5.2-amp motor maxes out at 1,500 RPM, includes storage in its handle for an extra drill bit and comes with a two-year limited manufacturer warranty.
Power source: Battery powered |Â RPMs: 1,500
via merchant
How We Chose the Best Power Tool Brands
Ridgid
