- According to our experts, Milwaukee is the top tool brand overall, known for its exceptional reputation, high-quality tools, and straightforward warranty process.
- Tools are an investment, whether you’re a professional contractor or tackling DIY projects at home, so it’s worth taking the time to choose the right brand.
- The brand of tools you select will directly impact the quality of your DIY projects or professional contractor work.
A good set of tools can last a lifetime—but which tool brand offers the best quality and value? With tool sets ranging in cost from just a few dollars for a basic screwdriver set to $1,000 for a tool combo kit, homeowners and DIYers want to make sure the tools they buy today can be used for home projects and repairs spanning decades.
To help you find the best tools, we evaluated seven top tool brands to highlight those with the best reputation, performance, and warranties.
Which Tool Brand Is Best?
Milwaukee earned our pick for the best tool brand due to its lineup of durable products with lifetime guarantees against defects. However, we also recommend six other brands that stand out in different performance categories.
- Best Tool Brand: Milwaukee
- Best Power Tool Brand: Bosch
- Best Cordless Tool Brand: DeWalt
- Best Poratble Tool Brand: Makita
- Best Budget Tool Brand: Ryobi
- Best Mechanic Tool Brand: Craftsman
- Best Oscillating Tool Brand: Kobalt
Below, you’ll find our in-depth reviews of each brand, along with our This Old House experts’ favorite tools from each maker.
Milwaukee: Best Tool Brand Overall
Good for: Someone who does frequent renovations or repairs around the house.
Our pick for the best tool brand, Milwaukee, offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its products that ensures the brand will repair or replace any hand tool that is determined to be defective in material or workmanship. The brand is known for its high-quality corded power tools, cordless power tools, hand tools, hand saws and pneumatic impact drivers.
Pros
- Has powerful motors on cordless drills
- Battery powered tools are known for long operating times
- In addition to a limited lifetime warranty against defects, most tools are backed by a five-year limited warranty
Cons
- Pricier than comparable brands
- You have to read warranty information carefully because it varies by product
Our Experts’ Favorite Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee M18 Brushless Circular Saw
Good for: Someone who does frequent renovations or repairs around the house.
Our pick for the best tool brand, Milwaukee, offers a limited lifetime warranty on most of its products that ensures the brand will repair or replace any hand tool that is determined to be defective in material or workmanship. The brand is known for its high-quality corded power tools, cordless power tools, hand tools, hand saws and pneumatic impact drivers.
Pros and Cons of Milwaukee M18 Brushless Circular Saw
- Has powerful motors on cordless drills
- Battery powered tools are known for long operating times
- In addition to a limited lifetime warranty against defects, most tools are backed by a five-year limited warranty
- Pricier than comparable brands
- You have to read warranty information carefully because it varies by product
Bosch: Best Power Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who is rough with their power tools.
Known for its ultra-durable impact drivers, circular saws, drills, sanders, angle grinders, and power tools in general, Bosch offers professional tools designed to stand up to the grind. Bosch’s drills have a reputation for offering exceptional strength for drilling and chiseling while being extremely lightweight.
Pros
- Offers a three-year limited warranty on most power tools
- Ordering replacement parts through Bosch is easy
- Bosch batteries are interchangeable among all Bosch power tools
Cons
- Tool ecosystem is more limited compared to other brands
- Replacement batteries are pricey
Our Experts’ Favorite Bosch Tool
BOSCH Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit
Good for: Someone who is rough with their power tools.
Known for its ultra-durable impact drivers, circular saws, drills, sanders, angle grinders, and power tools in general, Bosch offers professional tools designed to stand up to the grind. Bosch’s drills have a reputation for offering exceptional strength for drilling and chiseling while being extremely lightweight.
Pros and Cons of BOSCH Drill/Driver and Impact Driver Combo Kit
- Offers a three-year limited warranty on most power tools
- Ordering replacement parts through Bosch is easy
- Bosch batteries are interchangeable among all Bosch power tools
- Tool ecosystem is more limited compared to other brands
- Replacement batteries are pricey
DeWalt: Best Cordless Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who likes smooth designs with easy handling and doesn’t like power outlets.
With a lineup including drills, impact drivers, grinders, nailers, circular saws, track saws, miter saws, reciprocating saws, jigsaws and countless accessories, DeWalt is a brand that’s easy to stay loyal to when moving from project to project. A consistent battery platform for cordless tools allows users to use the same battery across many different applications.
Pros
- Tools carry a three-year warranty, seven-year warranty, or limited lifetime warranty
- Offers one of the largest tool ecosystems
- With most big-box stores carrying DeWalt power tools, picking up accessories is easy
- Battery and charger costs are high
- Often prioritizing overengineering over making lightweight tools, DeWalt has a reputation for heavy tools
Our Experts’ Favorite DeWalt Tool
DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw
Good for: Serious and aspiring DIY woodworkers.
Ideal for everything from interior trim work to framing, the DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw features a 6-1/2-inch carbide-tipped blade for 90-degree and 45-degree cuts. With a 5,150 RPM motor, users can get through the most demanding of cuts. The rubber-molded grip creates comfort while helping to enhance balance and control. With bevel capacity at 0–50 degrees, this tool is handy for tackling edges.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw
- Blade break stops the blade from spinning following engagement
- Is exceptional for perpendicular cuts
- Cuts material away from the user’s positioning
- Doesn’t incorporate a brushless motor
- DeWalt FlexVolt batteries needed for optimal performance are pricey
Makita: Best Portable Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who wants tough, efficient tools to take from one job site to the next.
Makita tools are known for their high-performance brushless motors that are engineered to be more efficient compared to other models. However, Makita’s hand tools are equally as well-crafted as its power tools. The brand’s robust lineup also includes drills, saws, grinders, hammer drills, sanders, and combo kits.
Pros
- Two-year and three-year warranties offered on all products
- Makita lithium-ion batteries are designed to be interchangeable across the brand’s lineup
- Many tools have lightweight, ergonomic designs
Cons
- Smaller tool ecosystem compared to other brands
- While Makita designs batteries to be interchangeable, users with older LXT-compatible products aren’t able to mix and match with products on the new XGT system
Our Experts’ Favorite Makita Tool
Makita XSR01Z Rear Handle Circular Saw
Good for: Someone who wants tough, efficient tools.
Makita tools are known for their high-performance brushless motors that are engineered to be more efficient compared to other models. However, Makita’s hand tools are equally as well-crafted as its power tools. The brand’s robust lineup also includes drills, saws, grinders, hammer drills, sanders, and combo kits.
Pros and Cons of Makita XSR01Z Rear Handle Circular Saw
- Two-year and three-year warranties offered on all products
- Makita lithium-ion batteries are designed to be interchangeable across the brand’s lineup
- Many tools have lightweight, ergonomic designs
- Smaller tool ecosystem compared to other brands
- While Makita designs batteries to be interchangeable, users with older LXT-compatible products aren’t able to mix and match with products on the new XGT system
Ryobi: Best Budget Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who does infrequent or lighter DIY projects.
Offering great value, Ryobi is known for its drills, sanders, circular saws, miter saws, band saws and more. This has become a go-to brand for DIY homeowners looking for reliable performance on basic jobs.
Pros
- Tools and parts have a one-year, three-year, or limited lifetime warranty
- Angle grinders and other tools often cost much less than what competing brands charge
- Easy to find replacement parts and accessories
Cons
- May not work well for some heavy-duty or intensive projects
- The ability to interchange batteries between different tools is limited
Our Experts’ Favorite Ryobi Tool
RYOBI Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench
Good for: Someone who does infrequent or lighter DIY projects.
Offering great value, Ryobi is known for its drills, sanders, circular saws, miter saws, band saws and more. This has become a go-to brand for DIY homeowners looking for reliable performance on basic jobs.
Pros and Cons of RYOBI Brushless Cordless Impact Wrench
- Tools and parts have a one-year, three-year, or limited lifetime warranty
- Angle grinders and other tools often cost much less than what competing brands charge
- Easy to find replacement parts and accessories
- May not work well for some heavy-duty or intensive projects
- The ability to interchange batteries between different tools is limited
Craftsman: Best Mechanic Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who wants tools, particularly automotive tools, that are guaranteed to last.
With most Craftsman products coming with full lifetime warranties or limited lifetime warranties, the brand stands out for offering the strongest overall warranties in the tool world. Some notable pieces from Craftsman’s lineup includes drills, sanders, saws, compressors, and oscillating tools. Craftsman’s automotive lineup of tools is also highly rated.
Pros
- Batteries are nearly universally interchangeable within the brand’s lineup
- Craftsman power tool combo kits provide great value
- Replacement parts and accessories are easy to find in stores compared to other brands
Cons
- Battery charges have a reputation for being weaker than competitors
- Newer generation Craftsman tools are no longer made in the United States
Our Experts’ Favorite Craftsman Tool
CRAFTSMAN Pliers, 8 & 10, 2Piece Groove Joint Se
Good for: Someone who wants tools, particularly automotive tools, that are guaranteed to last.
With most Craftsman products coming with full lifetime warranties or limited lifetime warranties, the brand stands out for offering the strongest overall warranties in the tool world. Some notable pieces from Craftsman’s lineup includes drills, sanders, saws, compressors, and oscillating tools. Craftsman’s automotive lineup of tools is also highly rated.
Pros and Cons of CRAFTSMAN Pliers, 8 & 10, 2Piece Groove Joint Se
- Batteries are nearly universally interchangeable within the brand’s lineup
- Craftsman power tool combo kits provide great value
- Replacement parts and accessories are easy to find in stores compared to other brands
- Battery charges have a reputation for being weaker than competitors
- Newer generation Craftsman tools are no longer made in the United States
Kobalt: Best Oscillating Tool Brand
Good for: Someone who doesn’t have time to research different oscillating tools.
Kobalt is a tool brand that is owned and operated by Lowe’s. Known for their affordability and reliability, Kobalt tools are geared for DIY projects. Standout products include saws, drills, and garden tools as a whole. Kobalt also sells storage and organizational kits designed with practical, safe storage for tools in mind.
Pros
- Tools are designed to be easy enough for the average person to use
- Easy to mix and match accessories and tools
- All batteries are interchangeable
Cons
- Designs are bulky compared to other tool brands
- Not many retailers carry this brand
Our Experts’ Favorite Kobalt Tool
Kobalt 18-Piece Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit
Good for: Someone who doesn’t have time to research different garden tools.
Kobalt is a tool brand that is owned and operated by Lowe’s. Known for their affordability and reliability, Kobalt tools are geared for DIY projects. Standout products include saws, drills, and garden tools as a whole. Kobalt also sells storage and organizational kits designed with practical, safe storage for tools in mind.
Pros and Cons of Kobalt 18-Piece Cordless Oscillating Tool Kit
- Tools are designed to be easy enough for the average person to use
- Easy to mix and match accessories and tools
- All batteries are interchangeable
- Designs are bulky compared to other tool brands
- Not many retailers carry this brand
Top Tool Brands: What You Should Know
Major tool brands all utilize similar technology for precision, performance, and battery life. That means that you can generally find tools that will get you through DIY projects even if you don’t want to pay for professional-grade tools. That doesn’t mean that every tool out there is a good bargain. This guide to finding the right tool brand will help you to decide which features matter most.
Important Features
The first feature to pay attention to technically isn’t a feature: A brand’s warranty policy can help determine its long-term value. Fortunately, all major tool brands today offer some form of warranty. A few provide lifetime and limited lifetime warranties that protect against product defects for the full lifetime of any tool. The bare minimum that a tool brand should provide is a one-year warranty.
The second important feature is battery compatibility. This feature allows you to reuse the same batteries across your full tool lineup. Today, most power tools use brand-specific batteries. When you need particular batteries for each tool in your garage, you’ll end up spending money on replacement batteries you barely even use. With some batteries ranging in price from $14 to $200, that’s not a cost you want to incur unnecessarily. The other benefit of interchangeable batteries is that you won’t have to wait for batteries to charge between uses because you can simply swap out batteries during recharging sessions.
What are some basic power tools DIYers should keep on hand?
With many of the best tool brands offering hundreds of different products, it can be hard to know what you need to get started. Here’s a look at the basic tools needed in every garage:
- Cordless drill: As the most versatile tool, the cordless drill can be used to hang shelves, install a baby cake, tighten loose cabinet doors or assemble a new deck.
- Circular saw: Essential for all woodworking projects, a circular saw has a blade that cuts large panels or long lumber.
- Miter saw: Designed for creating accurate angled cuts, the miter saw is essential when redoing baseboard, molding, or trim.
- Impact driver: Remove or install screws and nails instantly with an impact driver. The tool gives delivers torque at a rate that would burn the average drill out.
- Electric sander: A good electric orbital sander is the secret to getting smooth, paintable wood surfaces without leaving scratches.
If you’re not sure where to start with your tool journey, purchasing a large multi-tool kit or power tool set that features all of the essential tools can help you to get all of the basics covered for simple home repairs. These self-contained kits make it easy to keep small hand tools organized. Don’t forget to pick up some accessories to start you on your DIY journey with tools, too. Some essentials that are necessary in order to use your tools properly include a level, measuring tape, and stud finder.
If you’re planning to purchase corded power tools instead of cordless power tools, you’re also going to need some heavy-duty power cords. While you may have plenty of plugs in your garage, the noise and debris of many power tools are why many seasoned homeowners set up workbenches in the yard or garage when they are working on heavy-duty DIY projects.
What safety features are most important in new tools?
All power tools manufactured today must be made with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines in mind. The simple rule when using power tools is that the user is the most dangerous element. That’s why it’s important to look for power tools with quick-access buttons. For example, a constant-pressure switch button that instantly stops power when pressure drops. This feature is standard on drills, saws, sanders, and angle grinders. It’s also important for tools to have single-motion shutoff tools. Finally, corded tools should have grounding features.
What material is best for tools?
Heavy-duty tools are made from a variety of carbon and alloy steels. Bits are high-speed steel or carbon high-speed steel. Handles and casements are often made from thermoplastic (TPE). TPE is what your hand comes into contact with when you’re touching tool grips on hammers, pliers, and drills.
Tool Brand FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about tool brands.
What’s the best way to keep tools organized?
While organizational options can be limited based on the amount of garage or shed space available, it’s important to have a designated area for tools that protects both tools and the people who use them. Vertical tool cabins are great for saving space. We also recommend keeping power tools organized in designated tool chests or containers to protect their more sensitive components from dust and moisture. Pegboards are great for displaying hand tools and quick access.
What brands are the best for power tools?
We picked Milwaukee tools as our choice for the best overall tool brand. However, there are multiple brands offering value and performance in many different price ranges.
Some other highly rated tool companies to consider when shopping for new power tools and hand tools include DeWalt, Craftsman, Bosch, Kobalt, Makita, Ryobi Tools, Hitachi, Skil, Metabo, Porter Cable, Stanley, and Black & Decker.
When is the best time to buy new tools?
Any time of year known for major sales at big-box stores is also generally the best time to get a deal on tools. It’s very common to find great deals on tools on Cyber Monday, Black Friday, President’s Day, and the Fourth of July. Tools also tend to go on sale more during the period from November through January because many homeowners slow down on outdoor DIY projects during the colder months of the year. If there is a specific tool brand you like, signing up for the brand’s mailing list may help you to enjoy surprise sales throughout the year.
Our Methodology
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of reputable brands that score high in quality, warranty terms, availability, and customer satisfaction. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Why You Can Trust Us
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIYers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products for the home, from doorbell cameras and dining room decor to circular saws and snow blowers.
Once we conclude the research and testing phases, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.